Trip Report I'll stop the World and Melt with you.

It's been two years since my family and I visited WDW. Two long years. Thankfully, my son Sterg and I got a three day Disney fix last summer at Disneyland.

Curiously, this trip report is being written at a time when a lot of negative Disney vibe is emanating from other regions of WDWMagic - as it was two years ago. The Doom & Gloom is running free and wild. I'm just thankful I stayed clear of most of it before our trip because I may have cancelled what turned out to be an amazing time. It is also fortunate that we got this trip in because from the sound of things there may not be a WDW to go to in a few years.

To be truthful, some things that Disney has done has me scratching my head; but this is neither the time nor place to discuss it. Putting that aside - let's get on with the trip report!

We left on Sunday July 21st. Maybe the longest day of my life. The night before, my oldest daughter Alex went to see Taylor Swift in Philadelphia ( about 50 miles away ) and due to a long rain delay she didn't make it home until 2 am. This meant that she would not go to sleep since we were being picked up at 3 am for the drive to Philly airport for our 6 am flight. At least we were supposed to be picked up at 3am.

Here is my Mom ( Yia-Yia )and my youngest daughter Antonia ( Toni ) up and ready at 3 in the morning waiting for our ride. Yia-Yia ( grandmother in Greek ) is 77 years old and joining us for the first time on a Disney adventure. Toni is now almost 12 and the little Yorki-poo in the front is Prince. Prince is short for Prince Charming ( named by Toni ).

When the driver didn't show up by 3:15 I started to worry. I called the limo company at the same time he called me to tell me he was lost. I reeled him in and we were on our way by 3:30. The drive down was nerve wracking as I kept watching the clock and praying for no delays. That is until our driver eased my tension by telling us his son works for Disney and he goes down to the World 4 or 5 times a year. The resulting Disney conversation lasted until we hit the airport around 4:30.

More tension as we went through security. My carry on was stopped in the machine and I was pulled aside. I had put a container of Vitamin C powder in my bag that garnered some attention. Of course, my Mom came over as I was being held and my bag inspected.

"Why didn't you put that in your suitcase, Christo?" she said to me in her Greek accented voice.

"Mom, please go wait over there" I responded.

"No, I want to see what they are doing" Then she followed with this one for the TSA officer.

"It's not drugs, my son doesn't do cocaine!"

OK, I thought. I'm definitely going to be held in some prison cell for the next week.

After the chemical test proved my Mother correct, I was allowed to go on my way. We had time to grab coffee and some food and make it on the Southwest plane to Orlando. A plane full of smiling happy faces! Including these;

This is my wife Val ( not the biggest of Disney fans ), with Yia-Yia in the middle and Alex by the window.

On the other side was yours truly sporting a Hawaiian shirt ( since we were staying at the Poly ), Toni and Sterg.

Before we knew it we were up in the clouds...

 

[Tiggerish]

Great report, thoroughly enjoying it. Your photos are gorgeous and your mother is cracking me up!

 

[fractal]

Up to this point Val was hanging with us but indifferent. She knows how much the kids and I love Disney so she now feels it is here duty to come with us and just get through another trip to WDW. As much as she liked the room at the Poly, she feels that there are much more beautiful resorts she could be at costing much less. Let's face it - she's right. Poly is nice but you are paying a lot of $ for location. A location that is great for me and the kids (WDW monorail loop) but for Val, she would enjoy the Poly more so if it were on a Caribbean island.

That first night at MK we were about to enter an attraction that she actually enjoyed - enjoyed very much. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor! Of all the things, huh? Honestly, we all enjoyed it. It was only the first time Val saw it and she was totally cracking up - even when she become part of the joke.

Yia-Yia was growing at bit impatient during the pre-show. In fact she thought the pre-show was the attraction.

"Is that it? Is it over? Can we go now?" she said

"I wish Connie" Val answered in a smart alec way. Connie is the Americanized version of my Mom's name. When she immigrated here in the 1950's everybody changed their names. Val has a great relationship with my Mom ( and had with my late Father ) as I do with her parents. It was weird, however, for me to call my mother-in-law "Mom" or anything like that so we all agreed first names would do and it turned out the most comfortable for all.

We enter the theater and Yia-Yia is smitten by the entire concept immediately and before long she is laughing at all the jokes - she particularly enjoyed Roz.

"That Guy" was unfortunately a prime target for the junvenile humor of Sterg. That's all I'll say and if I were a teenager I would probably be the same, but sometimes he pushes it too far and gets me riled up. Alex loves to play his sidekick and laughs at all his jokes. I started calling her "Sterg's human laughtrack". Besides that it was great fun. Even Val was "laughing out loud" - especially when this came up.

Yep, bottom of the screen would be Val and the kids with heads right above "Awkward". For me and the kids it was just hilarious that Val would be part of the show - and she found it funny as well.

So Monsters Inc. made Val's night! Everybody left the theater with a smile on their face. I was happy because in the relatively short time we were there I was able to take Yia-Yia on three attractions that she enjoyed and Val was also having a good time.

At that point we split up - the kids wanted to head over to Frontierland to ride the mountains while the adults would walk towards the hub to see the Electric Light Parade and fireworks. As we approached the hub we realized that the massive crowd would make it a struggle to get any decent view. I was a bit bummed - I was carrying my tripod with the hope of taking some fireworks pictures. After watching the parade from a distance, Val and my Mom were ready to call it a night. I knew my Mom was tired and Val was ready to go back, relax and have a glass of wine ( or three ).

As they left I was trying to come up with a strategy to get decent fireworks pictures. Initially I had a spot in front on Tomorrowland Terrace but too many things blocked it. Earlier, while snapping shots of the duck, I was eyeing up a spot in front of Crystal Palace. I thought, maybe I could squeeze thru the thousands of people and an ongoing parade and carve a spot for myself there. As I approached the jammed hub I came to my senses and retreated. Finally I decided to go the other way -into the new Fantasyland and see what that offers. At the very least it would give me my first view of FLE. After checking in with the kids I was off on my solo adventure.

 

[Billy6]

Up to this point Val was hanging with us but indifferent. She knows how much the kids and I love Disney so she now feels it is here duty to come with us and just get through another trip to WDW. As much as she liked the room at the Poly, she feels that there are much more beautiful resorts she could be at costing much less. Let's face it - she's right. Poly is nice but you are paying a lot of $ for location. A location that is great for me and the kids (WDW monorail loop) but for Val, she would enjoy the Poly more so if it were on a Caribbean island.

That first night at MK we were about to enter an attraction that she actually enjoyed - enjoyed very much. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor! Of all the things, huh? Honestly, we all enjoyed it. It was only the first time Val saw it and she was totally cracking up - even when she become part of the joke.

Yia-Yia was growing at bit impatient during the pre-show. In fact she thought the pre-show was the attraction.

"Is that it? Is it over? Can we go now?" she said

"I wish Connie" Val answered in a smart alec way. Connie is the Americanized version of my Mom's name. When she immigrated here in the 1950's everybody changed their names. Val has a great relationship with my Mom ( and had with my late Father ) as I do with her parents. It was weird, however, for me to call my mother-in-law "Mom" or anything like that so we all agreed first names would do and it turned out the most comfortable for all.

We enter the theater and Yia-Yia is smitten by the entire concept immediately and before long she is laughing at all the jokes - she particularly enjoyed Roz.

"That Guy" was unfortunately a prime target for the junvenile humor of Sterg. That's all I'll say and if I were a teenager I would probably be the same, but sometimes he pushes it too far and gets me riled up. Alex loves to play his sidekick and laughs at all his jokes. I started calling her "Sterg's human laughtrack". Besides that it was great fun. Even Val was "laughing out loud" - especially when this came up.

Yep, bottom of the screen would be Val and the kids with heads right above "Awkward". For me and the kids it was just hilarious that Val would be part of the show - and she found it funny as well.

So Monsters Inc. made Val's night! Everybody left the theater with a smile on their face. I was happy because in the relatively short time we were there I was able to take Yia-Yia on three attractions that she enjoyed and Val was also having a good time.

At that point we split up - the kids wanted to head over to Frontierland to ride the mountains while the adults would walk towards the hub to see the Electric Light Parade and fireworks. As we approached the hub we realized that the massive crowd would make it a struggle to get any decent view. I was a bit bummed - I was carrying my tripod with the hope of taking some fireworks pictures. After watching the parade from a distance, Val and my Mom were ready to call it a night. I knew my Mom was tired and Val was ready to go back, relax and have a glass of wine ( or three ).

As they left I was trying to come up with a strategy to get decent fireworks pictures. Initially I had a spot in front on Tomorrowland Terrace but too many things blocked it. Earlier, while snapping shots of the duck, I was eyeing up a spot in front of Crystal Palace. I thought, maybe I could squeeze thru the thousands of people and an ongoing parade and carve a spot for myself there. As I approached the jammed hub I came to my senses and retreated. Finally I decided to go the other way -into the new Fantasyland and see what that offers. At the very least it would give me my first view of FLE. After checking in with the kids I was off on my solo adventure.

Haha! My daughter was "Boo" the first time we took her to see Monster's Inc Laugh Floor! After that we only have gotten the head shots like that^^^

Classic!

 

[PUSH]

Two of the three times I've been on the Laugh Floor, my dad was "That Guy"! It's so funny when the face appears on the screen.

 

[afar28]

Loving the trip report so far, awesome pics!

 

[Ella's Mommy]

I'm totally in on the Ohana fan club!! I also have a spouse that is less than thrilled with our trips to Dis. He recently bought a mirror less camera and actually said "I can't wait to go to Disney!!" So judging by your awesome pics he gonna have a great time when we go n April :0)

 

[SDisney90]

Great TR so far, beautiful pictures and amazing shots!

 

[fractal]

New Fantasyland was pretty empty. It was a bit dark, making it tough to see things in detail, but I liked what I saw.

Ariel's ride was a walk on ( but didn't go on )

I set up my tripod for the first time to get a picture of Gaston's Tavern. I had to wait a while as it seemed that the few people that were in FL were posing in front of the fountain.

I was very glad to be by myself when I set up the tripod. I was getting enough grief from all just for bringing it along.

"Whoa! Big Pops' carrying the tripod tonight! Look out!" from Sterg

"Chris, Really?" was Val's comment

"Christo, What is that?" Yia-Yia asked. "Uh, it's a tripod to take better pictures. Like fireworks..." I replied.
"You're crazzy. You going to carry that around all night? That's crazy." was her finaly word on the tripod.

So it certainly was with great relief that the crew wasn't around to actually see and comment on me unfolding the darned thing ( which, btw was a pain to carry around ) and take pictures.

Somewhere along the line I heard or read that behind the castle was a good place to take pictures of the fireworks show. That night I discovered that is totally not true. I did manage a few shots of the carrousel.

And one decent shot of fireworks ( if you ignore the smoke )...

Most of the fireworks, however were exploding behind me; which was behind the Pinocchio bathrooms and behind FLE.
Just not as dramatic without a castle.

As I was getting frustrated and thinking that I must look a bit silly here all set up with my gear with nothing really to shoot, a young man came up to me. He told me that he had done the same thing. He heard this was a good spot for firework pictures but it's really not. He recommended going over to Beast's Castle to get pictures would salvage my evening. At first I didn't want to hear it. Being frustrated I was also a bit defensive - but as he spoke I started to believe him. I thanked him and moved over to shoot Beast's Castle. It's certainly nowhere near as good as Cinderella's castle for fireworks. Not even close, but it was the first time I was using a tripod to shoot fireworks and it was a good way to practice. These are the best shots of the bunch.

Disney's forced perspective skills didn't help as it looks like I'm a mile away from the castle.

Overall, not thrilled with the results. I guess I'm just going to have to go back down to WDW and try again.

I packed up the tripod, checked in with the kids then took a couple more pictures.

This was taken in a very dark "Tangled area".

I called Alex and we agree to meet at Pirates after they finished up another ride on Splash. So I made my way to Adventureland.

 

[Disney80]

The Tangled picture is amazing.....!

WOW!

 

[fractal]

As I was waiting outside PotC, Sterg called me saying they were going to go on BTMRR again and they asked if I wanted to go with them. I declined because I wanted to go on Pirates. Which I did solo.

"Captain, Captain Jack Sparrow"

I had the chance last summer to ride the original in DL - which was awesome - but the WDW version didn't dissapoint at all.

The rest of my evening was spent taking pictures as I headed out of the park. I never met up with the kids as I let them go back to the Poly on their own.

A pirates' life for me...

I caught the late running of MSEP...

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

Chris that pictures of Gaston's Tavern and the carousel and the one shot of the fireworks over the castle are GREAT!! Nice work! And yes, tripods are a PAIN!!! lol

 

[fractal]

A bit after 11 as I left the park - 21 hours after I woke up that day. What a great first day in WDW! I headed out of MK with my feet hurting, back a bit tight, eyes heavy, and a content smile on my face.

It was nice to be able to wish the castle goodnight from the Poly marina. Not that a big tough guy like me would do something like that...

Next up - Early morning Everest overdose!

 

[Tiggerish]

I have to second what Darolyn said, the Gaston's, carousel and fireworks photos are spectacular. And the Tangled shot (wow, just wow), and the Tiki Room. I like the fireworks shots over Beast's castle, too.

And it's like I can hear your wife and your mother in my head when you quote them. Too funny.

 

[mousefreak]

You're getting quite the verbal abuse from the family.

Awesome picture of the carousel and fountain outside Gastons Tavern. Keep it coming.

 

[disneyfan1995]

Great pictures! I really like the one of the fireworks with Fantasyland and Cinderella Castle (the one with the smoke)!

 

[Uncle Lupe]

I like your night shots pretty cool, give yourself credit. Don't drive yourself crazy trying to find the perfect shot, just let it happen. 21 hours is a very long day no matter what you are doing.

 

[fractal]

The next morning, Toni and I picked up our routine from two years ago without skipping a beat. Morning EMH was at Animal Kingdom so I was up by 7. Not by an alarm except my own biological one. The sleeping arrangements were controversial. Val, Sterg and I in one room and Yia-Yia, Alex & Toni in the other. Sterg wanted to sleep in the same room as his sisters but two problems with that. One, they would be up all night goofing off and two; Val was a little iffy sleeping in the same room as Yia-Yia. I guess I would have felt the same if it were Val & I and my father-in-law.

I quietly made my way to the other room and nudged Toni. It didn't take much; she sat up asked if we could go to AK. Sure thing! I said. Then I nudged Alex, - nothing. I nudged again - nothing. I called her name - still nothing. Looks like Alex wasn't getting up anytime soon. Yia-Yia was on the deck reading her book and she passed on the early morning excursion.

Back in the other room, Sterg was out and could not be waken and I didn't even bother with Val. Before long, Toni and I were heading to Captain Cooks for our quick breakfast. For me - coffee and a fruit cup and Toni got lemonade and a cinnamon roll. Another half-hour we were in Animal kingdom.

Our mission was to head to Everest for FPs. We did and with a 10 minute wait we hopped on stand by.

Toni and I always ask for 1st row as long as the line isn't too long. No problem that morning. First row seats on EE with my little trooper and my new camera on a beautiful morning - I was in heaven!

our train and luggage...

Oh no. Looks like trouble.

Toni and I screamed like little girls during the backwards part. At least she had a good excuse.

As I've said many times before, the broken Yeti is so disappointing. We were lucky enough to see her in full working mode and I hope we get to see it again someday. Today wasn't that day - but we did see her and she looked ok. If you look close enough in this picture I took careening through the last tunnel, you can see her too.

What a great way to wake up!

We got off and with no wait we rode it again!

 

[fractal]

After the second trip up the Forbidden Mountain, Toni ( my thrill junkie ) wanted to ride Dinosaur. So we made our way to Dinoland.

I think Dinosaur gets an unfair rap. I know it was better in the past with all the effects working, but I still think it's a great ride. Toni usually cannot keep her eyes open the entire time. I rode Indy last year in DL and it is the better of the two iterations of this attraction, but I'm glad there are two versions. On this trip we had the laser effect working during the voyage back. It also did seem like I saw a few more dinos than when we rode in 2011.
Bottomline - it was gobs of prehistoric fun for Toni and I. So much so that we rode it again!

After Dinosaur we went on Primevil Whirl. The last time I was on that ride I nearly got sick -but this time I found it to be enjoyable. After that I took a break in the "carnival" section to change the lens on my camera. As I was putting on my fish-eye lens, I was listening to the sales pitch to buy carnival tickets for the games. Are you kidding me? $4 for one ticket? I then watched a mother and daughter play each other in the water balloon race. It lasted 10 seconds and the daughter won a small cheap stuffed dino. It made the hucksters on the Jersey boardwalks look like saints. I just don't enjoy that part of AK. The table there did serve its purpose, though; and with my new lens we headed back over to Asia to cash in our EE Fastpasses.

But first some pics on the way. I thought this was a cool angle;

With Toni -

and without...

You have to be careful with fisheye lenses. Sometimes you can get some goofy results and other times they look great - I was anxious to see what I could do on Everest with it.

I must be in the front row (again)!

here we go...

 

[Gabe1]

Loving the special time you get to spend with Toni.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

I have to agree with Val, the Poly would be perfect in the middle of an island, preferably in the Caribbean!!! LOL Ahhhhh Roz, cracks me up (wonder if she visits NJ often!?!?) Special time with kids at Disney, is the BEST!!! Again, great pics!!!!!