Trip Report When can we do this again? A Fractal family Odyssey. *COMPLETED*

Definition of odyssey:

• : a long journey full of adventures
  
  
• : a series of experiences that give knowledge or understanding to someone

Not too long ago I had a lot of doubt this trip would ever happen. The financial cost of higher education, the fact my wife Val wanted to go anywhere BUT Disney, the crazy and conflicting schedules of the kids, made the odds of keeping our 2-year WDW trip tradition a large long-shot. But maybe things do happen for a reason...

A great deal came our way and before we knew it we were on our way back to the World. Not without a major sacrifice however as my eldest daughter Alexandra had to miss the trip due to her schooling ( she graduates this Friday as an Registered Nurse!). She is a bit of a kindred spirit to me with a personality closer to mine than the other two, so I knew I would miss her dearly on the trip.

Here she is at Christmas with my Mom (Yia-Yia).

Speaking of Yia-yia; she will join us again at WDW! We had a great time with her on our 2013 trip at the Poly. We would meet up with her, my Sister Marina (here with me)...

and my two nieces; Courtney...

and Mia...

at the Yacht Club on the second leg of our journey. The first part of our trip took us to my in-law's (Al & Sue) who moved to Florida (Tampa - St. Pete area) last year. They would also join us at WDW!

Here they are from a 50th anniversary party we had for them last Winter...

It was early evening Thursday July 20th when we began our Odyssey. My good friend Wally picked us up to take us to the Baltimore (BWI) airport.

Excitement was building for our trip but the real Disney excitement would come later.

Sterg and Toni occupied the back seat. They were almost late for the pickup as they decided a last second Starbucks run was in order. Sterg ended up paying for that about an hour later as his bladder protested strongly.

Val was next to me and could barely contain her enthusiasm.

Not only was she not fully in favor of another Disney trip, she was (rightfully) concerned with the potential problems, complications, and stress of merging these 3 parts of the family together in the already chaotic environment of managing reservations, room assignments, getting to the parks, fastpasses and dinner plans. I had much of the same worries, which were also amplified by the fact Yia-Yia and Al would be using electric scooters during our time at the World. But hey, it's Disney, what could go wrong?

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Cannot take enough photos of the Yacht Club lighthouse.

Love the symmetry.

Sterg liked playing with the globe.

Val, Marina, Yia-Yia and the girls were already poolside. We were encouraged by the heat to join them.

Storm-along-Bay is the best resort pool on property. The pool has a sand bottom, includes a jib slide, a floating river, waterfalls, "sinking sands" area, and two hut tubs. It is huge and is shared by the Beach Club and Yacht Club (and is actually made up of two pools) Having now stayed at both I observed some differences between the BC side and the YC side. The BC side looks more like a traditional pool as far as how you enter and exit, while the YC side has a sand "beach" on the sides of the pool which allow you to walk into the water as if you were on a real beach. Also plenty of sand for children to play in and build sandcastles.

The BC side however has the "sinking sand" area which offers a deeper layer of sand on the bottom (that feels great on the tootsies) and the floating river. The CM activities and entertainment take place on the BC side and was a big hit with our kids when we stayed at BC. The Poly version of this was a big letdown for us.

Life Guards are plentiful and very attentive. The lazy river is a stretch in the pool that gets as deep as 8ft (I believe) vs. the Poly pool never gets deeper than 5 ft.

I found the themeing, while not as good as the Poly, very pleasing.

The pool is completely fenced off and you have to use your magic band to enter. You are also given another paper wristband to wear if you intend to go on the jib slide.

Hurricane Hannah's is your nearby bar & food option (along with Beaches & Cream). It is right outside the fencing of the pool. They do have servers in the pool area that will fetch you food and drink.

I did go down the jib slide once. You do have to leave the fencing in area and cross the path to Epcot to get to the jib slide. The paper wristband allows you passage onto the slide. It is fun and fairly quick. Sterg lost his sunglasses he was wearing when he landed in the pool (did find them).

I spent most of the time in the pool with Sterg. The last time we were both in this pool together he was almost 2 foot shorter than me and I carried him around on my back. Now he's the taller one and in deep water could drown me with relative ease, which he likes to remind me off from time to time by pushing down on my shoulder while in the deeper parts.

More SAB photos.

Sue & Al treading water.

and some bathing beauties.

Nice view! But the clouds continued to grow and rise.

No real drama that afternoon. The scheduled Florida afternoon thunderstorm however did finally put an end to our pool time.

At least the ducks liked the rain.

Killer pool shots and review. Thinking our girls (and the parents, too) are going to enjoy this area of the resort!

 

[mousefreak]

Love the picture of your mom with the big smile and glass of wine!

 

[fractal]

Making our way through World Showcase with a final destination of The Land.

My seventh trip to WDW and I have yet to go into the Hampton Court palace replica. Still so much to do...

We left World Showcase behind, now on the pathway to Future World. The Sun was putting on a nice show setting behind the Imagination Pavilion.

I took the next three shots with the 18mm 2.8 lens. Not sure which I like best. All were shot at f/5.6 and enough light to manage ISO 100.

I then switched lenses to the 85mm 1.8 to get a "tighter" view. Still at f/5.6.

At this point, SSE loomed large compelling me to switch my "focus".

Notice the black marks on SSE? I'm assuming those are lightning strikes.

Now back to Imagination...This time I widened the aperture to f/3.5 to cause the near tree branches to go out of focus.

I should have increased the shutter speed for the monorail. I saw it coming and had enough time to do so, but the gears in the noggin were just not quick enough. I shot this at 1/80 second. 1/250 - 1/500 would have given me a sharper monorail. It also would have required me to bump up the ISO to 400-800.

This pavilion just has to be the next thing they fix.

We arrive!

I kept a good watch on Yia-Yia speed controls. We had FPs but the standby line was only 20 minutes. That extra theatre is doing wonders.

As much as I like the new Soarin', I do miss the old one. I hope they find a way to give you an option on which one to see - if not in Epcot at least at Disney's California Adventure.

With me already having plenty of pics during the ride; I put the camera away, kicked off my Animal Kingdom flip-flops and just enjoyed the ride. I sat between my Mom and Sterg and I could tell Yia-Yia was enjoying her first trip on Soarin'.

Afterwards, she raved. Not as much as after Flight of Passage but still pretty strong. She loved it! It really made me feel good to hear her spout continuous adulations.

"I saw the whole world in 5 minutes! Beautiful!"

Up Next - another spin on SSE and I finish the night with some of my best photos of the trip - taking full advantage of strategically placed trash cans.

 

[MinnieM123]

Oh my gosh-- your photos!!!

Great pictures of Yia Yia--so happy she enjoyed the restaurant with the rest of your family. That was a lovely family group photo by the way.

 

[MerMom1981]

It makes me so happy that your family enjoyed Chefs de France! Especially Yia Yia!
I've only had good experiences there, and it's good to hear more positive feedback.

Also, I really appreciate your perspective as a parent. You remind me to enjoy these years with my 7 & 9 year-old while they're here

 

[sheriffwoody]

Can I just say, I am loving Yia-Yia. I wish I could come visit her and enjoy some of her Greek cooking. If I had to choose any food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be Greek food. I shot a wedding once where the bride's family was Greek and made all the food, and I still think about that food. They sent me home with a ton too

 

[ksr99]

Making our way through World Showcase with a final destination of The Land.

My seventh trip to WDW and I have yet to go into the Buckingham palace replica. Still so much to do...

We left World Showcase behind, now on the pathway to Future World. The Sun was putting on a nice show setting behind the Imagination Pavilion.

I took the next three shots with the 18mm 2.8 lens. Not sure which I like best. All were shot at f/5.6 and enough light to manage ISO 100.

I then switched lenses to the 85mm 1.8 to get a "tighter" view. Still at f/5.6.

At this point, SSE loomed large compelling me to switch my "focus".

Notice the black marks on SSE? I'm assuming those are lightning strikes.

Now back to Imagination...This time I widened the aperture to f/3.5 to cause the near tree branches to go out of focus.

I should have increased the shutter speed for the monorail. I saw it coming and had enough time to do so, but the gears in the noggin were just not quick enough. I shot this at 1/80 second. 1/250 - 1/500 would have given me a sharper monorail. It also would have required me to bump up the ISO to 400-800.

This pavilion just has to be the next thing they fix.

We arrive!

I kept a good watch on Yia-Yia speed controls. We had FPs but the standby line was only 20 minutes. That extra theatre is doing wonders.

As much as I like the new Soarin', I do miss the old one. I hope they find a way to give you an option on which one to see - if not in Epcot at least at Disney's California Adventure.

With me already having plenty of pics during the ride; I put the camera away, kicked off my Animal Kingdom flip-flops and just enjoyed the ride. I sat between my Mom and Sterg and I could tell Yia-Yia was enjoying her first trip on Soarin'.

Afterwards, she raved. Not as much as after Flight of Passage but still pretty strong. She loved it! It really made me feel good to hear her spout continuous adulations.

"I saw the whole world in 5 minutes! Beautiful!"

Up Next - another spin on SSE and I finish the night with some of my best photos of the trip - taking full advantage of strategically place trash cans.

Great sunset pics of imagination!

 

[fractal]

Consider the insanity of telling people to slow down so you can take a photo of a sidewalk.

But what a great sidewalk!

After getting turned around a few times trying to find out where we could park Yia-Yia's ECV (actually it was Marina that did all the legwork and did a great job with my Mom the entire trip), we embarked on a voyage through time.

This time I sat with Yia-Yia and this time I used the 85mm lens.

I feel these may be some of the best photos I've taken through SSE.

Previously I've always struggled with capturing the Phoenicians. Not this trip.

Yia-yia's favorite part.

Roman centurion accessory kit.

Love the hand prints!

Finally got a decent shot of the newspaper boy!

I now feel my SSE photographic itch has been fully scratched.

Until next time, keep innovating!

It was a long day and everyone was beat so the decision was made to go back to the YC. We did catch some Reflections of Earth on the way back.

I just love the night time experience at WDW, now more so with AK staying open late. Each park is so much fun to roam after the sun goes down (and the temperatures drop!) and each park's personality changes significantly at night. There are parts of Epcot that become surprisingly dark that make it a much more mysteriously experience. Hollywood Studios is all about the old Hollywood neon signs, AK has a completely different, almost "raw" vibe to it at night while the Magic Kingdom becomes a romantic's bliss.

The same can be said about the resorts and as we got closer to YC I just couldn't call it a night. Once again I told everyone else to keep going but this time I wasn't going to "catch up". I was going to slow down, taking things in and adding more photos to my collection. Sterg surprisingly also left me as he was feeling especially tired. It was just me and my camera.

 

[WildcatDen]

Your pictures simply renew my excitement and capture not just your memories but ones we as Disney Fans and Theme Park attendees have all shared. THANK YOU!!!

 

[MeeskaMooska0714]

Look at you and Val coordinating outfits with that Hawaiian theme!

 

[LieutLaww]

Amazing pics as always Really making me wish my holiday was here sooner

 

[susan lees]

With everyone all dressed up and smelling good, we gathered in the lobby. It was time for our group shot. The CM that greeted us on the first day was more than willing to take our photos. I gathered everyone together and posed our group on the steps to the best of my ability considering how impatient some were. OK, everyone here? I then made sure the camera settings were good and took my place. After a few photos I checked on the results.

"Looks good, this one is good...oh! I like this one." I said out loud for all to hear. This was the best.

"Wait a minute! We're missing someone..."

We may have all said it at the same time; "MIA!"

Mia became preoccupied with watching the cartoons on tv. In this case Mia stood for Missing In Action.

With Mia now part of the group we got this keeper.

Now that we eliminated any possibility of a Home Alone sequel we exited YC and started towards Epcot.

I got to about here when I realized I forgot my phone in the room.

"Keep going, I'll catch up." I said for the 10th time of the trip. The only thing I missed was Yia-Yia drag racing up the strip on her ECV.

Sterg was waiting for me at the International Gateway.

Sterg and Mia, the only two that genuinely wanted to pose for me.

Someday I'll get to the real France. I wonder if I'll say angrily "Hey, this looks nothing like Epcot!"

A new Disney Dinning Experience for all of us. I heard some mixed reviews for "Chef's" but I liked that it was different and within walking distance.

UP Next - how did Les Chef's de France rate with a tough crew?

You'll love the real France. I think epcot world showcase theming is generally good although I think the UK pavilion is a bit much but maybe people think that about their home countries in WS

 

[DisneyJeff]

I just love the night time experience at WDW, now more so with AK staying open late. Each park is so much fun to roam after the sun goes down (and the temperatures drop!) and each park's personality changes significantly at night. There are parts of Epcot that become surprisingly dark that make it a much more mysteriously experience. Hollywood Studios is all about the old Hollywood neon signs, AK has a completely different, almost "raw" vibe to it at night while the Magic Kingdom becomes a romantic's bliss.

The same can be said about the resorts and as we got closer to YC I just couldn't call it a night. Once again I told everyone else to keep going but this time I wasn't going to "catch up". I was going to slow down, taking things in and adding more photos to my collection. Sterg surprisingly also left me as he was feeling especially tired. It was just me and my camera.

I completely agree with your take on WDW at night. I love everything a little more at night, from the various lighting that they use for different areas of each park, to the different feel of the outdoor rides, to the different vibe of the resorts at night. (Can't wait to see your BC/YC/BW pics at night.)

Plus, it doesn't hurt that it tends to be cooler at night!!

 

[DznyRktekt]

I completely agree with your take on WDW at night. I love everything a little more at night, from the various lighting that they use for different areas of each park, to the different feel of the outdoor rides, to the different vibe of the resorts at night. (Can't wait to see your BC/YC/BW pics at night.)

Plus, it doesn't hurt that it tends to be cooler at night!!

I concur! For me, I believe an evening at the park brings nostalgia as the day is drawing to a close, much like a Sunday evening in the summer at home. In the back of my mind, I know the workweek is about to begin and I want to enjoy every second of the remaining time.

 

[fractal]

Killer pool shots and review. Thinking our girls (and the parents, too) are going to enjoy this area of the resort!

Thanks and I'm sure they will!

Love the picture of your mom with the big smile and glass of wine!

I just showed that to her an hour ago. She laughed then scolded me about making her a photo book of the trip.

Oh my gosh-- your photos!!!

Great pictures of Yia Yia--so happy she enjoyed the restaurant with the rest of your family. That was a lovely family group photo by the way.

Thank you @MinnieM123 !

It makes me so happy that your family enjoyed Chefs de France! Especially Yia Yia!
I've only had good experiences there, and it's good to hear more positive feedback.

Also, I really appreciate your perspective as a parent. You remind me to enjoy these years with my 7 & 9 year-old while they're here

thanks, for many of us it was the favorite meal of the trip. Yes, enjoy these years. As hard as it may seem, they don't last long.

Can I just say, I am loving Yia-Yia. I wish I could come visit her and enjoy some of her Greek cooking. If I had to choose any food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be Greek food. I shot a wedding once where the bride's family was Greek and made all the food, and I still think about that food. They sent me home with a ton too

Now that was a true Greek Wedding! I just stopped at my Mom's; she fed me, yelled at me about a few things, kissed me then sent me home with food to feed a small army.

Great sunset pics of imagination!

Thanks Sean!

Your pictures simply renew my excitement and capture not just your memories but ones we as Disney Fans and Theme Park attendees have all shared. THANK YOU!!!

thanks, I'm happy to see that kind of reaction!

Look at you and Val coordinating outfits with that Hawaiian theme!

Thanks! Wasn't planned - maybe on a subconscious level?

Amazing pics as always Really making me wish my holiday was here sooner

Thanks and it's not too far away...

You'll love the real France. I think epcot world showcase theming is generally good although I think the UK pavilion is a bit much but maybe people think that about their home countries in WS

I can't wait to be able to agree or disagree with you!

I completely agree with your take on WDW at night. I love everything a little more at night, from the various lighting that they use for different areas of each park, to the different feel of the outdoor rides, to the different vibe of the resorts at night. (Can't wait to see your BC/YC/BW pics at night.)

Plus, it doesn't hurt that it tends to be cooler at night!!

So true!

I concur! For me, I believe an evening at the park brings nostalgia as the day is drawing to a close, much like a Sunday evening in the summer at home. In the back of my mind, I know the workweek is about to begin and I want to enjoy every second of the remaining time.

A few more people to agree and we can start an organization, have meetings and plan for conventions at the Yacht Club!

 

[DisneyGigi]

Consider the insanity of telling people to slow down so you can take a photo of a sidewalk.

But what a great sidewalk!

After getting turned around a few times trying to find out where we could park Yia-Yia's ECV (actually it was Marina that did all the legwork and did a great job with my Mom the entire trip), we embarked on a voyage through time.

This time I sat with Yia-Yia and this time I used the 85mm lens.

I feel these may be some of the best photos I've taken through SSE.

Previously I've always struggled with capturing the Phoenicians. Not this trip.

Yia-yia's favorite part.

Roman centurion accessory kit.

Love the hand prints!

Finally got a decent shot of the newspaper boy!

I now feel my SSE photographic itch has been fully scratched.

Until next time, keep innovating!

It was a long day and everyone was beat so the decision was made to go back to the YC. We did catch some Reflections of Earth on the way back.

I just love the night time experience at WDW, now more so with AK staying open late. Each park is so much fun to roam after the sun goes down (and the temperatures drop!) and each park's personality changes significantly at night. There are parts of Epcot that become surprisingly dark that make it a much more mysteriously experience. Hollywood Studios is all about the old Hollywood neon signs, AK has a completely different, almost "raw" vibe to it at night while the Magic Kingdom becomes a romantic's bliss.

The same can be said about the resorts and as we got closer to YC I just couldn't call it a night. Once again I told everyone else to keep going but this time I wasn't going to "catch up". I was going to slow down, taking things in and adding more photos to my collection. Sterg surprisingly also left me as he was feeling especially tired. It was just me and my camera.

Out of any attraction, SE, and CoP, are mine and my son's thing. Even when he was in the obnoxious mid teenage years, both were a must. First trip, in 2015, with his stepson, he chose portuguese (I feel like I spelled that, so wrong) for the language, DS and I were the only ones that had a clue, what was going on. We quoted it to each other, almost word for word. Amazing photos, as always!

 

[spacemt354]

Your photos are absolutely incredible - you have a talent! And looks like an awesome trip!

 

[Bob]

I took the next three shots with the 18mm 2.8 lens. Not sure which I like best. All were shot at f/5.6 and enough light to manage ISO 100.

I then switched lenses to the 85mm 1.8 to get a "tighter" view. Still at f/5.6.

Second one is my personal favorite of the bunch.

Consider the insanity of telling people to slow down so you can take a photo of a sidewalk.

But what a great sidewalk!

After getting turned around a few times trying to find out where we could park Yia-Yia's ECV (actually it was Marina that did all the legwork and did a great job with my Mom the entire trip), we embarked on a voyage through time.

This time I sat with Yia-Yia and this time I used the 85mm lens.

I feel these may be some of the best photos I've taken through SSE.

Previously I've always struggled with capturing the Phoenicians. Not this trip.

Yia-yia's favorite part.

Roman centurion accessory kit.

Love the hand prints!

Finally got a decent shot of the newspaper boy!

Hands down and without a doubt the best photos of SSE, ever!

 

[fractal]

I started out with a 5 second exposure of the Boardwalk area. I also used shutter delay to keep my heavy fingers from causing any unwanted vibrations. The Friendship boat crossing the lake was moving at a perfect speed.

Can't have too many shots of the lighthouse.

My memory is a bit fuzzy but I must have dragged my tripod with me that night, only because I know I didn't drag a trash can into the middle of this walkway.

The Yacht Club.

A wider view of the boardwalk taken from the pier (on the other side of the lighthouse). This was a 15 second exposure and you can tell by looking at the Friendship boat on the right side which is just streaks of color.

Back on the pathway. The smoke coming from the direction of the Swan is from the Star Wars fireworks at DHS.

Tighter shot. I was now up to 20 seconds.

A closed Storm-along-Bay. There was a lifeguard still stationed there (which you can see in the photo). I wonder if they keep one on duty all night light.

This was my attempt of this shot in 2011 when I first started to get back into photography.

One more before I packed it in. How many is too many?

It was overall a really great day! Thrills at DHS, some good pool time, great dinner and company and I got a number of shots crossed off my pre-trip list. I went to bed a happy man.

UP Next - A morning alone at MK which was good and bad. Happily Ever After.

 

[Bob]

I started out with a 5 second exposure of the Boardwalk area. I also used shutter delay to keep my heavy fingers from causing any unwanted vibrations). The Friendship boat crossing the lake was moving at a perfect speed.

Can't have too many shots of the lighthouse.

My memory is a bit fuzzy but I must have dragged my tripod with me that night, only because I know I didn't drag a trash can into the middle of this walkway.

The Yacht Club.

A wider view of the boardwalk taken from the pier (on the other side of the lighthouse). This was a 15 second exposure and you can tell by looking at the Friendship boat on the right side which is just streaks of color.

Back on the pathway. The smoke coming from the direction of the Swan is from the Star Wars fireworks at DHS.

Tighter shot. I was now up to 20 seconds.

A closed Storm-along-Bay. There was a lifeguard still stationed there (which you can see in the photo). I wonder if they keep one on duty all night light.

This was my attempt of this shot in 2011 when I first started to get back into photography.

One more before I packed it in.

It was overall a really great day! Thrills at DHS, some good pool time, great dinner and company and I got a number of shots crossed off my pre-trip list. I went to bed a happy man.

UP Next - A morning alone at MK which was good and bad. Happily Ever After.

Seriously, TDO should be paying you for these photos to use in all of their promotional material.