WDW Day 7

Friday, August 21, 2009
Highlights: Disney's Hollywood Studios, House of Blues, Downtown Disney, Ghirardelli

The number one objective for Hollywood Studios was to ride Toy Story Mania before all the fast passes ran out. We entered the park and headed straight for the attraction in Pixar Place. There was an enormous line just to get fast passes and they limited it to one person per party to obtain them. Of course, that was me. Who else cares that much? So, fast passes were pocketed and some of us headed to Rockin' Rollercoaster to get it in early and the others rode the Great Movie Ride. I really love the speed of the initial blast off and the fact that the whole ride runs with a soundtrack. I wonder if "Love in an Elevator" is the only song that plays while you ride?? (Let me know.) It is my favorite coaster for that reason. Afterward, we went to Starring Rolls Cafe to grab a quick bite because us youngsters did not have breakfast. The chocolate muffin was yummo. Then we all headed to the Chronicles of Narnia attraction which was a big waste of time even though I like the movie. Then we decided to head through One Man's Dream that we all love because it reminds us where Walt Disney World came from and shows us the man behind all that makes us happy. The Magic of Disney Animation is a favorite too because I am an artist even though I do not play one on TV. I wanted to be a cartoonist when I was a kid and now I just do graphic design and draw here and there. We got to see a trailer for Disney's next animated feature, "The Princess and the Frog," and it looks good. I have a profound appreciation for the art of Disney. It is still a dream of mine to create for them. So, after dreaming and being awe-inspired, we headed to American Idol Experience to check out this new attraction. Of the three people that performed, the girl who won was the best. It was cool to vote and be closer to the process than you are at home. After the show we headed to Toy Story Mania to finally ride and it was awesome. We all had so much fun. Then we headed to Muppetvision 3-D and then to Pizza Planet for lunch. After lunch CG, TK and I tried to get on Rockin' Rollercoaster again and the parents all went to the Backlot Tour. Of course the wait was too long so, we enjoyed shakes at Min & Bill's. Finally, we decided to go back to the resort and the parents went to see the Beauty and the Beast show.

At the resort, we relaxed and then got ready for our dinner reservation at House of Blues. We took the bus to Downtown Disney and it started to pour so, we all put ponchos over our heads and made it to House of Blues with minimal damage to our ensembles. To begin, I had a Flirtarita and shared the crab and artichoke dip with Mom. Then for my entree I had a Cobb salad which was enormous. After dinner we trekked back through West Side, Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney until we got to the World of Disney Store. I really wanted to ride Characters in Flight but the weather would not permit it. While walking around the store aimlessly, I realized I didn't see anyone I was with and headed back to the room. We closed out the night by playing a little cards. The next day was going to be a free-for-all so there was no particular time we had to awaken.