We skipped Hollywood Studios last year because we had fewer days and there seemed less that would entertain a 2 year old a this park. I was excited to explore this park, but we knew it was going to be a different experience because we were going against the crowd calendar for the first time, not making rope drop for the first time, and had less on the agenda. It was like a whole new touring style for us.
Extra magic hours were at Hollywood Studios that day so it opened at 8, we got there right at 9, and walked straight to Toy Story Mania. There was already a line as expected so we did the Toy Story Character Greet. This was Goose's first non meal character great.
It went...okay...he really wasn't that into it.
After the great we decided to stand in line for Toy Story since our first fast pass wasn't until much later. This was our first time standing in a 20 minute stand by line...ever! It wasn't so bad. The ride was a lot of fun. I thought we did pretty good until I saw the high scores! Man oh man! I think Mr. Incredible wants to read up on strategy for next year.
After the ride we walked around Walt Disney, one Man's Dream. Which was really interesting. Mr. Incredible is fascinated by the operations of Disney World and by Walt's vision. I noticed he is reading two books on these subjects right now.
We tried to kill a bit of time at the Honey I shrunk the kids playground. I was really excited about this because I had heard such great things, but it was patch day for goose, and things can be extra scary on a patch day, and this was one of those times. He started climbing the stairs by the big dog nose, he heard the loud sound of the dog snorting and it scared him so bad. He was ready to leave.
We then headed over to Disney Jr. Live on Stage.
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We had a fastpass, but I am not sure if it was really needed. The seating all seems about the same. It was kind awkward for the parents to cram in on the floor and then just when you think you are settled they have you scootch forward.
At least it was air conditioned, and it wasn't long before the show started.
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Now the only shows Goose is familiar with are Mickey House Clubhouse and Jake the Pirate, but he was still thoroughly entertained, and it was fun watching him enjoy the show.
Next we walked around the magic of Disney animation, and Goose got to look at the display for the new planes movie, which is very exciting because it combines pretty much his favorite things, all they need is to add astronauts and they have the ultimate little boy movie!
It was almost lunch time and we didn't really have a plan so we decided to head toward the back lot tour. On the way Goose started talking about the dog in the playground again. He said "That dog was scary, but he was really just sad, is he otay?" I tried to explain he was pretend, but Goose wasn't buying it. I finally said, yes he is just sad, not scary. Goose decided he wanted to face the dog. (He doesn't like being afraid) So we made our way back to the playground instead. We made it through the gates, Goose walked bravely toward the dog, then stopped, turned around and headed out. He was not going to conquer this fear today.
Studio Catering was about to open so we decided to grab a table and get an early lunch, we were all hungry.
Mr. Incredible had the
Chicken Caesar Wrap - Oven-roasted Breast of Chicken, Romaine, Caesar Dressing, and Wheat Flour Tortilla served chilled with Coleslaw, Apple Slices, or French Fries
We didn't even take a picture, he didn't really like it.
I really liked my sandwich on the other hand. I got the
Toasted Tuscan Deli - Shaved Smoked Ham, Salami, Pepperoni, Provolone, Caesar Dressing, Pesto-marinated Vine-ripened Tomatoes, and a Tuscan Roll served with Coleslaw
It was pretty good. Of course this was also our first in park quick service so we really didn't know what to expect with that either.
Goose had the chicken nuggets, which were chicken nuggets and he enjoyed them as always.
After lunch we tried one more character great. Sully is Mr. Incredible's favorite and there wasn't much of a line so we stopped for a visit.
Goose enjoyed this one a lot more.
Then, it was time for our Lights, Motors, Action, Stunt show fast pass!
I am glad we had the fast pass for this because we got seated way earlier than everyone else, but boy was it hot! I would definitely do this show again, but with a large ice cold drink, and really wish I had brought the stroller fan! There was also really long wait for the show to start. Goose got ancy, so we were glad we had the sticker book in the bag.
The show itself, was worth the heat!
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Goose loved it!
We were so hot after the show we decided to turn in. I know we didn't see much of the park, but the heat and the crowds were working against us. We still had a fast pass for Toy Story too, but we were too tired for that. I wanted to try and book a fourth for when we went back to Epcot in the evening but I was told you can't unless you retrieve your final fastpass, so I asked the CM if I could go in and scan all our bracelets, she let me, and when I saw how long the fast pass line was, I was glad we decided to skip it.
We stopped for a picture on the way out.
We had a lot of fun but I also learned this is not our touring style. I felt like we did a lot of meandering, and didn't get much done. I don't know if that is more the nature of this park or if it was our attempt at a more laid back style. I also decided we wont go against the crowd calendars again! I always wondered if they were accurate, now I know!
Any tips for Hollywood Studios next year?I know we missed Star Wars, we definitely will do that next year.
Great Illuminations photos!
Disney lets me combine so many of my loves, planning, photography, travel, and fun time with family! It is great to share that excitement. The one's that look like paintings are edited in Light Room and then a tone mapping/HDR software called photomatrix. I really love that look too, especially when dealing with a subject matters as whimsical as Disney World!
: Glad you are enjoying the photos! Link your trip report! I would love to follow along!
