After much searching, talking to many self-proclaimed Disney experts/friends, and many late nights of planning; I finally talked the Hubs into biting the bullet and taking our family to Disney this past March. Our Children were 6, and 4 at the time and I really felt that this was the perfect age to take them. I am so glad we did because it really is a great age!
We booked our trip with Pixie and Pirate Destinations LLC – Laura Beasley. Laura and her team were AMAZING. There is no extra cost to you to use their services and they even send you swag bags and gift cards before your trip! I have several friends and family use Laura since we booked with her and everyone has been equally pleased!
Any of you that really know me, you know I really did a lot of research to plan this trip to perfection.
I am going to share with you here on the blog my Disney toolbox! I am going to do a series of posts on the different parks we went to, where we stayed, and our opinion of Must Do’s while you are in Disney!
I am going to start with Hollywood Studios. It was one of the parks we enjoyed the most!
Shows/Ride Experiences
Disney Junior Live on stage – Mickey, Minnie and friends from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse appear on stage to kick things off. The kids Learn about teamwork and friendship through stories featuring Princess Sofia and Doc McStuffins and friends. Then you get to help Jake and his Never Land Pirates! I don’t think Austin blinked during this whole performance. When you stand in line you get a picture with Sophia which Ava loved! If you have little ones this is a show I would not miss! However I should note that you sit on the ground for this one so if you have older folks with you try to stand in the back or have them skip this one.
Muppets 3D – We stopped in for this show because there was no wait -we were able to sit in the front row! It took me back to my childhood and we all enjoyed it! You get to sit in a real theater. The curtain rises to reveal Kermit, Miss Piggy and the Muppets onscreen in 3D, as they invite you on a tour of Muppet Labs for a demonstration of their newest, high-tech film process.
Toy Story Midway Mainia – A Gun game where you zip through a virtual, 4D shootin’ gallery of carnival games featuring the Toy Story Characters. Very cute ride and fun for all ages!
Lights motor action extreme show – Hear the howl of engines and smell tires tearing up the asphalt as stunt cars burst onto the scene. These uniquely designed autos perform high-speed chases packed with precise, split-second spins and misses—just like in the movies! All stunts are played back on a massive video screen to reveal how action-packed chase scenes are made through the magic of film editing, camera angles and other amazing tricks of the trade. Watch for a special appearance from Lightning McQueen and Mater! This was my husband’s favorite attraction. We all really enjoyed it! Very Cool!
Nighttime Show you DO NOT WANT TO MISS – Fantasmic -Fireworks, laser lights, and dancing water make the dream come alive. With a cast of 50 costumed performers on boats singing beloved Disney tunes and classic animation projected onto walls of water. It is one of the most Amazing shows we have seen at Disney. We were probably one of the last to get into the outside theater and a kind user took us down front right were the boats entered the show. The kids got wet and we had an AMAZING view of all the MAGIC!
We searched all over for the “Glow with the Show Ears”. The ears are programmed to light up at key moments, in the show matching the colors and flashing to the beat! They are really neat!
FOOD
We ate lunch at – The PIZZA PLANET that was in Toy Story… we really liked that… it has an arcade – it is just like the movie. Line may seem long but moves fast… just know what you want when you get up there.
We booked reservations for dinner at – 50’s Prime Time – We had the Famous Fried Chicken Dinner and Milkshakes – FOOD WAS AMAZING! We were stuffed! You get 3 Huge pieces of fried chicken and sides… I recommend splitting. The kids still talk about the waitress and the experience.
Shows/Rides/Food/Experiences that were recommended by friends that we did not do:
American Idol – awesome! Just like being in the show
Star tours adventure 3D
Tower of terror 13 stories
Rockin Roller coaster 0 -60 in 2.8 seconds
Also, I was told to go to Hollywood studios early one day and get to the Jedi knight Star Wars training sign up and sign the kids up to fight Darth Vader on stage during the show! How cool would that be!?
Food/Character Dining – Hollywood & Vine
Best counter service is ABC Commissary
