Drama Queens in Disney - A Theatrical Journey with SOOZE and Friends! Update 5/6

[Sooze]

So after we weaved back and forth through the greenhouse, we were finally entering the castle itself!! Here are a few shots from the queue. I’ll just tell you that around every bend was something that made you go “Oh!” or “Ah!” or “Oh my GOODNESS!!!!” It was so neat to see these pieces of the Harry Potter franchise right in front of you! (I realize these were not original props or anything, but that didn’t make them any less cool, let me tell ya!!)

Gryffindor is winning! (duh!)

I just wanted to hop over the railing and ride this up to Dumbledore’s office!

Ah. MAY. Zing technology in here!!

This didn’t turn out well. It’s the portrait of the Fat Lady from the Gryffindor Tower. She really talked and sang… very cool!

This was in the Gryffindor Common Room. I wanted to jump over the railing again so I could run upstairs and say “hi” to Ron and Harry in their dormitory!

Soon we were at the ride load area. We hadn’t paid much attention, but the girls were actually too small to ride! But not to worry, because they had the coolest ride-swap area set up just off the load area!! There were TVs in the area playing Harry Potter movies and places for people to sit and wait. As soon as your party got off the ride, they could meet you in the swap area and take over watching the little ones while you took your turn! Jessica and I waited with the girls, while the 4 boys rode first.

Jessica and the girls mesmerized by a wonderful HP movie.

The boys got off the ride just giddy with excitement! They took over watching the girls, we grabbed Bryan, and the 3 of us were ready to go!

So how was the ride?!

Wow. Oh. WOW!!!! Was it ever different! And completely unexpected. It was a simulator ride unlike any I’ve ever experienced. It was thrilling and scary, fun and frantic. It involved movie clips made just for the ride, and 3 Dimensional props and sets (including a VERY large spider that literally scared the spit out of Jessica!!). It. Was. AWESOME!!! And I couldn’t wait to ride it again!

In Disney tradition, the ride dumped you into a store full of Wizarding goodness. I would’ve LOVED to have spent a great amount of time in here, but it was crowded. It was BEYOND crowded. I can’t even believe I was able to grab this cute shot of the girls on their brooms, but here it is:

We got out of there in a hurry, knowing we’d come back for some big-time money spending later. Right down the road a bit, we ran into this delicious place:

Candy anyone?

I really wanted to buy Every Flavor Beans and a Chocolate Frog or two but, let me tell you, WWoHP is EXPENSIVE!!! Like, worse-than-Disney expensive. I just couldn’t bring myself to spending that kind of money on something we were going to eat!!!

Our next stop was the Dueling Dragons coaster, which was another ride the poor girls couldn’t ride. We promised them that after this, we would spend some time in Seuss Landing with them, which satisfied their poor patient souls!

LOVED the Dueling Dragons roller coaster!! It was a GREAT ride!


But now it was time to let the girls have their turn. We decided to leave WWoHP for a bit and come back later in the day. Our hope was that all of the people that flocked to the park and headed straight to WWoHP(like us) would clear out later in the afternoon. Notice I said “our HOPE”.

Mmmm hmmmm…. Those crowds NEVER left! But we were off to Seuss Landing. Jessica and I took the girls. Bryan and Tom took the boys over to the Marvel area… where they would torture Bryan in the worst of ways…

Stay tuned!

 

[ZFamily5]

Just wait... there are more adorable pictures yet to come!!

I'm glad SOMEONE relates to Tyson!

I think I've read the HP series 4 times!! Then I moved on to Twilight (I'm ashamed to admit... I loved those books and I think the movies absolutely ruined them!) Now I'm completely obsessed with The Hunger Games! How about you? Any other series that you enjoy? I'm always looking for something new!

Oh boy! I love adorable pictures!

I've only read the first Twilight book and it didn't do much for me, so I didn't read the rest. I love love love the Hunger Games too! So good! I also really liked Percy Jackson and the Olympians (not sure if that's the official name of the series)! And almost all of Sarah Dessen's books are amazing!

WWoHP looks amazing! The matching shirts are fantastic! I've heard it's always crowded, which is a negative, but being transported into a book is a major positive for Universal! We went to Hawaii with my cousins a few years ago and my mom started a game where we'd point out some "lovely" outfits; we understand, we're a drama family too. My mom directs plays, I do stage crew (usually sound), my dad helps build sets and my sisters act. Enough about me, can't wait to hear about Seussland!

 

[Sooze]

Oh boy! I love adorable pictures!

I've only read the first Twilight book and it didn't do much for me, so I didn't read the rest. I love love love the Hunger Games too! So good! I also really liked Percy Jackson and the Olympians (not sure if that's the official name of the series)! And almost all of Sarah Dessen's books are amazing!

I've never read anything by Sarah Dessen. Maybe I can look into that for Spring Break. Thanks! And you can bet I'll be counting down the seconds until that Hunger Games movie opens. I SOOOOO hope it is done well, and not like those awful Twilight movies!!

WWoHP looks amazing! The matching shirts are fantastic! I've heard it's always crowded, which is a negative, but being transported into a book is a major positive for Universal! We went to Hawaii with my cousins a few years ago and my mom started a game where we'd point out some "lovely" outfits; we understand, we're a drama family too. My mom directs plays, I do stage crew (usually sound), my dad helps build sets and my sisters act. Enough about me, can't wait to hear about Seussland!

WWoHP was pretty amazing... the theming is fantastic... top notch! But, as I'll discuss at the end of this day, it was super small! I hope all the rumors about them expanding it are true, because it needs MORE!

I'm so glad I'm not the only evil one who points out ridiculous outfits. Who knows? Maybe someone took a secret picture of ME to make fun of later, right?

And I love that your family is involved in theater! Post pictures if you have any! Thanks again for following along

 

[micandminforever]

Great pictures, now I can't wait until our family trip. We plan to spend the first two days at Universal then the rest of the week at Disney.

The group picture with the conductor and the girls on the brooms were my favorites, you could see the excitement in your faces. I look forward to the pictures of the rides that the girls could enjoy.

 

[ZFamily5]

I've never read anything by Sarah Dessen. Maybe I can look into that for Spring Break. Thanks! And you can bet I'll be counting down the seconds until that Hunger Games movie opens. I SOOOOO hope it is done well, and not like those awful Twilight movies!!

WWoHP was pretty amazing... the theming is fantastic... top notch! But, as I'll discuss at the end of this day, it was super small! I hope all the rumors about them expanding it are true, because it needs MORE!

I'm so glad I'm not the only evil one who points out ridiculous outfits. Who knows? Maybe someone took a secret picture of ME to make fun of later, right?

And I love that your family is involved in theater! Post pictures if you have any! Thanks again for following along

She's mainly a teen author, but a lot of her work is very mature. We are counting down the days too! We have a group of friends at church that pre-ordered their tickets already! I hate to admit this...I haven't seen the Twilight movies! We don't go to the movies often and when we do watch movies (at the theater or at home) they have to be appropriate for my sisters. Literally, the last three movies I've seen at the theater have been the Winnie the Pooh movie, the Lion King in 3D and the Muppet Movie!

It does look crowded in everyone's pictures...an expansion would be a good idea!

I've never really thought of that...I'd like to think I have enough taste to pick out an outfit good enough that no one would feel the need to take a picture of me. But who knows?

I'll have to get some pictures from the other computer in the morning, but I'll certainly share some! Can't wait for another update!

 

[pixidustmom]

Just came across your TR. I am enjoying your fun adventures. I so can't wait to go back sometime and go see Hogwarts for myself. We have never been. I would also like to stay at AK but have had others say the wait for the bus and the long walks are no fun. So I think I may never do that unless we get a rental car.
Looking forward to reading more.

 

[PrincessV]

You gonna be around the first few days of April?

Ooo, if it involves a Sat. or Sun., I'm pretty sure I can arrange to be!

Oh my gosh, those evil TINY little coffee cups at AKV! Why on earth do they make them so small there?!

I really have no idea where the obsession with hobos came from. I think it’s just a pre-tween boy thing. They call everyone a hobo… so please don’t tell me I should tell my child to respect the homeless, because it’s not about that. It’s kind of a term of endearment that Kelsen and Tyson use … except they are just trying to be goofy, not endearing!

I'm literally LOL at this - I know all about the endearingly goofy ways of the tween boy!

I was laughing at all of us having to use maps to get around! We NEVER use maps at Disney anymore… so this was funny and frustrating not knowing where we were going!

Right?! I felt the same way our first time over to IOA - sort of shell-shocked.

THERE IT WAS!!!

[/QUOTE]
~sigh~ All of your pics are making me regret not renewing our US/IOA passes. I suspect new ones will be in our summer future...

So how was the ride?!

Wow. Oh. WOW!!!! Was it ever different! And completely unexpected. It was a simulator ride unlike any I’ve ever experienced. It was thrilling and scary, fun and frantic.

I never know how to describe FJ - this is perfect! Honestly, it made me soooo nauseous, which is bizarre - I have a cast iron stomach. The only exception is with things that spin, thanks to a childhood concussion. Somehow FJ tapped that nerve, but it was so amazing, I never want to dissuade others from trying it, y'know?

I really wanted to buy Every Flavor Beans and a Chocolate Frog or two but, let me tell you, WWoHP is EXPENSIVE!!! Like, worse-than-Disney expensive. I just couldn’t bring myself to spending that kind of money on something we were going to eat!!!

Oh no, please tell me you made an exception for a cauldron cake?! Best money I've EVER spent in a theme park. Shoot, now I really want to go back...

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Sooze, I am finally here! Been so busy lately there hasn't been much time for the Dis.

Wow, it looks like this trip is going to be tons of fun!

We had a room close to where you stayed at AK. The walk to the lobby was horribly long but the savanna view was so worth it!

Love your pictures of WWoHP. We have never done Universal so anxious to hear all about it.

Just noticed that it appears we will be back in he world at the same time. We arrive on Good Friday. Will you still be there then? If so, are you up for a Dis meet? We are at the BW until 4/11 and then switch to OKW until 4/13. Would love to meet you!

 

[Sooze]

Great pictures, now I can't wait until our family trip. We plan to spend the first two days at Universal then the rest of the week at Disney.

The group picture with the conductor and the girls on the brooms were my favorites, you could see the excitement in your faces. I look forward to the pictures of the rides that the girls could enjoy.

My husband harassed me for days about leaving Disney property but I really enjoyed doing something new! You'll have a good time, I'm sure!

She's mainly a teen author, but a lot of her work is very mature. We are counting down the days too! We have a group of friends at church that pre-ordered their tickets already! I hate to admit this...I haven't seen the Twilight movies!

Trust me, you aren't missing a THING! I kind of wish I never saw them, because they have ruined the images I was able to create on my own while reading the books!

We don't go to the movies often and when we do watch movies (at the theater or at home) they have to be appropriate for my sisters. Literally, the last three movies I've seen at the theater have been the Winnie the Pooh movie, the Lion King in 3D and the Muppet Movie!

Hey, nothing wrong with those movies!

It does look crowded in everyone's pictures...an expansion would be a good idea!

I've heard rumors that's coming!

I've never really thought of that...I'd like to think I have enough taste to pick out an outfit good enough that no one would feel the need to take a picture of me. But who knows?

Something to think about, for sure!

I'll have to get some pictures from the other computer in the morning, but I'll certainly share some! Can't wait for another update!

I'd love to see them!

 

[Sooze]

Just came across your TR. I am enjoying your fun adventures. I so can't wait to go back sometime and go see Hogwarts for myself. We have never been. I would also like to stay at AK but have had others say the wait for the bus and the long walks are no fun. So I think I may never do that unless we get a rental car.
Looking forward to reading more.

Welcome! So glad you are enjoying it!
Hope you are able to see Hogwarts someday! The theming is superb!!
I don't think we will ever stay at AKL again without a car. The resort is STUNNING and comfortable and, again, amazingly themed.... it's just too far away!

Ooo, if it involves a Sat. or Sun., I'm pretty sure I can arrange to be!

Ah, poo.... I fly in on a Monday and we leave on a Thursday. Gotta max out those DVC points!

Oh my gosh, those evil TINY little coffee cups at AKV! Why on earth do they make them so small there?!

Oh, I'm sure it's some kind of conservation excuse... it always seems to be the conservation excuse over in that part of the World!

I'm literally LOL at this - I know all about the endearingly goofy ways of the tween boy!

Yes... yes you do!

Right?! I felt the same way our first time over to IOA - sort of shell-shocked.

Sometimes I still feel that way in parts of AK!

~sigh~ All of your pics are making me regret not renewing our US/IOA passes. I suspect new ones will be in our summer future...

I never know how to describe FJ - this is perfect! Honestly, it made me soooo nauseous, which is bizarre - I have a cast iron stomach. The only exception is with things that spin, thanks to a childhood concussion. Somehow FJ tapped that nerve, but it was so amazing, I never want to dissuade others from trying it, y'know?

I helped V describe something?! Well, ain't that a hoot?!
So, will you ride it again?

Oh no, please tell me you made an exception for a cauldron cake?! Best money I've EVER spent in a theme park. Shoot, now I really want to go back...

Don't throw anything at me, but I don't think I even saw a cauldron cake. yikes... and I don't plan on going back anytime soon. What should I do?!

Thanks for being here, V!!

Sooze, I am finally here! Been so busy lately there hasn't been much time for the Dis.

Wow, it looks like this trip is going to be tons of fun!

We had a room close to where you stayed at AK. The walk to the lobby was horribly long but the savanna view was so worth it!

Love your pictures of WWoHP. We have never done Universal so anxious to hear all about it.

Just noticed that it appears we will be back in he world at the same time. We arrive on Good Friday. Will you still be there then? If so, are you up for a Dis meet? We are at the BW until 4/11 and then switch to OKW until 4/13. Would love to meet you!

You made it! YAY! Thanks for checking in and for your wonderful comments! Unfortunately, it looks like we will just miss each other! We leave to head home on Thursday night, April 5. Bummer!!

 

[Sooze]

On our way out of WWoHP, I caught a few shots of the amazing window displays.

So, after perusing my pictures, I think I made a boo boo. At this point, I think Bryan stayed with the boys in WWoHP to ride some crazy stuff again, while Tom, Jessica, and I took the girls to Seuss Landing. Yes… yes, that’s it!

So here are some shots of what we experienced before our lunch!

We could not get enough pictures of these two cutie-pies!

What’s that? You want to see another cute picture of Addy and Shae? Well, here’s one from the Seuss-themed carousel that I spruced up with my iPhone:

Locked in and ready to ride! (Don’t ask me what this ride was… I forgot!)

Clearly, I was having too much fun to care what the ride was called!

Poor Tom was the odd-man-out!

As SOON as we saw this, we KNEW where we were going to eat!

Sweet view of The Hulk coaster:

Seriously, the theming in Seuss Landing was out-of-this world. If you are a fan of Seuss, you MUST check it out!

Tom and Jessica LOVE the Lorax!

Soon, we were meeting up with the other trio of boys and heading to the Circus McGurkus. This was a BIG scene from Seussical: The Musical, so we were all singing the song and making our way into lunch when suddenly, Sam I am came walking across our path. Bryan saw him first and said, “Oh look! It’s some yellow guy!”

Jessica, who is an UBER-Seuss-geek, just about bit his head off! “That is not SOME yellow guy!! That is SAM I AM!! Helllloooo?!?!!”

It was quite hilarious, and we made fun of Bryan the rest of the trip. Like walking through Disney and seeing Mickey… oh look! It’s some mouse guy! Ha ha ha!!

As we entered the Circus McGurkus, we realized that this was not just an eating establishment, but that they put on a show every once in a while too. And, guess what? The show was about to start!! YAY! So we got our food (Typical pizza, burger, French fry fare) while singing to the Seussical: The Musical soundtrack that was playing in the Circus McGurkus (We all sang along, of course!). Soon, the characters started filling up the large stage area, and we enjoyed quite a show while we ate!

Jessica dancing along to the songs!

Great tables right along the perimeter of the stage area:

Jessica, Addy, and some yellow guy!

The Grinch being Grinchy about signing autographs. Probably because it was a Disney autograph book… oops!

Of course, Drama Queens must act the part!

I will not eat them in a Circus, I will not eat them on a …. Oh, nevermind!

We had the MOST fun at this meal! We were all singing and dancing and living in a theatrical heaven… well, if you’re a fan of Seussical: The Musical, I guess!

But soon the boys were itching to get their scary rides back on. So this time ALL the boys left to explore the Marvel part of IoA, while the girls continued to hang out in Seuss Landing, because there were lots of cute shops and even more cute rides!

 

[mermaid764]

Wow the theming in the Seus Land Area is incredible....it looks right out of the books.

I totally cracked up with the some yellow guy story...too funny! was he carrying the plate of green eggs and ham when Bryan said that?

Lunch looked like so much fun....Seussical the musical is one show that's been on my list to see for a very long time and hearing you talk about it definitely makes me want to see it even more.

Looking forward to more

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Wow, suess land looks like so much fun. Makes me want to visit Universal!


Shae looks like she was having lots of fun with her friend.

Bummed that we are going to miss each other again!

 

[glennbo123]

We could not get enough pictures of these two cutie-pies!

I can see why!

What’s that? You want to see another cute picture of Addy and Shae? Well, here’s one from the Seuss-themed carousel that I spruced up with my iPhone:

That's a great one, and I love the "sprucing up".

Poor Tom was the odd-man-out!

It's always the hubby.

Soon, we were meeting up with the other trio of boys and heading to the Circus McGurkus. This was a BIG scene from Seussical: The Musical, so we were all singing the song and making our way into lunch when suddenly, Sam I am came walking across our path. Bryan saw him first and said, “Oh look! It’s some yellow guy!”

Maybe it's possible to grow up in this day and age and miss "Green Eggs and Ham"? Nah.

Jessica, who is an UBER-Seuss-geek, just about bit his head off! “That is not SOME yellow guy!! That is SAM I AM!! Helllloooo?!?!!”

Jessica dancing along to the songs!

She is into it!

Of course, Drama Queens must act the part!

I detect a hint of a smile there with Shae...did you go over what her motivation was for that scene?


Great update! We're planning on hitting IoA for a day this summer, but I imagine my crew will be wanting some more adventurous rides and lots of time at Hogsmeade, so we may only do a once-over through Seuss Landing.

 

[micandminforever]

The girls are so cute together. I look forward to the rest of the Seuss pictures. They are so colorful.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

IOA just looks like a fun place to hang out.

Not to be confused with Iowa which is a fun place to eat corn.

I don't know if we will ever end up there or not, (IOA, not Iowa...which we will drive through this summer) but every time I see the photos I want to check it out. And yet when I ponder The World, I just can't seem to intentionally plan time off property.

It's like a complex or something.

Not be confused with a compound which is where militias hang out. I wonder if they eat corn there too. And if they do is it from a can? I mean one figures they have to empty quite a few to have stuff to shoot at.

 

[Sooze]

Wow the theming in the Seus Land Area is incredible....it looks right out of the books.

It was fabulous! And when the sun would shine, it was even more amazing!

I totally cracked up with the some yellow guy story...too funny! was he carrying the plate of green eggs and ham when Bryan said that?

Which makes it even more hilarious!

Lunch looked like so much fun....Seussical the musical is one show that's been on my list to see for a very long time and hearing you talk about it definitely makes me want to see it even more.

Looking forward to more

I think it's one of the best musicals, especially for families, because there is very little talking (almost none), but LOTS of catchy, upbeat tunes. The story-line teaches great family-friendly lessons, and there is really nothing inappropriate. I guess the only 'downfall' would be the bullying that Horton goes through, since that is such a buzz-word right now. But he stands strong and comes out the winner in the end... so that's a good lesson, too!

Wow, suess land looks like so much fun. Makes me want to visit Universal!

If you do, just plan a day. You don't want to waste that valuable Disney time! :roll eyes: So glad we did it, though. It was fun to experience new things!

Shae looks like she was having lots of fun with her friend.

Was she EVER!!

Bummed that we are going to miss each other again!

It will happen! Our boys may be driving cars and planning for college, but it WILL happen!

 

[Sooze]

I can see why!

That's a great one, and I love the "sprucing up".

When I took it, it was just so precious! I think we were standing in line for something else so I spent some time adding the bling. I just love how it turned out! So, thanks!

It's always the hubby.

One of those 'unwritten' laws of nature, isn't it!?

Maybe it's possible to grow up in this day and age and miss "Green Eggs and Ham"? Nah.

No... I think he was just unfocused because we made him leave Harry Potter Land! He was being a bit bitter!

She is into it!

The sign of a true performer... she does everything full-out!

I detect a hint of a smile there with Shae...did you go over what her motivation was for that scene?

I KNEW I was forgetting something! I'll be more on top of things next time!

Great update! We're planning on hitting IoA for a day this summer, but I imagine my crew will be wanting some more adventurous rides and lots of time at Hogsmeade, so we may only do a once-over through Seuss Landing.

Yeah, Seuss Landing is definitely geared for the little ones (and the Seuss-freaks at heart!) But it is totally fun to walk through anyway!

Thanks for your great comments!

 

[Sooze]

The girls are so cute together. I look forward to the rest of the Seuss pictures. They are so colorful.

Thanks! We totally agree about our cute girls! Let's just hope they STAY cute as they grow into evil tweens and teens, right?!

When the sun would come out, Seuss Landing was even MORE colorful and vibrant! Right out of the books, for sure!

IOA just looks like a fun place to hang out.

Not to be confused with Iowa which is a fun place to eat corn.

I don't know if we will ever end up there or not, (IOA, not Iowa...which we will drive through this summer) but every time I see the photos I want to check it out. And yet when I ponder The World, I just can't seem to intentionally plan time off property.

It's like a complex or something.

Not be confused with a compound which is where militia's hang out. I wonder if they eat corn there too. And if they do is it from a can? I mean one figures they have to empty quite a few to have stuff to shoot at.

... I don't even know what to say after this, GB! This is why EVERYONE should read your reports on the DIS. You are the master!

Thanks for checking in! I know how very busy you are!!

 

[katt789]

Yay for updates! I love all the seuss stuff! When we did universal, we just did WWOHP, and then headed back to Disney after lunch! I want to go back and check it all out though, it looks awesome!!