Review of the 2016 trip

As we get ready for the 2017 trip, it makes sense to review the 2017 trip. We kept a summary of everything we did on a calendar.

The Last night's meal

Every year on the last night on Florida we have a huge smorgasbord of all our left over food that we can't take home.  We did pretty good this year! Dinner is two hamburgers, a box of waffles, some cheese quesadillas , and some ice cream Sundae cones. 

We are taking home with us 2 cases of water, some gator aid, Smirnoff, and potato chips

We threw away a dozen eggs, blue berries, Some slices cheese, partially used salad dressings, half a loaf of bread, and some jumbo hot dogs that weren't all that good tasting.

Compared to previous years, this year was the most successful at managing our groceries and not over buying.

Disney's Backside

Sometimes, we like to live on the wild side. Thug life. Be on the edge. Do wild a crazy things. And then sometimes we just like to go drive around the back side of the Magic Kingdom. Yes, that's right - there is a (somewhat) secret back lot tour of the Magic Kingdom that I bet you didn't know existed. And... as long as you don't get caught? It is F R E E !!!

Simply go to the toll booth for Magic Kingdom parking and tell them you are going to the Contemporary Hotel. Instead of taking the road that goes into the Magic Kingdom parking, you'll be told to follow a road all the way on the right. Follow that road until you see the contemporary hotel on your right, and then keep going straight past it! You should see Space Mountain directly in front of you and the Train Station off to the left.

Keep following that road, avoiding any turn offs the head off to the right. You'll know you made it all the away around when you pass by the entrance to the Floridian.

Honestly... you aren't going to see much. Just a bunch of pine trees. But that isn't the point! How many people can brag that they have driven around the back side of the Magic Kingdom? Not many!

As a disclaimer: This is an employee only access road and it isn't intended for guests. As long as you aren't causing problems, getting out to take pictures, etc - I don't think anyone will bother you. I don't think this is a security hazard either because there is a tall fence with barbed wire along the road.


You can see part of the journey with this video.

Balloons and Pictures: What to expect when dinning off property

Choosing to dine off Disney property can save you a lot of money and get you a better meal. For the cost of that same counter service hamburger at Disney World you might get you a steak at a local eatery. There is plenty of choices whether you are looking on Internal Drive, Iro Bronson, or other locations, almost every imaginable restaurant chain can be found (except Dicky's BBQ - you have to go clear out to the east side of Orlando. What's up with that?).

If you are dinning at a sit-down restaurant there are two things you need to be prepared for: Balloons and Pictures. You will find that these table side activities are tip based instead of fee based. That's because a tip is like a donation where sales tax doesn't have to be charged. That means the entire amount of money goes to the artist. If they are honest? They'll pay income tax based on their tips, but at least there won't be sales tax too. The problem with tips based activities is that it can be difficult to know how much to pay and it can be easy to insult the artist with a poor tip. Let me prepare you.

First, balloons. There is likely to be a balloon artist that will offer to make creations for your kids.

They don't do this for fun. They do it for the tips. They expect that if they bring a smile to your child's face, you'll bring a smile to theirs with a comfortable tip.These guys live off their tips and they put a lot into their costumes, supplies, and their craft. They can make anything from simple animals, hats, swords, to even more complex creations with different colored balloons all twisted together. Expect to tip $2-$4 per balloon art.

Next is the pictures. Like the balloon artist, photographers will come around to take your picture and then sell you the picture in a key chain, Christmas ornament (my favorite), or standard print outs. Expect to tip $5-$8 per key chain.

You might find other table-side entertainers (like a mariachi band) but that would be rare. These two are the most common and appear almost everywhere you'll go.

New Security Measures At Disney World

Security is an ongoing fear at Disney World. After the terror attacks in 2001, Dusney initiated bag checks. If you have a bag? A security officer must search it before you are allowed to enter the park.

I notice two additional layers of security this year.

First, there is an armed Sherif's Deputy standing guard at the entrance. In the past we would occasionally see police, especially at the front entrance to Epcot. But now we see them at every park. Disney has set up facilities to help keep the officers shaded and cool, so, I believe this is a permanent addition.

The next thing we noticed were metal detectors.

Security officers will randomly pick people to go through the metal detector. I imagine, eventually. Disney will have enough metal detectors to require everyone to pass through them.

These additional measures are welcomed because we all want to be safe in the parks. It is a bit of a hassle to go through the metal detector, but I packed a positive outlook at considered it to be like winning a prize of something to get selected. 

Hopefully these additional security measures keep Disney being a safe destination for the entire family!

Gaston's Cinnamon Rolls

A great way to beat the heat and find an impressive snack is to head over to Gaston's tavern at the Magic Kingdom.

The building is small and it can be difficult finding seats during the typical rush, but most of the time you can get a table.

It is counter Service. We order one or two cinnamon rolls for the four of us to split, and we take advantage of the free ice water.

The cinnamon rolls are almost the size of bowling balls! They are light and fluffy and excellent.

Magic Kingdom: Buzz Light Year Galactic Hero Tips

Disney World's Magic Kingdom is home to a game my kids love: Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. This is a game where you shoot a laser cannon at targets to earn points. If you roll your score, as I have, then you are a galactic hero!

Galactic Heroes are awarded with a certificate and a sticker or button.

Here are my tips on how to win big.

1. As soon as your laser cannon is activated? Take some practice shots to get used to where your laser appears when shot.

2. In the first room, locate the red robot on the left side of the track. There are two spots you want to hit. First, hit the Z on his orange jetpack. Next, hit the Z on the inside of his left hand (the second hand).

3. As soon as you are done with the robot? Turn your cart all the away around so that you are traveling backwards. You'll find a claw on the ceiling - shoot that as many times as you can.

4. You'll now enter the next room. Your target is the Z at the top of the volcano. You might find it difficult to rack up points shooting that Z over and over again. So, what you do is: shoot the Z, then shoot off to the side a little. Then shoot the Z again. Keep doing that and you'll keep adding to your score.  Shoot the volcano when you first enter the room, then keep shooting it after you pass behind the hill. 

While behind the hill, look to the exit. Near the ceiling are some Z's spinning on a white band. I have never been able to hit one, but, I have been told they are worth many points. 

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Also, on the back side of the hill there is a Z on a bee's butt that I have been told is worth many points too.

5. The next room has Zurg's ship and the opportunity to pile on the points! You must shoot the Z beneath Zurg's ship. You can only shoot it while you are entering the room, then, turn your cart backwards so you can continue shooting it while you exit the room. Your only chance to roll your score is to hit that as many times as you can.

6. The next room is a smoke filled room with red lasers surrounding the ship. You might think there is nothing to do, but, you are wrong! Turn your cart backwards so you can still see the room you just exited and continue shooting Z's. 

7. The next room has a cartoon of Zurg's ship. I am told there is a Z or a black dot on the cartoon ship that is worth many points, but, I have never found it.

8. The final room is where your picture gets taken and is your last chance to score points by shooting targets on Zurg's ship. I haven't found any high value targets in this last room, although others claim there are some.

9. The last thing you have to do is take a picture of your score before it goes away. If your score is all 9's? You are a galactic hero. Go to the check-out counter for your reward.

Now you know all my secrets. Just don't tell my kids. I like being able to beat them at something.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

We attended the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Kissimmee today. There were two showings: 6pm and 8:30pm. We picked the 8:30pm showing because on certain nights the tickets price is reduced.

We drove down rt 192 through parts where Kissimmee isn't the greatest place. Most of the area is known for fabulous resorts and things to do, but there is a section of 192 through Kissimmee that has seen better days. The hotels are run down, the shops are old and tired. When we pulled into the parking lot, we were greeted by a sign posted by the police warning us to lock up our cars and take our valuables. That was concerning. We parked in a lot that was once the parking lot for a Medieval Times amusement park, which appeared a thing of the distant past. 

The neighborhood is in stark contrast to the experience, which was first rate and excellent. We crossed a draw bridge, entered the castle, and picked up our tickets. We were each given crowns to wear that were of similar construction to the paper burger king crowns. There were six different varieties of crows and my family was given the Red and Gold crowns.

We had a picture taken with the King (which would later cost us $16) and then entered a very large room that was part gift shop and part bar. My wife and I purchased the $16 margaritas served in a metallic looking souvenir glass. The refills were only $8, which we didn't partake because the margarita mix was horribly sour tasting.

As the crowd gathered awaiting to go into the area, there was a separate room where the King was knighting individuals. Another room provided a photo-op for trying to pull a sword from a stone. And yet a third room provided yet a third bar. 

We were told to arrive early because the best seats go on a first-come, first-serve basis. That wasn't true. The best seats go to those who pay extra for a "VIP" pass. Everyone else just gets lumped into the general seating, so, it doesn't really matter when you arrive.

After the 6pm audience exited, the Master of Ceremonies allowed entry into the arena. First he allowed all the VIP, calling each group by the color of their crowns. Then he called general admission, calling each group by the color of their crowns.

The arena is a large sand pit (it is larger then it looks) with seating around three sides. Seating is on a bench with a long counter in front of you. To get to your spot on the bench, you walk sideways down between the bench and the counter, down the area, until the people in front of you sit. 

The seating is tight but OK. You have the width of your table mat and not more. If you are on the large size? This could be a uncomfortable.  Luckily, we were fine.

After a moment, our "wrench" introduces herself and mentions there is no silverware to eat with. We will do it all with our fingers. Odd, but OK. We will drink the soup from the bowl, eat the baked chicken with our hands, enjoy the incredible 1/3 corn on the cob, a half of a baked potato, Texas Toast, and a desert apple pastry all with our fingers. How primevaly  enjoyable!

Our wench filled our goblets with water or soft drinks as the show started. The 90 minute show was filled with lights, music, horses, and knights. It finishes with a joust where the winning night must then battle the evil messenger from the North. 

We were told that bar keeps would be around during the show. We only saw the bar keep pass once, which was OK - we weren't going to order any refills.

Others passed by during the show as well. The photographer brought us our pictures ($16). I bought a light-up flower that changes color for my wife ($7). We purchased flags for our kids ($5 each). And then there were glowing swords, necklaces, shields, and all kinds of toys. It is very easy to get carried away and spend a fortune.

My wife was certain that when she purchased the tickets it said "Gratuity was included". However, our Wench explained to everyone that it wasn't, and passed out a tip plate to each family. So, what do you tip a Wench these days?  Our discounted tickets were $40 each, but I'm certainly not going to provide a tip based on that because it included entertainment. My wife and I kicked around some ideas and finally left what we thought was appropriate, yet with no real idea if we were even in the ball park of expectation.

We exited the arena the same way we entered (walking sideways down between the bench and counter). When we arrived back to the large gift store/bar, there was modern music playing with dance lights - it was like a big dance party. Many of the actors had come out in their costumes and were talking with the guests and posing for pictures.

Our boys are 13 and 17 and they loved the show. They were yelling and cheering and waving flags and pounding on the tables. They were really into it. Afterwards they said they had a great time.  Going to the show was a good decision, and going later for the discounted seats made it an even better decision. I don't know that I would return to this show every year. But it is an experience that is worth having occasionally, and was a lot of fun.

Orlando's Holy Land Experience

We decided to try something different this year. We decided to visit the Holy Land Experience. We see this theme park sitting just off I4 every time we pass through Orlando, so, this year we decided to pay them a visit.

What is at Holy Land? Gardens, statues, gift shops, a kid play area, and fabulous stage shows. When we arrived, we got a copy of the Holy Land park map – which was a complete waste of time. The map is horrible. We found it easier just to wander around and get a lay of the land. The park isn’t very large, so, it didn’t take us very long to figure it out.

If you like gardens and statues? Then this place is for you. We don’t like them. So, we headed straight to the coliseum, which is a 2000 person auditorium. The auditorium is incredible with a huge stage, comfortable seats, and everything you would expect a TV station like TBS to put into it. The biblical centered plays were serious and funny and heartwarming. We found ourselves crying at times and laughing out loud other times. For us, the various shows in the coliseum made the trip worth it. I believe that before the coliseum was built, they might have done many of these shows in various areas around the park, but, all the shows we saw were inside the theater. 

We did walk around and look at the rest of the park. The child’s play area is impressive and even our 13 year old was able to find some things that were fun. We didn’t realize the area included a miniature golf or else we would have played it. 

The park has various things to see, like replicas and wax statues. We enjoyed having communion, given by an actor who was playing Jesus, in a building made to resemble the 

room of the last supper.

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The park closes early. While most Orlando parks have fireworks at the end of their day, Holy Land does something different. They have Jesus near the exit providing a blessing and praying with gatherers as they head out. You don’t have to participate, but, if you stop over at the garden next to the exit, we found several dozen people partaking. 

Affordability? Admission price was around $50 per person. Parking was free. We didn’t eat while we were there or buy any souvenirs so I can’t speak to that.

 

We had a surprisingly good time at Holy Land. We didn’t know what to expect and were surprised. If I were to return again? I would set my expectations that I’ll be spending most of the day in the Coliseum enjoying the shows. I might venture out for some miniature golf or a Chick-fil-a sandwich. But the real gem are the shows they put on.

The Best Location To Watch Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

Hollywood Studios has a new fireworks show and it is arguably the best ever. The 13 minute Star War: A Galactic Spectacular provides music, video, and fireworks all to a Star Wars theme.

The show is massive, projected on a giant build-up of the Chinese Theater, two other buildings, plus projection against smoke screen, spot lights, lasers, spirals of flame shooting forty feet into the air, and fireworks across the sky. What is the best spot to see all this? I'll tell you. But with one warning: the show is so massive that it is impossible to take it all in  from any one location. There are various different things happening on each of the three different video screens while other activities are happening in the sky over head. This isn't a one dimensional show - the lasers from the ships on the screen shoot overhead of the audience, and the emperor's lightening electrifies the palm trees while the engine noise from the ships shake the ground under your feet.

A significant challenge with getting a good spot is, in part, all the trees! Even the best spots will still be obstructed by trees. But there is a huge difference between having a thin palm tree covering part of one screen, and trying to watch the event through a large leafy tree.

Disney ropes off a portion of the viewing area for their $70 per person desert event. You can imagine that those people paying $70 will have the best viewing area. Your goal, if you want a good viewing area, is to get as close to that roped off area as you can.

On the map above, I have placed an X for the best spot, used red lines to show where the video screens are, and a red circle to indicate the direction from which most of the fireworks are.

I saw the show three times. Once from near spot # 29 on the map and the view was very disappointing. And twice from where the X is drawn on the map.

You can see the show for yourself here:  Night 1. Night 2.

Prequels Missing From Hollywood Studios

When Disney bought Star Wars, they didn't just buy the original three movies. They bought everything! Comic books, cartoons, books, prequels, merchandising - you name it.

Most hard core fans will tell you that the original three Star Wars movies from the 1970's and 80's are the best. The prequels, which tell the story of how Darth Vader became Darth Vader? Are in many ways an embarrassment to the franchise. Who can forget that floppy Jar Jar Banks, the horrible speed pod racers, the terrible acting by Hayden Christensen, and the cartoon-like CGI.

When Disney bought Star Wars, George Lucas put forward a script that was believed to deliver more prequel level garbage. Thankfully, Disney tossed it into the garbage and went their own direction for Episode 7.

Hollywood studios is filled with Star War opportunities. From light saber battles, movies, character experiences, stage shows, storm troopers, night time fireworks, and more! Thankfully, the prequals do not play a significant role anywhere in any of this. There are brief flashes of when Darth Vader was assembled. We see the battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi that turns Anikan into Darth Vader. We see some very quick flashes of Padma, Qui-Gon, Mace Windu, and a few others. That aside? It is all about the original three movies and Episode 7: The Force Awaken.

Hollywood Studios: A Galaxy Far Away

In the race to add Star Wars attractions to Hollywood Studios, a new stage show has been thrown together named A Galaxy Far Away (see Video). The show takes place at the center of Hollywood Studios in front of the Great Movie Ride.

The ten minute show includes many favorite star wars characters addressing the crowd before a backdrop of movie clips and star wars music.

Boba Fett, Chewbacca, R2D2, C3PO, BB8, Storm Troopers, and Darth Vader are just some of the characters you'll see during this show. If you like Star Wars then this is worth catching.

Driving to the Magic Kingdom

You are driving to the Magic Kingdom. Hurray! You drive into Disney World property, pass under the giant Disney World sign and you are there, right?

Wrong! Gotta go through the parking booths and pay $20. Then you can drive over to the parking lot where you'll be directed where to park your car. And then you are at the Magic Kingdom, right?

Wrong! Next, you need to board a team. The tram is like a train and it will drive you out of the massive parking lot. And then you are at the Magic Kingdom, right?

Wrong! Now you have a choice. Would you line top pass the seven seas lagoon on a ferry boat? Or the monorail? Once on the other side of the Seven Seas Lagoon, you are finally at theMagic Kingdom, right?

Wrong! Next you have to pass through security, which will search your bags and might have you go through a metal detector. And then you are at the Magic Kingdom, right?

Wrong! Next you have to go through the ticket area where they scant out card, fast pass band, or tickets to make sure you are ok to enter. And then you are at The Magic Kingdom, right?

Yes. Then you are at The Magic Kingdom.

Pictures with Kylo Ren and Chewbacca

New for 2016, guests can have their picture taken with Kylo Ren and Chewbacca.

The character meet and greet is at the back of Disney World's Hollywood Studios in what was one the Art of Disney. The complex has been transformed into a Star Wars themed experts emcee that includes a short movies, arcade games, the cantina, artifacts from the movies, and opportunities to get your picture taken with Star Wars characters. 

When we visited the site, there were two jaws in the cantina available to interact with and have pictures. 

In addition, there was Chewbacca and Kylo Ren. Chewbacca was just as you would imagine him: tall and loveable. Kylo Rem put on an act attempting to intimidate and scare the guests. My family gathered for the picture and then Kulo paced angrily in fromt of us. He then stopped in front of each of us, his helmeted face just inches from each of ours with an intimidating stare. A caste member finally asks Kylo where a recording of this encounter can be made. Kylo answers in the original actor's vaice permitting the recording. Finally, he stood next to us while the picture (called a "scan") was made. 

March of the First Order

The March of the First Order is a show is a new experience at Disney World's Hollywood Studio. Hollywood Studios is going through a transformation as it builds Star Wars Land (expected to be completed in 2022) to coincide with yearly realeases of Star Wars movies.

The First Order, a special group of Storm Troopers, was introduced in the movie Episode VII released in 2015.

The experience has the storm troopers March from the back area of the park an area in front of the Great Movie Ride (where the Sourcer's hate used to be). The storm troopers March around and  then March back from where they came. 

The die hard Dtar Wars fan will likely go nuts when they see Storm Troopers marching right in front of them.

Second Ride Mechanism for Toy Story Mania

Toy Story Mania is one of the most popular rides at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests board a car and get to play carnival style games with a Toy Story theme. It is common for the stand-by line to stretch several hours!

We approached the ride this and, as often is the case, the ride was broke down. Luckily, only the old track was broke - the new track was still working!

At fifty percent capacity, it was a very long wait.

The new ride track works exactly as the old with all the same games and challenges. This was a great and very welcomed change!

Haunted Mansion is Cloaked

Don't worry - the Haunted mansion ride at Disney World's Magic Kingdom

is still open for business. But it sure doesn't look like it!

The outside is covered in a giant tarp!

I imagine they are doing some kind of referb to the outside of the facility. The work on the outside has no negative impact to the haunting occurring on the inside!

Carousal of Progress Shouldn't be Updated

The Carousal of Progress at the Magic Kingdom is a Disney fan favorite. Guess sit in a theater where their auditorium moves around a stage, pausing at intervals to hear a story. Each story takes place at a different time in the 20th century where the audience learns a little about life at that time from automatronic (robots that look like  humans). As the story progresses we see how life has improved since the turn of the 20th century.

We start at the turn of the century, then the 1920's, 1950's and finally the 1990's. 

Many believe the 1990's needs to be updated to something that reflects modern times. But I disagree.

The story should remain a story about the advancements of the 20th century. 

The leap from the 1950's to 1990's is a huge jump already. Adding another 20 or 30 years would seem ridiculous.

Suppose we did want to add the modern time. What would it look like? A family sitting around a living room silently playing their devices? No narration, no background music. Just look at this family gazing deeply into their devices for 5 minutes?  I don't think that would be very entertaining.

So, I suggest the ride does not get updated. Leave it alone! Let it talk about the optimism of the 20th century and the great big beautiful tomorrow it promised.