Old, New & Long Lost Friends, with a Side of Frump! FINISHED! DL TR started 1.20.14!

[arbolita]

Chapter 20: Fantasmic leaves me mist-ified



After we exited MuppetVision, it was time to make our way back over to Hollywood Boulevard. People had already started lining up for the last Fantasmic! of the evening, so Scott went into the line while I zoomed on over to Tower of Terror to use my fast pass and finally get my first ride of the trip of my favorite attraction! This brief excursion is GASP pictureless, since I knew I would have to rush through in order to make sure I was back out in time to get in to see the show. However, I will assure that the ride was as wonderful and amazing as always!

It was around 8:00 when I got off the ride and sped over to the entrance for Fantasmic. Scott texted me to say that he had already walked into the theatre, so I told him to just let me know when he finds a seat and I'll meet him there. If you'll remember, neither of us had ever seen the show before, so I had no idea what to expect, even down to the walk to the theatre. It was a total MADHOUSE, with people and strollers crammed in together trying to make their way in. I finally got a text from Scott saying he was in the Pocahontas section, and when I finally got there and started heading down to where he was seated, I realized we were in...the splash zone.

Now initially, that really didn't mean much to me, since I figured it just meant there was the possibility that there would be the occasional splash of water from some of the effects and it would be no big deal. Yeah, not quite. But we'll get back to that in a minute.

Scott had seated himself next to a couple from Michigan who were on their honeymoon, and we spent the majority of the time leading up to the show talking to them. It had been a long time since either of them had been to Disney, so we told them about our own Disneymoon and answered a lot of the questions they had about Fast Pass, PhotoPass and our favorite restaurants and attractions in the parks.

Finally, it was time for the show to start! I was so excited to FINALLLLY be seeing Fantasmic after hearing so much about it!

And then I realized what Disney meant by "splash zone." So, assuming the rest of you have seen the show, you know that Disney uses a lot of projections on streams of water. Apparently if you sit too close, you are enveloped by all of the mist that comes from those streams of water. Whoops!! I tried to not let this impact my viewing experience, but let me tell you, it was pretty difficult to look straight ahead and watch with mist constantly hitting my face. Scott gave me his hat so I could use it to try and block some of the water from right around my eyes, and that helped somewhat.

My favorite scenes were the ones with fire, because that guaranteed there would be NO MIST in my face, haha.

Also, the dragon was freaking awesome!

However, the clear winner of the evening was when Steamboat Willie came out with all of the other characters on the ferryboat.

Megara!!

I'm really glad we finally got to see the show, although I am a little disappointed that I had so much trouble with actually *seeing* all of the show, heh. At least we know for next time, and I'll get to have a chance to see the Disneyland version in just a few weeks!

I also noticed something really cool as we were leaving, so I informed Twitter:

We could see some of the Illuminations fireworks from he Fantasmic theatre =) can't wait to see it closer tomorrow!

There was still some time left before park closing, so we decided to wander back towards Echo Lake (no, not for another Gertie photoshoot, but it did cross my mind...). Great Movie Ride was one of my favorites from my childhood, so I still like to make a point of riding it at least once during every trip.

We walked right onto the ride, and were the last two they let in for the evening.

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD!

Brief PSA - if you have never seen Singin' in the Rain, YOU MUST. It is hands down one of the best films ever made. I had the opportunity to see it on a movie screen a few months ago, and the audience in the theatre roared with laughter.

During this ride, I decided to look around for things I hadn't noticed or paid attention to before.

It was also really weird to look behind us and not see another car!

Continued in Next Chapter





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[arbolita]

Chapter 21: Sorry Canada

Even though we were the last guests on Great Movie Ride, that didn't mean once we exited the attraction that we were done for the night! I'm sure you've noticed that during all of our time at DHS, there was one very important attraction missing from this report!

THE BACKLOT TOUR!!!!

Kidding, kidding.

The wait time said 40 minutes, but I'm pretty sure the actual wait was much shorter.

EEEEEEEEE Time needs to speed up, I'm ready to be at Disneyland NOW!

While we were in line, I had to get a picture of what I would say is one of my favorite details/jokes in any Walt Disney World queue.

Womp womp. Sorry Canada.

I was feeling pretty rusty, having been about a year and a half since my last go-round, and Scott easily kicked my butt.

By the time we left, the park had been closed for about 20 minutes. Of course, you know that means nothing to Scott or myself, so we just kept wandering around the park.

The only place they wouldn't let us walk down to take pictures was Hollywood Boulevard, which disappointed me, because I had really wanted to get one or two of ToT.

Goodnight Hollywood Studios!

Continued in Next Chapter






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[tinawv]

Loving your photos of the parks at closing time. I also love the chicken nuggets at Disney with the sweet honey mustard. Have to get them at least two or three times on our trips. Looking forward to reading more about your trip.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I was so excited to read this update seeing as it was your first (gasp) Fantasmic! and glad you enjoyed it, despite the constant mist.

If you liked the dragon, you will be blown away by the Disneyland version.

Really lovely late night photos, particularly the Chinese Theatre. It's such a beautiful building.

 

[emilyindisney]

Again- gorgeous night shots! Where is that Canada gem in TSMM? Is it on one of the game boxes?

 

[marDgreen88]

The mist must have been a little annoying, but I'm glad you enjoyed your first Fantasmic otherwise!

Your night time pictures are so great! I LOVE the one of the Chinese theater!

 

[RachelNinja]

That splash zone is UNCOMFORTABLE! We sat in it this past Friday, and I couldn't enjoy Fantasmic the way I normally do. It didn't help that it had rained all afternoon, so I was already tired of water and ponchos. It probably wouldn't have been so bad if it were hot out, but we were so tired of being rained on that getting misted for so much of the show was kind of miserable! It was even misting when the water projection part was down! I think the wind was blowing in our direction, so it just made it worse. I had my video camera out for the beginning, but then once the mist started, I tried hiding it and taking it back out again. That didn't work. I finally decided to put it in my bag for good. We were so shiny with germy water at the end. During the show, I kept wiping my watch off too because even though it's water resistant, I just didn't know how resistant!

Haha, Fantasmic is still my favorite nighttime show though. The mist was disappointing (and sitting on wet benches) as was the fact that so many characters (like Megara!) were missing from the boat AND they didn't do the streamers part. It was probably because of the storm and the fact that they weren't sure if the show would even go on.

Okay, I just totally went on and on about Fantasmic mist ...

The Great Movie Ride is really extra awesome when you turn around to look behind ya! My husband and I did that once, and it seems so strange to see things so calm and peaceful as we leave scenes.

 

[flyergrad09]

Your pictures from Fantasmic are so good! So are all of your nighttime pictures, but I can never get great pictures from Fantasmic. Then again, I'm not willing to sit in the mist zone, so I guess that's the price you have to pay to get good pictures!

I've never been through the standby line of TSMM and I feel like I'm missing out on the decorations! I've never seen the box with the Canadian pricing!

 

[thornton0511]

Alright I have lurked long enough lol! Really enjoying your TR and happy to follow along

 

[arbolita]

Loving your photos of the parks at closing time. I also love the chicken nuggets at Disney with the sweet honey mustard. Have to get them at least two or three times on our trips. Looking forward to reading more about your trip.

Thank you! I would put that honey mustard on just about everything if I could, haha. Sorry you had to wait so long for a new update!

I was so excited to read this update seeing as it was your first (gasp) Fantasmic! and glad you enjoyed it, despite the constant mist.

If you liked the dragon, you will be blown away by the Disneyland version.

Really lovely late night photos, particularly the Chinese Theatre. It's such a beautiful building.

Since we enjoyed Fantasmic! with the mist, I can only imagine how much I'll love it next time with (hopefully) no mist! AHHHH just over 3 weeks until I get to see it in Disneyland!

I love the Chinese Theatre too - I don't mind the Sorcerer's Hat in the park as much as some people, but I do love seeing old pictures of the park without it, and the long view from the entrance down to the theatre

Again- gorgeous night shots! Where is that Canada gem in TSMM? Is it on one of the game boxes?

Thank you! The box with the Canadian pricing is actually right when you first walk into the Andy's room part of the queue on your left, the bottom of the "Buzz Lightyear: Attack on Zurg" box.

 

[arbolita]

The mist must have been a little annoying, but I'm glad you enjoyed your first Fantasmic otherwise!

Your night time pictures are so great! I LOVE the one of the Chinese theater!

Yeah, it was really annoying. But at least I know for next time where not to sit, haha.

That splash zone is UNCOMFORTABLE! We sat in it this past Friday, and I couldn't enjoy Fantasmic the way I normally do. It didn't help that it had rained all afternoon, so I was already tired of water and ponchos. It probably wouldn't have been so bad if it were hot out, but we were so tired of being rained on that getting misted for so much of the show was kind of miserable! It was even misting when the water projection part was down! I think the wind was blowing in our direction, so it just made it worse. I had my video camera out for the beginning, but then once the mist started, I tried hiding it and taking it back out again. That didn't work. I finally decided to put it in my bag for good. We were so shiny with germy water at the end. During the show, I kept wiping my watch off too because even though it's water resistant, I just didn't know how resistant!

Haha, Fantasmic is still my favorite nighttime show though. The mist was disappointing (and sitting on wet benches) as was the fact that so many characters (like Megara!) were missing from the boat AND they didn't do the streamers part. It was probably because of the storm and the fact that they weren't sure if the show would even go on.

Okay, I just totally went on and on about Fantasmic mist ...

The Great Movie Ride is really extra awesome when you turn around to look behind ya! My husband and I did that once, and it seems so strange to see things so calm and peaceful as we leave scenes.

LOL. I'm sorry you had a similar experience, but I'm glad there's at least someone else who knows what I'm talking about! I actually did the same thing with my video camera - took it out, hoping to get some video, because pictures were out of the question, but I didn't even really feel comfortable with that. Oh well. I'll get to see it in Disneyland in a few weeks, so I'll get another chance to watch it!

Your pictures from Fantasmic are so good! So are all of your nighttime pictures, but I can never get great pictures from Fantasmic. Then again, I'm not willing to sit in the mist zone, so I guess that's the price you have to pay to get good pictures!

I've never been through the standby line of TSMM and I feel like I'm missing out on the decorations! I've never seen the box with the Canadian pricing!

Haha, right? Sit in the mist zone, or hope you have a really good zoom on your camera!

I try to do the standby line as often as possible for TSMM, but every now and then we luck out with the line not being too long. It's great seeing how many fun little details like that which Imagineers stuck into not just the attraction, but the queues too!

Alright I have lurked long enough lol! Really enjoying your TR and happy to follow along

Welcome!! Happy to have you here!

 

[arbolita]

Hey guys! I was initially hoping to have this trip report wrapped up before I went to Disneyland (in 23 days, WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!), but I still have more than half the trip to go, so I'm going to take a guess that won't happen, haha. One of my classes finished up last week though, and work has finally started to calm down a bit, so I'm going to try and get as many updates done as I can between now and then. So let's get to it!

Chapter 22: Checking another item off the Disney Bucket List!

I was really looking forward to today - we were going to be having dinner at one of our favorite WDW restaurants with one of our favorite Cast Members, and a friend of mine who was a local was planning to meet up with us during the day. We were starting our day by hitting up the one park we hadn't been to yet - Animal Kingdom!

While Scott was getting ready, I decided to make a run to Artist Palette to grab some breakfast for him - I think I got him another fruit cup, so I didn't take a picture of it. I did however decide to take a few quick pictures of the pool on my way there.

When we arrived at Animal Kingdom, we noticed they were also directing all WDW resort guests over to a separate entrance to use the new RFID turnstiles.

I think it's pretty cool that our trip just happened to coincide with the week they were rolling out the turnstiles!

I also had absolutely no idea they served breakfast at Pizzafari. Huh. The more you know!

We decided to start off our day with one of my husband's favorite attractions - Kilmanjaro Safari!

Whenever he gets excited about an attraction, I always make sure to fit it in early on, and I prefer doing safaris really early in the day anyway, hoping that the animals will be more active before it gets too hot out.

I'm not going to post a ton of safari pictures - not because we didn't see much, or because I mean really, how different can safari pictures get after so many trip reports; the reason I don't have many pictures is because the gentleman sitting beside me decided that in order to take pictures on his cell phone, he needed to hold his entire arm up, and it basically blocked any pictures I wanted to take on that side of the safari. I guess it could have been worse, and he could have been trying to take pictures with an iPad

We didn't see any zebras during this safari - I knew they had replaced the ending scene of the safari where they used to wrap up the poacher storyline, so I was surprised they weren't out. Since that trip, I've heard a lot of reports that they've been having some issues with the zebras fighting and being very territorial, so it's actually pretty rare for them to be out regularly.

We grabbed a Fast Pass to do another ride on the safari later on. I saw that the wait times for both Dinosaur AND Expedition Everest were only 10 minutes each! Scott prefers Dinosaur to Everest, so we made our way to Dinoland.

While we were on our way there, we saw DUG AND RUSSELL! I'd never actually seen him before (we don't typically spend much time at AK), so I had to get a quick picture!

I could see why the wait was only 10 minutes - Dinoland was completely empty when we got there!

Dinosaur is one of the few rides where I always remember where the camera is, so we actually posed this time. It's not as amazing as Danimaroo's Dinosaur pictures, but let's be honest, I don't think ANYTHING could be as amazing as those!

When we got off Dinosaur, we were in our return window to use our Safari Fast Pass. Before heading back, we decided to go over to Asia and get Fast Passes to use later for Expedition Everest.

On our walk from Asia to Africa, I finally got to see something that had been on my Disney Bucket List for years:

DiVine!!

I wanted to stay and get more pictures and just watch her move, but my friend Lindsey texted me to say she was on her way to Animal Kingdom to meet us, so we wanted to get moving to use our Kilimanjaro Safari FPs before she arrived.

Continued in next chapter




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[arbolita]

Chapter 23: "Did you guys pay extra for this?"

I am happy to say that our second ride on the safari was MUCH better than the first! Even our Safari guide was surprised by how much we saw going on.

This is not the best photo, but first we saw a hippo standing up outside of the water.

Then, apparently there was some crazy drama among the flamingos, and a bunch of them were fighting with each other - I don't think I've ever seen them do anything other than just stand still!

THEN WE GOT TO THE CHEETAHS!

Our safari driver was completely gobsmacked. She told everyone to look closely at the tree, then said "Did you guys pay extra for this? I've been doing this for years and I've NEVER seen the cheetah in the tree!"

Even the lion decided to come out and make an appearance.

And the ostrich was ready and waiting, striking a pose.

This was easily one of the best safaris I had ever been on and was SO glad we had ridden a second time!

Lindsey was meeting us over by Expedition Everest, so we quickly made our way over there. I hadn't seen her for almost a year, so I was very excited to be reunited!

I really love all the themeing in this area - it's definitely one of my favorites in all of the WDW parks.

I found Lindsey (YAY!) and the single rider line only had 4 or 5 people in it, so we decided to forgo the Fast Passes and jump right in there.

Oh hey, Tower of Terror, I see you over there!

There doesn't seem to be any track...

We were starting to get hungry for lunch, but there was one more thing I wanted to see in Animal Kingdom before we left the park - Any guesses as to what it was?

Continued in Next Chapter
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[DisneyKid4Life]

Ahhh I love the RFID turnstiles!!

Haha iPad... Nice!

I guess the zebras are gone now. Too many issues. I never did get to see them, and I guess very few actually did.

Bahahaha Dani's dino pictures. Oh man I can't even. I couldn't fake pictures that good.

Wow, what a great timed shot of Everest! I've not seen one from that angle before.

So glad you got to see DiVine. Isn't she wonderful??? So cool.

OMG Cheetah in a tree!!! That is seriously cool. I hardly ever even see the cheetahs at all.

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome update!

 

[RachelNinja]

Wow, what a great second safari ride! I never think to ride it twice in one day (or even in one trip). I forget just how different each individual ride could be!

 

[flyergrad09]

I love your Dinosaur ride photo! You guys are too funny!

Also, I love the look that the lady in the front row in the green shirt is giving the guy next to her. Now that's what I call a glare!

Wow, the animals really were much more active on your second ride! It's crazy how just a few minutes can make all of the difference.

 

[__disneygirl]

I've never been in the splash zone! I thought you literally got splashed, I didn't realize it was all misty. Hopefully next time you can get a better seat. You got a great pic of Mickey atop the boat though! Ahh, I can hear the music in my head now.

Did you spot the Hidden Mickey under the Public Enemy poster? That ride seriously has the best HMs!

WOW HOW HAVE I NEVER NOTICED THE CANADA JOKE AT TSM. That is so funny.

Ooh, I've never seen empty Streets of America at night before. How lovely.

DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!! IS SO SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHH. I think at this point I finally want to go there even more than I want to go back to WDW (progress!!), but what stops me is I can't imagine going out there and NOT making it about work....I mean, it's LA and I'm an actor so I should probably...um... do something there other than cry on Main Street while eating popcorn, but like, I don't want toooooo. But we'll talk about my issues later! HAVE A BEYOND MAGICAL TIME AT DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL your Dinosaur picture. You look like someone has caught you red handed and told you to put your hands up!

WAAAAAAAAAAHHHHAAATT. Cheetah in the tree!!! Omg!! All my good AK luck and that has NEVER happened to me either! You lucky ducks.

 

[arbolita]

Ahhh I love the RFID turnstiles!!

Haha iPad... Nice!

I guess the zebras are gone now. Too many issues. I never did get to see them, and I guess very few actually did.

Bahahaha Dani's dino pictures. Oh man I can't even. I couldn't fake pictures that good.

Wow, what a great timed shot of Everest! I've not seen one from that angle before.

So glad you got to see DiVine. Isn't she wonderful??? So cool.

OMG Cheetah in a tree!!! That is seriously cool. I hardly ever even see the cheetahs at all.

I was really surprised by the number of iPads (and similar devices) we saw in the park during this trip - hope it doesn't become too big of a trend for future trips! I don't want to get stuck behind someone holding it up during a show or parade and have to watch it through their screen, lol.

I lucked out with that Everest picture - I was just taking a bunch randomly, and was really excited when I looked at them at home and saw that you had a view of other parks.

Yes, DeVine is great! And I learned from a CM friend that there are only 3 cheetahs, so the fact that there are fewer of them can make them more difficult to find. I don't think they were anywhere to be seen during our first safari.

Awesome update!

Thank you!

Wow, what a great second safari ride! I never think to ride it twice in one day (or even in one trip). I forget just how different each individual ride could be!

We always try to ride it twice during our trips for that reason - we also like to try and sit on the opposite side of the vehicle, in case there were some animals that were out, but not really viewable to us from one area.

 

[arbolita]

I love your Dinosaur ride photo! You guys are too funny!

Also, I love the look that the lady in the front row in the green shirt is giving the guy next to her. Now that's what I call a glare!

Wow, the animals really were much more active on your second ride! It's crazy how just a few minutes can make all of the difference.

Hahaha, I didn't even notice that woman at first - that's awesome!

Usually if we do two safari rides, we spread them out a little more, so it wasn't until this trip that I had any idea that the rides/animals could change that much in such a short period of time!

I've never been in the splash zone! I thought you literally got splashed, I didn't realize it was all misty. Hopefully next time you can get a better seat. You got a great pic of Mickey atop the boat though! Ahh, I can hear the music in my head now.

Did you spot the Hidden Mickey under the Public Enemy poster? That ride seriously has the best HMs!

WOW HOW HAVE I NEVER NOTICED THE CANADA JOKE AT TSM. That is so funny.

Ooh, I've never seen empty Streets of America at night before. How lovely.

DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!! IS SO SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHH. I think at this point I finally want to go there even more than I want to go back to WDW (progress!!), but what stops me is I can't imagine going out there and NOT making it about work....I mean, it's LA and I'm an actor so I should probably...um... do something there other than cry on Main Street while eating popcorn, but like, I don't want toooooo. But we'll talk about my issues later! HAVE A BEYOND MAGICAL TIME AT DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL your Dinosaur picture. You look like someone has caught you red handed and told you to put your hands up!

WAAAAAAAAAAHHHHAAATT. Cheetah in the tree!!! Omg!! All my good AK luck and that has NEVER happened to me either! You lucky ducks.

I swear, it's impossible to see Fantasmic pictures and NOT have that music in your head.

AHHHH I AM GOING TO BE IN DISNEYLAND IN EIGHT DAYS. I GET ON A PLANE TO GO OUT WEST TOMORROW!!!!!!! And I hear you. At least there's always SOMETHING filming out there. But what really needs to happen is for there to be a film crew documenting your trip to Disneyland. Let's be honest, America needs that too.

That cheetah still cracks me up. Every other cheetah from now on is going to be a disappointment.