Itchin' For Some Fun...12/10/09 - 12/14/09...Finished 3/17

[praisehisname]

Nice photos of the Studios...I love the Beauty and the Beast show...even though I know how its going to end...I tear up...

Me, too! I'm such a sap!

and lol at the beaver butt soap, i saw that too, but failed to take a pic. they also sold it in the WL gift shop and i should have bought some just for the sake of it!

Thanks for joining! I loved the soap, and they really smelled good!

Great Updates. Can't wait to hear about the TSM party!

I have an update ready to go!

 

[praisehisname]

I think it was a good call to linger over lunch and stay at the Studios. Leaving might have put you back too late to get a good spot in line for F! Slowing down and not having to rush, rush, rush is always a good thing- unless it's first thing in the morning, of course.

Yep, we really enjoyed taking our time and not having the kids badger us to keep going!

OMG - your lunch at Pizza Planet looks so good, I wish that I could just jump through my computer screen to get a bite.

It was really yummy; I'd like to have some today!

Looking forward to your next update <3

Coming up shortly...

 

[praisehisname]

We are enjoying your report and pictures.

Thanks for joining; have a wonderful trip!!!

Oh, man, I was so far behind. Between the holidays and my computer being on the blink, I missed out on some GREAT updates!! I'm all caught up now, and I'm loving it!!

Thanks for taking the time to get caught up!

You got some really good pictures in the MuppetVision3D waiting area. We always seem to whiz by them.

Thanks! It was nice to get in before the pre-show so I could get those shots.

 

[praisehisname]

So happy you finally got to see M3D! It's funny! I'm really looking forward to hearing about the TSM party- I would have LOVED to have been at any of those DIS podcast events!!

Update coming in a few minutes...but you might be a little disappointed...

And I can't wait to hear your reaction to Fantasmic!

I can't wait to tell you!

You were talking about a drink called pommegrant Kir, I know you didn't get to try it (at least not so far) but can you tell me what it is? I love anything pommegrant.

You and Kent are going to have such an awesome time together! As for the Kir, I'm ashamed to say I don't really know, but I think it's champagne and pommegranate liquor or puree. I had heard about it on someone else's trip report and it looked good!

 

[praisehisname]

I'm here....checking for an update!

Coming right up!

 

[MEK]

Coming right up!

YEAH!

 

[All7OfUs]

Yep, we really enjoyed taking our time and not having the kids badger us to keep going!

I totally hear you there! Our ladies' trip in Sept. is all about taking in the details, and doing things at a sane adult pace.

 

[praisehisname]

When I left off, we were trying to figure out how to spend the rest of our day in Hollywood Studios. Tom saw this guy and had to get a picture.



At this point it was 2:45pm. I was feeling pretty good, but honestly didn’t know how I was going to make it through midnight for the TSM party. So we decided we would plan as if we weren’t going to make it, but I didn’t want to miss out on riding the ride. We walked over and saw that it had an 80 minute wait.



Hmmm…That would make it around 4:15 by the time we got out of there. The only other thing we wanted to do was Fantasmic and the Osborne lights, so we hopped in line. As we entered the line, a CM gave Tom one of the red cards to verify the wait time.



We never could have done this with the kids, and honestly, it didn’t feel like it was that long of a wait. Between taking pictures of the queue and chatting with our line neighbors, it went pretty quickly (although it WAS the full 80 minutes).





I thought this bag was cool!





































Right about here, I noticed that my camera battery was almost dead. We have a spare battery, but had left in charging in the room since we thought we’d be back for a mid-day break. Uh oh. I had to severely cut back on my picture taking then so that I’d have enough battery to get me through the evening. I still managed to get a lot of good shots, though.





...continued in next post...

 

[praisehisname]

I thought the ride was fun, but I wasn’t blown away by it. Tom beat me, but my accuracy was better!



It was now 4:30pm, and we started wandering over toward Fantasmic.





We were shocked to see that people were already in line! It wasn’t too long, but I quickly jumped in line while Tom went to get me a Mickey ice cream sandwich. When he brought it back, we hadn’t moved yet so he went in search of a snack for himself. Right after he left, they lowered the first rope to let us head up the hill toward the ampitheater. He made it back and was able to catch up to me, though, before we were let into the theater. He had gotten a bottle of Coke Zero and bucket of popcorn. I love the bucket (which we saved, of course).



They let us sit anywhere we wanted, so we chose seats right in the center, two rows from the top. We had a perfect view!



Time check—5:05pm. Uh oh, we had an hour and a half wait ahead of us. Again, this was something we never could have done with the kids; they just would not have done well with a wait that long! There was an adorable little 6-year-old boy behind us with mom. He could. Not. Sit. Still. Or stop talking. He was constantly kicking my bench. I felt bad for his mom, because it was very obvious she had had enough of him that day. We found out a lot about Jared by listening! I said something to Tom about maybe turning around and trying to engage Jared and give his mom a break, but before I could do anything, the mom next to them jumped in. She must have been a teacher in “real life” because she was very good at occupying him and asking questions that weren’t simple yes or no questions. At the end of the show, Jared’s mom thanked neighbor lady profusely for helping keep Jared happy!

We really enjoyed Fantasmic! I had no idea we would get wet where were, though. There was a slight chill in the air, and I ended up pulling on my ponch so that the spray and the chill didn’t make me miserable. We loved the show, though, and it is a definite must-do for a return visit!

When the show ended we made a beeline for Streets of America to see the Osborne lights. On the way we spotted a young couple heading toward Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. We had fastpasses for both from earlier in the day, so we gave them to the couple.

It was 7:15pm, and we had to be in line outside the park for the TSM party by 8pm (when the park closed). I’ll be the first to admit I was starting to freak out. I do not like to be rushed, I was tired, and I was stressed about getting to see the lights AND get to the front of the park in time.

We made it over to the lights and it was wall-to-wall people (another thing that makes me crazy). Seriously, you could barely move, let alone take pictures. It was the first (and only) time during our trip that the crowds were unbearable. I got a few shots, but honestly, pictures can never do this display justice. It was breathtaking!





















I also have this video of the lights dancing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlcQTbOIKkM

Things were so crowded and people were so oblivious, that I had a sort of meltdown. I had to get out of there, so I told Tom I was done and I just started walking. I was really snippy and I’m ashamed of myself now, but at the time all I cared about was getting out of that crowd. We got out into a clearing and went into the nearest bathroom to collect myself. When I came out, we decided that there was no way we could stay for the TSM party. I know we made the right decision, but after hearing reviews from people on the DIS, it sounds like we missed an awesome time!

We had about 20 minutes until park closing, and I was really regretting giving away the fastpasses, since I really wanted to ride Tower of Terror in the dark. We headed over to see what the wait times were, and it was only 10 minutes! Woo Hoo! We were able to squeeze in two rides on Terror of Terror. It was so amazing in the dark. So much fun!!! It was just what I needed to get me back in a good mood. I actually would have ridden a third time, but the gates were closed when we came out after the second ride.

We slowly wandered to the bus stops, stopping at Guest Services to pick up our purchases from earlier. I don’t remember how long we waited for a bus, but we got back to Pop around 9pm. We were hungry and decided to grab something to eat from Everything Pop.

Tom got the meatball sub that came with salad, a chocolate chip cookie, and a bottle of water.



I got the chicken Caesar salad, a bottle of iced tea, and a Mickey rice krispie treat (which I saved for breakfast the next day).

It would have cost $27.37, but we used 2 CS credits.

When we were done eating, we headed over to the gift shop shop to pick up the pajama pants I wanted to get for Lee.



They were running a special that if you spent $40 you could get a Mickey watch for $15.95. Even though Lee’s pants didn’t meet the $40 requirement, the CM allowed Tom to get the watch!



We had had another amazing day, and we chatted about it as we made our way back to the room. Disney Hollywood Studios has always been a park that we skim over, but I felt like I developed a real love for it on this trip.

As we were getting ready for bed, I noticed that the rash was now all over my neck and chest. It was really bothering me, and I was starting to get concerned about what was causing it. It was also in the back of my mind that I had a job interview the day after we returned home and was I going to look like a leper when I walked in!

Tom watched some TV and I drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow was our Magic Kingdom day and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!!!

 

[praisehisname]

I totally hear you there! Our ladies' trip in Sept. is all about taking in the details, and doing things at a sane adult pace.

I hope you have a great time!

 

[heaven2dc]

First of all, I love your screen name! I just found your TR and am enjoying it alot

I love your pics - you did a great job of taking them! I just had to comment on your mini-meltdown (of sorts). It's hard not to have one when there are such crowds and esp when people are oblivious to others. Patience is one of my hardest virtues to conquer! You really had a pack-filled day at HS!

Your cinnamon rolls looks so yummy! It's been over 15 years since I've made them from scratch. When my husband was alive, I used to make them at least twice a week plus homemade bread. Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I'm a bit late, but finally got caught up with your report. Sounds like it's been a wonderful trip so far. My last full day was your Epcot day. It got awfully cold that night. I love the shots of ToT. Hands down it's my favorite ride. I always want to hang back in the lobby area just taking pictures of everything.

 

[stacikristine]

Oh wow! It sounds like you had a crazy night! I'm glad you were able to see Fantasmic and that you liked it so much! Sorry it was soooo crowded by the Osborne lights! I wouldn't have done very well either. I really do want to see them someday, though! YAY for Tower of Terror!!! That's my favorite thrill ride at WDW. I just love DHS, and I'm glad you and Tom enjoyed it too! Can't wait to hear about MK and MVMCP!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I don't think I could stand in line for 80 minutes. However, you did get a lot of great shots of all the toys and such in the queue!

Yeay for getting awesome seats for Fantasmic! That is the one nighttime show we have not seen yet.

I lose it in crowds, too, so I can totally relate to your snippiness trying to walk the streets. I would have been freaking out! The lights are gorgeous, though!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Another great update!! Have I told you how much I just love DHS??? I'm glad you were able to take your time through DHS and now love it too! Sorry your evening was a little crazy & very crowded. The Osborne Lights sure are amazing, aren't they? We were there the very first night of them back in November and it was crowded then too. I can't see your video for some reason.

 

[disneyaddicted]

See now if I had known that you were right around the corner I could have opened up my pharmacy and given you something for that rash.

I never heard the TSM party, where was I, how did I miss this?

 

[Jennifer48]

You have the patience of a saint to wait in line for 80 minutes!

I'm sorry you didn't make it to the TSM party. I was very interested in hearing about it.

 

[KathyRN137]

Well, I'm one more DISer who is clueless about the TSM Party... guess it came out when I was on DIS-Boards hiatus!

Eighty minutes is a long time to wait for any ride... but TSM is fantastic. My kids loved it so much, I got them the Wii game for Christmas!

And then you had a lot of down time at Fantasmic... you're right, you could never have done that with kids in tow! Jared's mom learned that the hard way!

Nice bit of with the Mickey Watch.

Sounds like something's getting on your skin and it doesn't like you...


Kathy

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I don't think I could stand in line for 80 minutes. However, you did get a lot of great shots of all the toys and such in the queue!

Yeay for getting awesome seats for Fantasmic! That is the one nighttime show we have not seen yet.

I lose it in crowds, too, so I can totally relate to your snippiness trying to walk the streets. I would have been freaking out! The lights are gorgeous, though!

Basically Jackie stole all my comments because she got here first...

You did get some amazing shots in the TSM queue...

I haven't seen Fantasmic either...I'd love to catch it next October...

I have a sort of crowd phobia-I can usually manage at Disney but when it gets really tight...I get really unhappy...

 

[khertz]

Oh my goodness, I REALLY wanted one of those red time tags for some reason, and never did get one! Oh well. I guess it's kind of silly, but I was so hoping we'd be handed one.

I totally understand getting frustrated in packed-in crowds. I probably would have done the same thing. Luckily, we must have picked a good night for Osborne lights, because the crowd left just a few minutes after we got there. You are right though, pictures just can't do it justice. It was so breathtaking in person! It was unexpectedly my favorite Christmas event while we were there.

Also I can't see the video? YouTube says it is private. Just figured you'd want to know!