7 AM Extra Magic Hours? We're in!...NEW 12/27 p. 31

[dawnbu40]

Thank you for sharing your tour! They should pay you commission because you sold me on it!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

I have been wanting to for a long time! We want to do the behind the scenes (not seeds...did it already) at Epcot too. Thing is we always go with our kids, but I think my oldest can pass for 16 now. He is tall, has that deep man voice, etc. I can take him with me and Sidney can watch the other two. I don't really want t do it by myself.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

All this information is so interesting. I never even noticed that the Liberty Square shutters were all tilted. I love all those little extra details at Disney. And it's so cool that the Liberty Belle there was made from the same mold. Ohhhhh Disney, why are you so awesome?!

A shame you couldn't get any pictures from the Utilidors, they really do sound cool even if it is just mazes of stuff and golf carts. I think it would be just too too cool to go back stage. And the story about Roy on opening day... :') Mickey does wonders with emotions! He truly is the immortal embodiment of Walt... I really need to go to WDW now for KTTK!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[IheartDDuck]

That's cool about the shutters on the windows in Liberty Square. That's why Disney is the best, because they do these things that most people won't even notice.

After hearing about your experience with the tour,I definitely want to keep it in mind and do it myself at some point.

 

[marDgreen88]

Yeah, I mean even though I already knew some of the things you mentioned (and even though now I know about ALL of the things you mentioned haha) I still want to do it! It's the tour that interests me most, I think. Well, that one and Wild Africa!

Aww, the Roy and Mickey picture.

Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[jwwi]

Great updates Sarah. So interesting to hear so many facts from the tour. Not sure if I missed it, but what did you have for lunch from CHH?
Congratulations to Emma, I'm sure she is also interested in hearing where she will be working also. There really are a lot of CP CM at WDW. We seemed to meet so many different ones while we were there in September.

 

[WDWaddictt]

My DH and I did the KTTK tour and absolutely love it. Things you didn't even think of or took for granted you got pointed out to you was so cool. Thanks for sharing.

I talked my husband into taking the Family Magic Tour this year when we go....so excited!

 

[Nermel9]

Wow I love the Liberty Square trivia, that's one of my favorite little areas in MK, I'd probably be asking a million questions if I ever did the tour!

That's so funny how the CM's don't want to listen to Disney music all day! I never get sick of it!

I can't believe they're doing soft openings of Fantasyland! I read that they're doing them all week until the CM previews. Then there are the D23 previews, the AP holder previews and the DVC previews. I'm hoping somewhere between then I'll get to sneak in and see it, since the AP and DVC previews are happening the week I'm going to be there, but who knows? I'll probably just miss it!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Thanks for the great description of the KTTK tour Sarah! You've got me going back and forth here, I have two days before my conference starts in December and I had about decided that I wouldn't do the tour because I really want to be able to explore the Fantasyland expansion area and also ride the re-imagined Test Track. But now I'm thinking I could squeeze it in. Too many things I want to do and not enough time to do them!

 

[OhMari]

We went down the Utilidors over by The Plaza Resturant. I've been back there once before, when our h.s. band had to get their picture taken at 6 in the morning. The bus pulled into the parking area back there. We went down the steps in that area. The area really reminded me of Kennedy Space Center. Both were built around the same time frame.

You sure do remember the small details. You just jogged my memory about the shutters. I completely forgot that until you mentioned it. I did remember the Liberty Bell was made from the same mold at the Liberty Bell in PA.


Edit: I had to go back and read a few posts I missed. I can't believe we can book ADR's already. I haven't picked a place to stay yet. I only booked a rental car on the day we have to leave-boo. If we stay in moderate it will be PORS or Coronado, if deluxe I am going to e-mail the guy I rent points from. $450 a nite is crazy and that is 30% off a deluxe room, when you can rent points and get a studio for $125 a nite.
Maybe I should start my own pre-trip instead of hi-jacking yours again.

 

[Caretames1]

Thank you for taking us along with you on the tour. I found everything you covered so interesting. I can say for sure that someday I will do the tour.

I would love to see all the old pictures, like the opening and the construction.

I wonder what adr's you made. Sounds interesting.

 

[Angies1274]

Thank you so much for sharing your KTTK tour!! I loved reading about it! I'm definitely going to try and talk DH into doing it someday. Although, I doubt it will take much convincing...he loves that stuff as much as I do.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

What all tours have you done Sarah? I was thinking of the MK and the Epcot behind the scenes tour for the next trip.

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Love all the details from the tour!! Would love to do it someday.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Thank you so much for sharing the KTTK Tour, loved hearing about all the trivia. A good guide makes all the difference in the world. Disney really does hire the best people.

You're welcome! I am glad you enjoyed reading about the tour...I was so excited to talk about it-can't believe it took me so long to get to that part of the trip.

Enjoyed your KTTK Tour description. I've always wanted to do this!

You should do it some day!

Thank you for sharing your tour! They should pay you commission because you sold me on it!

haha! I'm glad I convinced you to try it. The tour was GREAT!

I have been wanting to for a long time! We want to do the behind the scenes (not seeds...did it already) at Epcot too. Thing is we always go with our kids, but I think my oldest can pass for 16 now. He is tall, has that deep man voice, etc. I can take him with me and Sidney can watch the other two. I don't really want t do it by myself.

Well, leave the kids at home sometime. It is kind of a bummer there's an age requirement but I understand why they do it.

All this information is so interesting. I never even noticed that the Liberty Square shutters were all tilted. I love all those little extra details at Disney. And it's so cool that the Liberty Belle there was made from the same mold. Ohhhhh Disney, why are you so awesome?!

A shame you couldn't get any pictures from the Utilidors, they really do sound cool even if it is just mazes of stuff and golf carts. I think it would be just too too cool to go back stage. And the story about Roy on opening day... :') Mickey does wonders with emotions! He truly is the immortal embodiment of Walt... I really need to go to WDW now for KTTK!

Can't wait to read more!

Yeah, believe me, if pictures were allowed in the backstage areas I definitely would've taken a bunch. But I guess some things have to be kept a secret.

That's cool about the shutters on the windows in Liberty Square. That's why Disney is the best, because they do these things that most people won't even notice.

After hearing about your experience with the tour,I definitely want to keep it in mind and do it myself at some point.

I know. And the tour definitely makes you appreciate all of those details.

You need to do the tour, especially since you go so often!

Yeah, I mean even though I already knew some of the things you mentioned (and even though now I know about ALL of the things you mentioned haha) I still want to do it! It's the tour that interests me most, I think. Well, that one and Wild Africa!

Aww, the Roy and Mickey picture.

Thanks for sharing!!!

Oh, I want to do the Wild Africa Trek too! That one would be right up my alley since I love the Animal Kingdom so much.

I know, that picture was so sweet.

You're welcome!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Great updates Sarah. So interesting to hear so many facts from the tour. Not sure if I missed it, but what did you have for lunch from CHH?
Congratulations to Emma, I'm sure she is also interested in hearing where she will be working also. There really are a lot of CP CM at WDW. We seemed to meet so many different ones while we were there in September.

We had to pick out our lunch when we checked in. I just ordered the chicken fingers. I think Dad might've gotten them too.

Yes, she is so ready to go back and I'm sure she can't wait to find out where she's working. She might be able to find out her work location early...a couple of her friends from the last CP still work there seasonally and have access to the CM website. It was funny because before she moved down last year her roomies all knew where she was working before she did!

My DH and I did the KTTK tour and absolutely love it. Things you didn't even think of or took for granted you got pointed out to you was so cool. Thanks for sharing.

I talked my husband into taking the Family Magic Tour this year when we go....so excited!

You're welcome!

Oooh, have fun on the Family Magic Tour! We did that one several years ago too.

Wow I love the Liberty Square trivia, that's one of my favorite little areas in MK, I'd probably be asking a million questions if I ever did the tour!

That's so funny how the CM's don't want to listen to Disney music all day! I never get sick of it!

I can't believe they're doing soft openings of Fantasyland! I read that they're doing them all week until the CM previews. Then there are the D23 previews, the AP holder previews and the DVC previews. I'm hoping somewhere between then I'll get to sneak in and see it, since the AP and DVC previews are happening the week I'm going to be there, but who knows? I'll probably just miss it!

You are so lucky you get to go so soon. It is sounding like Fantasyland will be open and I keep seeing how they're adding more preview dates because of the mess when you could first register. It still bums me out that I have to wait until April to see it all.

Thanks for the great description of the KTTK tour Sarah! You've got me going back and forth here, I have two days before my conference starts in December and I had about decided that I wouldn't do the tour because I really want to be able to explore the Fantasyland expansion area and also ride the re-imagined Test Track. But now I'm thinking I could squeeze it in. Too many things I want to do and not enough time to do them!

I would think you'd be able to do the tour and see the new Fantasyland. I hope you decide to do it!

We went down the Utilidors over by The Plaza Resturant. I've been back there once before, when our h.s. band had to get their picture taken at 6 in the morning. The bus pulled into the parking area back there. We went down the steps in that area. The area really reminded me of Kennedy Space Center. Both were built around the same time frame.

You sure do remember the small details. You just jogged my memory about the shutters. I completely forgot that until you mentioned it. I did remember the Liberty Bell was made from the same mold at the Liberty Bell in PA.


Edit: I had to go back and read a few posts I missed. I can't believe we can book ADR's already. I haven't picked a place to stay yet. I only booked a rental car on the day we have to leave-boo. If we stay in moderate it will be PORS or Coronado, if deluxe I am going to e-mail the guy I rent points from. $450 a nite is crazy and that is 30% off a deluxe room, when you can rent points and get a studio for $125 a nite.
Maybe I should start my own pre-trip instead of hi-jacking yours again.

haha, I had to check a couple of my Disney books just to make sure I got some of those details/trivia bits right. I also wrote down a lot of stuff as soon as we got home so I wouldn't forget it all for the TR.

You should do a PTR! Have you made any more decisions about your trip?

Thank you for taking us along with you on the tour. I found everything you covered so interesting. I can say for sure that someday I will do the tour.

I would love to see all the old pictures, like the opening and the construction.

I wonder what adr's you made. Sounds interesting.

You're welcome! The tour was a lot of fun and I'm sure you would enjoy it (how many times have I said that to people on here? haha)

Well, if I ever get this TR done and decide if I want to do a PTR, I'll share our ADR plans.

Thank you so much for sharing your KTTK tour!! I loved reading about it! I'm definitely going to try and talk DH into doing it someday. Although, I doubt it will take much convincing...he loves that stuff as much as I do.

Awesome! I'm glad I convinced so many people to try, or atleast consider, doing the tour.

What all tours have you done Sarah? I was thinking of the MK and the Epcot behind the scenes tour for the next trip.

We did the Family Magic Tour several years ago (I actually think we were able to do it for free because it was part of some package we got). Then two years ago my dad and I did the Backstage Safari tour at the Animal Kingdom. The Epcot one might be cool!

Love all the details from the tour!! Would love to do it someday.

I hope you do decide to go on the tour eventually!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Thursday, April 12, 2012 cont'd (part 6)

After our amazing tour we took the bus back to the Boardwalk for a little break. The plan for the night was to go over to Hollywood Studios to catch the American Idol finale show and possibly Fantasmic since I hadn't seen it in a few years.

When we were ready to go we decided to take the Friendship boats instead of walking. It's always relaxing taking the boats and soaking in all of the scenery. I always say how the Epcot resorts area is one of my favorite places on property, and staying at the Boardwalk only reaffirmed that for me. How can you not love sights like these?!

(old DVC logo!)

I had to get a shot of our balcony...

Soon we arrived at DHS.

When we got inside the park we stopped for the obligatory picture in front of the Sorcerer's Hat.

Since the major attractions has pretty long waits we took the time to check out some of the lesser attractions and shows. We started off at One Man's Dream. We've walked through the exhibit a couple times and it's always cool seeing the displays and models. I didn't get a picture of it, but there was a huge model of the Fantasyland expansion. Seriously cannot wait for that to be open...have I mentioned how I'm extremely envious of all of you with trips in the near future? Please take me with you! Anyways...here's a couple of pictures I did take while inside:

FIGMENT!

Anybody remember Honey, I Blew Up the Kid? It's Adam's toy rabbit!

After One Man's Dream we headed back outside toward the Sorcerer's Hat. I had been wanting to see the new Disney Channel Rocks! show so we hung out in that general area and waited for the show.

In all honesty I thought this show was just alright. I only recognized a few of the songs (which may be kind of sad but yes, I have seen all of the High School Musical and Camp Rock movies...). I definitely prefer the old HSM pep rally shows. Atleast they ended with "We're All in This Together."



(how cute is that little boy off to the right?! He was dancing along to the music...but of course in this video he stopped, LOL).

After Disney Channel Rocks! we went to the Backlot Express for dinner. I wasn't all that hungry at the time so Dad just ordered a hot dog for himself. Well, they gave us two hot dogs by mistake and since they couldn't take it back I ended up just eating it anyway. So I got a free dinner.

Since we were right there, we also watched the Jedi Training Academy when we were done eating. We always enjoy watching the little kids battle (or attempt to battle) Darth Vader. Plus the Jedi Master is hilarious.

(click to play!)


I think the best part was this one little boy. When it was his turn to fight Darth Vader the Jedi Master asked him how old he was. The little boy held up three fingers. You have to be atleast four years old to participate, so the Jedi Master made some comment about how his parents must have lied about his age to get him in. Too funny.

I think we might've left the Jedi Training show before it was over so we could make sure we got into the American Idol finale. Inside the theater the "pump up guy" (or whatever you want to call him) played Angry Birds with the crowd.

As usual the show was entertaining and the contestants were pretty good. Another younger girl ended up winning.

To end our night at DHS we headed over toward the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater for Fantasmic!

Just a random shot of the Tower of Terror.

Like I said, it had been a while since I last saw the show. I know some people like seeing all the night shows every trip but for me I don't really care. They're all great but I don't feel like I need to see them all the time. But, one of the things I love about Fantasmic is the activity before the show actually starts. I always love when they do the wave, and this time, there were two hosts who were interacting with the crowd. At one point they tried to have each side sing along to Summer Nights from Grease, which I thought would make a pretty hilarious video. Unfortunately that turned out to be an epic fail...I don't think anybody, except for a couple people, actually tried singing.



After the preshow entertainment it was time for Mickey!

One of my favorite parts...love the princesses and their princes.

My other favorite part...the character boat! I don't know what was going on, but right at that point a bunch of people in our section decided to leave which was sort of irritating. I wanted to see all those characters waving their flags.

OK, is it just me, or does anybody else get a little misty-eyed at the end when Mickey's out there dancing around? I just love how the crowd starts clapping and cheering for Mickey and screaming at the fireworks. It's amazing!

"Some imagination, huh?" (click to play!)


And so, that brought the end to another awesome day. The only bad thing was that it meant the end our trip was getting closer...we only had one more day left in Disney.

Good night, Hollywood Studios!

up next: How much ground can you cover in one day?

 

[WDWaddictt]

What a great day!

Boardwalk is beautiful! Would love to stay there one day...

We love Fantasmic too, can't wait to take the kids there on our upcoming trip they have never been.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

You had a prime spot at the Boardwalk! We need to stay there. The only two non DVC resorts we have not stayed in are BW and GF.

You mentioned a pre show for Fantasmic. What do they do? I don't think I've ever been there early. I agree with you...the big shows we usually do every other trip. It's not necessary to do them every single time if you go often. I do plan to do it all this time though. I am making a planning book for Disney clients and I want to include every single thing. I've done it over the years, but really it's easier to just do it again than to search for all that stuff.

I'm excited about Fantasyland too. I can't wait to see it, AND Test Track.

 

[Nermel9]

Wow your room at the BWI was in such a perfect spot! I need to stay there!

Great day at DHS! I would love to watch the little kids doing the Jedi training someday, but it's never going on when we're there!

I like Fantasmic, but I don't need to see it on every trip either. But I do need to see Illuminations 5 billion times. And Wishes at least once.

Oh no only one Disney day left!