Don't touch that! I need a picture first! TR - **NEW 04/17 PTR IS UP

[jenbear123]

Morning, Jen! Hope things perk up for ya this week

Thanks! Me too!

I could not agree more! I would much rather have spent the money I'd spent on a night gambling at the shops or on show tickets. Vegas is fun, but I haven't been in about 14 years and I still don't feel the need to get back there anytime soon. On the other hand, we have friends that go there every year and don't understand our desire to keep going back to Disney.

I'll be happy to finally see Vegas as something different but I don't think it will have the same draw as Disney does. Everyone has their "thing" and for some gambling is it. I much prefer my Mickey Mouse any day.

 

[jenbear123]

The next morning we woke up bright and early to get our game on for TSM. We arrived at DHS around 8:15am but there was already quite a few people a head of us.

But a whole BUNCH more people behind us

I love the look on that woman's face
They opened the flood gates are 9am right on the date and the mob was "escorted" to TSM. I ran ahead of Bubba because her feet were still killing her from the night before. Here's what I saw during the dash to the Fastpass machines.

And Bubba's POV

After some pushing and shoving (not from me mind you!) I had our treasure

Having successfully retrieved our fastpasses for TSM, we decided to hunt down some decent coffee and find a seat to wait for the first showing of the Lights,Motor,Action show. On our way, we noticed that the decorations were up for Spectacle of Lights.

Did you spot the Hidden Mickey?

It then dawned on us that it had been almost a year since we had been in this exact spot watching the lights. Let's reminisce shall we?

That was from when we went in November 2009. If there's one place I would want to be during the holiday season, it's Disney World. Everything is just twice as magical at that time of year. Seeing the lights again (granted not in their full glory) made me wish we were staying another week or two so we could see them again.

We walked around the corner to a coffee shop I had never seen before. Going off memory (and it's shady at best) and the menu on AllEars I believe it was called Writer's Stop. It was either new or I had just never noticed it before. Sadly I didn't take any pictures of the inside but it seemed like a wannabe Starbucks with an array of fancy coffees and pastries. There was a nice seating area with magazines and newspapers to read. There was even the opportunity to shop for merchandise as well. Disney never ceases to pass up the opportunity for guests to buy another mug with Mickey on it. I happened to be one of those caught in that trap. But it was such a good deal! I found a mug in the shape of a pumpkin Mickey head for only $3!!! A perfect gift for my stepdad's 60th birthday. Just don't tell him how much it was, okay? Actually, we found lots of discounted Halloween merchandise through our whole trip. I'm sure it was to make way for the Christmas stuff.

We found a spot to sit near Lights,Motor,Action and enjoyed our scrumptious coffee. There were two cast members standing nearby who started shouting at every person who came towards them that the first showing wasn't until that afternoon. Everyone was confused because the times guide said the first showing was in the morning. Well, apparently someone on the night shift had messed up and forgot to switch the times guide to reflect the correct date. This time difference didn't mesh well with our plans so no Lights,Motor,Action show for us this trip.

Instead, Bubba wanted to ride Tower of Terror since we still had time to kill before our TSM fastpass so off we went in that direction.

Crowd check at 9:30:

I swear the crowds were up and down this whole trip.

When we got to TT, Bubba wanted me to come through the queue with her. This always makes me anxious because it feels like I will be going on the ride. I haven't ridden TT in a few years and back then I was all gung-ho about the crazy wild rides. Some of you may think TT isn't a wild ride but well, you're wrong! It plays with a person's fear of elevators suddenly dropping. Crazy! If it's one ride that scares the sh*t out of me, it's this one. I'm sure Captain Oblivious can agree with me on this.

Anyways, we continued on through the line and I must admit the theming is amazing. The amount of detail is endless and I could spend hours looking at it all but still not notice everything. There was a mother and little boy behind us in line once we got in through to the boiler room. The boy wanted to ride but the mom didn't. She eventually asked Bubba if she wouldn't mind keeping an eye on him while on the ride. Bubba said it was no problem. That left me with taking care of the mom since we were both chickening out. The mother ended up not being very chatty so I just watched the ride photos until Bubba came off.

Here's a redneck of her ride

She's at the very back row last person on the right. You can't even see the little boy she was supposed to "take care of".

For the first time ever, Sounds Dangerous was open. Neither of us had seen the show so that was our next stop to see the first showing of the day.

This was definitely an old fashioned attraction. Seriously, when was the last time Drew Carey was popular? There were all these warnings about how the majority of the show is in pitch black darkness. At first I was getting a bit paranoid that I'd be all claustrophobic. I swear those warnings make you fear the worst.

For those of you who have never seen it, you enter into a big room similar to shows like Mickey's PhilharMagic and It's Tough to be a Bug.

You sit down in a chair with really old style headphones. Remember the kind you'd get with walkmans? Yeah, those. I wondered to myself how they keep these sterile because of the foamy things over the speakers but I digress. It starts with Drew Carey on the screen doing what he does - being silly - and then the "camera" dies and the whole room is thrown into darkness. This concept really plays with your senses and all of a sudden you're really acute to sound. The whole experience was neat but I can see why this is only open seasonally. In all honesty, Disney should think up something new to be put in this space. Kinda like that other building beside TSM. Anyone ever notice that empty building that's been sitting there for years with a sign outside "We're working on our next show" or something to that extent?

Oh, and I never got claustrophobic. Just for the record.

After that we headed over to Animation Academy to draw…….

Eeyore….. again. Bubba was not pleased as she had drawn Eeyore half a dozen times. I too had drawn him a couple times and seemed to have mastered it by now. We were too frustrated to wait for the next session plus we had a Fastpass to get to!

I was sad to see One Man's Dream closed.

I think more of the parks should have stuff like this in it. I mean, California has a whole Disney museum. I haven't seen what additions they've done since then but it'll definitely be something to check out next time I'm there.

Onward we continued to TSM.

As you can see it was only 10:20am and there was already a 50 min wait. I wonder how many years it will take before this ride loses such crazy popularity? Who am I kidding? Probably never!

Bubba was super excited to get her game on.

I was in Zen mode to try and break my last score record which hmmm let me think here...

Oh that's right. 179,200. Could I break it?


I stretched my arm. Got the muscle juice flowing. Hoping. Dreaming that I could reach at least 180,000 to totally beat Glenn out of any hope of ever catching me. I aimed high and low, knocking out most of the higher point targets. This pop gun wasn't too pooped to pop this time. And where did all my efforts get me?



It couldn't be….




It had to be……







Quite possibly……

……didn't happen. A measly 136,900. I was out of practice. No time to go on again that day or any time during the trip. Don't think it ends here. There's always next time…



Coming up....

Two Churros finish the day at DHS
Dinner at Kona Island Sushi Bar
Waiting...again.

 

[Flossbolna]

Wow, this looks a crowded park!! Was it a Fantasmic day?

Was your coffee place next to the SciFi Dine In? Then it was indeed the Writers Stop. Well known on the DIS for the Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwich! I really like the place, unfortunately it always seems like their air conditioning is set much too cold for my liking, so I never stayed inside with my drink. It also has a nice selection of Disney books.

I am wondering what effect the new Star Tours ride will have on TSM. I think after the refurbishment ST will once again attract larger crowds. And since ST is going to have a selection of different ride stories (I think I read something about 50 variations or so), I think it will be very popular for re-rides as well. So I think it might take crowds away from TSM (which would be very welcomed!).

 

[glennbo123]

Ha! I knew that 179,200 was a fluke!

I've never been to "Sounds Dangerous" but the reviews aren't very good on it. And, have you seen Drew Carey on "The Price is Right" lately? He's lost so much weight, that he just doesn't look right. I'm sure he's healthier but, he looks kinda freaky.

How old was that kid that Bubba was supposed to "watch" on ToT? Is he the one to the left of her in the picture? If so, he looks like a teenager.

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Jen great update !!! First I think I just may do the chicken exit on ToT in August and not ride !!! I have to agre with "Seems Dangerous " It was walk on when I went ad as we were leaving this lady said "" I see why it is walk on""That and Prince Narnia are ones I don't ned to repeat!!!! When reading about LMA and a morning show >>I am thinking that's awesome , can get that baby outta the way in the a.m. !! Then I read NO LMA !!!!

 

[jenbear123]

Wow, this looks a crowded park!! Was it a Fantasmic day?

To be honest, I can't remember! I believe it wasn't because I don't think Fantasmic was showing any of the days we were there.

Was your coffee place next to the SciFi Dine In? Then it was indeed the Writers Stop. Well known on the DIS for the Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwich! I really like the place, unfortunately it always seems like their air conditioning is set much too cold for my liking, so I never stayed inside with my drink. It also has a nice selection of Disney books.

Yes! So good I guessed correctly. I did not see the Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwich. I'll have to keep an eye out next time. It sounds interesting.

I am wondering what effect the new Star Tours ride will have on TSM. I think after the refurbishment ST will once again attract larger crowds. And since ST is going to have a selection of different ride stories (I think I read something about 50 variations or so), I think it will be very popular for re-rides as well. So I think it might take crowds away from TSM (which would be very welcomed!).

I need to keep up with more Disney news. I hadn't heard there would be different variations of the ride! I think it might give TSM a small relief, especially for big Star Wars buffs. But for the most part, both rides will probably be busy

Ha! I knew that 179,200 was a fluke!

I just wasn't on my game.... yeah that's it

I've never been to "Sounds Dangerous" but the reviews aren't very good on it. And, have you seen Drew Carey on "The Price is Right" lately? He's lost so much weight, that he just doesn't look right. I'm sure he's healthier but, he looks kinda freaky.

I haven't seen Price is Right in a while but I just looked it up and WOW! It doesn't even look like him anymore! How did he lose all that weight so fast!?

How old was that kid that Bubba was supposed to "watch" on ToT? Is he the one to the left of her in the picture? If so, he looks like a teenager.

He looked to be about James' age. He's too short to show up in the picture. He is definitely not the other person to the left of Bubba. I'd be worried if he needed to be taken care of!

Hi Jen great update !!! First I think I just may do the chicken exit on ToT in August and not ride !!! I have to agre with "Seems Dangerous " It was walk on when I went ad as we were leaving this lady said "" I see why it is walk on""That and Prince Narnia are ones I don't ned to repeat!!!! When reading about LMA and a morning show >>I am thinking that's awesome , can get that baby outta the way in the a.m. !! Then I read NO LMA !!!!

I have never been on the Chronicles of Narnia ride. Not a fan of the movies so I've steered clear of that one! It would've been great to see LMA in the morning but sadly just didn't happen, urgh! Too good to be true....

 

[All7OfUs]

Oh REALLY??!! Disney providing a place to spend your money?? I totally LOL'd at that!

So, I gotta ask... why didn't you ride right after you got your FiP?? You'd probably only waited 10 minutes.

ToT IS the greatest ride there. Sorry it scares the poo-poo out of you, but at least you went through to enjoy the theming!

I DID see the HM! Up at the top- right side. VERY good eye!!

I hate to see you and DBF having drama! Seriously, I hope you can work it out, and you can go to LV without conflict brewing. We all know when we need a vacation, and you should be able to decide for yourself when and where.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I hope you do get to see the Grand Canyon. Everyone should see it at least once. It's on such a huge scale that it needs to be seen in person. It's one of the best trips I've ever taken!

I love the look on that woman's face

Did you spot the Hidden Mickey?

Nope, sorry.

Seeing the lights again (granted not in their full glory) made me wish we were staying another week or two so we could see them again.

I so need to get down there at Christmastime.

through our whole trip. I'm sure it was to make way for the Christmas stuff.

Everyone was confused because the times guide said the first showing was in the morning. Well, apparently someone on the night shift had messed up and forgot to switch the times guide to reflect the correct date. This time difference didn't mesh well with our plans so no Lights,Motor,Action show for us this trip.

Booo. They could have at least let you drive the cars while you were waiting.

When we got to TT, Bubba wanted me to come through the queue with her. This always makes me anxious because it feels like I will be going on the ride. I haven't ridden TT in a few years and back then I was all gung-ho about the crazy wild rides. Some of you may think TT isn't a wild ride but well, you're wrong! It plays with a person's fear of elevators suddenly dropping. Crazy! If it's one ride that scares the sh*t out of me, it's this one. I'm sure Captain Oblivious can agree with me on this.

I rode it once and did not have to change my underwear. So I've got that giong for me, which is nice. But I think once was enough. I still don't understand why falling towards the earth faster than the acceleration of gravity constitutes "fun".

This was definitely an old fashioned attraction. Seriously, when was the last time Drew Carey was popular?

Who's Drew Carey? Seriously, I do miss Whose Line Is It Anyway? That was a good show.

In all honesty, Disney should think up something new to be put in this space. Kinda like that other building beside TSM. Anyone ever notice that empty building that's been sitting there for years with a sign outside "We're working on our next show" or something to that extent?

Oh that's right. 179,200. Could I break it?

……didn't happen. A measly 136,900. I was out of practice. No time to go on again that day or any time during the trip. Don't think it ends here. There's always next time…

You'll just have to go back and try again. That's all there is to it.

 

[glennbo123]

I DID see the HM! Up at the top- right side. VERY good eye!!

I'm glad you posted this because I looked at that mess of lights and wires for about 3 seconds and thought, "Oh, that's Jenbear messing with me. There's no hidden mickey here. " Sorry Jenbear!

 

[All7OfUs]

I'm glad you posted this because I looked at that mess of lights and wires for about 3 seconds and thought, "Oh, that's Jenbear messing with me. There's no hidden mickey here. " Sorry Jenbear!

jen, mess with you?? nah!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I'm glad you posted this because I looked at that mess of lights and wires for about 3 seconds and thought, "Oh, that's Jenbear messing with me. There's no hidden mickey here. " Sorry Jenbear!

I missed it, too. Liesa gets the for the day!

 

[jenbear123]

Oh REALLY??!! Disney providing a place to spend your money?? I totally LOL'd at that!

I thought you'd enjoy that

So, I gotta ask... why didn't you ride right after you got your FiP?? You'd probably only waited 10 minutes.

Looking back I really couldn't tell you why we skipped the standby on TSM

ToT IS the greatest ride there. Sorry it scares the poo-poo out of you, but at least you went through to enjoy the theming!

I might just try and get on it in July/Aug....but we'll see. Might need a few drinks before hand

I DID see the HM! Up at the top- right side. VERY good eye!!

Bravo! I was wondering when someone was going to say something. Can always count on you Liesa. Unlike some people...

I hate to see you and DBF having drama! Seriously, I hope you can work it out, and you can go to LV without conflict brewing. We all know when we need a vacation, and you should be able to decide for yourself when and where.

Thanks I hope it gets better too. I think he's just fed up living at home and wants us to move in together. There's still some things I'd like to do before I get settled down and be held down by other commitments. Yes, I want to move out and start our life together but I don't think taking a couple more trips will delay it that much more. Anyway, thanks for your support

I hope you do get to see the Grand Canyon. Everyone should see it at least once. It's on such a huge scale that it needs to be seen in person. It's one of the best trips I've ever taken!

We will most definitely be seeing it. I'm sure it will feel very surreal just with the sheer size. You wouldn't know if it will be cold at the end of March would ya?

Nope, sorry.

Look harder....

I so need to get down there at Christmastime.

Yes you do. If you can, go in November (before Thanksgiving) when crowds are a bit lower and you can enjoy all the Christmas spectacles. MK is the most magical you're ever see it. The resorts are decked out in all sorts of decorations. And the whole experience gives you the warm fuzzies

Booo. They could have at least let you drive the cars while you were waiting.

Seriously. What the heck!

I rode it once and did not have to change my underwear. So I've got that giong for me, which is nice. But I think once was enough. I still don't understand why falling towards the earth faster than the acceleration of gravity constitutes "fun".

I don't understand it either...kinda along the lines of why movies have to be so gorey. You'll have to stay tuned on this ToT fear as I might give it another go next trip....MIGHT.

Who's Drew Carey? Seriously, I do miss Whose Line Is It Anyway? That was a good show.

LOVE Whose Line Is It Anyway!!!! Please watch this one: Cops & Ducks It is so darn funny.

You'll just have to go back and try again. That's all there is to it.

That's the plan!

jen, mess with you?? nah!

I'm as innocent as they come

I'm glad you posted this because I looked at that mess of lights and wires for about 3 seconds and thought, "Oh, that's Jenbear messing with me. There's no hidden mickey here. " Sorry Jenbear!

I missed it, too. Liesa gets the for the day!

That'll teach ya! Maybe you'll pay more attention next time

 

[onescgirl]

I see the Hidden Mickey!

Lexi does not like TT either, which made me have to sit out with her!

Great Eeyore drawing!

 

[YukiPhnx]

I thought it was at the bottom of the picture in the center. Guess I got it wrong.

Sounds Dangerous scares me, yet I still watch it everytime. I love how silly his antics are. But whenever the bees are released, I take the headphones off and put them on again when they're done.

I think they should update the part outside of that ride. Some of the videos and games don't work anymore, which is disappointing because it could be fun.

Ohhh, watching LMA in the morning. That sounds like a good idea! Maybe I'll try that next time....

So....most of the streets of America were closed off cause they were putting the lights up?

 

[jenbear123]

I see the Hidden Mickey!

Yay!

Lexi does not like TT either, which made me have to sit out with her!

You gotta get them on when they're young. I regret my parents not forcing me (as much as I screamed and cried) to go on rides. I think it was because my mom was such a scaredy cat too that she rubbed off on me. If I had ridden more crazy rides at a younger age, I think I'd be more inclined to ride them now.

Great Eeyore drawing!

Thanks I've had enough practice now...

I thought it was at the bottom of the picture in the center. Guess I got it wrong.

It looks like there is one there too but then I wondered could there really be two Hidden Mickey's in the same decoration???

Sounds Dangerous scares me, yet I still watch it everytime. I love how silly his antics are. But whenever the bees are released, I take the headphones off and put them on again when they're done.

I didn't know you had been on it before! The bees aren't my favourite part either but was able to sit through it.

I think they should update the part outside of that ride. Some of the videos and games don't work anymore, which is disappointing because it could be fun.

They had this trivia going on the televisions outside while you wait to get in. Much of the trivia was old and from tv shows I never watched growing up

Ohhh, watching LMA in the morning. That sounds like a good idea! Maybe I'll try that next time....

Definitely!

So....most of the streets of America were closed off cause they were putting the lights up?

No, no. It wasn't closed off at all. The lights were already up just not on yet as they didn't start until November. Disney likes to do stuff ahead of time I guess! I wish they had started them up while we were there though....sigh.

 

[marvali]

I saw the hidden Mickey pretty quickly, but then I think I have that same picture from our recent trip with the lights ON!!!

Hope you get to enjoy the Grand Canyon! It is a magnificent sight! And take us lots of pics in Vegas. I've never been there either.

 

[jenbear123]

I saw the hidden Mickey pretty quickly, but then I think I have that same picture from our recent trip with the lights ON!!!

Hope you get to enjoy the Grand Canyon! It is a magnificent sight! And take us lots of pics in Vegas. I've never been there either.

I must be the worst person for replying to posts in a timely manner. Sorry Marv!!! I wasn't ignoring you I swear. I must catch up on your TR. I'm sure all the decorations are fabulous! Just slap my wrist and get me over there to read!

I will take lots of pics in Vegas. I'll get some video too now that I have my brand spanken new iPhone 4

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Great update Jen!

Ok, this pic is hilarious! I wonder what was going through that woman's head?? She kinda looks like she's contemplating hitting you or something!

Isn't the TSM dash insane?!?! Half the people are rushing to the actual ride and the other half are rushing to get a fastpass. It's madness I tell you, madness! This past trip we tried for fastpasses at 11:00am and they were GONE! I know, rookie disser mistake but we weren't there for park opening that day.

I see it, I see it! Boy that sucker was hidden well, I think I went cross eyed looking for it!

Bummer about missing out on the LMA show, but if you do the Backlot Tour, sometimes those cars are on the side rehearsing beforehand and it's pretty cool!

Ah, you and my DH share the same fear of ToT! He loves thrill rides and will ride most anything. But for some reason, the ToT messes with his psyche! He thinks it's crazy to ride a plummeting elevator! I agree with you though, the theming is incredible! Seriously one of the best themed rides (apart from Expedition Everest) at Disney!

Oh, don't get me started on One Man's Dream! I love this exhibit and there should absolutely be more like it around all the parks. Really, I could spend quite some time in there looking at everything and not get bored. And the movie at the end is fantastic!

Glad you made on to TSM. I love that ride but DH says it feels like work! I can't recall my high score but I know it wasn't in the 130,000's like yours so great job!

Looking forward to the next update! Oh and how are those Vegas plans coming along??

 

[jenbear123]

Ok, this pic is hilarious! I wonder what was going through that woman's head?? She kinda looks like she's contemplating hitting you or something!

She's pretty scary looking! I couldn't help but laugh when I saw that picture but I had to be quiet so she didn't hear me since she was right behind!

Isn't the TSM dash insane?!?! Half the people are rushing to the actual ride and the other half are rushing to get a fastpass. It's madness I tell you, madness! This past trip we tried for fastpasses at 11:00am and they were GONE! I know, rookie disser mistake but we weren't there for park opening that day.

I wonder if there's been any injuries associated with the mad dash? What time of the year were you there for FP to be gone for TSM at 11am?! I'm going again in July so I want to be prepared...not that I'm ever not

I see it, I see it! Boy that sucker was hidden well, I think I went cross eyed looking for it!

I honestly think there are two Hidden Mickey's there. They added another one from last year.

Bummer about missing out on the LMA show, but if you do the Backlot Tour, sometimes those cars are on the side rehearsing beforehand and it's pretty cool!

I especially like when you catch them practicing during the Backlot Tour. I want to make them stop so I can watch

Ah, you and my DH share the same fear of ToT! He loves thrill rides and will ride most anything. But for some reason, the ToT messes with his psyche! He thinks it's crazy to ride a plummeting elevator! I agree with you though, the theming is incredible! Seriously one of the best themed rides (apart from Expedition Everest) at Disney!

I'm really going to try and conquer my fear next time. Maybe I'll just blindfold myself so the amazing themeing doesn't scare me to death. We'll see how well that goes...

Oh, don't get me started on One Man's Dream! I love this exhibit and there should absolutely be more like it around all the parks. Really, I could spend quite some time in there looking at everything and not get bored. And the movie at the end is fantastic!

Yay another One Man's Dream fan! Have you heard about the new tour Inspiration: Through Walt's Eyes? I've only read the one review on AllEars which wasn't that great. I was hoping this tour would really dive deep into Walt and his inspiration. Have you heard anything else about it?

Glad you made on to TSM. I love that ride but DH says it feels like work! I can't recall my high score but I know it wasn't in the 130,000's like yours so great job!

It is a lot of work - good exercise for the arm! With practice, makes perfect

Looking forward to the next update! Oh and how are those Vegas plans coming along??

Vegas plans are coming along. I've actually been browsing the book stores around here and started reading the UG for Vegas I haven't actually bought the book...just spent 15-20 min each day reading bits and pieces of it...

 

[All7OfUs]

I might just try and get on it in July/Aug....but we'll see. Might need a few drinks before hand

Might I recommend the apricot sour from BD?? It only took one for me to completely destroy my Carl.