"So what do you want to do next?" An April '10 TR...final thoughts 8/2 p. 63

[Mickey_Mom]

Hey Sarah... I was behind but now caught up due to your handy dandy chapter links. Very cool Michigan shirt! Soooo much you got done in your first day, you guys must have been wiped. Ah, but such a nice tired.

I like your sunny Kidani picture.

Oh, mental note - look for Nemo!

Oh yeah, the RnR launch is absolutely one of the best! You're just immediately hooting (well, I am!) and laughing. Just awesome.

Great start to day 2!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Great update! I love the pictures of Hollywood Boulevard. The detail on those buildings is amazing.

And yay TSM. The Green Army Men have never been out when I've ridden it. Maybe I'll finally get to see one this summer! *Fingers Crossed*

We've never seen the Green Army Men either so maybe you'll get to see them this time.

I'm behind on your TR, but working on catching up!

We missed out on the bird show but I remember seeing it when I went with Mom 11 yrs ago and thought that it was pretty impressive then. We also skipped Dinosaur because I have heard it can be scary for kids and I figured we'd just not even go there. Khali had a super long wait and we never ended up getting to ride it. I had Flametree on my list but we ended up skipping lunch, so didn't get that either! Sounds like you had a pretty good AK day!

hahaha, Dinosaur can be scary even for some adults! That's why the ride photos are always amusing.

OK, just watched the video of the parade!

We missed out on the parade and the castle show but I am ROFLMBO at that video! That is hilarious. Wish we'd seen it!

I know, that CM was so funny to watch. Atleast she enjoys her job!

Hey Sarah... I was behind but now caught up due to your handy dandy chapter links. Very cool Michigan shirt! Soooo much you got done in your first day, you guys must have been wiped. Ah, but such a nice tired.

I like your sunny Kidani picture.

Oh, mental note - look for Nemo!

Oh yeah, the RnR launch is absolutely one of the best! You're just immediately hooting (well, I am!) and laughing. Just awesome.

Great start to day 2!

I thought the chapter links might come in handy. It's always hard to catch up on other TRs when they get so long.

The launch is pretty fun. The first time I rode it though you would've thought I was dead or something because I was holding on so tight, my eyes were closed and I didn't make a peep I was so scared. LOL.

 

[jenniferkeala808]

Hey girl! Sorry I've been MIA! Well, going back to catch up!!

 

[MommyMcQueen]

Hi Sarah! All caught up again! Great TR!

You guys got SO much done the first day! I'm so impressed - you guys are pro's! And at HS the next morning! WOW ...again impressive!

I had read here on the DIS that TSM will be down during our trip - so as much as I'm totally disappointed by that, it should stop a lot of the mad rush and craziness for us that morning - don't have to worry as much about my 2 little kids being trampled! Glad you were able to get on right away!
Karen

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hey girl! Sorry I've been MIA! Well, going back to catch up!!

Hi Keala!

Hi Sarah! All caught up again! Great TR!

You guys got SO much done the first day! I'm so impressed - you guys are pro's! And at HS the next morning! WOW ...again impressive!

I had read here on the DIS that TSM will be down during our trip - so as much as I'm totally disappointed by that, it should stop a lot of the mad rush and craziness for us that morning - don't have to worry as much about my 2 little kids being trampled! Glad you were able to get on right away!
Karen

Hi Karen!

haha, yeah, the EMH really helped and once you've been there so many times you kind of know how to tour the parks. It also helps that we don't have any small kids with us...believe me, when my sisters and I were little we didn't do that much! I'm pretty sure we spent most of our park time in Fantasyland!

That is a bummer that TSM will be down but that gives you more reason to plan a second trip, right?!

---------------------------------

Sorry I have been slacking AGAIN on updating my TR. I have a 4-day weekend so hopefully I'll be able to get a couple updates done and get caught up on everyone else's PTRs/TRs. And the summer countdown is on, only 8 more school days left in the year! Crazy! I can't wait. haha

up next: "You could replace Abraham Lincoln in the Hall of Presidents."

 

[hhawkins]

Still looking for the rest of the trip report. Getting lots of ideas.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Still looking for the rest of the trip report. Getting lots of ideas.

Working on the next update right now, so stay tuned!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Thursday, April 8, 2010 cont'd (part 2)

After finishing the 3 major attractions, we had the rest of the day to do any other attractions we felt like doing. Since we missed the Great Movie Ride in August, we headed over there. For the first time in a long time we had to wait a little bit...no more than 10 minutes though.

I am pretty sure we had the gangster scene...it seems like that's the one we always get. It was also funny in the alien part some people behind us were kind of freaking out. haha

As you also know I am a HUGE American Idol junkie so of course we had to go see the AIE again. We got out of the GMR in time to catch the first show of the day at 11:00. By the time we got over there they were already letting people in the theater but there were still plenty of seats available. Just a tip though if you've never done AIE before: it is kind of fun to get there early to watch all the video clips from the show, especially if you watch the real American Idol. It just adds to the experience!

Anyways...back to the show. When we got in the one guy who helps out with the video filming outside was getting everybody pumped up: clapping your hands, raising the roof, etc. Pretty hilarious. LOVE IT!

Then it was time to go live as Ryan Seacrest provided the drama as usual. Right from the beginning you feel just like you were at a real show with the lights and the music. They really did a nice job recreating the set and everything.

We were introduced to the three contestants for the day as well as the judges who do a good job acting like the real judges. Then it was time for the performances! First up was a young girl who was 14 or 15. I forget exactly but I know she was super excited because the host was saying how she had been waiting over a year until she was finally old enough to audition (isn't the audition age 14?). Before singing she got some advice from Carrie Underwood:

Anyway, she sang "This is Me" which is the song that Demi Lovato sings in Camp Rock. Is it sad that I knew that? She was decent but pretty much what you'd expect from a 14 year old. Nothing special.

Next up was a twenty-something guy named Robert. He was the one contestant who they did a little video for, like what they do in auditions, kind of explaining where he came from and what he was going to sing. I got a kick out of that. He sang a song called "100 Ways." Kind of sad I have no idea who sings that but I knew the Camp Rock one. LOL. So please fill me in if you know! He did a great job and the judges really liked him.

Finally, there was another younger guy named Eric. Oooh, poor Eric...you know the preshow filming I was talking about? They will always tape the crowd chanting one of the contestants' names and they'll show it during the performances. Well, they totally screwed up the videos...they showed the one for some other girl instead of him! The host made some joke out of it saying his fans loved him so much that they already gave him a nickname. Still felt kind of bad for him. As for his performance, I know he did a Disney song-I want to say it was Circle of Life? I really liked him but the judges thought he was too shy or something and didn't show enough energy. He's the one who the Simon judge told could replace Abraham Lincoln in the Hall of Presidents. OUCH. I wanted to vote for him just for that comment!

After the votes were in, the host delivered the results in typical Ryan Seacrest fashion.

The winner....



of the American Idol Experience...




Who will get a chance to compete in the finale...





IS....


Robert!

I was kind of bummed that the other guy didn't win but as we were walking out I thought, well, that is typical of how it goes with the real show for me too! The ones I like never win. In all seriousness though they were all really good. They do a nice job keeping the talent level there. Dad always says he wonders if there are days when they just get a bunch of bad people.

But since we're talking about American Idol, here's the newest winner, Lee Dewyze and his Disney World commercial. I hear he is supposed to be in WDW on Monday. JEALOUS!
Lee Dewyze "I'm Going to Disney World!"

Oh yes, and I should also mention that Aaron Kelly, who finished 5th place this season, performed at the AIE and won the dream ticket! Isn't that crazy?! So cool an actual AI contestant got their start at Disney. OK, I think that's enough Idol talk for now.

By that time we were just about ready for lunch. When we entered the park we were given more lunch coupons so we ended up using those. The choices were the Backlot Express, ABC Comissary and one other place. We decided on the Backlot Express for some burgers. One of the perks of eating there is that you can enjoy the Jedi Training Academy. The show was just getting started while we were eating so on the way out I wanted to go watch some of the little kiddies. Maybe it's the teacher in me but I get such a kick out of watching them. It's pretty funny.

I love how they are all given the little Jedi robes and light sabers so they can take on the dark side (I am not a Star Wars buff at all so if any of my lingo is wrong forgive me!).

One thing I did notice was that it seemed like they had more kids doing it than the last time which I guess is good. I know I've read TRs where people's kids are heartbroken after not being chosen. Maybe now there's more of a chance!

Then the young Jedis had a chance to put what they learned to the test because Darth Vader appeared. BOOOOO!

This has to be the best part because the kids are hilarious trying to do all the moves they learn. The Jedi Master walks them through all the moves ("left shoulder, right shoulder, DUCK! Now the head!"). Some of the kids have trouble activating their light sabers and some of them are so tiny they can't reach Darth Vader's head so they'll jump up to try and reach him. One kid even lost his shoe. So cute. Definitely worth checking out.

up next: Who would we learn how to draw at the Animation Academy???

 

[jenbear123]

It's funny how you always get the gangster scene. Last two times I was on it, I got the western scene! For the longest time I was stuck with the gangster scene too. Maybe you're luck will change too.

The kids in the Jedi Training are so cute. I've seen some that even get scared of Darth Vader Can't wait to hear how Animation Academy went!!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

So how long is one show of AIE? I've wanted to go to one but I've wondered how much time I should factor for it?

I've always had the gangster version of the GMR. I'd love to see the western one.

That Jedi Training area is totally bigger than it was last summer! The kids are so fun to watch.

Can't wait to see your Animation Academy update! (I want to know how long that is too! )

 

[wisblue]

I don't know how many times we've done the Movie Ride in our 20 years of visiting DHS, but it seems like we've seen the gangster scene about 10-15 times to about 2 for the western scene.

I did use the opportunity to check out some of the things from the Hidden Magic book, like noting that the license plate number on the gangster's car is the date of the Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago. I also noted that the plane in the Casablanca scene is just the front half of a plane; we saw the back end of the same plane the day before on the Jungle Cruise.

And, about those lunch coupons. They were good for one free entree with the purchase of another one if you ate before 11:30. We were there a little after 11:30, but the person at the counter took the coupon without batting an eye. So, we got two cheeseburgers for the price of one!! A great deal for an old cheapskate like me.

I also get a kick out of the Jedi Training. One of my favorites is when one of the kids doesn't do one of the moves, and the master says "Such Speed", suggesting that the kid made the move so fast that you couldn't see it.

 

[wisblue]

So how long is one show of AIE? I've wanted to go to one but I've wondered how much time I should factor for it?

I've always had the gangster version of the GMR. I'd love to see the western one.

That Jedi Training area is totally bigger than it was last summer! The kids are so fun to watch.

Can't wait to see your Animation Academy update! (I want to know how long that is too! )

The regular AIE shows are about 30 minutes; the finale is about 40-45 minutes.

They do the Animation Academy every half hour, so you are in there about 20-25 minutes.

 

[MickeyisBeast]

I've got to see AIE, it looks really cool! Everyone says it's like the real thing, and I've always wanted to go to the real thing
Great update

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

I love watching the Jedi academy. The kiddies are so funny!

I've never checked out AIE... might have to put that on my December list. I'm still in awe of how much you're able to accomplish before lunch. I really need to start waking up before 10 on vacation

 

[celeste.]

. sorry i clicked too much & double posted, my post is below.

 

[wdwgirl03]

It's funny how you always get the gangster scene. Last two times I was on it, I got the western scene! For the longest time I was stuck with the gangster scene too. Maybe you're luck will change too.

The kids in the Jedi Training are so cute. I've seen some that even get scared of Darth Vader Can't wait to hear how Animation Academy went!!

Yeah, it would be nice to see the western scene!

LOL, aww poor kids! I don't think I've ever seen any get scared. Some get really into it though.

So how long is one show of AIE? I've wanted to go to one but I've wondered how much time I should factor for it?

I've always had the gangster version of the GMR. I'd love to see the western one.

That Jedi Training area is totally bigger than it was last summer! The kids are so fun to watch.

Can't wait to see your Animation Academy update! (I want to know how long that is too! )

As Dad said in his comment, the show is just about half an hour. If you were interested in getting there early to be part of the crowd filming then maybe 40-45 minutes?

I get such a kick out of watching those kids.

I don't know how many times we've done the Movie Ride in our 20 years of visiting DHS, but it seems like we've seen the gangster scene about 10-15 times to about 2 for the western scene.

I did use the opportunity to check out some of the things from the Hidden Magic book, like noting that the license plate number on the gangster's car is the date of the Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago. I also noted that the plane in the Casablanca scene is just the front half of a plane; we saw the back end of the same plane the day before on the Jungle Cruise.

And, about those lunch coupons. They were good for one free entree with the purchase of another one if you ate before 11:30. We were there a little after 11:30, but the person at the counter took the coupon without batting an eye. So, we got two cheeseburgers for the price of one!! A great deal for an old cheapskate like me.

I also get a kick out of the Jedi Training. One of my favorites is when one of the kids doesn't do one of the moves, and the master says "Such Speed", suggesting that the kid made the move so fast that you couldn't see it.

About some of the hidden things too, they were really hard to find! Like you said you have to be in the right spot or know exactly where to look.

haha, I can hear the master saying that.

I've got to see AIE, it looks really cool! Everyone says it's like the real thing, and I've always wanted to go to the real thing
Great update

AIE is so much fun! I'm sure you'd love it if you want to go to the real thing.

I love watching the Jedi academy. The kiddies are so funny!

I've never checked out AIE... might have to put that on my December list. I'm still in awe of how much you're able to accomplish before lunch. I really need to start waking up before 10 on vacation

YES, put it on your December list! I said it in my August TR and I'll say it again. Even if you are not an American Idol fan I think you'd still enjoy it. It's a great show!

 

[celeste.]

I always freak out during the alien part of the Great Movie Ride. Now i just don't go on because I wouldn't want to embarrass myself by freaking out during it.
Love the pictures of the American Idol Experience. I hope to see that this summer.
Great update!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I always freak out during the alien part of the Great Movie Ride. Now i just don't go on because I wouldn't want to embarrass myself by freaking out during it.
Love the pictures of the American Idol Experience. I hope to see that this summer.
Great update!!

LOL, aww. The alien's not that scary.

I hope you get to see AIE on your trip!

 

[tinkgurl]

Aw man, you got the gangster scene again?! I guess Fiance and I lucked out when we got the Western scene for a once! I love seeing first timers freak out during the Alien scene.

YES! AIE! I hope you thought of me while you were there. I love how close to the real thing that the stage looks. I know that Camp Rock song too, so you're not alone!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I love DHS. Joe and I get the western side more than the gangster side. Not sure why.

I've never been to AI. I should probably go and check it out.