Just back from All Star Music. 3 adults (Me-34, DH-41 and MIL-75) and 4 Boys (DS-Alex 15, DS-Adam-11, DS-Nathan-9 and DN- Adam-9) We had Quick Service Dining.
First trip for DN and MIL had been one other time in 1972.
Arrived Friday January 27th at 945PM. We collected our own luggage and headed to Magic Express Counter. First in line at the All Star bus line and got put right on a bus. We waited about 10 mins and then pulled off. Bus went to Sports-Music-Movies-AKL.
We arrived at Music at approximately 1040pm. I had previously done online check in. There were two people in front of us, wait time about 15 minutes. Got our packages and were ready to head to the room. We rented a scooter from Apple Scooter. It was waiting for us at Bell Services as promised. We usually stay preferred but ended up staying standard this time and we were in the boonies. Broadway building #7, rooms 7430 and 7431. Our only request were connecting or adjoining rooms, we were given adjoining rooms. The area was very quiet.
DAY 1 Saturday 1/28- Hollywood Studios EMH (8-9AM). We were there at 8AM. Went straight to Toy Story Mania (no crazy running-crowds seemed mello-maybe because it wasn't regular park opening). Toy Story wasn't open yet so we got fast passes for later use. Headed to Starring Rolls and ate breakfast. Cinnamon Rolls and Chocolate Croissants all around. Next we went to RNR-15 minute wait and TOT-15 minute wait. Next it was Voyage of the Little Mermaid. None of the boys wanted to do it but she is my favorite princess and MIL needed to have something to do also so we watched it. From there we went to Toy Story Mania-FP were good. They put the handicapped/scooters up a separate ramp...we waited for about 15 minutes from that point to board the ride. I was thrilled to beat all the video game junkies in our group!! not to mention DH.
Next up-Backlot Tour. Everyone rode except DS-9 and myself. We had popcorn and people watched. It took about 30 minutes total. We had lunch at Studio Catering Company and Herbie's Drive In. Nathan (9) had a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and devoured it. Said it was really good. Everyone else had corn dogs/chili dogs from Herbies. Except me I was still full from popcorn.
Next up we got in line to watch Lights, Motor, Action. We have seen this but not since they added the Cars characters so that was a nice surprise for the boys.
Next we headed to Star Tours. All the boys and DH rode, 20 minute wait I think. I got fast passes for them for later.
Walked down to let them play in the Honey I shrunk the kid playground.
Back up to use our fast passes. We had two extra since MIL and I did not ride. We were talking to a Grandfather who was there with his 3 sons, and 3 grandsons-2 of them tiny. He was waiting on them to come off the ride. I gave him our two fastpasses to use so he could go on right away with his oldest grandson.
Back to Music we went, the boys were dying to swim. We spent about 45minutes at the Piano pool...which is certainly the warmer of the two. Dinner at Music. I love their Chicken Quesidillas.
There were groups present in the resort but we hadn't seen them in the parks yet. Some were certainly from South America...and I think we had one group of cheerleaders.
DAY 2 Sunday 1/29- Magic Kingdom
We ate breakfast at Music. Nothing special. Got to MK about 740 and waited for the Opening Show.
Headed straight to Buzz Lightyear and rode with no wait. Over to Space Mountain- got on with a 10 minute wait and got FP for Space Mountain. Took the little boys back over to Buzz. They rode several times with no wait.
TTA next.
Space Mountain FP were good so they all rode that one more time and got more FP for later. Headed to the Indy Cars-10 minute wait.
Tea Cups-no wait. While they were on the Teacups I got FP for Winnie the Pooh.
Philharmagic with 5 minute wait.
Went back to use our FP for Pooh but the ride was down so we saved for later.
Got FP for Peter Pan
Lunch at Columbia Harbor House (never eaten here before) Fried Shrimp and the Lobster Roll get A++ from everyone. Also had the apple cobbler (more like a turnover-still tasty)
Splash Mountain-10 minute wait
FP for Splash
Thought about going to Tom Sawyer Island, it was busy getting over and back so we skipped it.
Pirates of the Caribbean-no wait.
Back to use Splash FP. We had 7 but only 3 from our party went, so they rode twice. The parade was starting around this time. Only down Main Street and around the castle right now...due to the updates they are doing to the parade route in Frontierland.
Peter Pan FP used.
Rode Small World-10 minute wait
Used Pooh FP.
Left to go back and swim. Coming back from EMH from 10-1AM, just me and the 4 boys.
Arrived back in MK around 10PM.
Went through Adventure land first-DN wanted to see if the ring carver was still there.
Climbed the treehouse.
Pirates was closed (the last two times we have been there for EMH it has been down....)
Had popcorn
Skipped Splash Mountain....walked through Tomorrowland-everything was still hopping.
IndyCars-10 minute wait
Two older boys rode Space Mountain 4 times, younger boys rode Buzz 4-5 times.
All did AstroOrbiter with a 10 minute wait
Back to Winnie the Pooh-no wait.
Corn Dog Nuggets at Caseys
On the bus at 1AM sharp. 3 of the 4 boys fell asleep on the bus...they were wooped.
Day 3 Monday-Epcot. January 30th Originally I planned to do AK this day because they had EMH from 8-9Am but I knew the boys would never get up so I swapped it. We arrived at 915. Tour groups are present...saw several flags. YIKES.
Headed to Test Track-got FP for later and then rode with a 10 minute wait. Rode again immediately. I walked across to Soarin and got FP for return time of 1:05. Back across. MIL was shopping in MouseGears. All the boys came up and shopped a bit. Everyone was hungry so we ate at Electric Umbrella. I really enjoyed the Mushroom/Swiss Burger...DH got the meatball sub and it was ok, nothing special.
Then we headed over to the Land. Rode Living with the Land. Time for our FP at Soarin. Still about a 20 minute wait with FP.
From here boys went back to Test Track and rode. I walked MIL to the front of the park, she was meeting a friend who picked her up for the afternoon. Boys rode Test Track and Mission Space Green and Orange while I was escorting. I got back and got FP for Test Track with return time of 5. Boys rode Orange one more time. Had a soft pretzel and headed to World Showcase. The boys claimed they wanted to see Japan...halfway there they were complaining about the walk. Went back to Test Track, used FP and then back to the resort for dinner and a swim. The guitar pool was really cold this night...we moved to the piano pool.
MIL got dropped back off around 9.
Day 4-Animal Kingdom January 31. Tour groups were here...just beat them through bag check and turnstiles. Straight to Safari. 20 minute wait, a little longer since we got funneled off to the handicapped side of the ride. Animals were very active this morning, thr giraffes, rhinos and even the lion was up. From here stopped at Tamu Tamu-they are now serving Ham/Cheese/Egg Flatbreads. Good and easy to eat while walking. Straight to Everest.
Got Fps for Everest then We rode 3-4 times in a row with basically no wait. Got more FP for later use. Headed to Dino Land. Rode Primeval Whirl 4 times, got fp for later. Headed to Flame Tree BBQ for lunch.
Back to DinoLand. Kids were going to play in Boneyard...while DH, DS-15 and I went on Dinosaur. There was a 30 minute wait so we skipped it. Let the little boys play for about half hour. Dh and two boys went to use 14 Everest FP. Little boys and I rode Primeval Whirl 4 times (using FP for two rides) and 2 rides had a 5 minute wait.
Headed back to the resort...kids swam for 2.5 hours, warmest day here about 75-80...the guitar pool was still too cold for my little guy.
Couple of Observations:
Scooter Usage....this is the first Disney trip I have ever traveled with a scooter...we planned ahead and got to stops early...usually the first ones there in the morning. I would stand in the regular line with the kids and DH and MIL would go to handicapped. We only stood together as a group going to AK and leaving AK because it was apparent we would not be on the same bus otherwise. I know some people think having a scooter gives you and advantage...and sometimes it might...but overall it actually slows you down. You wait longer on buses, it is harder to navigate the parks and you tend to wait longer to get on a ride...even with FP....so I have a new appreciation for those who have to use assistance.
Tour Groups...we had no issues with these groups. We were at the resorts with them...they were not rude at all...there were a lot of them but they would move when we said excuse me. Never heard them, they had extra buses running to accomadte them. And I don't think they effected our park experience at all...I never saw any line jumping, etc. At first when it was apparent they were there I was a little concerned...however for my 15 year old son it went from UH Brazilians to OH Brazilians...I think I will need to have the boys eye balls reattached to his sockets...he certainly enjoyed the tour groups. We saw a mix of tour groups that were obviously family based and several that were a mix of male/female teens...and 1-2 very large all female groups.
Weather was perfect. Magical Express Bus was packed going back to the airport.
Good trip overall..
I do have a few photos of the Fantasy Land Expansion, will post later. Taken from the Pooh Que Line. You can see the Beasts castle and the Little Mermaid ride is certainly shaping up. The crane was still behind the castle while we were there...I thought it would be gone.
First trip for DN and MIL had been one other time in 1972.
Arrived Friday January 27th at 945PM. We collected our own luggage and headed to Magic Express Counter. First in line at the All Star bus line and got put right on a bus. We waited about 10 mins and then pulled off. Bus went to Sports-Music-Movies-AKL.
We arrived at Music at approximately 1040pm. I had previously done online check in. There were two people in front of us, wait time about 15 minutes. Got our packages and were ready to head to the room. We rented a scooter from Apple Scooter. It was waiting for us at Bell Services as promised. We usually stay preferred but ended up staying standard this time and we were in the boonies. Broadway building #7, rooms 7430 and 7431. Our only request were connecting or adjoining rooms, we were given adjoining rooms. The area was very quiet.
DAY 1 Saturday 1/28- Hollywood Studios EMH (8-9AM). We were there at 8AM. Went straight to Toy Story Mania (no crazy running-crowds seemed mello-maybe because it wasn't regular park opening). Toy Story wasn't open yet so we got fast passes for later use. Headed to Starring Rolls and ate breakfast. Cinnamon Rolls and Chocolate Croissants all around. Next we went to RNR-15 minute wait and TOT-15 minute wait. Next it was Voyage of the Little Mermaid. None of the boys wanted to do it but she is my favorite princess and MIL needed to have something to do also so we watched it. From there we went to Toy Story Mania-FP were good. They put the handicapped/scooters up a separate ramp...we waited for about 15 minutes from that point to board the ride. I was thrilled to beat all the video game junkies in our group!! not to mention DH.
Next up-Backlot Tour. Everyone rode except DS-9 and myself. We had popcorn and people watched. It took about 30 minutes total. We had lunch at Studio Catering Company and Herbie's Drive In. Nathan (9) had a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and devoured it. Said it was really good. Everyone else had corn dogs/chili dogs from Herbies. Except me I was still full from popcorn.
Next up we got in line to watch Lights, Motor, Action. We have seen this but not since they added the Cars characters so that was a nice surprise for the boys.
Next we headed to Star Tours. All the boys and DH rode, 20 minute wait I think. I got fast passes for them for later.
Walked down to let them play in the Honey I shrunk the kid playground.
Back up to use our fast passes. We had two extra since MIL and I did not ride. We were talking to a Grandfather who was there with his 3 sons, and 3 grandsons-2 of them tiny. He was waiting on them to come off the ride. I gave him our two fastpasses to use so he could go on right away with his oldest grandson.
Back to Music we went, the boys were dying to swim. We spent about 45minutes at the Piano pool...which is certainly the warmer of the two. Dinner at Music. I love their Chicken Quesidillas.
There were groups present in the resort but we hadn't seen them in the parks yet. Some were certainly from South America...and I think we had one group of cheerleaders.
DAY 2 Sunday 1/29- Magic Kingdom
We ate breakfast at Music. Nothing special. Got to MK about 740 and waited for the Opening Show.
Headed straight to Buzz Lightyear and rode with no wait. Over to Space Mountain- got on with a 10 minute wait and got FP for Space Mountain. Took the little boys back over to Buzz. They rode several times with no wait.
TTA next.
Space Mountain FP were good so they all rode that one more time and got more FP for later. Headed to the Indy Cars-10 minute wait.
Tea Cups-no wait. While they were on the Teacups I got FP for Winnie the Pooh.
Philharmagic with 5 minute wait.
Went back to use our FP for Pooh but the ride was down so we saved for later.
Got FP for Peter Pan
Lunch at Columbia Harbor House (never eaten here before) Fried Shrimp and the Lobster Roll get A++ from everyone. Also had the apple cobbler (more like a turnover-still tasty)
Splash Mountain-10 minute wait
FP for Splash
Thought about going to Tom Sawyer Island, it was busy getting over and back so we skipped it.
Pirates of the Caribbean-no wait.
Back to use Splash FP. We had 7 but only 3 from our party went, so they rode twice. The parade was starting around this time. Only down Main Street and around the castle right now...due to the updates they are doing to the parade route in Frontierland.
Peter Pan FP used.
Rode Small World-10 minute wait
Used Pooh FP.
Left to go back and swim. Coming back from EMH from 10-1AM, just me and the 4 boys.
Arrived back in MK around 10PM.
Went through Adventure land first-DN wanted to see if the ring carver was still there.
Climbed the treehouse.
Pirates was closed (the last two times we have been there for EMH it has been down....)
Had popcorn
Skipped Splash Mountain....walked through Tomorrowland-everything was still hopping.
IndyCars-10 minute wait
Two older boys rode Space Mountain 4 times, younger boys rode Buzz 4-5 times.
All did AstroOrbiter with a 10 minute wait
Back to Winnie the Pooh-no wait.
Corn Dog Nuggets at Caseys
On the bus at 1AM sharp. 3 of the 4 boys fell asleep on the bus...they were wooped.
Day 3 Monday-Epcot. January 30th Originally I planned to do AK this day because they had EMH from 8-9Am but I knew the boys would never get up so I swapped it. We arrived at 915. Tour groups are present...saw several flags. YIKES.
Headed to Test Track-got FP for later and then rode with a 10 minute wait. Rode again immediately. I walked across to Soarin and got FP for return time of 1:05. Back across. MIL was shopping in MouseGears. All the boys came up and shopped a bit. Everyone was hungry so we ate at Electric Umbrella. I really enjoyed the Mushroom/Swiss Burger...DH got the meatball sub and it was ok, nothing special.
Then we headed over to the Land. Rode Living with the Land. Time for our FP at Soarin. Still about a 20 minute wait with FP.
From here boys went back to Test Track and rode. I walked MIL to the front of the park, she was meeting a friend who picked her up for the afternoon. Boys rode Test Track and Mission Space Green and Orange while I was escorting. I got back and got FP for Test Track with return time of 5. Boys rode Orange one more time. Had a soft pretzel and headed to World Showcase. The boys claimed they wanted to see Japan...halfway there they were complaining about the walk. Went back to Test Track, used FP and then back to the resort for dinner and a swim. The guitar pool was really cold this night...we moved to the piano pool.
MIL got dropped back off around 9.
Day 4-Animal Kingdom January 31. Tour groups were here...just beat them through bag check and turnstiles. Straight to Safari. 20 minute wait, a little longer since we got funneled off to the handicapped side of the ride. Animals were very active this morning, thr giraffes, rhinos and even the lion was up. From here stopped at Tamu Tamu-they are now serving Ham/Cheese/Egg Flatbreads. Good and easy to eat while walking. Straight to Everest.
Got Fps for Everest then We rode 3-4 times in a row with basically no wait. Got more FP for later use. Headed to Dino Land. Rode Primeval Whirl 4 times, got fp for later. Headed to Flame Tree BBQ for lunch.
Back to DinoLand. Kids were going to play in Boneyard...while DH, DS-15 and I went on Dinosaur. There was a 30 minute wait so we skipped it. Let the little boys play for about half hour. Dh and two boys went to use 14 Everest FP. Little boys and I rode Primeval Whirl 4 times (using FP for two rides) and 2 rides had a 5 minute wait.
Headed back to the resort...kids swam for 2.5 hours, warmest day here about 75-80...the guitar pool was still too cold for my little guy.
Couple of Observations:
Scooter Usage....this is the first Disney trip I have ever traveled with a scooter...we planned ahead and got to stops early...usually the first ones there in the morning. I would stand in the regular line with the kids and DH and MIL would go to handicapped. We only stood together as a group going to AK and leaving AK because it was apparent we would not be on the same bus otherwise. I know some people think having a scooter gives you and advantage...and sometimes it might...but overall it actually slows you down. You wait longer on buses, it is harder to navigate the parks and you tend to wait longer to get on a ride...even with FP....so I have a new appreciation for those who have to use assistance.
Tour Groups...we had no issues with these groups. We were at the resorts with them...they were not rude at all...there were a lot of them but they would move when we said excuse me. Never heard them, they had extra buses running to accomadte them. And I don't think they effected our park experience at all...I never saw any line jumping, etc. At first when it was apparent they were there I was a little concerned...however for my 15 year old son it went from UH Brazilians to OH Brazilians...I think I will need to have the boys eye balls reattached to his sockets...he certainly enjoyed the tour groups. We saw a mix of tour groups that were obviously family based and several that were a mix of male/female teens...and 1-2 very large all female groups.
Weather was perfect. Magical Express Bus was packed going back to the airport.
Good trip overall..
I do have a few photos of the Fantasy Land Expansion, will post later. Taken from the Pooh Que Line. You can see the Beasts castle and the Little Mermaid ride is certainly shaping up. The crane was still behind the castle while we were there...I thought it would be gone.
