ruthiebabie
Hey There Hi There Ho There Its A Disney Kind Of D
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2007
- Messages
- 522
Day 2
Breckie was booked for 8am and with the exception of Lyz Lazy bones we all headed down. There seemed to be even more than normal at the buffet bar with the addition of Olives (not really my thing first thing),sultanas to add to cereal, bowls of halved hardboiled eggs and a few more cereals I thought than our last visit. As always the teams that work in the restaurant are really efficient, cleaning tables and replenishing stuff all the time.
After breckie half of the group went swimming whilst the rest of us slowly got ready and walked to the Studios for opening time.
Despite the food consumption 2 of us decided to brave the TOT and with no queue it seemed silly not to so straight on we went. Our first ride we were channelled to the right hand side and through into the Library. I wish I'd spent longer looking at the lobby as when we next went in it was busy and we didn't get to appreciate it. No queue when we came out of the library and so it was straight into position and row 5 (middle seats) for the TOT. My friend had been on the one in Florida so knew what to expect but I hadn't. I have to say there were a few choice words and screams on that first ride but what a rush. The adrenalin was certainly pumping when we came out.
From there we met the rest of the group and headed to Toon Studios. Cars Race Rally had a short queue so we decided to go on. I can confirm that a car with 2 adults and 2 kids has some real spin on it. When I went on the next time with just myself and a child it didn't spin so much.
Next was Crush. Everyone went on with the exception of me and Princess Lucy (aged 2) - so I said I would baby swap when they came off. Lucy and I did the Flying Carpets (but we had a lazy carpet that would not fly very high) so we had to do it again just to make sure we flew nice and high.
When we came off for the second time the others were still in Crush so we shot back onto Cars (again).
From there I went to the exit point of Crush to do baby swap. It seems to be now that you do not go as far as the ride on baby swap as a CM met us half way down (same on Big Thunder) and directed us down a service corridoor which brought us out by the chicken gate at the load point for Crush. We saw the CM there and we were straight on!
Hmmm I have to say I didn't like the ride at all - too twisty and turny and disorienting for me - I thought it was not dissimilar to how Rock n Rollercoaster makes you feel. I can understand why there is an age recommendation of 7 and above on it.
From here it was a quick wave at Mickey and Ratatouille who were signing autographs and we then walked through the back of Toon Studios towards the TOT.
The new theming round there is so detailed. I took some photos of all the new faux shop windows and also the Hollywood hills sign. It makes the entrance to the Studios Tram Tour look so appealing.
We knew the Parade would be coming along shortly so we split up for 3 of us to do Armageddon, 3 to do Rock n Roller Coaster and Princess Lucy (and her minder Nan) to people watch.
I was doing Armageddon and by the time we came out it was nearly time for the parade so we took our positions close to Cinemagique and waited for it to start.
The parade route was really quiet so we had a great view of it and took plenty of photos.
Once the parade finished we decided to head back into the Disneyland park for lunch.
We ate at small place at the end of the arcade near Plaza Gardens (whose name escapes me right now but its a limited menu - toasties and pizza and thats about it), Croque Monsieurs (and the mushroom version for me) all round got us fuelled up for more rides.
So it was back via Fantasyland and Snow White, Pinnochio and the Carousel to Adventureland for POTC, through to Big Thunder for a fastpass and then a walk round to Woodys Roundup village. It was deserted.
I am not sure whether in summer there are plans for animals and things going but you could almost see the dustballs swirling around. We checked with the CM's outside Mickeys Winter Wonderland if Woody and Jessie were coming and they said they would be. And by the time they turned back round there they were. They stopped outside the Roundup and did photos and autographs although another time we passed they were in the Roundup which has a fab Stinky Pete photo point and one with Woodys horse which would be nice to get them by.
From there we went back for our BT fastpass and then straight back again for Mickeys WinterWonderland. It was a welcome relief for the feet. We've seen this show lots of times but still love it.
By the time this kicked out we decided to make our way slowly back towards the central plaza for the Candelabration. We decided to stand by the central stage near the disabled reserved spot and met a lovely CM who was chatting and fussing the kids and talking to one of our group who was an ex CM (Mickey Mouse). She told us that the characters came down from out of the castle and up to the centre stage so we were in a good spot.
Anyway at 5.50pm the sky was still light and streaked with pink so we thought the lighting ceremony might be a bit of a wash out. However by 6pm it was dark (how do Disney do that??? It must be the fairy dust)
The ceremony was everything we had expected it to be - we sang along to Just like we dreamed it and as there were no disabled guests in the reserved spot the CM allowed all the nearby kids to come into it and they got right to the gates next to the characters.
I videoed most of the ceremony so will post a link a the end of my final report if possible.
After the ceremony finished it was a bit of a scrum to get out so we headed down one of the arcades stopping near the railway station to say goodbye to Mickey who was stood on the balcony and to take a look back at the castle.
We'd decided on an early tea for the little ones that night but first it was over to the Sports Bbar to meet some friends who are current CMs and some of the guys from Planet Hollywood. A quick drink with them and half of the group went to Annettes for tea whilst the rest of us went back to the hotel to get changed.
At 8pm we headed back out to go to Rainforest Cafe. We've never eaten here before and found it to be really good. Service quick, lots to look at and you can use your Shareholder card for discount. A quick mooch round the shops in the village and we walked back to the hotel. Another mooch round the hotel shop and that was us all done in.
Roll on Day 3.....with a 7.30 am breakfast call.
Breckie was booked for 8am and with the exception of Lyz Lazy bones we all headed down. There seemed to be even more than normal at the buffet bar with the addition of Olives (not really my thing first thing),sultanas to add to cereal, bowls of halved hardboiled eggs and a few more cereals I thought than our last visit. As always the teams that work in the restaurant are really efficient, cleaning tables and replenishing stuff all the time.
After breckie half of the group went swimming whilst the rest of us slowly got ready and walked to the Studios for opening time.
Despite the food consumption 2 of us decided to brave the TOT and with no queue it seemed silly not to so straight on we went. Our first ride we were channelled to the right hand side and through into the Library. I wish I'd spent longer looking at the lobby as when we next went in it was busy and we didn't get to appreciate it. No queue when we came out of the library and so it was straight into position and row 5 (middle seats) for the TOT. My friend had been on the one in Florida so knew what to expect but I hadn't. I have to say there were a few choice words and screams on that first ride but what a rush. The adrenalin was certainly pumping when we came out.
From there we met the rest of the group and headed to Toon Studios. Cars Race Rally had a short queue so we decided to go on. I can confirm that a car with 2 adults and 2 kids has some real spin on it. When I went on the next time with just myself and a child it didn't spin so much.
Next was Crush. Everyone went on with the exception of me and Princess Lucy (aged 2) - so I said I would baby swap when they came off. Lucy and I did the Flying Carpets (but we had a lazy carpet that would not fly very high) so we had to do it again just to make sure we flew nice and high.
When we came off for the second time the others were still in Crush so we shot back onto Cars (again).
From there I went to the exit point of Crush to do baby swap. It seems to be now that you do not go as far as the ride on baby swap as a CM met us half way down (same on Big Thunder) and directed us down a service corridoor which brought us out by the chicken gate at the load point for Crush. We saw the CM there and we were straight on!
Hmmm I have to say I didn't like the ride at all - too twisty and turny and disorienting for me - I thought it was not dissimilar to how Rock n Rollercoaster makes you feel. I can understand why there is an age recommendation of 7 and above on it.
From here it was a quick wave at Mickey and Ratatouille who were signing autographs and we then walked through the back of Toon Studios towards the TOT.
The new theming round there is so detailed. I took some photos of all the new faux shop windows and also the Hollywood hills sign. It makes the entrance to the Studios Tram Tour look so appealing.
We knew the Parade would be coming along shortly so we split up for 3 of us to do Armageddon, 3 to do Rock n Roller Coaster and Princess Lucy (and her minder Nan) to people watch.
I was doing Armageddon and by the time we came out it was nearly time for the parade so we took our positions close to Cinemagique and waited for it to start.
The parade route was really quiet so we had a great view of it and took plenty of photos.
Once the parade finished we decided to head back into the Disneyland park for lunch.
We ate at small place at the end of the arcade near Plaza Gardens (whose name escapes me right now but its a limited menu - toasties and pizza and thats about it), Croque Monsieurs (and the mushroom version for me) all round got us fuelled up for more rides.
So it was back via Fantasyland and Snow White, Pinnochio and the Carousel to Adventureland for POTC, through to Big Thunder for a fastpass and then a walk round to Woodys Roundup village. It was deserted.
I am not sure whether in summer there are plans for animals and things going but you could almost see the dustballs swirling around. We checked with the CM's outside Mickeys Winter Wonderland if Woody and Jessie were coming and they said they would be. And by the time they turned back round there they were. They stopped outside the Roundup and did photos and autographs although another time we passed they were in the Roundup which has a fab Stinky Pete photo point and one with Woodys horse which would be nice to get them by.
From there we went back for our BT fastpass and then straight back again for Mickeys WinterWonderland. It was a welcome relief for the feet. We've seen this show lots of times but still love it.
By the time this kicked out we decided to make our way slowly back towards the central plaza for the Candelabration. We decided to stand by the central stage near the disabled reserved spot and met a lovely CM who was chatting and fussing the kids and talking to one of our group who was an ex CM (Mickey Mouse). She told us that the characters came down from out of the castle and up to the centre stage so we were in a good spot.
Anyway at 5.50pm the sky was still light and streaked with pink so we thought the lighting ceremony might be a bit of a wash out. However by 6pm it was dark (how do Disney do that??? It must be the fairy dust)
The ceremony was everything we had expected it to be - we sang along to Just like we dreamed it and as there were no disabled guests in the reserved spot the CM allowed all the nearby kids to come into it and they got right to the gates next to the characters.
I videoed most of the ceremony so will post a link a the end of my final report if possible.
After the ceremony finished it was a bit of a scrum to get out so we headed down one of the arcades stopping near the railway station to say goodbye to Mickey who was stood on the balcony and to take a look back at the castle.
We'd decided on an early tea for the little ones that night but first it was over to the Sports Bbar to meet some friends who are current CMs and some of the guys from Planet Hollywood. A quick drink with them and half of the group went to Annettes for tea whilst the rest of us went back to the hotel to get changed.
At 8pm we headed back out to go to Rainforest Cafe. We've never eaten here before and found it to be really good. Service quick, lots to look at and you can use your Shareholder card for discount. A quick mooch round the shops in the village and we walked back to the hotel. Another mooch round the hotel shop and that was us all done in.
Roll on Day 3.....with a 7.30 am breakfast call.
