Sunday, November 6, 2016

Day 2: Hollywood Studios

Sunday started off much smoother. The total group sleep accumulated was much higher. Grandpa's app worked and he had a map.


Shane was happy from the get-go. A cast member let him hold her lightsaber as the Imperial patrol marched down main street.


Of course, we followed!


Shane rode on my shoulders whenever he needed to see above the crowd.


Unfortunately, we followed Grandpa in to a "Path of the Jedi" show. Carrie and I have shielded Shane from certain plot twists, because we wanted him to be old enough to get a reaction out of him. Grandpa assured us the movie would be harmless.


It turned out to be nothing but movie spoilers! We covered Shane's ears and went "LALALALALA!" the first time Vader dropped an iconic line. Then they did it again! And again! My only hope is that it was such an information overload, Shane didn't piece it together. The stink has a good memory, though. He later asked me, "So if they take off Darth Vader's helmet he dies?"

What's done is done, but I would take that attraction back. It's no use worrying about.

The next event we attended was the Muppets in 3D. In Shane fashion, my son complained "he didn't like Muppets" up until we got into the theater. After the show, he didn't want to leave.

Indiana Jones was similar. Long line, lots of whine, and then explosions.


There was too much talking in between for Shane's liking, but he was all about the fire.

Shane ricocheted between cranky and overjoyed the whole time we were at the park. Sensory overload factored in. There were $$$ toys for sale he couldn't have on every corner, attractions with hour long lines we avoided, and a lot of waiting at attractions we did.

At other theme parks, there are typically some smaller rides for kids that don't have long lines. Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios seemed devoid of those. We'd gone from show to show to show.

The Disney Jr section was a God send. Shane spotted a Little Mermaid show with no line and a minute from starting. Then we came out and ran into Jake and Pluto!


There were lines to visit, but they were much shorter and Shane could see the characters interacting with everyone.

He didn't want to leave. However, we missed the show start time and followed a pair of storm troopers to a Star Wars short and museum. Shane worked to stay sour through the video, but the fragiles captured his imagination.


He recognized the pod racer from a game Carrie tried to play with him, people/props from spots on TV, and asked tons of questions.


He got shy around the Jawas.



Lots of neat stuff. I don't know why the Stormtrooper sold for $9,000 while Boba was only $3,000, but Shane's not getting either.


We went to see Beauty and the Beast next. 


Shane was a pill. He hasn't seen Beauty and the Beast. He threw a fit and continued to do so throughout. I was almost ready to tell him, "Fine! Let's call it a day then!"

However, the next thing on the schedule was sure to be a hit: Disney Junior Live. There were even TVs in line.

Shane's was instantly happy.


It was the perfect show to end the day on.




There have been ups and downs, but I bet Shane only remembers the highs when you ask him about it. Time will cause the long lines to fade from memory, but wonder should keep some highlights alive.

It's been a different experience than I expected. It's been all attractions, shows, and schedules. No real rides. Disney Jr has been the only thing I've felt was oriented towards only kids and not adults. I prefer my vacations less scripted.

Of course, the whole experience was more about Shane and spending time with Grandpa and Grandma. Not me. In that sense, it was a huge success! Just look at the pictures!

Random odd bits:

1) I didn't realize Disney had any claims on Power Rangers. A quick web search found the link. 


2) Drone Racing League? That sounds like a fun! It blurs the line between sport and esport with the physical drone, but electronic control, as well.


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