Do You Like Pictures and Character Dance Battles? - Jan 2014 Parker Clan Trip Report Updated 9/15/15

[KovuLover]

PART THIRTY-FIVE- HAUNTED MANSION AND BUZZ LIGHTYEAR'S SPACE RANGER SPIN!

I'm getting towards the end of my MK adventures but there is still a lot more fun to be had in the other parks!

I was always afraid of the Haunted Mansion as a kid. Let's face it, the word "haunted" is enough to derail some kids before they even give it a chance, and this was certainly where I fell. I thought it was a walk through haunted house with jump scares and frights, and no one could convince me otherwise. I finally went on it a few years ago, and I was happily surprised. It was tastefully done and not too scary (well, not at all scary but for children I can still see where some would be scared). Needless to say, I now go on every chance that I get!

A view of the mansion from across the water. You can even see Rapunzel's tower from here!

The mansion from the outside:

The ghost horse! I actually waited at this spot to see it move and had to run to catch up with everyone else in my family!

No detail is too small for Disney! Notice the people in the iron fence?

Some of the animals from the graveyard at the end of the ride. One of these things is not like the other. Can you spot the throwback to a past Disney ride?

The queue line at night. The below is one of my favorite pictures from the trip. I had no idea that this CM stepped in to the photo. So creepy to stumble upon when I was home that he was there and I never knew, but also just made me love Disney that much more. Can you say above and beyond the line of duty?

The new interactive music display! Clicking on the instruments will cause their sounds to play. So cool!

You can play the keys on this organ!

Meow!

This one actually squirts water at you!

One of our favorite rides is Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. The simplicity of pointing a laser at targets to rack up points, coupled with the fast loading speed (meaning usually shorter lines and wait times), and the Parker competitive spirit makes this a go-to when we are in MK. The photo opportunity towards the end always provides some additional entertainment for us as well.

Getting in line for the ride!

And now for some PhotoPass photos!

Mom and Dad having some intergalactic fun!

Sean was way to into it...

Hand people playing the game haha

Mom and I having fun!

Dad, serious in his shooting...

The night that it was FREEZING out in the parks.

I got to wear my bear hat that my best friend bought me on a ride! I don't know if that was a good thing or bad thing... but I liked it in the moment!

My best impression of the "Dad focus" face on these rides. How did I do?

Buzz thanking us for our assistance in capturing Zurg at the end of the ride!

To Infinity, and BEYOND! See you next time!

KovuLover

 

[KovuLover]

PART THIRTY-SIX- ROCK N' ROLLER COASTER AND STAR TOURS!

We now take a trip back to Hollywood Studios for some thrill-seeking fun!

I had covered Tower of Terror in a separate post, so now it's time for it's partner in crime RNRC! From the entrance, you can tell you are in for a white knuckle ride!

Aerosmith on their super stretch limo, waiting just for you!

I hope you like some rock!

Some musical memorabilia in the queue line as we are making our way towards the ride.

Aerosmith in the recording studio as they invite us to go to their concert with them!

Getting ready for takeoff through the busy Los Angeles traffic. Will we make it to the concert in time?

Here we go! Time for some PhotoPass Pictures!

Signage in the gift shop!

What do you guys think? Is this a good look for my dad?

A signed picture of the band before we headed out of the gift shop and to another attraction.

The entrance for Star Tours!

An At-At guarding the entrance. So cool!

C3PO and R2D2!

A bot scanning luggage in the queue line. He's very funny and entertaining!

One of the pre-show videos showing our spacecraft in the port.

All of us with our glasses on before the ride!

Unfortunately there are no photos on Star Tours (hopefully that will be soon to come!), so all we have are photos of the outside and the queue line. It is a very fun ride, and I love that the ride is made up of random beginnings, middles, and endings so the experience is not the same every time you ride.

See you soon!
KovuLover

 

[Zenyatta1]

Loved our rides on the limo! Can't wait to go again in 3 weeks!

 

[KovuLover]

PART THIRTY-SEVEN- INDIANA JONES EPIC STUNT SPECTACULAR!

One of the most underrated attractions in the World is the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! It's one of the best stage shows that almost never has a wait, is in the shade, and lives up to its "epic" title. When people list off their favorite attractions in the parks, this is almost never mentioned as a top contender but it is really very well done and should be seen every chance that you get!

When we were there, the weather was not cooperating and we were informed that the second half of the show (with the plane) could not be performed without endangering the stunt performers. It was a bummer, but it makes perfect sense and the safety of the performers is always the number one priority.

Below are some photos of our "half" show!

The golden idol, ripe for the taking!

Ominous faces in the background.

Indy is on the scene and ready to claim the treasure!

Spikes protrude through the floor, but Indy is too quick!

Indy carefully replaces the idol. Will it work?

The eyes glow red and the walls break away to reveal a giant boulder.

I would start running, Indy...

The marketplace set.

Indy and Marion watching the marketplace performers. Seems innocent enough, right?

The performers from the crowd are really selling this scene! I personally love the sorcerer hat with Mickey ears. Just when everything is going well, a fight breaks out!

Marion doesn't need Indy all the time. She throws a mean punch herself!

Fights continue upwards towards the rooftops.

Marion and Indy get the best of the attackers, and find their way back down to the market.

Indy faces his final attacker, but chooses his pistol over a hand or sword fight. Smart!

This was the last scene that we were able to see with the weather cutting the performance short, but it was still a great show and worth the watch!

KovuLover

 

[KovuLover]

PART THIRTY-EIGHT- FANTASMIC!

Fantasmic is a show that is NOT to be missed! The fountains and waterworks with projected images, the story line of the villains entering and trying to take over Mickey's dreams, and the amazing stage props and character appearances make the packed shows make sense. The theater is almost always full to capacity (unless you are able to see the second show if there is one), but one of the great offers Disney has is the dining Fantasmic package. With this option, we were able to eat at one of the participating restaurants (we chose Mama Melrose's) and get ticket vouchers for reserved seating for the show. We planned on eating at MM's anyways, so by doing the package we were able to rest (somewhat) assured that we would have seats. The Fantasmic package seats are in the center of the stage which were awesome, but you are not guaranteed a seat. They have a section that is blocked off so only people who did the package can sit there, but there are no assigned seats and you still need to get to the theater 30 or so minutes before the show to claim your seat. Half an hour is much less to wait then the hour or so you need to be in line to get a regular seat, however!

Mickey at the start of the show! Here we are invited into his dream!

Neon animals from the African savannah! This is one of my favorite parts of the show!

Governor Ratcliffe landing and claiming the mountain for the king and himself.

Pocahontas makes an appearance at the top of the cliff, beckoning for peace.

At this point, the princesses riding on floats go by on the water. I was able to get a few good pictures of Ariel and Eric, but unfortunately my photos of Belle/Beast and Snow White/Prince were blurry. Boo!

The evil queen makes an appearance as the villains band together to turn Mickey's dream into a nightmare!

With a dash of magic into the cauldron, she transforms into the witch!

Jafar transforms into a giant snake that is trying to make Mickey's dreams even darker!

Maleficent makes her appearance!

Transformation into her dragon alter-ego is complete. Can Mickey overcome this nightmare?

Of course he can! He is Mickey Mouse after all!

A party steam boat with the celebrating characters makes its way around the moat in celebration of the villains being cast out of Mickey's dream!

Steamboat Willie cast in a black and white glow.

A bit blurry, but a shot of the boat with the characters!

More characters!

Through the power of Mickey's imagination, he is able to cast out the villains and reclaim his dream!

KovuLover

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

It's a love/hate relationship with this ride for me. I love the queue, hate the anticipation, really don't enjoy the falls, but go on it over and over…

It's always been my favorite. Just last week my DS4 got to ride it for the first time...and the second time and the third time

 

[KovuLover]

PART THIRTY-NINE- FINALLY AT EPCOT! CHRISTMAS TOPIARIES, TEST TRACK AND PLUTO!

This TR is already at 39 picture-filled posts, and I have yet to make my way to EPCOT. No need to fret though, as I have quite a few posts that are going to be dedicated to this amazing park!

The first time we arrived at the park, it was decorated with beautiful topiaries and poinsettias.

Goofy and Donald in front of Spaceship Earth at the entrance to EPCOT.

Bambi, Thumper and Flower!

Stitch!

My personal favorite, Pluto!

Last but not least, Mickey and Minnie! Aren't these topiaries amazing?

We ventured towards Test Track on our way out. We only went on this ride once as a family (we went on a few times in the single rider line) but we did not get any of the single pictures added to our PP.

The night that we went on, it was very cold and misting. We were afraid with the storms looming that the ride would be closed before we made it on, but we were lucky and were able to ride.

Below is the car that my sister and I designed.

This is the car that my dad/mom/Sean designed (before they copied our wheels...).

Out and about on the track! My sister is there somewhere behind my hand.

As previously mentioned, Pluto is one of my favorite characters! On the way out of the park, we saw Pluto with a PhotoPass photographer and absolutely no line. We were so excited (and by we, I mean the ladies) and took advantage of the lull and went to go get our picture with him.

There was a greeter in the parks that gave us Mickey Mouse stickers when we entered. It wasn't until we were leaving and taking these pictures that I realized the sticker was no longer on my jacket but in my hair. Nice. haha

KovuLover

 

[KovuLover]

Hello everyone,

I'm sorry that I have not been posting on my TR lately. My family's next Disney vacation is only 4 days away, and we have all been preparing for our next magical adventure! I'll continue posting once I'm back in mid-October!

Until then, have a great time on the DIS and I'll post more updates when I'm back!

KovuLover