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4 Quick Tips for Capturing Great Photos with Disney Characters

Published April 29, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Whether you have kids with you or not, taking photos with the the characters is always a lot of fun. Photopass cast members are always there to help when you are in the parks – which is a great service. But what if you want to take some of your own photos so you can break-in your new camera? Or, maybe you just want to enjoy all the credit and satisfaction of knowing YOU got that perfect shot?

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Here are four quick tips to help you capture some of those character memories like a pro.

4. Take your time 
Disney characters are pretty popular. Even if you’ve been in line for a while, once you get to the front, try to slow down and take your time. Out of all your Disney souvenirs –    your photos will most likely be enjoyed the longest. It’s ok to take a few extra moments to get the shot you want. You will be so glad you did.

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3- Figure out your correct camera settings on the guest in front of you

It can be a little nerve wracking  tying to adjust your camera settings when you are on the spot. You may want to practice with some test shots of the character sharing time with the person who is in line before you. If you are in a long line – that just means you have plenty of  time to ask that guest (or their parents) for their permission first. Then you don’t have to feel weird about it. When you see the finished product it will all be worth it!

2.Try out different camera angles

To give some variety in your pictures get a few from different angles. Get down on the child’s level for instance, hold the camera sideways, that sort of thing.

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1. If all else fails, you can always try to fix the picture in editing

Sometimes you can be so prepared and know exactly what you’re doing but you still end up with a picture you don’t love. When this happens,  give yourself permission to play around with it in the editing process! Try it in black and white or use some other cool effects! After all, Walt himself got some of his best images in black in white!

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What are some of your favorite ways to capture character memories? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

“New car smell?” That is so 8 minutes ago…

Published July 9, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Do not adjust your computer – these are real pictures – and yes – that is a turkey leg scented air-freshener. What do turkey legs have to do with Disney?

Click here to read more on the subject.

Forget that new car smell! If you are a fan of not only the sights but the SMELLS of Disney this is for you!! Disney has released these air fresheners to be purchased in Disney World and Disneyland. They have worked on them for a whole year and the last time I checked, they were still available for purchase in the parks. I’m not so sure the turkey leg smell is my thing. I imagine the dogs in the neighborhood might all want to break into my car. It’s OK though – there are other options. The ice cream freshener is scented to smell like (what else?) a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar. These are candy apple and mickey waffle scented – respectively. My experience with these kinds of fresheners is that the scent is really strong for the first day or so and then the rest of the month…it just makes for a cool decoration to hang from my rear-view mirror. Could the Disney magic and pixie dust on these particular air fresheners prove me wrong this time? Perhaps I will buy a collection of them and at the end of the year when the smells are gone– there will be enough to decorate my Christmas tree! I bet my husband would love that – NOT. Just kidding, but you have to admit this is yet another creative idea from Disney and they ARE kinda cute!

So what do you think?

My Love for a 5 Legged Goat

Published April 5, 2012 by Disneyways.com

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I don’t know where I heard about him first. I do, however, remember the first time I shared him with someone. How do I remember? Because we got it all on film.

I had the video camera and I was panning the beautiful and historic mural in the main lobby of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. I was feeling so smart, and decided to impress my sister-in-law with one of my Disney “pearls of wisdom”…so I say,

“Somewhere on here there is a 4 legged goat.”

Her response…so sweetly and non-condemning…

”Don’t ALL goats have 4 legs?”

I laugh out loud because I realize I am so smitten with this goat and how he makes me feel — that I have forgotten the very trivia I was so proud of “bestowing” upon my sister-in-law!

“YES!” I respond through my laughter, “I meant FIVE legged goat…and now we’ve got that on FILM!”

Most people really appreciate him for the history and “legend” mural surrounds him. After all, it’s a totally awesome thing. The large mosaic where he lives was created in 1971 with 1,800 one-square-foot tiles and took 18 months to construct. It was designed by Disney Imagineer Mary Blair, who is also known for her contributions to the “look” of the “It’s a Small World” attraction. The legend states that Mary believed that no piece of artwork should be perfect – because only God is perfect – so she purposely created the “mistake”. I don’t know if it’s legend or truth, but what a wonderful story! To think this “mistake” has since become one of the greatest loves of my life just cracks me up.

In the encompassment of the fabulous mural itself, it’s easy to miss the five legged goat. He stands amongst the stylized denizens of the mosaic – one of many goats and other figures – just a face in the crowd.

Still, he draws MY eyes to him like a magnet. You see, he makes me so proud that I know about him, and I love the conversation and interaction with others that he creates. I always get a rush when I tell someone who has never seen him that he is there.

The reaction is pretty similar across the board. First a raised brow and a high pitched “Really?” is voiced. Then they want me to show them where he is. Finally when he’s revealed – whether they are just humoring me or not – most people get wide-eyed and whisper,

“That is SO cool!”

I am once again (in my own mind) crowned the Queen of Disney knowledge and I beam with excitement and pride.

It just goes to show you, when looking for love, not all girls are into outward perfections.

*To read more about the 5 legged goat: Dave’s Disney World Blog

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