Trip Report Mele Kalikimaka WDW Adventure 2015-COMPLETED

Aloha! My name is Len and this is my first trip report here in a forum. I've been an avid Disney park fan for most of my life, but have never visited any of the locations during the Christmas season. My wife and I, along with some friends, were finally able to rectify that this past year. Come along as you take the journey with us from Hawaii to far off Orlando. I'll be stopping off for a bit at Universal Studios first to take a look at the Harry Potter attractions. If you stick with me, I promise we'll get to Walt Disney World in good time. Before I begin, I wanted to share with you one of my first photos from the Magic Kingdom after closing...

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

These are amazing pictures!!! You have such talent!

Thank you @farrellbarrel for the overly generous compliments! My talent really consists of taking a million photos and hoping a hundred of them turn out good...

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

We met up with our friends a little before noon to check into 50's Prime Time Cafe for lunch. Prime Time, along with Sci-Fi Dine-In, represent Disney at its best in terms of immersive theming. I love everything about Prime Time, from the rather simple concept (dining at your mom's house) to some of the best cast member performances (for us it was 'Cousin' James from England). I'm not a big participant type person, but this is one place I can easily play along with the premise.

Before we headed into the restaurant, there was a bit of time so we took advantage of a photopass opportunity and did a rare group shot. I wish I had remembered the photographer's name, but the guy was amazing. Very personable and he knew how to handle a camera too! He did multiple shots and took his time giving us a great assortment of pics!

Kelly, Colleen, Jesse, Erin, Len & Sue @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Even waiting inside 50's Prime Time is a blast. I don't mind the wait inside the queue as it gives me the chance to soak in the minute details and the spot on decor.

50's Prime Time Cafe Service Counter @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

50's Prime Time Cafe Cast Member Danielle & Joan @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

50's Prime Time Cafe Waiting Area @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

50's Prime Time Cafe Bar Area 02 @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

50's Prime Time Cafe Dining Area Detail @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

50's Prime Time Cafe Disneyland on TV @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

50's Prime Time Cafe Christmas Tree Detail @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

50's Prime Time Cafe TV Detail @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

50's Prime Time Cafe Dining Area @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Our server Cousin James kept busting me for having my elbows not the table. I didn't finish my green beans (which i absolutely loathe, but Prime Time always seems to serve me) that I had to take my dishes to the kitchen! It wasn't as bad as 2004, when my server brought me my dessert of green string beans with whipped cream...UGH!

Colleen, Kelly, Jesse, Erin, & Cousin James @ 50's Prime Time Cafe by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Here's a flashback to Sue and I back in 2004:

Sue & Len pose for 50's Prime Time Cafe 2004 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

And here is my infamous String Bean Delight....

Len shows off his Green Bean Dessert @ 50's Prime Time Cafe 2004 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Sue and I sticked to our plan of sharing entrees and split the mixed plate of fried chicken, meat loaf, and pot roast. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Fried Chicken, Meat Loaf, & Pot Roast @ Disney's 50's Prime Time Cafe by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[blreinsel]

I actually prefer DL to MK, but I try to keep that on the down low here...

Probably for the best! Lol

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Our tummies full, Sue and I headed to Frozen Sing Along Celebration...our next fast pass selection. People really seem to enjoy this show based on forum comments. As for me, I found the production quite curious. Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff appear sporadically until the finale. Olaf is no where in sight. The hosts, while entertaining, weren't really what I wanted to see for the majority of the time. But the audience responded enthusiastically so I'll chalk this one up to different tastes.

Anna from Frozen Sing-Along Celebration by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Anna & Kristoff Share a Motion by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Anna & Elsa from Frozen Sing-A-Long by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Kristoff & Co from Frozen Sing-Along Celebration by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Frozen Sing Along 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Frozen Sing Along 06 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Our night ended with the Merry and Bright Dessert Party. This would be the first and last time we would get to experience the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Finale! I had initially balked at the $60.00 price for this hard ticket event. That was a lot of bucks for some pastries and sweets. My wife said we'd get a commemorative throw, but that did little to comfort me. Seeing the amount of people at the Osborne event already started convincing me that having a private seating area might be worth it after all. Was I in for a shock when I entered the party and saw the spread Disney put together. Tons of desserts, buckets full of soda and Dasani water, and one amazing hot apple pie made this a memorable night for everyone. The admission was worth every penny.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Finale 2015 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Finale 2015 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Finale 2015 00 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Finale 2015 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Finale 2015 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Finale 2015 05 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

After the party ended, everyone was pretty tired, including Sue, and decided to head back to the hotel, except for me. I wanted to hang out and see if I could do some shooting after park closing. I was busy photographing the main boulevard (it was past 1:45 am) and one of the security guards asked me if I needed transportation back to my room. I replied affirmative and he told me I better get hustling because the last of the buses were getting ready to leave. I thanked him, packed up my gear, and made like a banshee to the bus terminal. I may have to think about renting a car the next time I get to WDW. It would be more costly, but I wouldn't have to worry about getting stranded (although Disney does a first rate job of making sure everyone gets home safely)!

Beverly Sunset Store @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Hollywood Studios Billboard by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Min & Bill's Dockside Diner @ DIsney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Keystone Clothiers @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Keystone Clothiers @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Hollywood Studios Main Street by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[LindsayLoves]

Beautiful photos! The close ups of Indiana Jones are some of the best I have ever seen.

Thanks to you I am now very excited about my Prime Time reservation coming up in April.

 

[lostpro9het]

If there are two things I learned from this TR it would be:
1: You take awesome pictures
2: My ability to say Mele Kalikimaka has improved exponentially

 

[fractal]

Love the T-Rex shots! Very cool you got to meet Tom Bricker.

Great job with the castle and parade. Aperture priority is always tricky for me. I now almost always shoot full Manual.

Time was very well spent after the park closed and the Indy shots are great!

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Beautiful photos! The close ups of Indiana Jones are some of the best I have ever seen.

Thanks to you I am now very excited about my Prime Time reservation coming up in April.

Glad you enjoyed the Indy photos @LindsayLoves! I'm surprised how well that show has held up through the years.
I'm envious of you heading to Prime Time in April! The fried chicken is a winner, but be sure to finish your vegetables.

If there are two things I learned from this TR it would be:
1: You take awesome pictures
2: My ability to say Mele Kalikimaka has improved exponentially

Hahahaha...thank you @lostpro9het (very cool username)! I still struggle with 'Aloha' and 'Mahalo' so you're exponentially light years ahead of me!

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Saturday, December 6th found us splitting the day between AK and HS. We enjoyed exploring more of Harambe Market, catching a live band performance and having coffee at pretty much the most beautiful Starbucks in the universe. We also took in Finding Nemo the Musical which ranks right up there with the Festival of the Lion King in terms of production values, performances, and musical numbers. AK's live shows are an embarrassment of riches for sure.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Africa Entrance 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Animal Kingdom 21 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Animal Kingdom 22 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Tamu Tamu Shop Front @ Disney's Animal Kingdom by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Musical Performers in Harambe Market @ Disney's Animal Kingdom 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Musical Performers in Harambe Market @ Disney's Animal Kingdom 05 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Musical Performers in Harambe Market @ Disney's Animal Kingdom 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Musical Performers in Harambe Market @ Disney's Animal Kingdom 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Animal Totem Pole @ Disney's Animal Kingdom by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Animal Totem @ Disney's Animal Kingdom by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Finding Nemo-The Musical @ Disney's Animal Kingdom 08 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Finding Nemo-The Musical @ Disney's Animal Kingdom 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Finding Nemo-The Musical @ Disney's Animal Kingdom 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Finding Nemo-The Musical @ Disney's Animal Kingdom 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Finding Nemo-The Musical @ Disney's Animal Kingdom 06 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Finding Nemo-The Musical @ Disney's Animal Kingdom 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Finding Nemo-The Musical @ Disney's Animal Kingdom 10 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

After the show, we grabbed some hot popcorn and made our way to a Meet and Greet with Mickey and Minnie. I thought all the photo ops with the Disney characters were great, but the backdrop for the AK shoot was gorgeous!

Popcorn Cart @ Disney's Animal Kingdom by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Minnie, Len, Sue, & Mickey @ Animal Kingdom Meet & Greet Christmas 2015 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Minnie, Len, Sue, & Mickey @ Animal Kingdom Meet & Greet Christmas 2015 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Love the T-Rex shots! Very cool you got to meet Tom Bricker.

Great job with the castle and parade. Aperture priority is always tricky for me. I now almost always shoot full Manual.

Time was very well spent after the park closed and the Indy shots are great!

Thanks @fractal! Yes, meeting the Brickers was very cool. I read his blog regularly so it's a bit surreal meeting Tom in person. I will use aperture priority when I'm shooting candids at a get together or party. Otherwise, like you, I prefer full manual and controlling everything. Do you shoot the parks often? It really would have been great meeting up with seasoned shooters like you and a few others here in the forum.

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Actually when I thought about it more @fractal, I do shoot candids in manual mode too, but I engae auto ISO. I still prefer setting my own shutter speed so I can boost it up if there is a lot of movement in the room.

 

[MinnieM123]

I really like your Finding Nemo -- The Musical, (stage show) pictures. You took some unbelievably great photos -- best I've seen posted anywhere for that show!!

 

[fractal]

Thanks @fractal! Yes, meeting the Brickers was very cool. I read his blog regularly so it's a bit surreal meeting Tom in person. I will use aperture priority when I'm shooting candids at a get together or party. Otherwise, like you, I prefer full manual and controlling everything. Do you shoot the parks often? It really would have been great meeting up with seasoned shooters like you and a few others here in the forum.

Not as much as I'd like, lol! I bring my gear when I'm there with my family. The time spent alone just focusing on shooting is rare. Perhaps that will change one day.

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

I really like your Finding Nemo -- The Musical, (stage show) pictures. You took some unbelievably great photos -- best I've seen posted anywhere for that show!!

Thank you @MinnieM123! That show is lighted so beautifully that it's hard to take a bad pic.

Not as much as I'd like, lol! I bring my gear when I'm there with my family. The time spent alone just focusing on shooting is rare. Perhaps that will change one day.

I'll be hoping that happens for you @fractal!

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Towards the late afternoon, we made our way over to Hollywood Studios. Tower of Terror was one of our fast passes, but we took a leisurely stroll getting to the ride in order to enjoy and soak in the park atmosphere. There was a trio of performers engaging in a bit of a vaudeville act which really help to sell the studio atmosphere. Sue did her mad hatter thing with Monsters Inc. but she upped the ante by also trying on a tail... :laugh:! To keep in the spirit, Sue and I wound up doing a Meet and Greet with Sully and Mike near the Streets of America. Funny side note, when I first took Sue to WDW in 2004, we were walking in HS and ran across Sully coming out of a side entrance. I yelled "It's Sully!". My wife looked around and said "What is that blue creature thing over there!"... :laughI made her sit down and watch the Pixar movie when we got back home)! At this point in the trip, I was getting pretty bold about asking cast members to pose for a photograph. My initial intention was to capture all the different costumes in the parks, but I found myself more interested in the faces. Ten years ago, my top priority would have been shooting dark rides and icons. Now, not so much. The people or cast members are such an integral part of the WDW experience that I enjoy processing those images the most at the end of the day.

Disney's Hollywood Studios Cast Members-Duo Performers by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Hollywood Studios Cast Members-Steven by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Out For A Bite @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Chewbacca Chocolate Coconut Cupcake by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Star Wars Cupcakes...I guess Gingerbread is part of the Empire by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Santa Mickey Cupcakes @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Chewbacca Mug @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Garden Statue @ The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Cast Member Stephanie @ Tower of Terror by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Lobby @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Lobby @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Lobby @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Hollywood Studios Cast Members-Mariana by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Mad SueHatter 16 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr


The Mad SueHatter 17 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr


Hats or (Sully) Tails 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Monsters Inc Meet & Greet w:Mike, Len, Sue, & Sully by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[cgersic]

Towards the late afternoon, we made our way over to Hollywood Studios. Tower of Terror was one of our fast passes, but we took a leisurely stroll getting to the ride in order to enjoy and soak in the park atmosphere. There was a trio of performers engaging in a bit of a vaudeville act which really help to sell the studio atmosphere. Sue did her mad hatter thing with Monsters Inc. but she upped the ante by also trying on a tail... :laugh:! To keep in the spirit, Sue and I wound up doing a Meet and Greet with Sully and Mike near the Streets of America. Funny side note, when I first took Sue to WDW in 2004, we were walking in HS and ran across Sully coming out of a side entrance. I yelled "It's Sully!". My wife looked around and said "What is that blue creature thing over there!"... :laughI made her sit down and watch the Pixar movie when we got back home)! At this point in the trip, I was getting pretty bold about asking cast members to pose for a photograph. My initial intention was to capture all the different costumes in the parks, but I found myself more interested in the faces. Ten years ago, my top priority would have been shooting dark rides and icons. Now, not so much. The people or cast members are such an integral part of the WDW experience that I enjoy processing those images the most at the end of the day.

Disney's Hollywood Studios Cast Members-Duo Performers by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Hollywood Studios Cast Members-Steven by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Out For A Bite @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Chewbacca Chocolate Coconut Cupcake by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Star Wars Cupcakes...I guess Gingerbread is part of the Empire by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Santa Mickey Cupcakes @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Chewbacca Mug @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Garden Statue @ The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Cast Member Stephanie @ Tower of Terror by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Lobby @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Lobby @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Lobby @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Hollywood Studios Cast Members-Mariana by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Mad SueHatter 16 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr


The Mad SueHatter 17 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr


Hats or (Sully) Tails 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Monsters Inc Meet & Greet w:Mike, Len, Sue, & Sully by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

I love what you are doing with the cast member photos! Really brings out the "feeling" of the photo! Great work!

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

I love what you are doing with the cast member photos! Really brings out the "feeling" of the photo! Great work!

Thanks @cgersic...glad you're enjoying those cast photos...they were a blast to take!

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

We did the Fantasmic dining package since it was Jesse's first time seeing the show. We chose the Hollywood Brown Derby as for our eats and the meal was fantastico! This was one of the rare times Sue and I ordered separate entrees (no way we could split the entrance ticket...hah), so I went with the Charred Filet of Beef. I can't remember what my wife ordered and the pic I took does nothing to solve the mystery. We both enjoyed the food and service, so it was another winner for us.

Fantasmic is a solidly produced show with some key cinematic scenes, abundant use of fireworks, and a showcase for some rarely seen characters. That being said, I never had an inclination to see it again after an initial viewing. Not sure why, it has a dramatic narrative, unlike the overrated World of Color and Maleficient still remains as one of Disney's greatest villains. Perhaps I'm too far away to feel connected to the story and events...or I'm just being a goofball.

The Hollywood Brown Derby Exterior @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Brown Derby Gingerbread Display @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

2016-01-30_10-22-51 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

2016-01-30_10-24-03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Fantasmic Sign @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Fantasmic Mickey Mouse @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Fantasmic Beauty and the Beast @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Fantasmic Maleficent Dragon @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Fantasmic Boat Finale @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

I ended the night by hopping over Star Tours and ToT to take a few photos of the area. Got scolded for going on the Jedi Academy stage...LOL..so my night was complete!

Star Tours AT-AT Walker @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Star Tours AT-AT Walker @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Exterior @ Disney's Hollywood Studios 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Hollywood Scoops Ice Cream Sign @ Disney's Hollywood Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr