I hope you are able to make it. ; I must say I am like you and a little (lot!) intimidated by meeting people or even more so a big group of people. ; But I have met up with several Disney and/or Photography board folks or small groups over the last couple of years for picture taking outings- a half dozen times or so now- and every time it has been a very positive and rewarding experience. ; I know what you mean about 'actually showing up' since I have felt that way- wanting to bail out at the last minute most of those times. ; I'm glad I did not- and I am really looking forward to meeting everyone at Pixelmania. (Now I just need to get up the courage to go to the next Nikon Cafe Merritt Island birding meet so I can sit my 300/f4 on my $100 tripod next to all those guys with 400/500/600mm VR lenses on $1000 tripods.) ; :
You know I actually sold my 24-70 to borrowedlens.com but I have never tried to rent anything before. ; May be an idea.
I'm getting excited now. Thanks! I've talked to both my dad and DFi about it. I'm pretty much getting the green light. DFi wants to see if he can work his vacation time out so he can go, but he's not sure. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone. That hat is gorgeous and it takes a real man to wear that (or a 10 year old girl)
I am working on it... would really like Steve to come but that is a long shot! ; Put me down as a maybe. ; Let's see how the rest of the year goes. Janet
Now you've done it! Now i have to share my favorite quote from "Gilmore Girls" "You mean special special or like glue your hands together special...." ;
registration opens very soon! ; even though you have posted in this thread, please be sure to register as well once the link is activated. can't wait to see all of you there!
$116 not bad, still trying to see if I should wait for Southwest fares which would allow me a direct flight without stops or use miles on US Air with connections.
okay, apparently I am not a verified "I'm In!" yet (Which is fine). ; I should be able to get confirmation next week when the new staffer starts at work. ; She wants flexible hours as much as I don't think it will be a problem. ; Can't wait to get back to WDW.
I plan to be there for some of the stuff. ; If I can get away from my family. ; They do not understand the whole internet board meet type of thing. ; Scott
If it helps, let them know that I didn't get the whole internet meet thing either. ; The first time I 'went' to Mousefest and officially met some of these folks, I was pretty much going up to Disney at that time anyway. ; I figured I could melt into the back of a few of the gatherings, and see how I liked it, and if I didn't, I could just fade back into the crowd and do my thing. Ends up I liked it - low key, friendly, not too heavy on the 'star-trek-convention-attendee' obsession levels. ; It's really just a group of people going on a Disney vacation, and while up there, planning a few chances to get together. ; You can immerse as much or as little as you want. I'm still somewhat an independent type myself - I don't do the 24-hour hangout type thing. ; I prefer to meet up at a few gatherings a day, maybe a dinner or event night, and throw in a few hours here and there to do my own thing (or family & friends thing, if I'm there with them). ; I've never really had family or friends mind me going off for a few hours and meeting up later...I guess it depends on the family dynamic. ; With kids, it might be harder to explain! Heck - if you make it a family trip to Disney, and then just break away for a few meetups here and there, I can't see them minding too much...and many of the photo walks and such are informal and fun enough that they could always come along.
Scott, A couple things working in your favor This in not your typical internet board meetup like you'd experience with other sites. TMIP is a forum about photography AND Disney. ; So, the purpose of these meet ups is not strictly for the purpose of getting to meet up and chat. ; We are hoping people learn something too about their cameras and their photography. ; So, you could tell your family that these meets are part fan gathering but more symposium than that. The planning committee knows how hard it is to go to events like MouseFest and feel like you got some park enjoyment in especially when disinterested family members are along for the ride. ; So our intention is to not pack the day with events. ; Time to enjoy the parks and family is intended. ; That doesn't mean impromptu ancillary "events" won't happen. ; It's inevitable when you get that many photogs in one place, someone will inevitably shout, "Hey lets go shoot X"
