Hollywood Studios (day 9)

The day started off hot and humid. We decided to skip breakfast, and just have some of our snacks instead. We headed off to Hollywood Studios and thought we were waaaaay too early. Only, it turned out that we weren’t the earliest ones, and we ended up in a long line. This didn’t bode well for the day, I thought, but to be honest, it wasn’t too bad. The fastpasses really are a life saver.

Again… no opening ceremony. I wonder if they got rid of the one in Magic Kingdom too. It makes me a little sad, because it was such an awesome way to start the day. A lot of things have modernized in the parks, which is great… but I kind of like the cheesy old stuff, and I don’t like that they get changed. It also bugged me that they took down the giant Sorcerer’s Apprentice hat. I know it was just a gift shop, but it looked so nice. Now it just doesn’t look as atmospheric anymore.

Elora decided that she wanted to try the tower of terror again, so we headed straight for that one. Our fastpass wasn’t until 9:20. There was quite a line, but that’s because the ride opened a bit late. So when it opened, it was our turn quite quickly. Elora was so nervous, her heart was pounding.

We got in the elevator, and I wrapped my arm around her. She did NOT like this ride. Her head was lodged in my armpit for most of it, and I felt so sorry for her. We decided to not try this one again for another few years. She came out pale and bug-eyed. The very evil person in me had to hold in her laugh, because it was a little funny. I did feel like a terrible mother, but in my defense, we only went in because SHE insisted.

Toystory Midway Mania was next. This is such a fun ride. It’s a bit like the men in black ride in Universal, but this one is just more fun. Elora loved it. She gets very competitive, and really almost kicked my ass. Not quite… but there was a point where we had the same points. Daan was the highest scorer.

The Great Movie ride is still one of my favorite rides. I love the cheesy goodness of it. The alien part is kind of scary, especially since the alien came out right above us. Well done!

We had nice seats at the Indiana Jones Stunt show, and Elora was utterly gutted that she couldn’t volunteer as one of the extras. She wanted to see everything up close. She did love the explosions though, it was so cute.

After Indiana Jones came the Frozen Sing A Long thingy. I have to admit, I was kind of dreading that one, but the performers had enough adult humor to actually make it really funny. And it was nice and cool inside (actually it was bordering on downright cold) Elora sang along loud and proud, as did all the other kids. It was so freaking adorable!

It was after one, and we decided to go home for a bit, because it was hot and really crowded. On the way back we got side tracked by a vicious little old lady with too much make up. She wanted to ask ‘us’ some questions… and with ‘us’ I mean Daan and Elora, because apparently I should have known my place and shut up. She actually completely ignored me, the little dinosaur didn’t look at me once, nor did she speak to me. The questions were all directed at Daan… who didn’t organize the trip, so he had to ask me all the time. The worst part is that she didn’t know how to work the tablet she needed to fill the questions on, so it actually took her 20 minutes to get us through this. I was actually to shocked to be snarky, but Daan kept deliberately asking me stuff, even for the things he DID know. At least she acknowledged Elora, or I would have gotten peeved.

Back home (yeah, it kinda feels like home) Elora and Daan went for a short swim. We didn’t have a lot of time, because we had dinner reservations, so we headed back to Hollywood Studios. We ate at Mama Melrose, where we had a Fantasmic package.

I really like this restaurant, it’s just really cozy. The food portions are RIDICULOUS. We didn’t know what hit us. Because we were on the Fantasmic package we got a starter, main AND dessert. The starters alone were more food than the three of us would eat for an entire meal. Daan’s flatbread was what we would consider a medium size thin crust pizza. I got a mountain of calamaris, and the only dish that was normal sized was Elora’s ministone soup. (I loved her soup, it was so fresh, that’s why Elora didn’t like it, and mostly just at my Calamaris)

We ate about two slices of Daan’s pizza… ehm… flatbread, and half my calamaris, then we decided to have the rest wrapped up, because we still had a main course. Daan had Chicken Parmagiana, I had pasta Seafood Arribiata and Elora had spaghetti and meatballs. Elora’s meatball also disappeared into our doggy bag, she was so full after the calamaris.

Completely stuffed, we left the restaurant, and Elora and I decided a roller coaster would be a good idea to digest our food *grin*. She wanted to go in the Rock and Roller coaster, from Aerosmith. I was really curious about this one, because I hadn’t ever ridden that before. Half way through the line, she was scared again. I was wondering if we should leave this time, but I know my kid… she would always wonder what it would be like. I though this one couldn’t be that different from the Mount Everest (which she absolutely loved) so I decided to stay in line.

Elora pointed out that the straps were different on this one, so it probably would go upside down. I had a sneaky suspicion it would too, and again I wondered if we should step out of line. Her heart was pounding again. We decided she would just give it a go.

It DID go upside down… and the damn thing was a lot faster than the Mount Everest… but Elora LOVED it. They took a picture all the way in the beginning, where she still looked terrified… but she came out with a big smile (and she wants to go again this trip)

When we came out we were just in time for Fantasmic. The dinner plan seats are SO MUCH BETTER this year. We were right in the center, and it was AWESOME!! I love this show, it’s one of the best ones.

We missed the last five minutes, because we decided to run ahead of the exodus. I felt like I was running (well… speed walking) away from the zombie horde. *lol*

When we got home we were completely tired, and Elora went right to bed. I think this was one of my favourite days of the trip so far.