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]

Good morning Walt Disney World! This was our last full day and we were going to start off at Hollywood Studios.

YiaYia was up and ready to go, and dressed in appropriate Florida in July attire.

Toni and Mia checking social media, Toni was the photographer for the bus ride.

She decided to take a few portraits...

and she caught me checking my Social Media!

and Sterg

But not YiaYia!

"Get off your phones!" She often complains. "You spend too much time on them! What are you looking at anyway?"

Disembarking responsibilities were given to Sterg.

YiaYia and Mia were both part of Team Fractal that morning. Bill, Courtney and Aiden hit the park at rope drop to jump on Rise of the Resistance while Marina was going to meet up with us later.

A beautiful Florida sky but man was it hot and muggy!

Donald and Daisy welcomed us as we headed to the wheelchair rental at Oscars.

Putting my Mom in a wheelchair was the right choice for us and for $12 wasn't that expensive. It alleviated a lot of pressure on her part and ours by eliminated the risk of her maiming anyone.

I took the handles of the wheelchair and sent the other three off to a Limo ride and concert with Steven Tyler. YiaYia and I were in pursuit of YiaYia friendly rides. I told her we were going to try Mickey and Minnie ride first.

"It's ok sweetie, I don't need to go on any rides." She responded. "You can just park me somewhere and you go on your rides."

She seemed to be a great mood based on her very pleasant tone with me and calling me sweetie. Something I can't remember her ever calling me. Maybe it's the wheelchair experience?

"I'm not going to park you somewhere, let's see what the wait is." I was encouraged as I saw no line outside the theater.

But alas, there was no line because MMRR was not operating.

"It's OK, you go with the others. I'll be alright."

"Let's just keep walking," I replied "I'm good."

A nice leisurely stroll down Sunset Boulevard was next. I was just fine pushing her around that morning and observing all the other guests rushing to rides or walking in and out of stores or getting their photos taken. It did however hamper my photo taking ability.

Meanwhile, Toni was keeping her Social Media audience abreast of her whereabouts.

"I feel very bad, you are missing the rides! Just park me over there in the shade. Thank you for pushing me sweetie but I know that's not what you want to do. Go have fun!" YiaYia continued.

"Do you have to go to the bathroom?" I asked as I spotted the restroom on the right.

"Yes, and you can just leave me there honey."

So I push her over and start to help her out of her seat.

"Oh Christo! It's you? I thought Sterg was pushing me."

"You thought I was Sterg? That's why you were talking so nice to me!"

"Well sure, I'm nicer to my grandchildren. Now help me up and then you can keep pushing me."

And there you have it.


After our break we finished the tour of Sunset Blvd and said hi to this ToT Bellhop. He was very engaging and willing to pose for a photo and he really looked the part!

We had a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass for Rise of the Resistance but that wasn't for another hour or so. I decided to steer YiaYia back towards the Theater but it was still down. One Man's dream was next and we both again enjoyed the displays and the movie. The air-conditioning was also welcomed relief.

 

[Tuvalu]

YiaYia is a hoot!!

 

[Billy6]

YiaYia....

 

[Wicked Sisters]

I laughed out loud at Yia Yia thinking you were Sterg.

 

[BrerWayne]

Good morning Walt Disney World! This was our last full day and we were going to start off at Hollywood Studios.

YiaYia was up and ready to go, and dressed in appropriate Florida in July attire.

Toni and Mia checking social media, Toni was the photographer for the bus ride.

She decided to take a few portraits...

and she caught me checking my Social Media!

and Sterg

But not YiaYia!

"Get off your phones!" She often complains. "You spend too much time on them! What are you looking at anyway?"

Disembarking responsibilities were given to Sterg.

YiaYia and Mia were both part of Team Fractal that morning. Bill, Courtney and Aiden hit the park at rope drop to jump on Rise of the Resistance while Marina was going to meet up with us later.

A beautiful Florida sky but man was it hot and muggy!

Donald and Daisy welcomed us as we headed to the wheelchair rental at Oscars.

Putting my Mom in a wheelchair was the right choice for us and for $12 wasn't that expensive. It alleviated a lot of pressure on her part and ours by eliminated the risk of her maiming anyone.

I took the handles of the wheelchair and sent the other three off to a Limo ride and concert with Steven Tyler. YiaYia and I were in pursuit of YiaYia friendly rides. I told her we were going to try Mickey and Minnie ride first.

"It's ok sweetie, I don't need to go on any rides." She responded. "You can just park me somewhere and you go on your rides."

She seemed to be a great mood based on her very pleasant tone with me and calling me sweetie. Something I can't remember her ever calling me. Maybe it's the wheelchair experience?

"I'm not going to park you somewhere, let's see what the wait is." I was encouraged as I saw no line outside the theater.

But alas, there was no line because MMRR was not operating.

"It's OK, you go with the others. I'll be alright."

"Let's just keep walking, I'm good."

A nice leisurely stroll down Sunset Boulevard was next. I was just fine pushing her around that morning and observing all the other guests rushing to rides or walking in and out of stores or getting their photos taken. It did however hamper my photo taking ability.

Meanwhile, Toni was keeping her Social Media audience abreast of her whereabouts.

"I feel very bad, you are missing the rides! Just park me over there in the shade. Thank you for pushing me sweetie but I know that's not what you want to do. Go have fun!" YiaYia continued.

"Do you have to go to the bathroom?" I asked as I spotted the restroom on the right.

"Yes, and you can just leave me there honey."

So I push her over and start to help her out of her seat.

"Oh Christo! It's you? I thought Sterg was pushing me."

"You thought I was Sterg? That's why you were talking so nice to me!"

"Well sure, I'm nicer to my grandchildren. Now help me up and then you can keep pushing me."

And there you have it.


After our break we finished the tour of Sunset Blvd and said hi to this ToT Bellhop. He was very engaging and willing to pose for a photo and he really looked the part!

We had a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass for Rise of the Resistance but that wasn't for another hour or so. I decided to steer YiaYia back towards the Theater but it was still down. One Man's dream was next and we both again enjoyed the displays and the movie. The air-conditioning was also welcomed relief.

Man. Yia Yia is ruthless!!!!!

 

[myhappyplace]

OMG I just love Yia Yia!!

Back in 2004, one of my sisters and I took our 86 year-old Grammy to Disney for her first time, where we also used a wheelchair, and that was what she kept saying to us..."just park me over here and go on your rides, I'll be fine". Many times we came out of a ride to discover a cast member had given her a bag of popcorn, or one family gave her a balloon. She loved just people-watching. Characters literally left their meet & greets to walk over and hug her as we were going by. I treasure a photo we did in Epcot (I think it was after Journey into Imagination?? at kiosks where you could have photos taken on different backgrounds (the sea, space, etc). She didn't want to stand up for the photo, so her hand is in it. So many good memories, as you have with Yia Yia.

 

[fractal]

my reaction when i see that @fractal has added another collection of pictures in his trip report

Thank you sir - your pictures are unbelievable!


Max

LOL! Thanks MAX!

YiaYia is a hoot!!

She sure is! Was just at her house for my weekly fish and greens dinner she makes me. So she still loves me, just not as much as Sterg.

YiaYia....

I laughed out loud at Yia Yia thinking you were Sterg.

I've been telling that story a few times. Funny even if it's at my expense!

Man. Yia Yia is ruthless!!!!!

She certainly can be. Very little filter these days.

OMG I just love Yia Yia!!

Back in 2004, one of my sisters and I took our 86 year-old Grammy to Disney for her first time, where we also used a wheelchair, and that was what she kept saying to us..."just park me over here and go on your rides, I'll be fine". Many times we came out of a ride to discover a cast member had given her a bag of popcorn, or one family gave her a balloon. She loved just people-watching. Characters literally left their meet & greets to walk over and hug her as we were going by. I treasure a photo we did in Epcot (I think it was after Journey into Imagination?? at kiosks where you could have photos taken on different backgrounds (the sea, space, etc). She didn't want to stand up for the photo, so her hand is in it. So many good memories, as you have with Yia Yia.

making friends while waiting - love it! Yes, many good memories!

Thanks @myhappyplace for sharing!

 

[MickeyCB]

"I feel very bad, you are missing the rides! Just park me over there in the shade. Thank you for pushing me sweetie but I know that's not what you want to do. Go have fun!" YiaYia continued.

"Do you have to go to the bathroom?" I asked as I spotted the restroom on the right.

"Yes, and you can just leave me there honey."

So I push her over and start to help her out of her seat.

"Oh Christo! It's you? I thought Sterg was pushing me."

"You thought I was Sterg? That's why you were talking so nice to me!"

"Well sure, I'm nicer to my grandchildren. Now help me up and then you can keep pushing me."

And there you have it.

 

[k8einwdw]

So she still loves me, just not as much as Sterg.

Isn’t it universally known that once the grandkids come along, we become chopped liver?

 

[sheriffwoody]

Just got caught up!! You got SO MANY great photos As always enjoying your family stories, especially when YiaYia is involved...I wish I could try your family's good cooking! I love Greek food, but I've only had it properly a few times, once at a wedding I was shooting (and they sent me home with enough to feed 10 people )

ALSO, you're responsible for us booking Gran Destino for next year. I'm excited to check it out!

 

[Songbird76]

Good morning Walt Disney World! This was our last full day and we were going to start off at Hollywood Studios.

YiaYia was up and ready to go, and dressed in appropriate Florida in July attire.

Toni and Mia checking social media, Toni was the photographer for the bus ride.

She decided to take a few portraits...

and she caught me checking my Social Media!

and Sterg

But not YiaYia!

"Get off your phones!" She often complains. "You spend too much time on them! What are you looking at anyway?"

Disembarking responsibilities were given to Sterg.

YiaYia and Mia were both part of Team Fractal that morning. Bill, Courtney and Aiden hit the park at rope drop to jump on Rise of the Resistance while Marina was going to meet up with us later.

A beautiful Florida sky but man was it hot and muggy!

Donald and Daisy welcomed us as we headed to the wheelchair rental at Oscars.

Putting my Mom in a wheelchair was the right choice for us and for $12 wasn't that expensive. It alleviated a lot of pressure on her part and ours by eliminated the risk of her maiming anyone.

I took the handles of the wheelchair and sent the other three off to a Limo ride and concert with Steven Tyler. YiaYia and I were in pursuit of YiaYia friendly rides. I told her we were going to try Mickey and Minnie ride first.

"It's ok sweetie, I don't need to go on any rides." She responded. "You can just park me somewhere and you go on your rides."

She seemed to be a great mood based on her very pleasant tone with me and calling me sweetie. Something I can't remember her ever calling me. Maybe it's the wheelchair experience?

"I'm not going to park you somewhere, let's see what the wait is." I was encouraged as I saw no line outside the theater.

But alas, there was no line because MMRR was not operating.

"It's OK, you go with the others. I'll be alright."

"Let's just keep walking, I'm good."

A nice leisurely stroll down Sunset Boulevard was next. I was just fine pushing her around that morning and observing all the other guests rushing to rides or walking in and out of stores or getting their photos taken. It did however hamper my photo taking ability.

Meanwhile, Toni was keeping her Social Media audience abreast of her whereabouts.

"I feel very bad, you are missing the rides! Just park me over there in the shade. Thank you for pushing me sweetie but I know that's not what you want to do. Go have fun!" YiaYia continued.

"Do you have to go to the bathroom?" I asked as I spotted the restroom on the right.

"Yes, and you can just leave me there honey."

So I push her over and start to help her out of her seat.

"Oh Christo! It's you? I thought Sterg was pushing me."

"You thought I was Sterg? That's why you were talking so nice to me!"

"Well sure, I'm nicer to my grandchildren. Now help me up and then you can keep pushing me."

And there you have it.


After our break we finished the tour of Sunset Blvd and said hi to this ToT Bellhop. He was very engaging and willing to pose for a photo and he really looked the part!

We had a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass for Rise of the Resistance but that wasn't for another hour or so. I decided to steer YiaYia back towards the Theater but it was still down. One Man's dream was next and we both again enjoyed the displays and the movie. The air-conditioning was also welcomed relief.

Oh Yia Yia!! Well, at least she's honest! She cracks me up!

 

[fractal]

After watching the History of Walt Disney I decided to check on MMRR again.

As luck would have it, they started opening the ride as we rolled up! I quickly scampered to get us in line.

"Slow down Chirsto!"

"You're ok, just hold on."

The stand-bye times for MMRR during our stay was at least an hour, usually 90 minutes or more. We were here in less than 5 minutes!

Last time I rode this was in 2020 and we did not see the pre-show. YiaYia and I both enjoyed it, especially the ending (which I won't give away).

Time to board. The entire process of going through the queue, and boarding with a wheelchair went as smooth as one can expect. The CMs did a great job with us. I was imagining how different it would have been if she was steering her scooter through the crowd, turns and tight spaces...

No such drama that morning.

Seated and ready for our train ride!

 

[amjt660]

Hey Chris
I read your Yia Yia story about the wheelchair to Tricia and she laughed and said “sounds about right “when it comes to her Greek family too!!

Max

 

[Zipadeelady]

After watching the History of Walt Disney I decided to check on MMRR again.

As luck would have it, they started opening the ride as we rolled up! I quickly scampered to get us in line.

"Slow down Chirsto!"

"Your ok, just hold on."

The stand-bye time for MMRR during our stay was at least an hour, usually 90 minutes or more. We were here in less than 5 minutes!

Last time I rode this was in 2020 and we did not see the pre-show. YiaYia and I both enjoyed it, especially the ending (which I won't give away).

Time to board, the entire process of going through the queue, and boarding with a wheelchair went as smooth as one can expect. The CMs did a great job with us. I was imagining how different it would have been if she was steering her scooter through the crowd, turns and tight spaces...

No such drama that morning.

Seated and ready for our train ride!

I figure you must be getting tired of all my "love" emoji's but your pictures really are the best, but this "love" is for this experience with Yia Yia. I just love this morning you had with her.

 

[Tuvalu]

Now you know where the title of my trip report comes from.

 

[fractal]

Sometimes that's all you can do.

Isn’t it universally known that once the grandkids come along, we become chopped liver?

Ha, yep!

Just got caught up!! You got SO MANY great photos As always enjoying your family stories, especially when YiaYia is involved...I wish I could try your family's good cooking! I love Greek food, but I've only had it properly a few times, once at a wedding I was shooting (and they sent me home with enough to feed 10 people )

ALSO, you're responsible for us booking Gran Destino for next year. I'm excited to check it out!

HI @sheriffwoody ! Thanks for checking in! Yes - my Mom loves to cook and if you don't go home with leftovers that can feed you for the next week then she didn't make enough.

I think you'll love CSR. Are you staying in the Tower or on the grounds?

Oh Yia Yia!! Well, at least she's honest! She cracks me up!

She speaks the hard, brutal truth whether you like it or not.

 

[fractal]

Hey Chris
I read your Yia Yia story about the wheelchair to Tricia and she laughed and said “sounds about right “when it comes to her Greek family too!!

Max

LOL! That's why My Big Fat Greek Wedding is such a beloved movie amongst children of Greek immigrants - because we all grew up that way!

I figure you must be getting tired of all my "love" emoji's but your pictures really are the best, but this "love" is for this experience with Yia Yia. I just love this morning you had with her.

Never enough love, Lol! Thanks Teresa, she's something else but I'm lucky to have her.

Now you know where the title of my trip report comes from.

 

[coachwnh]

Putting my Mom in a wheelchair was the right choice for us and for $12 wasn't that expensive. It alleviated a lot of pressure on her part and ours by eliminated the risk of her maiming anyone.

Too funny!!!

And the dialogue with your mom, even better

 

[amjt660]

It’s ok - I make lamb!


Max

 

[fractal]

Toni turns 21 tomorrow. Celebrating at Clemson....

@Captain Barbossa are you on campus?