Did I Hear That Right? A Solo Adventure at WDW Updated 8/30

[Pluto0809]

Ahh, the Backlot Tour. I went on that back in 2002. I don't think it's changed a whole lot

As much as Cars isn't my favorite movie, I think I'd be okay with Carsland. The DL Carsland pictures/videos look really cool! (Now, Avatar is another story...)

I think you're right, the Backlot Tour has been the same for a long time. I really don't remember what it was like before. I can't even remember if we rode it in 1998.

I'm fine with Carsland coming in too. HS really needs some kind of change. I'm not excited at all about Avatar. But that may be because I haven't seen the movie. I might change my opinion if I ever get around to watching it. I'm fine with it as long as FOLK doesn't go away.

I've been trying to get caught up and finally did! It makes me happy that you stayed at ASMu because I very rarely read TRs from people who stay here, and it was my first Disney resort ever so it's special to me!

Anyways, I got all caught up so I'm officially along for the rest of the report!

Glad you decided to join in!

I really did like ASMu and would stay there again. First though I want to try all of the values. I've stayed at POP and ASMu now and will be at All Star Sports (I can never figure out how to abbriviate that one without swearing. ) in February. So I will just need ASMo and AOA. So far, POP is definitely my favorite of the two I've stayed at.

 

[Pluto0809]

The last time I rode the Backlot Tour, the display at the end had been villains. This time it was:



They had original props from all different movies. I was fascinated and spent quite a bit of time walking through.

Gone with the Wind:





Superman:



Marionettes from Sound of Music (this one was my favorite as I love that movie):





I think this one was from The Godfather:



And finally Lord of the Rings:



There were a ton more and it was really fun to see all of them. Even if you don’t go on the Backlot Tour, it’s worth heading in here just to see the movie props.

I headed out and strolled through the Streets of America





I was sort of looking for the Singing in the Rain Umbrella but I didn’t go out of my way to find it. Someday I will actually figure out where that thing is!

My notes for this day are horrible and I have no idea at which point in the day I stopped to get the following Photo Pass pictures. I thought I’d stick them here since it could have been between the Backlot Tour and my next destination.









No idea what the photographer was having me do here? I am just so bad at following their instructions for some reason.



Oh and if you are observant, you will notice that the lid to my mug was now black. I had been in such a hurry to get to the buses that morning that I accidentally threw out the lid. A nice CM at the cash registers gave me a new lid but all she had was black. I have a feeling I wasn’t the first person who had done that. I was so mad at myself because I liked my pretty pink mug. At least I’m going back in October and I can get a new pink one then.

My next stop was another first for me, Starring Rolls!



Since I’m such a nut for chocolate, I went with the Chocolate Peanut Butter one. I’m pretty sure I would not like the Red Velvet one because I don’t like cream cheese and isn’t that the icing?





This thing was very good. It had chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting in the middle. The frosting on top was also peanut butter with chunks of chocolate stuck in it. The problem was it was way too big for me. I was only able to eat about half of it before I got full. I didn’t even think about getting a box to take the rest with me. Wish I had! If I get another one, I need to make sure I have someone to share it with.

Continuing with my day of trying new things, I headed here:



I wanted to do the animation class so I got in line about ten minutes to three. There were already too many people in line for the 3:00 class so I ended up waiting till 3:30. I didn’t mind though. I had already accomplished everything I wanted to do that day and my dinner ADR wasn’t until 4:50 pm. I was one of the first ones in line for the next class so I got to sit on one of the comfy benches they have outside the class.

The area filled up very quickly so a CM came over and started to play Disney trivia with us. This is one of my favorite memories from the whole trip. Between me and a young girl sitting next to me (I think she was high school age but I’m horrible at telling age), we got almost every question right. The CM couldn’t really see me because I was sitting and people were standing in front of me. At one point when I answered a particularly difficult question, she asked me if I was using my phone to cheat! Everyone around me confirmed that I was not cheating. It got to the point where people were looking at the two of us like we were freaks. I didn’t care though, I was having way too much fun! When I got home, I wrote down some the questions. There were a lot more than this but couldn’t remember all of them. So I present for your enjoyment, Disney Trivia! I will post the answers to the questions at the beginning of the next installment. Now no cheating with your phone!

In Alice in Wonderland, what kind of pet did Alice have and what was its name?

What classic video game is Wreck It Ralph based on?

In which animated Disney movie does the title character never speak?

How many bricks were used in the construction of Cinderella’s Castle?

What was the name of the chef who took over Gusteau’s after Gusteau dies?

Name the three brothers in Brother Bear.

What was the last movie Walt Disney worked on before he died?

In the Rescuers Down Under, what kind of bird was Wilbur?

How long does Snow White sleep before Prince Charming wakes her?

I’m embarrassed to say that the only one that neither of us knew was the Ratatouille question. I should have gotten that one. That’s my husband’s favorite movie and we watch it all the time but I could not remember the name for the life of me!

I was actually a little bit disappointed when it was finally time for the class and we had to stop playing trivia.

We ended up drawing Pascal from Tangled.



I loved doing this class and will definitely be back in the future to do another. I think anyone could take the class no matter what your artistic ability is. I can barely draw a stick figure and look how mine turned out!

I did some shopping at this point. I was still looking for a villain’s sweatshirt for my Cousin plus my Mom had decided she wanted another sweatshirt like the Goofy one she bought on our November trip. I found that pretty funny because she was forced to buy the Goofy one because the temperature dropped 20 degrees the day we were at MK. She ended up falling in love with the sweatshirt once she got home. She decided she wanted the same one in the Grumpy version.

I finally did find a villain sweatshirt that my Cousin liked but they didn’t have it in the size she wanted. I ran into the same problem with the Grumpy sweatshirt, every size but the one Mom wanted. I wasn’t too worried because I knew that I had a full day yet to find them.

Sometime during the browsing spree (I bought nothing) I saw Mulch Sweat and Shears playing. I never realized Yoda was part of the band.



If you don’t know what I’m talking about, look on the top of the yellow truck.

When I finally headed towards Mama Melrose for dinner, they had the area around the hat blocked off. I had to go around the lake to get to the restaurant. No idea what they were doing there?



I was a little bummed that my dinner ADR was so early but I had done it on purpose because I wanted to see Fantasmic at 7:00. Later they added an 8:30 show but I was not able to move the ADR to a later time. I was still quite full from the Starring Roles cupcake when I checked in at 4:40 pm.

The lobby was crowded but I managed to find a bench so I could rest my aching hip. I was glad I did because I waited, and waited and waited some more. It was 5:30 before my buzzer finally went off. And I was led to the very back of the restaurant. Here’s my view:



I think I ordered water or maybe Sprite to drink and the waitress brought me some rolls.



The waitress was actually from a town right next to mine outside of Atlanta. I was excited to see that but she was so busy and really didn’t have much time to chat.

I ordered the Penne Pasta and added chicken. This is where I was a very bad Diser. I totally forgot to take a picture! Luckily for all involved, I ordered the same exact thing I got in November so I was able to “steal” my own picture from that trip!



This meal is one of my favorites at Disney so despite not being the slightest bit hungry, I still ate every bite. I was just as good as I remembered. When I got done I was so full I actually felt a little sick. So I did the unthinkable and skipped dessert! The waitress tried to get me to take something to go but the only thing on the dessert menu I really liked was the ice cream. Couldn’t take that to go.

When I finished dinner, it was already 6:15 and I wanted to be seated for Fantasmic by 6:30 so I headed straight there.

Up Next: I Complete the Trifecta of Night Shows

 

[PhoenixStrength]

The Animation Academy is one of my favorite things to do at DHS, after RnRC and ToT. I'm impressed you knew the answers to those questions, as I only knew a few of them! And I LOVE Mama Melrose. If I go in September I already have an ADR for it

 

[oopsiDAISY]

You know what else I can add to my ever growing list of "I have never done that" Disney attractions? The Backlot Tour! Yep, I have never done it. If it is still around when we go in 2014 I will definitely have to do it! I think we will all enjoy it.

I had wondered if the POC attraction would be any good. We are big Narnia fans, and were excited when they did the Narnia attractions in the same location...but like your reaction to the POC show, it was VERY underwhelming. I am sorry, bu this is Disney... if you are going to do an attraction DO IT RIGHT or just don't do it!

I am sad to say I do not know a single answer to those trivia questions. Such a terrible Diser I am. I am happy to say, I was able to spot Yoda before I read your "hint". Star Wars geek, anyone?

 

[ronnmel]

Yes, the red velvet cupcake has cream cheese frosting. It's my favorite thing about it, but if you don't like cream cheese then you probably won't like it. The Peanut butter one is probably just as popular as the red velvet though and you can't go wrong with that one either.

Pascal looks like a lot of fun to draw.

 

[marDgreen88]

NO WAY!!! They have the Lonely Goatherd marionettes?!?!?! Seriously if I had known that a month ago I would have ridden the Backlot Tour right away!

Okay, trying the Disney trivia! (I'll only answer the ones I know though, to take up less space!)

Alice had a cat named Dinah!
Dumbo is the title character that never speaks!
Chef Skinner takes over for Gusteau.
Walt's last movie was The Jungle Book.
Snow sleeps in a glass coffin. (Creepy.)

So cool that you drew Pascal! How fun. Your dinner looks yummy!

 

[Happy Duck]

That was always one of my favorite scenes in Sound of Music! See, maybe the Backlot Tour does have some redeeming qualities Just kidding! I'm excited to go on it and I hope that the marionettes are still there!

CUPCAKE. YUM. WANT. NOW. (no further comment required)

You might have mentioned this before, but how is it like eating alone in Disney? I'm going back and forth on a possible solo trip at some point...maybe before my AP expires and I'm wondering if it would be worth it to make TS ADRs. I don't think I'd like to eat only at CS places because I love some of the restaurants too much!

 

[Pluto0809]

The Animation Academy is one of my favorite things to do at DHS, after RnRC and ToT. I'm impressed you knew the answers to those questions, as I only knew a few of them! And I LOVE Mama Melrose. If I go in September I already have an ADR for it

The Animation Academy is now a new favorite of mine too! I can't wait to do it again in October.

Oh, I didn't know all the answers, only about 1/2. I tended to know the answers to the questions about older movies while the young girl next to me knew the newer movies. We also played off of each other a few times and figured out the answers together.

I'm sad that I won't be eating at Mama Melose in October. DH doesn't really like Italian food so he picked 50s Prime Time. And in February, I have a feeling we'll end up at Sci Fi because my DB & SIL haven't eaten there yet.

You know what else I can add to my ever growing list of "I have never done that" Disney attractions? The Backlot Tour! Yep, I have never done it. If it is still around when we go in 2014 I will definitely have to do it! I think we will all enjoy it.

I had wondered if the POC attraction would be any good. We are big Narnia fans, and were excited when they did the Narnia attractions in the same location...but like your reaction to the POC show, it was VERY underwhelming. I am sorry, bu this is Disney... if you are going to do an attraction DO IT RIGHT or just don't do it!

I am sad to say I do not know a single answer to those trivia questions. Such a terrible Diser I am. I am happy to say, I was able to spot Yoda before I read your "hint". Star Wars geek, anyone?

Definitely get the Backlot Tour in if it's still there next year! It's a fun ride athough I understand why it might be time for it to go. I don't think it has changed for years.

Yeah, I was so disappointed in the POC show. I'm not sure what I was expecting but it was underwelming for sure. I did not care for the Narnia attraction either. We saw it in 2010 and felt that it was a waste of time.

I only knew about 1/2 the trivia questions but the ones I didn't know, the girl next to me did! We made a very good team.

Yes, you are definitely a Star Wars geek!

Yes, the red velvet cupcake has cream cheese frosting. It's my favorite thing about it, but if you don't like cream cheese then you probably won't like it. The Peanut butter one is probably just as popular as the red velvet though and you can't go wrong with that one either.

Pascal looks like a lot of fun to draw.

That's what I thought about the red velvet one. Definitely would not like it then. But I did like the chocolate peanut butter one. My SIL loves sweets as much as I do so maybe she will share one with me next February.

Pascal was a lot of fun to draw. I can't wait to do that class again.

NO WAY!!! They have the Lonely Goatherd marionettes?!?!?! Seriously if I had known that a month ago I would have ridden the Backlot Tour right away!

Okay, trying the Disney trivia! (I'll only answer the ones I know though, to take up less space!)

Alice had a cat named Dinah!
Dumbo is the title character that never speaks!
Chef Skinner takes over for Gusteau.
Walt's last movie was The Jungle Book.
Snow sleeps in a glass coffin. (Creepy.)

So cool that you drew Pascal! How fun. Your dinner looks yummy!

You may get lucky to see the Marionettes on a future trip. I know they had the Villians display for a long time because I saw it in January 2010 and in May 2011. No idea what was there when Mom and I went in November 2012 because we didn't ride the Backlot Tour.

Good job on the Trivia! I think you read the Snow White question wrong though. She did sleep in a glass coffin but the question was asking how long she slept.

That was always one of my favorite scenes in Sound of Music! See, maybe the Backlot Tour does have some redeeming qualities Just kidding! I'm excited to go on it and I hope that the marionettes are still there!

CUPCAKE. YUM. WANT. NOW. (no further comment required)

You might have mentioned this before, but how is it like eating alone in Disney? I'm going back and forth on a possible solo trip at some point...maybe before my AP expires and I'm wondering if it would be worth it to make TS ADRs. I don't think I'd like to eat only at CS places because I love some of the restaurants too much!

I bet that display will still be there when you go. The Villains display was there for a couple of years. And if you end up running out of time, and don't get on the Backlot Tour, you can always walk through the dump shop and see the display. The dump shop is located sort of behind where the Monsters meet.

Eating alone in Disney was interesting. I did find it awkward a few times. For example, when I ate at Rose and Crown, I was seated outside but there was a table between me and the lake. I wanted to watch out over the lake but felt like I was staring at the table next to me. I ended up playing on my phone while I was waiting for my food. But at Coral Reef I didn't feel awkward at all because everyone in the restaurant was watching the fish. That being said, I would definitely do it again but maybe pick more restaurants that have some type of entertainment to watch like Coral Reef did. Sci Fi would be another good choice I think.

 

[marDgreen88]

Good job on the Trivia! I think you read the Snow White question wrong though. She did sleep in a glass coffin but the question was asking how long she slept.

HAHAHA, oops! I definitely did. I don't know the answer to that one.

 

[Pluto0809]

HAHAHA, oops! I definitely did. I don't know the answer to that one.

Thats what I figured!

 

[katt789]

Yay!

First off, I'm sure someone has already told you but the Umbrella is around the back of the SoA buildings that's closer to the Muppets, near the is it Herbie? Drink stand? We found that the water wasn't working last time, and sometimes it's blocked off completely due to Osbourne Lights set up!

YUM CUPCAKES! I might try the peanut butter one next time, looks nommy!

Haven't been to Mama Melrose ever, I'm just not a fan of DHS food ahahah, but it looks tasty, and sounds like it was better than Tony's!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Happy Independence Day!!

​

 

[Pluto0809]

Yay!

First off, I'm sure someone has already told you but the Umbrella is around the back of the SoA buildings that's closer to the Muppets, near the is it Herbie? Drink stand? We found that the water wasn't working last time, and sometimes it's blocked off completely due to Osbourne Lights set up!

YUM CUPCAKES! I might try the peanut butter one next time, looks nommy!

Haven't been to Mama Melrose ever, I'm just not a fan of DHS food ahahah, but it looks tasty, and sounds like it was better than Tony's!

I'll have to head over by the Muppets next time to look for it. I seriously doubt the water was working on my last trip! Too cold!

The cupcake was very good!

My whole family loves Mama Melrose. I've eaten there on 3 of my last four trips and enjoyed every meal. I haven't eaten at Tony's so I can't compare.

Happy Independence Day!!

​

Thanks! Hope you had a wonderful day.

 

[Pluto0809]

Good Morning! I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. I spent it shopping for new luggage (yikes! when did luggage get so expensive?) and seeing Monsters University. DH and I both loved Monsters U!

Here's the new luggage I got:



I was going to get a whole new set because mine is falling apart but only ended up replacing the two pieces I use the most.

I got the new luggage because I will be headed up north to see Mom tomorrow! So that means this will be the last update for about 2 weeks. When I get back I plan on picking up the pace a bit on this one so I can start a PTR for my October trip.

Here are the answers to the trivia from the last installment. Did you get them all right?

In Alice in Wonderland, what kind of pet did Alice have and what was its name? Cat, Dinah

What classic video game is Wreck It Ralph based on? Donkey Kong

In which animated Disney movie does the title character never speak? Dumbo

How many bricks were used in the construction of Cinderella’s Castle? Zero

What was the name of the chef who took over Gusteau’s after Gusteau dies? Skinner

Name the three brothers in Brother Bear. Kenai, Denahi, Sitka

What was the last movie Walt Disney worked on before he died? The Jungle Book

In the Rescuers Down Under, what kind of bird was Wilbur? Albatross

How long does Snow White sleep before Prince Charming wakes her? 1 year

The Alice in Wonderland question was the one I got accused of cheating on. But that one was easy to me because I listen to a lot of Disney music. At the beginning of the song “I’m Late”, Alice says “Oh Dinah, It’s just a rabbit with a waist coat and a watch”. So all I had to do was sing the lyrics in my head and I had the cat’s name. On with the TR……

As I headed towards the Fantasmic theater, I debated once again whether I was going to stay. It was just so cold and windy and I wasn’t looking forward to sitting on those cold hard bleachers for ½ hour till the show started. But I had already seen Illuminations and Wishes and I really wanted to catch all three night shows this trip. So I trekked on.

And it turned out to be not so bad once I got seated. I guess the angle of the theater blocked the wind so I wasn’t as cold. It was definitely still windy. See the green area on right side of the stage?



Here’s a closer version:



That green was the roof of a building that was behind the stage area. The wind was blowing the backdrops so hard that you could see the building.

They did a preshow to keep the audience entertained.



It was mostly a song lyric battle where they had each team try to finish the lyrics of songs.

The show was not even very crowded that night. You can see from the next two pictures that there was a whole section at each end that was empty.





And then the show started. I took lots and lots of pictures but only a handful came out.

Here’s the music if you want to listen along. Fantasmic Music



























I do really enjoy Fantasmic although it’s not a must do for me every trip. I was turned off back in 2011 when they only had it on a few select nights. Seeing it during my trip that year was a nightmare dealing with the crazy crowds. But this time it was a very pleasant experience. I did not have to get there hours early to get a decent seat and it wasn’t so crowded that you couldn’t breathe. I think in the future I will see it as long as I’ve finished up everything else in the park that I want to do.

I slowly made my way out of the theater and looked in a few stores as I made my way out of the park. I had originally planned to hop to MK for EMH but at this point I was done. I was cold, tired and sore so I decided to just call it a night. I was expecting the bus lines to be really long like they were after Fantasmic in 2011 but by the time I got to my stop, there were only a handful of people there. They had these strange non-Disney buses picking people up.



Here’s the one I got:



I got over the strangeness very quickly once I realized that there were very comfy padded seats. The bus was only half full and no one sat with me. I half dozed on the trip back to ASMu.

When I got back to the resort, I decided to do some shopping at Maestro Mickey’s since I hadn’t been in there yet. I ended up buying a few items. In November, my Mom had purchased an address book. I really liked it and needed a new one so I decided to get the same one.



I also found this little plush Pluto keychain:



And finally I got this Pluto figurine. He’s meant to represent the costumed character from the parks which I thought was very cute.



I made it back to my room by 8:30 pm. I talked to both DH and Mom for a bit and then turned out the lights a little after 10 pm. I was exhausted!

I guess I wasn’t as attentive to the people around me on this day because I only have one quote.

“Let’s go get a Fast Pass for that Toy Story ride”. Heard while walking through the Streets of America about 2:00 pm. Of course the FPs had been gone since around 11 am that morning. I probably should have stopped and told them they were all gone but I’m not sure if they would have believed me.

Up Next: Soaring and Sailing

 

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

I do really enjoy Fantasmic, and you got some great pictures! I'm surprised the theater was so empty.

 

[Happy Duck]

Great update! I liked seeing your pics of the dragon from Fantasmic, because when I recently saw it, he didn't fly. He's MUCH scarier in the air!

 

[Disneybuckeye]

Joining in! It took me a few days, but I am all caught up with your TR. That is so cool that you went by yourself. I actually did one day by myself at DL and DCA back in February as my husband had to work (I tagged along on a business trip). I really enjoyed my one day, but the other two days DH went with me. It does sound like you are enjoying your trip.

Loved your drawing from the Animation Academy. We really enjoy that activity. I actually prefer it at DCA though as they post a schedule of what characters are being drawn at what time. I much prefer going to draw a character I like versus a random one. It is still a great souvenir either way.

Thanks for the trivia questions and answers too. I have a trivia list that I use when we travel to keep us amused in lines. I will have to add these to my list.

Really enjoying your report and looking forward to reading more. We are going in October too and I love reading trip reports to help get me through the days left until we leave.

 

[KatMark]

It took awhile, but I am FINALLY caught up.

I loved your Castle and Wishes photos...beautiful.

And what fun you had at the MK.

I was very disappointed in the new Pirate thing at the Studios; I was happy we did it only because it was raining because I wouldn't do it again.

 

[Pluto0809]

Great pics!

Thanks!

I do really enjoy Fantasmic, and you got some great pictures! I'm surprised the theater was so empty.

Fantasmic is a great show! I think the cold was probably keeping people away plus there was a second show after the one I went to that night.

Great update! I liked seeing your pics of the dragon from Fantasmic, because when I recently saw it, he didn't fly. He's MUCH scarier in the air!

That dragon is pretty scary!

Joining in! It took me a few days, but I am all caught up with your TR. That is so cool that you went by yourself. I actually did one day by myself at DL and DCA back in February as my husband had to work (I tagged along on a business trip). I really enjoyed my one day, but the other two days DH went with me. It does sound like you are enjoying your trip.

Welcome, glad you decided to join in! I really enjoyed the solo trip and would probably go more often if money allowed. Well, and also if I didn't feel so guilty going without my Mom who is a huge Disney fan too.

Loved your drawing from the Animation Academy. We really enjoy that activity. I actually prefer it at DCA though as they post a schedule of what characters are being drawn at what time. I much prefer going to draw a character I like versus a random one. It is still a great souvenir either way.

Oh, that would be awesome to pick who you get to draw! I of course want to draw Pluto!

Thanks for the trivia questions and answers too. I have a trivia list that I use when we travel to keep us amused in lines. I will have to add these to my list.

You are welcome! I loved the spur of the moment trivia contest the CMs did.

Really enjoying your report and looking forward to reading more. We are going in October too and I love reading trip reports to help get me through the days left until we leave.

Thanks again for joining in. I usually update much more often that I have lately but vacation and then work got in the way the last few weeks!

It took awhile, but I am FINALLY caught up.

I loved your Castle and Wishes photos...beautiful.

And what fun you had at the MK.

I was very disappointed in the new Pirate thing at the Studios; I was happy we did it only because it was raining because I wouldn't do it again.

Glad you are caught up! Now I'm way behind on your new one. It is so hard to get caught back up after being away for a week or two!

Thanks on the photos. I was pretty impressed with how they turned out since my little camera usually doesn't do well in the dark.

I doubt I will do the Pirates thing again. DH will do whatever I say in October and I'm going to try to encourage the family to skip it next February.