~Only Disney could make sorting trash fun~ UPDATED 12/23

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

Up until this point I've tried to make a conscious effort not to post non-Disney related things on my PTR or TR. I love reading about what other DISers are up to outside the parks and while going through the planning process, but I kinda looked at my TR as my escape from whatever was going on in my life at that moment, and being able to discuss Disney is pure bliss!

But I have to ask for your prayers for my community and all the people and wildlife along the Gulf Coast. Southeast Louisiana was just recovering from Katrina and now this is like another punch in the gut. Our culture and the way of life of so many people is being threatened by this oil spill. I'm so proud of being from a small fishing town full of resilient people that have recovered from so many hardships already. I can only hope our worst fears aren't realized.

I'm sure you've seen a lot on the news, probably a few of my family members (I apologize for the way they're dressed ), but this piece in particular focuses on the bayou I live on and really hits home.
http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,83190883001_1987392,00.html

 

[jenniferkeala808]

awww alicia...our prayers and thoughts are with you and everyone that's being affected during this time! It's soo horrible to see what's going on down there and hopefully everything goes ok...but keep us updated ok?!

 

[PittypatBR]

That was a good video, and yes we ARE in trouble with no end in sight. It is very depressing, and not getting better.

 

[irishdancer86]

hi alicia, thought the pictures ok AKL were gorgeous, i'm with you in hoping to stay there one day!

thinking oy you, your family and community and really hope they can get this terrible situation sorted out soon...

 

[Cory's Gal]

Thinking of you and your community Alicia. It's just awful hearing about the oil spill and the affect it has on the people of the Gulf Coast! Praying for a recovery as soon as possible!

 

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

Thank you all for your kind words and prayers.

I'm just hoping that the clean-up efforts speed up. We need to fight it with all we can now because it's still gushing like theres no tomorrow, and will be for a long time.

 

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

Hollywood Studios

Our next day in Disney, April 26, we were up for 6:30 and made it to Port Royale by 7:30 for breakfast.

My mom and I split the Mickey waffle with strawberry compote on side. It was so cute and yummy!

I know my nephew had fruit loops, my niece had grapes and my dad had an omelet. Everyone was happy with their choices. We were at the Port Royale bus stop for 8 and at the park for 8:20. Perfect timing!

We were the third or fourth family in line at one of the turnstiles, and this was our view.

It’s too early for a coke Bo, but thanks!

I spent most of the time looking back and to the sides to see if I noticed any DISers. I thought I saw DisMomAmy at one point, but it was only a glimpse and I wasn’t sure.

Once we were let in, my nephew and I grabbed some park maps, and we were able to walk down Hollywood Blvd. The street was roped off at the end and it was about a 10 min. wait, but we were treated to the opening show which I had never seen before. The director comes out and you cheer and say whatever he tells you to. We are all the stars after all. I don’t have any pics, sorry, but it was cute!

We had two guys standing by us that were seriously freaking out about being the first to start running/walking when we were let in. I kept thinking “do these two dudes really need to be panicking like this?” I hadn’t been to HS since Toy Story Mania opened, so they were getting me a little anxious. But the plan was that my mom, sister and the kids would get FP’s for TSM, while my dad and I went to ride R-N-R.

As soon as we were let in mostly everyone went toward TSM. My poor mom and sister didn’t understand the hysteria. (those non-DISers )

This guy was directing people where to go.

Meanwhile my dad and I were following the CM headed toward R-N-R. This was my first experience with this and I thought it was VERY well done. You can’t pass up the CM, so everyone just kind of goes at their pace and no one is running. And guess what?! Those 2 guys we right up the CM’s butt heading for R-N-R. This was really silly since we got there at the same time as them.

We were the first group to go in and it was so cool to experience it with no wait. It was only my third time riding it and it was just as awesome as I remember. I love loud music, and that just makes it. We got out in no time so my dad suggested we check out the TOT wait time. I want to say it said 10 mins., but we walked right on.

TOT has probably the best themed queue in my opinion, but there was no time to look around today, we were dropping 13 floors in no time! Getting to ride those two attractions so quickly was greatness! My dad said he wishes he could start every morning like that!

Our plan was to all meet back up outside Playhouse Disney. Here is what the others were up to while waiting for us. It was empty as you can see.

It looks like they watched some cartoons.

As we walked back from the twilight zone I’m almost positive I saw DisMomAmy again walking in front The Brown Derby with her family. But again I wasn’t sure and we were both zooming in opposite directions.

We met up with the others and got in at 9:45 for the show. The kids were in a loving mood toward one another. (one of those rare occasions )

I think Rylan really liked it, but she was either too shy or it was too early because she didn’t dance. Next time I think we’ll see a later show when she’s more energized. I know my mom liked it though. She was singing along with every song!

Jace and Rylan had fun playing with the streamers and confetti leaves that shoot out into the audience.

 

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

Afterwards we went and met Fantasia Mickey at The Magic of Disney Animation building.

My sister and niece then stayed and met the characters from UP while the other 4 of us were going to ride TSM for the first time!

Rylan loved Russell and Dug, but was scared of Carl.

We grabbed 4 more FP’s before entering.

Soooooooo fun!! My nephew loved it! Right up his video game-lovin’ alley!

The deal was that my mom and dad would be against Jace and I, and the losers buys lunch. Jace and I won, but surprisingly the deal was forgotten come lunch time. Figures.

Upon exiting, my nephew got recruited by 3 Toy soldiers! (Magical Moment of the Day for sure!)

These guys were SUCH great actors! They had everybody laughing! I got great video that I’ve watched a few times since we got back and it makes me smile every time.

After becoming an “official” green army man for the day, the sergeant told all the new recruits that they should report back to the Block Party Bash parade route at 3:00 because the toy soldiers would be there. Well….. when Jace heard this he took it as a direct order! He told us quite a few times the rest of the day where he had to be and at what time. We made sure we complied.

Afterwards we headed to eat at Studio Catering Co. First we thought it was closed, but it turns out it just opens at 11:30. It was just a few minutes before that, so we waited.

I’m happy we did because I loved my Vegetable sandwich (Grilled Zucchini, Roasted mushrooms, roasted red pepper, vine ripe tomato, watercress, provolone, smoked tomato pesto, black olive chiabatta)

I also tasted my dad’s Buffalo Chicken sandwich (breaded chicken breast, romaine, tomato, spicy ranch dressing on a Tuscan Roll) and my mom’s Turkey Club (apple wood smoked bacon, swiss, roasted red pepper, arugula, sunflower panini bread).

They were soooooo good! When we go back I’ll be getting one of those for sure! The spicy ranch dressing on the Chicken sandwich was delish!

Up next: We meet some friendly monsters.

 

[jenniferkeala808]

great update alicia! you took some great pics and wow! for being at DHS that early! LOL@the guys panicking to get to RnRC! That's funny! cute pics of your nephew being recruited!! Can't wait to see more pics!

 

[BippityBoo]

LOVE the Toy Story soldiers!! They are awesome! The kids looked so cute at the Playhouse Disney show! Love the Saints hat Your lunch and breakfast looks soooo yummy

 

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

great update alicia! you took some great pics and wow! for being at DHS that early! LOL@the guys panicking to get to RnRC! That's funny! cute pics of your nephew being recruited!! Can't wait to see more pics!

Thanks Keala! And yes, it was a very early morning! But so worth it getting to do all what we did!

LOVE the Toy Story soldiers!! They are awesome! The kids looked so cute at the Playhouse Disney show! Love the Saints hat Your lunch and breakfast looks soooo yummy

The soldiers really are great! I think it's so cool that they have an area like Pixar Place now where they can interact with the kids.

I'll tell him you like the hat. He has a lot of Saints stuff. His bedroom is even Saints themed!

 

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

Hollywood Studios

After eating lunch we were off to let the kids play in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area.

Rylan LOVED the slides, and would have been perfectly happy to stay and play there the rest of the day! She wasn’t too happy taking a photo with Anty though. I guess we should have learned from It’s Tough to be a Bug that oversized insects are just not her thing!

It's a shame there isn’t any comfortable seating areas for adults, I'm sure we would have stayed longer.

We ran into some loveable monsters on the way to our next destination. The line was a little long, but that was because they showed A LOT of attention to each family.

Rylan went up with her little tough self and put her hands on her hips and just looked at them both like she didn’t know what to make of them.

Then Sully took my nephew’s hat and put it on his head. Rylan ate this up and just laughed and laughed. She had everyone in line cracking up. We took tons of pics and I think it was my favorite character interaction of the whole trip!

 

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

Then it was off to ride the Backlot Tour.

I had originally planned to skip this attraction on this trip, but my dad wanted to do it, and it’s a great ride to sit down on right after eating. (Do they not pick participants from the crowd for the Harbor Attack anymore? Cause we didn't have any for our pre-show)

I’m sadly getting tired of the Backlot Tour, which is crazy since I love Disney history and backstage secrets. It just feels like a throw away now with the new set-up. It’s like you’re making zig zags just to take up time. I did enjoy seeing some CM’s making costumes and others making props though. They must have been off or on a break last time I rode because there wasn’t anyone working that time. I have to believe Disney will make this into something special eventually.

After getting off the tram we shopped a little in The American Film Institute Showcase gift shop while Jace took his time reading the inscriptions on all the memorabilia and costumes on display. He was really into that.

I bought a Hollywood Movie Slate (That thing they clap and say Scene 1: Take 7 and slap it shut) I saw one someone had here on the DIS and had been wanting one ever since! This was the first one I came across so I bought it and had it delivered back to CBR. (Love that service!)

Jace and I looking lost on the Streets of America. I’m the one with the pasty white legs.

We decided to just get a hotel. Wouldn't that be cool...to spend the night in Hollywood Studios!

We then made our way around to… um… wait… I don’t think that street has a name. I’ll call it the Echo Lake area.

Hidden Mickey

Yep folks….. toddlers even drool Mickey’s in Disney!

We wanted to catch the 2:00 American Idol show.

(My dad stayed out with Rylan while she napped.) I thought the show was really authentic. I kept telling my mom, “It’s as close as we’ll ever get to the real thing!” We only had two contestants, but they were both pretty good. One a little better than the other, so I’m glad he won.

One thing I can say about it is there is just way too much clapping!! And that was with just two contestants!! I can’t imagine being at a real taping with 10 or more singers!

(Singer sings *clap*, Randy impersonator speaks *clap*, Paula impersonator speaks *clap*, Simon impersonator speaks *clap*, give it up for the contestant again *clap*, look it’s Kelly Clarkson *clap*, Jordon Sparks *clap*, Chris Allen *clap*, wait… is that Ryan Seacrest *clap*, Are you having a good time *clap*, Let’s meet our next contestant *clap*, Let’s give it up for him, *clap*, and then repeat it all again.)

My arms were literally hurting when we were done. I guess I could have not clapped, but when people ask for crowd participation I can’t help it. I must oblige.

It took A LOT of guts for them to get up there and do that! Kudos to them!!

Jace got in on the act pretending like he was auditioning afterwards. He even got the Coke product placement in there. Good boy!

Upon exiting I grabbed a lemonade shock and my mom got some caramel popcorn. We met up with my dad and Rylan and sat on a bench enjoying our snacks waiting for Block Party Bash at 3:00.

Up Next... We finish off our day at the Studios.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Fun update! Alicia
the kids look so happy with Sully and Mike and looks like lots of fun...

and yes they still get volunteers for the preshow at the harbour...don't know why you guys didn't have any (maybe the first few people they asked said no) we had a crew for our show :confused1:
Connie

 

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

Fun update! Alicia
the kids look so happy with Sully and Mike and looks like lots of fun...

and yes they still get volunteers for the preshow at the harbour...don't know why you guys didn't have any (maybe the first few people they asked said no) we had a crew for our show :confused1:
Connie

Thanks Connie!

The kids had a lot of fun with Sully and Mike! Thanks for letting me know about the Harbor show. That probably was it then, that people just said no. We were at the end of the line, but if I would have been asked I would have for sure did it!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Hi! I have been lurking on your TR and I just wanted to say I am really enjoying it!

I love the Mike and Sulley pics I need to visit them on my next trip!

About the Back Lot Tour Harbor show they usually pick people from the line up before yours to participate in the show during yours. You also can ask to be a part of the show you don't have to be picked out of the audience. I did it on my April 09 trip and it was a lot of fun!

 

[irishdancer86]

you look like you just stepped out of the hair salon in those photoss!

I'm with your dad, RnR and Tot, a perfect start to every day, after one of those Mickey waffles! (haven't even tasted one yet but I just know I'm going to love them!)

more great photos! Can't wait to spend a whole day in DHS!

 

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

Hi! I have been lurking on your TR and I just wanted to say I am really enjoying it!

I love the Mike and Sulley pics I need to visit them on my next trip!

About the Back Lot Tour Harbor show they usually pick people from the line up before yours to participate in the show during yours. You also can ask to be a part of the show you don't have to be picked out of the audience. I did it on my April 09 trip and it was a lot of fun!

Hi! Thanks for posting!

Mike and Sully were great! It's a really neat meet and greet set-up with the door in the background!

I would have never thought to ask to be in the show! Thanks so much for letting me know! I'll be asking next time!

you look like you just stepped out of the hair salon in those photoss!

I'm with your dad, RnR and Tot, a perfect start to every day, after one of those Mickey waffles! (haven't even tasted one yet but I just know I'm going to love them!)

more great photos! Can't wait to spend a whole day in DHS!

Thanks Cathy!

I'm SURE you'll love those Mickey waffles!! This was my first time having one and it was great! I'm pretty sure it just tasted like a regular waffle, but make anything into a Mickey head and it's just so much better!

 

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

Hollywood Studios

We didn’t have to wait long for Block Party Bash.

Jace was really excited.

I don't think anyone in my family has ever gotten a balloon at Disney. I don't know why...they're so cute!

We stood on the corner for Block Party Bash and were actually able to catch the entire first one and then the beginning of the second zone party.

Jace got to salute his fellow soldiers.

I have to say I thought it was really cute, but the sun was bothering my already sunburned arms, so I think I would have enjoyed it more had we been in a shady spot to watch. But the kids really liked it.

Our time to return to TSM had arrived, so my dad, Jace and I headed back to Pixar Place while my mom, sister and Rylan went to get seats for the 4:00 showing of Beauty and the Beast.

I got a worse score than the first time. I blame all the clapping at American Idol But it was still tons of fun!

On our way to meet the others to see Beauty and the Beast we crossed in front Starring Rolls. I wanted to get a Peanut Butter cupcake, but we had to jet to make the show, so I figured I’d get it on our way back.

It was a terrific show as always. That show never gets old. It’s Disney at its best in my opinion!

We then made our way back to see Voyage of the Little Mermaid…stopping at Starring Rolls on the way. But it was closed. I was so disappointed at myself for not stopping earlier, but again, something to look forward to for the future.

We spent a little time oogling the desserts in here though…

Jace was in M&M heaven! Haha!

The rest of us decided to just wait for supper.

 

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

When we got to Voyage of the Little Mermaid it wasn’t quite showtime, but it was our lucky day because we got to see Handy Manny!!!!!

And Quincy and Lucy from Little Einsteins!!!

She gave Quincy a hug and did nosey nosey with him! (<3 Rubbing noses together is what we do with her sometimes in the place of a kiss <3)

As you can see she was still pretty sleepy, but trust me she was really happy!

We were the last family to get to see them before they went in. Perfect timing!

I got to shop a bit in Animation Courtyard and then we headed in to see Ariel and friends.

I loved every minute of it!! It was better than I remembered. But Rylan watched the whole show through a peep hole in my sister’s arms. That child does not like getting wet. When the bubbles started I was trying my best to blow them away or swat them, afraid one would touch her.

Then it was off to The Great Movie Ride. I never noticed it before, but I think it has become a family tradition to save this for our last ride of the day. It seems to always work out that way, and it’s a great relaxing cool down ride.

Jace was itching to do something he liked and we were all pretty hungry, so it was decided that Pizza Planet was a great place where we could eat and Jace could play in the arcade.

This side of the park was a virtual ghost town.

Pizza Planet wasn’t meant to be however. When we got there we found out it was closed.

This guy was out though, and Jace used the opportunity to get an autograph since he hadn’t got one before. (After seeing the ones with real faces… these army mean are kinda creepy looking.)

ABC Commissary was the only quick service still open in the park.

I had heard dreadful reviews and I dragged my feet walking inside.

We almost just went back to CBR, but it was an EMH evening and the park was starting to clear out so we decided to stay. No one was feeling real adventurous. My dad and I split a passable chicken sandwich (The Dancing with the Stars Chicken Bleu), my mom and sister got hamburgers and the kids split a chicken nugget meal.

For some reason I was just fixated on the fact the they’re going to have to change the Ugly Betty double cheeseburger because the show is canceled. I loved Ugly Betty and I’m really sad it’s over, but I don’t know why that bothered me so much that it was still on the menu. Kinda silly idea to name menu items after shows anyway in my opinion. Lost is gone too now, sorry people, no more fried fish either. You’re left with Grey’s Anatomy Chicken Curry and a few other random thrown together things.

When we were leaving we caught a few minutes of the American Idol finale on the big screen outside the attraction. A lot of people were sitting on the pavement or on the benches watching it. I thought this was really neat and reminded me of a really cool music festival.

After hanging out a bit… my dad decided he wanted to go ride R-N-R and TOT one more time. He started the day with those two and I guess he wanted to finish it with them too!

My sister and Jace went to try and ride TSM (my sister avoided it both times we went because she really can’t take twisty rides, but we assured her it wasn’t rough at all so she was willing to give it a try).

My mom, Rylan and I had our sights set on doing some shopping down Hollywood Blvd.

It wasn’t long before we got a call from my sister that the wait was 50 mins. They didn't want to wait that long, so they joined us shopping.

We bought a few things before exiting the park at 8:00.

Bye Bo!

We were back at CBR for 8:30. It was a long day, so we didn’t really feel bad about not taking advantage of the two more hours we could have stayed in the park. Tomorrow would be a super early day again!

Up Next...we get to dine with Pooh and friends!