Sure he has his Disney driver's license... a March 2016 Trip Report

[Sydney2977]

Your food at Paradiso looks so good! We may try and squeeze that one in, maybe on the day before we leave when we return to Orlando from Daytona!

I would recommend it! It might not be hard to call a couple days ahead to get a reservation as it's not one of those hugely sought after adr's. I hope you like it!

The food pictures of Paradise 37 looked wonderful, especially the pineapple burger.

Maybe Disney could put the PoC ride from Disney Quest into one of the Imagination Buildings in EPCOT. I think those two attractions needs a major overhaul. There really isn't much to them now. I wish they would bring the body war attraction back or just something better.

When we start grilling this summer I'm going to try to re-create this burger for DH and I. Of course it won't be as good...

That would be a great idea for the PotC game! It needs to go somewhere, not just disappear. There are tons of guests who have never experienced it and I think it would be a great addition to any of the parks at minimal cost to Disney.

No more hot breakfast at Seasons and no more waffle sandwiches at Sleepy Hollow?? Whaaaaat?!

I honestly can't believe they got rid of the hot breakfast at Sunshine Seasons- that place always seemed busy! If anything they should have extended the time past 5pm for serving the waffle sandwiches, not gotten rid of them! I am so grumpy about food, huh?

 

[Sydney2977]

Sorry no updates all week- it was a tough one at work and I was just too busy and exhausted when I got home. I'll try to catch up the next two days while I'm off!

Friday March 12: Breakfast at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory

I woke up around 7:30 this morning, we all leisurely got ready, then headed to get breakfast. Originally I had thought about getting breakfast at the Boardwalk Bakery but then didn't want to take all that travel time in between so we opted for eating at our resort. It was a quick but pretty walk from our room.


Our breakfast was at


We've eaten here for lunch and dinner before but never breakfast. At this time of the morning it was understandably busy as many guests like us were grabbing a quick bite before heading out for the day. The seating area is very large but it is just the right size for this smaller resort and is decorated in a fun Mardi Gras theme.


It still didn't take long to get our food and get through the line to pay. Since my food was coming from the bakery section I paid first and then took the ticket over so they could make it fresh. Meanwhile DH and DS took their food, went to get their mugs filled and grabbed a table. It was pretty loud inside so they opted for an outside table to enjoy the beautiful weather and the quiet ambiance with jazz music being piped through the speakers. (this picture was taken after we were done eating)


DS got the bounty platter which came with a biscuit, hash brown, small Mickey waffle, bacon, and they let him substitute his eggs with a chocolate chip pancake. This was a great deal considering it had four pieces of bacon and he liked that he got a little bit of everything he wanted. He said all of it was cooked well and tasted fresh.


DH picked the bounty platter as well and subbed his eggs for a regular pancake. He agreed with DS that the choices were good and everything tasted great. I like when the CM's are accommodating and let guests sub for things when possible.


I had to have the beignets! They had a new offering of three dipping sauces but I wanted mine the original way. There is enough powdered sugar on them to make them sweet already. Since they make them to order they came out warm, soft, and they melted in my mouth. I love them! The only thing missing from the Café DuMonde was the chicory coffee. I did have half and half coffee and hot chocolate this morning though.


After we were all filled up DH went back to the room to wash the mugs and pick up the gum he forgot. That was one of the nice things about POFQ- the small size meant easy access to and from the room. DS and I just hung around the lobby while we waited. We listened to the player piano.


Since it was so early there was no one in Scat Cat's Lounge but we were tempted to take in a game of chess. We knew DH would be back soon so we didn't.


Even if you don't stay at POFQ it's worth a visit to eat a meal, either for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The choices for all three times is wonderful and the atmosphere is enjoyable.

Once DH returned we made our way out to the bus stop and only waited about 10 minutes before we were on our way to DHS.

 

[ariane37]

I love the beignets there! Definitely worth a trip over just for those

 

[Sydney2977]

Friday March 11: Star Wars Nerds on the Loose

After a quick bus ride we arrived at DHS and the excitement was already building in me. Before we got in line I had to get a pic of DH.


We didn't have any fp+ till the afternoon so I figured the morning would be for whatever the guys felt like doing. There were emh till 10:30 so I knew we'd have time for all of our favorites. I personally wanted to rush through the entrance straight to Launch Bay, but I didn't want to seem to eager if that's not what they felt like doing. There was quite a crowd to get in but soon enough we were through bag check in and entering the land of Hollywood dreams.


I was so excited to see right down Hollywood Blvd. with no Sorcerer hat blocking what I think is the true iconic image of this park- the theater! DS was confused since he doesn't remember it not ever being there.


DH had to make a pit stop so DS and I were looking around and of course he gave me a silly photo op.


He also noticed the sign telling how much it was to rent an ECV in the park- $70 with a refundable $20 deposit. He felt so bad because he figured the one we got him was way more money since we had it outside of the parks too. I told him it was $170 for all 8 days and his response was to ask me why anyone would pay that much to just get one in the park. I told him that was a good lesson in why you plan and research prices for things. I don't know if that really sunk in to his instant gratification teenage brain though!

Once DH was back with us he asked where we were going first I listed off the things we had fp+ for and reminded them of the other things they liked to do here, but wasn't pushing for Launch Bay. That was the first place they wanted to go though and couldn't believe that I didn't purposely plan to go there first! So off we went to Animation Courtyard.


We usually don't venture to this section of the park because no one is interested in the Disney Jr. or Little Mermaid shows. We saw some Storm Troopers leaving the area as we went in and I hoped they would be back when we came out. I told the guys that as Disney Visa card holders we could get in the special line to meet Kylo Ren so they said we'd look around and then go to that.


We are not die hard Star Wars freaks- like knowing all the characters from every movie and animated series, or following all of the actors and all things about Star Wars, but we are definitely fans. Really the original trilogy are our favorites. I was born the year the first movie came out and DH a year later, so we grew up watching them. My brother and I had toys (our older cousin had the big Millennium Falcon that he never let us play with) and he's wake me up on the weekends when any of the movies came on TV. The first movie of the three pre-quells came out a year before youngest DS was born, so they grew up watching those as well as the old ones. We were all really excited to get to see the newest movie together when DS was home on vacation after Christmas.

That being said, we turned into the biggest geeks when we entered Launch Bay! There is so much to see and all of the displays have great explanation plaques. We had to stop and look at all of them and read it all. I took pictures of just about everything too. There were lots of costumes from the different movies. I always liked this tie fighter pilot suit.


There were models of vehicles too. My two favorites were the X-wing Fighter- because that's what Luke used to blow up the Death Star


and the Speeder Bike because that was one of my favorite parts of Return of the Jedi when Luke and Leia are riding them.


We looked around in the first part and then came to the character greeting area. I saw a CM and asked him where the Visa meet line was. He told me that it didn't start until 11am, but suggested we maybe go meet Chewbacca while we waited, since it was about 10:30 and the line said a 30 minute wait.


We took his advice and got in line.

 

[Sydney2977]

Friday March 11: Star Wars Meet and Greets

In line to meet Chewbacca I was like a little kid- DH kept telling me "Calm down honey!" So I occupied my time looking at the "light side" helmets and light sabers they had on display, like my favorite Jedi Yoda's. I swear, if they had a Yoda meet and greet I would have been crying tears of joy!


We didn't even wait 10 minutes and then it was our turn to make a furry new friend. The cargo doors opened and we were escorted in. As soon as we turned the corner and got a glimpse of Chewbacca DH and DS turned into little kids too. First DS hopped over to him and Chewie shook his hand, pointed at his cast and made a sympathetic sounding roar, and gave him a hug. Next he shook DH's hand as he said hi, and finally he shook my hand as I greeted him and gave me a hug. It was like meeting a real Wookie!


We said goodbye and checked out some more movie memorabilia in the next area, like my favorite character from The Force Awakens BB-8. He's so cute!


It wasn't even 10:45 and the regular wait time for Kylo Ren was 20 minutes, so we decided to just get in line for that since we'd be waiting about the same time as if we waited till 11:00 for the Visa line.


In this line there are props from the "dark side" like villains' light sabers and Storm Trooper helmets. The line moved so fast that I almost didn't have time to take pictures of everything along the way.


Before we knew it we were being taken to meet Kylo Ren. I must admit he was taller and more intimidating that I expected with his posture and menacing mask. He made some comment to DS about his shirt and invited him to join the First Order. DS thought this was pretty cool since he's his favorite character in the new movie.


He said something in greeting DH and I too but I don't remember what because all I kept thinking was "this is so cool!"


After our creepy meeting it wasn't even 11:00 yet. We were looking around the rest of the Launch Bay and DH had the camera taking pictures of all the costumes and weapons. I think we ended up with like 6 different shots of Han's blaster! All of a sudden this little guy approached DS's scooter and started looking it over and touching everything on it. I was so enamored and then annoyed with myself because I forgot to bring something to trade. We got a good laugh out of the Jawa trying to "talk" to DS like he wanted to trade something for his ECV!


He moved on to trade with someone else and we kept looking around. We got to the store part where there were displays but also things you could buy. DH and I turned into even bigger nerds talking about how if we won the lottery we'd have a Star Wars room with all kinds of cool stuff in it. DS found the picture he'd want in his room- little too expensive for now though!


After looking at everything in Launch Bay we headed back into the Courtyard and the Storm Troopers were out. They had approached a mom with a little girl and were questioning her. The little girl seemed a bit scared, but when they asked her for her identification she stuck her arm out and showed them her magic band- it was so adorable! The crowd gathered around got a good laugh at it.


We were satisfied that we got to encounter all of the characters and experience Launch Bay and not feel rushed. It was a wonderful way to start our day at DHS.

 

[Sydney2977]

Friday March 11: More Movie Magic

We all decided we wanted to do The Great Movie Ride next, mainly because we were right there and it was only a 10 minute wait, but also because we really don't feel like we're at Hollywood Studios until we've done this attraction. It's almost always the first thing we do here.


Since it wasn't really crowded we got a chance to look around at the hand and foot prints in cement and it's cool now that DS is older he really recognizes even more of them. Once we were in line we zipped on through and were on our way to Hollywoodland, starting with the musicals, which I love.


DS's favorite section is with the gangsters, and we had good CM's for our ride.


DH loves old westerns, especially ones with John Wayne. He owns probably every one on DVD, but when they come on TV he still will watch them.


On to the sci-fi films, where I finally ended up getting a good shot of the Alien! During this ride I just snap pictures and hope I get good ones. I still want to be able to enjoy it, so sometimes I get lucky.


After our tour we meandered around Echo Lake and came upon the busts of famous Hollywood icons. Again, DS recognized a lot of them and wanted to go around to see if he was right matching the faces to names. He insisted DH get a picture with Andy Griffith. The old show comes on MeTV in the evenings and DH likes to watch it. I think if he could he'd go back in time and live in Mayberry. DS enjoys watching it too.


Right around the corner we found


The CM outside said a new show was about to start in two minutes so we went inside. We though it was a good overview of the Star Wars stories especially for those who just want a general idea of the saga.

We had a little time before our lunch adr and since we knew there is never a wait we went to see

This brings back memories for DH and I since we remember watching the old show and movies growing up. Because DS was in the ECV we were seated in the very back row. It actually made the 3D effect better for some reason. I know this attraction seems old and dated but it's still fun. We found Donald and Daisy in the fountain on the way out.


It was almost 1:00 so we figured we'd head back towards Hollywood Blvd. for lunch.

 

[LindseyJo22]

DS must have built up an appetite from not eating since breakfast because he ordered the nachos off the appetizer menu that are supposed to be for two.

I ordered these when my husband and I tried Paradiso on a whim - they are huge! And really really delicious

the pineapple bacon burger and I was blown away with how amazing it tasted

And this is what my husband ordered - he raved about it as well! Glad you all enjoyed your meal

Seems like you guys had a fabulous trip!

 

[summerw]

I enjoyed your trip report. Sounds like you had a wonderful time and made lasting memories with your family. It also seems like you lucked out with the crowds and weather and that you made the best of the situation with your son's foot. We were there in April 2-13 and had amazing weather but rough crowds. It's making me think maybe the next trip, March might be a better choice, so I was excited to read your report. Can't wait to read the ending.

 

[mdsouth]

It is great you had the chance to see all the Star Wars characters that you wanted to. I have just seen the original three and then the latest one. I have not seen any of the others. You really do seem to have had great luck with little crowds while you were there and nice weather!

 

[longlostprincess]

a little late but i caught up and am following! im also 15 almost 16 and in my high school's band (i play flute) so its interesting hearing about your son whos my own age in disney. i always get so happy when i see my peers just as into disney as i am

 

[Sydney2977]

I ordered these when my husband and I tried Paradiso on a whim - they are huge! And really really delicious



And this is what my husband ordered - he raved about it as well! Glad you all enjoyed your meal

Seems like you guys had a fabulous trip!

It seems like our families share the same taste in food! We did have a wonderful vacation- and I see you have one coming up too! Have fun!

I enjoyed your trip report. Sounds like you had a wonderful time and made lasting memories with your family. It also seems like you lucked out with the crowds and weather and that you made the best of the situation with your son's foot. We were there in April 2-13 and had amazing weather but rough crowds. It's making me think maybe the next trip, March might be a better choice, so I was excited to read your report. Can't wait to read the ending.

I was a little worried about the weather (not sure about rain) and crowds (it was spring break for some) but we really were lucky! I'm thinking about doing the same time next trip in fact. Glad you're enjoying my report!

It is great you had the chance to see all the Star Wars characters that you wanted to. I have just seen the original three and then the latest one. I have not seen any of the others. You really do seem to have had great luck with little crowds while you were there and nice weather!

It's weird because we have been in Oct., Nov., and Feb. when it's supposed to be less crowded, yet this trip was supposed to be busier because of spring breaks and we had just as low crowd levels it seemed. Or maybe we were just timing everything right?

a little late but i caught up and am following! im also 15 almost 16 and in my high school's band (i play flute) so its interesting hearing about your son whos my own age in disney. i always get so happy when i see my peers just as into disney as i am

Cool! Both the boys love band- this one plays sax and his older brother plays trumpet. I say plays because he still plays for the Air Force. They have a lot of friends who love Disney too. They've been trying to convince their new band director to play at WDW for the last two years (older DS never had any luck with the old director). The closest they've gotten is being able to play music from "The Force Awakens" at their spring concert last week! Their middle school band director was a huge Disney fan though who went with his family at least once a year.

 

[Sydney2977]

Friday March 11: Lunch at The Hollywood Brown Derby

I was super excited for our lunch! This was one of only a few ts meals we did when I was a kid, and I remember my brother and I thinking we were so grown up getting to come here. This is where I first tried and fell in love with Cobb salad and ever since I've wanted to come back. We didn't go when the kids were younger, and since we've been on the dining plan it never seemed to make sense, especially since some of the dishes served here I knew my family might not like. I thought this trip was the prefect time to go back and get my salad.


I had been checking the menus here and thought that what the guys would prefer was on the lunch menu. We arrived about 1:00 and they checked out the menu before we went in. Sure enough, they both were deciding between the two things I thought they would be.


I think the outside seating section is for the lounge. There are small plates and appetizers and desserts available there as well as lots of specialty drinks. This would be a good option for walk-ups or if you just wanted something smaller. I would consider coming here to get the salad and a dessert for a meal.


We headed inside to check-in and DH found a seat while DS parked next to him. I was busy studying the old Hollywood map.


We only waited about five minutes and were seated ahead of our adr time. We were taken through the outside lounge and then to our table so DS could drive his ECV up, then DH took it back to park it outside. The ambiance was just how I remembered it, with the high ceilings, the décor, and the caricatures on the walls. I had to text my brother to tell him where we were and he even asked "Is it how you remember it?" I sent him a picture and he agreed.


We were seated in a nice corner booth so we could see the whole restaurant. It wasn't very busy but the location was nice and quiet. (and I wanted to take that lamp!)


Our server Alek took our drink orders and then brought us some warm rolls with butter. They were crisp on the outside and soft inside, and the butter was a good accompaniment. He was very professional the whole meal and when we ordered he was also knowledgeable of the menu. He kept our drinks refilled the whole meal too.


It seemed like we had to wait a bit longer than most ts places, but our food did arrive perfectly done. Of course I got my Cobb salad! It was just as I remembered as well- chopped up wonderfully so that when stirred up every bite had a little bit of everything in it. It didn't look like a lot (DH even said "that's all you're getting?") but believe me it fills you up! I did get the entrée size, but you can order a smaller appetizer size.


DH had the Wagyu beef burger, minus the fried egg, and steak fries. He really enjoyed the thick melted Gruyere cheese and crispy bacon, and the burger was grilled just to his liking. That really is all the fries that come with it, so it's a good thing the burger is so filling!


DS got the Andouille crusted chicken breast sandwich with veggie slaw. I had a little bite of the crusted chicken- spectacular! He loved it too and thought the toppings were just right. He said the slaw was just average but he ate it up.


Since it wasn't busy we did take our time eating and enjoying the peaceful break from the crowds in the park. For me this meal was more about nostalgia, though I'm glad I got to share it with my guys. It's not somewhere we'll probably eat again any time soon but I'm glad I finally got to go back and that they enjoyed their meals too.

 

[Sydney2977]

Friday March 11: The Show Must Go On

It was almost time for our first fp+ from 2:35-2:50 but we did stop in a few shops along the way and take a few pictures.


When we got to Indiana Jones we got in the fp+ line and were then escorted by a CM to begin seating along with other guests with mobility issues. He asked if DS wanted to sit up at the top or if he was able to sit anywhere else he could. Since there was really no one else in the theater DS decided he could hop down the stairs with DH and I assisting him because he wanted to sit behind the control booth. We carefully made our way down and settled in to wait for the show.


We've seen the dhow many times before but it was neat to see how the people working in the booth contributed to the action on the set. We still had a great view of the action though.


There was a mentally challenged man with his father sitting right next to DS who put a real smile on our faces and in our hearts. He was so excited for the show, cheering for Indy from the beginning, then after the actor was introduced cheering for him by name, encouraging the audience participant members and all the other actors and crew members. He was so genuinely enjoying himself and the Disney magic that it brought tears to my eyes. I was so happy thinking how lucky we were to be able to experience Disney together too.

Our next fp+ was one we didn't do last trip but was a must- do this time because it will be the last time! We had just enough time after the stunt show to get in for the 3:30-3:45 line.


The CM's take guests who can't climb the bleachers up the elevators, which take a while since they're pretty small, and it seemed like everyone in the party with the people insisted on riding up with them. If the CM's were just taking those in ECV's it would have taken a lot less time. Once DS was loaded onto an elevator we told him we'd meet him up top and DH and I walked up the stairs. Before we were seated we checked out the view of what used to be Catastrophe Canyon. I really miss that attraction.


A CM seated us up top at the back so DS stayed in his ECV and DH and I had bleacher seats. We've never sat that high up and it was a great overall view of everything. I like all the stunt driving action and technology behind it, but I'm really going to miss Lightning McQueen.


I took a ton of action shots while still enjoying the actual show, and I found a Hidden Mickey in the process. That is one, right? It's on one of the windows in the background.


The show climaxed with the final action scene and the crowds started rushing out. We hung back to get a last look at it all.


We again had to wait for DS to catch an elevator ride down and again there were whole groups riding down instead of just the guest in the ECV. Once we knew DS got on one we began walking down and actually beat him down. He said the lady getting on after him had trouble driving her scooter into the elevator and that's what took longer. He said "I guess she doesn't have her Disney driver's license!"

We had a bit of time before the next fp+ so we got a last look at Streets of America. I remember my brother and I loving this area when we came as kids and he loved the Backlot Tour too. At least I did get to share it with my family and I'm also greatful we got to experience Osbourne Lights a few times.


I suddenly remembered a store that I thought we should check out. It wasn't there during our last visit and I thought it might be less busy than Tatooine Traders. Sure enough, there was hardly anyone there, the inside was spread out with lots of merchandise, and the build your own light saber area wasn't anywhere near as crowded as the one at Disney Springs. (Later when we passed Tatooine Traders there was a huge line of people waiting to build light sabers!) We had a good laugh at a lot of the things they had, DH picked out a pin, and DS bought a shirt that's pretty funny.

His favorite is the one of Lando!
It was then within the time window for our last fp+ so we were off to Pixar Place.

 

[ariane37]

It's nice to see a good review of HBD! We've had lunch there twice and enjoyed it, although like you it's not somewhere we're in a rush to return to. It just seems that lately every review I read on it is negative

I really, really wish when DH and I were there in Jan. that we spent just a little more time in Streets of America. The April 4th closing date for that and LMA hadn't been announced yet or I'm sure we would have seen the show one more time, as we didn't catch it on our Nov. trip with our boys. We did however spend a decent amount of time on the streets on that trip and were lucky enough to see the Osborne Lights one more time last year - going to miss them

You must remember the Backlot Tour from WAY back when you went as a kid (not a dig on your age, I swear!)? Like when they had the Golden Girls house? I LOVED it back then!

 

[Sydney2977]

Friday March 11: We saved the longest waits for last

Our last fp+ of the day was for 5:00 for Toy Story Midway Mania. The Toy Story movies are some of our favorites, and it's especially near and dear to my heart since it came out the year I was pregnant with oldest DS and both boys grew up loving those characters. The third one came out when he was starting high school and I still bawl when I watch the end with Andy leaving. Anywho... we caught a Green Army Man out and about on the way. Ah, the memories of the boys playing with these guys. DH's memories are more of stepping on them when they were left out and he was coming home on night shift! Those along with Hot Wheels cars, Legos, etc.


The wait time was at 90 minutes so we were happy to have fp+. With DS's ECV we were directed to a separate loading area as I remember having to do when DH was in one. I swear it seems like you wait longer in this area- it was at least a 30 minute wait just once we got here from the fp+ line. The cars go off of the regular track and pull into this area so the whole ride doesn't have to completely stop for loading and unloading, and then the cars are shuffled back into the regular flow. DS said DH and I could ride together.


While we were waiting for others to load I was able to snap a shot of DS over the top.



These two crack me up since they get so serious about this ride! They give me tips on how to shoot and hold the trigger but it doesn't help, they still always beat me. I still think I like this one better than Buzz. The ride did have to stop momentarily so I got a picture inside for once, but it's not very good.


As I predicted DH did beat me, but I noted that my accuracy was better. He did say he'd trade me prizes since he thought I'd want the cat.


We weren't ready for dinner yet so we figured now was a good time to do Rock'n'Rollercoaster. As we headed that way we stopped to get some Star Wars pictures. I know it's crazy that we love Star Wars so much but don't do the ride. DH and I could the first time we went but then discovered in subsequent visits it makes us feel sick, but I still would go on with the boys and just close my eyes and it was ok. The 2011 trip they went by themselves but said they too didn't really enjoy it so we've skipped it since then. I can't wait for new Star Wars attractions in the upcoming "land."


Walking down Sunset Blvd. while the sun was setting was both ironic and beautiful. This section feels so old Hollywood. We stopped in a few shops along the way. I miss the old larger Villains store, I swear it's shrunk and doesn't have as much unique Villain stuff as it used to.


The guys asked me if I want to do Tower of Terror now but I said I'd rather wait and make sure we could do everything else we wanted first since I would be the only one riding. I really love the theming in here and if I had a mansion I would decorate a room all creepy like the lobby sitting area.


When we got to RnR the wait time said 60 minutes and when we asked the CM about the single rider line he said it was about 30 minutes. When DS was tall enough to ride he tried RnR but did not like it and hasn't ridden it since. He said for us to go right ahead and he'd just look around the gift shop and hang out to wait for us. He had his phone and it was Friday so I'm sure he was going to be checking in with his friends. He snapped a picture of us, agreed to hold onto our things, and off HD and I went to get in line.


So this was the one point in the trip when we were reminded that there were lots of Spring Breakers visiting. Up until now they hadn't been annoying, but the group of four high school aged girls that got behind us were ridiculous- talking really loud, inappropriately, screeching about everything they were discussing- it was the longest 30 minutes ever! I really wished DS was in line with us because I thought maybe he could speak their language and get them to be quiet. At one point when we got inside and were almost boarding in the part that looks like an alley, the one girl who was complaining the whole time that she had to use the restroom (only those weren't he words she was using) asked her friends really loudly if it was ok if she went and ****** in the corner. Seriously?!? We were finally loaded on and DH and I were only two rows apart so we got on at the same time. I was next to another mom who was riding for the first time and said her kids were too young to ride. She sounded a little scared but I told her it was really fun. I told her to just sing the whole time and she'd have a blast, so I started singing when the music came on too. I always forget what a rush it is and come off with a huge smile still singing. DH said he was next to a guy who like him was throwing his hands up as much as they could and having a great time. We met DS outside and decided we were ready for some dinner so went off in search of something to eat.

 

[Sydney2977]

Friday March 11: Dinner at Backlot Express

Originally I had picked Studio Catering Co. as our dinner location, but after looking on the MDE app we all agreed we wanted to try Backlot Express. We hiked all the way back across the park- I don't know why I always manage to not figure out how to walk less when we're at DHS.


I think we might have eaten here our very first trip and don't really know why we haven't been back since. When we arrived it didn't look too busy and there is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. We went to get in line and a nice CM directed us to the far right side to the accessible line. The CM taking our order was also very friendly. We asked if we could buy drinks but just use our mugs and he was ok with that. Our food came out quick but still fresh and we went to a quiet back section to eat.


One nice thing is that there are multiple drink and condiment stations so you don't have to go too far from your section to use them and you can get your own refills. We filled up with Coke (DH), Powerade (DS), and lemonade (me) and got to chowing down.
Now you'd think the real kid on this trip would have ordered the kid like meal, but no, DS got the regular chicken nuggets with fries. I think there were around 8 big juicy nuggets in there along with a generous serving of fries. He said he liked the breading on the nuggets and that their was a good amount of chicken in there too. The fries were crisp and not greasy.


DH and I could not resist ordering the Dark Side chicken and waffles. We got the same amount of chicken nuggets and agreed with DS's impression of them- delicious. How cool are the waffles though- they have Darth Vader on them! The were actually really tasty too- light and crispy and didn't even need the syrup. Of course we did use the syrup somewhat, and discovered that chicken nuggets and fries also taste good dunked in it.


We were all really full but since we were there we had to get a Star Wars cupcake too! So I went back to order one for us to split. I tell you, this cupcake was made for me with my two favorite dessert ingredients- peanut butter and chocolate. The cake itself was moist and not too sweet so the creamy peanut butter frosting and chocolate topping were a wonderful compliment. It was so decadent that splitting it three ways was perfect.


For the location, menu choices (because there were other things we thought sounded good too), atmosphere, and value, I think Backlot Express might be our new go-to cs option at DHS.

 

[Sydney2977]

Friday March 11: And I thought Wishes made me cry!

Once we were done with our late dinner I thought we needed to find a spot to watch the Symphony in the Stars fireworks show. We walked towards Echo Lake and as we rounded the corner by the Frozen show we saw the set-up for the dessert party, which was roped off, and a crowd gathered in the area where the hat used to be. Some people were standing, some were just sitting on the ground, and others were pacing around not knowing what to do. Some guests were also staked out on the benches next to Min and Bill's. We had DS back his ECV up against the railing by the lake next to Min and Bill's and DH and I sat on the ledge up against the rails. Some other families joined us against the railing and others politely sat in front of us but far enough up so that they weren't blocking our view.


There's always rude people of course, like these two couples and their kids who came and stood right in front of the family that was sitting in front of us. I know they were blocking them and their kids' views because they were also blocking ours. I waited to see if they'd move, but no, and this was a few minutes before the 8:00 show time. So I got up, approached them, and very nicely asked if they would find a place to watch that wasn't blocking the view of those of us that had been sitting and waiting for the show for at least half an hour. The one guy said "Well where do you want us to go? What do you want us to do?" Luckily my DH knows I can handle situations diplomatically, though if they guy had sounded any ruder or gotten belligerent I know he'd have jumped in. I replied "Well, you could sit like the rest of us, or stand somewhere that you are not right in front of others, like over there (pointing to the Frozen theater). These people have been waiting here a long time and actually want to see the show clearly." I guess that worked because they did move off and a minute later the musical intro started.
I didn't think it would get to me as much, but as soon as the music started I got chills. Then the sky started lighting up with amazing perfectly timed and colorized bursts of fireworks, with a powerful beginning, a drawn out melodic middle, and an epic uplifting conclusion. I had my camera on fireworks mode and managed to snap a few shots (none of which turned out well), but I honestly was mesmerized the whole time! It's like the music combined with the fireworks was a story drawing me in and I got so emotionally wrapped up in it. I was literally crying by the end, much to the amusement of DH and DS. I felt like my dad was there helping to put on the show and bring a bit of magic to our visit. He would have loved going to WDW with us, especially being there with my kids the way he was with my brother and I. I guess in a way he is with us whenever something reminds me of him. I really think the Symphony in the Stars was the best fireworks show I have ever seen- hands down!

While we were waiting for the show DH and DS were asking me if I still wanted to do Tower of Terror. Of course I did, but I also didn't want to make them wait for me for a long time. They said they'd wait however long it took- so sweet- so we planned to head there right when the fireworks were over, and that's just what we did.


They found a spot to wait outside and I headed to "check in." The wait time said 20 minutes but from the time I got in line to meeting the guys back outside it was maybe 15 minutes. Technically the park closed at 8:30 but there were emh till 10:30. The CM at the front of the line checked my magic band and I was good to go. There were a couple teenagers that tried to get in behind me but the CM had to explain the emh part to them. I took my time walking through the garden area in the queue and looking at all the details in the lobby. I really started missing my older DS because he is my adrenalin junkie and will ride anything- this is probably our favorite to ride together. What's funny is that our whole family loves the Twilight Zone shows and we watch the marathons when they come on TV. DH and younger DS just don't like the dropping feeling on the ride. I was thinking about watching the shows with them during the pre-show part. We zipped right through the boiler room lines and I was just a little past the part where the lines split right and left when I heard a CM and then other guests calling for a single rider to fill the elevator. Ooh, ooh, pick me! I squeezed past other guests and was loaded in an elevator on the top row right in the middle so I had a perfect view out. On both sides of me, and pretty much in the whole group, were teenage girls who were giggling and getting excited. That's always more fun when you have others who are just as excited as you. We got to the top, the door opened and I had a wonderful view out of the parks all lit up, and then the drops started. I think I like riding ToT best at night. It was such a rush going up and down, not knowing what would happen next, and laughing the whole time.

I met the guys outside who had been people watching and DH showed me a picture he was so proud of catching. He's easily amused!


We'd seen and done everything we wanted so we decided to head out for the night. We still took our time strolling through a less crowded park taking in the glitz and glamour of it all it up.


With me riding ToT it must have given a lot of guests that weren't staying for emh time to exit the park because there was hardly anyone waiting to exit when we did.


We got to the bus stop, had less than a 10 minute wait, and were on our way back to POFQ. We even got seats on the bus. We stopped by to refill our mugs and got ready for bed when we returned to the room. I figured out later that I took the most pictures this day. It was a blast and I was really enjoying not feeling like we had to wake up at the crack of dawn, burn ourselves out going all day, and then staying out late too.

 

[ariane37]

Isn't Symphony of the Stars beautiful? DH and I saw the show in January. I'm hoping whatever the "new" SW fireworks show starting soon is just as great, since we'll be seeing it in Nov.

I think I like riding ToT best at night.

ToT is my favorite ride in all of WDW and I agree, it's best at night

 

[crazycatlady]

I am really enjoying your trip report! I look forward to reading the rest of it.
DH and I ate at the Brown Derby and Boatwrights on our last trip and they both ended up being surprise hits of the trip. DH talks about his delicious burger from Brown Derby. I am intrigued with Paradiso 37 after your review. We may have to try it on one of our future trips.

 

[mdsouth]

I am really enjoying your trip report! I look forward to reading the rest of it.
DH and I ate at the Brown Derby and Boatwrights on our last trip and they both ended up being surprise hits of the trip. DH talks about his delicious burger from Brown Derby. I am intrigued with Paradiso 37 after your review. We may have to try it on one of our future trips.

I have never tried Brown Derby but am considering now after seeing the review and photos of the Cobb salad. And now you mention how your DH loved his burger from there. So it sounds like it would be a perfect place to eat for my son too!