Disney Studios
This theme park is probably Disney’s least busy park. The layout is a bit random and even with the park map it was sometimes confusing where to go. I can’t see the need to spend a full day at this park unless you want to inspect all the tiny details of movie production.
Having said that, it was nice to be able to walk around without the big crowds we experience the last two days! Even though it was a ridiculous 90 degrees.
Our first stop - American Idol Experience
We got in just at the last minute before the start of the show. The American Idol Experience offers you the chance to watch, perform and vote for your favourite singer. Of course they select young talented signers so that eliminated Dee and I on the young factor! The attraction features all the glitz and glamour of the Idol television series' set, and gave us an opportunity to experience the thrill as if we were at a real Idol show.
There are three judges, three singers vying for a spot in the final that is schedule for later in the evening. Just like the real show, the host introduces the singers and the judges (imitations or Randy, Paula and Simon) provide constructive criticism. After the three performances, the audience got to vote for their favourite singer.
The winner of the final gets a gold ticket which will allow her or him to go to the front of the line in the next Idol auditions in any city they choose.
We had a blast at this attraction and gave it an A rating.
Second stop – The Great Movie Ride
We were ushered onto The Great Movie Ride for a journey in moving pews that put us in the middle of the action from gangster flicks of the 1930s to the adventure of classics such as Raiders of the Lost Ark. Through the use of film footage, special effects and Audio-Animatronic replicas of legendary movie stars, some of the most memorable moments in motion picture history are recreated in this attraction, including scenes from Alien, Mary Poppins, Tarzan and much more. This one earned a B rating.
We were hoping to take in the Toy Story Midway Mania but the wait time was 60 minutes and they had no more fast pass available. Disney only issues a limited number of fast pass. We were told that the fast pass for this attraction is usually gone by early morning!
Third Stop – Voyage of the Little Mermaid
In a reef-walled theatre, we took in the live 17 minutes musical show. With the use of colourful puppets, live performers, special effects and movie clips you follow Ariel as she travels back and forth from the ocean floor full of fish and creatures up to the world where she dreams to be, among the humans. We even felt the cooling effects of water mists; after all we are supposed to be under the sea!
The production is well done; the singing is excellent and overall, deserving of a B+ rating.
Fourth Stop – Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian
This attraction is basically a viewing of some of the important scenes of the movie. It’s shown in an imitation of Aslan's Stone Table Chamber, the underground vault where Aslan sacrificed himself in the first movie. We were a bit disappointed with the attraction and rated this a C.
Fifth Stop – Muppet Vision 3D
If you enjoyed the Muppets, you will enjoy this attraction. They did a very good job with this 17-minute 3D movie. You find yourself in the center of the action. You can almost reach out and touch Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang as you are taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of Muppet Labs. The production uses a combination of 3D features and Audio-Animatronics characters. It merits a B+ rating.
Sixth Stop – Sounds Dangerous – Starring Drew Carey
Sounds Dangerous with Drew Carey takes place in a soundstage-like setting. Upon your entry into the theatre, we were provided state-of-the-art headphones (to me they looked very ordinary) which we are suppose to wear throughout the show. When the lights go out and the mayhem begins, we are suppose to experience crystal-clear sound through the use of special audio technology. If that was the case I guess I must of had a very ordinary headset. Dee refused to wear the headset because of the concern of who and how many people had worn them before her! I guess she has a point. I am certain that Disney does not change the foam covers of the headsets for each show!
One more thing, most of the show takes place in total darkness! This attraction got the first D as a rating. Dee even yelled boo on the way out.
On our way toward the exit we got to see a bit of a live Star War play with of course Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. The costumes were pretty cool.
This was the end of our theme parks journey and both Dee and I are not sorry to see the end! It was a difficult challenge to visit five theme parks in eight days with temperatures in the 80s and today it topped the 90s.
As Porky Pig said, “that’s all folks”!
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