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

[Sooze]

Originally Posted by PrincessV

Know what I'll be doing in 3 days? Sleeping in at AKV.

Yeah...and you also ran 5K... so I'm not THAT jealous! :roll eyes:
Congrats, by the way!! You guys rock!

Lucky girl! I haven't seen a fabulous driver or hijacker in eons. And yet, we keep going back for more...

We do, indeed because maybe, just once, we will stumble on a good one. And I am living proof that it CAN happen!

I really wish they offered a "no entertainment" zone at 50's PT - my kid is so not a joiner and would be miserable there, but the food always looks so good!

You know, I think the CMs are very in tune with their guests on this. If the guests aren't playing along, I really think they tone it down! The times Matt and I went alone, it was very mild. But since we had a crazy loud table that was working the story line, they ran with it! I hope you give it a try (especially if you like cheesy 50's tv and pot roast!)

I'm fairly certain her poor little head would crack right open if she tried!

Right?! That is one big smile!

There simply are not words to describe the awesomeness of this ride photo.

Glad you approve! It's always a challenge to find new ways to photo-document our Disney experiences!

Jessica was ROBBED.

Totally robbed!

To which I have two responses: YES! and YES!

You know.... YOU were the one who introduced me to the Lapu Lapu! Yep... it was in a trip report somewhere...

Leo still hasn't been to Neverland, but he's always had the best time at the other clubs. We'll be solo this summer - no DIS family reunion - and I'm thinking of dropping him at a club one evening, just so he can get a break from me.

It's so wonderful to let them go to those places and know that they will have the time of their life! And you don't have to feel guilty about getting some adult time in!

Thanks for your fabulous comments, V!

[Sooze]

Originally Posted by glennbo123

Sorry, I read these last couple of posts back a week ago when you put them up, but didn't have time to comment.

Oh man, sorry that Jessica didn't win the American Idol Experience, but I'm sure she loved the experience. It was great that she was picked for the little fan-montage thing they do.

I love Kona Cafe!

I do that all the time! I read, but then can't find a second to comment. Just know that I'm following along with your report too!

Jessica still had the experience of a lifetime on that stage! The montage was icing on the cake! So glad she convinced herself to audition.

I, too, love Kona Cafe! Breakfast, lunch, or dinner! mmmmmm!

Originally Posted by katt789

Great updates! I absolutely love the B&B show, it's just such a classic! The tower of terror pics are great as well, love it!

I've always wondered how the AIE works, we had a friend on our most recent trip who was debating it, but didn't want to screw up plans for the rest of the day, next time!

A lapu lapu is on my list of things to drink next trip, that's for sure, they just look too tasty!

Classic is the perfect word to describe that show! Old-school Broadway flair! Love it!

The AIE thing is all dependent on when you are scheduled to perform! AND if you make the finals or not! If your friend auditions and makes it, they will give her/him a performance time. He/She will need to report back to the stage an hour before the performance time. So not counting the audition, the experience will take about 90 minutes out of the day. If they end up making finals, then the minutes increase! But the finals are a pretty cool experience, too! I hope your friend auditions... even if they don't make it, it is so memorable and worthwhile!

[Sooze]

It’s time to wrap this trip up. We had a flight leaving on this sad last day in the evening. So we were able to squeeze in some park time with our friends. Have you been keeping track of which park we still hadn’t seen together? Here’s a hint for you:



Too obvious?

We hit the AK and went immediately to the Kilimanjaro Safari. I had heard that the animals are more active in the am, and were they ever! I saw so many animals I hadn’t before! So please enjoy my trip through the savannah:

Hungry Hungry Hippos




I still think these guys are fake! They lie so darn still!




Big horn dudes








When we came up to the lion part, the driver started talking about how the lions sleep most of the day… blah blah blah… and I expected to see a tuft of lion hair near the rocks, as always. But much to our surprise, a lioness leapt up from her slumber and appeared majestically on Pride Rock. I had never seen such a great view of a lion on this attraction before! It was great!




I wanted to get these guys some coffee! Wake up!


Another shot of the lioness




Pumbaa! (Can you see him hiding under the rock?)







After the safari, we had another animal to conquer… the YETI! I don’t even remember who rode this, but I know it wasn’t the little princesses!


The girls went with Jessica to prepare for the Festival of the Lion King show, which I was so anxiously awaiting to share with my friends!! On their way, they found Pocohontas, standing completely alone. She spent an eternity talking to the girls, which of course, they ate up!





Soon we were all seated for FoTLK… well, ALMOST all of us! Tom had run back to Asia to pick up some bracelets that they had made for some cousins back home. Unfortunately, by the time he made it back to the theater, they had started re-routing the latecomers to a different entrance, and making them sit in a different section than us. I could tell Jessica was stressed about it, and I’m afraid it tainted her enjoyment of the show. Boo for procedures and routines!

But the show was great as always. I took no pictures, but enjoyed every moment!

[micandminforever]

I love the Lion King. The pictures of the animals were wonderful. It is great that the lioness was standing up where you could get a good picture.

[Sooze]

Next up was lunch, which I insisted on being Flame Tree BBQ! Love that food and love the seating area. The kids enjoyed looking across the lake at EE as they ate their meal. They also found a friend floating in the water near our eating area!





Our next stop was one final Musical…. Yes… Nemo: The Musical. Well, we HAD to end our time together with a show, didn’t we? Again, I took no pictures, but we enjoyed a fabulous performance.

Finally, it was hitting us that our time in Disney together was coming to an end. We decided to drown our sorrows in one last Mickey bar.

Addy was still smiles, because she got to stay a few more days


Even Shae was smiling, because who can be boo-boo face with a Mickey Bar?


Keslen gobbled his down and was ready to go on more adventures


And Tyson (who chose a cookie sandwich instead) savored every last bite


One last Mickey bar for us


And goodbye hugs for my BFF (who would be moving to Pittsburg shortly after this trip)


Yeah, that thought made the Mickey Bar happiness dissipate very quickly


After many hugs and a few tears (from the grown-ups) I finally dragged my kids away and headed back to AKL to catch our ME bus. They were both crying the whole way out of the park. I just couldn’t help myself and stopped at the gift shop on the way out. Baby Simba and Perry the Platypus plush friends decided to come home with us.

We spent a few moments taking in our AKL home




But soon found ourselves the sad victims of Disney withdrawal as we pulled onto the interstate and headed to the airport.

I didn’t really talk much about it, but during the entire trip, I was fighting off some kind of nasty…. It was like a head cold with a bit of achiness, but with a constant flow of Advil, I was able to keep it at bay.

Unfortunately on the plane, the nasty decided to rear its ugly head. The decent into Indianapolis was the most painful I’ve ever had. My ears felt like someone was stabbing them with serrated daggers! Even as we were claiming our luggage, I couldn’t hear a THING and they were throbbing with pain. This was super unfortunate, because although the trip was coming to an end, my hubby had a very big surprise waiting for us at home and I just couldn’t respond to it the way I wanted to, because I felt like death!

What was the surprise, you ask? Well, if any of you ever used to watch the TLC show called “While You Were Out”, you will completely get what happened! During the 5 days we were gone, my husband apparently had a team of people completely redoing our master bedroom. I came home and headed upstairs to the smell of paint, and the view of a new flatscreen TV in our room. As I headed in the room, I just stood there, mouth wide open. It was beautiful. Here, check it out!





And our not-so-hidden-Mickey


There are also some subtle Mickeys in other décor items… can you find them?

So that’s where my fantastic trip came to an end. And it’s a good thing my room looked so amazing, because I spent the next 2 days in that bed trying to recover from the nasty, because it hit me full on as soon as I was home, of course!

I will still have an update to share, letting you all see some of the fun the rest of the drama queens had without us. So come on back!

[Sooze]

Originally Posted by micandminforever

I love the Lion King. The pictures of the animals were wonderful. It is great that the lioness was standing up where you could get a good picture.

FoTLK is our number one show on property. It makes me cry every time!

We certainly lucked out on the lioness! Kind of a natural magical moment!

[Sooze]

So what did our Drama Queen friends do when we left?! Well, here’s a small sampling of their endeavors.

At first, they were sad that we were gone


But that wore of quickly and they were soon back to their dramatic antics.

Bryan works for a bank, so this was a perfect dramatic interpretation


Musical theater geek anyone?


They enjoyed the luau one evening, and Tom was chosen to hula on stage! Never challenge a drama queen… he will take you down!




So proud of daddy!


They visited with characters in every park!







Apparently, Jessica was teasing the red-headed sister and was punished….

You can see the sister getting upset


And, then, the punishment is delivered




Bryan was able to find a few more princesses:




And even asked to get another ‘feet’ shot, just for fun!


Two of my favorite people in the world, in the happiest place on earth:


And, there you have it, folks! Another trip report on the books. I hope you enjoyed this stretched out story of drama queens in Disney! Please turn your programs in at the door if you’d like to recycle them, and don’t forget to ask about our season ticket holder specials!

“Bravo!!” “Bravo!!”

Thank you. Thank you so much!

[glennbo123]

I'll take a season ticket! It's been a great report!

Your hubby is the bestest! The room looks awesome! I'm very impressed. It looks kind of Contemporary-y.

I'm glad that Jessica and the gang were able to enjoy themselves without you guys for their remaining time. I'm sure they missed you, but it looks like they had fun. I've never met the Stepsisters, but in every report I've ever seen them they never fail to provide great interaction.

[Sooze]

Originally Posted by glennbo123

I'll take a season ticket! It's been a great report!

Box seats or center orchestra? Thanks for being here! I'm starting my Christmas report soon. Better late than never!

Your hubby is the bestest! The room looks awesome! I'm very impressed. It looks kind of Contemporary-y.

Isn't he, though? I leave him behind while I go to Disney and he treats me to a new Master? I'm a lucky gal!

I'm glad that Jessica and the gang were able to enjoy themselves without you guys for their remaining time. I'm sure they missed you, but it looks like they had fun. I've never met the Stepsisters, but in every report I've ever seen them they never fail to provide great interaction.

I think the stepsisters are my favorite meet n greet characters in the whole resort! They are hilarious! And did you check out their facial expressions in the pictures? AWESOME!

[chinchiller]

It's kind of cool to find someone I "know" on here. Matt was my band director from the fall of 2000 until I graduated in 2004. I have one very vivid memory of your son banging drums during one of our run-throughs my senior year. He could barely stand. I wound up marrying another band member (he was two classes older than I) and we just had our first child, our daughter.

I knew Matt was a fan of Disney, but it's pretty awesome to see just how much of a fan you guys are.

[micandminforever]

I look forward to your Christmas Trip report. Please be sure to let us know when you start the new report.

[Blueyed Girl]

Originally Posted by Sooze

After getting our musical theater fix, we headed over to the Haunted Mansion for a screamtastic ride. First, though, we got our fill of the interactive queue:








Bryan is so glad to have Jessica back!










The ride was a hit with everyone, especially the amazing hitch-hiking ghosts at the end. I just LOVE that technology!
We decided to find another classic ride that we could all enjoy together. Yes, I said ALL of us could ENJOY. And when you are with your best buds, even THIS can be enjoyable:


There was no line, thankfully, so we sailed around the world in no time.


Still smiling even after getting the song stuck in their heads.


Them too…. Well, if you can get past their bad acting!


And these two… well, apparently, they did not get my message about all of us being able to enjoy this classic with our best buds!


Next up was a gorgeous walk back to the castle, where we wanted to get some group shots now that Jessica was back!


Our first shot… the traditional head shot smiles…




And, the picture of all pictures. The very BEST picture of the WHOLE entire trip. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you…. THE DRAMA QUEENS!!!


Somewhere in this evening, we ate dinner … I’m not even sure where. We rode some rides… I’m not even sure what. But soon it was time for the MK to kick out the people who didn’t pay for the Halloween party, and that meant half of us had to go. Tom, Jessica, Kelsen, and Addy had done the MNSSHP a few years earlier and didn’t feel the need to spend money on it again. Bryan, Tyson, Shae and I had never been. So we forked over the money, and were able to stay and enjoy the park longer.

And by enjoy, I mean ‘be tortured by’. Mmm hmm… I will not be spending money on that party again… unless I can go the first week it opens. Stay tuned for my not-so-special Halloween party!

(Oh, and the Aladdin shoe story… now THAT’S worth coming back for)

Sorry I have been MIA. I was enjoying your TR and then i got behind. I just started from the beginning since I couldn't remember what chapter I left off. I think I have found myself again!

What a stinker that Jessica got food poisoning! And in DISNEY WORLD no less. Glad she got better and was able to join all of you again. Love all the pictures. The "Drama Queens" in front of the castle made me laugh out loud. Great pic!

Ok, off to keep reading.........

[Blueyed Girl]

Originally Posted by Sooze

Our next stop after the parade was in front of the castle for our viewing of the special Halloween fireworks show. We found a spot, crammed in with the masses of people around the hub. Of course, we had to do this super early, and had to stand there waiting for quite a long time. But this was worth the wait. The fireworks were outstanding, and I enjoyed watching them choreographed to the Halloween soundtrack. The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my all-time favorite soundtracks, so I enjoyed hearing this great music!

After the show, we snuck to the left of the castle and soon found ourselves at the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. There was no wait for it, so we figured… why not? Soon we were on board, ready to fly, and sing “A Whole New World” for all of Agrabah to hear!

Classic Gunkle pose:


Let’s ROCK these carpets!


Thinking magical princess songs:


Soon, we were flying. Remember I told you earlier, that Bryan LIVED for meeting characters? What I didn’t mention ,was that Aladdin is his ULTIMATE favorite movie. Jasmine and Aladdin are precious to him!! So as we were circling around, we came upon the shop in the back of that area, where the Aladdin and Jasmine meet n greet takes place. But Aladdin and Jasmine were no there. No… Aladdin was there… WITH ABU! What?! That is so rare! Bryan starts freaking out! “Get me off this carpet! I wanna go see Aladdin and ABU!!!!” It was the longest ride ever. But as soon as we got off, we ran over to the line. As soon as we got in the pretty short line, the lady in front of us, who heard how BEYOND excited we were, said, “They are leaving in a few minutes.” OH NO! Sadness… sadness. Well, maybe we will just make it!
I grabbed a picture from the line, just to capture this special duo:


Sure enough, five minutes later, when we were a mere 3 or 4 families away from meeting them, out came Genie and Jasmine to take their place. This lucky family got to meet ALL FOUR OF THEM! Bryan was DYING!


Realizing his opportunity was slipping away, Bryan actually stopped them on their way backstage and said, “Can I PLEASE just grab a picture with you both?!” They happily said yes, and Bryan quickly snapped a picture and said, “THANK YOU SO MUCH!” He was so glad he at least got a picture.


...


Or did he?

...


You know when you take a picture with a digital camera, and there is that lag of time between when you press the button and when the camera actually records the image? Yeah…. In his anxiety-ridden request to take this picture, Bryan forgot all about that, and lowered the camera just as it was recording the image. So THIS it the picture of Aladdin and Abu that he captured:





HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!


Oh my goodness, he was SOOOOO bummed! Of course, we were able to laugh about it later, but at the time, he was so upset!

He pulled himself together quickly to get a nice shot with Genie and Jasmine. Bryan loved her outfit!


So the picture of the feet became the most-retold story of the entire trip. And now YOU are in on the joke. See? Aren’t you glad you decided to read along?

We didn’t last long this evening. The crowds just sucked all of the energy from me. We decided to head home early and get ready for a fun day at Hollywood Studios. You know, the park with the American Idol Experience?! A group of singers going to the park with the American Idol Experience?! Will one of us end up on the stage?!

You’ll just have to see!!

Once upon a time we did the Pirate and Princess party. This is the only "special" party that we have been to. Back then my son was only about 3 so we mostly stuck to taking in the rides which had no lines. We saw the awesome firework show too. But the lines for characters or pirate "loot" were long for that too. However, I don't remember it being that crowded AT ALL. I wonder if they have increased the amount of tickets they sell for these events since then? What a shame!

I'm so sorry for Bryan but I was about his feet picture! This has happened to me on a couple of occasions. It is SO ANNOYING!!!!

Ok, off to read more............

[Blueyed Girl]

Originally Posted by Sooze

Before we were able to watch our dear friend on the American Idol stage, we decided to visit another Beauty on stage… The Beauty and the Beast stage show! You can bet the boys were thrilled. Well… not really. But the girls definitely were, and Bryan was… beyond thrilled! Here are a few shots from one of our many favorite stage shows:



Check out the ensemble member in blue! That is a deep fourth position plie if I’ve ever seen one. I’m betting he has some great quad muscles!!


This Gaston was a little willowy for my liking, but he sang phenomenally!


Another drama queen story for you! Whenever one of us is put in the ensemble of a show, we call it the SRC. (S= Something I can’t post online but rhymes with ‘pity’, R= Role, and C=Club.) But none of us are ever embarrassed to be in the ensemble (or SRC). Sometimes it’s more fun to be in the ensemble, because there is less pressure and you can mess around a bit more onstage! But when we go see shows… we always give love to the ensemble, because they never get enough credit!



Beautiful blue-dress Belle!








The dance technique on the purple-tights girl is lights-out fabulous!


Love this moment. I must have 50 pictures of this!


While I despise this scene in the movie, I LOVE it in this little stage show. The way the ensemble uses their capes to create visual pictures makes my day!


Spoiler!


Just wondering if Belle could smile any bigger….


I think by this time, Jessica had to head to AIE to prepare for her big show! Tom took the girls to see Voyage of the Little Mermaid (again, I THINK!) and Bryan and I took the boys for some SCREAMS!!! This was Bryan’s first time on Tower of Terror, and we had a blast!!

Here are the two shots I got from the ride. #1 is a blurry self-portrait at the height of the ride:


And next, the ride photo:


Bryan was amazed that I knew when to take the self-portrait right at the same time as the ride photo! Little does he know, I was just lucky! (Though I DID wait until the highest part of the ride, which, I believe, is where the photo is taken. So it may have been more coincidence than luck!)

Soon we were all waiting to get into the AIE theater. Since we were VIP guests of a performer, we got seated early and were able to watch rehearsal. Jessica, in true child-of-the-80’s fashion, sang “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benetar. She sounded awesome…. Like…tubular!

Now I need to back track here a minute. When Jessica found out she was going to be on stage, she was also told she’d be in the 2nd slot. This is the slot where they do a video montage. And when they found out she had a whole gang of fans with her, we were ALL invited to participate in the video! So a few hours back, we were all at the AIE filming bits and scenes for them to edit together to make her montage. It was THE MOST FUN!!! Would you like to see the montage?! Well, lucky you! I actually (and quite illegally I’m sure) filmed it!

Soon, the show was beginning, and we had the best time watching Jessica shine on stage, like she ALWAYS does! When it was her turn, the montage began. And here you go!



Soon, she was belting out her song. Unfortunately, I didn’t get THAT on video. Her husband did, and he has it on Facebook, but I am still having trouble figuring out how to get that on here. Again, if anyone has any technical clue, please advise! You’d love to hear her, trust me.

So… did she win?


Well, let me be the first to say, she SHOULD have won. Hands down, she had the best vocal talent and the most spunk on stage. HOWEVER, there was a young girl that sang a much more contemporary song. And when you have an audience full of young folks, contemporary wins over classic 80’s tunes every time!

But we were not upset, at all!! We had already planned on taking the kids over to the Neverland Club this evening, so we could enjoy a ‘quiet’ adult meal. If Jessica had made the finals, it could’ve thrown a wrench in our plans. Not that we would’ve minded changing our evening to cheer her on at finals, of course! It just made it easier that she didn’t.

So what kind of craziness can the adults enjoy without children?!?! Two words. Lapu. Lapu.

Oh yes!

The AIE video montage was hysterical!! Loved it!! Wish I could see Jessica's video. Would love to hear her sing. Maybe I will check your facebook to see if I can get a glimpse....

[Blueyed Girl]

Great animal shots! Our most favorite time to do the safari is in the morning. How awesome for the girls to get to spend quality time with Pocohontas!

Originally Posted by Sooze

It’s time to wrap this trip up. We had a flight leaving on this sad last day in the evening. So we were able to squeeze in some park time with our friends. Have you been keeping track of which park we still hadn’t seen together? Here’s a hint for you:



Too obvious?

We hit the AK and went immediately to the Kilimanjaro Safari. I had heard that the animals are more active in the am, and were they ever! I saw so many animals I hadn’t before! So please enjoy my trip through the savannah:

Hungry Hungry Hippos




I still think these guys are fake! They lie so darn still!




Big horn dudes








When we came up to the lion part, the driver started talking about how the lions sleep most of the day… blah blah blah… and I expected to see a tuft of lion hair near the rocks, as always. But much to our surprise, a lioness leapt up from her slumber and appeared majestically on Pride Rock. I had never seen such a great view of a lion on this attraction before! It was great!




I wanted to get these guys some coffee! Wake up!


Another shot of the lioness




Pumbaa! (Can you see him hiding under the rock?)







After the safari, we had another animal to conquer… the YETI! I don’t even remember who rode this, but I know it wasn’t the little princesses!


The girls went with Jessica to prepare for the Festival of the Lion King show, which I was so anxiously awaiting to share with my friends!! On their way, they found Pocohontas, standing completely alone. She spent an eternity talking to the girls, which of course, they ate up!





Soon we were all seated for FoTLK… well, ALMOST all of us! Tom had run back to Asia to pick up some bracelets that they had made for some cousins back home. Unfortunately, by the time he made it back to the theater, they had started re-routing the latecomers to a different entrance, and making them sit in a different section than us. I could tell Jessica was stressed about it, and I’m afraid it tainted her enjoyment of the show. Boo for procedures and routines!

But the show was great as always. I took no pictures, but enjoyed every moment!