I was up at by 7 am. DD wanted to do TSM and the only way we were going to pull this off was by being at the Studios before park opening. We had the Halloween Party on tonight
so that meant to make our day worthwhile we would need an early start and not to be messing about. I told DD that we had to leave DHS by 1 pm as I knew she would want to come back to the resort and swim to cool off before heading out for the party and it made sense to get to MK a bit earlier so we could make the most of it.
DD was tired and I had a hard time getting her up but we managed to squeeze in breakfast at the food court before heading out to wait for the bus.
We arrived at DHS in time and waited with the hoard of people already standing there until the CMs walked us all through to TSM. We arrived to be met with a line stretching out beyond where we could see, which turned out to be the FP line.
I have this thing in my mind about TSM that it isnt worth it. I have built up this idea because over the years, reading all the hype and strategies about it makes me wonder if it has been made out to be so much more than what it really is. I said to DD the wait was going to be long (there were a few tour groups in front of us, which didnt help matters) but we could do it if she wanted to. She asked, in her own words, what that would cost us in terms of the rest of the day and I explained that there would be only one or two RnR and a ToT as we were probably going to lose the best part of an hour waiting. However I emphasised again that this is why we had arrived early and if she wanted to do it, I was quite happy with that and we could wait. She mulled it over for a few seconds and said she would much rather have several rides on RnR and go meet Mickey and Minnie. We did stop for a quick photo with one of the Green Army men. They are so cool!!
Wasting no time with our change of plans, we made a beeline for RnR.
You could see that aside from the TSM area, the park was still pretty much desserted.
Standby time was posted at 5 minutes, which meant walk on and it was just that. We also werent subjected to the pre-show, which I dont mind at all, but if you are riding several times in a row it does get a bit old.
On our exit we stopped to admire ourselves in the pictures (I love my Orlando Face Lift on the RnR
) before heading straight around to collect a FastPass. We couldnt get a FP for ToT and DDs attention was caught by the street performers so we stood and laughed like idiots for a good 15 minutes before hitting the Sunset Candy Store for pick n mix jelly beans so I could finally put a stop to the ongoing requests for the darn things. Actually jelly beans are one of my favourite candies and often have a neck in neck battle with chocolate in my books. So I helped her choose a few extra flavours while she filled her bag (and dutifully helped them disappear as well).
Since we were right there it seemed like a good idea to get our lunch from Starrin Rolls. The line was already fairly long and the rather small seating area was completely packed and it was only 10 am. The plan was to get a sandwich and box it so we could eat it later. We chose a turkey focaccia, DD picked a bag of kettle crisps and a marble cupcake. I am always completely amazed at the quantity of turkey they put on the sandwiches there. I thought that would do packed lunches for DD for a week! We also took a juice, picking up a few containers on our way out so we could pack it all and put it in my backpack for later.
We ended up having to find a corner on the ground to pack it as there was no room to sit at all, but we were in a hurry as our FP window had opened up for RnR which meant we could now collect one for ToT (which we were intending to ride earlier, before the distraction by the Street Performers).
We first got our ToT FP and then went around for our last ride on RnR. As we hit the first invert, my mind was drawn to the cupcake in my backpack,
and I wondered if we would need to collect some spoons or straws on our way out.
We checked the times guide for show times as we were wanting to watch Lights Motors Action, but the only show of the day started just before lunch time so it wasnt going to work.
Next stop was Animation Courtyard to meet a few characters. DD surprised me by wanting to meet some of the Playhouse Disney ones
as she would normally not give them the time of day at this age. I love that Disney turns even kids into little kids!
We also stood in a rather long line to Meet Sorcerer Mickey. You cant go to DHS without a pic of him with his hat on!
We also found Minnie, DDs favourite character and had to stop for an autograph. DD decided to get her Minnie cap autographed. I always enjoy the expression on her face as she watches the characters sign. I havent posted too many pics of this, but I just love the look on her face while she waits for the signature. I looked through the others and noticed this a common expression.
Once the autographs had been penned into the book and onto the cap Minnie placed her hands on top of DDs head and I snapped off a few shots. This one is a keeper for me.
We wandered about stopping to look at things and take photos. I have never cared too much for DHS but I have to give it this much: if you have time to just walk around and can forgo some rides and shows for a few hours there are such great photo ops here.
The time had finally arrived for us to make use of our FPs for ToT. This was our first ride on this attraction; DD had not wanted to do it before but this time she was very keen. I had some fun with her pretending to be scared and enjoying the way she so carefully reassured me that she was there and she would hold my hand I only needed to tell her if it was too scary!
Actually, it was a little spooky. I dont like anything remotely eerie and it was the pre-show that got me on edge, as I had expected.
Despite having FPs it took a good 20 minutes to get through the line and into the loading area. A guy in front of us struck up conversation with DD and they were enjoying some banter between them while we waited. He pointed out his son, daughter and grandson ahead of him in the line. When we seated ourselves in the ride, they were behind us.
Well DD loved the ride as expected and was disappointed that we didnt have time to collect another FP before leaving. As we exited, we stopped to view the photos which I decided not to buy. I had my head turned towards DD anyway in the pic so it seemed a bit of a waste. Next thing I heard someone calling me by and turned around and there was the guy who had been chatting to us. He said he was thinking of buying the photo and asked if I wanted to go halves on a package since it is cheaper than the single prints. DD wanted the pic so I bought it. I will scan that one in and post it here as well.
It had just gone 12.30 pm as we headed out of the park so we had done well with our timing and done what we wanted to do for the day (except for TSM and LMA). We picked on the sandwich we bought at Starrin Rolls earlier while we waited for the bus back to POFQ.
The afternoon was spent transferring photos from the SD card to the laptop and then cooling off at the pool. After our showers (without incident this time) we went to the foodcourt for some dinner, despite it being so early. I was not taking time out of a party night to mess around looking for somewhere and something to eat and figured we could always stop at MSB if we got hungry later. I got a chicken baguette for DD and a salad for myself. Total waste of food between us. I got her a big meal as she insisted she was starving and I suspected she wouldn't eat the bread on her plate anyway, but seriously, we could have shared one of those plates. Although I must admit, I did finish my salad!
Yum!
Having eaten our fill we returned to our room for DD to put on her Rosetta costume before gathering our things and getting ready for our party.
Coming up: Part 2 -
MNSSHP