Jared
06-02-2008, 11:51 PM
Day One (http://intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=134419)
Day Two (http://intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=134582)
Sorry for the delay between days, folks. When life begins again, it becomes increasingly difficult to find a long enough block to hammer out another installment. As the trip grows further away, it starts to feel more like a distant memory than a recent occurrence. But tonight, as I sit here in my living room watching the Yankees game on television with my MacBook, I realized this would be the perfect time to share my third magical day. Thanks to Morgan and Joe for their instant messages and voice mails reminding and encouraging me to continue my report.
Saturday, May 24
This was the day I was waiting for since school ended. My beautiful girlfriend, Talie, who lives about 90 minutes away from Walt Disney World, planned to spend the day with my family and me in the parks. It had only been three weeks since we had been together, but it felt much longer. We spent countless cell phone minutes talking about and planning today, and it was finally here. We originally planned to visit Epcot, Talie’s favorite park, but after learning Toy Story Mania! would be open, the plan changed. We were going to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
My family followed the same morning routine as we did the day before. Those who wanted breakfast grabbed a table at the Beach Club Marketplace while everyone else got ready. We went out to the boat dock at around 8:45 a.m. and were through the park gates shortly after 9. Talie was on road somewhere and would meet us at the park.
We immediately made a beeline for Toy Story Mania!, knowing the ride would be packed shortly thereafter, so we hustled down Hollywood Boulevard to beat the line. I led my family to the backstreets, passing Star Tours and the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. We were walking somewhere in New York City when my family realized something was wrong. That was when I had to sheepishly admit I had no idea where the attraction was located and was hoping to just bump into it, or at least see a sign. For those who don’t know, the ride is in Animation Courtyard near Voyage of the Little Mermaid, or nowhere near where we were. I still don’t know my way around this park. I’ve been at least a dozen times, and I still get lost. It has no discernible shape like the Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom. Somehow, I knew we were lost when we were walking in seemingly an empty park. I suppose 95 percent of early park-goers made a beeline to either Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror or Toy Story Mania! I doubt many groups started their day with the Muppets.
So we grudgingly trekked back clear across the park. My family was angry. I had let them down — an unusual misstep for the intrepid planner — and now we had to face the consequences. Fortunately, the line was only 10 minutes, but it was growing, and we walked an extra 15 minutes for absolutely no reason other than my own stupidity. At least we’ll forever know the location of Toy Story Mania!.
The queue is extraordinary — the best I’ve ever seen for any Disney attraction. The floor is a giant Candy Land board, and there are huge toys all around. And that’s before reaching Mr. Potato Head. He talks and sings and moves more realistically than any Animatronic I had ever seen. My only complaint was the line was too short, and we didn’t have enough time to marvel at Mr. Potato Head and his surroundings. That would change later in the day. I would spend more than enough time on that line.
When we reached the loading area, I only hoped the ride lived up to its setup. Immediately, I started trying the pull-string shooting action, which was easy and fun. It also makes a really cool noise. I don’t understand all the fuss about the string because it is clearly simpler and better than the impossible-to-use buttons on the guns on Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.
Suddenly, we were off, careening around a funhouse for a few seconds before stopping in front of the first screen. The ride vehicles are zippy and bumpy, zooming around sharp turns a lot faster than the average dark ride. Obviously, the ride movement is not the star here, but you really hum from game to game.
As most of you have read, the first game is a practice round, in which guests fire pies at a target held by a Toy Story character. The pie leaves a mark around the scene, sticking to the back wall and ceiling, even making a mess on the character if you are so inclined to try banana cream Woody. The real games include firing baseballs at plates, shooting darts at balloons, tossing rings, among others.
I was absolutely giddy during the ride, similar to how I reacted the first time I rode Soarin’ Toy Story Mania! is an absolute winner in every way, and my entire family agreed. It is a truly special attraction that succeeds on literally every level. The games are fun and the effects are extraordinary. It really makes the Buzz Lightyear ride in the Magic Kingdom feel outdated and silly. I stink at Buzz, but I beat my brother on Toy Story Mania!! It is so nice to actually see the projectile come out of the gun and know right away where it lands. Honestly, I wish I could have played another four or five games. This is a ride that will see gigantic crowds all day every day and will run out of FASTPASSes by early afternoon, no question. There is a single-riders line as well.
Proving my point, the wait time had extended to 20 minutes by the time we exited, but that was no deterrent. Talie had not yet arrived, so we lined back up. Unfortunately, the ride broke down literally as we were waiting in our rows ready to board the next car. Actually, seeing Toy Story Mania! go offline was one of the more fascinating things I have ever seen at Disney. Moments after a Cast Member seemed to be having a problem, four or five very official-looking colleagues, probably Imagineers, suddenly emerged from hidden doors and corners around the room. It seemed like the higher-ups were stationed prepared for a problem, ready to pounce at the slightest hiccup. The Cast Members tried to quickly troubleshoot the issue to no avail, so the attraction had to be evacuated. Too bad, because the rest of my family would not get another opportunity to ride this trip. I would. More on that later.
As we were leaving the building, Talie called telling me she had finally arrived. We started walking back toward the park entrance. My family turned down Sunset Boulevard to obtain FASTPASSes for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster while I continued forward to meet Talie. We ran the final 100 feet or so after we made eye contact, creating a perfectly romantic reuniting perfect for the movies. The setting could not have been better.
We moseyed hand in hand toward Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to meet my family, who had FASTPASSes for Justin, Elyssa, Talie and me. With a couple hours to kill, we decided to try The Great Movie Ride, which Talie had never ridden. I know this thing is old and dilapidated, but I still think it is a technological marvel worth a ride each trip. As a film buff, I still get such a kick riding passed scenes from classics like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “The Wizard of Oz.”
Gangsters overran our car, but our fearless guide miraculously returned to finish the ride. Do they ever use the western show anymore? I’ve had the mobster show constantly for years.
Next, the four kids decided to ride Star Tours while my parents settle for Sounds Dangerous. My parents cannot handle simulators. Star Tours is one of my brother’s favorite attractions, though, and I am always glad to ride with him. We sat in the back row, which always seems jostle and bump a little more. Shockingly, it was our pilot’s first flight, and the ride was incredibly shaky. You would not believe what it took for us to reach Endor! That thing really needs to get used to its programming.
When we returned from space, my parents were still chilling with Drew Carey, so we decided return to use our Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster FASTPASSes. They would meet us outside the ride. Justin and I never expected Elyssa to try the coaster, especially considering her escapades at Space Mountain the night before. Knowing Talie, I didn’t think she would ride, either. I think they fed off each other in a strange psychic feminine telepathic understanding Justin and I could never understand. Either they both would ride or neither would ride, and I was quite impressed they were bold enough to line up. Now Justin and I just needed to keep Elyssa from opening her eyes after the pre-show as we were walking into the alley, so she wouldn’t have to see a couple limos blast off.
Fortunately for the two girls, we were seated near the back of the vehicle. I sat next to Talie to hold her hand for the take-off. Justin sat next to Elyssa, probably just to tease her. Well, Elyssa loved the ride. So did Talie. I was happy to see my little scaredy-cat sister handle the baddest ride in the World. This is arguably Justin’s favorite ride in any of the four parks, so he didn’t care what anyone else thought. He was in heaven loop-de-looping to the Aerosmith concert. We had “Walk This Way” playing, if anyone was wondering.
My parents were waiting for us at the exit, equally impressed Elyssa (and Talie) survived, and we decided to check the wait at Toy Story Mania! because Talie hadn’t ridden and everyone wanted to try again. Sadly for the rest of my family, the line was 60 minutes, and nobody wanted to stand that long, even in the amazing queue area, so we decided to break for lunch at Backlot Express.
For years, we have complained about the horrible counter service options in this park. I have written so many posts criticizing the embarrassingly pathetic selections for groups looking for decent food for lunch like Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom or Sunshine Season Food Fair in Epcot.
Day Two (http://intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=134582)
Sorry for the delay between days, folks. When life begins again, it becomes increasingly difficult to find a long enough block to hammer out another installment. As the trip grows further away, it starts to feel more like a distant memory than a recent occurrence. But tonight, as I sit here in my living room watching the Yankees game on television with my MacBook, I realized this would be the perfect time to share my third magical day. Thanks to Morgan and Joe for their instant messages and voice mails reminding and encouraging me to continue my report.
Saturday, May 24
This was the day I was waiting for since school ended. My beautiful girlfriend, Talie, who lives about 90 minutes away from Walt Disney World, planned to spend the day with my family and me in the parks. It had only been three weeks since we had been together, but it felt much longer. We spent countless cell phone minutes talking about and planning today, and it was finally here. We originally planned to visit Epcot, Talie’s favorite park, but after learning Toy Story Mania! would be open, the plan changed. We were going to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
My family followed the same morning routine as we did the day before. Those who wanted breakfast grabbed a table at the Beach Club Marketplace while everyone else got ready. We went out to the boat dock at around 8:45 a.m. and were through the park gates shortly after 9. Talie was on road somewhere and would meet us at the park.
We immediately made a beeline for Toy Story Mania!, knowing the ride would be packed shortly thereafter, so we hustled down Hollywood Boulevard to beat the line. I led my family to the backstreets, passing Star Tours and the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. We were walking somewhere in New York City when my family realized something was wrong. That was when I had to sheepishly admit I had no idea where the attraction was located and was hoping to just bump into it, or at least see a sign. For those who don’t know, the ride is in Animation Courtyard near Voyage of the Little Mermaid, or nowhere near where we were. I still don’t know my way around this park. I’ve been at least a dozen times, and I still get lost. It has no discernible shape like the Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom. Somehow, I knew we were lost when we were walking in seemingly an empty park. I suppose 95 percent of early park-goers made a beeline to either Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror or Toy Story Mania! I doubt many groups started their day with the Muppets.
So we grudgingly trekked back clear across the park. My family was angry. I had let them down — an unusual misstep for the intrepid planner — and now we had to face the consequences. Fortunately, the line was only 10 minutes, but it was growing, and we walked an extra 15 minutes for absolutely no reason other than my own stupidity. At least we’ll forever know the location of Toy Story Mania!.
The queue is extraordinary — the best I’ve ever seen for any Disney attraction. The floor is a giant Candy Land board, and there are huge toys all around. And that’s before reaching Mr. Potato Head. He talks and sings and moves more realistically than any Animatronic I had ever seen. My only complaint was the line was too short, and we didn’t have enough time to marvel at Mr. Potato Head and his surroundings. That would change later in the day. I would spend more than enough time on that line.
When we reached the loading area, I only hoped the ride lived up to its setup. Immediately, I started trying the pull-string shooting action, which was easy and fun. It also makes a really cool noise. I don’t understand all the fuss about the string because it is clearly simpler and better than the impossible-to-use buttons on the guns on Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.
Suddenly, we were off, careening around a funhouse for a few seconds before stopping in front of the first screen. The ride vehicles are zippy and bumpy, zooming around sharp turns a lot faster than the average dark ride. Obviously, the ride movement is not the star here, but you really hum from game to game.
As most of you have read, the first game is a practice round, in which guests fire pies at a target held by a Toy Story character. The pie leaves a mark around the scene, sticking to the back wall and ceiling, even making a mess on the character if you are so inclined to try banana cream Woody. The real games include firing baseballs at plates, shooting darts at balloons, tossing rings, among others.
I was absolutely giddy during the ride, similar to how I reacted the first time I rode Soarin’ Toy Story Mania! is an absolute winner in every way, and my entire family agreed. It is a truly special attraction that succeeds on literally every level. The games are fun and the effects are extraordinary. It really makes the Buzz Lightyear ride in the Magic Kingdom feel outdated and silly. I stink at Buzz, but I beat my brother on Toy Story Mania!! It is so nice to actually see the projectile come out of the gun and know right away where it lands. Honestly, I wish I could have played another four or five games. This is a ride that will see gigantic crowds all day every day and will run out of FASTPASSes by early afternoon, no question. There is a single-riders line as well.
Proving my point, the wait time had extended to 20 minutes by the time we exited, but that was no deterrent. Talie had not yet arrived, so we lined back up. Unfortunately, the ride broke down literally as we were waiting in our rows ready to board the next car. Actually, seeing Toy Story Mania! go offline was one of the more fascinating things I have ever seen at Disney. Moments after a Cast Member seemed to be having a problem, four or five very official-looking colleagues, probably Imagineers, suddenly emerged from hidden doors and corners around the room. It seemed like the higher-ups were stationed prepared for a problem, ready to pounce at the slightest hiccup. The Cast Members tried to quickly troubleshoot the issue to no avail, so the attraction had to be evacuated. Too bad, because the rest of my family would not get another opportunity to ride this trip. I would. More on that later.
As we were leaving the building, Talie called telling me she had finally arrived. We started walking back toward the park entrance. My family turned down Sunset Boulevard to obtain FASTPASSes for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster while I continued forward to meet Talie. We ran the final 100 feet or so after we made eye contact, creating a perfectly romantic reuniting perfect for the movies. The setting could not have been better.
We moseyed hand in hand toward Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to meet my family, who had FASTPASSes for Justin, Elyssa, Talie and me. With a couple hours to kill, we decided to try The Great Movie Ride, which Talie had never ridden. I know this thing is old and dilapidated, but I still think it is a technological marvel worth a ride each trip. As a film buff, I still get such a kick riding passed scenes from classics like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “The Wizard of Oz.”
Gangsters overran our car, but our fearless guide miraculously returned to finish the ride. Do they ever use the western show anymore? I’ve had the mobster show constantly for years.
Next, the four kids decided to ride Star Tours while my parents settle for Sounds Dangerous. My parents cannot handle simulators. Star Tours is one of my brother’s favorite attractions, though, and I am always glad to ride with him. We sat in the back row, which always seems jostle and bump a little more. Shockingly, it was our pilot’s first flight, and the ride was incredibly shaky. You would not believe what it took for us to reach Endor! That thing really needs to get used to its programming.
When we returned from space, my parents were still chilling with Drew Carey, so we decided return to use our Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster FASTPASSes. They would meet us outside the ride. Justin and I never expected Elyssa to try the coaster, especially considering her escapades at Space Mountain the night before. Knowing Talie, I didn’t think she would ride, either. I think they fed off each other in a strange psychic feminine telepathic understanding Justin and I could never understand. Either they both would ride or neither would ride, and I was quite impressed they were bold enough to line up. Now Justin and I just needed to keep Elyssa from opening her eyes after the pre-show as we were walking into the alley, so she wouldn’t have to see a couple limos blast off.
Fortunately for the two girls, we were seated near the back of the vehicle. I sat next to Talie to hold her hand for the take-off. Justin sat next to Elyssa, probably just to tease her. Well, Elyssa loved the ride. So did Talie. I was happy to see my little scaredy-cat sister handle the baddest ride in the World. This is arguably Justin’s favorite ride in any of the four parks, so he didn’t care what anyone else thought. He was in heaven loop-de-looping to the Aerosmith concert. We had “Walk This Way” playing, if anyone was wondering.
My parents were waiting for us at the exit, equally impressed Elyssa (and Talie) survived, and we decided to check the wait at Toy Story Mania! because Talie hadn’t ridden and everyone wanted to try again. Sadly for the rest of my family, the line was 60 minutes, and nobody wanted to stand that long, even in the amazing queue area, so we decided to break for lunch at Backlot Express.
For years, we have complained about the horrible counter service options in this park. I have written so many posts criticizing the embarrassingly pathetic selections for groups looking for decent food for lunch like Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom or Sunshine Season Food Fair in Epcot.