Disney 2012 - Day 4

Wednesday started off much better than Tuesday (we didn't have anything stolen so it had to be better)!  However, the boys were getting up earlier and earlier - 5:30 am this time.  We were easily out of the hotel by 8 am and on our way to Hollywood Studios (or MGM as it was called the last time I was there as a kid).

We got to the park gate around 8:30 am and they were letting people in already (though nothing opened until 9 am). 

We had read that the most popular ride is Toy Story Midway Mania so we went straight there to get a Fast Pass.  Even though it was only 8:45 am, our Fast Pass time was for 10 - 11 am.  We read that the Fast Passes usually run out by lunch time (which was true).

Our first activity was the Studio Backlot Tour since it was next to the Toy Story ride.  The explosions and tons of water scared Rylan a little but he did fine.  As the week went on, Rylan became more and more accepting of us forcing him to go on rides and sit through shows.

Next we did the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure.  This is a really cool playground built so that you appear tiny like the characters in the movie.  It is one of the couple of things I remember about this Disney park from when I was younger.  I'm glad we did this early because it was empty and the kids had a blast.  Brian and I had fun too.

Our next stop was the Toy Story Midway Mania ride.  I totally understand why this ride is so popular!  It was so much fun!  You where 3-D glasses and get to play electronic midway type games (like pop balloons with darts, ring toss, and breaking plates).  Rylan sat with me (as usual).  He never fired his gun but was pretty content just watching what was going on.  I got to play though and had fun.

Next up was Disney Junior - Live on Stage!  The show was about to begin as we were walking by so we went on in.  The only cartoons the boys watch are on Disney Junior so they were both in awe watching their favorite characters in front of them.

There was Mickey Mouse Clubhouse ...

Handy Manny ...

The Little Einsteins ...

and Jake and the Neverland Pirates ...

The boys did awesome watching the show.  Rylan danced around and Carter just stared in amazement.  I'm not sure what he thought about what he was seeing.  I didn't get it out of him if he thought they were real or the same as a cartoon. 

After the show, we walked over to the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster to get Fast Passes for Brian and me.  Rylan fell asleep on our walk - these cheap umbrella strollers were no where near as comfortable as our Maclaren ...

We got lunch at ABC Commissary while Rylan slept.  He woke up happy and ate quickly while we were finishing up.

Next up was the Great Movie Ride.  It was okay but there were a few parts that were a little scary for the boys (like the scene from Alien and some of the gun fighting).  After that Brian and I took turns of the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.  It's a little like Space Mountain because it's inside and in the dark, but it's a lot newer and a lot better.  We both thought it was really good.

After the ride, we got Fast Passes for Star Tours and then did the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.  Rylan was good for a couple of minutes ...

but then kept trying to get away from me because he wanted to leave.  Carter was pretty into the show though.  Both boys must of thought the acting was a little poor because they separately laughed at some of the fight scenes.

After the show, Brian went on Star Tours while the boys and I chilled on a bench.  I realized that we were on the parade route then and it was starting soon.  We made sure to stay on that bench and ended up with a very relaxing, front row seat for the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! parade.  Brian got back about 5 minutes before the parade began so it all worked out perfect.

This parade was cool because the boys recognized almost all the characters from the Pixar movies we own (or used to own). 

Up next was Muppet Vision 3D.  Rylan was now a pro at wearing 3-D glasses (Carter was great from the start).  He got less freaked out by things coming at him and seemed to enjoy it.

After that show, we went back to the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure but didn't stay too long because it was super crowded.  It was 4:45 pm and we decided to head out then because everyone was getting tired.  We got a picture of ourselves though before leaving.

Rylan fell asleep walking to the car and Carter did on the way to the hotel.  We got the boys into the hotel where they were both super grumpy (that's why we didn't go straight to dinner).  Rylan ended up falling back asleep on me and Carter's mood improved eventually. 

Once Rylan woke up, we went to dinner at Panera and stopped by Target to get some new DVD players and a movie for our drive home (we were pretty sure we wouldn't survive the trip with no entertainment for the boys).  Somehow we still had Toy Story (either the thieves dropped it or it doesn't resell well) and we bought Rio - I don't want to see either of those movies for awhile now.

We got back to the hotel a little late but still managed to get in baths and showers for everyone.  The boys were so exhausted that they fell asleep super quick.  Brian and I (again) weren't too far behind.