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From: Lisa Cubbon on 23 Apr 2010 16:14
Mark L Fendrick wrote:
> Day 9
> Photos from today can be seen at - http://gallery.me.com/mfendrick#100384
>
> It seems as if the rain/lightning/thunder (Central Florida is the
> lightning capital of the US) caused a brief power outage during the
> night. I would guess that most guests were not even aware of it, but
> perhaps the slight change of ambient sound � no fan running � was
> enough to cause me to awake and become aware of something being wrong.
> However, about 15 minutes after I awoke, the power came back on and I
> fell back asleep.
>
> Today will be our final day at a park � tomorrow we take it easy and
> pack for our flight to NYC. And yet, it will be our first and only day
> at Disney�s Hollywood Studios. (Formerly The Disney/MGM Studios)
>
> It�s still raining when Iris picks us up, and we are prepared with
> ponchos for the day. Once in the park � early as it is Early Magic
> Hours for resort guests � the three of us head for Toy Story: Midway
> Mania to get fastpasses. Iris also picks up a pair so that when she
> returns after work � with Jason � they will be able to ride. Erica and
> I decide to hold on to our fastpasses to go with them in the evening,
> so we head on to the Standby line, which is still a reasonable wait as
> it is still early, and the general public is not yet being admitted to
> the park.
>
> One of the good things about waiting on the Standby line is that you
> get to see the details of the queue, rather than bypassing it all on
> the fastpass line. On my last trip here a few weeks ago, my wife was
> using an electric scooter due to some foot problems, and when we were
> here, mis-following the CM�s instructions to turn right and go up the
> ramp, she turned left, into the former single-rider�s line, and took
> out a piece of the wall. Upon inspection, it now had been fixed and
> repainted so you wouldn�t know anything had been wrong.
>
> From here we head over to the Muppets 4-D show, followed by Star
> Tours.
>
> Our next stop would be the American Idol Adventure. Since the �Idol�
> franchise has its Australian counterpart, this wasn�t an unknown for
> Erica, and we got to see three contestants during the show we
> attended. Unfortunately, we would not be able to go and see the finale
> show later in the evening, so we wouldn�t know how the winner of the
> show we saw would fare in the end. The winner of the finale show gets
> a guaranteed audition for the actual show � but they do have to
> physically get to the audition.
>
> Then it was time for our lunch at Sci-Fi Dine In. This is one of the
> most fun places for lunch � though we come here more for the ambience
> than the food � which was not bad, just not anything special. But it
> is fun to sit in the car to eat lunch while watching the Grade-Z 50�s
> era Sci-Fi trailers, and typical drive-in fillers.
>
> After lunch we start heading towards the Animation forecourt, and on
> the way, go in to ride the Great Movie Ride. Erica had seen the
> original Chinese Theater in L.A. during her first US visit, so this
> was a somewhat familiar sight.
>
> Once done we head over to the Animation �Studio�, but decide not to
> wait to take the full tour, but head back through the store. Here we
> avail ourselves of the photo opportunities. Mr. and Mrs. Incredible
> are posing with guests, so we get on line so Erica can take her
> picture with them � Elastigirl being a favorite of Erica�s husband.
> Unfortunately, their set was over as we were second next to meet and
> greet. After a short break, Mr. Incredible returns with Frozone. So it
> is with those two that Erica has her picture taken.
>
> Next we go to meet Sorcerer Mickey and have our pictures taken with
> him � after � you guessed it � he has to take a break.
>
> Next we want to attend the Animation Academy. It looks as if we will
> have to wait for a second class, but we do get lucky and get in at the
> tail end of the current class, but have to work on lapboards rather
> than a desk. The animator gives the class the choice of who to learn
> to draw. Erica wants to do Chip or Dale, but the vote goes to Dopey.
>
> http://gallery.me.com/mfendrick#100384/100_2107&bgcolor=black
>
> Next up are the two big rides in the park � Rock N Roller Coaster
> with Aerosmith and Tower of Terror. Since no fastpasses were
> available, we get on the Standby line which is a 70 minute wait. The
> single rider line had been closed as it had gotten longer than the
> standby, but as we were standing there, it was reopened, and we make
> the decision to go that way. We wouldn�t get to ride sitting next to
> each other, but we did get on the same �stretch limousine�.
>
> Next up is Tower of Terror, which has a long line as well, but slowed
> down significantly when 2 of the shafts went out of operation. Not
> thinking, when we got on to the �elevator�, I forgot to take the
> camera off from around my neck. It was a very strange sight when at
> one point, I saw my camera floating for a few seconds right at eye
> level!
>
> Next we take a break and stop off to see the Beauty and the Beast
> musical.
>
> After some more souvenir shopping � Erica buying personalized ears for
> her three children � we meet Iris and Jason and do our second ride
> through on Toy Story.
>
> At this point we need to check in at 50�s Prime Time Caf�, but find
> that they are running more than an hour behind. Erica and I get lucky
> and find seating in the living room, and much quicker than expected,
> our cousin calls us in to the �kitchen� for dinner. (I make sure I eat
> my vegetables first so I don�t get into trouble. The cousin serving a
> nearby table was feeding someone her veggies.) We ask for the desert
> menu so Erica can read it from the Viewmaster, and we order a huge
> brownie sundae for the 4 of us to share.
>
> Now we give Erica the choice of either seeing Fantasmic or heading
> back to the hotel. She chooses to see Fantasmic, and since it was
> getting cool very quickly, she needs to buy a hoodie before we get our
> seats. Since Iris is also without a jacket or sweater, since she has
> been putting up with me again, just weeks after I was there earlier, I
> tell her that I will spring for a new sweatshirt/hoodie for her as
> well.
>
> Now all bundled up we go into the theater, where despite the relative
> closeness to the start of the show, we get to sit right in the middle.
> The show did not disappoint.
>
> Once over, we leave the park � the last time we would be doing this �
> and head for the room, having been in the park from EMH to closing. I
> can�t remember the last time I had done that!
Sounds like the rain didn't dampen this day at all!

Lisa
From: MitchB on 23 Apr 2010 09:11

"Mark L Fendrick" <mark.fendrick(a)gmail.com> wrote in message
news:3518713f-db40-4d81-8546-b7f3f90762ec(a)29g2000yqp.googlegroups.com...
> Day 9
> Photos from today can be seen at - http://gallery.me.com/mfendrick#100384
>
> Next up is Tower of Terror, which has a long line as well, but slowed
> down significantly when 2 of the shafts went out of operation. Not
> thinking, when we got on to the �elevator�, I forgot to take the
> camera off from around my neck. It was a very strange sight when at
> one point, I saw my camera floating for a few seconds right at eye
> level!
>

Fortunately it didn't hit you! That woulda left a mark!

> Once over, we leave the park � the last time we would be doing this �
> and head for the room, having been in the park from EMH to closing. I
> can�t remember the last time I had done that!

Good for you! We have yet to do that! We usually end up taking a break
midway thru the day.

Michelle

From: Mark L Fendrick on 23 Apr 2010 09:53
On Apr 23, 9:11 am, "MitchB" <sugarandspicefor...(a)hotmail.com> wrote:
> "Mark L Fendrick" <mark.fendr...(a)gmail.com> wrote in messagenews:3518713f-db40-4d81-8546-b7f3f90762ec(a)29g2000yqp.googlegroups.com...
>
> > Day 9
> > Photos from today can be seen at -http://gallery.me.com/mfendrick#100384
>
> > Next up is Tower of Terror, which has a long line as well, but slowed
> > down significantly when 2 of the shafts went out of operation. Not
> > thinking, when we got on to the “elevator”, I forgot to take the
> > camera off from around my neck. It was a very strange sight when at
> > one point, I saw my camera floating for a few seconds right at eye
> > level!
>
> Fortunately it didn't hit you!  That woulda left a mark!


Okay, you got me ... on the previous drop ... it did! Not hard, but
did get my attention. It was then that I realized I should have been
holding it, but before I could act on that thought we were up and down
yet again ... and that is when I saw it simply floating! Wish I had
movies of it - it was truly amazing to see!


> > Once over, we leave the park – the last time we would be doing this –
> > and head for the room, having been in the park from EMH to closing. I
> > can’t remember the last time I had done that!
>
> Good for you!  We have yet to do that!  We usually end up taking a break
> midway thru the day.
>
> Michelle

When I am there these days, we never even come close to that anymore -
though back in the day we did. It's only on days that my daughter is
working, and has to get us in before she goes to work, that we are
even there close to rope drop. Usually, on the days she is off, we get
there late and leave early. One of the benefits of having been there
so often - no more commando for us! <G>

Mark

From: Mark L Fendrick on 22 Apr 2010 20:34
Day 9
Photos from today can be seen at - http://gallery.me.com/mfendrick#100384

It seems as if the rain/lightning/thunder (Central Florida is the
lightning capital of the US) caused a brief power outage during the
night. I would guess that most guests were not even aware of it, but
perhaps the slight change of ambient sound – no fan running – was
enough to cause me to awake and become aware of something being wrong.
However, about 15 minutes after I awoke, the power came back on and I
fell back asleep.

Today will be our final day at a park … tomorrow we take it easy and
pack for our flight to NYC. And yet, it will be our first and only day
at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (Formerly The Disney/MGM Studios)

It’s still raining when Iris picks us up, and we are prepared with
ponchos for the day. Once in the park – early as it is Early Magic
Hours for resort guests – the three of us head for Toy Story: Midway
Mania to get fastpasses. Iris also picks up a pair so that when she
returns after work – with Jason – they will be able to ride. Erica and
I decide to hold on to our fastpasses to go with them in the evening,
so we head on to the Standby line, which is still a reasonable wait as
it is still early, and the general public is not yet being admitted to
the park.

One of the good things about waiting on the Standby line is that you
get to see the details of the queue, rather than bypassing it all on
the fastpass line. On my last trip here a few weeks ago, my wife was
using an electric scooter due to some foot problems, and when we were
here, mis-following the CM’s instructions to turn right and go up the
ramp, she turned left, into the former single-rider’s line, and took
out a piece of the wall. Upon inspection, it now had been fixed and
repainted so you wouldn’t know anything had been wrong.

From here we head over to the Muppets 4-D show, followed by Star
Tours.

Our next stop would be the American Idol Adventure. Since the “Idol”
franchise has its Australian counterpart, this wasn’t an unknown for
Erica, and we got to see three contestants during the show we
attended. Unfortunately, we would not be able to go and see the finale
show later in the evening, so we wouldn’t know how the winner of the
show we saw would fare in the end. The winner of the finale show gets
a guaranteed audition for the actual show … but they do have to
physically get to the audition.

Then it was time for our lunch at Sci-Fi Dine In. This is one of the
most fun places for lunch – though we come here more for the ambience
than the food … which was not bad, just not anything special. But it
is fun to sit in the car to eat lunch while watching the Grade-Z 50’s
era Sci-Fi trailers, and typical drive-in fillers.

After lunch we start heading towards the Animation forecourt, and on
the way, go in to ride the Great Movie Ride. Erica had seen the
original Chinese Theater in L.A. during her first US visit, so this
was a somewhat familiar sight.

Once done we head over to the Animation “Studio”, but decide not to
wait to take the full tour, but head back through the store. Here we
avail ourselves of the photo opportunities. Mr. and Mrs. Incredible
are posing with guests, so we get on line so Erica can take her
picture with them … Elastigirl being a favorite of Erica’s husband.
Unfortunately, their set was over as we were second next to meet and
greet. After a short break, Mr. Incredible returns with Frozone. So it
is with those two that Erica has her picture taken.

Next we go to meet Sorcerer Mickey and have our pictures taken with
him … after – you guessed it – he has to take a break.

Next we want to attend the Animation Academy. It looks as if we will
have to wait for a second class, but we do get lucky and get in at the
tail end of the current class, but have to work on lapboards rather
than a desk. The animator gives the class the choice of who to learn
to draw. Erica wants to do Chip or Dale, but the vote goes to Dopey.

http://gallery.me.com/mfendrick#100384/100_2107&bgcolor=black

Next up are the two big rides in the park – Rock N Roller Coaster
with Aerosmith and Tower of Terror. Since no fastpasses were
available, we get on the Standby line which is a 70 minute wait. The
single rider line had been closed as it had gotten longer than the
standby, but as we were standing there, it was reopened, and we make
the decision to go that way. We wouldn’t get to ride sitting next to
each other, but we did get on the same “stretch limousine”.

Next up is Tower of Terror, which has a long line as well, but slowed
down significantly when 2 of the shafts went out of operation. Not
thinking, when we got on to the “elevator”, I forgot to take the
camera off from around my neck. It was a very strange sight when at
one point, I saw my camera floating for a few seconds right at eye
level!

Next we take a break and stop off to see the Beauty and the Beast
musical.

After some more souvenir shopping – Erica buying personalized ears for
her three children – we meet Iris and Jason and do our second ride
through on Toy Story.

At this point we need to check in at 50’s Prime Time Café, but find
that they are running more than an hour behind. Erica and I get lucky
and find seating in the living room, and much quicker than expected,
our cousin calls us in to the “kitchen” for dinner. (I make sure I eat
my vegetables first so I don’t get into trouble. The cousin serving a
nearby table was feeding someone her veggies.) We ask for the desert
menu so Erica can read it from the Viewmaster, and we order a huge
brownie sundae for the 4 of us to share.

Now we give Erica the choice of either seeing Fantasmic or heading
back to the hotel. She chooses to see Fantasmic, and since it was
getting cool very quickly, she needs to buy a hoodie before we get our
seats. Since Iris is also without a jacket or sweater, since she has
been putting up with me again, just weeks after I was there earlier, I
tell her that I will spring for a new sweatshirt/hoodie for her as
well.

Now all bundled up we go into the theater, where despite the relative
closeness to the start of the show, we get to sit right in the middle.
The show did not disappoint.

Once over, we leave the park – the last time we would be doing this –
and head for the room, having been in the park from EMH to closing. I
can’t remember the last time I had done that!
From: Mark L Fendrick on 23 Apr 2010 17:29
On Apr 23, 4:14 pm, Lisa Cubbon <cub...(a)bellsouth.net> wrote:

> Sounds like the rain didn't dampen this day at all!
>
> Lisa

Actually - I should have mentioned this in the TR, after we exited
TS:MM the first time, the skies cleared up and it turned out to be a
nice sunny day. It did get quite cool when the sun went down in the
evening, but it did turn out to be a nice day indeed.

Mark
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