There'’s Nowhere To Go But Down... To The Utilidors! NEW TR LINK 6/4

[mygirlsmm32]

I have really been enjoying your trip report!

Do they put characterpalooza in the time guide. Thanks!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Ok, this picture threw me at first because I thought Kylie had one leg up and kinda behind Captain Hook - then I realized it belonged to the woman behind her

Good job conquering your fear and riding ToT! Also, “I LOST AN OLAF!!!” would make for a good trip report title.

ah, that is pretty cool the single rider did your pose with you! Honorary member of the trip report

Love Muppets including the Preshow - just all the set pieces they have in the waiting area are great. I mean, I think I will never not laugh about "A Net Full of Jello"

 

[SarahDisney]

I love the characterpalooza pictures! We've never done it, but we're hoping to next trip because every TR I see has great characters - and this is no exception! Genie & Jafar together is awesome. And kudos to your mom for running back and forth to get all the pictures!

Tower of Terror ... congrats on conquering your fear and doing it! I think hearing someone scream I lost an Olaf makes the ride worth it!

I love that your single rider on RnR did the pose with you. Always nice to have a fun single rider!

I think I may be the only person who doesn't like the MuppetVision pre-show. The first time it was cute, but I've seen it so many times that it bores me now. But everyone else seems to love it... and it definitely does have some funny moments. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

 

[missjackiemcg]

We've never been fortunate enough to see Characterpalooza but looks so awesome!! I love meeting more than one character together--feel like more bang for your Disney buck!

Your Mom is a real photography champ! You guys really kept her hopping back and forth. I love Pinnochio where they just didn't make it in time. So cute!

Looking forward to the next Chapter!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Wow, what great timing to catch Characterpalooza already happening.

Still creeped out by the army men. So it's especially nice to hear he was such a gentleman.

Haha, Kylie and Emily do Hook better than Hook.

Aww Meeko. That's a good catch.

The only thing I kind of dislike about Characterpalooza is it's really tough when you're solo. Good on Mom taking care of the photos.

Way to go Courtney!!!! Conquer that fear!!! Keep it up and ToT will become a favourite. Maybe someday you'll have an opportunity to ride more often.

Ah super awesome single rider joining in with you all. Love that!

And yes, the Muppet pre-show is probably the best in all of Disney. Just classic stuff.

 

[ariane37]

I have really been enjoying your trip report!

Do they put characterpalooza in the time guide. Thanks!

Hi! Characterpalooza isn't in the times guide as Disney doesn't advertise it. It's more of a not so "secret" lol.

However Kenny the Pirate lists the times on his website. They can change though, and so can location, and technically it's not guaranteed to happen. The location has already changed since summer; it's currently by the TOT exit

 

[amberg93]

Your Mom is a hero for taking all those pictures. And of course your whole group continues to look super fab.

Super jealous about Genie and Jafar though, like double score there.

I feel you on ToT but good job riding it. Your face does say it all in the picture and I agree with everything that it is saying.

RnRC is always great though. Excellent decision.

I think I've only seen the pre-show to Muppets once. But then I've only seen it twice? Oops. I did like it, but I think we just forget.

 

[MissMaryQC]

Characterpalooza looks like such fun! We've never done it, but we might have to. LOVE the picture of the girls and Hook. The one of you and Pinocchio is so sweet!

ToT is one of my favorite rides but my sis HATES it. Maybe she'll have an experience like yours and start to like it better. Glad you enjoyed it this trip!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

So much Frozen fun! I'm not sure if I can drag Anika into the singalong, but I think I may attempt it.

Wow, you had so much success at Characterpalooza! So many great meets!

Good for you for getting on Tower of Terror! I ADORE that ride, so I'm glad you liked it better this time!

THE MUPPETS PRE-SHOW!!! Gosh darn it, I LOVE that pre-show! (If you had any doubts, just take a look at my avatar...)

 

[CarolAnnB]

Characterpalooza finally!!! So many times in the last few years, we were either eating dinner or at an ASL show or it looked like rain so they canceled. We were crazy people running around although you guys all looked pretty cool and collected in the pictures. The Genie was the best and Jafar was a bit creepy, which seems weird to say about a guy who can't speak or even move his face, but can still come off creepy!

That's a great "I love my Dad" photopass pic. So was the one of you at Epcot.

"What foolishness would you like to see?" A phrase we don't use enough in everyday conversation but appropriate on so many occasions.

Olaf in the 3D glasses is one of my fave pics of him. When they were handing those Olafs out, I thought it would be a pain carrying him around all day, etc. but I LOVE looking at the pictures you took of him - he had a such a fun trip!

"In Summer" was the Screen Test song on the radio this morning - thought of you!

 

[khertz]

Ahhh, Characterpalooza! We are pretty much obsessed. It's so fun! Any place I can see Meeko and Bolt is a total win in my book.

I'm so glad you conquered your fear of ToT! I never get tired of that drop. Love it!

 

[Sisa]

Wow, Characterpalooza looked fabulous! Your mom seriously is amazing for being able to get all those awesome pictures!

TOT, way to go!!!!! I hated Splash as a kid because of the drop, but I am going to try it on our trip and see if I like it better as adult. I don't think I can attempt TOT yet, but we'll see how Splash goes for me.

What an awesome single rider, to pose with you all.

I agree, Olaf in the glasses is the best selfie yet!

 

[courtneybelle]

First of all, congrats to you on getting on TOT It's my favorite ride and, I think, the best ride in WDW (possibly the world............) I routinely make fun of my friends who go to HS and don't ride it. I won't stop doing that, either.

Second, how AWESOME is characterpalooza??!!! We missed it on so many trips and finally caught it twice last August. Both my DS's loved it but younger DS8 at the time was over the moon So many cool characters out, including the Evil Queen both times which totally thrilled me Pinocchio & Gepetto were there too and I hate that they aren't anywhere else in the parks now. They were 2 of the first characters we met on our first trip with the boys when they were 1 & 4. I have a picture of the boys with the 2 of them hanging on their walls, and DS1 is sitting on Gepetto's knee So it was nice to be able to see them again.

DH and I are heading down in 5 weeks for an anniversary trip without the boys, but I still plan on catching characterpalooza!

Haha thank you!! It is gradually growing on me, I can see why people love it so much.

Yes! Characterpalooza was so fun. That's amazing that you got to meet both Pinocchio and Gepetto! I love seeing the rare characters out.

Eeee an anniversary trip sounds so magical!! I hope you have a ball!

SO JEALOUS OF YOUR GETTING TO CHARACTERPALOOZA! Aladdin is one of my favorite Disney movies and it's my dream to meet Jafar and the Genie. You lucky duck!!!

Don't worry, your fear of ToT is completely rational. I went on it in 2010 (when I was 14) but somehow was too scared to go back on last year. Even though I had already conquered my fear.

Sam Eagle is pretty much the best Muppet in the gang, save Statler and Waldorf.

It was a really amazing Characterpalooza! We had so many good characters.

Hahaha no I understand that. We'll have to see how I do on my next trip…

YES. Sam Eagle is EVERYTHING.

Those are all pretty fabtastic Characterpalooza meets. And definitely shout out to your mom for catching all those moments! I was actually wondering who was taking whose pictures while you were each off on your side, I didn't imagine it was all the work of one master photographer. Two thumbs up

Meeting Jafar and Genie at the same time is a pretty stellar experience! We've met Jafar by himself, and Genie with Jasmine, but that's definitely an interesting combination

I love Tower of Terror! It freaks me out for sure, but I love that feeling of your heart just jumping up in your chest while you drop, that's always been one of my favorite ride sensation. Though, admittedly I was a bit more scared for a while because you know, those buckles are just such easy access - what if you sit next to a jerk that decides to prank you and unbuckle it? Of course, it was silly of me to not realize Disney locks the buckles. They'd probably be bankrupt from lawsuits from stupid people who unbuckle themselves by now otherwise.

Yay for liking it better though! Personal growth is important. I had personal growth too with Dinosaur. Last time we rode it, I kept my eyes open halfway through rather than shutting them right as the first dinosaur pops up

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is so much fun but I'm always so paranoid about losing something. Like, okay yeah, gravity and all keeps it pushed in and so on, but still, it seems so unsecure to just put a bag between my legs, I'm always sure it'll somehow free itself. Probably smack me in the face, too. Or make me lose my glasses and then I would be blind for the rest of the trip.

Olaf looks fab in those glasses. I think pink is his color.

We haven't done Muppets 3D very often. We should probably work on that.

Hahaha my mom literally has superpowers. I was looking back at all the pictures and I have no idea how she pulled it off.

It was a really fun meet with Genie and Jafar! I was really happy because now I've met Aladdin, Jasmine, Abu, Genie, and Jafar. So I guess that means I get Bingo when it comes to Aladdin characters!

Oh my gosh, I totally understand that fear of someone unbuckling your seatbelt!! Thankfully I've tried to unbuckle my seatbelt on Star Tours, and I know you can't before the CM presses a certain button. So that's comforting!

So funny you said that, Dinosaur is the next fear I need to conquer!!! I keep my eyes closed the whole time.

BAHAHA you're too much. Do you try putting your leg through the strap of the bag? I do that and keep my bag pressed between my ankles and it's usually pretty reliable.

Pink's a good look for him!

Oh my gosh, it's one of my favorite attractions! I'm a Muppet enthusiast.

Hey there lady. I fell behind with vacation and then with Pop's surgery and stuff, so I'm just going to comment on your last update.

I want to do Characterpalooza so bad! Th least time I was there it didn't work out timing wise.

Meeko! Aaaahhh, I just died.

Hahahah, I lost an Olaf! That's great. Good on you conquering your fear of ToT. Personal growth is always a plus.

That's exactly what I thought of when I think of the pre-show for Muppets. "What foolishness would you like to see!" Oh and also "Hi, welcome to my park."

Hey Dani!! So glad to see you back around these parts! Super excited you have that big race coming up…

The past few years it hasn't worked out for us with timing or with weather, so it was so great to finally be able to do it!

Right?! Meeko was so adorable!

Haha it was absolutely hilarious in that moment.

YES Rizzo is my favorite so I love the "Hi, welcome to my park…Rat schmat, they're tourists, what do they know?"

Oh my goodness! Your mom is a champ for getting all of those pictures! Looks like you guys had an awesome time.

Jeremy and I would have made the same joke and had the same hysterical reaction.

She really was a champion that day!!

Bahaha okay I feel a little better about us making the joke now!

 

[courtneybelle]

I have really been enjoying your trip report!

Do they put characterpalooza in the time guide. Thanks!

Thank you for reading!! As Ariane said, it's not in the Times Guide, but Kenny the Pirate's site has all the times on it!

Ok, this picture threw me at first because I thought Kylie had one leg up and kinda behind Captain Hook - then I realized it belonged to the woman behind her

Good job conquering your fear and riding ToT! Also, “I LOST AN OLAF!!!” would make for a good trip report title.

ah, that is pretty cool the single rider did your pose with you! Honorary member of the trip report

Love Muppets including the Preshow - just all the set pieces they have in the waiting area are great. I mean, I think I will never not laugh about "A Net Full of Jello"

OH MY GOSH now I can't unsee that! It totally does look like that.

You know, that was a title contender!! Very fitting since Olaf was one of the stars of this trip report.

Right? She knows what's up.

I love the "A Net Full of Jello" too!!! Love that they include those kinds of details in the pre show when most people just want to get to the actual show.

I love the characterpalooza pictures! We've never done it, but we're hoping to next trip because every TR I see has great characters - and this is no exception! Genie & Jafar together is awesome. And kudos to your mom for running back and forth to get all the pictures!

Tower of Terror ... congrats on conquering your fear and doing it! I think hearing someone scream I lost an Olaf makes the ride worth it!

I love that your single rider on RnR did the pose with you. Always nice to have a fun single rider!

I think I may be the only person who doesn't like the MuppetVision pre-show. The first time it was cute, but I've seen it so many times that it bores me now. But everyone else seems to love it... and it definitely does have some funny moments. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I hope you get to do it as well!! It's so great meeting such a variety of characters. And my mom is in fact a superhero for taking all the pics!

Thanks!! It definitely was the highlight of the ride for me!

Right? I was so glad she joined in!

Hahaha I may or may not be listening to it right now as I write this post…I love it.

We've never been fortunate enough to see Characterpalooza but looks so awesome!! I love meeting more than one character together--feel like more bang for your Disney buck!

Your Mom is a real photography champ! You guys really kept her hopping back and forth. I love Pinnochio where they just didn't make it in time. So cute!

Looking forward to the next Chapter!!

I hope you get to do it at some point, it is a really fun way to meet a bunch of characters at once!!

Haha, she did such a great job getting all the pics!!

Wow, what great timing to catch Characterpalooza already happening.

Still creeped out by the army men. So it's especially nice to hear he was such a gentleman.

Haha, Kylie and Emily do Hook better than Hook.

Aww Meeko. That's a good catch.

The only thing I kind of dislike about Characterpalooza is it's really tough when you're solo. Good on Mom taking care of the photos.

Way to go Courtney!!!! Conquer that fear!!! Keep it up and ToT will become a favourite. Maybe someday you'll have an opportunity to ride more often.

Ah super awesome single rider joining in with you all. Love that!

And yes, the Muppet pre-show is probably the best in all of Disney. Just classic stuff.

Haha well, we were actually on the Streets of America waiting for it to happen. I just didn't include that part because it wasn't very exciting.

I won't pretend to understand. I looooove the Green Army Men. I would marry one if given the opportunity.

Right?! They nailed it.

He was so cute and I don't remember meeting him before, so that was a win!

Yeah, I can see how it would be a problem by yourself. Especially since it's very rushed toward the end.

Maybe someday!!! I can see myself enjoying it more once I get over the fear, though!

She was awesome!! So glad she joined in.

Serious perfection.

Hi! Characterpalooza isn't in the times guide as Disney doesn't advertise it. It's more of a not so "secret" lol.

However Kenny the Pirate lists the times on his website. They can change though, and so can location, and technically it's not guaranteed to happen. The location has already changed since summer; it's currently by the TOT exit

Thanks for the info!! I hadn't realized the location changed, but I haven't been checking because I don't have a trip planned…I should probably get on that.

Your Mom is a hero for taking all those pictures. And of course your whole group continues to look super fab.

Super jealous about Genie and Jafar though, like double score there.

I feel you on ToT but good job riding it. Your face does say it all in the picture and I agree with everything that it is saying.

RnRC is always great though. Excellent decision.

I think I've only seen the pre-show to Muppets once. But then I've only seen it twice? Oops. I did like it, but I think we just forget.

Aww thanks Amber!!

It really was awesome getting two rarer characters meeting together.

Hahahah I can only imagine what we would look like riding TOT together. So much fear.

One of my all-time favorites!!

I LOVE the pre-show but I'm a bit of a Muppet enthusiast so that has a lot to do with it.

Characterpalooza looks like such fun! We've never done it, but we might have to. LOVE the picture of the girls and Hook. The one of you and Pinocchio is so sweet!

ToT is one of my favorite rides but my sis HATES it. Maybe she'll have an experience like yours and start to like it better. Glad you enjoyed it this trip!

I would absolutely recommend it!! I love that picture of the girls with Hook as well!

It's definitely growing on me!! I'm sure in a few trips I'll consider it one of my faves.

So much Frozen fun! I'm not sure if I can drag Anika into the singalong, but I think I may attempt it.

Wow, you had so much success at Characterpalooza! So many great meets!

Good for you for getting on Tower of Terror! I ADORE that ride, so I'm glad you liked it better this time!

THE MUPPETS PRE-SHOW!!! Gosh darn it, I LOVE that pre-show! (If you had any doubts, just take a look at my avatar...)

It's definitely worth a shot! It was a really cute show.

We definitely lucked out in terms of what characters were there, a lot of rarer characters!

Thank you!! I'm starting to like it a lot better.

I was totally thinking of you as I posted this update!!! Rizzo's just the best part of the whole show.

Characterpalooza finally!!! So many times in the last few years, we were either eating dinner or at an ASL show or it looked like rain so they canceled. We were crazy people running around although you guys all looked pretty cool and collected in the pictures. The Genie was the best and Jafar was a bit creepy, which seems weird to say about a guy who can't speak or even move his face, but can still come off creepy!

That's a great "I love my Dad" photopass pic. So was the one of you at Epcot.

"What foolishness would you like to see?" A phrase we don't use enough in everyday conversation but appropriate on so many occasions.

Olaf in the 3D glasses is one of my fave pics of him. When they were handing those Olafs out, I thought it would be a pain carrying him around all day, etc. but I LOVE looking at the pictures you took of him - he had a such a fun trip!

"In Summer" was the Screen Test song on the radio this morning - thought of you!

It was really chaotic, but totally worth it, I had so much fun!! Jafar was a creep though…

I know, I love the borders they have for that!

Actually always appropriate, every minute of the day.

I'm so glad I did it. It definitely made this trip stand out and the pictures all came out great.

I'm feeling a lot like Olaf lately, I just want summer!

Ahhh, Characterpalooza! We are pretty much obsessed. It's so fun! Any place I can see Meeko and Bolt is a total win in my book.

I'm so glad you conquered your fear of ToT! I never get tired of that drop. Love it!

I really wish we could have met Bolt this time around! He's so cute!

The drop is definitely growing on me!

Wow, Characterpalooza looked fabulous! Your mom seriously is amazing for being able to get all those awesome pictures!

TOT, way to go!!!!! I hated Splash as a kid because of the drop, but I am going to try it on our trip and see if I like it better as adult. I don't think I can attempt TOT yet, but we'll see how Splash goes for me.

What an awesome single rider, to pose with you all.

I agree, Olaf in the glasses is the best selfie yet!

My mom was a champion that day (and everyday)!

I actually hated Splash when I was younger as well, but it's become one of my favorite rides! So I hope you try it and enjoy it!

She was so great!

Hahaha I was proud of myself for coming up with that one!

 

[courtneybelle]

Chapter 41: Maybe Bean Could Set Off The Fireworks!

After a zany adventure at Muppet Labs, we decided to grab a spot for the Frozen fireworks! We grabbed a curb spot on Hollywood Boulevard and enjoyed the Icemen’s performance. Kylie and Emily tried to get some food but had a hard time since a lot of the booths on Sunset closed early.

At 9:45 the show started with pictures people had hashtagged #OlafSummerVacation. Sadly none of my pictures were used. I think it’s because I wasn’t in the picture with Olaf, all of the ones used had a person with Olaf. Ah well! My Olaf is a star in my eyes.

The premise was that Kristoff once saw a fireworks show that told a story, and Anna thought that there could be a show about her and Elsa’s adventure.

Then, the fireworks started with this song, which is a crazy beautiful bit of score so I was very happy they used it!

The fireworks were spectacular and I thought the music choices were fantastic too.

Then, we found out that Olaf was melting from the heat…so Elsa came out to help him, and then the fireworks ended with “Let It Go.”

As part of the grand finale, it snowed on Hollywood Boulevard!

We booked it out of there and I swear we were at Pop less than 10 minutes later. We’ve never gotten out of a park after fireworks faster! I honestly didn’t remember how convenient Pop was to DHS and was pleasantly surprised.

And some point along the way we were reminded that there is absolutely NO break-dancing.

My family was planning on AK the next day, but I had some unfinished business in the other Kingdom. So I decided a solo adventure was in order!

Continued in next post​

 

[ariane37]

WooHoo, solo adventure!!! Can't wait to read about it!

No break-dancing

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

UGH, one of the worst features of MGM... so many food places close early. If they want to convince people that MGM is an all day park, maybe keep the food places open until close.

Thank you for including the non fireworks bits. Since it rained the night I saw them (I know... shocking) I never got to see that.

Seriously, nobody...NOBODY... does fireworks like Disney. Incredible.

Oh I know, POP is SO CLOSE!!!! I really don't know why it's not considered an MGM resort.

SOLO ADVENTURE!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Looks like a great spot for the Frozen evening fun! We had the Fantasmic! dining package and had to book it out of the theater to get out onto the main area of the park to even see any of the fireworks - so we didn't see any of the show and had no idea what the premise was - so happy to see you go through that in your update and I know now what the point was

I know some people are Frozened out but those fireworks were pretty darn spectacular (though I did hear they were using leftover fireworks so the show wasn't the exact same every night)

And some point along the way we were reminded that there is absolutely NO break-dancing.

oh, I thought that sign was indicating a levitation area

 

[Wood Nymph]

We were back by the Crossroads for the fireworks. We had a great view and beat the crowd out, but we couldn't hear the dialogue very well. Thanks for filling us in.

 

[SarahDisney]

I'm sorry to hear that your Olaf didn't make it into the show Olaf is definitely a star on this TR, even if he wasn't in the show!

You got some great fireworks pictures ... and that snow on Sunset Blvd!

No breakdancing ... always a good safety tip.

Solo adventure sounds like fun!