Best Hollywood Studios Guide - Tips, Tricks, Must do's, Please Contribute!!!

[IMwink]

Hello everyone,

I will be taking my DD's (5 & 6) to WDW this July. Other than a one visit to MK 2 years ago, we have never been. They will be tall enough to go on everything except Rock n Roller Coaster (RnR).

I've been searching the posts and thought it would be good to start a thread that dealt with this issue. It seems like most of you are real WDW veterans, and after spending days (really, work has suffered, but what is more important), and days looking over these posts I have come across a few other newbies.

There may already be a consoldated thread out there, and there probably is.

I've changed my plans so I can go to the Fantasmic Show because I didn't realize it wouldn't be every night.

So please give me your best insider Secrets, Tips, and Tricks for Hollywood Studios.

Like:
Are there any "Must Have" snacks (like the Dole whip is a "must have" at MK)?



Thank you

************************************************** *******
Thanks for all the good Comments. This is starting to turn into something great. Some of the boring stuff you can get off of websites I have put on here just to consolidate some info for newbies like me.

So give me your best veteran advice. And Differing opinions are very welcomed.

If something is just plain wrong or just plain stupid let me know.

If anything is in RED then it is something I need the veterans to confirm. It is something I found but it may not be current anymore.

Thanks again

************************************************************

On this list I will introduce the abbreviations so newbies now what we ae talking about.

What We Have So Far

Must do Event
1. Toy Story Mania (TSM)
2. Rock n Roller Coaster starring Areosmith (RnR)
3. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (ToT)
4. Fantasmic - (Outside)
5. Indiana Jones Stunt Show - (Outside)
6. Beauty and the Beast Live Stage Show (B&TB)- (Outside?)


What You Can Skip
Drew Carey – unless you want to take a nap
Prince Caspian


Top Tips
1. Ride TSM early and get a FP, they run out early
2. Do the rides early and the Shows in the afternoon (my idea, good or bad?)
3. ADR Fantasmic Dinner Package (FDP) Early!!! It sells out fast
4. ADR 50's Prime Time Café, it fills up fast too
5. Fantasmic and Extra Magic Hours (EMH) drive up park attendance, increased ride waits
6. Take some time to enjoy the street performers. They are well rehearsed and show times are not usually announced
7. At Disney-Hollywood Studios, there are yellow painted curbs where lines form for characters that only come out for a few minutes (i.e., CARS & Power Rangers)
8. Many items from the Table Service(TS) places that can be bought for much less at their Counter Service(CS) companion.



Must Have Snack
Banana Cooler – Herbie’s Drive-In
Turkey Leg - Toluca Legs Turkey Co
Frozen Coolers - Herbie's Drive-In


Better Table Service Restaurant (TS
50’s Prime Time Café - S'mores Dessert, Pot Roast (Great Atmoshphere)
Sci-fi Diner - Milkshakes, Burgers, Great atmosphere
Hollywood and Vine (H&V) - hit and miss, buffet style, Good Character meal for preschoolers
Mama Melrose - Hit or Miss. Good Chicken Parm

Good Counter Service (CS)
The Writers Stop – Coffee shop, Good Coffee, good atmosphere, and has coffee shop snacks (almost all are on the DDP snack option)
Studio Catering Co. (good chicken Caesar wrap)
Toy Story Pizza Planet - good for salads, descent Pizza (like a boboli bread pizza), (for the kids, it has an arcade)
Starring Rolls Bakery – Huge Sandwiches for QS, Great for a quick breakfast, almost all the pastries are on the Snack DDP
Sunset Market
Catalina Eddie's - Italian Sandwich

Stay away from Restaurant
ABC Commissary (severely dissed on other DISboards)



Kids Stuff
Voyage of the Little Mermaid (air Conditioned)
Beauty and the Beast Live Stage Show (B&TB)
Muppet Vision 3-D
Honey I shrunk The Kids Movie Set Adventure
Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! (Any input??)


Good Character Meets
All the listed locations are for Usual and sometimes opportunities to take pictures and meet the Character. Not all will be able to sign. And nothing is guaranteed. These are for planning purposes only.
Buzz Lightyear - PIXAR PLACE, Pizza Planet, Toy Story Mania (TSM)
Chewbacca - Star Tours (Occasional)
Chip & Dale - Park Opening
Darth Vadar - Jedi Training academy, Park Opening
Donald Duck - Park Opening
Green Army Men - Park Entrance, PIXAR PLACE
Handy Manny - Playhouse Disney Live!
Incredibles - PIXAR PLACE , Disney Animation Building (Check Times)
Jessie the Cowgirl - PIXAR PLACE
JoJo and Goliath - Playhouse Disney Live!, Hollywood & Vine(H&V) Meal(B,L)
Kim Possible - Streets of America
Lightning McQueen - Luigi's Garage
Little Einsteins - Playhouse Disney Live!, Hollywood & Vine(H&V) Meal(B,L)
Mickey Mouse (Sorcerer) - Mickey Avenue Soundstage, Disney Animation Building
Mike Wazowski - Streets of America – (Behind LMA and BLT)
Power Rangers - Streets of America- See post #38
Stormtroopers - Jedi Training Academy
Sulley - Streets of America – (Behind LMA and BLT)
Tow Mater - Luigi's Garage
Woody - PIXAR PLACE , Pizza Planet
Sorcerer Mickey Hat will a variety of Characters throughout the day


Best Memorable Photo Opportunities
HELP
- Photopass Photographers can do photo enhancements. Such as inserting tinkerbell into the palm of your hand or make Stitch come out of the ground
- Snap pics of the street and window signs. Some of them are funny and memorable.
- Under the "Singing in the Rain" umbrella
- Take a picture under the AT-AT Walkers (watch out for the water)
- Take a picture on the Land Speeder
- All over the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground
- Snowman in the store by Pizza Planet
- In front of the HAT
- Snap a picture of someone pulling the rope at the well in Indy
- Mr. Potatoe Head at TSM (Is it a statue or a person?)
- Get a picture with Matter and McQueen from Cars at Luigi's Garage
- on Sunset Blvd., there is a pile of old fashioned suitcases by a Route 66 sign. You can get really cute pics there. Sitting on a suitcase, leaning on the sign, looking like you are waiting for a bus.
- Huge Kermit near Muppet Vision 3D
- the City Backdrops, NYC, San Fran...
- Outside the Great Movie Ride(GMR) In front of the Chinese Theatre there are hand prints, foot prints, signatures of Celebrities that have visted
- Muppetvission 3-D - Someone picking up the mat and pointing to the key


Ride Restrictions
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (RnR) - 48"
Star Tours - 40"
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (ToT) - 40"


Fast Pass Rides
Indiana Jones ™ Epic Stunt Spectacular!
Voyage of The Little Mermaid
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (ToT)
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (RnR)
Star Tours
Toy Story Mania! (TSM)


Extra Magic Hour Attractions
AM
Muppet Vision 3-D
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (RnR)
Star Tours
Toy Story Mania! (TSM)

PM
The Great Movie Ride (GMR)
Muppet Vision 3D
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (RnR)
Star Tours
Tower of Terror (ToT)
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Toy Story Mania! (TSM)


Tips for Rides
1. Toy Story Mania (TSM)
- 1.1 Fast Pass (FP) and Ride early, FP again
- 1.2 Fast Pass again
- 1.3 Ready, aim, fire! Players have 30 seconds in each game play area to score points.

2. Tower of Terror (ToT)
- 2.1 Use best Judgment on younger kids
- 2.2 Also Do this early
- 2.3 Ride Length - 5 minutes
- 4.5 Ride Restriction - must be at least 40"
- 2.5 inside the cue, as you leave the lobby but before you enter the TV Room there is a bulletin board in a glass case. Some of the letters have fallen out; get right up against the glass to see what the letters have spelled out.
- 2.6 When you board the elevator, on the left side, outside of the elevator itself, is an inspection certificate that's dated Oct. 31, 1939 and signed by "Cadwallader." Cadwallader was a character in the sixth Twilight Zone episode, "Escape Clause" who actually turned out to be the Devil himself. The inspection certificate number is 10259, which is cool because The Twilight Zone's first episode ("Where Is Everybody") premiered on Oct. 2, 1959.
- 2.7 This attraction is very dark and is probably not advisable for folks with a fear of the dark or claustrophobia. In addition, those with a fear of heights may be upset at certain points during the ride.
- 2.8 Many of the items in the queue and other areas of the attraction are from actual episodes of the original Twilight Zone series, such as the poster for the Anthony Freemont Orchestra in the queue, and the small metal robot on a ledge in the library.

3. The Great Movie Ride (GMR)
- 3.1 Great for adults, but what about Kids (4-8)
- 3.2 Ride Length - 18 minutes 44 seconds
- 3.3 What is the significance behind the license plate number "021-429" on the car depicted in the gangster shoot-out sequence of "The Great Movie Ride?” It is the date of the Valentines Day Massacre---Feb. 14, 1929.
- 3.4 Going into the Great Movie Ride (GMR), the lions at the front are not really lions. They are dogs! Supposedly, if you can tell the CM which one is the female, they will walk you through the back door, bypassing the line. HAS THIS EVER REALLY WORKED???
- 3.5 generally lines are longest in the morning and immediately following the afternoon parade. Best times to visit are very first thing in the morning, in the evening, and right before the afternoon parade starts. If the line is extending outside the theater, you may want to consider visiting the attraction at a different time. Once inside the theater, there is approximately a 25-minute wait.
- 3.6 There are two versions of the ride but the Cowboys version is run only during the peak times, Gangsters all the time
- 3.6 Many of the props in the lobby of the theater are authentic, such as the carousel horse from Mary Poppins.
- 3.7 The plane in the Casablanca scene was a Lockheed purchased specifically for that scene. The rear half is in the Jungle Cruise ride at Magic Kingdom.

4. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (RnR)
- 4.1 This is a launch start coaster. Immediate warp speed, be prepared
- 4.2 Lots of movement in the Dark, be prepared, your tummy might not like it
- 4.3 Ride Length - 1 minutes 22 seconds
- 4.4 each limo plays a different Aerosmith track
- 4.5 Ride Restriction - must be at least 48"

5. Studio Backlot Tour
- 5.1 If you don't want to get wet, sit on the right side of the tram.
- 5.2 Ride Length - 35 minutes

6. Star Tours
- 6.1 Sit towards the front for a smoother ride
- 6.2 Ride Length - 4 minutes 30 seconds
- 6.3 When exiting the Star Tours gift shop, look across for the speeder bike. It IS okay to sit on this, great photo op!
- 6.4 Ride Restriction - must be at least 40"
- 6.5 Try riding first thing in the morning before queues develop, or during the afternoon parade. The line for Star Tours also dwindles shortly before park closing - sometimes it's possible to ride several times consecutively late in the day!
- 6.6 Be sure you securely stow your belongings under your seat - things will definitely get jostled during this trip!


Tips for Shows
1. Fantasmic
- 1.1 Try and do a Fantasmic Dinner Package (Mama Melrose, Hollywood and Vine (H&V), Brown Derby) less of a wait
- 1.2 Even with the Dinner package, still show up an 45-60min early, you don't have to sit in the Reserved Section if you think there is a better seat.
- 1.3 Loud and a bit scary for the younger kids
- 1.4 You may get wet in the first ten rows
- 1.5 Grab a CS meal before you get in line, you can eat while you wait
- 1.6 Pick-up a snack before you enter, lines are long inside, and your gonna want one
- 1.7 Seating Area http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/RoboWDW/Silly%20Stuff/Fantasmic-BE-CU-051408.jpg (Thanks to Robo)

2. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
- 2.1 If you want to be an extra in the show, act a little nuts when the casting director asks for volunteers
- 2.2 Archeologist’s Well - while in the queue, there is a well that appears to be undergoing an excavation. Anchored outside the well is a rope with a sign reading, “do not pull”, go ahead and pull the rope.
- 2.3 Top Loading Theater
- 2.4 Show Length - 30 minutes
- 2.5 Children (and even adults) who are frightened of loud noises should sit further away from the main stage area, as some of the effects and explosions are ear-splitting.
- 2.6 if you wait until after the show is over and the crowd dissipates, it's sometimes possible to meet some of the performers and get their autographs.

3. Beauty and the Beast (B&TB)
- 3.1 Broadway like show that is well done and a Must see
- 3.2 Top Loading Theater
- 3.3 Show Length - 30 minutes
- 3.4 Although the stage is clearly visible from most of the amphitheater, sitting in the middle or rear of the theater offers a view of the entire stage and the sets.
- 3.5 When the show lets out, nearby attractions such as Tower of Terror (ToT) and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (RnR) may be swamped

4. Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show
- 4.1 Maybe not that entertaining for younger kids
- 4.2 Top Loading Theater
- 4.3 Show Length - 35 minutes
- 4.4 To have the best view, cast members suggest sitting higher up. Beware though, that sometimes a pole may obscure your view at the higher levels.
- 4.5 "Herbie," the loveable "car star" from several Disney films, also makes a special cameo appearance.
- 4.6 Vehicles are designated by color so the audience will always know which is the "hero" vehicle and which is the "chase" vehicle.

5. Muppet Vision 3-D
- 5.1 Key to Muppet Labs When entering (just passed the turnstiles) look for a window to your right. In the window there is a sign that states that the staff is out, but there is a key under the mat. Underneath the window there is an actual door mat, look under the mat and you will actually find the key to Muppet Labs.
- 5.2 Side Loading Theater
- 5.3 Show Length - 17 minutes
- 5.4 In the preshow Muppet 3D room at Hollywood there is a net full of green Jell-O hanging from the ceiling. It signifies Annette Funicello.
- 5.5 Since the theater holds 584, don't be discouraged by large crowds waiting outside this attraction - you don't often have to wait longer than 15-20 minutes for the next show.
- 5.6 in the queue look into the rafters up to the left, there is a large picture of a muppet that is modeled after Jim Henson

6. Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!
- 6.1 Great for Toddlers, and for torturing teens
- 6.2 Show Length - 20 minutes
- 6.3 Guests are seated on the floor during this show, although there is a line of benches at the very rear of the soundstage.

7. Voyage of the Little Mermaid
- 7.1 Air conditioned!!
- 7.2 Maybe just for all the DDs
- 7.3 Side Loading Theater
- 7.4 Show Length - 14 minutes 30 Seconds
- 7.5 The theater holds quite a few people. Don't be discouraged by large groups waiting outside; check the posted wait times. But for the best chance of seeing the show with the shortest possible wait, try to see it first thing in the morning.
- 7.6 The elevated stage makes it tough for small children to see all the details in The Voyage of The Little Mermaid. Their best vantage point is from the lap of a grown-up
- 7.7 The middle or rear of the theater offers the best vantage point for viewing the entire stage and all the special effects.

8. Jedi Training Academy
- 8.1 those wishing to have a chance to participate should arrive 15-20 minutes before show time, so that they can find a place to stand in the roped-off area on the lower level below the stage -- that is where the participants are chosen from.
- 8.2 If the child has on any Star Wars Gear, it helps to be selected

9. American Idol Experience

10. High School Musical 3: Senior Year
- 10.3 Show Length - 15 minutes


Tips for Other Attractions
1. The Magic of Disney Animation
- 1.1 If you like to draw, this is a must. A half-hour drawing tutorial
- 1.2 If you plan to draw, maybe bring a pencil, theirs are kinda small
- 1.3 Might be able to skip the show and sneak back through the gift shop just to meet the Characters
- 1.4 You get to keep the drawing you do and if you are nice and “work” up the animator then you might get their sketch too
- 1.5 Show Length - 15 minutes (some users say that this is 30min???)
- 1.6 Sorcerer Mickey and others can be seen by skipping the show, and entering through the back Entrance through the Gift Shop

2. Walt Disney: One Man's Dream
- 2.1 “This place is a Disney nerds dream.” A must do for diehard fans, at least once
- 2.2 Good place to cool off
- 2.3 Maybe not for the kids, but still good to cool off
- 2.4 Show Length - 25 minutes
- 2.5 In Walt Disney: One Man's Dream, if you look closely at Walt Disney's grade-school desk, you can see the initials "W.D." carved into it.
- 2.6 The time that a certain clock is stopped at in Walt Disney: One Man's Dream is the same time that Walt Disney was pronounced to be dead.
- 2.7 Ask a Cast Member for the trivia quiz that goes along with this attraction. If you complete the quiz correctly, you'll get a certificate!

3. The American Film Institute Showcase
(HELP)

4. Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian Attraction
(HELP)

5. Sounds Dangerous with Drew Carey
- 5.1 Show Length - 12 minutes
- 5.2 More than half of this attraction takes place in complete darkness. Those who have a fear of the dark should either avoid this attraction, or should sit near the rear of the theater in case they feel the need to exit suddenly.
(HELP)

6. ATAS Hall of Fame Plaza
- 6.1 A small courtyard with busts of various celebrities. Possible picture opportunity
- 6.2 A quick walk-by attraction, no real entertainment value

7. Honey I Shruk the Kids Playground
- 7.1 Put your hand in the nose of the Dog and he will sniff you
- 7.2 There's a map at the entrance of the playground to help you figure out just which areas you want to explore


Secrets, Cool Stuff, & Other Tips
1. City Pictures - On the streets of America notice the ends of the street for a picture of New York and San Francisco.
2. Know the difference between a top loading and side loading theater and which ones are which. For top loaders, the first guests into the attraction will enter from the top of the theater and have their choice of seats. They will be asked to squeeze to the middle when the theater is busy. Examples at DHS are Beauty and the Beast(B&TB), Indiana Jones, and Lights, Motor, Action.
Side Loaders are theaters where guests enter from one side of the theater and exit from the other. This includes Muppetvision, Little Mermaid, and the new American Idol Experience. All 3-D movies at all Disney Parks are side loaders. With these theaters, if you want to sit in the middle, you DO NOT want to be the first guests in the doors as they will be asked to choose a row and continue to the far end of the row. When an attraction is busy, cast members will be very insistent and will not have much sympathy for those that complain they have been waiting far longer and should get a middle seat. It is simply how the theater was designed. So - the tip is, dont be the first in the door and then simply choose the row that best situates you in the middle (if that is where you want to be).
3. The Christmas Shop - is a great place to find a usable vacation souvenir
4. Mickeys of Hollywood - The façade at Mickeys of Hollywood is modeled after Frederick’s of Hollywood
5. Gas Pump The date for Hollywood Studios is on the gas pump (if you get up close and look at the numbers) right when you first enter the park.
5. Brown Derby -All the pics in the Brown Derby that are in BLACK frames are copies of the originals. All The pics in the GOLD frames are the originals from the original Brown Derby...which no longer exists.
6. Umbrella - Check out the "Singing in the Rain" umbrella that is attached to one of the streetlights near the old Hunchback theater. Grab the umbrella and step on the black square embedded in the cement underneath it for a nice surprise!
7. Hollywood Blvd - read the names stenciled on the second floor windows. I recall seeing one that said 'Valiant Detective Agency' from 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' (it's above Hollywood and Vine (H&V) Restaurant on Echo Lake).
8. Magical Colors - The hat is painted with a custom technique called “chameleon paint,” which shifts color as guests move around it
9. Gertie the Dinosaur - After entering the park, go straight past the first block of gift shops and take a left. She is in the pond. She is a tribute to the vaudeville actor and artist Windsor Mackay who is credited with producing the first projected animated motion picture.



Best Places to Watch The Parade
Outside Drew Cary - The steps outside near to Drew Carey, across from Min & Bill's, is a great place to see the parade. You can get a drink and can usually get a seat last minute as not many people think of sitting there and folks are pretty nice about scooting over if you need a seat. Put the children down on the sidewalk so that they will be able to interact with the characters. No one is allowed to stand in front of you. Avoid those nice tables and seats across the road cause folks CAN stand in front of you there.
(HELP)


Parade Route – Approx 3:00pm
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/RoboWDW/Silly Stuff/DHS_BPB_092208.gif



I have compiled all the Known Restaurant Menus for the Park from this Site, and others, in one Document. I have listed which places are TS and QS restaurants, and used the Snack Post below to note the Known DDP Snack exchanges. If you would like this PM me and I wil send it to you. (I Think I've figured out the PM stuff)

KEEP THEM COMING

Check out My EPCOT Tips and Stuff Thread - NEWhttp://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2165142

Check out my Magic Kingdom Tips and Stuff Thread - NEW
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2162490

Check out my Animal Kingdom Tips and Stuff Thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2158273


Other usefull Links (Hope I'm not breaking any site rules by doing this)(Taking from an old thread to feed the new one)
WDW Best Kept Secrets
http://www.wdwinfo.com/best-kept-secrets_MK.htm

2009 Confirmed Snacks included in the Disney Dining Plan
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2067447

Things Disney Offers But Doesn't Advertise *Summary Added Oct 08*
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28167024#post28167024


WDW Entertainment Schedules
(Just click on the park and get the schedule for the week)
http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/

 

[Perditamarie]

Here are some of our faves;

* Do Toy Story Mania first and grab a FP for later. This ride is super fun.

* my kids don't like rides where you "float" out of your seat, so consider this and the fear factor for TOT.

* we also like: Great Movie ride ( I just tell kids not to look up during Alien part), Backlot tour

* Honey I Shrunk the kids playground...great for stretching the legs and running...there are some water hazards tho! We sit by the exit and let the kids roam. FYI, it can get sweltering in here!

* shows: we love Beauty and the Beast and Indiana Jones and Lights!Motors! Action and the muppets. You could prob skip LMA, but it is well done and entertaining...you have time to eat a nice snack here. The Little Mermaid show is sweet and Playhouse Disney is super for toddlers, so your girls may consider themselves too old although my just turned 5 yo enjoyed it our last trip.

* Food here is mediocre...the bakery (Starring Rolls) is good for lunch if you get there early, otherwise we like to snack around here!

* A great tip I have read for Fantasmic is to eat your dinner while you are waiting for the show.

Happy planning!

 

[Perditamarie]

Oh, this is a great park for collecting autographs...there are always characters by the sorcerors hat, Animation area and Toy Story. I love to watch the Green Army men from Toy Story.

Plan your time accordingly if you will collect autographs!

 

[srwarden1928]

Do yourself a favor and get an ADR for 50s Prime Time. It is the one MUST DO TS restaurant for us.

 

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

Do yourself a favor and get an ADR for 50s Prime Time. It is the one MUST DO TS restaurant for us.

This is a definite do. Your kids will love the servers fussing at you for not eating all your veggies. I'm sorry to tell you that I have not found what I would call "good' counter service at DHS.

Take everyone seriously about arriving early for Fantasmic! I would get there 90 minutes before showtime. We were there in March and the show reached capacity and started 20 minutes early.

Toy Story Mania is so fun and really the best ride for kids your ages. Get there at rope drop and get a fast pass, then ride, and get another fast pass if you can. The line for fastpasses looks really long, but goes quick.

Beauty and the Beast is an awesome Broadway like show. Also your girls will like The Little Mermaid Show.

Because we love to draw we always go to the Magic of Animation. It takes about 1/2 hour for the sketching tutorial. Also this is the place we saw Sorcerer Mickey and other characters.

Hope this helps and have a great trip!

 

[DaveStroem]

Get there at Rope Drop. If your not near the rope go through the shops on the left hand side till you exit near the rope. When the rope drops send your fastest person with all of your tickets/kttw card to get the FP for TSM. As you are going, shift to the right hand side of the pack. The FP machines are before the main entrance and are on the right side. Once you have your FP meet the rest of your group at the entrance and ride TSM stand by.

Take time for the shows. B&TB is a not to miss show. Indy & LMA are a lot of fun but often difficult to schedule on the same day. We did not care of VotLM but to each there own.

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

Head to TSM first,

Tot second - if they won't be scared.

I recommend Sunset Market (near ToT) for CS lunch.

H&V buffet / Fantasmic dinner package. (H&V if the girls are picky plus they have a great Sundae buffet and it's the cheapest Fantasmic dinner pkg)

TGMR is excellent....American Idol is new - so I don't know about it...but I would go since it's new....

If the girls are "princess" types...then VOTLM and B&TB are good....if girls are tomboys, & don't care for singing shows then they are missible...

Muppets is fun!

Have a great time!

 

[IMwink]

DaveStroem - thanks for the post

I have some of your posts before (or threads, I have so many these past 2 weeks) and there was some good stuff. So if something looks familiar, don't be surprised

Thanks for the abbreviations. I can usaully figure them out, but no one has been using in this post very much so far, and I didn't want to post a wrong abbreviation.

Thanks

 

[Disney4nonah]

Because we love to draw we always go to the Magic of Animation. It takes about 1/2 hour for the sketching tutorial. Also this is the place we saw Sorcerer Mickey and other characters.

Great tip! my husband will so want to draw....Thanks

 

[bsjs0708]

OK you will get different opinions but we LOVED 50's Prime Time. We thought the food was really good and the atmosphere is hard to beat

 

[KandD]

I just wanted to say Great Job IMwink with this thread and thanks everyone else for posting your tips!

My family also loves 50's PrimeTime. The food isn't fantastic but it's not bad and the atmosphere is really what you are going for. Last time we went our server literally had my dad in tears (laughing so hard) and I haven't seen that in YEARS! But you definately need an ADR. We were there last August and I called on Mon and got an ADR for Wed and when we showed up on Wed they had a sign on the door saying they weren't taking any walkups at all that day so we were lucky to get something just two days before.

 

[DisneyNewbiie]

....................

 

[IMwink]

Price of what pic?

probably not what you wanted but ... I am doing the pre-pay photopass.
It includes the pics that I will get at my princess character meals and the BBB. I've been told that some rides work with Photopass too. $99 and I get full copyright. SOLD.

 

[DaveStroem]

Maybe they are asking about the price of the pic that you draw at the Magic of Animation. It is FREE.

 

[MidgeD79]

We have always enjoyed the drawing lessons at DHS. this year we will be bringing a mechanical pencil for each of us. The ones they hand out are short and don't have an eraser.

 

[Smile4Me]

I really enjoy the Animation Studio and definitely think its a not miss- however i've read that if you don't want to sit through the little preshow, and just want to meet characters, I've read that you can go back through the gift shop and do the meet and greets without having to do the entire attraction. I've never done this so please correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[IMwink]

I have to admit, I am surprised at the Feedback on The Magic of Disney Animation.

I thought this would something that you might do while waiting on a FP or just to cool off.

Most guests might not agree but I think this just moved into my do List for my DD(5) and DD(6).

So, Do you get a drawing to take with you as a souvenier from the animator, or is it one that you draw and you get to keep that?

Still might be worth it to see Sorcerer Mickey

 

[Brer Shay]

For Character greetings, in the same area as the green army men (and in our experience about five minutes after they come out) you will also see Buzz Lightyear and Woody.

My DD (6 at the time) really liked LMA, way more than I thought she would. She was also a bit nervous at Catastrophe Canyon on the Backlot Tour, even though I told her what to expect.

 

[Danauk]

For RnRC it might be worth mentioning for newbies that this is a launch coaster that launches quickly, is very dark and goes upside down. I love coasters and really enjoy this ride, but my friend decided to brave it one day. She didn't realise that it launched so quickly which put her off (she knew it would be dark and about the loops though.) This might be a bit scary for younger children (who are obviously over the height requirement.) I personally would make RnRC my 2nd ride of the day after Toy Story.

 

[neilsalop]

I can't remember the name, but the book shop (streets of america I think) is a great place to get a coffee and a muffin and chill out for 15 minutes or so.

Just found it 'The Writer's Stop'. Looked at the menu, coffees, muffins, bagels, buns etc. all well priced for a short break and the best thing is no-one knows about it. Damn everyone knows now.