For the plans they are a changin’ TR - Page 6 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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September 19
We overslept by about 10 minutes, but we were ready to go in an hour and on our way to DHS while it was still dark! This was the AP Passholder Playtime that we’d registered for. It started at 7AM, but check-in started at 6:45. We had to take a LONG detour around the construction, but eventually found our way to the entrance.
Construction on the DHS gondola station.
We went through security, then checked in with CM and in a few minutes we were allowed to enter the park.
We headed back to TSL, which was the only area that was open for this event. It was so awesome to see it for the first time! And even though it seemed like a lot of people waiting to get in, once we got to TSL, it seemed empty!
Some Photopass shots…
“pretend you are scared of the claw”
We rode Slinky Dog Dash twice with no wait. It was a riot! But I’m glad I had my Dramamine in the morning, especially for the bumps at the end!
Then we headed to Alien Swirling Saucers and rode that once.
After that we took a restroom break, and took some more photos of the area.
Then we went to TSMM and rode that. Odd though, that the very last scene froze on us. The screen just froze and we weren’t able to make our shooters work. It was very disappointing! So, when we were getting out of our vehicle, I told the CM that the last scene had frozen on us. She asked which track we were on…how am I supposed to know what track we were on?! Shouldn’t they be able to figure that out? Anyway, they let us ride again.
After that we did a Photopass and took some more photos and then headed out of the park. There were some folks coming in for the 8-9AM session as we were leaving, but it was still pretty dead.
We weren’t sure if we wanted to walk back through the maze of walkways, or take a boat, but as we were exiting, we saw a boat pulling up, so the decision was made.
We got off the boat at Swan/Dolphin and walked to the Boardwalk. It was a great first visit to TSL, with low crowds and short waits!
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What a great early morning you had at Studios and your first experience at TSL! Seems like a good option being an annual PH. I've gotten the pass before but not recently as I don't know if I'll return in less than a year and this way makes it worth it for me.
I couldn't believe how dark it was around 6:30 am or so in mid September. Not like this in CT until October. Glad you got to experience the new attractions and enjoyed them. Nice photos of the area, Couldn't believe your time on TSM as the last screen froze. Can't believe the CM asked which track you were on as how can you know as not labeled in the queue in any way. How can you know> At least you got to ride again!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Oh wow, that looked like the perfect way to visit the Studios, with barely anyone around. I can't get over how deserted the place is in your photos! It was definitely worth you getting up at that early hour for that!
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Sounds like the perfect way to visit Toy Story Land for the first time. I loved the lights strung all around. Glad you got a second chance on TSMM.
It was a great way to see Toy Story Land for the first time!
We were able to walk around and enjoy all the wonderful theming! So many great toys and games from my childhood!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
What a great early morning you had at Studios and your first experience at TSL! Seems like a good option being an annual PH. I've gotten the pass before but not recently as I don't know if I'll return in less than a year and this way makes it worth it for me.
I couldn't believe how dark it was around 6:30 am or so in mid September. Not like this in CT until October. Glad you got to experience the new attractions and enjoyed them. Nice photos of the area, Couldn't believe your time on TSM as the last screen froze. Can't believe the CM asked which track you were on as how can you know as not labeled in the queue in any way. How can you know> At least you got to ride again!
We’ve gotten the AP ever since we bought into DVC. It works well for us as we schedule two trips within a year.
The frozen screen at TSMM was very weird. And even more so as we could see the car next to us had no issues.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Oh wow, that looked like the perfect way to visit the Studios, with barely anyone around. I can't get over how deserted the place is in your photos! It was definitely worth you getting up at that early hour for that!
I was so glad we got into this event! The crowd of people at the entrance was very deceiving because once we got to Toy Story Land, everyone dispersed and it seemed like we were the only ones there!
That was a good way to visit TSL. The low crowds sound wonderful. You'd think that the CM would be able to tell which track was having problems,
I really didn't like the maze of walkways and the hike into HS due to construction. I'm sure it's be nice when it's finished but it's horrible in the meantime.
Liz
Wow, what a great morning at TSL! Love the pictures! Glad you were able to get so much done!!
With relatively few people we were able to get everything done and also have time for a leisurely look around. It will probably never happen again!
Quote:
Originally Posted by purplegal
I like how empty the park looks, so glad you got to experience the new land without long waits. You sure have some nice photopass pictures.
It was great to be there with no one else around!
Quote:
Originally Posted by clio
That was a good way to visit TSL. The low crowds sound wonderful. You'd think that the CM would be able to tell which track was having problems,
I really didn't like the maze of walkways and the hike into HS due to construction. I'm sure it's be nice when it's finished but it's horrible in the meantime.
Liz
That walk to DHS from BWV was crazy! It will be interesting to see what the end product will be, once the construction is complete.
Wow! What a great morning in TSL!!! I can't wait to see it! I love the theming and the little touches...like the staining on the popsicle stick benches and the dominoes water fountain!
You managed to get quite a bit done! Awesome!
What a great time at the Passholder Playtime! How great to be able to ride everything with minimal waits!!
It was a great way to experience it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NanaTink
Wow! What a great morning in TSL!!! I can't wait to see it! I love the theming and the little touches...like the staining on the popsicle stick benches and the dominoes water fountain!
You managed to get quite a bit done! Awesome!
The popsicle stick benches were one of my favorites as well!
When we got back to the room we packed up the rest of our stuff. The original plan was to leave our bags with Bell services, go to Epcot, come back to BWV and then get a Minnie Van (or Lyft) to AKL so we could transfer our own luggage. So, this is our first change of plans… in the end we decided we didn’t want to have to come all the way back to BWV after our morning in Epcot. So we had bell services do the transfer for us so we could go right to AKL from Epcot. Crossing our fingers that this works out ok and we have our stuff in time to change for dinner!
Then we said good bye to Boardwalk for now and headed out to Epcot. It was already very hot and humid! But today I had remembered my mister fan and neck cooler towel.
There was a photographer at our favorite spot!
A LOT cuter than the one from last night!!
Our first FP was for Soarin’ so we headed there.
The CM who was loading the pre-boarding areas was making us laugh. He kept counting how many were in the rows and then after putting two more people in line, he’d count again! He probably counted us 10 times! And the kicker was, he still messed up and had too many people in the row!
We’d had such an early breakfast that Jeff wanted to stop for a snack so we headed for Sunshine Seasons after our ride. I didn’t end up getting anything, but he got a muffin and a chocolate milk.
Then we rode Living with the Land. The line was fairly short and we decided to ride now instead of coming back for our FP later. So, this was our 2nd change of plans. It was just so hot that walking in the heat was a struggle. So, the idea was that we were saving some steps by doing it now and not coming back later!
Then we headed for Spaceship Earth to use our FP. It was about 10:30 and the line was crazy! Even with FP we waited 10 minutes. And it’s always disappointing when the “your future” clip at the end doesn’t have your photo.
After SSE we went to the Festival Center to get our AP magnets.
The Ghirardelli booth had these amazing chocolate sculptures!
By this time I was very hot and tired…and a little cranky. Jeff wanted to go around WS and see the films in American Adventure and France. I would have preferred to leave. But we ended up heading to WS.
We stopped in Mexico first for lunch. We each got tacos, Jeff’s was chicken and mine was beef. They were pretty filling. I think I only ate two of mine; Jeff helped me finish.
We stopped in Italy for a Photopass
And after the long hot walk it was heaven to walk into the AC of the American pavilion! We sat and waited for Voices of Liberty, and once they came out I got up and walked around in front of them so I could film them. I always love this show!
On our way up to the theater
The American Adventure show is always a nice break. The seats are pretty comfy and the AC feels great. And the newly refurbed show was very enjoyable.
Then we headed to France for Impressions de France. The walk over was almost unbearable…so hot and barely any shade. I was not at my best…complaining about the heat and how tired I was! But after a short wait we were again inside a nice cool theater. Aaaaaah.
After the show we headed to the exit to get a bus to our home for the next 6 nights…Animal Kingdom Lodge!
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Glad you got a second chance on TSMM. 
Can't believe the CM asked which track you were on as how can you know as not labeled in the queue in any way. 
How can you know> At least you got to ride again!
PassPorter Guide Author
It was definitely worth you getting up at that early hour for that!
Love the pictures! Glad you were able to get so much done!!
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