Picture This!

I usually write my blog on weekends and this weekend (or last weekend when you read this), I'm off on a non-Disney adventure.

Enjoy one of my more creative writing pieces, Under the Moon, about the little inhabitants of Epcot.

See ya next week.


Come on over and "Like" my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter, my handle is lisano1.

Flik signs an autograph for a guest at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Nikon D700/18-200VR, 1/200s, f/7.1, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 70mm focal length, fill flash.

I got to meet and photograph Flik, one of my favorite Pixar characters, at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The star of the movie, A Bug's Life, was perfect for my Disney Pic of the Week about Pixar.

I came upon an article called How to Photograph Busy Tourist Sites by Kav Dadfar on the Digital Photography School website a few weeks ago. All the tips sounded a lot like the ones Lisa and I have talked about either directly or indirectly here on the Picture This! blog. I thought it would be fun to take each tip and expand on them in relation to Disney Photography. I hope you enjoyed the series. Below is each tip and a summary from the Disney posts with links for your reference.

1. Get Up Early

As I explained in my Walt Disney World version, staying late at a Disney park will give you your best people-free photography opportunities. On my personal photo blog, I did show how getting to non-Disney tourist destinations early is the way to go.

2. Include the Tourists

Especially at Disney properties, it is almost impossible not to get other guests in your photos. As I showed, just include the people like I did below. In fact, I waited for someone interesting (see #4 below) to stop in front of the fish tank on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

A lady looking at the fish on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/125s, f/5, ISO 1100, EV 0, 100mm focal length.

3. Compose Carefully

By carefully cropping people out of a photo either in camera or afterwards in post-processing, you can eliminate distracting crowds or individuals in your photos. While it is best to do it before taking the photograph, it is easy to crop and, even eliminate, distracting people in our photos using photo editing software.

4. Take Your Time

I do understand this can be hard to do for people visiting a Disney resort, waiting for a time when people are no longer around at the location you want to photograph does work. As Confucius said, The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.

5. Think Creatively

This can be very challenging and very rewarding to do. Look from different angles, get low, get high or tilt your camera in different directions. At Disney, you never know what you might uncover.

6. Focus on the Details

For Disney photographers, looking for details to photograph in the parks, resorts, restaurants and queues is a favorite subject. Do not forget about all the Hidden Mickeys to be found at Walt Disney World.

To all who come to this photo trivia game, Welcome! Along the way, the photos can make us relive memories and see details Walt's Imagineers put into everything we love in Walt Disney World!

Thank you for all the well wishes on my trip! 24 days and counting! Jason And Melinda Lenz, I will definitely tell Mickey that you said hello! Quite a few more Players are leaving soon too; we'll remember to wish you Bon Voyage! In fact, Bonnie T just left for a Disney Cruise: look at her go!

Here's last week's Challenge:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © Barrie Brewer

It's the the Disney Vacation Club sign at the Boardwalk Resort dock wishing us all a Magical Day! Carolyn Como asked if we're taking a Friendship boat to Studios or Epcot. Hmmm... let's go over to Studios and see if we can be the Rebel Spy on Star Tours!

Uncross your fingers, Jennifer Harmon: you got it right!

Of course you win a free DVC membership, Cheri Palmisano. As long as you always bring me along on the trips. I don't take up much room!

Ed Elder was the first to send in the correct answer! Congratulations to Ed and all our winners this week! Daniel Record, Bryce Kershey, Beth Oybkhan, Erin Hammer, Jeff Robertson, Sharon Pierce, Dave Cole, Melanie, Team Hill, Gabriella, Terry And Matthieu, Mary Beth Tarbet, Tinkerbellwells, Danielle Ciotti Harsley, Kristi Strembicki, John Sheridan, Kenny, Bill Mckim, Agnes Ciotti, Brian Odonnell , Staci Plunkett, Katy Hebebrand, Carolyn Como, Sarah Calvario, Kristen Mccoy, Diane Tredore, Virginia Pierce, Orange Bird, Frank Zimmerman, Chris Masse, Deb Ragno, Les Stewart, Colette Stanton, Jennifer Harmon, Paul Knott, Jenny Brennan, Nathalie Periard, Tricia Petty, K Beasley, Craig Livingston, Dee Dee Kenney, Brian Miller, Jason And Melinda Lenz, Karen Ramirez, Brian Yesutis, Paul Moore, Phyllis Masse, James Steele, Belicia Cullen, Josh Carney, Scott Cullen, Theresa Rucando, Jamie Gardner, Kris Nixon, Chris Kelly, Louise Barton, Emily Hudson, Zach Szymko, Daniel Meagher, Dawn Bach, Paul Dickson, Maureen Handy, The Emich Family, Betsy Silvestri, Hobbes And Snorky, Shannon Savoia, Dennis Loring, Erin Loring, Beth Mcmeekin, Heidi S. Kulesh, Daniel And Noah Schweizer, Jared Orth, Mary Finkle, Ronald Delorey, Craig, Pam Brzuski, Barbara Ajak , Dan Mangini, Julie Wickware, Leach Family, Antoinette Leblanc, Tim Johansen, Peter Boguszewski, Michael Mclucas And Jackie Mclucas, Claire Gregory, Ladonna Tisdale, Jeremy Turner, Melody O'donnell, Josh Weiss, Ken Maikowski, Larry Sprenkle, Paul Scimeca, Susie Howard, Ken Jackson, Maureen Hanlon, Lisa Z., Kim Skanes, The O'meara Family, The Kahle Family, Gerald Skanes, Mike Haeberle, Jonathan Ward, Jenn Crosby, Heather Pedulla, Denise Cayz, Chris Connors, Jeff Blank, Susan Doucette, Steve And Ruby Jordan, Jason Skow, Trina Noggle, Wade A. Williams, Caitlin Lewis, Kerrie Hogan, Shelly Borella, Hillary Waldroop, Trica Noble, Robert Wescovich, Bonnie T, Amber Slifer, Rebecca Keenan, Matt Holley, Vera Williams, Jeremy Reichelt, Andrea Kruszewski, Sara Alaimo, Cheri Palmisano, Carol Ney, Linda Ranatza, Kim, Cynthia Hitchcock, Hailey Gill, Judy Simonsen, Patti Mccaffrey, Becky And Elizabeth Johnston, Pinder Family, Brenda Strohmeyer, Liz Moreau, Katie Bray, Jackie Graebel, Jacquelyn Law, Elaine Kleinhenz, Anjanette Tournillon, Candy Grasty, Mike , Stefan Owens , Barb Welshhans, Amanda Garrett, Christy Schor, Pam Vanaustin, Thomas Higbee, Christina Rotella, Terry Blair, John &Rhonda Nottell, Vicki Britt, Emily Harper, Jen Tremley, Barclay Bakkum, Patricia Huff, The Kertes Family, Jackie Klafeta, Joseph M. Zafia, Eric Holmes, Peggy Saeger, Vicki Edwards, Deme Grabert, Kathryn Hughes, Ashley Hill, Karen Bellamy, Jennifer Arnett, Karen Bellamy, Karen Smith, Victoria Finnegan, Gallagher Family, Kara Cummings, Dave Kanigowski, Sandy Kanigowski, Mike Kaczanowski, Tom Buck, Evald Olson, Betsy Dross, Shirley Garcowski, and Kyle Haggerty. Each of you are entered in this month's winners' drawing.

Time to announce the April 2013 monthly winner! Strike up the Marching Band!

And the winner is: Betsy Dross! Congratulations! Deb Wills will be sending you a prize package!
_____________________________________________________ _____________________

Challenge #278 Where in the world is this?

We are back in the parks! See, I told you we would get back this week.

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Please send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, May 9th, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post.
See you next week, Players!

_______________________________________________________________________

Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies!

It is surprising the number of clocks you can find at Walt Disney World. Even in this age of smart phones and smart watches, there always is a need to look up and find the time on a public clock. Even in the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland, you will find an analog clock above the entrance to Space Mountain's Video Arcade. Strange it is not digital.

The Space Mountain Video Arcade Clock.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 200, EV 0, 210mm focal length.

Lisa be here on Thursday to share her Disney Pic of the Week on Clocks.

Here are just a few cool things my Canon SX30 IS point and shoot camera can do. Consult your camera's manual to find out if yours can do the same things and how.

This is a quick recap and preview to stimulate your creativity before taking on summer vacation.

Smart Shutter - Read more about Smart Shutter in one of my previous blogs.

Vivid - Learn more about the Vivid effect from a blog of mine.

Poster Effect - I will expand your Poster Effect know how next week so stay tuned.

Color Accent - Check out an old blog entry I wrote about using Color Accent. I shall write an updated blog on the mode later this year.

Photos were taken during the Flights of Wonder pre-show at Disney's Animal Kingdom. I love birds, especially parrots.

Come on over and "Like" my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter, my handle is lisano1.

When the little lightning bolt is on the 10 and the big lightning bolt is on the 4, you gotta get back in time. What? Yes, I'm mixing theme parks.

As my pal Scott probably told you on Tuesday, clocks can be located everywhere in Disney Parks. They're not casinos so they actually want you to be able to keep track of time so you don't miss parades, shows, and dining reservations.

Over in Tomorrowland (Magic Kingdom), the arcade entrance includes this futuristic clock so you can tell your teenager exactly what time to return. Did you hear that, Marty?

Photo taken while speeding along on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority aka People Mover.

That's all folks.

Disney Pic of the Week - Clocks


Come on over and "Like" my Facebook; page or follow me on Twitter, my handle is lisano1.

When you use Auto mode with a digital SLR camera, the programing in the camera will do its best to give you a "good" exposure. Even in Program mode if you do not understand how to use it, the camera will give you a "good" exposure. I put good in quotes because, while you will get "good" exposure, I would say 9 times out of 10, the exposure will not be the one you were looking for.

I say this because what our eyes see and what the camera sees are very different. The camera in Auto or Program mode will go for safe exposures meaning it will give you the fastest shutter speed first before setting the Aperture (which controls the depth of field or area of focus) and ISO which controls how grainy the final image will be.

By using Program mode correctly or changing to Aperture (A) mode, you take control of the depth of field. Below are three examples where I took control of the Aperture. I wanted a large area of focus to cover from the front to the back of the image. This would put everything in focus. Many travel images you see in magazines and on websites are photographed this way.

The first was taken from a Friendship boat leaving the Swan & Dolphin Resort dock heading to Epcot's International Gateway. I wanted people to know where I took if from and the relationship between the boat and the resort.

Dolphin Resort from a Friendship boat.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/125s, f/16, ISO 400, EV +03, 28mm focal length.

The Tree of Life in Disney's Animal Kingdom was taken in mid-afternoon. I used five bracketed photos to create the HDR image to make sure to cover the full range of light from the dark shadows under the tree to the bright sky. Each photo was taken with a small aperture for maximum depth of field. Every plant in the foreground is as sharply focused as each carved animal on the Tree of Life.

Tree of Life in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, f/16, ISO 200, EV 0, 28mm focal length, HDR image.

I photographed a few trains at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom before I got the engine positioned at the top of the grade with the large rock formation behind it. A small aperture was used to keep sharp focus from the train back to the towering rocks. Well, except for a little blurring of the train since it was moving which was what I wanted, too.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/160s, f/16, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 28mm focal length.

Each of the photos above were taken at an aperture of f/16. That is a good setting to start with. If you use a Point & Shoot camera, look for the Landscape mode setting for the same effect.

To all who come to this photo trivia game, Welcome! Along the way, the photos can make us relive memories and see details Walt's Imagineers put into everything we love in Walt Disney World!

Here's to all the Moms! Thank you for being there for us!

Time to wish Bon Voyage to some fellow Players! Have a wonderful Disney vacation, Susan & Mike Hill!

Stop jumping on the beds!

Susie Howard, thank you for such a wonderful note!

Cheri Palmisano, oh yeah! That DVC membership I said you won... um, I got all your documents right... in my other coat. Be right back.

Here's last week's Challenge:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © Erin Blackwell

Mary Beth Tarbet and Jeff Blank say it better than I do: "This week is in Hollywood Studios The Darkroom Facade which lets guests look through an aperture like window on a camera." and "It is the Camera Lens on the Hollywood Blvd facade of The Darkroom at Disney's Hollywood Studios. I always loved how this store set the tone for the park since it is the 1st Art Deco/Streamline Moderne building you see (other than the bus stop and entry gate)."

Herb Miller's son wants to know "Why is it called that? Don't you need light to take pictures?" Want me to have the AE photographers answer that one? :)

We are stopping here on the way to Star Tours, Carolyn Como! Got to make sure we have everything to take pictures!

Noah and Daniel Schweizer, good for you for getting the answer so quickly for your mom!

Patrick Broaddus said, " I fine the irony of this picture of a camera store from a blog all about cameras and photography completely appropriate. Thanks!". You're welcome, Patrick! I uh, totally intended that. Glad you caught it. :)

Chris Masse was the first to send in the correct answer! Congratulations to Chris and all our winners this week! Kristen Mccoy, Mary Beth Tarbet, Danielle Ciotti Harsley, Team Hill, Tricia Petty, Sharon Pierce, Agnes Ciotti, Bruce Jones , The Strukel Family, Virginia Pierce, Louise Barton, Dave Wang, The Kahle Family , Evanna Huda, Emily Hudson, Vera Williams, Rob Jacob, Paul Knott, Laura V., Mike Rotkiske, Axel Beer, Carla C, Paul Moore, Duskin Henard, Julie Wickware, John & Rhonda Nottell, Chris Wallace, Kori Hockett, Belicia Cullen, Shannon Savoia, Susan Moeller, Scott Cullen, Gabriella, Terry And Matthieu, Steve And Ruby Jordan, Chris Kelly, Brian Miller, Misti Bonis, Kelsi, Amanda Campbell, Patty Greenberg, Patti Gumiela, Ellen Sullivan, Joe Calomeni, Maureen Handy, Traci Stocker, Stuart Hale, Maggie Klotz, Megan Krainski, Tim Johansen, Christine Rowlands, Kris Nixon, Kristi Strembicki, Daniel Record, Debbie Desimone, Al Desimone, Craig, Pam Vanaustin, Kenny, Deb & Dan Mangini, Deb Gallo, Maureen Ferreri , Beth Paczkowski, Hobbes And Snorky, Jason Hocker, Sharon Williams, Nathalie Periard, Curtis Bille, John Sheridan, Claire Gregory, Vicki And Elizabeth Edwards, Ladonna Tisdale, The Malesky Family, Pat Schwier, Dan And Elizabeth Johnston, Steve Knapp, Michaela O'brien , Caryn Schill, Kevin Miller, Audra Miller, Quincy Delcolletti, The O'meara Family, Rob Blundin, Luis Rodriguez, Stephanie Farneth, Herb Miller, Lauren Thomas, Staci Plunkett , Double Family, Heather Pedulla, Kerry Mccaffrey, Jeremy Hardy, Carolyn Como, Vicki Vaught, Katie Bray, Clay Anthony, Jeff Blank, Jackie Purcell, Chris & Amanda Nichols, Colm Broadhead , Robert Hildebrandt, Les Stewart, Lisa Zitek, Janet Thorn, Dallas Hamilton, Rob And April - Team Vanderpool, Dana, Tricia Noble, Hillary Waldroop, Barclay Bakkum, Anastasia Macneil, Ashley P. , Scott Sangston, Jeff Beauchamp, Maryann Romagnano, Shelly Borella, Becky Norman, Diana Mathis, Andrew Bentz, Shellie Bentz, Stephanie Linares, Jim Finley, Paula Massarelli, Olivia , Team Bonnie Sue, Evald Olson, Gaylene Gray, Dave Kanigowski, Sandy Kanigowski, John Menjes, Laura Labadie, Kerri Coggins, Jason Skow, Cathy Magr, Craig Lordan, Carri Marotto, Gerald Skanes, Matt Calpin, Carla Leger, Cheri Palmisano, Judy Simonsen, Holmes Family, Linda Ranatza, Carol Ney, Elaine Kleinhenz, Tom Higbee, Kim Howe, Team Meeker, Gallagher Family, Fred Shakeshaft, The Hicks Family, Alan Mize, Jen Tremley, Matt Holley, Robert Wescovich, Patrick Broaddus, Heidi Goodhue, Peter Boguszewski, Patti Mccaffrey, Noah And Daniel Schweizer (9 And 13yrs Old) , Chris, Gretchen, And Katie Barnes. Each of you are entered in this month's winners' drawing.
_____________________________________________________ _____________________

Challenge #279Where in the world is this?

Let's get a little tougher. At least, I think it's a bit tougher.

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Please send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, May 9th, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post.

See you next week, Players!

_______________________________________________________________________

Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies!

Before we begin this week's theme, I want to offer up a "do over" of last week. As it turned out, Scott and I had similar shots of the exact same clock in Tomorrowland. Great Scott! Although, my writing was funnier. As such, I am posting this other clock photograph from Main St, USA.

Great. Now that that's out of the way, this week we aim our camera lenses at balloons. They're festive, colorful, have character pictures, can glow in the dark, and best of all, make you sound like Chip or Dale. Balloons make for fun souvenirs while vacationing. I'm not sure how enjoyable they are for flight attendants.

See, they're so whimsical that "That Guy" had to have one. When do we get our churros, mister?

Señor Scott will post his balloon photo (it's not the same as I mine, I checked) on Thursday so float on back then.


Come on over and "Like" my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter, my handle is lisano1.

Last week I posted a quick reference to various In-Camera Color Special Effects available in most point and shoots. We'll now take a closer look at what the poster effect does to images and it's origin.

Posterization has been a cool darkroom process for decades and decades. I would take a slide which is a positive image and print it as if it were a negative. By doing so, colors became flat and brilliant. Light tones turned dark and vice versa. It's wicked cool. Funkadelic posters have the same look. Get technical here.

Digital software replicates the basic look of posterization and my Canon SX30 IS has it built-in.

I took a few photos of British Revolution during one of their performances at the UK pavilion in Epcot. Unfortunately, the stage is in a gazebo with railings and columns all around which can make getting a clear shot extremely difficult even for a pro like me. Dear Disney, please take out the railings. They didn't need them in Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Poster Effect retains a skin tone and brightens colors in the image.

Dang railings.

If you look at his hands, there's only slight definition in the lines of his palms and fingers. Highlights can blow out.

The softness and blend of colors gives the image a painting effect.

You know what to do. Have fun.

Come on over and "Like" my Facebook; page or follow me on Twitter, my handle is lisano1.

A red Mickey Mouse balloon behind Cinderella Castle.
Nikon D700/Tokina 11-16mm, 1/160s, f/6.3, ISO 200, EV -0.7, 11mm focal length, cropped.

Hard not to get a Disney balloon in a photo at the Magic Kingdom. As I was taking this wide angle photo behind Cinderella Castle, a father passed by with a red Mickey Mouse balloon tied to the stroller he was pushing. Thought it a fitting contribution to our Disney Pic of the Week on Balloons.

I am a big fan of using Super Zoom lenses on digital SLR cameras. When I travel to places like Walt Disney World, I do not want to be carrying a lot of heavy equipment. A Super Zoom lens lets me go with a small pouch which holds an extra battery, memory cards, lens cleaning cloth, flash and one extra lens, usually the 50mm f/1.8.

I have used Nikon's Super Zoom lenses on both a DX (cropped camera) and FX (full framed camera). They are the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S VR DX Zoom and Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S VR II FX Zoom Lenses. Canon has their 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 EF-S IS Zoom Lens. Sigma and Tamron each have an 18-250mm zoom lens. All are image stablized and very versatile.

Super Zoom lenses are full of compromises. They have variable apertures and are not very fast nor are they extremely wide or long. I find they work perfectly in a place like a Disney themepark, festivals, or fairs. The following photos were all taken with a Nikon D700 FX camera and the 28-300VR lens.

For this photo of a tricycle parked near Kali River Rapids entrance in Disney's Animal Kingdom, I got in close and low using the widest focal length of the lens.

A tricycle parked near Kali River Rapids entrance.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 25mm focal length.

Along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, the gorrilas, at their closest, are still far away and the reach of a super zoom lens comes in very handy.

Bachelor Gorilla on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/250s, f/5.6, ISO 160, EV 0, 300mm focal length.

The Image Stablizaton (Vibration Reduction for Nikon's) in the Super Zoom lenses work even while doing motion photography like panning at the Tomorrowland Speedway in the Magic Kingdom.

Guests speeding around the Tomorrowland Speedway in the Magic Kingdom.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/15s, f/29, ISO 200, EV 0, 85mm focal length.

The verstality of the wide range of focal lengths helps to photograph scenes like this one. Space Mountain was being lighted by a late day Sun with rain clouds behind it. I really liked being able to crop in and create this composition with the spires of the ride bright lighted in front of a dark, gloomy background.

Spires of Space Mountain in Torrowland.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/100s, f/16, ISO 200, EV 0, 105mm focal length.

Let me repeat, Super Zooms give you a lot of compostional freedom. I envisioned this photo of the Red Hero car from Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show in Disney's Hollywood Studios knowing I was going to be seating in the VIP section of the grandstands during the show. The wide end let me get the car's reflection, the camera truck and the set behind all in the frame. Using a fast shutter speed let me freeze all the action at the right time.

Red Hero car jumping during the Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/1000s, f/5, ISO 200, EV 0, 28mm focal length.

A slight zoom on the lens from 28mm to 40mm eliminated some foreground clutter and brought the broom in closer as I photographed the Sorcerer Mickey Mouse topiary in front of Disney's Hollywood Studios' entrance.

Sorcerer Mickey Mouse topiary in front of the entrance to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, f/16, ISO 1100, EV 0, 40mm focal length, HDR Image.

Are Super Zooms the perfect travel lens? Maybe not perfect but the closest thing I have used to one.

To all who come to this photo trivia game, Welcome! Along the way, the photos can make us relive memories and see details Walt's Imagineers put into everything we love in Walt Disney World!

Remember all the times you've said you love me, Players? And how much you love the game? And you know I love you too, right?

Good; keep that in mind because...

Here's last week's Challenge:

Um... no one got it right. Guess I got a little crazy with the thumbnail.

Remember how you said you all loved me, Players?

Okay.... :)

Here's what we're going to do. We're having a DOUBLE CHALLENGE week! I have made a new clue for last week's challenge (#279) and I have a new one for this week. So everyone gets a second chance as well as a new game!
_____________________________________________________ _____________________

Challenge #279 Where in the world is this?
Here is the new clue, and remember, we are in a park:

Challenge #280 Where in the world is this?
This is also in a park, but not the same as above. If you know my husband, you know this is his favorite ride (and I think I've mentioned it before). If you don't know him.... well, it really is his favorite. :)

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Please send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, May 23rd, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post.

See you next week, Players!

_______________________________________________________________________

Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies!

Since 1997, Walt Disney World has hosted special Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests can meet, greet and get autographs from characters of both the movies and animated series as well as from actors and voice actors. Click the link for more information about this year's events which include parades, talk shows and the ever popular Hyperspace Hoopla which must be seen to be believed.

You never know who you might see at Disney's Hollywood Studios during the annual run of Star Wars Weekends. Too bad there were no Stormtroopers about when I took this photo. As I do believe these are the droids they were looking for in a Galaxy Far, Far Away.

C-3PO and R2-D2 visit Disney's Hollywood Studios during Star Wars Weekends.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/250s, f/8, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 28mm focal length.

Lisa will be here on Thursday to share her Disney Pic of the Week on Star Wars Weekends.

It seems so incredibly long ago that I partook of Disneyland's One More Disney Day when the park was open for 24 hours straight beginning at 6 AM on February 29, 2012 and ending on March 1st at 6 AM. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to manage the entire 24 hours and fell short by hitting the 19 hour mark. Various members of my posse came out to play and Yoli even stayed up past her bedtime.

Having just made the last-minute decision to attempt the next all-nighter on May 24th at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, there's barely any time to train. Yeah, I trained last year. Given my experience, preparing for the Monstrous Summer! All-Nighter includes but is not limited to weekend and after-work naps, stretching, striking up conversations with strangers, mapping, waiting in long lines, strategizing, and trying on hats.

Spending the morning, afternoon, evening, night, and early morning in Florida is going to be extremely different from doing so in California. The two major differences are weather and crowds. California can get hot but it's a dry heat and the temps in the morning and at night can be 20 degrees lower than daytime thermostat readings whereas Florida is humid, sticky, hazy, and of course (or curse), hot with little give when the sun hides. Most Disneyland visitors are locals so they showed up in the wee hours of the morning and camped out in the esplanade, ran around, went home for a nap, went to work, and then back to the park. Attendance levels shifted throughout the day. I expect that given Walt Disney World resorts are almost completely sold out, vacationers will approach things slightly differently. One advantage is Star Wars Weekends should pick up some of the numbers. My fingers are crossed that Guests will take breaks and return to their resort for hours at a time and then return to Magic Kingdom or arrive after dinner and play overnight. That gives crazies like me who intend to stay in the park from open to close a chance to do everything. Oh, and if I can't hang with the cool kids, I am in trouble because I don't have a hotel room Friday night to retreat to, so if you see me sleeping in a car, don't be surprised. And no photos!

As for careful calculations and planning, I'll be at the AllEars.Net meet and greet at 9 AM at Tomorrowland Terrace with Deb 1 and Deb 2. I'm treating myself to lunch at Tony's Town Square for the very first time. Criss crossing the park is out of the question because it's bad for my tootsies and in the blinding heat, makes me a target for sun poisoning, which last May (at Walt Disney World) caused me to miss several days of work. Air conditioning and seats will be my friends along with water, multiple sock changes, and my Monstrous Summer! All-Nighter survival kit.

Pictured above: refreshing peppermint tea bags that do not contain actual tea, self-filtering water bottle , dark chocolate to fight off headaches, bubble gum because I like to blow bubbles, socks for my little feet, granola bar to eat, tuna for late night protein, ears plugs & eye mask for naps, "Sleep" hand lotion to psychology trick myself into think it'll work, my beloved peppermint foot lotion, bandages just in case, deodorant cuz I'm thoughtful, pre-filled toothbrush for teeth, and most importantly sunblock because I need it. Actual survival kit items may change.

Will you be there and can you bring me a pillow?

Training Update! Unintentional night of only 4.5 hours sleep, lasted 6 hours before wanting to climb into bed, pulled through after eating, attempted and failed napping 4 hours later, will go to bed 16.5 hours after waking up. Fatigue included severe drowsiness, lack of concentration, stuffy ears, confusion, and throwing a wrapper into the toilet instead of the trash can.

Photos from One More Disney Day 2012.

Come on over and "Like" my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter, my handle is lisano1.

Disney Pic of the Week - Star Wars Weekends

Come on over and "Like" my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter, my handle is lisano1.

Star Wars Weekends have started at Disney's Hollywood Studies for this year. I had a great time there last year being swept up in the fun of the Star Wars universe of characters, actors and events. At the end of each Star Wars Weekend day is the Hyperspace Hoopla Dance Off Show at the stage in front of the Sorcerer Mickey hat on Hollywood Blvd.

NOTE: These photos were taken in 2012. Current Hyperspace Hooplas may feature different characters, dancers and storylines.

Hyperspace Hoopla during Star Wars Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The show is hosted by Snig and Oopla though Emperor Palpatine has been known to crash the party.

Hyperspace Hoopla hosts Snig (upper right) and Oopla with party crasher Emperor Palpatin.

The Emperor gets chanllenged to a Dance Off pitting the Dark Side against the Jedi force of good. The Emperor goes first and brings out bounty hunters Boba Fett and Aurra Sing before finally introducing the Lord Darth Vader.

Boba Fett, Darth Vader and Aurra Sing on stage at Hyperspace Hoopla.

Not to be outdone, Snig and Oopla bring out the Jedi forces to vanquish the Dark Side with Princess Leia, Chewbacca and Ahsoka Tano from the Clone Wars animated series.

Princess Leia, Chewbacca the Wookie and Ahsoka Tano from Clone Wars on stage at Hyperspace Hoopla.

Sometimes not even the Emperor or Snig and Oopla can keep good and evil from being tempted with each other.

Darth Vader dancing with Padme Amidala, Queen of Naboo, during Hyperspace Hoopla.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/250s, f/5.6, ISO 6400, EV 0, 300mm focal length.

The audience determines the winner by applause and then an encore.

The encore for the show I saw featured Darth Maul in a martial arts style dance routine to close the event.

Darth Maul performin on stage during Hyperspace Hoopla.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 11/250s, f/5.6, ISO 6400, EV 0, 135mm focal length.

Some tips for photographing the Hyperspace Hoopla:

1. If you want to be close to the stage, you should be prepared to show up 1 to 1.5 hours before it starts (consult the Star Wars Weekend Guide Map). It can be a long, hot wait on open cement in the Florida Sun. Bring bottle water to keep yourself hydrated and an umbrella for shade.

2. This is a lighted stage show and my blog post on Photographing a Disney Show will come in handy.

3. Check out the AllEars.net youTube channel for the latest Hyperspace Hoopla show:

And May the Force Be with You!

To all who come to this photo trivia game, Welcome! Along the way, the photos can make us relive memories and see details Walt's Imagineers put into everything we love in Walt Disney World!

By this time next week, I will be in Walt Disney World, Players! So time to wish me Bon Voyage!

Wow, thanks for the enthusiasm!

I'll tell Mickey Mouse you said hello! Plus I will of course see you here next week. And have the Disney bear ready for my post vacation blues. Who had the Disney bear last; they will have to spare him. I'm looking at you, Claire Gregory.

It looks like I'm sharing Disney with Hunter Armstrong who is also leaving for a vacation! See you around the parks, Hunter!

And welcome home, Susan and Mike Hill! I'm glad you had so much fun tracking down Where in the World clues!

Mickey Eckert, thank you for still loving me and the game despite the impossible clue. Hugs!
Sorry, too much?

Here's Challenge #279:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © Erin Blackwell

The DCV outpost globe in Discovery Island in Disney's Animal Kingdom where you turn for Camp Minnie-Mickey.

Steve And Ruby Jordan, great answer. :) I found a boo-boo Disney bear to make your digital photo paper cuts feel a little better:

Bob Lanks was the first to send in the correct answer! Congratulations to Bob! A few people were close in their answers and congratulations to them too! Vera Williams, Team Hill, Diane Ramos, Emily Hudson, and Colette Stanton. Each of you are entered in this month's winners' drawing.

Here's Challenge #280:

And here's the answer:

Copyright © Erin Blackwell

The sign welcoming you to Rockettower Plaza in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom!

Plenty of people like Pam Vanaustin, Diane Ramos, & Steve And Ruby Jordan's daughter love this ride as much as my husband, especially the call "Paging Mr. Morrow... Mr. Tom Morrow!" Been there, love it, got my husband the t-shirt!

Jerry Turner was the first to send in the correct answer! Congratulations to Jerry and all our winners this week! Sairey, Ally, Colette Stanton, Colette Stanton, Gabriella, Terry And Matthieu, Johansen Family, Judi Copley, Hunter Armstrong, Mike Mondoux, Linda College, K Beasley, Becky Norman, Ken Clark, Kathy Davies, Lorine Landon, Kelly Cummings, Louise, Tina Santacroce, Mike Walter, Andrea Weedmark , Duskin Henard, Maggie Klotz, Emily Hudson, Dave Kanigowski, Sandy Kanigowski, Leigh Mertz, Chris Bauman, Sara Alaimo, Alan Mize, Belicia Cullen, Melissa Littman, Maryann Romagnano, Carol Ney, Rob Hildebrandt , Mary Beth Tarbet, Linda Ranatza, Pam Vanaustin, Robert Hildebrandt, Scott Cullen, Vera Williams, Steve And Ruby Jordan, Team Hill, John Menjes, Rachel Taylor, George Mundy Jr, Theresa Rucando, Steve And Ruby Jordan, Tom Higbee, Diane Ramos, Chuck Sands, Mickey Eckert, and Emily Hudson. Each of you are entered in this month's winners' drawing.

_____________________________________________________ _____________________

Challenge #281 Where in the world is this?

We're still in the parks with a less impossible clue!

And remember, you can't just give the park name.

Do you know? Do you have a guess? Please send in your answer, before the end of the day on Thursday, May 30th, by clicking on the blue box below. Please do not post answers using the Feedback Form link at the bottom of this post.

See you next week, Players!

_______________________________________________________________________

Everyone who sends in a correct answer to a Where in the World Challenge this month will be entered in a drawing at the end of the month for some special AllEars® goodies!

Disney's Hollywood Studios offers up a look into movie making and Hollywood in general with shows like Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and attractions like American Idol Experience. Both of these take place in a portion of the park known as Echo Lake, marked by a man-made body of water that sits near the entrance to the area.

Echo Lake serves up multiple snack options as well as two distinct restaurants, Hollywood and Vine and 50's Prime Time Cafe. I happened by the latter when a Cast Member was teaching a few kids how to use a hula hoop. She seemed to be having a pretty good time.

Scott (not pictured above) will use some hip action and post his Disney Pic of the Week on Thursday.


Come on over and "Like" my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter, my handle is lisano1.

How was your trip?, my co-workers asked me repeatedly on Tuesday. My responses varied from "Eh" to "Not so good" to "I'll write up my trip report blog and hand out copies. It's a long story."

Before I jump into the actual trip, let me back up by telling you what they already know. I booked my flights and made the decision to visit Walt Disney World on May 15th. As I was booking, one flight sold out of the lowest fare. It cost me an additional $48 plus tax. Buying plane tickets before asking for Friday off was a gamble and my vacation day request was denied. The next day, I prevailed by getting a part-time employee in my department to cover for me. My friend and travel agent John Ames provided hotel costs for both on and off property resorts. Since my plan was to spend 24 hours at Magic Kingdom on Friday, I only booked rooms for Thursday and Saturday. The first night was a tolerable price but Saturday's price tag for a value resort was ridonkulous (however the hipsters spell it). Hey, Mickey! I need to take out a loan.

On Thursday, Southwest repeatedly called my cell phone with departure time changes. I think they called 3 or 4 times going back and forth. In the end, we left T.F. Greene an hour late which meant one less hour of sleep.

It should also be known that I ordered 4 memory cards, batteries and a new charger for the trip to be delivered on Wednesday. They didn't arrive. Tracking showed that they left the warehouse on Monday. The end. After some nudging, I got the Amazon customer service rep to re-ship my items via overnight mail. In order for me to get the package, I had to leave work an hour early (unhappy manager) and run home before driving to the airport. Guess what? No package. UPS' website said it would deliver by 3 PM. At 4:45 PM I was still without my purchase, angry, and yelling. Off to the airport I went with 2 stops to try and find a compact flash card. Thankfully I found Staples near the airport parking lot.

You're up to speed with my fellow co-workers so everyone pay attention because I'm only going to say all of this once.

I checked into All-Star Sports around 1:20 AM on Friday. I went to bed and woke up at 5 AM, packed my survival kit bag which included a complete wardrobe change, toiletries, snacks, and, glow sticks. Passing by the pool bar, I grooved to the theme song from The Endless Summer thinking this is a great way to start my day. My luggage was gently tossed into the rental car trunk and a Disney bus drove me to Magic Kingdom. At 6:40 AM I was in the surprisingly empty park. The weather was humid but not hot, about 72 degrees with lots of clouds. Prior to the AllEars.Net meet at 9 o'clock, I enjoyed Enchanted Tales with Belle (funniest guard ever), Journey of the Little Mermaid (the queue is longer than Rapunzel's hair), Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ( stopped, lights came on, lights went off, ride continued), Dumbo (single-handed operation), and Barnstormer with the Great Goofini (insert Goofy screaming).

At the meet I got dizzy. I was thirsty and drank water bottle after water bottle and was starving so I picked up fruit cup and oatmeal. Sleep-deprivation, I figured as much. My plan was not to worry about how many hours were left in the all-nighter but rather to focus on how I felt at the moment. After seeing and talking with my teamsters (Gloria, Koma, and Deb) I headed into Adventureland and stared at Aladdin. Then I climbed the many steps of Swiss Family Treehouse, talked to a Cast Member in the shops, admired Aladdin some more, and then tried to nap in The Enchanted Tiki Room.

The Notorious Banjo Brothers and Bob entertained crowds awaiting the parade.

I lined up for the parade, took photos of the Monsters University pre-parade parade (that's intentional), bopped into more stores, bought a Vitamin Water and Rice Krispie bar then sat in to watch the Country Bear Jamboree. Not feeling so good, I dragged myself to First Aid for air conditioning and a place to sit. I'm not sure if the woman I spoke to in the waiting area was a nurse but I told her I was hot but cold rushes were going through me. She said I was behind on my fluids. Okay. While sitting there I knew there was no way I'd make it through the full 24 hours or even 12 hours. Recognizing defeat and listening to my body, I called John (Mouse Fan Travel) and he found me a room at Ramada Gateway.

Stars of the silver screen, Sully and Mike. That's Mike with one eye!

I shuffled down Main Street USA to the Emporium and bought the event T-shirt. I checked in early at Tony's Town Square and had a nice made-to-order lunch of pasta, chicken, and mixed veggies. Unsure of when I'd return, I took out my bag from the locker, made my way to the bus stop and headed back to All-Star Sports. Did you catch my error? I forgot to return the key to the locker. That boo-boo cost me $12.00. It was a short drive to the hotel where the nice fella at the front desk upgraded me to a deluxe room. Unfortunately, the TV was broken, something I found out late that night. They don't have maintenance workers on site so a security guard tried to figure out the problem. We decided the physical cable might have been the culprit. No TV for Lisa.

24 hours? I can't do it. Stop pressuring me. Dang cupcake bullies.

I slept for 3 1/2 hours. When I awoke I felt better so I took a quick shower, dressed and headed back to the Magic Kingdom...until I saw the sign. Magic Kingdom Lot Full, Park at Epcot. Uh oh. Epcot had just closed to non-resort guests and the line for the monorail stretched all the way back to the turnstyles. There was no way I was going to wait in line so I wandered around Epcot, had dinner at Yorkshire County Fish Shop, and started feeling sick again. I quit. Dehydration and lack of sleep got the better of me. At Mouse Gears I had a nice long chat with a Cast Member about a variety of topics and retreated back to my TV-less hotel room for the night.

Dinner at Tony's Town Square. Yes, the stick says allergy. That's my arch enemy taunting me, pepper.

I'll finish the saga next week.


Come on over and "Like" my Facebook; page or follow me on Twitter, my handle is lisano1.

Echo Park Drive intersects with Sunset Plaza in this sign near Echo Lake.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 170mm focal length.

There are lots of things to see and do as you walk around Echo Lake in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Next time you are near Echo Lake, look for the details in the buildings and streets which border it. The street sign here is an example of the famous Disney detail and made for my Disney Pic of the Week on Echo Lake.

Of all the forms of transportation at Walt Disney World, I enjoy the water transportation the most. You can choose to be in open air or inside comfort, they do not move too fast and there is something about being on the water which is relaxing to me. It is also a good time to take photographs of Walt Disney World parks, attractions and resorts from a different prespective.

Last year I took a Motor Cruiser from the Magic Kingdom to the Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort in the morning. Most people were going to the Magic Kingdom at the time. The boat was sparsely filled for the trip back to Fort Wilderness. I could move from one side of the boat to the other or go to the front or back. Below is what I photographed along the way.

A BASS Fishing Excursion boat with guide and guests were out on the Seven Seas Lagoon in front of the Grand Floridian and Narcoossee's restaurant as we left the Magic Kingdom port.

BASS Fishing Excursion boat on the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/320s, f/9, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 300mm focal length.

After passing over the water bridge between the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, I got this beautiful view of the Contemporary Resort and, it's new companion, Bay Lake Towers.

Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Towers.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/320s, f/11, ISO 200, EV 0, 58mm focal length, cropped.

Even from the water, the Wilderness Lodge looks like it belongs in a western United States national park nestled amongst the tall trees.

Wilderness Lodge from Bay Lake.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/125s, f/16, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 210mm focal length, cropped.

I have enjoyed photographing between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios on Friendship boats and from Port Orleans to Downtown Disney on the DVC ferries. You can, too.