Upcoming trip Lots of firsts
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zendisney · 04-29-2010, 10:30 PM

We got an ADR at Cinderella's Table...
We are staying at AKL for the first time...
Bay Lake Towers for the first time...
So any advice about these new experiences that we are about to have in less than 15 days?
We are what I consider Disney Veterans but I always enjoy hearing tips.
Also I have been told that we are going to get a new camera for our upcoming anniversary.
I am allowed to spend up to $500.00. I hear Canon cameras are good.

**chezp** · 04-30-2010, 12:47 AM

Hi and welcome to the boards!

Sounds like you've got a wonderful time planned.

I would plan some time to enjoy the resorts, especially Animal Kingdom Lodge, as there's so much to see there, with the animals out on the savannah.

4tees · 04-30-2010, 05:33 AM

I love "Disney Firsts"...have a wonderful time discovering all the new "Magic".
We have a Cannon PowerShot Sx110IS. We like it alot. It is nice and small, pretty light weight, and has a powerful zoom.

Have a great time!

Nova · 04-30-2010, 06:56 AM

Have a great time at the new places. And the tip the other poster gave about taking a picture of your address information to have on your SD card is a great tip in case you loose your camera.

belleandmaddysmom · 04-30-2010, 07:54 AM

Just wanted to say have a wonderful trip!
I love dining in the castle! And I'm looking forward to getting to BLT sometime as well. Have fun!

**Colexis Mom** · 04-30-2010, 08:01 AM

Welcome to the boards! You'll love AKL! There's nothing better than waking up and seeing animals right outside your window!

RobDVC · 04-30-2010, 09:41 AM

Welcome to the boards!

-take time to enjoy the resorts
-arrive early for your CRT ADR.

mickeycrazy · 04-30-2010, 10:05 AM

to the boards! We check in at BLT in June for the first time so I don't have any advice there. But wa have stayed at the Contemporary before so walk if you can to MK it is much faster than the monorail. We love AKL it is our favorite of all. Boma for breakfast is our favorite so if you can, squeeze that in. Take time to explore AKL, lots to look at and experience and the story telling by the fire pit is great too.

zendisney · 05-01-2010, 05:06 AM

Thanks for all the warm Welcomes!
I appreciate the advice.
This is such a warm and welcoming Community of Disney Lovers!
I am going to look into the recommendations.
If anyone else knows of a camera that they really can give a thumbs up to let me know.
: )
Carla

evenstar84 · 05-01-2010, 07:14 AM

Have fun on your trip! I am staying at AKL for the first time, too, and am looking forward to it (in 2 weeks!).

My advice: eat at Boma while at AKL and take lots of pictures of the resort. That's what I plan to do.

Also, I've been using Panasonic Lumix cameras since college and LOVE them. I recently bought this model and have enjoyed using it:
Amazon.com: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Black): Electronics

You'll have to do some research, but I like this camera for its compactness. Plus, it's got great zoom for how small it is. Panasonic cameras have really good lenses, too.

Anyway, happy shopping!

mousestruck · 05-01-2010, 07:40 AM

Welcome!

You have some wonderful plans! First of all, CRT is a special experience. It does feel like a whirlwind when the princesses begin to circulate, but once you have your autographs and pictures, be sure to sit back and enjoy your meal! You have a set time to arrive, not to leave!

AKL is our favorite resort... you will love it! The restaurants are all excellent, so I recommend trying as many as you can. Boma is a must for us every vacation. If you have a savannah room, there is nothing like having coffee on the deck while watching the animals wake up, too. And if you don't, there are rockers throughout the resort overlooking the savannah so you can do the same thing.

Never stayed at BLT, but would love to! That will be incredible as well! Take in the fireworks in the Top of the World Lounge (is that what it's called?), enjoy the convenience of the Monorail... and the shopping. Those shops by Chef Mickey's are some of the best on property!

Have a magical trip!

LegoMom · 05-01-2010, 07:48 AM

Hello from a fellow Texan and welcome to the boards!!

Have a wonderful time at AKL! We've never stayed there but spent some time there prior to our Boma dinner on our last trip. BEAUTIFUL resort....

I have a Kodak Easyshare Z712 IS and really like it. It does best in well-lit situations (either flash or daylight) but has an AMAZING zoom. I've gotten some great wildlife shots with it (works well in a Disney parade too!

). There are several models in the Easyshare family and I've heard lots good about them.

Have a wonderful trip!

Suzie-Q · 05-01-2010, 07:56 AM

Welcome!
I am also a budding photographer and have found lots of advice on the boards with examples of photographs from the different cameras.
There is a forum just for photographers, so definitely check that out -they are very helpful and generous with their advice and tips. I also recommend reading the Trip Reports because you'll see some great shots and sooner or later the camera comes up if the photos are really good (I'm think ChezP and PSha who both have beautiful eye candy in their TRs!)
Your trip sounds great - DH and DS8 are big Boma fans, DS15 and myself really love Jiko, so my suggestion is to try both!