Trip Report Yia-Yia, Yetis and Epcotonians. A sweltering Summer of '22 adventure!

It was the night before our Disney trip and I found myself scrambling. So much to do besides "Disney but "Disney" needed to get done. Where are my SD cards? Where are all my Star Wars shirts? Where is my camera bag? We had just moved after-all and things were not where they should be because well we were in a different house. Toni was scrambling too. She is spending the Summer waitressing in Bethany Beach Delaware and came home THAT DAY to get everything ready for Disney. Her Mom however also wanted her to help get her "crap" ready for college (leaving in a few weeks). Tensions were running high and the early morning flight out of Baltimore was like lighting a fuse to a stick of dynamite. Time was ticking away!

This was going to be a different trip for us. Just three of the five in the family as my wife Val decided to sit this one out and my daughter Alex couldn't get her schedule to work. So Val will be going to New Mexico to visit Alex in a month as the final three, the triumvirate headed to Walt Disney World to meet up with my sister Marina's family and my mom (Yia-Yia).

The Triumvirate -

Toni (center), Sterg and yours truly.

As you may or may not know, one of the things I love about going to Disney is honing my photography skills. For this trip I decided to rent two fantastic (and expensive) lenses. The Sony GM 50mm f/ 1.2 and the Sony GM 14mm f/1.8 lenses to be exact. The cost to buy both of those lenses would be as much as the cost of the entire trip. Additionally I rented a lens adaptor to pair with my old Minolta 70-210 "beercan" lens that I wanted to try out on the Safari.

I've been crazy after the 14mm lens due to it's wide angle nature. It's actually so wide it's referred to as an "ultra-wide angle" lens. Wide angle lenses have wonderful applications at WDW and I was going to see how this baby was going to work for me. The 50mm 1.2 is a lens with a great reputation. Very fast, very sharp and producing beautiful bokeh as your sharp subject stands in front of a background that literally melts into a dreamy blur of photographic delight.

By 11pm all that was packed, what was left of my Star Wars shirts was packed - "Chris, aren't we just getting a bit too old for Star Wars shirts?" Val quipped - and everything else on my list was packed.



Toni was also packed and had full-filled her "getting ready for college" obligations.

Val said her goodbyes and goodnights..

and went to bed.


It was soon time for me to lay down for 3 hours of sleep. The hardest thing left for me to do was wake up with my alarm. I think I'll have a glass on wine (or two?). After-all, what could go wrong?

 

[fractal]

Beam me up Scotty! I haven't been on this ride yet, but I'm pretty sure you're about to take us on it!!!

Up next!

 

[Songbird76]

We exited to see the standby line multiply in length.

Sterg and Mia.

While the entire group took a nature's break I took a few photos...

Everyone was getting hungry so I recommended the French pastry shop.

The line started right at the entrance. Toni documented our wait with a return of the fish lips.

It was finally our turn!

I got the Croissant Sale' - I told Marina (in Dad Joke mode) there was a "sale" on croissants so I was going to get that. Toni got the chocolate croissant. Not sure what everyone else ordered. Everything was delicious!

We had to stand to eat at a counter because all seats were taken. From getting in line to getting food it was about 20 minutes or so. While we were eating we couldn't help to notice several tables were occupied by one or two people with no food just there to "reserve" the table while the rest of the party was in line. So you're just going to sit there for 20-30 minutes not eating and take up a table while others had to eat standing? I thought this was extremely rude, especially for a coffee and pastry spot where most people sit, eat and leave within 15 minutes or so.

At this point we split up again. Team Marina wanted to go on Frozen and we saw a short wait time for Soarin' so we hustled to the Land!

That's one thing I can say for Universal Studios. They don't allow you to sit unless you have food. They have staff in the dining room who will send away anyone who does not have food, and they will direct you to a table once you get through ordering and have your food. I wish Disney would do that, too.

 

[fractal]

The teleporter was humming and buzzing and flashing all sorts of light effects. As Yondu would say "quite the light show."

You are correct Peter Quill, it was distracting us and a great effect that I didn't pick up on until I rode GotGCR the second time. After all the lights and noises of the teleportation device, the room went pitch-black for a few seconds and then we were all in a totally different room! The Disco Party Light machine above us was gone, the walls were different, in fact everything was different.

"Hi getting teleported." Toni said.

Things were getting serious however. The core thing-a-ma-jiggy/MacGuffin that powers all this cool technology was gone; stolen!

RED ALERT!

This Very Big Baddie stole it!

And for some unknown reason he hasn't liked Epcotonians/Earthlings since we first showed up on the planet.

Calling the Guardians of the Galaxy!

Rocket came up with a plan to save the planet as long as we helped! We had to follow the bad guy through this closing portal...

With mission orders we were marched to our ship.

The entire queue line and pre-show was top notch.

Before climbing aboard I asked the CM if I was allowed to photograph during the ride. She said yes but wanted me to make sure my camera strap was over my neck. I thought about it but decided to put my Sony down and just enjoy the ride.

So how was it? AMAZING, UNIQUE, and an ABSOLUTE THRILL like none other I experience on a "roller-coaster". Everyone in our party agreed.

The backward launch was a blast - I didn't get queasy unlike the backwards drop in EE where I always feel a little something in the stomach. The difference - Guardians is straight back while EE turns.

After the launch backwards your "car" turns around and faces a huge screen that shows the Guardians facing off against Baddy. The music is now blasting. We had "Conga" by Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine and it was perfect. The sensation you feel is very unique. As you are "flying through space" the motion and turning of the car is butter smooth and gives you a sense of weightlessness. It's hard to explain but all of us were laughing with joy, unlike EE or other coasters where it's more screaming than laughing. I never felt any motion sickness but can see why some do.

"What was the name of that song?" Sterg and Toni asked.

"Conga, you never heard it before?"

"No! It's great! Who sings it?"

At this point I'm starting to feel pretty old.

"Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine."

"Who?"

really, really old. I gave them a quick 80's pop music lesson as we walked out. By the way, as incredible as everything was up to the point, how do they not figure out a way not to take a long flight of steps down to the exit? Especially after being tossed around in space for a few minutes. I believe a lady recently fell down those steps and hurt herself. I highly recommend using the handrails!

 

[Tuvalu]

Apparently the stairs go over the track and was the only (cost effective) way to design the exit.

 

[fractal]

Apparently the stairs go over the track and was the only (cost effective) way to design the exit.

I wonder if they included potential lawsuits in their cost analysis.

 

[fractal]

Group shot after saving planet Earth! We had a great photopass CM. These photos are with my camera which she proclaimed was much nicer than her Disney issued one.

We split up again. My group wanted to go to Typhoon Lagoon and amazingly Team Marina did not bring bathing suits...to Florida...in the Summer.

They wanted to do more in EPCOT so off we went.

But first, we wanted to spend more time in Beach Club.

specifically at Beach & Cream! Since we were not guests of the resort, we had to walk inside to get there vs. through the outside pool entrances.

The wait for tables was too long for us so we did take-out.

and grabbed a table with a view.

We have many fond memories from staying at Beach and Yacht Club. Time at our table was spent eating ice-cream and recalling those memories.

From 2009 - getting this picture, with all three looking at me and somewhat smiling was one of the hardest photos assignments I've ever had. Back then we all had our "family" nicknames. I was know as "Big Pops", Val was "Big M",
Alex was "Big A", Sterg was actually just Sterg and Toni was "Bones".

Now is much easier but we missed Big M and Big A.

The cold ice-cream on another steamy July Florida day really hit the spot and gave us a needed boost.

We were missing Alex but we still tried to recreate the shot.

Beach Club bouquet.

another recreation attempt...

After our fun trip down memory lane it was time to head back to the resort and check on YiaYia.

 

[lindawdw]

I finally got all caught up with your TR and have to say your Epcot photos during the day and night are the best that I've ever seen of the park! The fireworks at MK and Epcot photos are truly fantastic! I'm so happy that Yia-Yia was able to get her glasses back and those prayers definitely helped!!!

 

[Ghostdog]

Curious, how long were the lines at the food and wine stations? We’re hoping that in late September they’re not overly long so we can eat our way around the world showcase.

 

[Longers]

Finally all caught up on 18 pages (that took a while and will teach me for being late!)

You don’t need to hear it again but all your photos are stunning. You are the photo expert on this forum. I tried a course once but it was all too complicated so my point and shoot with a good Zeus’s lense will have to do.

I had so many comment whilst reading but most have now gone from my head

We are staying at Coronado in Sept. Not my beloved POR as that was another £1500. I’m not sure how I feel about staying there but your comments make me hopeful. We haven’t booked the tower but we will see what the resort is like in a few weeks.

 

[fractal]

Curious, how long were the lines at the food and wine stations? We’re hoping that in late September they’re not overly long so we can eat our way around the world showcase.

It was hit or miss. Our first stop ( and favorite) the line wasn't long but other stops in World showcase were very long. I would think late September you will have less crowds.

 

[fractal]

I finally got all caught up with your TR and have to say your Epcot photos during the day and night are the best that I've ever seen of the park! The fireworks at MK and Epcot photos are truly fantastic! I'm so happy that Yia-Yia was able to get her glasses back and those prayers definitely helped!!!

Thanks @lindawdw ! Yes, they haven't failed her yet!

 

[fractal]

Finally all caught up on 18 pages (that took a while and will teach me for being late!)

You don’t need to hear it again but all your photos are stunning. You are the photo expert on this forum. I tried a course once but it was all too complicated so my point and shoot with a good Zeus’s lense will have to do.

I had so many comment whilst reading but most have now gone from my head

We are staying at Coronado in Sept. Not my beloved POR as that was another £1500. I’m not sure how I feel about staying there but your comments make me hopeful. We haven’t booked the tower but we will see what the resort is like in a few weeks.

Thanks for catching up @Longers ! And the kind words. I really enjoyed your photos in your last report - looking forward to your next.

Having stayed at both resorts now I think you'll enjoy CS!

 

[Longers]

Thanks for catching up @Longers ! And the kind words. I really enjoyed your photos in your last report - looking forward to your next.

Having stayed at both resorts now I think you'll enjoy CS!

I really hope you are right about CS - I absolutely love Riverside but at £7,000 for our holiday and more to stay there I couldn’t justify the additional cost.

Fingers crossed - I will just be grateful to be back home

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

Sterg and Mia.

Awwww, what a great picture! You can tell they really adore each other!
Same with the Toni/Sterg pics. It's so nice that they've grown closer as they've gotten older.

While traveling the LWTL waterway I received good news from Bill. He opted out of Frozen Ever After and went to the wheelchair rental and low and behold they had YiaYia's glasses! There is an Orthodox Saint that YiaYia prays to when she loses something. Saint Phanourios...

St. Phanourios has become famous for assisting the faithful in revealing lost or hidden spiritual matters of the heart, objects, directing or revealing actions that should be taken, restoring health and similar situations. He is then honoured by the faithful through a symbolic cake, called the "Phanouropita" which can be brought to the church, at any time, for a blessing.

She always bakes a cake for him on his feast day which oddly enough was this past Saturday. She could tell you stories for an hour how many things she lost (including her wedding ring in New York City) then found after praying to the good Saint. Well she prayed to him the night she lost her glasses and once again, St. Phanourios came through for her!

VERY IMPRESSIVE That the glasses were found!! That's awesome the Saint does his job so well---I can't believe she found her wedding ring in the middle of NYC!

A new adult thrill ride at WDW is not something you experience every day!

GOGCR and TRON! We have a lot to look forward to on our next trip!

As you can see - plenty of exit sign

Your shots from in the Queue are amazing but the exit signs are a pretty funny reflection on the glass.

really, really old. I gave them a quick 80's pop music lesson as we walked out. By the way, as incredible as everything was up to the point, how do they not figure out a way not to take a long flight of steps down to the exit? Especially after being tossed around in space for a few minutes. I believe a lady recently fell down those steps and hurt herself. I highly recommend using the handrails!

Conga is a FANTASTIC song. I am glad you've properly educated them!

 

[fractal]

I really hope you are right about CS - I absolutely love Riverside but at £7,000 for our holiday and more to stay there I couldn’t justify the additional cost.

Fingers crossed - I will just be grateful to be back home

CS also seems to be at a spot where it's not a long ride to any park. Our Uber to Beach Club took about 5 minutes.

Awwww, what a great picture! You can tell they really adore each other!
Same with the Toni/Sterg pics. It's so nice that they've grown closer as they've gotten older.



VERY IMPRESSIVE That the glasses were found!! That's awesome the Saint does his job so well---I can't believe she found her wedding ring in the middle of NYC!


GOGCR and TRON! We have a lot to look forward to on our next trip!

Your shots from in the Queue are amazing but the exit signs are a pretty funny reflection on the glass.

Conga is a FANTASTIC song. I am glad you've properly educated them!

I'm fortunate that they are all close and support each other!

YiaYia has a number of great "lost item" stories.

You certainly do have a lot to look forward to!

Yes on the EXIT signs. Didn't want to spend the time in photoshop to erase them.

Always trying to educate!

 

[Billy6]

Still wondering how Alex would have fit in that chair this time..... @fractal jr

 

[fractal]

YiaYia was not a happy camper! We ran into her in the Destino Tower lobby. She shared a room in Gran Destino Tower with Courtney and Mia - a floor above us. Mia had YiaYia's room card with her when she left early in the morning with Courtney, additionally the remote for the TV was nowhere to be found. She was stuck in her room without TV or any communication and she was hungry!



"I was locked in here all morning!" She said.

"What? Why didn't you call us?"

"My cell phone died."

"Don't you have a charger?"

"It's in Marina's room."

"Why is it...oh never mind. You could have used the hotel phone."

"Christo, I don't know your numbers!"

The curse of modern technology. I felt pretty bad for her but she did used to own a motel and could have just went to the front desk but she didn't.

I told her we were going to go to the water park and she should come with us. We'd get something to eat first then go and we would find a spot for her to sit by the water and relax. She agreed.

While we were changing into our swimsuits YiaYia was changing her mind. She was convinced to go with Team Marina instead as they made reservations somewhere in Hollywood Studios for a late lunch.

I was a bit frustrated. I think she would have enjoyed Typhoon Lagoon better.

Sterg drove us there and it's started to rain like crazy but just as we parked the sun came out and the park had emptied out. Great timing!

We've been a fan of Typhoon Lagoon since our first time there in 2007. In 2000 (pre-Toni) we went to Blizzard Beach and I experienced the most terrifying ride in WDW - Summit Plummet. I just enjoy the tropical theme of TL more so.

2013

2022

After finding seats we drove right into the wave pool. Plenty of memories here including the time some lady slammed into Toni. This time a large fellow riding a wave came barreling down on me and nearly knocked me into Timbuktu. Luckily he saw me and braced the collision then preceded to tell me a half dozen times that if he didn't he would have likely killed me. Ha,ha, yeah thanks buddy.

I left my camera at the resort and only took a few photos with my phone.

We went on all the slides and experienced little wait times. While not as terrifying as Summit Plummet, Humunga Kowabunga was thrilling enough! Sterg and I had to give one kid the evil squinty eye look as he was gawking at Toni a bit too long but other than that it was a ton of water fun in the sun!

On the way out a CM had drawn Mickey on the cement...something I always love!

I soon after received a message from @dclfan that her and her husband were on their way to EPCOT and wanted to meet with us again (like in 2020) if we were heading there. I told her we were and hopefully we'd meet!

After another quick change we were on our way back to EPCOT!

 

[erstwo]

Poor YiaYia! So glad you ‘rescued’ her and I bet it was nice when you & your sister’s family both wanted her to come with you after that.
I love the ‘evil squinty eye’.

 

[fractal]

making our way back through World Showcase. @dclfan had left by then but maybe next time!

We didn't have our meet-up but we did eat at the same place we met her and Jerome last trip.

2022

quick phone camera tip - make sure you lens is clean before taking a photo - preferably carry along a lens cloth and fog the lens with your breath before wiping. It will eliminate the "hazing" look you get around light source like in Toni's photo above. Oh, and try not to chop off half your subject's head!

Here is a shot with my "clean lens" Pixel 6.

and a shot with the Sony A7rii plus 14mm lens.

We've become fans of Spice Road. The menu has changed as the entrees are now gone and it's all "small plates" but that was fine with us. Moroccan food, is very similar to Greek food with a few different spices and seasonings but Spice Road does it well! The service was great again and I enjoyed my Casa Beer again.

Toni wanted me to take some shots of her for her Social Media pics.

"Dad, just keep taking pictures."

This was not my first time being asked to perform this technique. I would shoot away and she would move into different poses.

Here are a few out of the thousands I took.

Then with Mr Hollywood.

"Hi taking a million pictures." I said.

Toni did a good job of photographing the food.

Clean that lens!

It was yummy!

 

[MickeyCB]

Loved all of the pics, but I thought there was a 10 photo limit per post on here?
Or am I doing something wrong when I write a TR? Thanks