Thursday, October 31, 2013

2013 Holiday Day 12 - Disney Hollywood Studios

So it was back to Hollywood Studios today. We were a bit nervous, as it had been so busy the first day we had visited we had barely scratched the surface of the rides we wanted to do. We had three priorities; Fast Passes for Toy Story Mania, and ride Rock n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror...

Whilst Master and Mrs B jogged to Rock n Roller Coaster, where they had a 10 minute wait time I queued for Toy Story Mania Fast Passes. I say ' queue' as there wasn't really much of a queue, which was good news. I had to try and time the Fast Pass return times to fit around our dinner reservation so I let a few people in front of me before diving in and bagging the tickets. It was crazy, as the return times weren't going up in 5 minute intervals as they do for other rides - they were jumping in 30 minute intervals! Probably due to the popularity of this ride and the number of reservations made with Magic Bands using Fast Pass Plus. Anyway, I bagged the tickets and met Mrs and Master B as they exited their ride.

We all headed over to Tower of Terror where there was only a 5 minute queue! This was good news and it is a fabulous ride. You get bounced up and down in an elevator, and I thought it was a lot of fun - even though I don't usually like these 'thrill' rides. So even if you don't either - give it a go!

It was only 10.15 and we had done everything we had set out to do. We decided to head to the main plaza and see if any characters were out and we were lucky to see Donald and Daisy. Master B had his photo with both of them.

We stopped at Starring Rolls for some well deserved sustenance. We all had bakery goods, fruit and drinks and felt much refreshed. We then headed out of the park. We were intending to watch the show later, and didn't want to over do it, so we headed back to the hotel for a rest for an hour or so.

After a bit of a rest we headed back into the park and went to our dining reservation at Mama Melrose. Only a short wait and we were in and seated. Our server, Simon (from Birmingham, England!), gave us the menus and surprised us with what we could have. We booked the Fantasmic package, which gave us preferred seating at the Fantasmic show that evening, and also gave us starters, main course and puds - all for one Disney dining credit (you don't usually get starters). Mrs B and I went for the calamari, which was delicious and came with 3 dips, then I had the pasta and meatballs whilst the wife had chicken campanelle and we finished with a sharing dessert of three small puds. It was all pretty good. Master B had a pizza and some ice cream.

We then waddled along to Toy Story Mania where we skipped the lines with our Fast Passes and got straight on. Big difference from the massive queue we had last time! Anyway, that was good fun (although I think my gun was a little faulty).

We then headed to a firm family favourite: Lights, Motors, Action. This is a car stunt show and is a half hour of amazing car chases and stunts. It's cracking stuff and we always get wowed by it. One we will go back to again and again.

We slowed the pace a little after that and decided to get some photos done with some characters. We headed to the Magic of Animation section of the park where we saw Frozone and Mr Incredible (from The Incredibles), Vanelope and Ralph from Wreck It Ralph and Mickey dressed in his Fantasia costume (or as Master B put it - dressed like in Disney Infinity -ah the modern generation!).

It was pretty much time to head to Fantasmic and there was some jolly pre-show entertainment to keep us amused. Once the lights dimmed and the show started there was a spectacular water display with video projected onto it. Lot's of character involved too. It was much better than the Epcot fireworks, much more interesting, but I was still a little non-plussed by it. Mrs B loved it and Master B quite enjoyed it too, so I suspect we will pay a return visit. The preferred seating was front and centre, so really good seats, and if you are on the Dining Plan I'd recommend booking a Fantasmic package at participating park restaurants.

A late evening then, so it was pretty much home and bed. We did to a lot today and all agreed this should be a template on tackling Hollywood Studios for future visits.

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