First & foremost, how did I not realize this was your TR??? I've kept up with several others always skipping this one. The bright side to my oversight is less waiting for updates. LOL!
Now I'm going to have to start patiently waiting for your report!
You lucky ducks! We've talked about staying at the YC a lot but now I reeaally wanna stay here! The room is gorgeous!
I'll admit, we really do have some crazy Disney luck. I was so blown away by the YC room and can't wait to go back.
I'm really starting to develop a 'thing' for the 'munks. Love that their 'mallows are toasty already.
Good to hear... I love the chipmunks! They're just so full of fun and mischief.
Wowzers! That place is so pretty!
What setting did you use for the model pic??? I love that & wanna see if Chandler's Rebel that Santa brought him will do it.
It was just a regular picture that I edited in photoshop. The effect is described as tilt/shift. It works best when used on a picture that is taken from above the subject. I created some fun ones of Jamaica and Nassau, that were taken from atop a cruise ship! It's quite easy to do. I used the following tutorial for photoshop CS3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmFy_bTE460
If you don't use CS3 you can probably find a tutorial for whatever program you do have.
Oh..now..matching shirts aren't so horrible. They're like Mickey ears: anywhere other than WDW you'd look like a complete nut wearing such. It's something special for trips to the 'happy place'. It's sweet of y'all to humor Kathy. What does it say under the characters on your shirts?
Tracey shares his temperament w/Donald & that quote sounds just like him when he's on one of his many rants. I love it! I may need to borrow this idea for future use. LOL!
I guess you're right... those shirts were actually kinda fun to wear. :lol: I'm not a fashionista by any means, but I think it's the Daisy Duck in me that prefers not to wear matching t's! I do enjoy putting together my Disney "outfits" for our trips.
Underneath the characters it basically says Disney Family Christmas 2009. I can see Tracey rocking the Donald quote! Go for it. :sohappy:
Dang! That's her name! We saw the pair while there & the kids were asking me but I couldn't remember. Ugh! I agree, Flower woulda been waaaay better to see with Thumper.
Yeah... she's practically a made up character!
Brian soooo wanted to do the Animation Academy. I wish we had more time. Your Jiminy is awesome!
That's Brett's Jiminy. He's quite proud of himself!
I liked the Sum of All Thrills a lot. I was glad it was a short ride, tho. Brian gave us 4 inversions! Eeeek!
I agree, I thought it was a fun little addition to Innoventions. And I'm glad it was a short ride, too, but for other reasons. :lol:
OMG! Soooo awesome you got this painting! I had decided before we went on our recent trip that my big purchase for me was gonna be the Beauty & the Beast painting I've drooled over for so long. We searched high & low to no avail. Our last stop was the Art of Disney at DTD but it was gone. I was so sad. One look around and Tracey asked if I liked anything else. I told him the only other piece I'd own was the one you two picked! But I quickly threatened great bodily harm if he bought it. There's no sense in settling if they didn't have my 1st choice. I'm so glad y'all got the Stitch, tho. The story he's reading is special to me.
Which Beauty and the Beast one were you wanting to get? Was it the portrait of Belle? Or the one where she and the Beast are dancing? Definitely my favorite princess movie.
I'm with you on the Ugly Duckling... my favorite scene of the movie. I like the painting so much because I think the artist captured the emotion of Stitch and the movie as a whole.
Early entry at the MK is my favorite thing to do every trip. I love it so. And you made it to Crystal Palace! Glad y'all liked it!
I can see why, I just wish we had had more time before our actual reservation. And the Crystal Palace was a pleasant surprise for me. :sohappy:
I love random strolling pics. I take 'em often because I do spend much time with that view. It's comforting to me. I like to see others strolling along, too.
Yeah... I love that picture! I really like how Kathy caught us as we were going over the bridge to Liberty Square. And I didn't even know she had taken it until I uploaded her pictures when the trip was over.
What camera did you get??? The color is to die for in your pics!
After lots of research I treated myself to the Rebel XSI. I got it about 2 weeks before the trip and only had the kit lens with me. I used manual modes the whole trip and shot in .CR2 files (RAW). I edited them somewhat in photoshop and in some cases bumped up the color.
Sadly, Tom Sawyer's Island is another thing the boys wanted to do but we didn't have time. I've not been over there since I was 12 or so...daaang...that's 23 years ago...more than half my life has passed...
Never enough time to do everything is there? I guess it's just not something I've felt a desire to do. From what I know of the place, I can see why boys would like it.
The vinylmations are growing on me. I bought 2 Cutesters series and threatened to buy a whole tray! LOL!
Me too!!! I'm really wanting the whole muppet series!
I loved those! Whoever split them up is just wrooooong!!!!
Agreed! I'm actually still mourning the fact that we can't pick them up on a future trip. They'd make for such great "his and hers" painting on either side of a master bedroom/bathroom.
I saw these crispy treats at several locations while we were just there which grossed me out. They're obviously oooold...although my logical mind knows they have a longer shelf life. LOL!
Of the 2 character pics my vote for a Christmas card shot is Chip-n-Dale! Y'all are so stinkin' adorable!!!
Yeah, I'm not a huge fan of the treats. I think we still have one in the refrigerator. :lol: Might be time to throw that out.
You can always count on Chip and Dale for great photo ops!
I'm glad I found your report, Holly. I've been in a bad funk since we got home and was avoiding writing while my glass felt half empty. It's feeling more half full now so maybe soon you'll see me start to lay out our recent adventure. Thanks for the inspiration....again! Loving your report. Thanks just doesn't do it justice this time. (((hugs)))
AWw... thanks! I can't wait to hear all about your trip, your stay at the AKL and so much more. I'll be waiting for the adventure to begin. I think you'll find the glass fill back up as you relive the trip through writing. Or at least, that's how I always feel.
Dadgummit! I forgot to comment on the scared little guy at Splash! I soooo feel his pain. When I was oh like 6 or so BTMRR was new. My dad & his sister took me, my big brother, & a slightly younger cousin to WDW. My dad wanted to ride BTMRR but not alone. My aunt wasn't doing it. He tried talking each of us kids into riding but we were all too scared. Dad was irritated & announced that if someone didn't ride with him we were going home. I soooo didn't want to leave. The two boys standing there with me weren't going to do it so it was up to me. Reluctantly, I stepped up to make the sacrifice. The whole way thru the line I cried & trembled, listened to lots of strangers tell me I'd like it, and clung to Dad. When the ride finally started that loud 1st lift was it for me. Loud noises terrified me. We reached the summit of the 1st lift & I wrapped my arms around the lap bar, closed my eyes tight, & screamed hysterically thru the entire ride. I was absolutely certain I was not going to survive, that I was going to die on that runaway mine train. Of course I didn't. Eventually it stopped & could get off the train to hell. I was a blubbering mess with my face all red & swollen, my voice raspy & hoarse. I didn't ride that ride or anything that even resembled a coaster until I was 13. Then the only reason I dared try it again was on a bribe. The drop in Pirates even terrified me for a looong time. Dad regretted making me ride since the moment that terrible train started to roll that day. I'm glad the CM rescued that poor little boy. I wish he/she coulda rescued him from his not-too-bright mother. The poor little thing.
Wow... I'm glad you were eventually able to conquer your fears. And I can totally see your kid self stepping up.
