I have to say that Hollywood Studios was actually my favorite day so far. After a scary/whiny Epcot visit and whirlwind Magic Kingdom visit, Hollywood Studios seemed like the right combination of relaxation, excitement, kids’ interests and adult rides.
We decided to sleep in a bit Sunday morning. We didn’t have to be there until lunch and I knew with Lexi not being able to go to a lot of rides, we wouldn’t have a full day. And that was fine. It was actually nice. We started out with the Tower of Terror. Last time we went to Disney I was pregnant so I got to hear everyone rave over it. Scott was excited to get back on it and wow, I can see why. It was awesome! It’s like a drop zone ride but you go up and down several times. I literally could ride that over and over again without getting off. Loved it.
It was raining hard when we got out of that. We waited until it slowed down and ran over to the Beauty and the Beast show which was covered. Even though Lexi has seen the movie several times, she still cried when she heard the Beast. But by this time, I was getting used to telling her to close her ears and cover her eyes. I managed to keep her in the show and she loved the rest of it.
We had to leave a little early to make it to lunch at Hollywood & Vine but there was no real reason to hurry as they messed up our reservation and we waited for over 45 minutes for our table. It turned out ok though because SIL and family showed up while we were waiting and we all got to eat together. The kids enjoyed the Little Einstein characters and the waitress was extra nice to go to another location to get Lexi a hot dog after she mentioned it to her.
At that point we met up with Heather, Kristyn’s sister again and she pointed us to the Disney Animation show and character signing where we finally got Mickey’s autograph. I have to say that Lexi especially idolizes Mickey. She just stared at him while we were waiting in line.
After that, we were in a rush to make it to the Playhouse Disney show. The kids enjoyed that a lot. I have to say I was a little disappointed as it was all small puppets of the characters.
As soon as that was over, we rushed over to American Idol. I have to say I was REALLY excited for this. I was clapping and yelling when they showed clips of David Cook and other past idols. Kristyn and Heather kept looking at me like I was an idiot. What can I say? We all know I love my American Idol. The 3 girls on there actually participated in tryouts that morning and I was really impressed. Apparently the show gets them into the finals that night and whomever wins that, gets a fast pass to the front of the line of an actual American Idol tryout of their choice. Cool!
The adults are rushed over to Rock n Rollercoaster while the kids went to a movie ride. I LOVED the rollercoaster. We bought the picture of us on the ride they took and we NEVER do that. The look on my face was just too priceless.
At that point, everyone was losing it. Emma was starting to whine, stomp her foot and cry over everything. Lexi wanted held. The adults were getting short-tempered. Our tanks were empty and it was time for food! Heather tipped us off to Pizza Planet which was a big win for us. Emma ate her entire pizza. Lexi ate 3 of 4 pieces plus all her grapes. I ate everything too. The pizza reminded me a lot of Pizza Hut but a lot less greasy and a little more spicy. Loved it.
We had picked up fast passes to Star Tours so we did that. Big fail for me. It was one of those things where you sit in a room and the seats move as you watch a film. Eh.
We rushed off to Fantasmic after that. Standing room only but we went for it. Lexi had to reassured 500 times it was going to be ok. But she did cry and I did have to sit down with her with her eyes closed and ears covered for a good five minutes of the show. I assured her Mickey would get the dragon and his dreams would return to normal soon. The big boat with all the Disney characters at the end seemed to make up for all her stress. And of course….Emma loved it. She was proud that she watched all the bad parts without getting scared. I *think* I’m proud of her for that.
We called it a day after stopping at Tower of Terror once more and a coffee break. Overall a really good day.