Come Obsess With Me - Going Home to the Poly, Sept 2010 - UPDATE What I Forgot...

[Tinkerbellie16]

I knew I could count on guitarob!

Thanks for the camera info - just what I needed! Let's see if I can fool the teenagers working the counter that I know what I am talking about.

Banana Cabana? Is this for real or a joke? Isn't that a SPEEDO???

15 more days

 

[Missoutandabout]

Banana Cabana? Is this for real or a joke? Isn't that a SPEEDO???

Where's the high-five emoticon? I think it's "banana hammock", is it not? Yikes, am I going to get censored now?!

 

[TheNewMrsB]

Where's the high-five emoticon? I think it's "banana hammock", is it not? Yikes, am I going to get censored now?!

Too funny!!

It is a GREAT drink! Can't wait to have another one in...15 days!!!!!!!!

 

[Treft Family]

You guys are all bad influences. I've barely had any alcohol since College and now you have me craving the darn drinks! STOP!

I'm not even going to touch that "speedo" comment, btw!!

 

[mom2travel]

Camera:
Depends on what you want to spend. The SD1300 IS, 13 Megapixel has gotten great reviews. It runs about $169. The SD1400 IS, 14 Megapixel is the one I just bought, and gets great reviews too (I should have it any minute now, as soon as UPS shows up). That runs about $219, and shoots HD video (720p, requires a good bit of memory, about 4GB for 20 minutes from what I've read, but memory is getting pretty cheap. I'm also considering bringing the laptop to dump the memory card onto every night).

After obsessively reading up on cameras the other night, those are the two that I narrowed it down to (In my price range anyway). The 1400 won out for the HD video. Ahhh, 15 more days...

Tinkerbellie16 - I ordered a Canon SD1300IS and it arrived Thursday. It is so cute! And smaller than my blackberry! I would have gone w/ the 1400 series if I didn't have another camera - this one is so I have a pocket camera for days I don't lug a big bag around w/ camera & lenses. DD and I experimented with it yesterday and the pictures are so nice and clear!

2 weeks 'til Disney!!!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

So I went to Target and low and behold, no teenager to fool. It was some guy that was a professional photographer! I said, I want the Canon Powershot 1400. He showed it to me and then showed me the other camera in that range - a SONY. It had the same zoom, video camera, and produces the same quality pics. The Sony was $18 less (but that was minimal and didn't matter to me) and it had the same screen on the back as other cameras but not as clear as the Powershot BUT it had the ability to shoot a panoramic picture. Oooh. That made it SO hard to decide. I called DH. He was no help.

So...I chose the SONY (DSC-W350, 14.1 megapixels, 4x optical zoom, 26mm wide-angle lens, 2.7" LCD screen). I felt guilty and frankly wish I had guitarob's phone # so I could ask him if this was a good choice But that's ok. Turns out the Sony is perfect for me and really easy to use. We went on a hike today in the Rocky Mountains (foothills to be exact) and I took the camera and the shots are great!

If it's a horrible camera, please don't tell me

I fully intended to get the Powershot and then he said 'panoramic' and I was swayed

 

[guitarob]

So I went to Target and low and behold, no teenager to fool. It was some guy that was a professional photographer! I said, I want the Canon Powershot 1400. He showed it to me and then showed me the other camera in that range - a SONY. It had the same zoom, video camera, and produces the same quality pics. The Sony was $18 less (but that was minimal and didn't matter to me) and it had the same screen on the back as other cameras but not as clear as the Powershot BUT it had the ability to shoot a panoramic picture. Oooh. That made it SO hard to decide. I called DH. He was no help.

So...I chose the SONY (DSC-W350, 14.1 megapixels, 4x optical zoom, 26mm wide-angle lens, 2.7" LCD screen). I felt guilty and frankly wish I had guitarob's phone # so I could ask him if this was a good choice But that's ok. Turns out the Sony is perfect for me and really easy to use. We went on a hike today in the Rocky Mountains (foothills to be exact) and I took the camera and the shots are great!

If it's a horrible camera, please don't tell me

I fully intended to get the Powershot and then he said 'panoramic' and I was swayed

I don't know anything about the Sonys actually.

I've never taken panoramic photos, never really even considered it (not because I don't like them, just because I never thought about them). I've noticed that my camera has a "Stitch stitch:?) Assist" function. I'll have to check that out, it helps you line two photos up to form a panoramic. Sounds like work .

It's not a horrible camera if you like the photos that it takes , no matter what anyone says, it's you that has to be happy. It is rated very highly on Amazon though. If you're happy, then it's a great camera!

I wish you the best of luck with it. It's exciting to have a new camera before a Disney trip. I can't wait to see your photos from Disney when you return!

 

[MissLiz]

Hope everyone's weekend was wonderful!

We went to the Tennessee football game and the Smoky Mountains for the weekend. It was lovely, but I'm worn out! I guess it was good practice for WDW in, wait for it, 10 days!!!!


Thanks for the drink recommendations, guitarob! And I'm sooo glad I missed the Speedo chat!!!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I don't know anything about the Sonys actually.

I've never taken panoramic photos, never really even considered it (not because I don't like them, just because I never thought about them). I've noticed that my camera has a "Stitch stitch:?) Assist" function. I'll have to check that out, it helps you line two photos up to form a panoramic. Sounds like work .

It's not a horrible camera if you like the photos that it takes , no matter what anyone says, it's you that has to be happy. It is rated very highly on Amazon though. If you're happy, then it's a great camera!

I wish you the best of luck with it. It's exciting to have a new camera before a Disney trip. I can't wait to see your photos from Disney when you return!

Thanks! I passed the info on to my DH. He still doesn't know what the DIS boards are I warned him that someone might see me at the Poly and call me tinkerbellie16 and he got a good laugh out of that.

I took more photos and unfortunately, they are of the wildfire in Boulder, CO. I live 15 miles away and the way it is here, I live up on a 'hill' and can see the entire area from my city to the mountains. It's pretty intense to see the smoke trailing for miles and miles. Then last night, the mountains were lit up by the fire and the kids thought it was a volcano! This morning, my house reeks of smoke and so does the whole area. Hopefully they get this under control soon so no one loses another house

 

[MissLiz]

I was playing with our camera this weekend and I realized that I probably should read the manual and see what types of features we have. We got it for Christmas one year from DH's dad and I'm just been using it.

I know it takes video. I have a video that my DD8 narrated of some wildebeasts at AKL play fighting.

I'm looking to take some different pictures while at WDW this trip since I'm thinking my 57,000 pictures of the castle and 56,999 of Spaceship Earth may be enough.

Oh, who am I kidding? You can never have enough of those!

 

[TheNewMrsB]

OMG we just got our new new camera (previous one went back) and we're both totally going nuts over it. I can't believe it.

You know what that means.

It means we have to reshoot every single picture we have.

To put that in context, we came back from our honeymoon with 2000+ shots.

 

[TheNewMrsB]

Tomorrow we'll be doing the single digit dance! I can't believe how fast the time is flying. It truly is. I mean, I know that the time prior to vacation always seems to drag...but in reality, the days are melting away...

I'm not complaining as long as time slooooows down when we're there! It could happen, right?

Today we discussed all the little things we should bring with us. You know, the incidentals which are better to pack than to spend approximately one internal organ for while at WDW. Ibubrofen, sunscreen, dayquil (you just never know), something with -PM in it in case I have trouble sleeping again like I did last year, tummy medicine (7 days deluxe dining...let's be realistic). Not to mention shampoo and whatnot, which I know I'll probably need more of by the time we leave (danged long hair!). All that fun stuff. So DH went out and picked up a bunch of stuff this morning. Just another bunch of things to cross off the list!

What sort of shoes do you wear when you're down there? Although I don't prefer them, I wear sneakers. Yes, my feet feel all confined and unhappy after being in flip flops all summer, but between sneaks and Body Glide, I have yet to experience any foot problems (KNOCK WOOD KNOCK WOOD). I have a daytime pair and a nighttime pair. The nighttime pair is white, so as to look a bit more "sharp" when we go to dinner. I'm sure I could get away with my Tevas, but...I don't know if I want to chance it. Any experienced readers want to chime in here?

 

[mom2travel]

I'm looking to take some different pictures while at WDW this trip since I'm thinking my 57,000 pictures of the castle and 56,999 of Spaceship Earth may be enough.

Oh, who am I kidding? You can never have enough of those!

Ha ha! You can definitely never have enough pictures of the castle and spaceship earth. And the sorcerer hat and tree of life and all the animals on the safari...

Maybe we need a challenge to see who can take the most interesting shots?

Tomorrow we'll be doing the single digit dance! I can't believe how fast the time is flying. It truly is. I mean, I know that the time prior to vacation always seems to drag...but in reality, the days are melting away...

What sort of shoes do you wear when you're down there? Although I don't prefer them, I wear sneakers. Yes, my feet feel all confined and unhappy after being in flip flops all summer, but between sneaks and Body Glide, I have yet to experience any foot problems (KNOCK WOOD KNOCK WOOD). I have a daytime pair and a nighttime pair. The nighttime pair is white, so as to look a bit more "sharp" when we go to dinner. I'm sure I could get away with my Tevas, but...I don't know if I want to chance it. Any experienced readers want to chime in here?

Almost time to go! I am trying not to over-do the talking about the trip thing with DH. Now, he loves Disney too, but does not like to talk and talk and talk about vacation plans leading up to our trip I gues that's why I am here

MrsB - shoes... another good topic... I like to do a combo of sneakers and flip flops. Which one will depend on what we are doing. For long periods with LOTS of walking (aka AK) definitely sneakers. If we are going to Epcot primarily to eat dinner, then flip flops. I do not like packing tons of shoes but do like to mix it up to keep my feet comfy (and match my outfits )

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

OMG we just got our new new camera (previous one went back) and we're both totally going nuts over it. I can't believe it.

You know what that means.

It means we have to reshoot every single picture we have.

To put that in context, we came back from our honeymoon with 2000+ shots.

Wow, that's a lot of pics!!!

What sort of shoes do you wear when you're down there? Although I don't prefer them, I wear sneakers. Yes, my feet feel all confined and unhappy after being in flip flops all summer, but between sneaks and Body Glide, I have yet to experience any foot problems (KNOCK WOOD KNOCK WOOD). I have a daytime pair and a nighttime pair. The nighttime pair is white, so as to look a bit more "sharp" when we go to dinner. I'm sure I could get away with my Tevas, but...I don't know if I want to chance it. Any experienced readers want to chime in here?

I've got bad feet (3 surgeries total) and completely understand the need for good footwear! My podiatrist is very strict with me (so I don't tell him when I wear heels ). And I run 3+ miles per day so I give my feet a good workout. But I hate tennis shoes. Yes, I wear them when I run (with my orthotics) - that's it! Sweaty and hot is right!

According to the doc, it is best to switch your shoes daily and not wear the same pair in a row. I adjust that for vacation by having shoes for day, pool, and evening. I wear Tevas during the day and LOVE them!!! Mine have a cushion underneath the straps and have never caused me issues. For the pool, flip flops with a 1 inch difference between the toes and the heel. For evening, Dansko sandals with a 1 inch difference between the toes and the heel. The doc recommends 1 to 2 inches between your front and heel so you walk with a natural arch. I do carry bandaids just in case and if I ever get a twinge of a red spot, I put on the bandaid to stop it from rubbing into a blister. This has worked for me - knock on wood because it is what I am doing in 10 days!

 

[guitarob]

SINGLE DIGIT DANCE!!!!!!!!!!

 

[guitarob]

Wow, that's a lot of pics!!!

According to the doc, it is best to switch your shoes daily and not wear the same pair in a row. I adjust that for vacation by having shoes for day, pool, and evening.

Yeah, I went a little nutso with pics on our honeymoon. We had just gotten a new camera and an 8 GB memory card (2400+ shots) and I was determined to fill it. We did...

Now we have another new camera and a 16 GB memory card (5800+ shots ). Not to mention, Jen is carrying the old camera. I'm also bringing the laptop, just in case I run out of space, hehe. Not really, I have no desire to take 5800 shots, but one never knows...

I'm bringing 2 pairs of sneaks (one day, one night) and a pair of Teva flip-flops for the pool and wandering around the resort in the afternoon. I've found that switching shoes and a liberal application of body glide to the feet really reduce the chance of issues.

OH... In case I failed to mention it before... NINE DAYS!!!!!!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Yeah, I went a little nutso with pics on our honeymoon. We had just gotten a new camera and an 8 GB memory card (2400+ shots) and I was determined to fill it. We did...

Now we have another new camera and a 16 GB memory card (5800+ shots ). Not to mention, Jen is carrying the old camera. I'm also bringing the laptop, just in case I run out of space, hehe. Not really, I have no desire to take 5800 shots, but one never knows...

I'm bringing 2 pairs of sneaks (one day, one night) and a pair of Teva flip-flops for the pool and wandering around the resort in the afternoon. I've found that switching shoes and a liberal application of body glide to the feet really reduce the chance of issues.

OH... In case I failed to mention it before... NINE DAYS!!!!!!

cant wait til I can say 9 days is till have 45! I am so excited for u!

 

[MissLiz]

2000 pictures?!?!?! Holy crap!

I guess I can see it, though. Last trip, I didn't think we took that many pictures, but when I went to download them, there were about 300 on the camera. I guess you just get going and can't stop.

Speaking of pictures, I think I have about 100 pictures of the giraffes on the savanna at AKL alone. I just can't stop taking pictures of those animals! It's an addiction.


Shoes? I probably take too many shoes on vacation. I try to alternate because I absolutely hate wearing sneakers. I have black sandals, brown sandals, and flip flops for the pool. I usually take one pair of sneakers, but only wear them when I absolutely have to. I usually take a pair of fluffy slippers to wear in the room, but the dog ate them, so I have to just take my fluffy socks.


Hey, guess what? We got our arrival email from IPO yesterday!!! Eeek!

 

[TheNewMrsB]

So get this - a little single digit dance pixie dust!

For the past several days (and more), we've been checking periodically to see if there happened to be an open time at 'Ohana on the 20th. We already have an ADR for Kona, but we've already been there a bunch of times and have yet to try 'Ohana for dinner.

Just a little while ago I was sitting here, enjoying a day off, and had the feeling that I should check it out. I did and what do you know? A slot was open at 8:55! You'd better believe I jumped all over it!!!!!

I figure we'll maybe have something at the lounge that evening, to hold ourselves over before dinner. I was a little apprehensive about making such a late reservation - even though there was no way I was about to let it pass me by! - since we normally eat earlier. But we'll find a way to work it out.

So now our ADR's look like this:

Saturday, 9/18
Dinner @ Narcoossee’s

Sunday, 9/19
Dinner @ California Grill

Monday, 9/20
Breakfast @ Poly Lounge
Lunch @ Coral Reef
Dinner @ 'Ohana

Tuesday, 9/21
Dinner @ Artist Point

Wednesday, 9/22
Dinner @ The Flying Fish Café

Thursday, 9/23
Dinner @ Yachtsman Steakhouse

Friday, 9/24
Breakfast @ ‘Ohana
Lunch @ Les Chefs de France

I can taste that bread pudding now!

 

[mom2mek]

Hey Mrs. B!!! I finally got all caught up here on your report. I'm so excited for you guys - it sounds like a really awesome trip you've got coming up! 9 days is gonna fly by!!

Those ADRs look fabulous - so glad you got an ADR at 'Ohana! Will you be limbo-ing??

As far as shoes, during the warmer months, I found that flip flops were great for keeping my toes free and clear, but definitely wore on the bottoms of my feet (if you happened to read my TR from our trip in May 2009 without kids - we had major foot trouble). Cooler weather is definitely easier on my feet, so February was no problem at all - I was able to alternate between my flats and tennis shoes and do just fine. I think a lot of it has to do with that Florida heat permeating through the bottoms of my flip flops during the warmer months.

I can't wait to see all of your fabulous pics when you return!!

Sara