The cast:
Paul, 37 years young - a fully paid-up Disneyaholic
Helen, younger in years and looks - the most organised member of the family
Ryan, 5 months old - a Disney fan in the making
OK, after two false starts we are determined that today will be our MGM day. We head out at 9am to be faced with light rain that should keep the crowds away
Actually its not too bad and more refreshing than anything as we walk to MGM. Helen heads off to feed Ryan at the baby care centre whilst I make for Tower of Terror and RocknRollercoaster. Standby queues are both running at around 10 mins and after 30 minutes or so I rejoin Helen underneath the sorcerers hat, armed with a FP for a second ToT ride later. There is a 5-minute wait time posted for the Great Movie Ride so we head on in. The CM can really make or break this attraction depending on their enthusiasm (a bit like the Jungle Cruise at MK), so it was great that our guide really entered into the spirit of things.
Three attractions down and its only 10.15 still time for breakfast at the ABC commissary, so we head off for scrambled eggs, sausage and biscuit (or scone, if you like). The park times guide we picked up earlier mentions a new attraction showcasing some sets from the forthcoming Haunted Mansion movie, but there is no location marked on the park map. We finally find an unmarked queuing areas being set-up just along from the Millionaire entrance and a CM confirms we are in the right place. After queuing for 15 mins or so we are allowed in, and are eventually shown through into a mock-up of the main hall. Its a very impressive sight to behold and a short film is shown describing how the movie was put together a DVD extra in the making if ever I saw one.
Next its the backlot tour. This goes via a revised route whilst the building work for the forthcoming stunt show is taking place, although unfortunately this means the surprise for Catastrophe Canyon is spoilt a little. Back across the park to see Beauty and the Beast and then its time for lunch. Previously they sold delicious baked potatoes across from the theatre but these have now disappeared (a McDonalds fries stall has appeared hmmm). Ah well, back to the Commissary for lunch were becoming regulars! A trip on Star Tours and then we stake out a great spot for the afternoon parade on some benches not far from Echo Lake. Whilst we wait I grab a frozen lemonade and cheese pretzel after all its been nearly an hour since my last meal Ryan seemed to really enjoy the parade characters and got lots of attention as usual.
Back over to ToT to make use of my Fastpass and for one of the more unusual experiences I have had at WDW. There was a young Oriental girl sat next to me in the elevator car and as we move into to the main elevator shaft she asks me in slightly broken English if I know what happens next. Before I can answer we are whisked up into the air and she grabs hold of my arm in a vice-like grip and doesnt let go until we finish bouncing up and down. Afterwards she is very apologetic but I explain that everything is fine and that it just made the ride more unique! I view our picture on the overhead monitors at the ride exit and Im not sure which one of us is the more terrified!
Helen has taken advantage of the time to feed Ryan and we then head off to Muppetvision 3D before grabbing some early seats for Fantasmic. We have plenty of time to kill before the show so Ryan learns how to do the Mexican wave The show is as good as ever and well worth the wait. Pick up the stroller and walk back to the BW where we order a hot dog and chicken burger from the fast-food kiosk. Actually its turns out to be the slow-food kiosk and 20 minutes later our food is finally ready. A quick stroll around the lake and its back to the room for an early night.
Day 11, Here comes the rain again
Paul, 37 years young - a fully paid-up Disneyaholic
Helen, younger in years and looks - the most organised member of the family
Ryan, 5 months old - a Disney fan in the making
OK, after two false starts we are determined that today will be our MGM day. We head out at 9am to be faced with light rain that should keep the crowds away
Actually its not too bad and more refreshing than anything as we walk to MGM. Helen heads off to feed Ryan at the baby care centre whilst I make for Tower of Terror and RocknRollercoaster. Standby queues are both running at around 10 mins and after 30 minutes or so I rejoin Helen underneath the sorcerers hat, armed with a FP for a second ToT ride later. There is a 5-minute wait time posted for the Great Movie Ride so we head on in. The CM can really make or break this attraction depending on their enthusiasm (a bit like the Jungle Cruise at MK), so it was great that our guide really entered into the spirit of things.Three attractions down and its only 10.15 still time for breakfast at the ABC commissary, so we head off for scrambled eggs, sausage and biscuit (or scone, if you like
). The park times guide we picked up earlier mentions a new attraction showcasing some sets from the forthcoming Haunted Mansion movie, but there is no location marked on the park map. We finally find an unmarked queuing areas being set-up just along from the Millionaire entrance and a CM confirms we are in the right place. After queuing for 15 mins or so we are allowed in, and are eventually shown through into a mock-up of the main hall. Its a very impressive sight to behold and a short film is shown describing how the movie was put together a DVD extra in the making if ever I saw one.Next its the backlot tour. This goes via a revised route whilst the building work for the forthcoming stunt show is taking place, although unfortunately this means the surprise for Catastrophe Canyon is spoilt a little. Back across the park to see Beauty and the Beast and then its time for lunch. Previously they sold delicious baked potatoes across from the theatre but these have now disappeared (a McDonalds fries stall has appeared hmmm). Ah well, back to the Commissary for lunch were becoming regulars! A trip on Star Tours and then we stake out a great spot for the afternoon parade on some benches not far from Echo Lake. Whilst we wait I grab a frozen lemonade and cheese pretzel after all its been nearly an hour since my last meal
Ryan seemed to really enjoy the parade characters and got lots of attention as usual. Back over to ToT to make use of my Fastpass and for one of the more unusual experiences I have had at WDW. There was a young Oriental girl sat next to me in the elevator car and as we move into to the main elevator shaft she asks me in slightly broken English if I know what happens next. Before I can answer we are whisked up into the air and she grabs hold of my arm in a vice-like grip and doesnt let go until we finish bouncing up and down. Afterwards she is very apologetic but I explain that everything is fine and that it just made the ride more unique! I view our picture on the overhead monitors at the ride exit and Im not sure which one of us is the more terrified!
Helen has taken advantage of the time to feed Ryan and we then head off to Muppetvision 3D before grabbing some early seats for Fantasmic. We have plenty of time to kill before the show so Ryan learns how to do the Mexican wave
The show is as good as ever and well worth the wait. Pick up the stroller and walk back to the BW where we order a hot dog and chicken burger from the fast-food kiosk. Actually its turns out to be the slow-food kiosk and 20 minutes later our food is finally ready. A quick stroll around the lake and its back to the room for an early night.Day 11, Here comes the rain again
