9/6/12 First Day in the parks

I will edit this later as I'm running out the door for breakfast at Khona, but yesterday we started at AK and hit up safari then everest and were out by 10 a.m. I had a business call to make so couldn't stick around.

After that we went to Epcot, and we were just stunned with how minimal the crowds were. I have never been able to just walk onto soarin before. The sidewalks almost seemed empty.

We had lunch at le cellier. I can conclusively say that the filet at lunch is different then the filet at dinner, however when the restaurant converts to signature lunch that will change.

 

[Vtlsgns2]

I've seen your work before; your photos are GREAT.
I saw some of those wait times yesterday--awesome.
Have a great time; looking forward to your photos!

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Love Le Cellier!! Great pics Have a wonderful time~~

 

[wiigirl]

Looking foreward to your photos!

 

[AtlantaPhotog]

Day one at Epcot as mentioned earlier included riding soaring, the land, figments imagination ride, spaceship earth and maelstrom (short but a favorite). The figment ride is really an abomination, its bizarre.

affordable sandwiches in france!

french bakery dessert

le cellier drink display

We left Epcot and went to the MK to be there for Wishes as we wouldnt have another opportunity to view it (next performance isn't until Sunday).

@ MK we were easily able to ride dumbo, BTMRR, pirates, treehouse, jungle cruise, and we used FP to get on Peter Pan. We also saw philharmagic which is always enjoyable. Although park hours are shorter right now, if you are a ride person - this is the week to be here! you can easily walk on to almost any ride and the wait is only 10 minutes if there is one at all.

one of my favorite snacks
On Haunted mansion, we did notice this black mesh in the graveyard scene that I have never before noticed. Its highly distracting, and darkens the appearance of the ghosts. I imagine it interferes with photography as well. On pirates, as we were passing the canon fire, for the first time ever we experienced the heavy wooosh of canon air firing at us. Its not a mere puff of air, its a real blast! and quite impressive. Made that particular ride far more immersive.

We had our first dole whip, quite good although with this heat was melting quickly.

Today was day two, we started with breakfast @ Konah. We had an order of tonga toast and the big kahuna both of these dishes were a first time for us.

 

[AtlantaPhotog]

after space mountain, buzz light year, pirates, and a non-running splash mountain, we left for DHS. @DHS we were able to walk on to all of the rides except TSMM - got FP for 4 -5 pm return. Rode starwars and for the first time experienced the underwater portion, which had a very cool ending. thanks to CrushDude I knew we had to check out the cappuccino cupcake @ pizza planet. There is a lot of bashing of the pp on this board, however I will say their pizza was better then any frozen pizza I've ever bought. For whatever that is worth.

t
the included side salad

the cupcake was light, not overly sweet, and was all around fantastic. would definitely get another, probably the best cupcake I've ever had.

 

[Crush Dude!]

after space mountain, buzz light year, pirates, and a non-running splash mountain, we left for DHS. @DHS we were able to walk on to all of the rides except TSMM - got FP for 4 -5 pm return. Rode starwars and for the first time experienced the underwater portion, which had a very cool ending. thanks to CrushDude I knew we had to check out the cappuccino cupcake @ pizza planet. There is a lot of bashing of the pp on this board, however I will say their pizza was better then any frozen pizza I've ever bought. For whatever that is worth.

t
the included side salad

the cupcake was light, not overly sweet, and was all around fantastic. would definitely get another, probably the best cupcake I've ever had.

Glad my info helped man! Loving the pics, you should defo add a food report later

 

[harveyt0206]

Loving your daily photo updates. We will be there in 9 days. Your report is helping with my excitement. Have a great trip.

 

[ADAM714]

What camera settings do you use to get such great pics in pirates?

 

[ParentsOf4]

Day one at Epcot as mentioned earlier included riding soaring, the land, figments imagination ride, spaceship earth and maelstrom (short but a favorite). The figment ride is really an abomination, its bizarre.

One of my DDs loved figment when she was ages 4 to 8. My other family members were considerably less enthused. I guess you have to look at figment through the eyes of a 5 year old to enjoy it.

 

[tropicalsmile]

Looks like you are having fun! Your pictures are awesome

 

[AtlantaPhotog]

Today we started at AK to go on Dinosaurs (first time for us) and everest. the dinosaur eating another dino was totally non-functional and looked odd. We had ice cappuccino from near the Africa entrance - they're quite good. From there we went to MK.

for the 2nd day in a row we were not able to ride splash... as you can see its down.

however we were able to get a sneak peak at Belles meet and greet. Its an interesting concept, and I think the little kids loved it. Not really for adults in anyway. Was cool to get behind the scenes and see the rest of the new area... the be our guest entry is quite cool.

I recorded a video of a cool waiting room / entry, which I will post to youtube and link.

Dinner was back @ epcot, as MK closed early for night of joy.

sushi roll sampler

and to top the night off as our trip is winding down did some fireworks photography

tomorrow we will have a few hours in the morning, and then we must sadly end our trip. its been a great few days, and the shorter lines have made it easy to do any ride over and over. I'm new to the board, but the tips and suggestions from others have been a nice resource - so thanks!

 

[AtlantaPhotog]

 

[DawnBerg]

Looks like you had a great time! I am VERY happy to hear the lines are not so bad ths time of year! We head out our door and head to the World in 8 days!! Your pictures are great and thanks for the video! I love the whole concept with the mirror opening up like that. I can't wait to see it in person eventually!

 

[ShookieJones]

Loving the "in the park as it happens" vibe you got going.
Good eye and amazing quality on those pics.

Hearing about the empty parks is making me regret not taking our trip a little earlier I have a feeling we're going to be in for a busy stretch when we go down.
Lucky you, I'm sure it's making for better photo ops too!

 

[WDWNooby]

Awesome pictures. Glad you're having fun. Thanks so much for sharing.

 

[alissafalco]

Great photo's!! Thanks for sharing. How were you able to get a viewing of Belle? Are they letting more people see the attraction? We are going next week and I'm hoping somehow we can get in.

 

[minnielaw]

Loving the "in the park as it happens" vibe you got going.
Good eye and amazing quality on those pics.

Hearing about the empty parks is making me regret not taking our trip a little earlier I have a feeling we're going to be in for a busy stretch when we go down.
Lucky you, I'm sure it's making for better photo ops too!

Shookie, I am feeling the same way! We head out in 19 days and I think 1/2 of the people on these boards are gonna be there with us! Not that I mind you guys being down there too...but, could we just get rid of the rest of the people??

 

[minnielaw]

Gorgeous photos and loved the video of the waiting room/entry at BoG...sounds like the kids loved it! Also enjoying the "straight from the park" tone of the report. Can't wait to read more!

 

[AtlantaPhotog]

We stayed at OKW as DVC members. Upon arrival the first thing I noticed versus my June 2012 stay at OKW was the changeover to RFID plates on the door. Just hold your newly styled key to the world and green light pops the lock. Worked easily.

a view of the room

nice, but not as nice as my june stay which was a 2 br (see below)