Exploring Disney's Hollywood Studios

June 11th, 2016

Disney's Hollywood Studios was a mixture of old and new experiences, and with those old experiences there were new twists.  The first ride we went on was Star Tours where we got a new variation from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Then we checked out Indiana Jones: Epic Stunt Spectacular, which was so much fun!  Part Indiana Jones; Part behind the scenes stunt show.

The Great Movie Ride is a trip down classic movies past with interaction from the ride host, Jungle Cruise style, though without the jokes, and a gangster who takes over halfway though the ride.  

Beauty and the Beast-Live on Stage was interesting.  Wasn't a fan.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror was such a surprise when the ride car moved forward into dropping position.  I screamed so loudly I thought I was going to lose my voice!  We loved this ride so much we went twice in a row!!  Wonder how long the original version will remain; it's nice that it's still available.

Fantasmic was in a large amphitheater, which was nice, because there was seating.  It was fun seeing the differences between the two versions, though I ultimately prefer the Disneyland version.  (I have no idea when I'll get the chance to see Disneyland's updated Fantasmic, but I watched it on YouTube, and it looks really good.)  Gotta say, Steamboat Willie at the end of Florida's Fantasmic is underwhelming compared to the Mark Twain, which is a fitting conclusion.

Disney's Hollywood Studios was my least favorite of the 4 parks.

I didn't get to ride Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, which is apparently really fun.  The line was long.  This park feels really small compared to the other parks.  Apparently it was bigger before the renovations started, with a cool New York section, which someone was telling me about.  When Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land open hopefully Disney's Hollywood Studios will be worth a revisit.

And that immersive Star Wars hotel that's been announced sounds beyond epic, and expensive.  Austenland, Star Wars style.  Man, it would be a cool experience.

That Creepy Beauty and the Beast Belle Doll

Last month while perusing the Hogwarts Running Club Facebook page someone posted a picture of an unknown Emma Watson Beauty and the Beast Belle Doll, comparing it to Justin Bieber.

A simple "beauty and the beast justine bieber doll" search will yield several news and blog posts on this subject, talking about the Belle doll being a great fail.

Many people in the Hogwarts Running Club thought it was a fake doll, that surely Disney wouldn't mess up this badly.  They posted a few other pictures of another Belle doll, claiming the official doll was better.  I then wrote that the pictures being posted were of a Hasbro doll (Hasbro is not living up to the standards of Mattel, but that's another subject), and that the Disney Store releases a doll not made by Hasbro, and this "Justin Bieber" doll is most likely the Disney Store version.

I was right.  The Disney Store is now selling the doll, and the product photos on the online store do not match what is shipped or found in the store!  On the site the doll has 3 out of 5 stars, though the last several reviews are single star ratings.

My big complaint is the hair line and her high forehead.

My Mom bought the doll and let the bun down to try to help her look better, but it only helps a little bit.  Then there's her jawline and face shape, the lack of detail when it comes to her face painting and sharp freckles, and her face size looks odd in proportion to the dolls body.

 She looks a little better in her blue dress, but still creepy.

I like the blue dress with different fabric textures, prints, and details.

Gaston looks good.

But other than that, seriously, Disney, missed opportunity!

In What World Does Gaston beat Maleficent? Heroes VS Villains, Disney Style

It's become tradition now that when my Dad takes my Grandpa to Sensuous Sandwich for lunch, he texts me a photo of the latest tip leader board.  These last few months have been all about the heroes and villains of the Disneyverse.

At the beginning my bet was on Stitch, because he's awesome.  I mean, have you seen the first several minutes of Lilo and Stitch?  You don't even have to finish the movie to know he can win any battle.

Side Note:  How in the World did Kuzco beat Flynn Rider?  That makes no sense!  I mean, Flynn, when given an iron skillet, is unbeatable.  Throw in Rapunzel's hair and he can't be stopped.

Then I found out Baymax beat Stitch!  Sure, that lovable robot's got some mad skill, but Stitch would pulverize him.

And then my Dad texted me the above picture.

Me: In what World does Gaston beat Maleficent!!!!!!!???????

Dad: I know . . . silly people.

Me: -_-;;

Dad: Stitch Forever.

Me:  Yup!!  Stitch, pre-character development--as in beginning of movie vs end--could have beat all of them, at the same time.  He's like the Chuck Norris of the Disney world.

Dad: :D

I''ve lost all faith in humanity.

Gaston Gets Put in His Place by a Little Girl

My Daily Giggle.

If you need a good laugh, I really recommend you watch this video.

If you don't need a good laugh, I still recommend this video.

This makes me want to visit Disneyland so bad!!!  

And take the nieces.

Oh my goodness, I'm totally expecting my younger niece to have a fan girl moment when meeting Winnie-The-Pooh.  It will be awesome.

(As a note, I've always preferred Belle in her blue dress and not the gold one.  Don't know why I feel the need to mention this, just that I am.)

Beauty and the Beast Search for a New Home

The above clip tickled my fancy last night when I found it on Youtube.  Beauty and the Beast on HGTV's House Hunters International.  It was created to promote the New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World.  

My Mom and I love House Hunters International!  It's our current obsession.  The show fills in the gap that was left when BBC's Changing Rooms went off the air. (For the record, TLC's Trading Spaces is an American spin off from Changing Rooms, and Changing Rooms was always far superior.  My Mom and I easily watched reruns, sometimes up to four viewings of the same episode, and never got tired of it.  I still have withdrawals!  And I would easily buy all 130+ episodes on DVD if I could.  The show was just awesome with great cast chemistry.)

I would love to visit Walt Disney World and see the New Fantasyland.  Honestly, I would just love to go to Disney World period.

Disneyland is getting a Fantasyland extension as well, though not nearly as large or involved as Disney World.  I guess they've started doing media previews and the like, because the Inside the Magic blog has a bunch of behind the scenes photos of the new Fantasy Faire.  I'm just thrilled to see there's a theater with shows!  I miss the shows they used to do in the Fantasyland theater back about 10 years ago, before the soon to be old Fantasy Faire invaded.  The new Fantasy Faire officially
opens March 12, 2013.

I've got to stop.  I'm starting to get some serious Disneyland withdrawals.