Posts Tagged With: Hollywood Studios

Orlando Florida January 15

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom

8:00 AM, Sunday, arrival at Magic Kingdom

Well made plans are no guarantee of success. A few too many rides, a long day, and some stomach queasiness resulted in our leaving the Magic Kingdom around 4 on Sunday, instead of staying until closing. Until then, the day had gone well. No hassle with traffic even though Sunday’s run was a marathon compared to the half marathon on Saturday. Our parking spot was almost right at the gate to the Ticket and Transportation Center. Deb and I made it to Space Mountain early, walking quickly from the Main Street area when gates opened at 9 AM. We even had tine for the three ladies to stop for a morning coffee before the gates opened.

Lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern, Magic Kingdom

The predicted temperature high for the day was 80 degrees Fahrenheit but I doubt it reached that point. Certainly in the morning it was very pleasant. We walked around, made a few attractions and had early lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern. Four different meal choices, all were excellent. Several members of the group were emphatic that they were not going to the Hall of the Presidents since the current occupant of that position is included. So we passed it by.

Rebecca’s big request for the day was Pirates of the Caribbean. The wait advisory outside the attraction said a 20 minute wait but we timed it at 15 minutes. This ride has been updated; it has Jack Sparrow in it and has removed the scene with the bawdy bars. We walked by Swiss Family Robinson tree house, climbed up it, and had fond enough memories that on Monday we borrowed the video of the movie from the clubhouse here. The movie came out in 1960; I am sure some of the scenes and narration would be different if produced today. It brought back pleasant memories for all of us.

We have not observed any of the South American teen-age groups we observed at the Springhill Suites in their matching hoodies. Maybe Wednesday night had been their last day. Instead there were frequently families and couples with matching outfits; xxx family vacation 2019 was seen often. Disney themed t-shirts with Mickey and Minnie photos and individual names printed on them was another frequent sight. Colorful, almost tie-dyed, identical shirts popped up often. As usual, one needs to watch out for strollers, runaway toddlers, electric wheelchairs, etc. which all offer the potential for an accident.

One view of the Marriott Cypress Harbour.

We took it easy Monday, planning to go to Animal Kingdom Wednesday instead. Tuesday was Hollywood Studios and Chris really wanted to get a picture of us at the Sorcerer’s Hat which had stood in the main circle in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. We did not see it-it had been big. After asking a crew member, we learned that it had been removed for a large stage showcasing a Star Wars major attraction to open later this year. That new attraction has closed off a large portion of the park including the space for the ride though a movie studio. Hollywood Studios can easily be seen in a day, or less than a day.

We planned a sit down meal at Mama Melrose’s Italian restaurant and the Fantasmic evening show as a finale for the day and to officially celebrate Chris’ birthday. Yes, we have been celebrating for a while but this was the actual day. Both the meal and the Fantasmic show were excellent, we had great seats at center stage to view the show. Last time we were here, we sat in just about the last seat in the house.

Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios

Ed and Chris. January 18