Escape from the North - A Week at the Yacht Club - April 2015- Complete* 1/5

[SarahDisney]

I was surprised that the boys wanted to ride this one since they'd chickened out at Soarin' and I think Star Tours is probably more intense.

I've never actually done Star Tours, but ... I'm guessing maybe the Star Wars theme made it more appealing?

Everyone had a great time except for my friend. When we exited the ride she'd broken out into a cold sweat.

Sammy refused to stop aiming the gun for his picture. The PP photographer actually refused to take pictures of him aiming it at his brother.

Boys and their guns ...

This looks kind of cool but it's pretty much a waste of space. Or a place to hang lights during the holidays.

Or a place that exists solely for the purpose of giving people a reason to question why it's there or call it a waste of space.

On the way S kept the boys entertained by borrowing one of their guns and playing "shootout" with the other one. She'd take cover behind trees or garbage cans and fire at them. She even got some other guests into the fun by asking them to cover her.

Only at Disney!

This was my version:

Not bad.

That's really good!

The photographer suggested this pose which I love.

So awesome! I love when the photographers suggest poses that end up being really great.

 

[nickle831]

Love your Trip Report! I have the same hair type as you but a little shorter. Was it even worth it to straighten it or should I just plan for curly and embrace it?

 

[ursalita]

Such an awesome HS day! I'm so excited to do the animation!! I hope the wait won't be long though because it may be hard to keep DD happy...I want to see Muppet Vision too...I'm sorry your friend didn't feel well after Star Tours...I'm a bit afraid of that myself..so may or may not ride that. Definitely want that carrot cake cookie though!!! I love your pics with the Mary Poppins umbrella...so cute!

HS might have been our best day at Disney. I was very surprised she was so affected by it since she didn't mind ToT. Thanks

Love the boys' pics on the speeders.

Thank you!

Lucky!



I kind of agree. It has some cool elements, but it is not much fun to explore those things in the late spring/summer heat! If I were there in December or January it may be more appealing to wander around and explore the area a little!

I guess it fits into the theme of the park. I looked at it on the map and realized that it doesn't take up as much space as I thought because it's only fake fronts of buildings, it doesn't go back very far. It's a nice illusion.

I got really behind again! You are so good at keeping up with the updates! TSMM is one of our all time favorites also! I just love that attraction.

Looks like the boys had fun at Jedi training! I always thought it looked pretty cool and I'm not a HUGE Star Wars fan.

I love all the pics of you guys hanging off the umbrella!

I'm gonna have to hop on over to your DR and see what happened with your friend. I love that scene from When Harry Met Sally. She is a little HM but I love it

You drew an amazing Jimini Cricket, I have zero drawing ability but have always wanted to try animation academy.

Oh, and I totally agree with you, you have to let your kids be kids. I never understood why some parents squelch that natural kid play thing. Maybe that's how people grow up to be grumpy, cuz' their parents never let them have any fun when they were little.

I think I probably up date too much. Jedi Training was high on my priority list and it didn't disappoint. Maybe we'll do it again next time to try to get Vader. Thank you, we had fun with the photos. What is HM? Oh, I have no drawing ability so you'll be fine. Safety is a good thing but I think we're too safe sometimes. They don't even let the kids run at recess at our school.

Are they Star Wars fans? Because that would explain it.

I'm sure that's it.

Oh. Too bad. Motion sickness, I presume?

I guess. She didn't have any trouble on (spoiler alert) ToT.

And? And? How was it?????

You'll have to read my DR to find out.












Jk. It was tasty.

You always could. I suspect Disney wants to give out free water more than they want guests dropping of heat exhaustion.

That makes sense. This is the first time I've noticed self-serve water stations, some with citrus.

Really! I didn't see anyone doing that when I was there.
That's a nice touch.

We definitely couldn't pass up that photo op.

She sounds like a hoot!

She is. She's a great sport. She drove 2 hours and paid $100 to get into the park to follow us around all day. But I think she had a great time. We paid for dinner so we tried to contribute a little.

You are almost making me regret my decision to skip DHS this last time. I forgot about MuppetVision - dd would've liked that. Although ds would've hated it! But he would've liked seeing all the Star Wars stuff. He used to be a huge fan, but we've gotten out of it lately. I suspect the new movie coming out in December will rekindle the interest.

But, so many cool things! I love the umbrella shots!

I think HS was our favorite day. We would always skip it but I think we'll always make a point to spend at least a day there.

Yeah, Soarin is definitely more intense, but this one has Star Wars characters. It's easier to deal with the intensity for Star Wars!

Did you mean Soarin' is less intense? Yeah, I think the Star Wars association was enough to get them over the fear.

Couldn't talk them into lightsabers?

We already have a bunch of those at home. And Sammy already had a light up sword from our first night so, yeah. No talking them out of the guns.

And, did it live up to the expectations?

Yes it did.

Muppets was a first time???? I'm glad you finally got to do it! I've always enjoyed it. It's a fun attraction with a great queue area. Even if the film does show its age a bit.

Yeah. It was only our second visit to HS. I didn't get a good look at the queue area. Will have to pay better attention next time.

Don't blame you a bit. Too much stuff to look at to worry about taking pictures.

I think there was also some new stuff since the last time we were there.

Woohoo!!! Free souvenir!!!

I know, right?

I had to check this dining review out. I'm glad your experience there was better than ours.

I was very surprised it was so good.

I've never actually done Star Tours, but ... I'm guessing maybe the Star Wars theme made it more appealing?

I'm surprised you've never done Star Tours!

Boys and their guns ...

I'm starting to get used to it.

That's really good!

Thank you.

So awesome! I love when the photographers suggest poses that end up being really great.

I didn't really ask for anything special when we stopped for pictures except this time about who we wanted in the photo. Some photographers made some suggestions, others just did the standard photo. Next time I'll be more prepared and ask for specific magic shots if we do MM.

Love your Trip Report! I have the same hair type as you but a little shorter. Was it even worth it to straighten it or should I just plan for curly and embrace it?

Thank you! And I really don't like my hair curly when it's this length so I always blow it out so it's worth it to me. I would say if it's raining or you know you're going to do a water ride without the poncho then I would say don't bother. If you like your hair curly just embrace it. Even if it doesn't rain the humidity alone does a number on it.

 

[kastoney]

This is the first time I've made the effort to make RD. I've always thought vacation was for sleeping in.

Vacation isn't for sleeping??? Guess that letter got lost on the way to my house ; )

Sammy refused to stop aiming the gun for his picture. The PP photographer actually refused to take pictures of him aiming it at his brother.

Too funny. Hope you all were able to snap one. Sounds priceless.

The boys are just starting to discover the Muppets so it was fun.

My daughter is just starting to discover the muppets too. We just watched Muppets Take Manhattan last week and it was as cheesy and 80s as I remembered. Gotta gear her up for the new show this fall ; )

We all had a great time. This was my version:

Wow, this looks great. Having zero artistic skills myself I'm totally jealous. And double score for guessing right

 

[afwdwfan]

Did you mean Soarin' is less intense? Yeah, I think the Star Wars association was enough to get them over the fear.

Yeah, you know what I mean.

 

[SarahDisney]

I'm surprised you've never done Star Tours!

I'm not a Star Wars person. And I never seem to have "extra" time at Hollywood Studios, so it gets knocked off the list pretty early on.

 

[jwwi]

Fun report, the YC is a beautiful resort, and on my short list. Wish it was more affordable. I have not heard about the Bluezoo dinner/child care option. Very good to know!

 

[ursalita]

Day 5
Hollywood Studios Part 5

So when we left off we were crossing the park to Fantasmic! I took some pictures along the way.



I've always really admired the balloon pictures I've seen in other TRs. I took several but couldn't seem to get a good one.



We eventually made our way over to Fantasmic! It was already super crowded. We found the reserved area for the dinner package and grabbed some seats. It looked like it was pretty full but we found a spot towards the back. They were good seats, we had a great view of the show. The wait seemed to go by fast. The crowd was doing the wave which Jamie tired of pretty quickly but I was amused by it.

I got a lot of pictures. I wish I'd thought to bring my zoom lens like I had for the safari but I only had my 35mm. I don't know if anyone remembers from my PTR but I got a new camera bag for the trip instead of carrying a regular bag without the added protection for the camera. I loved the bag but the camera insert was small. It was tough to fit the camera and an additional lens so I didn't have the extra lens with me that day.

Anyway. These are my favorite pictures.

















I loved this show so much!! We all did. Illuminations was good but this was so much better.

Next we say goodbye to Hollywood Studios.​

 

[KathyM2]

I love your balloon pic!! You are definitely giving Fantasmic some great reviews and I will make more of an effort to see it on our trip ) That little boat/float looked pretty cool too!

 

[afwdwfan]

I've always really admired the balloon pictures I've seen in other TRs. I took several but couldn't seem to get a good one.

Yes you did!

We eventually made our way over to Fantasmic! It was already super crowded. We found the reserved area for the dinner package and grabbed some seats. It looked like it was pretty full but we found a spot towards the back. They were good seats, we had a great view of the show. The wait seemed to go by fast. The crowd was doing the wave which Jamie tired of pretty quickly but I was amused by it.

I love how the dining package works there. The first time we ever did Fantasmic! we waited standby, which meant getting there like 2 hours before show time and sitting in the theater for over an hour. Just a brutal experience. I enjoyed the show, but almost didn't care if I ever saw it again after going through all the hassle. I'm more than happy to pay for that dining package to see the show now!

I loved this show so much!! We all did. Illuminations was good but this was so much better.

I totally agree.

 

[pkondz]

This is the first time I've noticed self-serve water stations, some with citrus.

Huh. Hadn't noticed those.

She is. She's a great sport. She drove 2 hours and paid $100 to get into the park to follow us around all day.

Impressive!

 

[pkondz]

I know you said you didn't get a good one, but I like that one!

We found the reserved area for the dinner package and grabbed some seats.

I had forgotten you had the package.

The crowd was doing the wave which Jamie tired of pretty quickly but I was amused by it.

I wonder if there's ever been a Fantasmic! showing where they haven't done the wave.

It was tough to fit the camera and an additional lens so I didn't have the extra lens with me that day.

I hear you. I had the same issue.
You have to balance portability, size, weight.... and you have to be able to take it on rides.
Not easy.

Not a day went by that I didn't bemoan my lack of a wide lens.

Anyway. These are my favorite pictures.

And they're really good! Thanks for sharing!

 

[cinderkelly]

I love your Fantasmic pics! Glad that you all enjoyed the show too. I've never actually seen it yet.... It's on my list.
I love those balloon pics too, I've always wanted to get a super close up of them but didn't want to bother the "balloon handler" CM
Oh, your question from earlier, HM = high maintenance

 

[SarahDisney]

I've always really admired the balloon pictures I've seen in other TRs. I took several but couldn't seem to get a good one.

I don't know what you're talking about, this picture looks great!

The crowd was doing the wave which Jamie tired of pretty quickly but I was amused by it.

Really? Don't you guys go to baseball games? Everyone's always doing the wave at baseball games, you'd think Jamie would be used to it!

Anyway. These are my favorite pictures.

They all look great!

I loved this show so much!! We all did. Illuminations was good but this was so much better.

Totally agree - Fantasmic! is amazing!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Just found your TR and read through all your updates. Sounds like a great trip so far, even with the bad moods every once and while. It is funny reading your TR because I am staying at BC on my upcoming trip and my itinerary so far is pretty much identical with what you have done. What are the chances?

 

[ursalita]

Vacation isn't for sleeping??? Guess that letter got lost on the way to my house ; )

6

It was definitely a new approach for us. It was easier than I thought it would be to get up at 6 every morning. Disney magic maybe.

Too funny. Hope you all were able to snap one. Sounds priceless.

We did.

My daughter is just starting to discover the muppets too. We just watched Muppets Take Manhattan last week and it was as cheesy and 80s as I remembered. Gotta gear her up for the new show this fall ; )

There's a new show coming out? How did I not know this?

Wow, this looks great. Having zero artistic skills myself I'm totally jealous. And double score for guessing right

Thank you. I also have zero artistic skills so she must have been a good teacher.

Fun report, the YC is a beautiful resort, and on my short list. Wish it was more affordable. I have not heard about the Bluezoo dinner/child care option. Very good to know!

Thank you for commenting. The YC was wonderful. The child care center at the Swolphin is a great deal if you want a night out.

I love your balloon pic!! You are definitely giving Fantasmic some great reviews and I will make more of an effort to see it on our trip ) That little boat/float looked pretty cool too!

Fantasmic! was fantastic! I hope you get a chance to see it.

Yes you did!

Thank you.

I love how the dining package works there. The first time we ever did Fantasmic! we waited standby, which meant getting there like 2 hours before show time and sitting in the theater for over an hour. Just a brutal experience. I enjoyed the show, but almost didn't care if I ever saw it again after going through all the hassle. I'm more than happy to pay for that dining package to see the show now!

It was great to stroll up shortly before it started and still get a good seat. The extra money for the dining package is definitely worth it to not have to stress out about it.

know you said you didn't get a good one, but I like that one!

Thank you. I just didn't get the angle I wanted. This one came closest but I don't really like the lighting. Next time.

I wonder if there's ever been a Fantasmic! showing where they haven't done the wave.

I was impressed with the commitment the whole stadium put into it.

I hear you. I had the same issue.
You have to balance portability, size, weight.... and you have to be able to take it on rides.
Not easy.

Not a day went by that I didn't bemoan my lack of a wide lens.

For the most part I was ok with the one lens. Next time I'll make sure I have it at HS in addition to AK. What lens did you shoot with at the park?

And they're really good! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you.

I love your Fantasmic pics! Glad that you all enjoyed the show too. I've never actually seen it yet.... It's on my list.
I love those balloon pics too, I've always wanted to get a super close up of them but didn't want to bother the "balloon handler" CM
Oh, your question from earlier, HM = high maintenance

Thank you. I hope you get a chance to see it. I found it hard to get the angle I wanted for the balloon pic. I'm sure the CM wouldn't mind it at all. Oh, that makes sense. Should have guessed that.

I don't know what you're talking about, this picture looks great!

Oh, thank you.

Really? Don't you guys go to baseball games? Everyone's always doing the wave at baseball games, you'd think Jamie would be used to it!

I've never seen a wave get the momentum at a baseball game as they did at Fantasmic! Usually they fizzle out when people get tired of it. This one was going strong til the show started.

They all look great!

Thank you.

Totally agree - Fantasmic! is amazing!

So happy we finally got to see it.

Just found your TR and read through all your updates. Sounds like a great trip so far, even with the bad moods every once and while. It is funny reading your TR because I am staying at BC on my upcoming trip and my itinerary so far is pretty much identical with what you have done. What are the chances?

Thank you for stopping by. It was a great trip. The moodiness improved after the first couple days. That's funny! The Beach Club is so lovely! I hope you have a great trip.

 

[ursalita]

Day 5
Hollywood Studios Part 6

We had just enjoyed a great showing of Fantasmic! and filed out of the stadium with the crowd. I really liked how the park is lit up at night.



I really wanted to ride ToT and S was game so we decided to split up. Jamie took the boys back to the YC while me and S got in line for ToT. I gave my bag to Jamie to take home so I just had my camera around my neck and my phone in my pocket.



I loved the creepy details in the hotel. The line was short and we were getting into our elevator in no time.

We both loved this ride! I did not stop screaming.

I like this video better than 7DMT. Is that Bernadette Peters doing the voice over?

We exited the ride and checked out the photo. I put my hand to my pocket and my phone was gone. I turned right around and went back to where we'd gotten off the ride. I explained to the CM what happened and she figured out which car we must have been in. Since she hadn't seen it when the car emptied we decided to wait until our elevator came back.

I was pretty anxious about losing my phone but we made small talk with the CM. She was really nice and complimented my ring. That never gets old. It was fun to watch her get into character when the doors opened and the guests got off the ride. She was really into it.

Finally our car showed up and once it had emptied I immediately spotted my phone sitting right between the seats we'd occupied. The cover is black so she hadn't spotted it when we'd gotten off the ride. I was thrilled to get it back!

This wasn't the first time I'd lost something at Disney. During our second Disney trip I'd lost my camera on a Disney bus one night. I didn't realize until the next morning and I completely panicked. I ran down to the Front Desk and they told me how to contact lost and found. When I did they told me they had my camera. I was so relieved! We had to take a short detour to - I think TTC but don't quote me on that - pick it up but it was completely painless. That's one of the things that has made me a Disney fan for life.



We talked about trying to ride RnRC but decided against it and headed out of the park. I think my reasoning was that by this time the park had closed and I doubted we'd be able to get in line. Looking back at the trip this is probably my biggest regret - I should have tried. If that's my biggest regret we didn't do too bad.

I took some photos as we said goodbye to Hollywood Studios.







We saw a boat getting ready to pull out when we exited the park but S didn't want to run for it so we ended up sitting and chatting on the dock while we waited for the next one. I don't know how long we waited but the time passed quickly.

When we got home S came up to the room to say goodbye to the boys. They were excited because Mousekeeping had arranged their stuffies into a battle formation. They loved it so much they wrote a thank you note.



We soon said goodbye to S. I was excited to learn that she's planning a trip to Rhody this summer so it won't be too long before we see her again.

We went to bed soon after because we have an early ADR in the morning.​

 

[KathyM2]

What a packed fun filled HS day!! You are so lucky that you got your phone back...that would be the absolute worst. Way to go on your previous lost camera experience too...you're right...that's pretty amazing that in a place the size of WDW that you ever get anything back that's lost...so it's quite awesome. I'm a wuss for rides but your pictures make me really want to even just do the queue for ToT to see what it's like inside. Must have been so nice to be able to just get on a boat back to your hotel after a day at HS.

 

[Ceryssa]

Sounds like a fun day! My husband had the same reaction to Star Tours--he does NOT handle simulator rides well. I'm jealous of your carrot cake cookie--I missed out on Writer's Stop AND Starring Rolls last year!

I was really surprised how much we loved MuppetVision--even my husband, who isn't really a fan.

Oh man, that Cinderella carriage is awesome looking. I'm not sure if it's still there or not, but I wish they'd leave it til November! I'm dying to see it. I found that umbrella on my July trip last year (and we were super grateful for the water to stand under for a minute), and couldn't find it again in November!

The drawing class looks SO fun. I wanted us to try it, but I wasn't brave enough to attempt waiting for it. Maybe next time!

I think the balloon picture turned out great! And your Fantasmic! pictures turned out way better than mine I have to admit, I didn't really like that show. Maybe I need to give it another chance?

Yay for squeezing in one last ride! I love being in the parks, but one of my favorite parts of the day was walking out at night, seeing everything all lit up. They're just gorgeous that way.

 

[SarahDisney]

ToT ... that's one of two rides at Disney that I refuse to try (Mission: Space is the other). I'm glad you & S enjoyed! I would have totally freaked out if I lost my phone ... I'm glad you were able to find it!''
I get that missing RnRC is sad ... but they're pretty strict about not letting you on rides after close. And if that's your biggest regret, you definitely didn't do too bad!

I love that the boys left a note for Mousekeeping! I'm sure the Mousekeeper really appreciated it!