Pandry65
Cinderella Castle | Magic Kingdom
How is everyone doing?? I’ve honestly missed you all. As you can see, it’s definitely been an age since I’ve last posted here; looks about a year. In fact, I also haven’t even been viewing anyone’s photos on any social media (I emphasize that last part because I really don’t want anyone to think I’m on the apps while just ignoring everyone).
Basically I’ve been in a photography blackout—aside from the occasional photos taken during family events the past 1.5 years. Furthermore, we haven’t even been going to Disney much which, obviously, has been my night photography zone. I’m just so incredibly jaded with their current direction since the pandemic, even before it. The crowds have been next level insanity and at entirely pre-pandemic levels; maybe even worse due to everyone now taking their previously postponed trips. Then there’s the overall current lack of features being offered while an ever increasing cost is enough to turn most people off. You pay all this money for an annual pass but you’re now not even guaranteed to be able to go?? I find that inexcusable and disingenuous; especially for one of the largest corporations on the planet. I’m convinced they’ll never eliminate this reservation system as it helps them with staffing levels and other analytics. Their 2pm park hopping policy is also complete BS. Also, this 50th anniversary is a massive dud. I think the 15th anniversary was the first I experienced and it was light years better than this current one. How is that even possible?? They painted the castle and added some tiny temporary golden statues. Way to go all out for such a milestone. The pandemic is not an excuse for the anemic showing, either.
I’ve been a local passholder since ‘95 along with having first visited the parks in ‘83. So I’ve definitely seen it all and there have been plenty of peaks and valleys over the years. IMO, they’re in a massive trough right now and I don’t know how it’s going to turn out. And to be fair, I’ve felt that they were on a downward trend a while before the pandemic. For instance, taking away our beloved MSEP!/Spectromagic! How is WDW seemingly the only resort in the parks umbrella that doesn’t have a night parade?? In any event, I realize individual experiences vary and many people are definitely enjoying themselves, so I’ll just end my rant. The bottom line for us is that it’s simply been feeling like it’s more of a task to drive over to the parks versus being a fun night out, as it should be.
As for the photo, this was Jan of last year. So you can notice the 50th decor hadn’t yet been added on the castle. There was a lot of blue I this light transition captured, a Disney favorite. I kept going back and forth with either keeping the strong blues, trying to remove them , etc. But my editing is so rusty, this is where I ended. Lastly, It “appears” empty but there were lots of people next to and behind me. It’s why I couldn’t get a more direct straight on shot—which irked my anal retentive self.
Thanks for bearing with me and hopefully I can get back to editing more shots I’ve had on file. Wishing everyone well; sincerely.
Cinderella Castle | Magic Kingdom
How is everyone doing?? I’ve honestly missed you all. As you can see, it’s definitely been an age since I’ve last posted here; looks about a year. In fact, I also haven’t even been viewing anyone’s photos on any social media (I emphasize that last part because I really don’t want anyone to think I’m on the apps while just ignoring everyone).
Basically I’ve been in a photography blackout—aside from the occasional photos taken during family events the past 1.5 years. Furthermore, we haven’t even been going to Disney much which, obviously, has been my night photography zone. I’m just so incredibly jaded with their current direction since the pandemic, even before it. The crowds have been next level insanity and at entirely pre-pandemic levels; maybe even worse due to everyone now taking their previously postponed trips. Then there’s the overall current lack of features being offered while an ever increasing cost is enough to turn most people off. You pay all this money for an annual pass but you’re now not even guaranteed to be able to go?? I find that inexcusable and disingenuous; especially for one of the largest corporations on the planet. I’m convinced they’ll never eliminate this reservation system as it helps them with staffing levels and other analytics. Their 2pm park hopping policy is also complete BS. Also, this 50th anniversary is a massive dud. I think the 15th anniversary was the first I experienced and it was light years better than this current one. How is that even possible?? They painted the castle and added some tiny temporary golden statues. Way to go all out for such a milestone. The pandemic is not an excuse for the anemic showing, either.
I’ve been a local passholder since ‘95 along with having first visited the parks in ‘83. So I’ve definitely seen it all and there have been plenty of peaks and valleys over the years. IMO, they’re in a massive trough right now and I don’t know how it’s going to turn out. And to be fair, I’ve felt that they were on a downward trend a while before the pandemic. For instance, taking away our beloved MSEP!/Spectromagic! How is WDW seemingly the only resort in the parks umbrella that doesn’t have a night parade?? In any event, I realize individual experiences vary and many people are definitely enjoying themselves, so I’ll just end my rant. The bottom line for us is that it’s simply been feeling like it’s more of a task to drive over to the parks versus being a fun night out, as it should be.
As for the photo, this was Jan of last year. So you can notice the 50th decor hadn’t yet been added on the castle. There was a lot of blue I this light transition captured, a Disney favorite. I kept going back and forth with either keeping the strong blues, trying to remove them , etc. But my editing is so rusty, this is where I ended. Lastly, It “appears” empty but there were lots of people next to and behind me. It’s why I couldn’t get a more direct straight on shot—which irked my anal retentive self.
Thanks for bearing with me and hopefully I can get back to editing more shots I’ve had on file. Wishing everyone well; sincerely.