Photo TR: If It's Fall, It Must Be Walt Disney World

[cfc]

I didn't head down to Florida for Halloween Horror Nights this year, and to be honest, I didn't miss it at all. But I would be a Sad Panda, indeed, if I didn't spend at least one evening at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Yes, we all need our little traditions, and hitting Walt Disney World in the fall and hanging out with friends is one of mine.

 

It's always fun to try a different resort whenever you visit the Orlando Disney parks. Last February over my birthday, I shared a cabin with the Alveys at the Fort Wilderness Campground, and it was great; this time, it was a room in the Surf's Up building of Disney's All-Star Sports Resort with Cameron Silver. This was my first time at one of WDW's "budget" resorts, and I liked it. The room is lightly themed (if basic), and the grounds are very pretty (as you'd expect from Disney). It was also surprisingly quiet for a place that caters to family groups. However, this image from the food court at breakfast sums up the place perfectly: Imagine a man pushing a double stroller containing two kids and dealing with two other kids, all while balancing two trays of food on one arm and trying to get a couple of bottles of juice from a large refrigerator. I waited for something to fall and for the guy to slip and land in a pile of scrambled eggs and Mickey Mouse waffles while his children laughed or wept, but he pulled it off. How he kept his sanity is beyond my understanding. Overall, Cameron and I liked All-Star Sports, although it can't hold a jockstrap to Saratoga Springs, where some of the group were sharing a suite (the elevator there was fancier than our room).

 

We started our first full-park day with Extra Magic Hours at Disney's Hollywood Studios, followed by lunch at Splitsville at Disney Springs and a great night at the Magic Kingdom. I imagine that this will be my last look at the "old" DHS. I first visited this park in 1998, when Tower of Terror was a mere four years old and Rock'n'Roller Coaster was just a sign announcing "coming soon." I also admit to having a bit of a soft spot for the Great Movie Ride, as corny as it is (I wish the new TCM sponorship had led to a more substantial upgrade, rather than just a new movie and the end and new narration). It's hard to believe that much of what I saw back then, and just last weekend, is going to be completely different in a few years; then again, I think it'll be a good change. I enjoy DHS, but there is so much wasted space in that park once you get past Star Tours.

 

That being said, we had a lot of fun at DHS that day (and later that week). Here's a look.

Here was our home base from November 6-10. Cowabunga, indeed.

I like how they theme the stairwells to look like lifeguard stations--very nice touch.

But I am puzzled by this shower curtain. So, Daisy plays baseball, Mickey plays basketball, Minnie is into tennis, and Donald is a very angry football player. So, Goofy is what--a gymnast?

Wow--it sure is crowded at Disney California Adventure today . . . wait a minute.

Nope. Not missing the hat at all, although it appears that the park is tilting a bit to the left. Maybe removing the hat screwed up the feng shui.

This was the first attraction I ever rode at Walt Disney World, and it's still the best.

It's too bad you can't really book a room at this hotel.

I mean, you can't beat the ambiance.

"Remember, at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, your heart may belong to your mama, but your butt, and any other loose object, belongs to . . .

. . . the Twilight Zone." (My thanks to Robb for sharing the Photo Pass pics.)

I wonder if Hanes supplies Aerosmith with all their underwear needs, too.

"I got the part in that horror movie with Kevin Bacon? Whew! And I thought this dumb pre-show was going to be the end of my career."

This old Vekoma was running pretty well that day.

This is the view when you're stuck on the final brake run for a few extra minutes. You're welcome.

Nope. Still not missing the hat.

What the heck is Disney doing with uniforms from "Star Trek: The Motion Sickness"?

As I said earlier, I do have a soft spot for this ride--for the old Disney animatronic dark rides in general, when you get down to it.

I feel sorry for any horse that had to tote the Duke around in his later years. He got pretty damn heavy.

"Howdy! I'm here to introduce the one thing that makes any ride better . . .

. . . FIRE!"

"YES! YES! MORE FIRE NOW!"

"Then again, . . .

. . . maybe that was a mite too much fire."

Speaking of fire, allow me to share an amusing anecdote--and a photo of a frightening Munchkin.

Margaret "Wicked Witch" Hamilton was badly burned while doing a take of her disappearing scene and was laid up for weeks. The pyro used in the scene caught set her dress aflame, and she suffered second- and third-degree burns on her face and hands. Her stunt woman was also burned, and her legs permanently scarred, when the Witch's broomstick exploded during the "Surrender Dorothy" skywriting scene. For some reason, they don't share this charming story during the ride.

"Attention! By order of Emperor Palpatine, no one is to peek over the construction wall while we refurbish the 'Jedi Training Academy' stage. All who do will be vaporized or 'Force choked' by Darth Vader. That is all. Enjoy your tour."

Ewoks are very safety conscious.

If you ever need an Ewok to shut up, just push this button.

Better than the TSA staff at any U.S. airport.

"You the diagnostic droid? Good! Fix the 'Ewok Mute' button, and shut those little bastards up!"

We were a bit early for the Osbourne Lights. I guess I'll never get to see them lit up in person.

I assume this will all be pretty much gone by this time next year.

Happy Hanukkah from Disney's Hollywood Studios--onward!

Edited December 8, 2015 by cfc

[Nrthwnd]

Great to see how your WDW visit went/was going, Chuck!

 

That's all I got. More, more!

[cfc]

After chowing down at Splitsville and hanging out for a bit at Saratoga Springs, we headed to the Magic Kingdom, where we had Fast Passes for Big Thunder Mountain, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Space Mountain, which made for a great, relaxed evening. Well, as relaxed as the most popular theme park in the world can be. Here are a few highlights from that night:

 

1. A truly insane ride on Space Mountain, in which the three biggest guys (which included me) sat in the front train, thus resulting in crazy speed and truly scary airtime in a few spots. I'm surprised that we didn't rip a hole in the space time continuum.

 

2. The castle show, where Elsa "lets it go" and leaves a big snowy, icy mess for Cinderella's maintenance crew to clean up.

 

3. Amazing rides on Big Thunder (which was running great) and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. (Seriously, does anyone miss the old Snow White ride now? This is so much better.)

 

Join us, won't you?

Time for some bowling-alley tacos and sushi.

Mom approves of bowling as a "healthy activity."

Well, I guess I just blew the "healthy" part.

Mom is so annoyed with Jake now.

This is the first time I've seen this balloon in flight. Wouldn't mind trying it someday.

As I said earlier, Saratoga Springs is a really nice resort.

Disney Springs is coming along nicely.

Hmm--bit too soon for me.

I always love the warm welcome you get at the Magic Kingdom . . .

. . . OK that's a bit rude.

Nah, we didn't do any jingle cruising this trip.

Big Thunder remains a "Christmas-free" zone for now.

Choose thy fate! Actually, you end up going on the same ride, so your fate is preordained. So much for freewill.

Comfy, Cameron? Joey and John will try very hard not to crush you.

Big Thunder: The Rave.

Good night, Big Thunder! I imagine you'll be festooned with Christmas decorations soon enough.

I really like what they've done with Fantasyland . . .

. . . particularly this.

OK, just what did they slip into my steak tacos at Splitsville? I'm seeing bright lights and dwarfs! How will I come down from this trip?

How about like this?

Relax, Jacob. Elsa's not going to freeze a smile on your face.

We were somewhat more comfortable. Not so sure about Elsa, though.

Anna likes hanging out with big, strapping ice harvesters--like us!

Speaking of Frozen . . .

Cinderella has no idea what's coming.

"Hey, it's hot as summer tonight! Perfect--even though it means my untimely death!"

Elsa took pity on the sweating, smelly multitudes in front of her . . .

. . . and decided to freeze everything.

"Hello, housekeeping? This is Art in Facilities. Looks like the princess's guests from, er, Rivendell, or wherever, just conjured up a bunch of ice and snow. Yeah, it's gonna take a lot of rock salt and shoveling to handle this. And I don't even want to be around when this crap melts. Yep, moat's gonna overflow for sure." More to come.

Edited November 14, 2015 by cfc

[cfc]

One more set of photos from the Magic Kingdom, then good night.

Yes, I imagine Cinderella's calling her insurance provider to see if she has snow-and-ice coverage.

We ran for Tomorrowland before the ice melted and moat overflowed. No telling how diseased that moat water was!

Spider-man is at Disney World!

It's always the right time for a relaxing ride on the Peoplemover--right Disneyland?

Time for the most insane ride on Space Mountain ever!

"OK, some of us may not come back alive. But remember--this is for the advancement of science!

I'm totally booking this resort the next time I visit WDW.

Welcome to DCA . . .

. . . but with a much nicer queue.

"If you show me your whatsits, I'll show you my whosits."

Wait till you get a load of my whosits, guys!"

"I'll rock your whatsits tonight!"

An extra moody shot of the Haunted Mansion.

Starring a mime as Madame Leota.

"Come on--you know you want me! So what if my wit is a bit . . . sharp? You won't have to listen to me for long."

Looks like their evening was a bust.

We finished the night on Pirates of the Caribbean.

"Yo ho, yo ho, it's Food & Wine for me!"

"Arr! This rum goes will with the Crispy Pork Belly at the Brazil booth, sez I!"

"Be a mate and fetch me some Yard Bird and Pot Stickers, won't you? A little Fondue wouldn't be amiss, either."

That's all from the Magic Kingdom. Good night.

Edited November 16, 2015 by cfc

[Meteornotes]

Great photos. It's been two years since I've been to WDW and I really miss it, especially Food & Wine. Really have to try and get there next year.

 

And the Great Movie Ride still wishes it was Hollywood Tour.

 

dt

[cfc]

 

And the Great Movie Ride still wishes it was Hollywood Tour.

 

dt

 

And that it had this amazing scene.

 

 

[The Great Zo]

Great pictures Chuck. Glad you got one last look at the "old" DHS. I'm with you on the Great Movie Ride -- it's still one of my favorites, and with a good cast member it can be a lot of fun.

 

Forget the loaded car on Space Mountain -- I have no idea how three adults in a row on Big Thunder is even remotely a good idea.

 

I've stayed at that same building at All-Star Sports -- very convenient, even if it's not my favorite hotel in the world.

[BelizeIt]

Great Photo's of your journey thru Disney goodness. I noticed Robb's leg is still casted, I hope he heals up quick.....I can imagine what a pain it is to deal with that!

[cfc]

 

I've stayed at that same building at All-Star Sports -- very convenient, even if it's not my favorite hotel in the world.

 

It is in a good location, especially if you have a rental car. I thought it was pretty easy getting from the resort to the parks and Disney Springs (which has a very good new parking garage). I thought All-Star Sports was quite good for the price we paid; besides, we were just there to sleep and shower (and have breakfast), anyway.

[viking86]

Great trip report, really enjoyed it! Your comments gave me a couple of good laughs. I have go to there for the Christmas celebration some time, the castle looks amazing lit up like that.

 

I enjoy DHS, but there is so much wasted space in that park once you get past Star Tours.

 

Once I get past Star Tours I always get lost. While DHS is not a big park, it has a bit of a confusing layout. Looking forward to see what they do with the place.

[gerstlaueringvar]

Great TR! Can't wait to visit WDW!

[StealthFan]

And the Great Movie Ride still wishes it was Hollywood Tour.

 

dt

 

Every dark ride wishes it was Hollywood Tour!

 

Great trip report though Chuck but I can't help but be a little disappointed by the lack of Tangled Toilets in the Magic Kingdom update!

[PKI Jizzman]

Any day where you read a PhotoTR by Chuck is a good day. I haven't spend more than 4 hours at WDW since 2002. Damn I need to visit.

 

Thanks for posting! Love the commentary and pictures.

-Zach

[TheCoasterKid211]

Nah, we didn't do any jingle cruising this trip.

GOOD! Trust me, the ride is NOT any different! In fact, it's WORSE!

[Genx24]

Headed down to WDW for the first time in nearly five years on Tuesday. My excitement was already at a fever pitch, but these photos put me over the top. Great report as always

[cfc]

Nah, we didn't do any jingle cruising this trip.

GOOD! Trust me, the ride is NOT any different! In fact, it's WORSE!

 

I did do the Jingle Cruise at Disneyland last year, and thought it was OK. A bit silly, but I had a good skipper that trip.

 

And the Great Movie Ride still wishes it was Hollywood Tour.

 

dt

 

Every dark ride wishes it was Hollywood Tour!

 

Great trip report though Chuck but I can't help but be a little disappointed by the lack of Tangled Toilets in the Magic Kingdom update!

This is the only shot that I got of Tangled Toilets, Craig. You can sort of make out the tower from Frontierland.

[StealthFan]

^I approve of this picture. Its almost like halloween Tangled Toilets.

[cfc]

^I approve of this picture. Its almost like halloween Tangled Toilets.

 

Really. Who knows what Flynn and Rapunzel are up to up there?

[viking86]

Really. Who knows what Flynn and Rapunzel are up to up there?

[cfc]

^What is seen cannot be unseen!

[cfc]

Disney's Animal Kingdom is, indeed, unique among the resort's four parks in that Frozen has no presence there; however, I'm sure they're working on it. This is just an observation. I rather like Frozen, and it is still a very hot property for Disney.

 

Well, despite being a "Frozen-free zone," I've always rather liked DAK and think it's a bit underrated among theme-park fans. I agree that it could use more attractions (and those are on the way), but it is a beautiful park--second only to Tokyo DisneySea, in my opinion. And what attractions it has are quite good. Expedition Everest, even in "Disco Yeti" mode, is a very good coaster, Kilimanjaro Safari is well done (especially when you have a great guide, as we did that day), Dinosaur is so dumb it must be experienced, and Yak and Yeti is one of the resort's best restaurants. There's quite a bit to like, if you can ignore Chester and Hester's Dino Rama.

 

I always like trying new things whenever I visit WDW, and I caught Festival of the Lion King for the first time. It's a good show if you're into acrobats pretending to be monekys, and it does have the one thing that makes any show or ride better--fire. Would I see it again? Probably not, but it's still a step or two above shows at other theme parks and offers a lot of spectacle.

 

We also hit Food & Wine at Epcot that evening. But let's start with a day at Animal Kingdom.

It was definitely hot and muggy enough for us to be in Africa or southern Asia that day.

You know, if plants developed intelligence and could walk around, they'd wipe us out within a week . . . oh my god!

Bow before our plant overlords! It's your only chance! I welcome their enlightened dominion over our world!

Sheesh! That scaffolding is still here? Haven't those monkeys finished that building yet?

Time to seek the elusive Disco Yeti.

The many moves of Disco Yeti.

Noted!

See the red mark on the statue? That's the blood of the last person who failed to "respect ancient Mandir Pagoda."

Do not disrespect the tea!

This is a yak . . .

. . . and this is a Yeti. This is also called "foreshadowing."

"Hot damn! Let's go bag us a Yeti!"

I'm so looking forward to seeing Bird on a Stick!

Oh, darn it.

"STAYIN' ALIVE! STAYIN' ALIVE!"

We failed to catch a Yeti, but did find this adorable Yeti Kitty.

If you're not ready to get down with Disco Yeti . . .

. . . this will be your fate.

Like I said--foreshadowing.

If you're interested in booking a room at Disney's Yeti Palace Hotel, you might what to jump on it. I think it's almost finished. I'm reasonably sure it will have a suite themed to "Anna and Elsa meet the Lion King."

Fortunately, we have Fast Passes.

Unfortunately, we didn't see a giant mouse with buttons on his groin during our safari.

Yes, once you get the local animals hooked on your Yak & Yeti leftovers, they book reservations there for the next six months. Don't do it!

This is Chelsea. She's a great guide.

Nature is so clever at camouflage. Lean closer to the screen. Scrutinize the photo closely. You should be able to just make out . . .Robb's elbow.

"I suck at hiding. Robb's elbow is better at it than I am."

I included this rather blurry photo because . . .

. . . this is what the guy's walking over. More to come.

[cfc]

Yes, there is more DAK. Have a look.

Natawompingwillow at Nahtuzu. (Who remembers that old DAK nickname?)

"Oh dear, you've seen me."

"Now my associate must kill you."

The "foot safari" looks pretty cool. Have to try it someday.

Stupid I-4 has backed up into Animal Kingdom!

"Yes, I know many of you think that 'mother-in-law' joke from the Jungle Cruise is a hoot, but don't. Just don't!"

"Oh, hello! You're just in time for supper."

"Help yourself! There's some lovely gristle left."

"So, you guys totally can't more when I'm this close, eh? And you're in a Chevy. It does, indeed, suck to be you."

I never saw this show in its old theatre.

We're supposed to be elephants here. Yes, we're totally rockin' the whole pachyderm thing.

"Arise, my people, and stomp all those who oppose you!"

"Death to all wart hog scum!"

"OK, settle down. No one is gonna be stompin' anyone while I'm around."

Now we're talking!

"YOW! Little help here!"

"For the first time in forever . . ." Soon, Frozen will rule the world!

I love the random signs and posters at Animal Kingdom.

Then again, they might want to rethink this one.

Definitely Nahtaswimminghole.

Civilization at last!

Hmm--they're working on either Avatar here . . .

. . . or perhaps a reindeer habitat in an attempt to sneak in Frozen.

Hey, let's ride Primeval . . . oh, darn.

I recommend reading the Collected Works of Shakespeare or perhaps an encyclopedia before riding Dinosaur. That way, when you're brain cells are fried, you won't lose quite as many IQ points.

The most intelligent part of Dinosaur.

Yep--when my Parallel Time Converter broke down, I had to take it to a dealership. At least it was still under warranty.

Time-travel technology looks suspiciously like the inside of a huge toaster oven.

The most amazing animatronic ever! Is this one dino eating another, or trying to puke him up?

Never before has the T-Rex's plight been portrayed so movingly.

The dinosaurs were not destroyed by a giant comet. They were raped and killed by their own skeletons!

"How the T-Rex Killed, Disemboweled, and Ate Santa Claus" is such a cute holiday TV special.

Aw, same to you, Smilodon! Gosh darn it, people like you!

Derek led us down a secret path! (Never knew this bridge was here before.) A great night at Epcot is next.

[cfc]

Time to hit Epcot for beer, food, beer, and more food--with a little Mission: Space and Test Track on the side.

This is one of the best entrances of any theme park.

Mission: Space was not kind to Ross's digestive system.

Er, that's not the "orbital insertion module," is it?

"Welcome to Mission Control. We are going to screw you up so bad, you'll be begging to ride Journey Into Your Imagination!"

"OK, trainees! Assume the position, and I will demonstrate 'orbital insertion.'"

This mission was doomed from the start.

Time for Tron Track.

"Welcome to the Game Grid, program!"

If Stan Lee was at the wheel, we'd be at Islands of Adventure.

The scenery may not be a nice as Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure . . .

. . . but Tron Track goes a helluva lot faster!

That's enough riding . . .

. . . bring on the food and alcohol!

My only yard bird of the season.

A cranberry bog is a pretty scary looking place after dark. Seriously, it looks like Lovecraftian elder gods or demons could rise out of there at any time.

Yes, sustain your chew as long as possible.

This ravioli was really good--much better than what they've served at the Italian booth in past years.

I love how Disney decorates for Food & Wine.

The fondue was back in all its cheesy glory!

Magical Disney haggis! (Yes, I know it's not "real" haggis. There's no need to point that out as people tended to do on Facebook.)

Cameron enjoys some Scotch, like a gentleman.

Well, let's see what's on the other side of the lagoon.

Cameron doesn't look so sure about the escargot, but he did like it.

Any dish with the words "crispy" and "pork" in its name is OK by me.

Epcot's version of Waffle House.

OK here's something I've never done before . . .

. . . the Chase Lounge on the top floor of the American Adventure. (It's a perk for people with debit or credit cards from Chase.)

They have Coke Freestyle machines, a cash bar, and video games (if you're into Play Station).

If you're tired of this view, your soul is dead.

When Starship isn't available, you can always count on Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

German beer flight, anyone?

Beware the Devil's Eyelash as it hurtles across the sky!

Yes, it always heralds either a great calamity . . .

. . . or Illuminations.

OK, here's the part where you can . . .

. . . go get more beer.

Every time something blows up, you must chug a brew.

Hey, let's ride Maelstrom on the way out . . . darn it!

Oh, I'm stuffed! What a great night! That's all for now, but we'll be heading back to the Studios park later.

[TheCoasterKid211]

Loving those pictures! Food and Wine was great this year, went on the final day. Keep 'em coming!

[CNYCoasterguy11]

I feel like I'm one of the only people who actually likes Dinosaur. I mean it is goofy and all but for some reason I really like the themeing and ride itself. Of course I remember riding it when it was still Countdown to Extinction and was even more intense.