Gmax Bday Trip: Expect the Unexpected! "Closing Time" Pg 15

[MainStMandy]

Hey I am in!! Sorry we didn't get to hang out longer but our semi-annual trip to AK was a blast!!! Can't wait to see pics

 

[KatGarcia]

I'm a bit late but luckily you aren't finished yet. LOL You really are the fastest TR writer EVER! I love Dis-ers meeting other Dis-ers!!!!

 

[teruterubouzu]

While listening to the song, I swore it said, "How do you do . . . Please just show me your Ba**s". Hmm . . . Surely I was wrong, but then I heard it again! I leaned forward and asked them to listen. When they did, they SCREAMED! They had to admit that is what it sounded like! So of course, I had that playing in my head for the rest of the ride!

You are too funny! I just listened to that song on my ipod and this is what I'm hearing now too. LOL.

 

[klofan]

Yay! I'm here...and please stop scratching those ba....s...

 

[JuneChickie]

I'm a waitin too ! !

What a great Birthday party for you and now we all get
to share in it !

 

[disneyjunkie]

Hi Glenda

 

[Glendamax]

Day 2 cont.

On Saturday, June 6th, after Kim and I got off of Toy Story Mania (TSM), I had NOTHING else in the park that I really wanted to do. However, I knew there was NO WAY Kim would allow us to do ONE thing, then leave. When I asked her what she wanted to do, she said, "Well everything you don't". HA! So we did just that . . .

First we headed to my all-time (NOT) favorite Backlot Tour!

See don't WE look excited?​

The beginning when the volunteers do the Submarine scene, was actually a bit funny. One of them was really putting ALOT of energy into it. Then it was finally time to board our tour buses to ride around the lot.

The part of the tour I liked the best, was seeing the costume shop, and the seamstresses at work.

And of course we drove through an "active" movie set:

Here's a clip - sorry for all the extra movement . . .

​

After the tour was over, we headed though the movie attraction . . .

I must admit the Star Wars figures did look a bit intimadating! But soon we were back in the Orlando sun, where Kim stopped at the gift shop. Since we were staying onsite, she had her purchases sent to our resort.

There were LOTS of Star Wars/Disney things to buy!

Beside the gift shop, was a LONG line to "meet" Darth Vador. Well you all know me, I was NOT standing in that line, so I just did this - much to the disgust of a nearby CM! HA!!!

Of the many adults dressed as various Star Wars characters, I was able to get a shot of this guy anxiously awaiting his meeting with Darth!

I'm sorry, but it was just WAYYY to hot (and embarassing) for all of this!

 

[Glendamax]

(OOPS! Too many images in the last post!!!)

I forgot to mention that on our way to the gift shop, we saw "the door" from Monsters Inc! Apperently, I'm a HUGE -ER -ER fan than I thought, because I totally freaked out when I saw it, and was sad that Mike and Sulley were not there . . .

Well after Kim finished shopping, it was time for our Toy Story Mania (TSM) Fast Passes! I LOVE the sets in the line!

​

Here are our scores - I won by 300 points! YAY!

After TSM, Kim got a text from Rebecca who was in the park. So we met up at Muppets 3D. The show was cute! I still love it, even though it has never been updated. Afterwards, we were a bit hungry, so we headed to the Pizza place. The line was HUMONGOUS. Noticing Mama Melrose next door, I told Kim and Rebecca to stay in line, while I ran over to see if MM had any opennings. Well . . . THEY DID! So they ran over, and we were able to sit down in the wonderful air-conditioning to eat!

I've never been there before, and was pleased with the decor and general feel of the place as soon as we walked in.

​

In the lobby is a chanderlier that caught my attention . . .

I thought it was weird, but cool at the same time!


After we were seated, I ordered the Mixed Greens - with balsamic vinaigrette and gorgonzola cheese $5.49, Sangria - Glass: $6.00 1/2 Carafe: $12.00 Full Carafe: $19.00, and Wood-grilled Shrimp - Served over pipette pasta tossed with artichokes, peas, peppers, sweet onions in a basil four cheese cream sauce. - $17.99.

While waiting for our orders, we had a great time chatting, and drinking Sangria!

It was really cool having my "real-life" friend there with a DISer. As you all know, people tend to look at you a bit side-ways when you mention your Disney trips, and DISers. So I was glad Kim go to meet one of the "internet strangers" I chat with. It was then that I told Rebecca, "This is what sucks about DISboards, and meeting people like you. I feel like I've known you FOREVER, and I have to keep reminding myself that you will NOT be back home in Baltimore when I get there"! And she agreeed! Funnily enough, she and Kim are very similar: funny and straight forward. So it was GREAT!

When my "wood-grilled shrimp" arrived, I was soooo disappointed. It did not look like the menu's description: it was about 5 regular-sized shrimp, ontop of a bunch of pasta. As soon as they sat my food in front of me, I told the server that I couldn't do it. I asked if they would throw the food away. She said that most likely, the guys in the kitchen would eat it. So I told her, that if they didnt want it, to bring it back to me and I would just deal with it. Rebecca and Kim said no, that the entree cost too much for there to be only 5 shrimp, and that I should be happy with my meal. So with that, I sent it back, and ordered what Rebecca had: Oven-baked Chicken alla Parmigiana - Served over spaghetti. - $16.99. The server soon came back to the table and told me that my first order was split between 2 guys in the kitchen! WHEW! What a relief!

Well I was very pleased with my new dish! IT was VERY good!

Now to the waitress. SHE WAS TERRIBLE! The restaurant gives bread with oil to each table when seated. Well, our waitress snatched the oil off the table when she saw the bread basket empty, and rushed off. HOWEVER, we each still had bread, and was using it. So when we were able to finally get her attention, we asked her to bring it back, along with more bread and butter. She seem ANNOYED! And she never chatted with us. She just took our order and kept running off. The food server was MUCH more personable than she was.

When it was time to settle the bill, Rebecca said that she was not pleased with the waitress, and was going to only leave $5 for the tip. Of course, Kim and I agreed!

 

[Glendamax]

Before we left the restaurant, DISer Antss called to let us know that DISer Candice had arrived in Orlando, and the both of them would meet us at The American Idol experince after lunch.

Now, you all know me, I was NOT excited about AI, but was looking forward to seeing Candice, and spending time with the gang, so I went along (and yes girlbomb, I know that was a run-on sentence! HA!). On the way, we spotted Goofy dressed as Darth Vador:

Then soon, we spotted Antss and Candice!

It was soooo cool finally being able to meet Candice at the World! Soon we were heading off to the show - it was just about to begin!

When we went inside, most of the audience were already seated. I was surprised at how realistic the set looked. It really looked like we were at an AI show!

​

After being seated, they had trivia questions for the audience. You answered using the panel on the arm rests:

After the show started, there were video appearances by Ryan Seacrest (ugghhh!) and others.

Soon the female host, and the contestants walked onto the stage:

And now for the Judges!

The guy on the end was rude just like Simon! We all enjoyed the show!

I think 2 of us picked the young girl to win, while the rest of us picked the older woman. All 3 did a pretty good job! Fortunantly, there was a HUGE teleprompter at the back of the theater for them to see the words.

In the end, the younger girl won. She would get to compete against the winners of the rest of that day's show. The final winner would get a pass to the front of the line of an AI tryout in a town near them.

I must say that I was COMPLETELY surprised at how much I enjoyed the show. If we had more time, I would've gone to a second show!

 

[Glendamax]

When we left American Idol, we were all smiles and were deciding what to do next. Candice had received a text from Pop letting her know that her room was ready! She said that the resorts had just started sending texts that day.

We then walked by something I'd always seen here on the DIS, but never in the park . . .

As you can see, I had fun taking these pics!​

Soon everyone had decieded to do another of my favorites (not), The (not-so) GREAT Movie Ride!

Surprising, the queue was full!

In about 15mins, we'd reached the loading zone, and the (not-so) GREAT Ride was about to begin!

My new friend Rebecca and I were riveted and enchanted by all we saw:

I did wake up long enough to do my DIS duty, and point the Hidden Mickey I found on the ride a few years ago. It's in the Gangster scene on the left of the "ride-car" in a window.

Soon we were in OZ, and our ride was comming to an end.

After The GREAT Movie Ride, I was ready to go back to the resort. You all know that I ALWAYS go back to the room to rest, shower and change outfits. However, I told Kim that she could stay and hang out with the crew, or even go to another park. But she chose to come back to the resort with me.

It was GREAT (really) being back in the room to recharge and get ready for the second half of our day!

Go To Page 5, Post #62

 

[Glendamax]

Again, thank you all soooo mcuh for reading and posting! I only have about 10mins - so I'm gonna try to do some replies! Start the clock:

Hey Gmax,
First of all, a belated Happy Birthday is in order. From the look of things I will assume you had a wonderful one.

You trip is coming together as an amazing one. I saw your pics on FB. My DS and I were cracking up at some of them.

Thanks for calling me during your trip, sorry I wasn't home. I have been very busy with VBS. We had a fantastic week with a bunch of kids but I am happy it is over and I can catch up on my life.

You will have to let me know how you liked The Shack.I have read it and really like it. I had a hard time putting it down.

Hi MeMom...I have missed you! Do you have a TR going on? Please send me the link if you do. Would love to catch up with you.

Well, hope your day is great and thanks for writting another fabulous installment of the Gmax TRs! Hope to talk with you soon.

Big Hug Glenda!
TTFN, Cherokeemamma

Thank you! I had a GREAT bday! I'm almost finished The Shack! It's AWSOME! I'll probably read it again!
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Yippee you're back!

Your hair looks GREAT. And thanks for posting the backpack pushy mom thing it reminds me to go buy a neat sheet. If I lay that baby down for my family of 6 I'm hoping they will stay off it! fingers crossed!

Did you have sunshine? Looks like it. and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Thank you! We had LOTS of Sun. It never rained on us! Good luck holding your spots!
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I forgot to say something about the line for FP to TSM. That is crazy. How long were you in line to get your FPs? I would have thought that some of the hoopla surrounding this ride would have died down by now. I love this ride but..... I guess the fact that it is Star Wars Weekend might have had something to do with it.

It took us about 20mins to get the FPs. I still love this ride, so I didnt mind. Besides, it was fun seeing the guests dressed up as Star Wars characters in all that heat!
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Great start to your trip report! Kidani certainly looks lovely. I'm eager to hear what you think of the buses.

I thought the buses were CRAPPY! So sad, since they used to be GREAT!
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Hey Glenda! I am happy to be in on this fro the first!

Your shots from Kidani are great.
BTMRR is definitely coolest at night.

YES! It is AWESOME! Glad you liked the Kidani shots. I was not that enthusiastic while taking them!
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Ok I am here.

Great start to the trip. Love the videos and pics. My friends are there now but come home today I would have gone if I wasn't going to Europe and Disneyland Paris.

Looking forward to more.

Hey Scott! I hope you have a great time in Europe!
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Glenda started her TR!!! Can't wait until I get home from work to start reading!!!!

Hey! Hope you were able to read it, and see the pics at home!
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Wooohooo! Another adventure!

HA! Thanks for stopping by!
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Yay! I'm so excited to read about your birthday trip -- hope it was a great one! The locs are looking great! And Bill and I ALWAYS thought that's what the Splash Mountain birds were singing! (I think it's actually something about "sure as you're born," but come on -- it sounds just like "show us your..." )

Looking forward to reading more...

YAY! You're here (now I'm nervous)! They are actually saying "we're just movin along". But who cares, right?! HA!!! Now show me your ALLS!!!!
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subscribing!!
I didn't know that Kidani was much smaller. Glad you reported that cause I would've been disappointed too!!

Yes I know, maybe I'll get used to it though
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Glenda....

So glad that I found your TR as I've tried to follow all of them so far. The weather down here has definintely been hot & if it hasn't been hot it's been rainy/stormy so I'm glad you were able to survive our Florida heat.

I can't believe at TSM there wasn't weaving lines inside. The one time we managed to "walk" into TSM we had to weave & weave & weave......we only waited because the FP's were gone & it was our last time on the AP's before they expired that we were going to DHS.

Can't wait for the rest of the report!!

Thanks! I think TSM will be crowded for a LONG time, just like Everest at AK
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Lovin' your trip report, as usual.

Thanks Angela!
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Hurray! So glad that you decided to write a trip report!

Thanks! But I swear this IS my last one!
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Wow..you had a busy 2 days. Sounds like you are having so much fun. Wish I could have been there with you all. Can not wait to read about the rest of your adventures!!

Thank you - just wait, there's more craziness to come!
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Sounds like your trip is off to a great start. Happy belated Birthday!

Thank you so much! Yes, the trip started off great!
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I always love your reports because you give us a glimpse of home when we can't be there. We don't get to stay at Kidani until December so it was nice to get a sneak peek.

That poor fishie during Spectro. Although I've been hearing a lot about float towing lately. Sounds like maybe they need to overhaul the floats a bit. Your videos of Spectro had me tearing up over my lunch. I'm such a sap for that stuff.

OMG the lines for TSMM were insane. I thought our FP lines were bad in December, but that surely had us beat! This is shaping up to be a great birthday trip!

Yes, the lines were a trip, but this was one of my best trips ever!
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YEA!!!!!

Another GMax TR!!!

And like usual you are already half way through

Will be back to read later...just wanted to check in!!

HEY! You know I gotta type fast, while my memory is still fresh!

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CARP! I'm outta time! Will try to do more later!

Thanks DISers!!!

 

[Glendamax]

Marking my spot. Looks like the work firewall is blocking the pix. I must have pix to go along with the story. So I'll be back later when I can get everything ! I did read the very beginning, though, and so far so good! I always love your reports

Hey Thanks! I hope you were able to see the pics today!
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yey another trip report , I can't wait for the rest of it.

Sounds like you the bestest Birthday paaaarrrrty that started early and
went on and on and on.

Happy Happy Birthday to you Glendamax !

Thank you! Hope you're enjoying Orlando!
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Gmax....do you ever sleep girl?! I went to sleep last night with your first update and came back to 2 more! You are a much 'better trip report updater' than I am!!

Looks like a fantastic trip so far! I don't blame you about being a teensy disappointed in the lobby when you first checked in. The resort looks beautiful, but the original AKL lobby is so gorgeous I would find myself comparing it too!

Yesterday my husband came home and told me we could make a work day in Orlando into a little weekend trip for us- he told me we could go to Disney or Universal, my choice. Your Spectro parade pictures are making me lean toward Disney. It will be on the 4th of July scared1 and I'm a little terrified of the crowds, but I want to go to Disney darnit!!!

(Sorry I went on this little tangant on your TR. What am I thinking?)

Congrats on your trip! Maybe try going to EPCOT on July 4th. Since the park is more spread out, maybe it'll feel less crowded.
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Great to see you back Glenda! Your report is terrific as always.

And did I read correctly that you're going back in July too! Good for you! We'll be there in Sept. again. 4th year in a row doing Sept.

Your hair looks terrific by the way! I never noticed exactly what the bird were saying in Splash. I'll have to check that out.

We love Jungle Cruise at night. Makes it much easier to believe you're not in Florida!

Can't wait for you next update. Keep up the good work.

Hey Linda! Actually my next trip is in December - the week before Christmas. Hopefully next year I'll be back in September!

Glad you like my hair! And yes, the JC is MUCH better at night - too bad the jokes arent though! HA!
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I wanna join in the fun too! You look like you are having the best time. I want to travel with you some time! Looking forward to reading more of your Disney adventure.

Thanks! I'm going back in December, when are you going?
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Glenda, I think the Sunpass police are going to be coming for you. (nothing I haven't done myself mind you).

When I told the CM at Kidani what happend, he told me that I wouldn't get a ticket - that you're allowed a certain amount of mistakes before being charged. I hope so! After all, you do have to veer to the right to pay it!
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Yay!!

How rude! (In my best Stephanie Tanner voice) The nerve of some people.

What a way indeed! We love that place!!! But only 40 mins? uh oh

All of your comments are soooo funny! Thanks Goodness we made to LeCellier in time! That's a hard ressie to get!
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Wow! That is terrible. Thank goodness you did have a car. It would have been a tragedy to miss such a yummy lunch!


Oh no she di’nt! Good for you for being nice about it!


LOL!!! This is the best laugh I have had in a really long time. That is so what it sounds like. That is so funny. “Please just show me your Ba**s” is actually “Pretty good, sure as you’re born”. LOL I had no idea what it was either, and it drove me nuts. So after a few trips, I finally Google’d it.

I’m with you on that! My boys and I stayed at AKL for the first time last year, and that incline was just mean after a long day in the parks.
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Great TR so far, Glenda!! Looking forward to what happens next!

1 - Yes, I would've driven my car THROUGH Future World to make it!
2 - That woman was CRAZY!!!
3 - The "ALLS" line is "We're just movin along"
4 - I REALLLY hope that someday I can talk to WDW planners. They seem to forget that this is a WALKING vacation!
5 - Hope you'll be back REAL soon! Thanks!
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I am loving your TR!!!! Glad you liked your resort after a little apprehension. The studio looked very nice. There have been quite a few "firsts" for Kim already! That's a great start! Always love Spectro Magic! I cannot believe the fastpass line for TSM! That's messed up!
Can't wait for the next update!
I have been "thinking" about a birthday trip in November. Just can't make up my mind! Antss keeps telling me to just do it!

You should definetly do it, even if you have to go solo. It's the best!
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YIP...YIP...i'm here!

Hey Candice! "How do you do"?
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Hi Glenda, I lurked on your other TR's after they were nearly finished and I am SO excited to have found this one at the beginning! I'm here for the ride

YAY! Thanks for joining in. I'm wayyy worse than you - I find reports AFTER they've been closed!
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I hear ya Gmax!

Darn. I felt the same way when pics first started appearing online, but hoped it was different in person.

Hmmm. Well. It's not a dumspter view!

I'm so glad you're writing another TR Glenda! And so sad I missed seeing you at WDW... again.

- yes, unfortunantly, there was no extra grandeur in person
- True, my view was crappy, but the short distance to my room - PRICELESS!
- I know - we havent see each other since . . .2007 right?
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I'm here for the party - or since the actual party was in WDW does that make this the not-so-secret awesome after-party?!

Can't wait to read more of the adventures - loved the spectro videos!

You are so funny! Welcome to the not-so-secret awesome after-party! Glad you liked the videos!
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Count me in for this trip report!

YAY! Thanks for subbing!
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Hi Glenda!

So glad you started this TR. Still using your Cannon Powershot - cause your pix are neat!

Great! Glad you like it!
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I will never sing it the same way again.

HA! I know!
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[Glendamax]

Hey I am in!! Sorry we didn't get to hang out longer but our semi-annual trip to AK was a blast!!! Can't wait to see pics

HEY! I'm REALLY sorry that we werent able to hang out more. It was great seeing you. I have pics up on FB!
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I'm a bit late but luckily you aren't finished yet. LOL You really are the fastest TR writer EVER! I love Dis-ers meeting other Dis-ers!!!!

It's so much fun meeting DISers. My friend Kim said that they were some of the most fun people she's ever met! And I'm actually behind on my report - I was hoping to be finished by the end of the week!
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You are too funny! I just listened to that song on my ipod and this is what I'm hearing now too. LOL.

HA! Told ya!!!
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Yay! I'm here...and please stop scratching those ba....s...

HA!!! Hey Pete!
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I'm a waitin too ! !

What a great Birthday party for you and now we all get
to share in it !

Yes you do!
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Hi Glenda

HEY! Glad you're on board!

 

[pooksma]

Wow that must have been 10 mad minutes of typing!

Thanks for the AI pics. We are travelling with my newbie friends in August and my friend newbie mom LOVES AI and loves to sing (that's what she calls it) I will share your shots.


Sangria....mmmm...I can almost taste it and feel the warm FLA sunshine...too bad its 9 AM here and I'm working

 

[DFD]

YIP...YIP...i'm here!

Yay! I'm here...and please stop scratching those ba....s...

no commen!!!

Great installments Gmax... hurry up!! remember you don have your notebook...

 

[Pryncesa]

Great update! Looks like y'all had a great time at DHS, and a really full day! I'm glad you enjoyed the AI show. I doubt I'll be able to drag my boys to that next time we go.

 

[PrincessAlways]

Fun updates!!! You were certainly having a good day at MGM (DHS). I have that same problem. Why is it so hard to call it by another name???? Don't know why they had to change it anyway. I've only gone to Mama Melrose once & didn't think it was that great. That was a couple of years ago. I wasn't too bad, I just didn't like it. Too bad the waitress was sooooo rude! That wasn't very "Disney" of her, was it? Your score on TSM was very respectable!

 

[Candice30]

i am not a fan of AI but was also suprised at how much fun we had..wish we had made it there again..we definitely have to do that again. that pic of you and rebecca on movie ride is still one of my favorites! and what the heck was antss and i doing when we first met up with you....can't figure that pic out???

 

[MovienutNiffer]

During the parade, one of the "floats" got stuck, and had to get towed away.

Oh my gosh! My sister was stuck in the Emporium that night! She had no idea what had happened when the parade stopped!

I just wanted to say hi! I had read one other of your TR's before and then I found this one through Candace30's TR. I was there the same time as you for my birthday. Looks like your trip was a blast and can't wait to read more!

EDIT: Now I feel kinda silly. I didn't notice it was your birthday trip too! So Happy Belated Birthday!

 

[MovienutNiffer]

Yeah Hollywood Studios used to be my favorite. I am such a movie nut and used to spend most of my time there when we first started to go to WDW. Now it is quite boring! As much as I love Toy Story Mania and the Idol show was cool it is so not a full day park anymore! They need to update SO MUCH! The Great Movie Ride (which made me fall in love with my favorite movie of all time - Casablanca), Indiana Jones, Star Tours, Muppets 3-D (Love me some Pepe!) and the Backstage Tour (Mostly Catastrophe Canyon!) all need updates! Especially the movie ride! With all the awesome Disney live action movies that have come out since it first opened, you mean they can't find one to update it with? I'd put Narnia in there somewhere personally!

We had a blast at the Star Wars weekends! When I was a kid it was my favorite! I even had a picture taken with Darth Maul and I NEVER voluntarily have a picture taken! The Idol show was very cool! I thought it's a fun addition!

I wanted to ask: Did you get a birthday button and if you did, did you wear it? I had so many CM's wish me happy birthday and I even got a few desserts free to boot! It was just a nice touch to the trip for me, because I don't really like to have any attention but this time I wanted it all!

Can't wait to read more!