Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Walt Disney World Christmas Parade 2012

In December, Alex and I went to the taping of the ABC's Walt Disney World Christmas Parade.  I mean, we're right here, why not?  I wasn't sure since I knew the crowds would be hideous, but it really was a blast and its something I think that I would like to make a family tradition.  We'll see about it next year.  You have to register for tickets for the opportunity to go, but I would recommend it to all the cast members.  Plus, the admittance is through electronic ticket, so it doesn't use a complimentary pass. ;0)
We got there around noonish and had to wait until two for the actual parade to run by.  So lots of waiting, warm day, and large crowds equals cranky Alex.  So, that was remedied with the ever popular Mickey Dream Bar.  The evidence is pictured below. Such a cutie pie!

It was interesting to watch how this whole thing was set up.  There were several takes and staging done so that it looked like a full crowd.  The picture below is of them staging the crowd for the air force fly over aerial shot.  They want to make it look as if the park is filled to capacity.

 
When the parade started, Alex got really excited.  We got to see all of our favorite Disney Characters come out for Christmas.  What a way to make magic for kids.  Here are some of my better shots.  I'm not that skilled of a photographer, and its hard to shoot pictures of moving targets.
Alex and I were right along the street line too, so he got some great one on one with the different characters. 

Belle and the Beast
Cinderella and her Prince Charming


Alex getting to swap stories with Santa's Elves.

Hello, Mr. Reindeer
Ahoy!  It's Captain Peter Pan, definitely one of Alex's favorites
Shaking hands with the Gingerbread man


Waving "HI" to Mrs. Clause

And the Jolly Man himself, good Ole Santa!  Alex was so excited to see him. :0)
After the Parade, we had to wait another hour and a half for them to set up the concert performance.  I probably should have left at this point because Alex was getting cranky, but how often do I get the opportunity to see a live music performance?  So wait we did.  
While we awaited the show, we took this great mom/son shot!


The show was Lady Antebellum, a popular country music group.  If any of you saw the parade taping, this would have been the only chance of me being on TV.  We watched them record the performance several times-some with the group and others with just the dancers.  We were given instructions of how and when to clap-it was like we were movie extras!  It was really cool. 
 Below is a picture of the group singing "Holly Jolly Christmas".


Here are the dancers.  I know that this looks like a pretty racy photo, but they were just prepping for a lift, I swear! lol. Told ya I wasn't that great photographing moving targets.


When the day ended, we left the park and headed home.  Alex crashed that evening and I was exhausted from carrying him around, but what great family memories.  This also started my desire to have monthly Mommy/Son dates, so in the end, it was well worth it.  And it definitely was a great perk to starting my warm holiday season.

1 comment:

  1. You take GREAT photos Sarah! The first of Alex is so cute :) Looks like fun!

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