Let The Memories Begin! – Day 12
Today is our Disney’s Hollywood Studio day. However, we had to make a detour to the Orlando Premium Factory Outlet before heading there. Firstly, my feet were so sore and had blisters from all the walking, ZA suggested that I should get a pair of sports shoes to walk in. Secondly, due to an incident last night which involved Jarod’s watch ‘kissing’ ZA’s, Jarod’s newly purchased watch had a crack. We were hoping to get it fixed.
We headed over to Walmart to grab some drinks and snacks as Disney allows us to bring them into the park. We only had 30 minutes to spare and made our way quickly to the Factory Outlet. I picked a pair of shoes from Nike and hurried over to the watch shop. The staff checked our receipt and promptly offered a replacement. I was really surprised as this was not manufacturing defect and it was impossible that we can get it replaced in Singapore. The better deal has yet to come, they offered Jarod a replacement of the newer model. Jarod was finally happy again.
Due to the detour, we missed the morning activities at the park. When we reached there, it was time for our lunch reservation at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano which is part of the Fantasmic! package. Unlike the other table service, we were allowed to order an appetiser, an entree, dessert and an non-alcoholic beverage. We ordered Mussels and Calamari to share. Jarod ordered the Seafood Arrabbiata and both ZA and I had the Charred Strip Steak. Ashley ordered Minestrone and Meatball Penne In Marinara. As always, we enjoyed our meal and the food were so good. We are happy that the quantity nor quality were compromised as a result of Free Dining. This lunch lasted over 2 hours and left us scrambling all over the park. (Zul : Almost all of our meals in Disney are FREE…)
We went for the Backlot Studio Tour first. It is a combination of a walking and tram tour of the backlot area of the park. A substantial part of the Studios was a film- and TV-production facility, although very little actual production takes place there. We witnessed special effects which seemed impossible transformed into on-screen reality. It was interesting.
Next stop was Toy Story Mania! The standby time was more than one hour long, but we walked right in armed with our FastPass+. We felt very privileged indeed. This is an interactive shooting gallery much like the Magic Kingdom’s Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, but in Toy Story Mania!, your ride vehicle passes through a totally virtual midway, with booths offering such games as ring tossing and ball throwing. We preferred this ride as unlike the laser guns in Buzz Lightyear, we used a cannon to play as we moved from booth to booth. Ashley enjoyed throwing eggs and pies at the targets. ZA emerged as the top scorer for the ride with Jarod closely behind. It was really fun and we would like to do it again.
Next, we rushed over and was just in time to catch Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. This show features cars and motorcycles in a blur of chases, crashes, jumps, and explosions. The secrets behind the special effects are explained after each stunt sequence, with replays and different camera views shown on an enormous movie screen. Halfway through the show, a woman seated in front of us insisted that I took a business card from her. I could not understand her intention initially but finally understood when I looked at the card. Ashley has been talent scouted! She kept gesturing at me to call her so I just nodded. It was quite funny. Jarod rated this his top experience of the day.
Then we rushed over to catch Indiana Jones Epic Spectacular! This popular production showcases professional stunt men and women who demonstrate dangerous stunts with a behind-the-scenes look at how they’re done. Sets, props, and special effects are very elaborate. Ashley enjoyed it so much that she wanted to watch the Indiana Jones movie after we return to Singapore.
We do not have much time left before the Fantasmic! seating. Ashley wanted to get the Glow With The Show Ears and we were searching for it. This amazing hat has been programmed to light up at key moments, matching the colors and flashing to the beat throughout a variety of popular evening shows, including Fantasmic! We finally found it and was ushered into the Mickey section to watch the show. This is a reserved section in the center of the stadium and had good view. Fantasmic is the most innovative outdoor spectacular we have seen so far. Starring Mickey Mouse in his role as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Fantasia, the production uses lasers, images projected on a shroud of mist, fireworks, lighting effects, and music in combination so stunning you can scarcely believe what you’re seeing. The plot is simple: good versus evil. Ashley was constantly cheering for Mickey as he fights against the evil. ZA was very impressed by the show.
After the show, we headed to Pizza Planet. Modeled after the fictional restaurant, Pizza Planet from the Toy Story franchise complete with a huge arcade, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the film as you enter the place. However, the pizza joint was already closed for the day. We stay on for Ashley to played a game of Air Hockey with Jarod before we left.
Our last activity for the day is The Disney Junior Dance Party. This event only takes place during the Extra Magic Hour and is only open to resort guests although it is not publicised. The theater was transformed into a dance party as favourite characters from Disney Junior appear and danced with the children. The first 2 characters were Sofia and Jake. Ashley was delighted to see Sofia as she was also dressed in Sofia outfit. She danced with Sofia before going over to Jake. Next, Mickey and Minnie appeared and received the loudest applause. Mickey was really good and friendly as he led Ashley to dance. The characters rotated after a while and other characters which appeared included Handy Manny and Annie and lastly Goofy and Pluto. Handy Manny, Goofy and Pluto did not seem as friendly and lively as the rest. The party also featured balloon sculpturing, bubbles and snow. Ashley was so happily dancing the night away. Even the adults took to the dance floor and everybody seemed to have a good time.
This is a day whereby we took the least photo as we were rushing from show to show. We did not manage to cover all the attractions and will return another day, hopefully we can take more photos then.
We finally headed back to our hotel food court for dinner. We were famished! Ashley had her usual fare. Jarod ordered a Chipotle Burger. ZA and I shared an Angus Burger and Southern fried Chicken before we called it a night.
