10 Nights of Magic in The Orlando Trifecta-TR - COMPLETE!! 12/10 - Page 70 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Great morning so far and you really lucked out on the wait times as it's a bit of a gamble. I love that CM on ToT. He's really great and plays the role so well. One time we were in the preshow and he was standing behind me with that look on his face.
You certainly got a lot done with your early morning walk-ons! I really love the TOT and it was great that the wait times didn't reflect the actual time it took to get on the ride.
How does Luke feel about this as I know he uses this line regularly for this attraction as you don't go on it?
Luke feels just like you that the RnRC single rider line is too time-consuming. Because of that we started getting FP for it on our last trip, and he got 2 rides in faster than one through the single rider line. We've got FPs again for October.
You packed a lot into your morning. I love the shot inside the Tower of Terror with the ghosts - that is brilliant!
So glad I got several attractions in even without a FP! Good idea to start with TSM as the busiest one in the park. I love that photo of the ghosts as well and just timed it well!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tara O'Hara
What a great start to your day!! You are making out quite well for not having FP+s!!
Glad the attractions worked out so well for me without a single FP+.
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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!
Excellent! Two rides on ToT is wonderful and how great is your wait time for TSMM? WITHOUT A FP+ !
WE haven't ridden RnRC in a couple of years as it's started to mess with Dave a little bit. I miss doing it, but from what you said, single rider line isn't the way to do it!
Everything seemed to work out to my advantage and just planned it rather well and timing was good too! No long waits except for RNRRC single rider. May opt to do this one differently in future as the CMs do a pretty poor job with this line! Even though I got to TSM 15 minutes after park opening, I was surprised how quickly I was on the attraction!
Quote:
Originally Posted by purplegal
You got a lot accomplished without fast passes. I like your strategy of getting close to where the doors open, it really speeds up the boarding of rides.
It seemed to work out well for me and could have easily been much different, which I wouldn't have been happy with! I always do that for ToT to get to the elevator lines before the rest in the room!
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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!
Great morning so far and you really lucked out on the wait times as it's a bit of a gamble. I love that CM on ToT. He's really great and plays the role so well. One time we were in the preshow and he was standing behind me with that look on his face.
It certainly is a gamble and you just don't know! Especially, after the first hour when the attractions can get quite crowded as well as rides being down! I enjoy that CM as well and glad when he is there as always get a good laugh out of him in character!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lindawdw
You certainly got a lot done with your early morning walk-ons! I really love the TOT and it was great that the wait times didn't reflect the actual time it took to get on the ride.
It all seemed to work out for me without a FP+ as I'll be using them later today in another park! Sometimes the wait times don't reflect the actual times and move quite well like today and other times, not in my favor! It depends how many elevators are operating.
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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!
Luke feels just like you that the RnRC single rider line is too time-consuming. Because of that we started getting FP for it on our last trip, and he got 2 rides in faster than one through the single rider line. We've got FPs again for October.
I had this happen to me the last few times and will probably get a FP+ in the future! Just rather use a FP+ for something else as if the CMs did a better job allocating the guests from the various lines it wouldn't be a problem. It works rather well for TestTrack and EE with their single rider lines, which is usually the only way I do these rides. Sometimes the single rider lines for these two can be quite long and not worth the wait! It just depends.
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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!
Enjoying it all so far and glad luck was in my favor with the attractions without a single FP+ to my name!
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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!
Wednesday, October 11th (Part II) As I began to walk down Sunset Boulevard towards my lunch destination one of the Studios characters, whom I’m sure you’ve seen before was doing some card tricks. I stopped here for a few minutes to watch and be entertained with his “sly of hand” card tricks. He is very good and I enjoyed his skill!
After this, I was approaching the beginning of Sunset Boulevard. I was looking forward to my lunch as this would be a new experience for me, but in a way, not exactly! You’ll find out shortly.
My lunch destination was now in view and I arrived at the Hollywood Brown Derby. I’ve dined here several times in the past, but I would not be dining in the main restaurant but the new Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge. No reservations are accepted for this, so it’s just first come, first served. It’s a limited menu with mainly appetizer and tapas sized offerings. I’m looking forward to the outdoor setting as it’s a nice day out. I just hope I don’t have to wait long for a table as it’s possible there might not be any available!
I entered the outdoor lounge from the patio area to the left of the main entrance. The lounge is located across from the main hub of Studios where the Star Wars shows are performed. The lounge is below street level and is well shaded above and to the left and makes it more private with all the pedestrian traffic going by. I think it’s better that way, although it would be nice to have better views of the hub area.
A CM greeted me and I told her it was just me dining. There was a table available, but they had to clean up and reset first. She said it would just be a couple of minutes. Shortly I was brought to my table. I was near the bar in the lounge and alongside the restaurant on the right side.
See what I mean about this having a private feel to it?
My server arrived at my table and she told me about some of her favorites on the menu. In the meantime, I ordered my beverage and I was also served a glass of ice water. Shortly, my server returned with my beverage(s) below!
Margarita Sampler served on its’ own stand! Variations are the Classic Lime, Pomegranate and Mango.
They were all quite good and I was told they’re about 4 oz. each. My favorite was the mango but the other two were quite good as well.
After enjoying my margaritas for a little while and taking in the scenery outside the lounge and just people watching, my course arrived. This would be my only course as I’d be having dinner in about five hours.
Andouille Crusted Shrimp with Cotswold Cheddar Grits accompanied with Micro Greens, small pieces of Chorizo Sausage and Piment d'Espelette Oil. The latter is a type of pepper from southern France and similar, to Paprika.
This was excellent and packed so much flavor. I’m not sure what my favorite was as the grits and shrimp were so good. I think I made the right choice. I took my time with this as I wanted to savor every bit of it.
After I finished my course my server cleared my plate and gave me the dessert menu. I skipped dessert as I didn’t want to fill up too much with an early dinner later. I did order a double espresso to finish off my meal.
Some passersby at the lounge
I settled my bill and left the Brown Derby Lounge. I’m so happy I came here for lunch as I enjoyed it so much. I may have enjoyed it more than some of my dinners inside the main restaurant over the years. I loved the setting and the view as well as a very good menu even though limited. I’ve read recently that you can now order from the main menu from the main restaurant as well.
I was finished at Studios for today and had an enjoyable time in the park as I accomplished a lot with several attractions and a great lunch in just a few hours. I headed for the park exit, but I got some photos along the way.
This was quite surprising to see!
Mickey on top at the Crossroads of the World!
In just a few minutes, I exited Hollywood Studios. As it was quite hot and humid out in the afternoon I decided against walking back to the Dolphin. Instead, I opted to take a Friendship Boat back to my resort as it would be more relaxing with a/c.
To my luck there was a boat waiting and it was just starting to let guests on! Not bad for timing!
It took a few minutes for the boat to fill up and once it was nearly full we began the short trip back to the Dolphin resort. It would be good to relax for a while and get out of the hot sun, even if just for about ten minutes or so.
Looks like the whole family and relatives are all here today enjoying themselves!
Departing Hollywood Studios
Some of the scenery on the trip back and my favorite at Studios!
The Boardwalk Inn Villas
Arriving at the Dolphin. I can even see my room. I’m in the green section in the center. The second floor of the green area and second room from the left shielded by the leaves of the palm tree.
Arrival back home!
After departing the boat, I entered the Dolphin through the lobby, which was very quiet compared to the scene last night at the bar. I returned to my room and did a few things before I’d go to my second park for the day. I’m not 100% sure of the time at this point but it was probably around 1:45- 2 pm currently.
NEXT: These Wait Times Are Insane!
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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!
Your lunch looked delicious at the HBD and how nice that you got to sit outside and enjoy the ambiance! It's so rare that a Friendship boat is waiting for you when you walk up to the ramp!!!
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I love the shot inside the Tower of Terror with the ghosts - that is brilliant! 
Good idea to start with TSM as the busiest one in the park. I love that photo of the ghosts as well and just timed it well! 
You are making out quite well for not having FP+s!! 
Even though I got to TSM 15 minutes after park opening, I was surprised how quickly I was on the attraction! 
I always do that for ToT to get to the elevator lines before the rest in the room! 
Especially, after the first hour when the attractions can get quite crowded as well as rides being down! 
I enjoy that CM as well and glad when he is there as always get a good laugh out of him in character! 
You’ll find out shortly.
Shortly I was brought to my table. I was near the bar in the lounge and alongside the restaurant on the right side.
I’m not sure what my favorite was as the grits and shrimp were so good. I think I made the right choice. I took my time with this as I wanted to savor every bit of it. 
I did order a double espresso to finish off my meal. 
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