Terra Nova Guy and the Raiders of the Lost Park - an August 2018 TR *COMPLETE* 4/28

Hi! I just wanted to say I just found your TR and am looking forward to following along. I just read through your introduction. Your girls are beautiful and I am looking forward to reading about your adventures. I too have not been back to Disney since my last trip in 2014. It looks like I will be heading back in December 2019/Jan 2020 or Feb 2020 depending on the dates of my daughter's high school band trip to WDW. So, for now, I am passing the time by reading other people's reports. I am happy I found yours since your will be sharing your experiences after a long time away from WDW so you will have a different perspective on things than people who are fortunate to go more frequently. I will check in later after I have read more.
 
Hi! I just wanted to say I just found your TR and am looking forward to following along. I just read through your introduction. Your girls are beautiful and I am looking forward to reading about your adventures. I too have not been back to Disney since my last trip in 2014. It looks like I will be heading back in December 2019/Jan 2020 or Feb 2020 depending on the dates of my daughter's high school band trip to WDW. So, for now, I am passing the time by reading other people's reports. I am happy I found yours since your will be sharing your experiences after a long time away from WDW so you will have a different perspective on things than people who are fortunate to go more frequently. I will check in later after I have read more.
It's great have you here! It sounds like you're doing pretty much the same as I did - live vicariously through others until I finally had the chance to go back. It's nice to hear that you have a potential trip in the works. It's hard being away for so long, but I guess there's the old saying 'absence makes the heart grow fonder'. I've often wondered if I was in a position to go to WDW several times a year, would I feel the same way about it? Well, I hope my report helps pass your time until your next trip!
 
Then, after a long four year wait, we finally left today and entered a world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy. It had been so long, it honestly felt like a bit of a dream to me. As we started walking up Main Street, I couldn’t help putting my arm around Katie (because she’s my baby and will still put up with that) and taking in that moment. I have to confess that…well…let’s just say Main Street got a little dusty that morning (it’s a DISDads thing, you’ll figure it out).

I just love that quote of Walt's. And this is why I wanted to read your TR. To read reflections of someone who is back at Disney after a long wait. I can just picture the special moment you had with your family.

Then it was off to the other side of PFH. We had a nice chat with Rapunzel, who was also fascinated with Brianna’s nails. Side note: Brianna got her nails done just before the trip, with a special Disney theme (you'll see she has Mickeys, the castle, Princess slipper, "hidden Mickey" jewels). She got a bunch of compliments on them, including from a few characters, so she was quite happy with that.

I am impressed that you made it a point to include the photo and information about Brianna's nails. This demonstrates what a great dad you must be for your kids, you are in tune with their interests and things that they enjoy.

fter all the Princess merriment, we thought a spot of tea was in order. So off to the Tea Cups we went. Katie loves this ride. I am not a fan, but I put up with it, as long as the cup isn’t spun too fast, or else it becomes the Puke Cups (© @Steppesister :)).

This is me, too! My hubby and kids love to make them spin as fast as possible! I, on the other hand, do not respond well to the crazy spinning.

Next Update Questions for fun:

1. We go swimming back at All-Star Music, in the guitar pool. Is this the only pool we swim in that afternoon?

I have a feeling since you are traveling with Katie, an eleven year old, she will have most likely convinced you to try out both the guitar pool and the piano pool.

2. We visit Toy Story Land for the first time. We have a fast pass for one ride – which one?

3. We also see Fantasmic! Is it the first show or second show?

Woo Hoo! I am all caught up and able to participate in the guessing game.

1. I have a feeling since you are traveling with Katie, an eleven year old, she will have most likely convinced you to try out both the guitar pool and the piano pool.

2. Slinky dog

3. Second show
 
I am impressed that you made it a point to include the photo and information about Brianna's nails. This demonstrates what a great dad you must be for your kids, you are in tune with their interests and things that they enjoy.
Thanks! We had to get her nail picture from the salon's Instagram. Despite all the selfies and pictures she took during the trip, not one was a close up of her nails! I was thinking to not include it, but she was so proud of her nails and the attention it got, I wanted it in the story.
 


August 18, 2018 – Day 1, Part 2 – The Hollywood Boulevard Dash

Arriving back at ASMu by bus, we stopped into Intermission food court for lunch. The options here are somewhat limited. It was really burgers, hot dogs, nuggets, or pizza. There was one station with a make your own salad bowl option, but let’s face it, I don’t eat green things at home, it’s certainly not happening on vacation. I was disappointed they had no make your own pasta station (they did have a spaghetti and meatballs option with marinara on the menu, but no customizing). I thought this would have been a staple of most food courts, and it’s always been a reliable choice in the past for me. Anyway, the girls got pizza, Tish had chicken nuggets and a foot long chili cheese dog looked interesting to me. The pizzas and burger were OK. My hot dog was fine, but it was huge. I really could have just had a regular sized hot dog, but since we had the meal plan anyway, I went with the larger foot long size. One thing I did appreciate was the fact that QS meals come with alcoholic drinks now, and I am not one to turn down a girly mixed cocktail. They had two “on tap” so we tried both – an electric lemonade with vodka and I can’t remember the details of other but it was red and made with whisky. The electric lemonade was nice, but the whisky cocktail was very strong. The girls had started eating their pizza before I took a picture, but you can see the corner of a slice below. It's pepperoni pizza, so you'll have to use your imagination.

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So after scarfing down a massive foot long chill cheese dog, the next logical thing was to go swimming, right? Well, I could have passed. But Katie (who is the only real swimmer in the family) wanted to get in the pool, so off we went for a dip in the guitar pool (the main pool at ASMu).

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The pool has the Three Caballeros in the middle, which has a water spray feature that was inexplicably and sadly turned off during the day and only active early in the morning or late evening. Not sure why. Conserving water in the heat? It was actually the only interesting feature of the pool.

We both got a little bored and were talking about the other All-Star pools, so Katie asked if we could go to All-Star Sports to check out that pool (Sports was closer to our room, just across the parking lot). Never one to turn down some exploring, we meandered over to the Surf’s Up pool, with Tish and Brianna joining us to do a little sunbathing. I have to say there wasn’t much exciting going on here either. We splashed around for a bit before heading back to our room for a quick nap.

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We left our room around 5:00pm and this time got in our rental car. I noted that the temperature on the dash said 114°F. It was a bit shocking on that first afternoon. Interestingly, I didn’t make note of it for the rest of the trip, after I came to realize this was normal summer weather.

We arrived at Hollywood Studios and I realized this is the first time I had ever driven a car to a park when I was staying on site. I wasn’t quite sure what I had to do or say, but I was pretty sure I didn’t need to pay for parking. Getting mildly flustered, I rolled up to the parking booth and told the attendant “I’m staying at Hollywood Studios”. Without batting an eyelash the guy said “Wow, you got a really good deal”. Of course what I meant to say was “I’m staying at All-Star Music”, hoping that would be the magic words to let me park for free. As I discovered, all they need to do is scan your Magicband with their little thingamabob and you’re good to go.

Walking to the main entrance, I was reminded that fellow trip report writer @MeghanEmily would also be in DHS tonight. No meet up was planned. I just remembered a comment from her trip report, so I thought it would be funny if somehow I bumped into her. No sooner than the thought ran through my mind, a sudden flash of pink in the bag check line caught my eye. Nah, it couldn’t be. But it was! There she is! Proof that DISers are actually real people! (My wife may have been wondering about that) Although Meghan was near the front, I picked what I was certain would be the fastest line. Yeah…you know how that goes. Being stuck in the back of the now slowest line, I saw Meghan move on through. With that, disappointment set in. I missed a chance at my first DISmeet.

Feeling a bit like Charlie Brown missing the football, I shuffled on through security. Toy Story Land beckoned. We were debating about getting a Photopass picture done and were looking for a photographer…wait….SQUIRREL! ...I gotta go!.............................................................
................................................................................
………Meghan!.............................
.........Meghan!...................

Well, dear readers, perhaps you are as confused as A) my family was, wondering why I took off running and left them in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard and B) poor Meghan was, wondering who this lunatic was running up behind and yelling at her. After a quick introduction to her and N, my family had caught up with us (fortunately, they did not take it as an opportunity to ditch me, but perhaps it crossed their mind). We spent a few minutes chatting and of course took the requisite photo to prove that we did actually meet. It was great having my first DISmeet, one that happened by a chance sighting, not once, but twice :)

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Now, on to Toy Story Land! We were all pretty excited to see this place that had just opened a few weeks before. We found a Photopass photographer along the way and had our first picture taken with Star Wars Launch Bay in the background. I'll get more into this later in the report, but I do miss the Animation building, especially the drawing class.

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Toy Story Land was pretty busy and crowded. Luckily, I had made a FP for each of the TSL attractions. It was time to ride that Alien Swirling Saucer! Many of you may have expected Slinky Dog Dash. Well, there were no FP available until Day 6 of our trip, but in hindsight it was not a bad idea to have it later in our trip to let Katie settle into the idea of riding roller coasters again. We rode AS2 (I know why it’s been abbreviated this way, but the 13 year old boy in me could have a lot more fun writing it the other way :p), it was more fun than I expected. The spinning is not a Puke Cups kind of spin, but rather a wider, gentler spin. The fun bit is the way it whips you around, so we all had a good laugh at that.

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I took the picture above from the AS2 queue. We were really looking forward to riding it, but didn't want to brave the stand by queue in the heat of the setting sun blazing directly into TSL. Hoping for a break from the heat, we decided to try Midway Mania. It was posted at 60 minutes, but the Touring Plans app said 33 minutes, so logically it ended up being 40 minutes. Not too bad for TSMM (if you think how long the wait was 4 years ago with only two tracks). Katie and I were sitting together. I had read up on the tips and tricks, hoping it would help our score. I remembered almost nothing, but I guess I did OK. I must have helped Katie out a bit because she did really well compared to other times - of course she was only 7 year old last time I rode with her.

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The girls wanted to stop for a picture at the Pixar ball. A large metal sphere reflecting the sun back at us. Just a little HOT!!! We also barely got the picture because there were so many people in the main walkway.

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I also wanted a picture in front of the Star Wars: Galaxy`s Edge construction, just say I was there when...

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CONTINUED NEXT POST...
 
August 18, 2018 – Day 1, Part 2 – Continued...

It was time for our second FP – Star Tours. I should say that I wasn’t a fan of the tiers in TSL (I understand it, I just don’t like it). It meant that if I wanted a FP on each TSL ride, I had to burn three days with of FP in DHS – and there isn’t much else to FP. The upside was my evil plan to get my family on Star Tours multiple times. It was a good second choice for FP. I like Star Tours, especially since they added all the random scenes. The girls just kind of put up with it. I was happy to get the Jakku and Crait scenes – both added since my last trip – plus a little teaser scene of the Black Spire Outpost (the town in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, if you didn’t know).

We had no specific plan for the rest of the night. We did have a FP for the second Fantismic! show but weren’t sure if we would use it. It was getting on supper time by now, but nobody was all that hungry after our big lunch. This is where I started to see our dining plan was not working for us. My idea of a light breakfast and QS lunch and supper had not worked out today. It’s just too much food for us, especially the girls. They are happy to have a big lunch and then just snacks. Anyway, we walked into Backlot Express since I really felt like we should use some credits. I ended up getting Darth Vader Chicken & Waffles – which was on my to do list – and Katie would have a couple of the nuggets. Tish and Brianna each had a Kylo Ren peanut butter chocolate cupcake. We also got a couple slushies to share (mine was alcoholic, Strawberry Daquiri, the girls had blue raspberry). The chicken and waffles were fine. The cupcakes were cold to the point of being almost frozen, so they weren’t the best. Slushies were OK (can they mess up a slushie?). So overall, a solid “meh” rating on Backlot Express.

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Over our mediocre supper/snack, we chatted about what to do next. Looking at the Times Guide, we noticed that we could line up Frozen Sing Along, Disney Movie magic, Star Wars fireworks, and Fantasmic! all in a row, with little waiting in between. It sounded like a plan, so off we went.

First up was the frozen Sing Along. I hadn’t really planned to do this, but Brianna was interested (since she’s a “friend” of Elsa at home and all), so we walked right into the theatre just a few minutes before show time. The show was fine. I do enjoy the banter of the story tellers. One thing was the “snow” at the end, there was tons of it and we got covered. I don’t know if they were trying to get rid of it all since it was the last show of the night, or if that’s the way it is now. We had a good laugh at that anyway.


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We left the theatre and got in place for Disney Movie Magic. I wasn’t sure where a good viewing spot was, but we chose to lean against the railing on the right side of the courtyard in front of the Chinese Theater. It seemed as good a spot as any, and it turned out to be fine. The projection show itself was OK, but maybe a bit forgettable because I really don’t remember a lot about it now.

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We stayed put until the Star Wars fireworks started. The girls were not too enthusiastic about this, but they knew I wanted to see it, so they humoured me. Of course it’s more projection show than fireworks. But I enjoyed at all the same.

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We were pretty tired by this point, but we did have a FP for the second Fantasmic! We decided we might as well just go anyway in case we didn’t get another chance later. I had never actually been to a second show, but heard it was much less crowded. FYI – it is. The FP was
unnecessary, although they did scan our bands and we got seats about half way down in the FP section – and this was only about 10 minutes before show time. The far ends of the theatre were empty.

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Looks like Ariel needed a nap part way through the show :laughing:

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We were definitely ready for bed by that point, so back to ASMu we went for a much needed rest.


Answers to last questions:

1. We go swimming back at All-Star Music, in the guitar pool. Is this the only pool we swim in that afternoon?
No. We hopped over to Surf’s Up pool at All-Star Sports

2. We visit Toy Story Land for the first time. We have a fast pass for one ride – which one?
Alien Swirling Saucers

3. We also see Fantasmic! Is it the first show or second show?
Second Show


Next Update Questions for Fun:

1. Next day is Photopass Day so there are rare characters at each park. We start our day at Animal Kingdom. Who is the special character you can meet at AK? Do we meet that character?

2. We have lunch in the park before taking our afternoon break at the resort. Between the four of us, we get lunch at two places - at a QS restaurant and a food truck. What are they?

3. We visit Pandora and have a FP. For what ride? (I’m giving you a 50/50 chance here folks)
 
Then, after a long four year wait, we finally left today and entered a world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy. It had been so long, it honestly felt like a bit of a dream to me. As we started walking up Main Street, I couldn’t help putting my arm around Katie (because she’s my baby and will still put up with that) and taking in that moment. I have to confess that…well…let’s just say Main Street got a little dusty that morning (it’s a DISDads thing, you’ll figure it out).
I love the picture of the the four of you!

I mean, see the cute look on her face when she saw the castle for the first time?
So adorable!

Then it was off to the other side of PFH. We had a nice chat with Rapunzel, who was also fascinated with Brianna’s nails.
Super fun princess interactions and great pictures!

A&D chatted with the girls for a bit, then A&D found out we had a cat and were so excited. They started making plans for our Shelby and their Lucifer to have a play date. A&D also noticed Brianna’s nails and made a fuss. They were all laughing the whole time.
This is hilarious! I've always heard what a great M&G they are. Must put that on the list for next summer!

By this time, it was getting near midday a.k.a. the part of the day when us northerners really start to melt. Katie and Brianna wanted to go on Barnstormer so we sent them off while Tish and I cooled down and shared a slush (technically Goofy’s Glaciers) in Big Top Souvenirs. I really like this place, since it has nearly the same treat selection as Main Street Confectionery, but less crowded.
I finally visited Big Top this summer. It's wonderful! Did you visit the gang there as well (Daisy, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto all in circus gear...so cute!)

Carousel of Progress would be a nice break, and the fact that the girls still had their slushes was fortunately not an issue, they could keep them during the show. Katie had never done CoP and the rest of us hadn’t done it since 2008. I enjoyed it, and I think Katie did too. I always like the "hidden Mickey" on the mantle. It reminds of my favourite Disney Christmas cartoon "Pluto's Christmas Tree"
CoP is one of Disney favourites. There are 13 Hidden Mickeys in the ride, so fun to look for!

Next Update Questions for fun:

1. We go swimming back at All-Star Music, in the guitar pool. Is this the only pool we swim in that afternoon?

2. We visit Toy Story Land for the first time. We have a fast pass for one ride – which one?

3. We also see Fantasmic! Is it the first show or second show?
1. No
2. Swirling Saucers
3. 2nd
 


Wow, what a great evening at DHS! How fun to run into Meghan! We really enjoyed AS2, I loved the cool music during the ride.

Good idea to do all 3 nighttime shows in a row!

Ahh new questions, I will try my best, lol
1. We met this rare character, maybe we saw you at AK that day! Bolt!
2. Flame Tree BBQ and the truck with Mr. Kamal’s fries?
3. NRJ
 
There was one station with a make your own salad bowl option, but let’s face it, I don’t eat green things at home, it’s certainly not happening on vacation.

Amen!

I noted that the temperature on the dash said 114°F. It was a bit shocking on that first afternoon.

Oh my goodness...I remember how this feels...getting into a rental in the heat of the afternoon....wow, that took me back! It's amazing how you get accustomed to it over the course of a trip.

Getting mildly flustered, I rolled up to the parking booth and told the attendant “I’m staying at Hollywood Studios”. Without batting an eyelash the guy said “Wow, you got a really good deal”.

:rotfl::rotfl: Give that guy a medal!

This is ALWAYS how it seems to go for me when I cross the Canada/US border by car. "How do I use words!? What do I do with my hands!?"

Feeling a bit like Charlie Brown missing the football, I shuffled on through security. Toy Story Land beckoned. We were debating about getting a Photopass picture done and were looking for a photographer…wait….SQUIRREL! ...I gotta go!.............................................................
................................................................................
………Meghan!.............................
.........Meghan!...................

:rotfl2::rotfl2: Oh wow, this is so interesting to read about from the other perspective!!

B) poor Meghan was, wondering who this lunatic was running up behind and yelling at her.

Okay, so I definitely didn't think you were a lunatic. But I also definitely wasn't expecting to her my name! And it's also a very very common name, so I've gotten used to just tuning it out when I hear it in a crowd. I thought I heard the first "Meghan!" and then I was like, "....NAH!" But I'm glad you eventually got my attention, despite my cluelessness! :goodvibes

We spent a few minutes chatting and of course took the requisite photo to prove that we did actually meet. It was great having my first DISmeet, one that happened by a chance sighting, not once, but twice :)

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Thanks so much for the DISmeet, Jeff! I remember feeling sorry that I hadn't gotten myself organized enough to actually try to arrange a meet with you before we left, so I'm so glad it just happened naturally. It was great to say hello to you and your family!

The spinning is not a Puke Cups kind of spin, but rather a wider, gentler spin.

I agree! I was a little concerned about it, but I had no issues.

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I took the picture above from the AS2 queue.

Cool picture!

This is where I started to see our dining plan was not working for us.

It seems to me that you're not alone in this. Even the regular dining plan is just a lot of food, and in a very structured way.

So overall, a solid “meh” rating on Backlot Express.

:laughing: That's exactly how we feel about it, too! But we always seem to go back there when we need QS at DHS, because "meh" is better than sub-meh. There really aren't many options.

I had never actually been to a second show, but heard it was much less crowded. FYI – it is.

Checking my own notes here....and YEP! We were there, also! With our good luck streak, it's a wonder we didn't run into you again! We also noticed the major difference in crowd level—I remember mentioning to Nathan about how much of the theatre was still empty when the show started.

1. Next day is Photopass Day so there are rare characters at each park. We start our day at Animal Kingdom. Who is the special character you can meet at AK? Do we meet that character?

Hmmm....I seem to recall Bolt being there? We were thinking about taking advantage of some of the photopass opportunities, but then we never really did.

2. We have lunch in the park before taking our afternoon break at the resort. Between the four of us, we get lunch at two places - at a QS restaurant and a food truck. What are they?

Hmmmm....I'm gonna guess Flame Tree BBQ....and I don't know about the food truck!? :confused3

3. We visit Pandora and have a FP. For what ride? (I’m giving you a 50/50 chance here folks)

Let's say FOP....but if you're anything like me, it'll make you nauseated! :laughing:
 
Did you visit the gang there as well (Daisy, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto all in circus gear...so cute!)
On that day, no...but later in the trip, yes!

There are 13 Hidden Mickeys in the ride, so fun to look for!
Oh wow, I didn't realize there were that many! I enjoy looking for Hidden Mickeys, although I have never gone to the extent of buying the guide book. I actually noticed a family in AK with the guide book and they were ticking off every Mickey they saw.

We met this rare character, maybe we saw you at AK that day! Bolt!
Maybe we did cross paths without knowing it! We were excited that Bolt was in AK that day, since we had just watched the movie a couple months before. You'll have to see if we meet him or not :)
 
Okay, so I definitely didn't think you were a lunatic. But I also definitely wasn't expecting to her my name! And it's also a very very common name, so I've gotten used to just tuning it out when I hear it in a crowd. I thought I heard the first "Meghan!" and then I was like, "....NAH!" But I'm glad you eventually got my attention, despite my cluelessness! :goodvibes
Hehe...glad you didn't think I was a lunatic! I was going to make sure I got your attention after missing you at security.

Thanks so much for the DISmeet, Jeff! I remember feeling sorry that I hadn't gotten myself organized enough to actually try to arrange a meet with you before we left, so I'm so glad it just happened naturally. It was great to say hello to you and your family!
I knew a couple is DISers were going to be there, but I decided not to try arranging things. I had never done a meet and trips are always so busy running from one thing to the next, I was never sure if arranging a meet would be too much of a distraction. But it was fun meeting you by chance! I think next time I would definitely try arranging meet ups. It's nice meeting people in person.

That's exactly how we feel about it, too! But we always seem to go back there when we need QS at DHS, because "meh" is better than sub-meh. There really aren't many options.
Yeah, Backlot Express was really what I figured would be the "best of the worst". We probably would have enjoyed it more had we been hungrier. It was one of those situations where we figured if we didn't eat them, we probably would have been hungry after all the shows, and then it's really too late to eat a big meal.

Checking my own notes here....and YEP! We were there, also! With our good luck streak, it's a wonder we didn't run into you again!
:laughing: I wondered if you ended up doing anything else the same as us that night.
I actually have a secret...I saw you a third time. Up in Toy Story Land. I think it was near Woody and Jessie's M&G, I saw you through the crowd. We were on our way to the AS2 FP at the time :P
 
:laughing: I wondered if you ended up doing anything else the same as us that night.
I actually have a secret...I saw you a third time. Up in Toy Story Land. I think it was near Woody and Jessie's M&G, I saw you through the crowd. We were on our way to the AS2 FP at the time :P

Hilarious!! Well, I suppose having pink hair made me pretty hard to miss. :laughing: It's wild how you can be in a crowded park with tens of thousands of other people, and still run into people you know.
 
Glad you were able to flag down Meghan!

Love the TSL pics- can't wait to see it for myself!

Sounds like a great evening at DHS!

1. Bolt- Yes

2. Yak & Yeti & ???

3. NRJ
 
Hi I am following along! You have a beautiful family!
I totally got your title, being an Indiana Jones fan and all (although we haven't seen the show in HS for a while now, just never fits into our schedule).
What a fun morning in MK! You did so much including a bunch of princess meets - that is not always easy!
Looking forward to more.
 
What a great TR so far. I love Brianna's nails, how cool are those!!!
Thanks! She was very happy with her nails so I wanted to include it in my report.

Hi I am following along! You have a beautiful family!
I totally got your title, being an Indiana Jones fan and all (although we haven't seen the show in HS for a while now, just never fits into our schedule).
What a fun morning in MK! You did so much including a bunch of princess meets - that is not always easy!
Looking forward to more.
Thanks for following! It had been a long time since I saw the Indiana Jones show but (spoiler) we did see it this trip - I partly wanted to just because I knew what my title would be. :P
Princess Fairytale Hall is definitely an important part of the "Princess Challenge". It is tough seeing them all, but with my two girls it wouldn't be a trip if we didn't try (we may or may not have succeeded this trip...I can't give away all my secrets)
 
:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:
Because I'm truly a 12 year old boy at heart, that is indeed a very long hot dog :-)

Getting mildly flustered, I rolled up to the parking booth and told the attendant “I’m staying at Hollywood Studios”. Without batting an eyelash the guy said “Wow, you got a really good deal”. Of course what I meant to say was “I’m staying at All-Star Music”, hoping that would be the magic words to let me park for free. As I discovered, all they need to do is scan your Magicband with their little thingamabob and you’re good to go.
Funny I was just thinking the other day what you need to show to prove you are staying onsite or have an AP to get into the parks. We've never had a car there but will be joined by a friend driving in on our next trip and I thought it may be advantageous to use the car vice a bus. We're likely staying at Shades of Green and the buses don't run as often to/from there.

Although Meghan was near the front, I picked what I was certain would be the fastest line. Yeah…you know how that goes. Being stuck in the back of the now slowest line, I saw Meghan move on through. With that, disappointment set in. I missed a chance at my first DISmeet.
Near miss!!! I kept looking out for her (and you) and a few others too but only ended up running into @suse66

fter a quick introduction to her and N, my family had caught up with us (fortunately, they did not take it as an opportunity to ditch me, but perhaps it crossed their mind).
:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

Wow, MGM looks like a ghost town!

We rode AS2 (I know why it’s been abbreviated this way, but the 13 year old boy in me could have a lot more fun writing it the other way :p)
Think its too late to change the abbreviation now. Not our fault thats how the letters lie :-)

his is where I started to see our dining plan was not working for us. My idea of a light breakfast and QS lunch and supper had not worked out today. It’s just too much food for us, especially the girls.
We did it once and it didn't work for us either. It's much easier (and in my mind cheaper) if Casey and I just share food.

We left the theatre and got in place for Disney Movie Magic. I wasn’t sure where a good viewing spot was, but we chose to lean against the railing on the right side of the courtyard in front of the Chinese Theater. It seemed as good a spot as any, and it turned out to be fine. The projection show itself was OK, but maybe a bit forgettable because I really don’t remember a lot about it now.

img_9185-jpg.354989
We've still never seen this and I'd most definitely like to change that. We just don't spend much time in MGM these days for every reason you said earlier.

1. Next day is Photopass Day so there are rare characters at each park. We start our day at Animal Kingdom. Who is the special character you can meet at AK? Do we meet that character?

2. We have lunch in the park before taking our afternoon break at the resort. Between the four of us, we get lunch at two places - at a QS restaurant and a food truck. What are they?

3. We visit Pandora and have a FP. For what ride? (I’m giving you a 50/50 chance here folks)
1. Bolt and No
2. Flame Tree and Trilo Bites
3. Navi River
 
Because I'm truly a 12 year old boy at heart, that is indeed a very long hot dog :-)
I totally wanted to write something along the lines of "my wiener was huge" but I really don't know how far I should go with things. My inner 12 year old is glad you pointed it out. My work here is done. :rotfl:

Near miss!!! I kept looking out for her (and you) and a few others too but only ended up running into @suse66
I kept an eye out for you as well. I wasn't sure setting up a particular meet up time would work out since things don't always go as planned, so I didn't ask anyone to make firm plans. I actually tried that with another DISDad and it just didn't work.

We've still never seen this and I'd most definitely like to change that. We just don't spend much time in MGM these days for every reason you said earlier.
I wouldn't go out of your way to see it. It's a nice show if you happen to be in MGM already, but like I said, a bit forgettable.
 
I thought some rooms/resorts at least had a little runner at the foot of the bed. Even that would be better. But yes, I understand it.
Some still do, at least back in March we had the runners at CCV. I honestly can't remember Pop in May and we didn't have runners at the GF last month. Just 1700 sq. feet of room :D

but let’s face it, I don’t eat green things at home, it’s certainly not happening on vacation.
:laughing: This is me! Steve and Ricky eat lots of salad at home and Steve eats veggies, and they both manage to keep that up pretty well when in Disney. Every time Steve gets the seasonal vegetable with a meal instead of fries or mashed potatoes I just look at him like :confused3

“I’m staying at Hollywood Studios”. Without batting an eyelash the guy said “Wow, you got a really good deal”.
Now THAT would be an upgrade!

We spent a few minutes chatting and of course took the requisite photo to prove that we did actually meet. It was great having my first DISmeet, one that happened by a chance sighting, not once, but twice :)
@MeghanEmily and N are great! We had the great pleasure and luck to meet them last year. I was sad to miss them along with you and everyone else in August but I'll see her again next May :thumbsup2

but I do miss the Animation building, especially the drawing class.
Funny you mention this, I was cleaning out drawers and found a bunch of our old drawings from the animation class :( We all loved it except Chris lol and that closure was one that bothered us. I think we're going to try doing the drawing class at AOA in Nov. :)

I should say that I wasn’t a fan of the tiers in TSL (I understand it, I just don’t like it). It meant that if I wanted a FP on each TSL ride, I had to burn three days with of FP in DHS – and there isn’t much else to FP.
Epcot tiers IMO are the worst, followed very closely by HS.

although they did scan our bands and we got seats about half way down in the FP section – and this was only about 10 minutes before show time.
Nice view! I like F! a lot and so does Ricky. We don't catch it every trip so when we do see it, it's fresh and fun.
 
There was one station with a make your own salad bowl option, but let’s face it, I don’t eat green things at home, it’s certainly not happening on vacation.

Good man. I knew I liked you for some reason.

It's pepperoni pizza, so you'll have to use your imagination.

Um...Man, I'm trying, but this is a tough one.

The pool has the Three Caballeros in the middle, which has a water spray feature that was inexplicably and sadly turned off during the day and only active early in the morning or late evening. Not sure why. Conserving water in the heat? It was actually the only interesting feature of the pool.

Or just broken? That's annoying.

I noted that the temperature on the dash said 114°F.

:faint: Welcome to Disney's Pit of Hell.

Getting mildly flustered, I rolled up to the parking booth and told the attendant “I’m staying at Hollywood Studios”. Without batting an eyelash the guy said “Wow, you got a really good deal”.

:lmao::rotfl2::rotfl:

Proof that DISers are actually real people!

Wait...what? I'm...I'm real! This is the best day of my life!

Well, dear readers, perhaps you are as confused as A) my family was, wondering why I took off running and left them in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard and B) poor Meghan was, wondering who this lunatic was running up behind and yelling at her.

Don't worry, he's Canadian. Completely harmless.

I'll get more into this later in the report, but I do miss the Animation building, especially the drawing class.

Me too. That was a neat, unique experience.

We rode AS2 (I know why it’s been abbreviated this way, but the 13 year old boy in me could have a lot more fun writing it the other way :p)

:rolleyes1 No idea what you're talking about.

It was posted at 60 minutes, but the Touring Plans app said 33 minutes, so logically it ended up being 40 minutes.

We saw that happen a lot, too. They seem to be manipulating the wait times a lot more than they used to.

I should say that I wasn’t a fan of the tiers in TSL (I understand it, I just don’t like it).

I'm not a fan of the tiers anywhere!

We stayed put until the Star Wars fireworks started. The girls were not too enthusiastic about this, but they knew I wanted to see it, so they humoured me. Of course it’s more projection show than fireworks. But I enjoyed at all the same.

I thought the Disney projection show was kind of boring, but I loved the Star Wars one. I think it has to do with giant pillars of fire.

Looks like Ariel needed a nap part way through the show :laughing:

Hey, me too! :rotfl2:

1. Next day is Photopass Day so there are rare characters at each park. We start our day at Animal Kingdom. Who is the special character you can meet at AK? Do we meet that character?

Uh...Devine? I have to admit, I never pay attention to the characters.

2. We have lunch in the park before taking our afternoon break at the resort. Between the four of us, we get lunch at two places - at a QS restaurant and a food truck. What are they?

Hopefully Flame Tree BBQ. And I had no idea they had a food truck anywhere.

3. We visit Pandora and have a FP. For what ride? (I’m giving you a 50/50 chance here folks)

Please be Flight of Passage!
 

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