Monday morning we went to the last of the four Disney World
parks – Hollywood Studios. Upon our
arrival we were treated to marching Imperial Stormtroopers down the main
street. Since kids & grandkids were running
late (maybe the last three days were catching up to them?). We then toured a Star Wars exhibit/store where
you could purchase a Darth Vader costume for $3000! Corrie made the mistake of touching a Jawa
character for a photo op, & was instantly reprimanded by a Disney staffer.
Why so much Star Wars emphasis?
Because Disney, which has always had a business tie w/George Lucas &
Star Wars, now has complete rights to all things Star Wars. In fact there is 14 acre Star Wars site being
constructed as we speak – the largest Disney park expansion ever.
Then we hooked up with the kids & grandkids just in time for
the Stormtroopers once again marching back thru the streets to a stage for a show
(apparently they do this throughout the day).
We are not sure marching Imperial Stormtroopers are part of the holiday
spirit, decorations, & shows that is the theme for all of Disney World from
Thanksgiving through New Years Day?
Then it was off to the “Disney Junior – Live” show (can you say –
oh Toodles?). Unfortunately all seating
was on the floorL Next time we
run into this, we will stand against the back wall.
From there it was time for snacks for lunch at Starring Roles
Café. As we said in prior Disney World
BLOG, the kids & grandkids get one meal & two snacks per day. Today their meal will be dinner & we will
not be there with them. You would think this
would make Dan’s plan to eat for free by waiting for leftovers,
unworkable. But it turns out the snacks
are quite substantial; & when all eight are ordered at once there were lots
of leftovers for Dan!
Next up was the show “Beauty & the Beast - Live”. Pretty good show. But we have one complaint that applies to all
the shows, films & animatronics we viewed over the last four days – they
are too loud!!! These aren’t rock
concerts, & from our perspective the majority of the children (& their
parents) didn’t like it. Even Dan (who
still plays his music at 11 on the stereo) didn’t appreciate the volume, &
doesn’t see the need for it.
We are not sure if it was musophobia or Disney World burn out,
but everyone decided to call it an early day.
Especially since Rebecca & Raymond’s dinner plan has them eating
dinner at a restaurant located in the Animal Kingdom park later in the day. So the kids & grandkids headed back to
their Disney hotel until dinner time; & we headed back to the RV to prepare
for our departure tomorrow.
Lastly two further changes we noted at Disney World since our
2009 visit:
Starbucks has one location in each of the four Disney World
parks. These are very large “shops”
& are in prime locations. The first
of four opened in 2013, the last one opened in Animal Kingdom in 2015. Disney maps don’t say Starbucks, & they have
names like Trolley Car Café. But they are
easily spotted by the constant stream of customers coming out with their lattes
& espressos in traditional Starbucks cups.
Alcohol was discreetly served at a few locations in the parks –
like full service restaurants, & small carts that were almost hidden from
view & not shown on Disney maps. And
you were not allowed to walk around the park with your adult beverage. Now Disney World is almost like a cleaner
& quieter French Quarter? You will
find one or two adult beverages at every stand/cart serving liquid refreshments
(like smoothie stands, juice carts, etc).
Also, full service bars are outside & fully visible. Lastly, everything is served in to-go cups,
& you are allowed to carry your beverage with you.
No comments:
Post a Comment