The Tale of the Grow Walk ….Hunh? photo Report

[jenseib]

I arrived and went in and the 2 people I had been corresponding with met right up with me. I was confused at first because the guy had told me that he had a meeting that day and wouldn’t be able to join us. I am not sure they want their names used, so I will call them Lucy and Sam. Sam said he was on his way out but wanted to say hi to me. Lucy was going to be taking me around. They were both super nice and Sam left right away then and we got down to business.

Lucy told me that the entrance is made to have a resort feel to it and it definitely looked like a hotel lobby. She showed me where you check in and that everyone gets a lanyard to wear for the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone is also give a plastic card map and she gave me one as well…which I guess I didn’t scan as I don’t see it in my pictures.

There are a couple of packages you can get, but even with the base all food and drinks, including alcohol are included. You can eat and drink as much as you want. With the base package you get to use most of the facilities and it looks wonderful. You can upgrade to a dolphin swim package as well (with an age limit…..I am thinking it was starting at either 6 or 8 without going to look at my notes). There were also a few other add ons that you could do. The prices vary by time of the year and how busy it is. I think she said the price to come on this particular week was something like 300-400 or more per person. I just remember it being extremely high. It does however include 14 days of Sea World and Aquatica as well, but only one day at DC.

 

We then headed outside.

 

 

This place is beautiful and I did not do justice with my pictures as I was shooting and walking and talking all at the same time.

 

 

DC had many little lagoons with swimming and snorkeling and some beach areas as well.

 

 

They also provide wheel chairs if needed.

 

 

The paths were so lush with plant life.

 

 

 

 

Lucy asked where I was from and I told her Ohio. I told her that I went to Sea World Ohio many times when it was there and was sad it had closed. What a small world. She worked at Sea World Ohio for many years and she also went to college in Bowling Green, which is 30 minutes from my home….and home to the National Tractor pulls. (I know that doesn’t sound exciting to you, but my husband tractor pulled for years and this was always the big event of the year).

 

 

 

I can’t remember what these buildings were, but I think it was something like a guest service area.

 

 

 

I had asked what this land had been in the past and she told me just wooded land. Sea World owned it already for years and years and just built on it when they were ready. Evidently Sea World still owns quite a bit of undeveloped land in the area.

 

 

This area was new (there were several newer areas here) and I think it was called marsupial Island.

 

 

You can kind of see the critters in the trees there. I might have gotten a better picture later on.

 

 

 

We never stopped for long as we had a lot of ground to cover.

 

Here is one of the food and beverage areas.

 

 

I am sure you have noticed everyone has on a wet suit. DC provides them for every guest. You cannot bring your own in. You have to wear their’s if you are in the water. If helps them keep track and watch each person in the water for safety measures.

 

 

 

They also provide life jackets for those that need them.

 

 

 

 

And yes, they have wild life here and there.

 

 

 

And they have the coolest Aviary.

 

 

You can go in and feed the birds and they come right to you.

 

 

I thought this was funny….looks like a headless peacock.

 

 

 

Yep! That bird is on her head.

 

 

 

 

There’s his head!

 

 

 

For an additional cost they do have cabanas.

 

 

 

 

 

And we passed by the restaurant. This lady was very friendly and eager to tell me about the food they had….which looked pretty darn good. I think they should’ve had me taste some of it. LOL.

 

 

 

And they had a gift shop.

 

 

If I am remembering right, you could add a CC to your account and use your lanyard ID card to charge things since it was basically a cashless place.

 

 

 

[TBpony414]

I'll give you a spoiler....Manta did NOT scare the pants off of her....much to my surprise!

 

I will have to ride it some day. But I don't even like the little bit you get wet on Splash!

 

OMG she rode it and liked it? The good news for you is that next time she even slightly hesitates at riding Big Thunder Mountain you can tell her to hush up because she rode Manta. Ha!

 

Really enjoying pics of Discovery Cove. I don't think I've ever actually seen inside of it except in brochures. Did I read it right that the DC passes are good to use at SW for 14 days? I don't quite understand that. Who visits FL for 2 weeks? I've heard of 1 extra day at a sister park but not 2 weeks. Am I confused again?

 

Since you're a travel agent extraordinaire, can you explain the appeal of renting a cabana? They seem to be all over these days but I never see them being rented except for celebs or very large groups of people. If you're at a place like DC, wouldn't you want to focus your time on the experiences there and not lounging around in some secluded wicker furniture tent waiting for someone to bring you a drink? Enlighten me, please! LOL.

[jenseib]

I'll give you a spoiler....Manta did NOT scare the pants off of her....much to my surprise!

 

I will have to ride it some day. But I don't even like the little bit you get wet on Splash!

 

OMG she rode it and liked it? The good news for you is that next time she even slightly hesitates at riding Big Thunder Mountain you can tell her to hush up because she rode Manta. Ha!

 

Really enjoying pics of Discovery Cove. I don't think I've ever actually seen inside of it except in brochures. Did I read it right that the DC passes are good to use at SW for 14 days? I don't quite understand that. Who visits FL for 2 weeks? I've heard of 1 extra day at a sister park but not 2 weeks. Am I confused again?

 

Since you're a travel agent extraordinaire, can you explain the appeal of renting a cabana? They seem to be all over these days but I never see them being rented except for celebs or very large groups of people. If you're at a place like DC, wouldn't you want to focus your time on the experiences there and not lounging around in some secluded wicker furniture tent waiting for someone to bring you a drink? Enlighten me, please! LOL.

 

 

She did and more than once!

 

Yes with a Discovery Cove ticket you get access to the other 2 parks for that long. I would stay for 2 weeks but not going to Sea World and Aquatica that whole time.

I could easily do it at WDW though.

 

I am not all about the cabana hype either. I know for cruise line private islands, especially Disney, they sell out all the time. I can't see it selling out like that at DC...but I guess some people like that area to have all their stuff. But since everything is included I too don't get the hype.

[jenseib]

When you check in, you are given a section to report to to get your wetsuit. I believe there are 3 stations to do that and then you will also get a locker in that area. Be sure to remember your section as we had an older couple come up and ask which section they were in as they couldn’t find their locker anymore and it appears that they can’t scan your card to find that info out.

 

 

I was also told they have wet suits for all sizes of people, so not to worry about that either.

 

 

 

Snacks!

 

 

 

I believe these people were getting ready for a dolphin swim.

 

 

 

Showers to rinse off with.

 

 

Beach strollers provided as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snorkeling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I believe here you could watch sharks through the glass.

 

 

 

 

On the other side they had something like snuba going on, but I think they have their own name for it.

 

 

This is also an extra add on for an additional cost.

 

 

 

 

 

We were constantly on the move and I just kept snapping pictures when I could.

 

 

I think this was inside one of the cabanas.

 

 

 

A dolphin swim going on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A walk through the gift shop.

 

 

 

They take pictures of the dolphin swim and the Sea Venture as well (that is what they call the snuba thing I believe).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cfc]

I've never had a decent meal at SeaWorld. Their food is "meh," at best.

[jenseib]

I've never had a decent meal at SeaWorld. Their food is "meh," at best.

 

I hear that from so many people.

[jenseib]

Sadly my tour was coming to an end.

 

 

I talked with Lucy a bit and she had called for the shuttle to come and pick me back up.

 

 

 

 

I think I was there just over an hour. The place is fabulous. I learned so much about it too. And if I had not already had plans for the rest of the week I would’ve booked a day there in a heartbeat. It is just like a little piece of paradise there.

I said goodbye to Lucy and got on the shuttle back to Sea World.

 

 

Back at Sea World I messaged my mom to let her know I was back….silence.

 

 

I just started walking randomly nowhere till I heard back from her.

 

 

 

 

I took this picture for my friend Cass as she hates turkey legs.

 

 

 

Mom finally messaged me back that they were at the Blue Horizon show. I know a lot of people love this show, but I saw it once and it’s just not my thing. I think mainly because I thought it was a dolphin and whale show, but they had a lot of swimmers and acrobats in it and being it wasn’t what I expected I just didn’t care for it. I thought the story was strange too.

I found a spot outside one of the exits and sat and waited.

 

 

And waited and waited and waited. I saw the place clear out and I texted mom who didn’t answer. Finally she responded that they were over by the turtles. Ok, why didn’t they look for me when they exited…or at least text me. So I pulled out my trusty map and headed towards the turtles.

I had to pass the dolphins on my way over.

 

 

 

I also found an underwater viewing area that I had not realized was there.

 

 

 

I also found my family.

 

We took a look at the manatees who were much more boring than the ones at Epcot.

 

 

And then we looked at the turtles, who were just so darn cute.

 

 

 

 

Claire and I departed.

 

 

 

We stopped near the dolphins again as I saw a feeding going on and I wanted to take pictures.

 

 

Trying for an artsy shot.

 

 

The dolphins were so cute and kept jumping over the little waves. I took a zillion pictures and Claire was bored out of her mind and let me know it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since Claire was so bored, we moved on.

Claire kept bugging me to ride Manta. I kept telling her no. She still kept up the whining about wanting to ride it….so I said…OK, you want to ride, let’s do it right now and get it done with. My thinking was this was going to scare the pants off of her, but at least she couldn’t go home blaming me for not letting her ride it.

 

So we went and found the lockers and put our bags and stuff in there. We got in line and there was basically no line at all for it. Well that tells me that only idiots ride this and the park didn’t have enough idiots attending today. LOL!

 

We got up to the individual queues and watched the people in front of us board. At this point I just thought it was a regular hanging from the track coaster. Then I see them clap everyone’s legs in place and tilt everyone down so they are facing the ground. HOLY CRAP! This is one of those flying coasters. I didn’t back out, but I was not too excited.

I asked her if she still wanted to go on it and she said yes.

So we were next. We jumped up into our seats and pulled our bars tight over our heads and got our legs clamped in and tilted….and I just started screaming right there. I am sure a few not so family friendly words might have popped out of my mouth. Claire was laughing hysterically about it all.

And then we were off!

I hate heights. I don’t mind the coasters….when they are smooth…but I can’t stand seeing how high we are going and this time I am facing the ground. One thing goes wrong and I am plummeting to the ground face first. I mostly kept my eyes shut and peeked every so often. And oh yes, I was still screaming. Claire was still laughing too.

And then we dove down…..head first! I stopped screaming because it got lost in my throat. Claire was squealing in delight. Who is this kid and where is my sweet lovable little girl?

When we did the loops, my body would slam back against the seat and then forward and down again. Not too bad, but I could feel the movement and that was really weird.

Finally it was over and Claire LOVED it. I couldn’t believe it. I had wanted to scare her and now she was begging to ride it again.

And we did. It was walk on this time and we got right back on. This time I didn’t get the bar pulled as close to me as I should have. The thing about a big curvy body and roller coaster bars are that they don’t form around you so well and if you don’t get it tight you will have a little space. This time I felt the loops a lot more and was really slamming around. My shins hurt and my shoulders hurt. And of course I still screamed the whole time.

Again, Claire loved it and wanted to ride it again. I wasn’t sure, but I agreed to one more time.

And yet again there was no wait and we got right on. This time was better than time 2, but I was still sore from that ride.

Claire begged to ride it again and I told her I just couldn’t do it again but if she wanted to I would walk her through the line and wait for her at the exit. She did think about it for a bit, but she was too nervous to go by herself, so we headed back to the locker and got our things.

I will now say I am one of those idiots that rode that ride. It was actually fun and if I could be blind folded because of the height and if it was smoother, I would probably have no issues riding it again. And I am sure whenever we go back she is going to rope me into it again.

 

So we were done with that exciting part of the day and we headed off.

 

 

 

I wanted to see Shamu. There was not a show currently going on during our stay as I think they were redoing the big tank, but there was an area to go and watch the whales.

 

As we headed in that direction we found the baby dolphins. I took a lot of pictures, but I couldn’t tell if these were truly babies, moms ready to have a dolphin or just smaller dolphins. Some did look bigger than others in there.

 

 

All my pictures pretty much came out the same.

 

 

And on we went again.

 

 

And we saw Cookie Monster and Elmo walk by. They were in a rush to get backstage though.

 

 

 

Elmo was too fast for me to get a picture, but Cookie stopped and gave some love to some random person.

 

[jenseib]

We ran into Mom and Dad randomly then. I told them we were going to go see Shamu. Dad wanted to come, but Mom wanted to shop. Dad was worried about leaving Mom alone, but I told him she could handle herself.

 

 

 

This makes me think of Jaws 3 the movie. A lot of scenes were done in this lagoon, though it looked much different back then. If you ever get a chance, there is a guy on Youtube who has these great videos where he goes to places movies and tv shows were filmed and he shows how they are now verses then. His name is adamthewoo.

 

 

Across the way it used to be a stadium for the water ski show…now over there you will find Shamu Stadium. (I can’t remember if the seating is still over there or not anymore and I don’t seem to have a picture) Well not exactly across in the picture…but across the lagoon and to the left I believe of the picture…..

 

 

 

 

There was a long line to get into the area to go see Shamu and the other whales….or I guess I could say all the Shamus. I really don’t know all their names and they all look like a Shamu to me.

 

I saw these cute popcorn holders and I really regret not getting one now.

 

 

As we waited, Claire told me she had to go to the bathroom. I knew it was a little ways away to get to one so I did as any good parent would…I told her to hold it as I wasn’t getting out of line.

 

Soon the line moved and we were all let in to observe the whales swimming. It was hard to see at times over the people.

 

 

Some of my shots are through a glass window and some are over people’s heads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I could watch them for hours….however, Claire could not as she had to pee.

 

So we made our way towards the exit…

 

 

 

 

…only to find an underwater viewing area, and again I told her to hold it.

 

 

 

AWWWWW!!!! There is a baby.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claire was griping and complaining so we moved on. I know she enjoyed the whales, but the call of nature was stronger. I guess I took a few random pictures on the way out.

 

 

 

Claire, if you stop here for a picture, I promise we’ll go to the bathrooms next.

 

 

We then quickly made it over to the closest bathrooms for Claire and she was a happy girl once again.

 

 

 

 

We just decided to explore over here as we haven’t been over in this area before.

 

 

 

 

We were getting a bit hungry, and I can’t remember if this was still open or not, but I think Mom wanted to go eat later with us, so we didn’t go in to check it out.

 

We just roamed the gardens near it.

 

 

I found Nemo.

 

 

These sculptures were made out of trash found in the ocean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TBpony414]

I can't believe you went on Manta... 3x!! Now you are officially a flying idiot

 

I got a good laugh out of you wanting to stay and watch the dolphins and whales while Claire complained and wanted to move on. Usually it is that way but it was the opposite for me. When I was last there back when the dinosaurs still roamed, I was 13 years old and my mother, who loves animals and has the patience of a saint, was the one who had to draaaaaaag me away from the viewing areas so we could go to the many shows and ride rides. We probably spent a solid 2 hours just watching the animals swim around and reaching our hands in to pet the dolphins LOL. I could have spent the whole day just going from viewing area to viewing area watching all the animals swim around and never getting bored. I'm still that way and often will just sit out at the barn watching my horse graze in the field because it's so peaceful. Hopefully on one of your upcoming trips you'll be able to spend a full day at Discovery Cove!

[jenseib]

I can't believe you went on Manta... 3x!! Now you are officially a flying idiot

 

I got a good laugh out of you wanting to stay and watch the dolphins and whales while Claire complained and wanted to move on. Usually it is that way but it was the opposite for me. When I was last there back when the dinosaurs still roamed, I was 13 years old and my mother, who loves animals and has the patience of a saint, was the one who had to draaaaaaag me away from the viewing areas so we could go to the many shows and ride rides. We probably spent a solid 2 hours just watching the animals swim around and reaching our hands in to pet the dolphins LOL. I could have spent the whole day just going from viewing area to viewing area watching all the animals swim around and never getting bored. I'm still that way and often will just sit out at the barn watching my horse graze in the field because it's so peaceful. Hopefully on one of your upcoming trips you'll be able to spend a full day at Discovery Cove!

 

I am in the official flying idiot club!

 

I was surprised she didn't enjoy watching them more too. I think if we had done the dolphin feeding she would've enjoyed that more. I don't remember why we didn't do it this time. I did it alone last time while she went off with my parents. I think maybe this time the times didn't line up when we looked into it?

And of course she was in dare devil mode that day and she was more worried about Manta for a long time...and proved me wrong.

[jenseib]

One more trash sculpture.

 

 

I found more flamingos….and you know me and flamingos….lots of pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some were just relaxing while others were having a fit.

 

 

 

 

 

And they had some beautiful flowers in the area too.

 

 

 

 

 

We moved on in search of a snack.

 

 

Sea World has put in some charging stations too.

 

 

 

Oh…I want to see the sharks!

 

 

 

 

We went into the shark area. The tunnel in here was also used in Jaws 3. I purposely went in there because I had thought it was, and later I found out I was correct.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Dory.

 

 

 

 

Help! My daughter has been eaten.

 

 

 

Love the tunnel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

That was pretty darn cool and I was able to check something off my want to do list!

 

We headed back outside…..looks like an escapee.

 

 

 

We looked through a few shops. I was trying to find a 50th anniversary magnet, but I never did fine one.

 

I had Claire take this picture for Katmark (Kathy) on Dis.

 

 

And while we’re in the spirit of things she tried on another.

 

 

More pretty flowers.

 

 

Sea Worlds pick a pearl is a little different than Disney’s and pretty darn cool.

 

 

 

I decided on a funnel cake. Claire said she didn’t want that, but of course she did end up helping me eat it.

 

 

We stood in the longest line for it too. Well the line wasn’t really long, just slow servers.

 

Claire went with chips.

 

 

I see we have a drink there too. We must’ve not gotten our mug refilled??? Hmmm. Maybe they couldn’t do it there, but I know we did refill it a few times that day.

 

 

After tackling Manta, Claire wanted to see how the line for Kraken was. Kraken is called a floorless coaster, which I guess means you are on top of the track but up a bit higher so your feet dangle.

 

 

This is the locker area for Manta. There is a charge to use them though.

 

 

 

We checked Kraken and the wait was pretty long….I think an hour. (which I found odd since Manta was still pretty much walk on) We also stopped and took a look at the penguin wait and that too was still really long.

 

 

 

So we worked our way back up front and decided to look through some more shops.

 

 

 

We shopped around a bit. I know I bought some sort of magnet, but I don’t think I got myself anything else…and I am sure Claire picked one or two items out, but I no longer remember what.

 

We then headed out to the car.

 

 

We drove the short distance back to the Marriott Grand Vista and took a walk around the pool area before heading back to our room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s always a thrill to be the one to open the door.

 

 

We headed in and got cleaned up and decided where to go for dinner. Well if you know me, there is always one choice I have for offsite eats….The Cheesecake Factory.

Dad decided he would stay behind and watch TV, so I drove Mom and Claire over.

 

 

There was quite a wait. I know at one time we were sitting near one of the doors and it had cooled down quite a bit and it was quite cold there.

Mom was having a fit as she saw people going in who came in after us. She had me go up and ask how soon. Let’s just say I have this issue every time we go to a Cheesecake Factory. It’s like they want to torture me. They tell me soon and then we get called. It’s like they forget about us every single time we go.

 

Finally we got seated and made our orders.

 

We LOVE the bread there.

 

 

Claire got her usual pizza.

 

 

Mom got some different types of tacos.

 

 

And I got the crusted chicken parmesan.

 

 

It was all delicious. We had plenty of left overs and dad had an assortment to choose from when we got back.

 

I no longer remember our conversations that night, but I know we had some good laughs about something.

 

Of course we couldn’t leave without taking dessert with us.

 

 

I think Claire got one too, but I don’t have a picture.

 

I believe when we got back I took Claire for a quick swim before calling it a night.

 

And then we lay in bed watching TV till we fell asleep.

[jenseib]

Day 6, March 26, 2014, Wednesday

 

Today we were heading back to Disney World, Hollywood Studios to be exact.

 

I took a few shots of my morning walk.

 

 

 

 

Claire and I got ready and headed off. My parents were going to go visit some Ohio friends today. They have a Florida home that is actually very near Legoland.

 

I programed Siri and off we went. Claire dozed in the car this morning. The busy week was starting to catch up with her.

I pass some signs that direct me to DHS, yet Siri is not telling me to go that way. OK….. Then it tells to turn and I have arrived….oh yes I have arrived all right….in a Cast Member entrance. Um nope, that’s not where I am supposed to be. I turn around and feel like an idiot and head out and find the correct entrance.

 

It was a little chillier this morning so Claire and I were wearing our sweatshirts. We walked up to the tram stop and waited for one to come. A preteen aged boy looks at us. I didn’t think anything of it at first and then he turns to his parents and says “I thought we were in Disney WORLD?” Hahahaha! Claire and I were wearing our Disneyland sweatshirts. I laughed and told him I had just been to Disneyland the month before and we brought our sweatshirts to wear to the World for fun.

The tram came (I really hate doing the trams) and then made it to the entrance.

 

 

I think we arrived around 9:45ish.

 

 

 

And yes it was still crowded. I kept wishing each day we would find it empty all of a sudden.

 

I had one thing on my agenda first.

 

 

Breakfast!

 

The line was quite long and we got in. Once we got inside I realized the holdup was people ordering sandwiches. We don’t want no stinking sandwiches….we want

 

 

 

Cupcakes!

 

You could skip ahead to the register, where there were only a few people and ask for your cupcake right there out of the case, so we did and were served very fast then.

We went with the chocolate peanut butter one as I have at thing for chocolate and peanut butter together and last time we had this it was very good.

 

We headed over to the outside seating area near the Brown Derby and took a seat and shared it as I went over the app. I checked my FP+ times and made note of it in my brain. I wondered why I made the Toy Story one so late….hmm I swore I made it for earlier so we could head to MK later….oh well.

 

 

 

 

After that we took off wandering around till our first FP was ready.

I only watched this show a couple of times, but enjoyed it. Sadly the Wonderland version was on a bad night for me and hard to catch. It has since been canceled….or they just chose not to extend it into more episodes, but one of the main characters is now on Once Upon a Time.

 

 

Speaking of…..

 

 

 

I wanted to get a picture of Claire in here, but these girls were not moving. I guess it was their personal resting area.

 

 

 

 

 

We have not done Muppet 3D in a long time. I actually think the only time I have taken Claire in there was when she was maybe 3 or 4 and as soon as we left she threw up in a garbage can. Maybe that’s why I haven’t gone back.

We decided today would be the day.

 

 

 

I think this next picture was another “where in the world are we” that I posted on facebook.

 

 

 

Now I haven’t mentioned it much lately, but many people were complaining about the whole “My Disney Experience”. And in a crowded room like this I could hear a lot of people talk about it as we waited.

The apps weren’t working right; people did not like the 3 FP restriction and having to schedule them ahead. I think some people are now getting used to it, but it still is a mess in my opinion and needs a lot more work. I still am not a fan of the prescheduled FP’s and it has made a lot of walk on rides now have long waits.

 

Anyways…..I took a few pictures while we waited.

 

 

 

 

I kept watching this ticker. I am not sure what it was as it didn’t actually countdown to when the doors opened, which I thought was what it was doing at first.

 

 

 

 

 

We enjoyed the show. Claire thought it was pretty funny and I am glad we went and saw it again after so many years.

 

 

Look who we saw out for a meet and great!

 

 

 

Even though we love them, we did not stop as the line was long and we had another destination to get to.

 

 

 

 

 

Our first fastpass of the day was for Star Tours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claire just loves this ride. She would ride it over and over if I let her. I tend to get a little motion sick on this though if I ride it over and over, so I try not to. I do however try to take bonine each day to prevent that feeling.

[TBpony414]

"We have not done Muppet 3D in a long time. I actually think the only time I have taken Claire in there was when she was maybe 3 or 4 and as soon as we left she threw up in a garbage can. Maybe that’s why I haven’t gone back."

 

^LOL the same thing happened to me when I was 4 yrs old visiting WDW with my family and that was also the last time we ever did Muppets 3D. I also threw up after Star Tours. Do they still have the Honey I Shrunk The Kids giant ant out to crawl on, and/or do they still have the Indiana Jones show? Doubtful on both. Like I said, it's been a while since I was last there.

[jenseib]

"We have not done Muppet 3D in a long time. I actually think the only time I have taken Claire in there was when she was maybe 3 or 4 and as soon as we left she threw up in a garbage can. Maybe that’s why I haven’t gone back."

 

^LOL the same thing happened to me when I was 4 yrs old visiting WDW with my family and that was also the last time we ever did Muppets 3D. I also threw up after Star Tours. Do they still have the Honey I Shrunk The Kids giant ant out to crawl on, and/or do they still have the Indiana Jones show? Doubtful on both. Like I said, it's been a while since I was last there.

 

That's funny. I think the playground is there, but I keep hearing it's going to close, so maybe it has and I hadn't noticed.

Indiana Jones is still there but it's rumored to be closing eventually too.

They are going to add a lot of new stuff to the park in the next several years.

[jenseib]

We headed over towards Indiana Jones Stunt show when we left and thought about going in as Claire has never seen this show. When we got to the entrance we were told the show was full and they couldn’t let anyone else in. Oh well. I hope it stays for a little while longer so I can take her to it someday. There are many rumors floating that it will be closing. Also in case you haven’t heard, the rumor is Hollywood Studios will be changing its name again….yes again. I think I heard the current one rumored is “Disney Adventure”. I am not sure how I feel about that.

 

 

We sat down on a ledge and I looked over my app. And surprise surprise, it wasn’t working correctly.

 

 

It kept giving me info on Animal Kingdom and I kept switching it back over to Hollywood Studios, but every time I would open it again it would be back to AK. I looked over my FP times again. Hmmm. I thought my Toy Story Mania time was earlier the last time I checked. I swear this is 15 minutes or so later than what I saw earlier today.

 

Don’t take a picture of me mom!!!

 

 

 

We moved on.

 

 

And….the hat is leaving. I am not happy about that either. It really is the park icon to me. The Ear water tower was always a joke to me back in the days before the hat.

 

 

 

The sea of strollers!

 

 

We wanted to check things out in the Animation Studio and find out where we could draw a character.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wreck it Ralph and Vanelope were out, again with a long line.

 

 

I couldn’t find where the animation class was, but we found a queue for something. We decided what the heck, let’s get in line.

 

 

It was not a fast moving line however.

 

 

 

OOOOOH! It’s Minnie Mouse!

 

 

 

I swear I never knew she was in here.

 

 

 

[jenseib]

Of course I took pictures of Claire and Minnie with my camera as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I believe we walked over to One Man’s Dream next and I took a ton of pictures in there as we browsed around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wouldn’t you just love to have these sets to play with a kid?

 

 

 

 

 

Doesn’t she look enthused?

 

 

He doesn’t look so happy either! LOL!!!!!

 

 

As I kid I would’ve loved to have this castle to play with.

 

 

 

 

New Fantasyland!

 

 

 

 

 

AWWWW…Look at the little Dumbos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We exited that and went on our way. I took this picture of a line. I have no clue what it was for now, but it looks crowded.

 

 

Our next fastpass was for the Great Movie Ride and it was time to head there now.

 

 

I LOVE Gown With the Wind.

 

 

We got in pretty fast and soon we were on our way to a great movie ride!

 

[TBpony414]

Do they actually sell those Disney models or are they just displays? If they actually are for sale, I can't even imagine what they would cost... thousands of dollars for sure. They're really cool to look at, though!

[jenseib]

Do they actually sell those Disney models or are they just displays? If they actually are for sale, I can't even imagine what they would cost... thousands of dollars for sure. They're really cool to look at, though!

 

nope just displays....I imagine the costs would be phenominal!

[jenseib]

It has been a few years since I have last rode this as well. I keep hearing rumors of this being closed, this being changed slightly or this becoming a new ride. I still don’t know what will happen, but I am glad we rode it again.

 

 

 

I wish my Mary Poppins pictures came out better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We got the Gangster…and it was a girl and she wasn’t very good. Very hard to understand as well as she was trying to talk like a gangster, but her words were all mushed together.

 

 

I swear it sounded like she was talking with a mouth full of marbles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh dear…what is happening here?

 

 

We got our guide back! Yay!

 

 

 

The Tarzan room cracks me up. He keeps hollering over and over.

 

 

 

 

 

I have a thing about trying to get shots in the Wizard of Oz room.

 

 

 

 

I’ll get you my pretty! And your little dog too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That was fun. I don’t think Claire remembered much from that ride either, so it was nice for her to do some newer stuff or old stuff that seems new.

 

 

We decided to head towards the Back Lot Tour as that was also in the plans of being closed (and is now ).

 

 

 

Remember the old days when they had people participate in this? Not so anymore. It was just a brief run through of what happens and then we were on our way. I am actually happy about that as this was my least favorite part of the tour.

 

 

 

 

 

We were moved to the prop room and it was actually quite full. I tried to take pictures as we walked through but I didn’t get many good ones.

 

 

 

 

I believe this was Mary Poppin’s bag.

 

 

 

Soon we were lined up for our tram. Rememeber!!!! No Dancing on the tram!

 

[jenseib]

Our tram soon arrived and I tried to take a picture as the doors were lifting open.

 

 

I took pictures along the way.

 

 

 

It has been several years since I have ridden this and I think this was Claire’s first time. Glad we got it in before it closed.

 

And the first “icon” of Hollywood Studios, back when it was MGM. And it is now going to be the icon once again from what I have read.

 

 

I love seeing this stuff and we whizzed by way to fast to see much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A look over at Lights, Motor, Action, which I believe is going bye bye too.

 

 

 

 

And then we entered Catastrophe Canyon. The last time I rode this it was not working and we got routed around the back and our tour guide was making stuff up as we went along. It was kind of funny, but it felt like I was stuck on the ride for way too long. One thing that was different this time as well….most of this was told to us by an automated voice and not much by a live actual person.

 

 

Claire was intrigued by all of the happenings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claire squealed with glee as we got a few drops on us.

 

 

 

This did not seem as impressive to me as it did 15 years or so ago. I am glad we rode it one last time, but I am not sad it’s closed.

 

 

 

This is the backside of the canyon. Not very pretty is it? They told us how many gallons of water is pumped for that scene, which I no long remember but I do remember it was a lot. And of course they recycle the water over and over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We finished up and exited the ride. I took a shot of LMA as we passed by. I have only seen the show once and I wasn’t a fan.

 

 

We moved on. Claire was dead set that we would do the drawing class once I told her about it so we headed back that way to see if we could get in.

 

 

 

 

We shuffled our way there. It really was so hard to get anywhere in the parks with the crowds.

 

We found where the class was and was told one was going to start in about 20 minutes or so but it was full, but we could stand in the standby line for now and most likely we could get a spot without a desk. Claire said yes and I figured we better give it a try now. As we stood there the large family in front of us left. YAY! We pretty much were guaranteed to get in now. Then some people from the inside roped off waiting area left and Claire and I were let in.

 

 

We talked with people as we waited which made the time go faster. We were standing as it was pretty full in there, but actually close to the door as that was the only area for us to be comfortably.

 

One family was telling us that a store at MK had the next generation of Disney Infinity packets. They told us they were hidden behind the current ones so to look further back. Of course that was all Claire could think about now. I told her we would try to get back there, but it was no guarantee on that one.

 

We also saw a family playing a game with their phones. It was basically a version of Headbanz. One person held the phone to their forehead and everyone would give him clues of what the word was and that person would have to guess. Claire and I played silently along. We ended up seeing lots of people playing this for the rest of the trip. What a good idea to help waste the time.

 

Finally it was time to go in and we actually got front and center.

 

 

 

 

Claire was excited and ready!

 

 

We were drawing Tigger today.

 

 

We really enjoyed doing this and Claire was watching the instructor like he was God. I think this might be something we have to do every trip now.

This is Claire’s finished drawing.

 

 

I thought she did an EXCELLENT job.

 

And here is mine…I actually forgot to add his whiskers, but I did add them later.

 

 

When we left we had to browse the gift shop as Claire had lots of money still burning a hole in her pocket. She ended up choosing 2 drawing books and has really enjoyed them and it was a very good purchase.

 

We headed out and took a small break and I took a picture of her with her picture.

 

 

She also had to look through her new books to see what she wanted to draw first.

 

We moved on. We were getting hungry and went looking for lunch. I was still mad at myself for scheduling the Toy Story FP’s for later than I thought. I had planned to head to MK later today and this was going to make us go even later than planned…Oh well.

[jenseib]

We found a photopass photographer and got a few shots.

 

 

You may notice I am wearing a jacket. Today was a bit cooler than it had been earlier in our trip, but by the end of the day I had wished I had worn shorts.

 

 

 

 

 

I like this one of Claire.

 

 

 

I asked if she could do any magic shots and she took Claire off to the side.

 

 

I always love the balloon shot.

 

 

 

I took one of Claire posing.

 

 

We looked her for lunch but the line was long and Claire didn’t see anything to her liking.

 

 

I keep hearing the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground is going to close for good….but it is still there.

 

 

Claire wanted pizza….such a shocker…I know. I have never been to Pizza Planet and I couldn’t even picture where is was in my mind and the map wasn’t helping me and I asked a CM…and I was about 10 steps away from it…of course!

 

 

The line was out the door, but it moved pretty fast and we were soon inside.

 

 

 

 

We decided what we wanted and we planned to share again.

 

 

We got the pepperoni pizza and a salad. We looked for a seat but it was packed in there so we headed up the steps. There was a boy waiting on the steps, I assume was waiting for his family who maybe were in line?....and he was sitting smack dab in the middle and didn’t want to move so we basically climbed over him. LOL.

 

 

I started with the salad and Claire dug into the pizza.

 

 

Claire ended up eating 3 of the pieces of pizza and I got one and she complained about that. She told me the salad should’ve filled me. It didn’t! It used to be that we could easily share meals and be full, but she is getting bigger and I think those days have passed now.

 

While sitting there I was playing with my phone and looking at the app…..the app that was not working. Our Toy Story FP was to open up very soon. I think started looking through my phone pictures and realized I had made a screen shot a few days earlier of all my FP’s and guess what? My TSM FP was for earlier in the day. I KNEW I had planned it earlier. I was raging mad! I had now missed the FP time….though the app showed it as opening soon.

 

We headed out and made our way over to TSM. If they denied me my entrance I was going to raise some holy heck. So from what I can figure, this FP time changed at least 3 possibly FOUR times on its own on the app today. NOT GOOD Disney!

 

 

We headed out and rushed over to see if they would let us in.

[bert425]

did you get in?

 

(some of us do follow you, you know )

[TBpony414]

Need to know as well!

[jenseib]

did you get in?

 

(some of us do follow you, you know )

 

Coming up!

I have been so busy again and just haven't been able to keep up with this like I had hoped....will do a mega update now

[jenseib]

Need to know as well!

 

Coming up!!!