Turn the Bus Around and Take Us Back to Disney! *COMPLETED*

[Denovagirl]

So obviously, our next destination was a creepy one indeed, The Twilight Zones Tower of Terror!!



This is one impressive place! The theming is done so well and the line queue, though I breezed through it, was just so impressive. Every little detail was done perfectly. Well done, Disney!



Sorry not many photos inside, the line was moving too fast, we basically got on!

Soon we were waiting in line to be let into the creep-tacular library! One inside, it was clear something wasnt right&perhaps something funny did happen to all the guests of the Hollywood Tower Hotel?!?!

We would soon fine out! After the short film, we made our way through the seedy underbelly of the hotel and soon found ourselves in the midst of the service elevators! EEEP! The bellhop in my line was particularly creepy! He had the look, the voice, everything down sooooo so so good! He found out it was our first time riding and he made sure to warn us in particular!

Soon enough we were being loaded into the elevator and before we knew what even happened to us we were off to the twilight zone!

This ride was so much FUN! I loved it! I was laughing and screaming and smiling the whole way through, a truly great job all around with this one!



We found this photo highly amusing, as Bob seems practically unaffected that he was being dropped from the air about thirteen stories! But he swears he had a great time! I also love the couple in the back kissing and especially the very frightened lady in the front row! I swear, the ride photos are so worth the money, there is always someone worth looking at!

Next the second group got to go, and I got the great pleasure of riding twice!



So much fun! After this we were close by so we headed to another thrill, The Rockin Roller Coaster!



I staid back with the kiddos by myself and let everyone go for the first ride.



Clearly, it was tons of fun, but pretty jerk-y from what Margo told me. Well, time for me to find out!

Again, the queue is amaze-balls, I loved the holographic Aerosmith jam session. The ride vehicle was also equally awesome! I caught this great pic of Lacis wind-blown hair from her first ride while we were in line&







The ride was alright to me, the take-off was super crazy fun, but after that it was not too exciting to me, though I didnt find the ride to jerk-y, just not something I would ride over and over, but definitely will ride each time I go to WDW.



This guy next to Laci cracks me up, he actually looks pissed to be riding this roller coaster, haha&who knows!?

We were pretty thrilled out now, so we decided to walk around and explore some shops and our surroundings for a bit. I was feeling sooooooo GREAT about now. I had accomplished everything I set out to do in Hollywood Studios, aside from Fantasmic, which we would see later that night. I could now enjoy some browsing without feeling like I needed to get somewhere to do something! Thats a good feeling! J

Some pics I snapped walking around, I love this Fantasmic sign!





So we perused some shops along the street and made our way back to the Sorcerer Hat because there was obviously something going on&turns out it was the Monster University Homecoming! They had a very energetic monster band playing some fun hits, so we stopped and watched for a short bit.



Then I noticed a fun little beverage stand&





Olivia got some sort of glowing juice/7 up concoction, while I had something fun too&I dont remember much of what it was other than it featured RUM! J The drinks both came with some light up ice cubes, so we enjoyed that!

Slowly we made our way back around the park towards the Streets of NY area, just enjoying our drink and the fun sights around us.

When we happened upon Pizza Planet we decided to go ahead and stop and eat, since this was the meal we were planning on that day.




Next, The One With the Best Show Ever!
​

 

[Denovagirl]

We had heard from close friends of ours that the food wasn’t anything to write home about, so I didn’t have high expectations, but being in the Toy Story mood for the day we decided to give it a go anyway…plus Chris really wanted to play a crane game to win an Alien toy for Maddie, since apparently they do not sale one! (I know, right?!?)

Well we ended up getting 2 peperoni pizza meals with caesar salads to share…and as told, the pizza was not great, not even good. Olivia barely ate one small piece, minus the crust, Maddie took one bite and threw her piece on the ground, and I ate 2 pieces because they were there. The salads were good though, I ate mine and most of Chris’…if I could go back I would have just gotten the large salad as my meal.



Margo and Bob both got the meatball subs though, and they looked pretty good, better than the pizza at least…. And Chris and I got two ginormous cupcakes! Chris had the seasonal strawberry one, and I got the cappuccino cupcake!



Sadly, I was still too full so I took mine to go, and it didn’t survive the bus ride home so I never even got to try it! Chris said his was great though.

Not only was the food at PP a let down, but the actual place was too…. There was hardly anything inside to make it seem Toy Story related at all except a few aliens on the ceiling, and to top it off, no crane game!!! What! Are you serious Disney!??!?!? The main thing that happens in the PP on the movie is the Aliens in the crane game!!!!!! Wow….BIG disappointment. It was just another aracade, blahhh. So loud, not themed well, and sub-par food. I wouldn’t recommend PP. Sorry guys…






But we weren't about to get our spirits down, the meal was not our best, but we still had fun, Olivia got to play a few games, and soon we were on our way to more exploring!

Moving on…we explored a little in the Muppets area, however the show was closed today so we could only look around.



Then we went to the VACANT Streets of NY area! Wow, like mayyyyybe one or two other people walking around, other than that we like owned the place!

I had to take a picture of this, because back in Boerne we have a place called China Bowl, and it’s my favorite Chinese food. 



And we took a couple other shots too…





Soon we happened upon some sort of tv themed area, there were all sorts of tv posters for current shows…Chris smelled some coffee and sure enough, he found a news store with some, so he ran in and grabbed a cup. Then we decided to head back to the TSM and ride again, because everyone really loved it.

Took a few shots along the way, of course…







There was a really sweet dude putting stickers on all the strollers for the kiddos and he gave Liv and Maddie a sticker. 

Then we got in line, for hardly no time…





And soon we were off!! And GUESS WHAT GUYS!!!????!?!? I WON! Best in car, which included my police, shooting-trained hubby! Yea, yea, so what if he says he had to hold the baby in his lap…lol..




After our ride we still had a little time to kill before the 10pm showing of Fantasmic so I asked if we could go do ToT again, in the dark this time! Chris said his tummy was still a little iffy from his first go on it, so Margo, Bob and I went!



This was my favorite ride yet! It is so much more fun at night because it is super dark, even when you are facing the outside! I loved it!



I would have rode again, but now they were seating for the show, so let’s go!!!! We parked the stroller and I grabbed the kids Mickey light spinners that were in their welcome baskets and then we were there!!

We got great seats, right in the center all the way at the top, where the wheelchair accessible seating was. I didn’t mind being up high because it actually gave us a wonderful view and we were able to get out quick afterwards.

Wow. Can I just say…this show was…just wow. I can’t even explain it, it was beyond anything I have ever seen before. It had it all, magic, fireworks, characters, fire, bad guys, effects…. I think this was my favorite thing out of everything we did the entire time. Literally was on the edge of my seat with goosebumps because it was just that good. I will ALWAYS make it a priority to stay late for this show while at WDW…I really wish we could have seen it twice. I just loved every second.

Olivia, too, was just sooooo intrigued. Even Maddie just stared out and enjoyed the show. It was brilliant. I hope they always keep this show forever.








Anyhow, after the show we made our way to the buses and lost each other in the process, but it was okay, because by the time we finally found each other at the bus stop the crowds were nearly gone (most had left after the first showing of Fantasmic) and we hopped on a bus!

When we got back to AoA the kids were out, so we changed them and put them to bed. It was a late night, the latest so far and I was tired.

I don’t think I remembered to mention it yet, but our room was unusually warm. We keep it COLD at our casa, and we sleep in freezing temps in our house, like 63-65 degrees… well the lowest the thermostat will go at AoA is like 68 I believe, but for some reason our room felt much hotter. Like I literally woke up sweating the previous two nights, so I was not looking forward to bed. Well, tonight Chris had enough so he climbed on a chair to inspect our vent and lo-and-behold…the vent was turned so that it was nearly closed! Halleluiah! It FINALLY cooled down that night and I got a good night’s sleep, despite the crappy mattresses Disney uses… so if your room is to warm make sure to check those vents!!

So I showered, got stuff ready for the next day, and did my nightly updating and by the time I laid my head on my pillow it was 1:30am! Sheesh, good thing it was restful sleep, because we had to get up bright and early to go meet some animals at the Animal Kingdom!!

Next, The One With the Forgotton Recap!
​

 

[Denovagirl]

How fun and special - especially with Woody taking your daughter's hand. Great pictures. I agree that the silhouette t-shirts are the easiest (again thank you for letting me steal your ideas.)

Thanks! Of course!

 

[Denovagirl]

Don't you just love those little magic moments at Disney! That picture was so sweet! Your HS morning was a dream! Way to go with your planning!

Thanks!!!! It was very magical!

 

[Denovagirl]

Enjoying your TR! Congrats on it being your 1st Disney trip as well! Glad I found your TR since your girls are the same age my two girls will be when I'm planning for our first official family (mom/dad/girls) Disney trip. My DH isn't a Disney fan so he's refusing to go with us until our oldest can ride the faster rides. Silly goose.

So thankful yall didn't lose your video camera! Leaving the camera hanging on the back of a chair happened to me as well a couple trips ago. We were eating at Cosmic Ray's right before the MNSSHP was starting and I didn't realize I had forgotten it until we were about to meet the princesses. Talk about high anxiety! We rushed back to Comic Rays and a CM that we had talked to had found my camera and got it for me.

The pics around TLM section were so cute! Can't wait to see more of your TR!

Thanks! Glad you found me!

That was a scary moment! I pretty much kept it strapped to me after that!

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh my gosh... So many updates...

I've only read the first two... I will be back later to catch up on the rest.

First of all... You do KNOW - right... the fact that you did not get a family photo in front of the hat is an AUTOMATIC cause for a whole trip re-do??? Totally serious!

Secondly... I know, I know, I just have to say it... Also, the fact that you went to 50's PT and didn't order a PB&J Shake... The only reason this could be excused is if you have a peanut allergy... Otherwise - this is also cause for a trip re-do.

I cannot believe how much you were able to accomplish, maybe we just don't try as hard as we should?

Your girls are - as usual - so adorable!!!

D~

 

[babynala]

So it was the Indiana Jones hat. Love that your DH was rockin' the IJ hat.

Love your ride photos. Might just have to ride ToT a few times to get my money out of the PP+. The faces of the other riders are probably priceless.

That one of Bob is too funny because he looks like he is sitting still in a chair watching TV or something.

Glad you enjoyed Prime Time. I love the bar area/waiting room too, I walk around taking pictures of stuff and sending them to my sisters with the tag line "Aunt so-and-so had this in her living room", etc.

No claw at Pizza Planet??? I guess Disney wants you to buy the stuffed animals, not win them but very strange they don't sell an alien. Love those aliens!!!

Bummer that Olivia got turned away for the 2nd spin on Star Tours. So sad she was brought to tears but it looks like the light saber made her happy again.

So Fantasmic was your favorite from the entire trip? This is on my must do for this trip since we have only seen it one time and that was 4 years ago so the kids probably don't remember it.

I just noticed your Friends reference.

 

[AngieTank]

Call me crazy but I LOVE the pizza planet pizza I don't know why but I like it so much better than the flatbreads they have elsewhere in the parks and even our local pizza place at home.

 

[STLMickeyMom]

So first I have to say that when I check the DIS and see you've updated, I get so excited! I just love your TR!! Second, HS is my second favorite park after MK so I won't go into how much I loved everything in this report.

I thought you all might be headed to Indiana Jones. The hat was a good hint!

The girls are adorable as always!

And I loved hearing about 50s prime time. We are going there for the first time on our trip. Did anybody get in trouble for having their elbows on the table or have to go wash dishes when you were there? I think I might try to get in trouble when we go!

Can't wait for more!

P.S. I love fantasmic too!!!

 

[Jackiemarie21]

Just finsihed reading the rest of your HS day and I am so impressed with all you got accomplished! TOT is such a great ride! I think it is one of the best! We did prime time cafe on our honeymoon and it was awesome! The chicken is so good.
Another great update, keep them coming!

 

[Chicago Mo]

FAVORITE Update!!!
HS is my favorite!!! Besides MK.. TOT is the BEST RIDE EVER! i could ride that all day!

Fantasmic! BEST. SHOW. EVER! you had great seats too! smart to bring the kids light up toys!!!

Your doing GREAT for a first timer Trip report!!!

 

[kalee45]

Loving your TR! we are planning a late May/early June trip for DD's high school graduation next year and she wants to stay at AoA in the LM section, so I was super glad to see your pic's from that resort! We haven't been since 2011 So i am really pumped to be going back your family is lovely, great that everyone gets along. Your girls make me miss my little girls--thay are 20, almost 18, and almost 16 now! Thankfully they all still LOVE Disney! And of course, I have my little guy (I call him my 40th birthday present haha) DS7 to keep me young! Even my DH is a secret WDW lover He never researches or gushes like we do, but when i talk about a Disney vacay he quietly says, "Yeah, that's always the BEST vacation!" Looking forward to hearing/seeing more of your great Disney memories

 

[sweetpeaandevie]

WOW!!!! You were going strong all day every day.....somehow I think we are all just a little too lazy to do as much as you did, I doubt we will open and close any of the parks without a break in the afternoon


Did you need a vacation from your vacation?

Everything looks so fun so far. I know you are itching to go back...

 

[spiritsim]

DHS looks better than I imagined glad you shared your pics now I am excited to go I was kind of wondering if I would like that park at all. Of course I don't do coasters bad for my ticker. So I will sit out with the girls... and that goes for TOT too not going there......lol But love the rest of the park and your pics are great.

 

[Denovagirl]

Oh my gosh... So many updates...

I've only read the first two... I will be back later to catch up on the rest.

First of all... You do KNOW - right... the fact that you did not get a family photo in front of the hat is an AUTOMATIC cause for a whole trip re-do??? Totally serious!

Secondly... I know, I know, I just have to say it... Also, the fact that you went to 50's PT and didn't order a PB&J Shake... The only reason this could be excused is if you have a peanut allergy... Otherwise - this is also cause for a trip re-do.

I cannot believe how much you were able to accomplish, maybe we just don't try as hard as we should?

Your girls are - as usual - so adorable!!!

D~

Haha! I do realize the no hat pic is grounds for a trip re-do, and I fully intend on doing just that!

My sis in law actually did get the pb&j shake, most of us tried it, but amazingly I am not that big on pb or j so I didn't. I know...I am weird...

 

[Denovagirl]

DHS looks better than I imagined glad you shared your pics now I am excited to go I was kind of wondering if I would like that park at all. Of course I don't do coasters bad for my ticker. So I will sit out with the girls... and that goes for TOT too not going there......lol But love the rest of the park and your pics are great.

Thanks! I think this is my 2nd favorite park behind MK. Because well MK is just Disney at its finest. But this park was the most FUN! I loved the shows and rides and characters here. Youll love it!

 

[Denovagirl]

WOW!!!! You were going strong all day every day.....somehow I think we are all just a little too lazy to do as much as you did, I doubt we will open and close any of the parks without a break in the afternoon


Did you need a vacation from your vacation?

Everything looks so fun so far. I know you are itching to go back...

Haha, I went into this fully intending to do a mid day break, but we just didn't want to leave!! We did open to close pretty much every day and I cant even believe we were walking! But the Disney magic got us through! I def needed a vacation from my vacation when I got home! Next time I will do a mid stay rest day for sure!

 

[Denovagirl]

Loving your TR! we are planning a late May/early June trip for DD's high school graduation next year and she wants to stay at AoA in the LM section, so I was super glad to see your pic's from that resort! We haven't been since 2011 So i am really pumped to be going back your family is lovely, great that everyone gets along. Your girls make me miss my little girls--thay are 20, almost 18, and almost 16 now! Thankfully they all still LOVE Disney! And of course, I have my little guy (I call him my 40th birthday present haha) DS7 to keep me young! Even my DH is a secret WDW lover He never researches or gushes like we do, but when i talk about a Disney vacay he quietly says, "Yeah, that's always the BEST vacation!" Looking forward to hearing/seeing more of your great Disney memories

Hehe, thanks!

You will love the LM rooms at AoA, the whole resort is just beyond words, really incredible. Youre never too old for Disney, and families who Disney together, stay together!

And its soooo nice when the hubby is on board! Thank goodness mine is! He wouldn't be able to put up with me otherwise!

 

[Denovagirl]

FAVORITE Update!!!
HS is my favorite!!! Besides MK.. TOT is the BEST RIDE EVER! i could ride that all day!

Fantasmic! BEST. SHOW. EVER! you had great seats too! smart to bring the kids light up toys!!!

Your doing GREAT for a first timer Trip report!!!

Thanks! I feel exactly the same on all of the above!!! I LOVED HS! I think I had the most fun and got the most accomplished in this park. The weather we had that day and everything just made it a fantastic day. Id venture to say its my fave, but obviously MK will always take that spot because its just classic Disney, but this is a close second, maybe even a tie!

 

[Denovagirl]

Just finsihed reading the rest of your HS day and I am so impressed with all you got accomplished! TOT is such a great ride! I think it is one of the best! We did prime time cafe on our honeymoon and it was awesome! The chicken is so good.
Another great update, keep them coming!

Thanks!! The chicken was amazing!

I am working on the next updates now!