Mele Kalikimaka WDW Adventure 2015-COMPLETED

[juneaubiscuits]

Sue and I wanted to have dinner at Epcot one last time, so we chose the San Angel Inn. The service and food were disappointing, but it's hard to beat eating with a volcano and pyramid in the distance. We also rode (for the 1st time) the Gran Fiesta Tour. This felt more like a travelogue to me with a bit of Small World added. Sue tried on one last hat for our album and we called it a night. We did have hard tickets to MVMCP, but I had come down with a cold and felt under the weather. We decided to head back to Wilderness Lodge early and get a good night's rest for the long trip home tomorrow.

Epcot's Mexico Pavillion 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Epcot's Mexico Pavillion 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Faces of EPCOT-Monica of Mexico 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Faces of EPCOT-Maruca of Mexico by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

San Angel Inn Restaurant 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Gran Fiesta Tour @ Epcot's Mexico Pavillion 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Gran Fiesta Tour @ Epcot's Mexico Pavillion 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Gran Fiesta Tour @ Epcot's Mexico Pavillion 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Gran Fiesta Tour @ Epcot's Mexico Pavillion 05 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Mad SueHatter 14 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

Wednesday morning had us packing and getting ready for the long journey home. It's always a bittersweet moment checking out of the hotel...half of me is ready to go home and see our girls...the other half is sadness at leaving this magical world behind. Sue and I had an early breakfast at Whispering Canyon where I had my first and only Mickey Waffle of the entire trip.

Whispering Canyon Coaster 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Mickey Waffles @ Disney's Whispering Canyon Cafe by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Since I had some positive responses to cast member photos, I'm going to post a few more here before I end this report. I thought it would only be of interest to me, but I'm glad others enjoy seeing these hard working and fantastic people...

Disney's Hollywood Tower of Terror Cast Member Sr-B:W by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Hollywood Tower of Terror Cast Member Beth by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Animal Kingdom Cast Members-Paula & Friend by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Animal Kingdom Wilderness Explorer Cast Member by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Star Traders Cast Member Senses a Disturbance in the Cash Register by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Cast Member Kourtney on Main Street by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Thank you to everyone who followed me on our vacation adventure and for all your very kind comments! Thank you also to DISBoards and for the opportunity to share our trips. If you are a glutton for punishment, you can click any of my photos and it should take you to my Flickr album. There you'll find more photos from WDW as well as my Universal Studios pictures. Now that I've finished, I'll really be able to sit back, read, and enjoy the other member's great reports. I'll be heading to Disneyland in July, and if its okay with the admins, I'll be back to share my thoughts and photos on Disneyland's 60th Birthday celebration. Until then, take care, enjoy your time at WDW, and God bless!

Train Station on Main Street 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Sue & Len in Front of Cinderella's Castle by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[GAN]

Len, it was a pleasure. Thank you for sharing! The train station shot is (another)amazing one -I do many lighting jobs for commercial spaces(used to work with some areas out at WDW years ago), so I tend to notice these things ...and that shot does a great job picking up the layers that the designer intended.

 

[juneaubiscuits]

Len, it was a pleasure. Thank you for sharing! The train station shot is (another)amazing one -I do many lighting jobs for commercial spaces(used to work with some areas out at WDW years ago), so I tend to notice these things ...and that shot does a great job picking up the layers that the designer intended.

Thank you Gan for your kind words..it is greatly appreciated...MAHALO!

 

[frassieshines]

I loved reading your trip report and the photos are so gorgeous. I'm home sick from work today and have spend the last hour or more reading about your trip!

 

[juneaubiscuits]

I loved reading your trip report and the photos are so gorgeous. I'm home sick from work today and have spend the last hour or more reading about your trip!

Thank you for your kind words @frassieshines. I hope you feel better soon...take care!

 

[DaisyFoote]

I loved reading your trip report. Your pictures are amazing. I scrapbook and printed off a couple of your pictures to replace ones I had taken - especially the ones of Wilderness Lodge. Thanks for sharing!!

 

[TwoLittlePrincesses]

I've enjoyed your trip report and gorgeous photography immensely!! Can't wait to read your Disneyland edition!!

 

[disneywlf]

I loved your TR juneaubiscuits! Your photography and attention to detail made me feel like I was there! Thank you!

 

[chiefmickeymouse]

I haven't chimed in before, but I wanted to let you know I loved all of your pictures and you and the wife are just adorable!

 

[pcbianchini]

I finally got around to finishing up your report. I know it's been said, but your pictures are fantastic. I would have never thought to take pictures of the CM's but I think that was a highlight. It brought such a great element to the trip. I think it will make me take more time with the CM's on any future trips I take. Can't wait to read your next report from DL. Thanks for sharing.

 

[juneaubiscuits]

I loved reading your trip report. Your pictures are amazing. I scrapbook and printed off a couple of your pictures to replace ones I had taken - especially the ones of Wilderness Lodge. Thanks for sharing!!

Mahalo @DaisyFoote...I appreciate the kind words. If you want full size files of the Wilderness Lodge photos, just message me your email address!

I've enjoyed your trip report and gorgeous photography immensely!! Can't wait to read your Disneyland edition!!

Glad you enjoyed the report @TwoLittlePrincesses! I'm looking forward to doing a report on Disneyland. And guess what, a trip to Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea could be happening in 2017!!!

I loved your TR juneaubiscuits! Your photography and attention to detail made me feel like I was there! Thank you!

Thank you @disneywlf! I've enjoyed your reports as well....Mahalo!

I haven't chimed in before, but I wanted to let you know I loved all of your pictures and you and the wife are just adorable!

LOL...thank you @chiefmickeymouse! While I agree my wife is a cutie, I'm a goofball through and through...

I finally got around to finishing up your report. I know it's been said, but your pictures are fantastic. I would have never thought to take pictures of the CM's but I think that was a highlight. It brought such a great element to the trip. I think it will make me take more time with the CM's on any future trips I take. Can't wait to read your next report from DL. Thanks for sharing.

Mahalo @pcbianchini for your generous comments. The CM photos were the most fun to take in hindsight. I'll be going full blast at DL, so CM's beware!!!

 

[jhammond3966]

I left the park around 2 am and there were at least 15 other hard core shooters still there (including Tom and his wife Sarah Bricker). Since this was my 1st time doing this, I talked to some of the other seasoned photographers. One guy, who was super nice, told me that security has to literally carry him out of the park before he stops shooting...LOL!

I've always wondered how photographers like yourself and Tom Bricker get these amazing empty park photos. I always assumed that qualified and preapproved photographers were given special access after park closing, especially since some empty park photos seems to be in parts of Disney where it would seem that they would have shuffled you out before you could get a pristinely clean and empty shot. So do you just not leave and keep shooting until they boot you out? Or do you have to make arrangements to do this ahead of time? Seems like you would have to do that as I can't imagine there not being one piece of trash anywhere on Main Street unless they had come through and cleaned it before your shot. I would love to come back to the park after my wife and kids go to bed to take some shots like these. Please reply or PM me with any tips for how to do this.

 

[juneaubiscuits]

I've always wondered how photographers like yourself and Tom Bricker get these amazing empty park photos. I always assumed that qualified and preapproved photographers were given special access after park closing, especially since some empty park photos seems to be in parts of Disney where it would seem that they would have shuffled you out before you could get a pristinely clean and empty shot. So do you just not leave and keep shooting until they boot you out? Or do you have to make arrangements to do this ahead of time? Seems like you would have to do that as I can't imagine there not being one piece of trash anywhere on Main Street unless they had come through and cleaned it before your shot. I would love to come back to the park after my wife and kids go to bed to take some shots like these. Please reply or PM me with any tips for how to do this.

In answer to your questions @jhammond3966, you don't need special permission to stay after the parks officially close. Security and cast members are pretty nice about letting people shoot after hours. Based on my very limited experience, I would start with the back of the park and work your way towards the castle and main street. Security will begin shooing you towards there as they begin to clear areas. I started in Fantasyland and was asked to head towards the front of the park after an hour or so. Keep in mind if you're using the Disney transportation system, buses will run 2 hours after closing, so you need to keep track of the time (a lot of the other photographers had their own cars, so they weren't constrained by getting a ride back to the hotel like I was). Disney will not leave any guest stranded, but I don't like to be the last guy out. As for the clean streets, I think the custodial crews do a pretty good job of constantly cleaning and picking up rubbish, so finding a pristine scene after hours won't be a problem. I would try to get to the park at least an hour or two before closing, as some areas will begin to clear out prior to park closing. That way you can take your time setting up and selecting your shots and have ample time later to photograph the castle and main street. Hope that helps! Again, this was my first time so I'm probably not the best person to give good advice. But if a schlep like me can get some empty park shots, you should have no problem whatsoever!

 

[juneaubiscuits]

@alohamom...Hey there! Wanted to post a few pics of my trip to the top of Mauna Kea in March. Hope it doesn't cause a problem as it's not Disney related (but a trip to the top of the summit is surely "E-Ticlet" worthy).

Maunakea Summit 03:2016 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Mauna Kea Summit 03:2016 08 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Mauna Kea Summit 03:2016 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Mauna Kea Summit 03:2016 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

This next photo is interesting, because that's the shadow of Mauna Kea in the middle cast by the setting sun...

"The Shadow of Mauna Kea" by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

On the other side of the Big Island, you have an active volcano in Halemaumau...

Halemaumau Crater 03:2016 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Halemaumau Crater 03:2016 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Halemaumau Crater 03:2016 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Halemaumau Crater 03:2016 05 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

And here are a few astrophotography shots I did in North Kohala (a place I always tell my wife where I want my ashes scattered...LOL):

Moon Over Kohala Ranch by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Milky Way @ North Kohala Road by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Peaceful Night on the Fields of Kohala by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

4Runner Star Gazing @ North Kohala 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[alohamom]

LEN! These Big Island shots are amazing, I know this sounds crazy but I could feel tears coming looking at "Milky Way" because it captures that strange paradox of feeling peacefully alone but strongly connected to the universe that I feel when I look up into the night sky in Hawaii. That totally overwhelmed me. I also just love all the observatory shots, so cool!

Thank you for the rest of your report too. I called my husband to the computer to show him when I saw you had finished and we were enjoying the shot together when he commented that you have a distinct perspective that comes through in many of the photos. For example, the figure on top of the fountain in the Germany pavilion in WS. We have both seen this but the view through the "eyes" of you camera is unique. I think maybe part of it is because your appreciation for Disney informs the shots. Anyone can retouch photos Len, you have a way of telling a story-THANK YOU for sharing, I cannot wait to see what you come up with from Disneyland in July!!!

 

[juneaubiscuits]

LEN! These Big Island shots are amazing, I know this sounds crazy but I could feel tears coming looking at "Milky Way" because it captures that strange paradox of feeling peacefully alone but strongly connected to the universe that I feel when I look up into the night sky in Hawaii. That totally overwhelmed me. I also just love all the observatory shots, so cool!

Thank you for the rest of your report too. I called my husband to the computer to show him when I saw you had finished and we were enjoying the shot together when he commented that you have a distinct perspective that comes through in many of the photos. For example, the figure on top of the fountain in the Germany pavilion in WS. We have both seen this but the view through the "eyes" of you camera is unique. I think maybe part of it is because your appreciation for Disney informs the shots. Anyone can retouch photos Len, you have a way of telling a story-THANK YOU for sharing, I cannot wait to see what you come up with from Disneyland in July!!!

Totally understand what you mean @alohamom about that peaceful feeling. It always amazes me looking up at the sky and stars on a cloudless night in the Big Island. It always puts things into perspective for me. The little problems I worry about seem really insignificant all of a sudden.

Thank you for your kind words about my photos. I'm really not aware of a unique style of shooting, although others have mentioned it. I'm just glad I'm able to share my trip memories with such a great group of people here at disboards.

By the by, let me know if you need any info or help prior to your Aulani trip! I would be happy to help in anyway possible!

 

[alohamom]

By the by, let me know if you need any info or help prior to your Aulani trip! I would be happy to help in anyway possible!

Thanks so much, I just may PM you closer to the day!

 

[AMVmom]

Absolutely am in love with all of your beautiful pictures! I can't wait to read all about your Disneyland adventure. In the meantime I will be lurking on your flickr account. I agree with all the posters here, your pictures show a side of Disney I had never seen and I thought I had seen everything at WDW over and over and over again! And your pictures of the Islands too, I have always wanted to go and plan on going when my kids are older as part of our Asia trip including Hong Kong and Taiwan too (where my husband is from). Now I wish I could go now . . .
Thank you so much for this fantastic trip report it was such a joy to read and brought all those great Disney feelings of wonder back for me!

 

[alohamom]

[QUOTE="AMVmom, post: 55596461 I agree with all the posters here, your pictures show a side of Disney I had never seen and I thought I had seen everything at WDW over and over and over again![/QUOTE]

This is it exactly!