Making Lemonade from Lemons.

[fractal]

By the time we exited RotR Val had entered the park, unfortunately so did the rain.

This is also the time I discovered that you can only ride RotR once per day after questioning a CM about the next virtual queue slot for all 4 of us. Val was not interesting in riding alone so she never did.

We pulled out our ponchos (actually remembered to bring them along!) and scampered to meet Val and grab lunch at the Backlot Express. The fountain drink area is blocked by a long table but behind the table was a CM that took your drink order and then served it to you. I had a southwest salad that was rather good and I remember that Sterg enjoyed his burger.

Sterg then took control of the camera.

I was on the phone for a work related issue.

Toni putting on her mask...

then her poncho as we were getting ready for our next adventure.

Our mission this time was a little less dangerous; Take Val to Galaxy's Edge and on Smuggler's Run. Val has about this much interest in Star Wars...(from my fledgling Youtube channel)

Amazingly she has never watched a minute of any Star Wars films. In fact, if there is a Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Star Trek, Transformers, Terminator, or any other movie in that genre playin on our TV she'll walk by and say "How many times can you watch Star Wars?"

But she was interested in seeing the new land so off we went back from whence we came.

The newly fallen rain gave the place a different look.

I can never remember this guy's name...

Social distancing

We asked and were given permission to play 3D chess. Loved seeing the training ball and blast helmet Luke used in the Original. My geek level was pretty high!

 

[fractal]

This time Toni was the pilot along with Val. I decided to document from the gunner's seat next to Sterg.

Immediately Toni proved herself a better pilot than me and took her role rather seriously. She barked order to Val who complied.

Pull the lever down for Hyperspace!

OK!

We ended up doing much better with the ladies' in control.

Another fun trip on the Millennium Falcon!

Really liked this shot of the cockpit - except for my poncho in the bottom corner.

 

[fractal]

A few more shots of GE, this time with the fisheye...

"Hi blue milk"

The rain and clouds gave the place an even grittier look.

We left Galaxy's Edge and ended up here to ride a different alien ride for the first time.

 

[figment52]

Your photos are AMAZING! Thanks for sharing.

 

[buzzrelly]

Rise of the Resistance is more an experience than a ride. I told Sterg it was one step closer to WestWorld. It's a role play experience that takes you on a extraordinary trip. A leap forward in Theme Park entertainment that make you wonder where we'll be 10 years from now. Bravo to Disney and their Imagineers!

I totally agree and great recap of the ride! I've still only experienced it once on opening day so my memory of it is kind of blurred.

This is also the time I discovered that you can only ride RotR once per day after questioning a CM about the next virtual queue slot for all 4 of us. Val was not interesting in riding alone so she never did.

But you could have tried for her and used it yourself maybe...

We ended up doing much better with the ladies' in control.

Of course

Really liked this shot of the cockpit - except for my poncho in the bottom corner.

Very nice

 

[fractal]

We may have said "The Claw" 100 times while waiting in line for Swirling Saucers. Again, the happy, colorful and bright motif contrasted starkly with GE.

Looked like fun and reminded me of the venerable Tilt-a-whirl that you see at almost every carnival or amusement park. A great little ride that I must have ridden 1,000 times on the Wildwood boardwalk.

Before long we were on. It starts off slow then slowly build momentum that eventually gives you a nice "whip" action. The second half of the ride was much more fun.

This didn't come up how I wanted as I set my exposure too long but I still liked it.

After getting tossed around by little green plastic aliens we were off to Toy Story Midway Mania. Amazingly, this was a walk on. I reminded Sterg and Toni of the days we would rope drop DHS and dash to the TSMM fastpass machine (which had a 10 minute line), grab fastpasses then hope to get in the standbye line with less than an hour wait. On this day one could have literally rode this 20 or more times.

It was a dash to the ride vehicles.

I actually wanted things to go slower for photographic reasons.

Wait for me!

Hello sir, please pick up the pace!

I caught up with Val, climbed aboard and started shooting (targets and photos).

Actually after a few seconds of juggling my camera and pulling the string on my gun I realized the absurdity of it (plus I was losing to Val) and put down the camera until the end.

Such a fun and happy ride - fitting right along with the theme of the entire Toy Story Land.

Off to our next adventure.

 

[fractal]

Your photos are AMAZING! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks @figment52 !

I totally agree and great recap of the ride! I've still only experienced it once on opening day so my memory of it is kind of blurred.


So much fun!

But you could have tried for her and used it yourself maybe...


thought about it, then thought better of it.


Of course




Very nice

Thanks!

 

[fractal]

Some throwback pics of us in Hollywood Studios over the years starting in 2007. We had some great memories in this park.

Toni fell asleep on my shoulders dressed in her Ariel Bippity-Bobbity outfit after a long day in the parks. We were in the Great Movie Ride Queue for our last ride of the night.

Same trip. Remember this?

At the Sci-Fi drive in.

2009

Sterg and I had matching shirts and sunglasses. I told him I was planning a trip before I told anyone else. We called it operation OF (Orlando Florida).

Backlot tour with a box of popcorn

2011 -

Sterg finally taller than Alex.

Toni loved Officer William Club.

and I loved the singing in the rain umbrella!

50's Prime Time with "Tim" the best server we had there.

Tim doing the airplane and playing the kazoo to make Sterg finish his plate.

2013

Toni making faces.

One of our many early morning jaunts while the teenagers and Val slept away.

With my Mom (Yia-Yia)!

The OG squad

2015 - No Sterg or Val



Reunion with Officer Club

It was about 100 degrees that day. Had to eat the ice-cream quick!

2017 - No Alex

with cousin Courtney. She's now on her way to Drexel U.

The "boys".

Yes, we had some really fun times inside the gates of Hollywood studios. After our last trip however, what was once one of our favorite parks had really dropped down the list to the bottom. That all changed this time as we continued to discover on our first day in the new Hollywood Studios.

 

[WishesQueen]

Great pictures, beautiful family and memories....thanks for sharing. I believe thats what keeps us coming back again and again.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Just found this report, and have only read page 1 up 'til now, but I'm loving it so far!

Which ones do you like better?

I like the close-up rose without the fisheye best, but I do love the fisheye looking down the hallway with the suits of armor!

And I agree with you that the new castle color scheme is a little bright.

 

[Shellbells]

What wonderful photos. Thank you for sharing them
I love looking back on our pictures too and seeing how the kids have changed and remembering all the fun times.
At first, because of the masks, I told my husband that I probably wont take many pictures on our November trip. But now I think I will. It'll still be something to cherish and remember

 

[PollyannaMom]

All caught up now. I love that you get pics of little details!

 

[CruellaNY]

Oh Tower of Terror, I still love you. Several awesome rides have come out in the last 3 years but you're still in my Mt Rushmore of Disney Rides.

My favorite ride in all of WDW! Loving your TOT pics ❤

No pre-show this trip, just another walk through.

This and no stretching room were really the only disappointments of our July trip other than reduced food options (mainly missing some of our lounges). But I don't see these pre-shows coming back soon and thankful the rides are open!
Saw the OG (that's "original" for anyone over 40 out there)

Yeah sadly I'm in that group......

Rise of the Resistance is more an experience than a ride.

So I've heard. Not sure you read the latest update in my TR and seeing how much you love SW I won't relay what we did here so you don't block me but I think the experience aspect is why even those not familiar with SW can enjoy it.

I reminded Sterg and Toni of the days we would rope drop DHS and dash to the TSMM fastpass machine (which had a 10 minute line), grab fastpasses then hope to get in the standbye line with less than an hour wait.

This made me smile lol! We did that And honestly I prefer those days over FP+!

We were in the Great Movie Ride Queue for our last ride of the night.

And NOW you're making me cry. First she looks adorable but I still sorely miss GMR and not being impressed at all with MMRR am salty that they replaced it It was also one of DS14's favorite rides when he was younger.

Same trip. Remember this?

YES!

Backlot tour with a box of popcorn

The Hollywood that Never Was But Always Will Be What did they do to you!!!!!

After our last trip however, what was once one of our favorite parks had really dropped down the list to the bottom. That all changed this time as we continued to discover on our first day in the new Hollywood Studios.

See I am the total opposite-sorry! What was once my absolute favorite park dropped near to the bottom after GMR and Backlot Tour and Animation Academy closed but I still had my TOT and RnRC and the Citizens of Hollywood. I also loved BaTB, the little shorts they'd show of upcoming Disney movies and Indiana Jones and never tire of walking through OMD. But this changed with SWGE because the crowds grew and even when all the shows come back I don't see the crowds lessening, and with the Old Hollywood Vibe gone; it's not what it was for me anymore. I hate using a day there now just for 2 rides but can't give up TOT although after our trip next month I think I will end up skipping HS for Nov. and Feb. if I can handle the TOT withdrawal! On the other hand I get that people, especially those UNDER 40 (and you crazy SW peeps) make the current HS work better for them and I will say that not knowing what really anything in SWGE IS, it's still impressive!

 

[fractal]

Great pictures, beautiful family and memories....thanks for sharing. I believe thats what keeps us coming back again and again.

Thank you @WishesQueen and I couldn't agree more!

Just found this report, and have only read page 1 up 'til now, but I'm loving it so far!



I like the close-up rose without the fisheye best, but I do love the fisheye looking down the hallway with the suits of armor!

And I agree with you that the new castle color scheme is a little bright.

Thank for reading along @PollyannaMom ! I like the closeup better too but still happy I brought my fish-eye.

What wonderful photos. Thank you for sharing them
I love looking back on our pictures too and seeing how the kids have changed and remembering all the fun times.
At first, because of the masks, I told my husband that I probably wont take many pictures on our November trip. But now I think I will. It'll still be something to cherish and remember

Thanks @Shellbells ! Always take more photos than necessary!

All caught up now. I love that you get pics of little details!

Thanks! Love all the details at WDW!

My favorite ride in all of WDW! Loving your TOT pics ❤

Thanks!

 

[fractal]

@CruellaNY

I get what you're saying about DHS. I also love the Old Hollywood look - especially at night. I don't think GE takes away from that, if anything it will draw the crowds and make the "front" of the park easier to navigate and enjoy. Yes, it has broken away from it's original theme as a working studio but that die was cast probably 10 years ago. I like GE and really enjoyed Toy Story Land. I've been a huge fan of the Great Movie Ride and was sad to see that go. Going to get into it's replacement soon - not sure you'll agree!

 

[fractal]

OK, time to make some more new memories at Hollywood Studios.

On the way out of Toy Story Land we spotted a fellow Disney fan and friend and his family in line for Slinky Dog. The line was moving fast so we didn't have much time for conversation but it was great seeing them. It wouldn't be the last time!

Val wanted to ride Rock and Rollercoaster and no one was arguing so off we went.

Great walk through and movie but didn't watch it this time...

Continuing on...

Tempting but no...

Our dinner reservations on Friday...

getting closer.

The Tick-Tok influence on poses...

Everything's got to be a show!

Can we just pose like normal people?

Apparently not.

 

[fractal]

It was a hot day, but the sky was clearing up beautifully.

Our destination.

The 55mm 1.8 is great for capturing details.

I quickly swapped out the 55mm for the fisheye, but not to get the launch again.

This time it was to get the "landing".

After grabbing lunch (and maybe a drink or two) on Sunset Blvd we needed to check Val in to the nearby Hotel.

Color...

or Black & White?

The 24mm was starting to get a little jealous of the fisheye so I gave it the next shift. The 24mm is a great lens and so versatile. Super sharp, great color, very "fast", and relatively light weight. A fabulous "carry around" lens. The fisheye will always
have the crazy "wow" and "fun" factor and it's sharp but the color is not the greatest - I have to really make a lot of adjustments when editing to get things where I like. The RAW files from the 24mm are much easier to handle as the come out nearly perfect to begin with.

It's also great for "environmental portraits" like this. Face in the center and enough space around to have a sense of where you are - perfect for WDW. The fast aperture also let's me blur the background beautifully.

Sterg and Toni continued to get along great. I never really had to scold them much during this trip. That's what's supposed to happen as they get older right?

 

[fractal]

Sterg has been doing a little boxing training on the bags. So out of the blue he'll come up to me with his fancy boxing moves to try and show how tough he is. He'll throw air punches and make his little "chee" sounds with each punch like he's sparing Sugar Ray Leonard or something only it's my head as the target.

"C'mon Dad, let's go...chee, chee, chee..." As we are waiting for our turn on the elevator. "chee, chee, chee." I can feel the wind on my face from his punches so I finally do the 'ol fake to the head with my right which brings up both his hands to block and shot to ribs with my left. "Oowwww!" he yelps and I start to grin. As he starts to come back at me we get called to stand in front of the elevator. Perfect timing. The old man still has a few tricks.

The phantoms return.

Now I'm starting to get good at this.

Another gut churning but great ride in our favorite elevator!

"Let's go do Slinky Dog again; 20 minute wait." Toni suggested.

"Sure, I mean why not?"

The skies were really this blue!

Howdy Woody!

Howdy Jess!

Back in line.

 

[fractal]

The "Hi's" were piling up in the Slinky Dog queue.

"Hi #2 pencil."

"Hi not in a Pandemic..." "Hi saying Hi on the screen."

I now rotated back to the 55mm 1.8 lens. This is more of a traditional "portrait" type lens than the 24mm, especially under these conditions. A true portrait photographer will tell you an 85mm or 135mm is really the sweet spots for portraits but they're not standing in a queue line at Disney are they? For my trip in 2017 I had actually planned out and wrote down a number of shots I wanted to take. This trip however, I only had a couple floating around in my noggin'.
My photography was going to basically be taken along our travels with a few exceptions.

The absence of night time and fireworks certainly played into this and I really missed that aspect. Not only do I love Happily Ever After as a show, but over the last few years I've thought about different ways to photograph it. One of the thoughts was to get up really close to the castle with my fisheye and shoot away some 8 to 10 second exposures on my tripod - that would have been very cool! I also recently purchased a 10 stop ND filter for my 15mm lens. With a 10stop filter I could have shot up to a minute or more exposure which would have filled my frame with beautiful streaks of light. This was all not to be. But, you play the hand you're dealt and so I did on this day in line waiting for our ride.

Good time for some portraits!

Sterg was checking in on his Tick-Tock. He is somewhat semi-famous on this platform. All his little cousins talk about him and all his followers and want to grow up to be like him. All I say is "Show me the money." and there isn't any of that.

I still love him though.

Heck, I even managed to get in a shot!

Stop holding up the line.

Readiy for our next 50mph adventure on a blown up version of a child's toy. Where else can you say that?

Lots of empty rows - this was not due to the low crowds but due to "distancing".

ToT standing tall.

Good job soldiers!

Another fun and smile inducing ride on Slinky Dog in the books!

Appropriate song on a trip meeting and making new and old friends!

Who didn't have one of these?

Seriously, look how fun this looks!

Good job Woody! Keep everyone in tow until we return!

 

[DHare]

Great Photos!! Especially at "Be our Guest" & also the ghosts.