Mandy aka Minnie
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2000
- Messages
- 115
I'm glad you guys are enjoying my report so far. I'm afraid I've put too much detail in some parts. I just love to write and I had such a memorable trip, I can't even imagine not sharing everything! Hmm... No matter. Here's Part 3! Enjoy! 
Cast of Characters:
Amanda (Mandy) Thats me! Im 19, graduated in 2001!
Cathy One of my best friends, shes also 19 Class of 01 all the way baby!
Cathys mom and dad are the ones who drove us down to Florida. They dropped us off at our resort, then when down to Kissimmee for their own vacation! Dont worry they make an appearance later in the week!
Part 3
I felt as though I had been transported to another time, another world!
There was a very nice CM taking random guest pictures on Hollywood Blvd. We got our picture made with the Sorcerers hat in the background. She took several pictures with different poses. I took the little Disney Studios picture ticket that she gave me, and she told us that we could stop by Cover Story on Hollywood Blvd any time after 2:00pm to look at our pictures, and buy prints. Very neat!
Now for the rides!
While pouring over our Passporters during one of our many planning sessions, we had decided that Rock n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror were a must for this trip. So thats where we headed. We went straight to Rock n Roller Coaster and got a FASTPASS, then hopped on over to Tower of Terror which was right next door, to wait in the regular line.
Tower of Terror WOW! I knew about the drops, naturally. Thats what the whole ride is about, right? Wrong. I had no idea of the other special things that happen during this ride. Visual effects are wonderful! It made the ride very creepy and I loved every gut-wrenching minute of it!!
After we looked at our Tower of Terror pics (no comment on those) we headed over to Rock n Roller Coaster to use our FASTPASS. Since it wasnt quite time yet, we decided to stop for a drink. We had packed some Capri Suns and crackers, so all we had to do was plop down on the sidewalk in the shade and enjoy. While we were waiting, we scanned over the map to see what we wanted to do next. Our plan turned out to be this: We would head back down Sunset Blvd and look through the shops, check out the Tip Board to see if there were any short lines on any of the rides we were interested in, if there were we would head over to that ride, if not, we were going to head towards The Great Movie Ride, then Muppet Vision 3D. If there was anything along the way that looked interesting, we would go for it!
By the time we came up with a plan, it was time for our FASTPASS. YIIIPPY!!! I was so excited about riding Rock n Roller Coaster. Im a HUGE Aerosmith fan, and I love roller coasters (The crazier the better is my motto!) so I was really looking forward to this.
We zipped right through the FASTPASS line, and were in the pre-show area in no time. I dont remember much of the pre-show, but I did see the Hidden Mickey!!
Rock n Roller Coaster OH MY GOSH I love this ride! I smiled so much during the countdown that my face was sore!! But it was a good sore. And with tires squealing We were off at 60 mph! I couldnt scream, I couldnt laugh, I couldnt cry, I couldnt breath It was the greatest!! One of my very favorite rides ever! I smile just thinking about it.
We just had to have our Rock n Roller Coaster pics with our graduation year on the front, they were wonderful! Cathy and I both look absolutely beautiful with our eyes and our mouths hanging wide open. Yep, another great memory.
After a quick browse through the Rock n Roller Coaster shop, we headed out towards the palm-tree lined Sunset Blvd. Planet Hollywood was a neat shop. They had, you know, Planet Hollywood stuff. Anyone for a pair of Planet Hollywood socks? Look no more! The candy store on the corner was WOW. I had never in my life seen a triple-dipped chocolate candy apple, drizzled with dark and white chocolate then covered in marshmallows or M&Ms. Only $5. There were several different kinds, all covered in candy, which makes sense I suppose. I actually thought this was too much chocolate. Hmm Theres a first time for everything, huh? We also stopped at the pin cart in front of the candy shop where Cathy became immediately hooked on pins. That was too easy! As we entered Legends of Hollywood, I yelped Flat Penny Alert! Sure enough, we started digging through our pressed penny money (our change) and ended up with three new pennies! But whats this? Sitting on top of the Pressed Penny machine were Walt Disney World Pressed Penny Wallets!! Just what we needed! These came in VERY handy the rest of the trip. Only $6.36.
The tip board displayed no ride times that we were interested in, so we continued on towards The Great Movie Ride. Outside the theater we stopped to look for character handprints. We found Mickey, Donald and Goofy. Wonderful picture opportunity.
The Great Movie Ride This was a very neat ride. I really enjoyed it. It was a nice break from the sticky weather outside. The Alien part truly terrified me though. Hey Ive seen the movies!
We meandered through the streets on the way to Muppets. Taking an occasional picture here, ducking into a shop there.
I was amazed at the Toy Story Pizza Planet. I loved the little Barrel of Monkeys coming down the side of the building. We thought about going inside for lunch, but decided we werent really that hungry even though it was about 2:00ish by now. Plus we were anxious to visit Muppet Vision. It looked pretty stormy now also. You could just barely see the storm clouds in the distance. And there was no sun. Still hot though.
Muppet Vision 3D This was a very cute little 3D show. Watch out for pies! The pre-show was also very funny. I recommend this ride to anyone looking for a good chuckle.
After we left Muppets, we took pictures of the Miss Piggy fountain outside. VERY dark storm clouds in the background of my pics.
We decided to walk over to New York Street after this. I was curious to see what it looked like. I wasnt disappointed. Although I have never been to New York (I would love to go sometime though!) it did remind me of the New York movies that Ive seen.
Now you may have noticed that I have mentioned the weather quite a bit so far. Especially a certain storm that was obviously getting closer and closer. In fact, this storm got so close, that while Cathy and I were standing in the middle of New York Street, debating on weather or not we should buy a bag of honey roasted nuts, a HUGE downpour began, turning New York Street into a New York river.
Cathy quickly yanked out her Disney Studios map as we ducked under a tree.
Um, Cathy I looked up. Were standing under a tree and its storming.
All the little covered areas along New York Street were taken. Filled with people who were more concerned with staying dry than buying roasted nuts Im sure.
Lets go find a shop. We can look around in there til the storm passes.
Cathy agreed that this was probably the best thing to do. By now we were pretty damp. Our map isnt doing to well either.
We hurry out from under the tree and around the corner where Cathy swore there was a whole big bunch of shops. HA! Wrong! It turns out to be the Backstage Tour path, we couldnt get anywhere this way.
As were practically sprinting down New York Street, I realize that Im now holding one half of the map, Cathy is holding the other, and were both drenched.
*** Note *** Wet park guide maps dont hold up very well. They don't make good umbrellas either.
Did this stop us? Nope. Fighting the storm, and our uncontrollable laughter, we continued to wander around the New York Street area for at least 2-3 more minutes. Desperately trying to find a shop, a ride, a bathroom, a very large, waterproof character ANYTHING to stand under (besides our tree.)
We kept coming out at the same spot on New York Street no matter which way we went! Plus you really couldnt see very far because of the rain Oh the trials and tribulations of a true Disney Fan.
I think you have New York Street, I giggled. Because I have this piece with Fantasmic on it, and heres the Animation Tour on this piece.
Cathy carefully unstuck her pieces of the map. Muppets Nope Map legend Nope Here it is! New York Street! She held up about a 4 x 5 block of dripping wet map. Now the tears start falling. I can barely stand up now, and my side is killing me.
To be continued... Dum dum dum
<--- I love that part.
Cast of Characters:
Amanda (Mandy) Thats me! Im 19, graduated in 2001!
Cathy One of my best friends, shes also 19 Class of 01 all the way baby!
Cathys mom and dad are the ones who drove us down to Florida. They dropped us off at our resort, then when down to Kissimmee for their own vacation! Dont worry they make an appearance later in the week!
Part 3
I felt as though I had been transported to another time, another world!
There was a very nice CM taking random guest pictures on Hollywood Blvd. We got our picture made with the Sorcerers hat in the background. She took several pictures with different poses. I took the little Disney Studios picture ticket that she gave me, and she told us that we could stop by Cover Story on Hollywood Blvd any time after 2:00pm to look at our pictures, and buy prints. Very neat!
Now for the rides!
While pouring over our Passporters during one of our many planning sessions, we had decided that Rock n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror were a must for this trip. So thats where we headed. We went straight to Rock n Roller Coaster and got a FASTPASS, then hopped on over to Tower of Terror which was right next door, to wait in the regular line.
Tower of Terror WOW! I knew about the drops, naturally. Thats what the whole ride is about, right? Wrong. I had no idea of the other special things that happen during this ride. Visual effects are wonderful! It made the ride very creepy and I loved every gut-wrenching minute of it!!
After we looked at our Tower of Terror pics (no comment on those) we headed over to Rock n Roller Coaster to use our FASTPASS. Since it wasnt quite time yet, we decided to stop for a drink. We had packed some Capri Suns and crackers, so all we had to do was plop down on the sidewalk in the shade and enjoy. While we were waiting, we scanned over the map to see what we wanted to do next. Our plan turned out to be this: We would head back down Sunset Blvd and look through the shops, check out the Tip Board to see if there were any short lines on any of the rides we were interested in, if there were we would head over to that ride, if not, we were going to head towards The Great Movie Ride, then Muppet Vision 3D. If there was anything along the way that looked interesting, we would go for it!
By the time we came up with a plan, it was time for our FASTPASS. YIIIPPY!!! I was so excited about riding Rock n Roller Coaster. Im a HUGE Aerosmith fan, and I love roller coasters (The crazier the better is my motto!) so I was really looking forward to this.
We zipped right through the FASTPASS line, and were in the pre-show area in no time. I dont remember much of the pre-show, but I did see the Hidden Mickey!!
Rock n Roller Coaster OH MY GOSH I love this ride! I smiled so much during the countdown that my face was sore!! But it was a good sore. And with tires squealing We were off at 60 mph! I couldnt scream, I couldnt laugh, I couldnt cry, I couldnt breath It was the greatest!! One of my very favorite rides ever! I smile just thinking about it.
We just had to have our Rock n Roller Coaster pics with our graduation year on the front, they were wonderful! Cathy and I both look absolutely beautiful with our eyes and our mouths hanging wide open. Yep, another great memory.
After a quick browse through the Rock n Roller Coaster shop, we headed out towards the palm-tree lined Sunset Blvd. Planet Hollywood was a neat shop. They had, you know, Planet Hollywood stuff. Anyone for a pair of Planet Hollywood socks? Look no more! The candy store on the corner was WOW. I had never in my life seen a triple-dipped chocolate candy apple, drizzled with dark and white chocolate then covered in marshmallows or M&Ms. Only $5. There were several different kinds, all covered in candy, which makes sense I suppose. I actually thought this was too much chocolate. Hmm Theres a first time for everything, huh? We also stopped at the pin cart in front of the candy shop where Cathy became immediately hooked on pins. That was too easy! As we entered Legends of Hollywood, I yelped Flat Penny Alert! Sure enough, we started digging through our pressed penny money (our change) and ended up with three new pennies! But whats this? Sitting on top of the Pressed Penny machine were Walt Disney World Pressed Penny Wallets!! Just what we needed! These came in VERY handy the rest of the trip. Only $6.36.
The tip board displayed no ride times that we were interested in, so we continued on towards The Great Movie Ride. Outside the theater we stopped to look for character handprints. We found Mickey, Donald and Goofy. Wonderful picture opportunity.
The Great Movie Ride This was a very neat ride. I really enjoyed it. It was a nice break from the sticky weather outside. The Alien part truly terrified me though. Hey Ive seen the movies!
We meandered through the streets on the way to Muppets. Taking an occasional picture here, ducking into a shop there.
I was amazed at the Toy Story Pizza Planet. I loved the little Barrel of Monkeys coming down the side of the building. We thought about going inside for lunch, but decided we werent really that hungry even though it was about 2:00ish by now. Plus we were anxious to visit Muppet Vision. It looked pretty stormy now also. You could just barely see the storm clouds in the distance. And there was no sun. Still hot though.
Muppet Vision 3D This was a very cute little 3D show. Watch out for pies! The pre-show was also very funny. I recommend this ride to anyone looking for a good chuckle.
After we left Muppets, we took pictures of the Miss Piggy fountain outside. VERY dark storm clouds in the background of my pics.
We decided to walk over to New York Street after this. I was curious to see what it looked like. I wasnt disappointed. Although I have never been to New York (I would love to go sometime though!) it did remind me of the New York movies that Ive seen.
Now you may have noticed that I have mentioned the weather quite a bit so far. Especially a certain storm that was obviously getting closer and closer. In fact, this storm got so close, that while Cathy and I were standing in the middle of New York Street, debating on weather or not we should buy a bag of honey roasted nuts, a HUGE downpour began, turning New York Street into a New York river.
Cathy quickly yanked out her Disney Studios map as we ducked under a tree.
Um, Cathy I looked up. Were standing under a tree and its storming.
All the little covered areas along New York Street were taken. Filled with people who were more concerned with staying dry than buying roasted nuts Im sure.
Lets go find a shop. We can look around in there til the storm passes.
Cathy agreed that this was probably the best thing to do. By now we were pretty damp. Our map isnt doing to well either.
We hurry out from under the tree and around the corner where Cathy swore there was a whole big bunch of shops. HA! Wrong! It turns out to be the Backstage Tour path, we couldnt get anywhere this way.
As were practically sprinting down New York Street, I realize that Im now holding one half of the map, Cathy is holding the other, and were both drenched.
*** Note *** Wet park guide maps dont hold up very well. They don't make good umbrellas either.
Did this stop us? Nope. Fighting the storm, and our uncontrollable laughter, we continued to wander around the New York Street area for at least 2-3 more minutes. Desperately trying to find a shop, a ride, a bathroom, a very large, waterproof character ANYTHING to stand under (besides our tree.)
We kept coming out at the same spot on New York Street no matter which way we went! Plus you really couldnt see very far because of the rain Oh the trials and tribulations of a true Disney Fan.
I think you have New York Street, I giggled. Because I have this piece with Fantasmic on it, and heres the Animation Tour on this piece.
Cathy carefully unstuck her pieces of the map. Muppets Nope Map legend Nope Here it is! New York Street! She held up about a 4 x 5 block of dripping wet map. Now the tears start falling. I can barely stand up now, and my side is killing me.
To be continued... Dum dum dum
<--- I love that part. 
