Hollywood Studios Archives - Through Heather's Looking Glass

Disney 2019 Vacation Recap: Part 4

April 26, 2019 by Heather

If you missed parts 1-3 go here for the link!

After a long and fun day at Magic Kingdom, we slept well and were ready to hit up Hollywood Studios in the morning. Our plan was to go straight to Toy Story Land (just like everyone else.)

We had fastpasses for Alien Swirling Saucers, which is Emma Kate’s FAVORITE ride. So our hope was to do standby while it was short and then use the Fastpasses.

We basically walked onto the ride in standby, then rode it again with our fastpasses. I wasn’t kidding about how much she loves it. Look at that face!

We also had to show off our Toy Story Land magic bands from a media event last year before taking some wall photos.

While we were taking photos, the green army men arrived. They do an adorable show over by the bathrooms, so I highly recommend checking it out if you see them. Emma Kate got to be in it and was so proud!

Next we took some photos with Goofy, and Bobby had to go check out this from Galaxy’s Edge of course.

Next, my dad and Bobby used fastpasses for Star Tours while mom, EK and I went and said hey to Olaf.

We were pretty hungry after that, so we waited a few minutes until Backlot Express opened and grabbed some lunch. We were pretty tired but wanted to do one more thing, so we took Emma Kate to the Indiana Jones show for the first time. Little did we know Bobby would end up being IN the show!

He did great, and I actually have some really funny videos I need to upload. Emma Kate wasn’t a fan of the noise, but it was a fun experience for all!

We decided to go back to the hotel, take a rest, and then hit up the pool before dinner at Disney Springs.

Emma Kate was SO tired I was sure she was going to nap….NOPE! I worked while everyone else napped and she just laid in the bed NOT SLEEPING. This kid is the Energizer bunny. We got changed and went to the pool which was pretty quiet because it had just rained.

We went back up to the room to show and change again. We had a media visit lined up at Splitsville for the early evening. Last summer we got to eat and Bowl at Splitsville during the sports festival event I attended, but Emma Kate didn’t remember doing it, and my parents hadn’t been in about 5 years, so it was such a nice treat for them to invite us to come eat and bowl.

We had AMAZING food and drinks. This is not just your regular bowling alley food. Bobby said the sushi was phenomenal, and I loved all the yummy drinks and we even had a huge dessert to share.

Keep in mind while it is super fun to eat and bowl at the same time, you don’t have to bowl, you can just go there to eat!

They have bumpers for the kids and even a fun little device to help them “bowl.”

Emma Kate had an absolute blast bowling and kept trying to steal out turns.

We tried to get a family selfie at the end but it didn’t come out very well.

This was definitely one of the top highlights of the trip, and I can’t wait to go back. Thanks so much for having us Splitsville!

Our plan was to walk around after dinner, but the sky was VERY dark so we decided to go back to the parking garage, and as soon as we did, the heavens let loose and it POURED on everyone at Disney Springs, so I’m glad we opted to go back to the hotel!

We still have one more full day to go, Epcot! Check back later for more.

I would love to help you plan your next Disney adventure, email me at heather@travelwiththemagic.com

Filed Under: Disney, family, vacation Tagged: Disney, Hollywood Studios, splitsville, toy story land, travel, vacation, wilderness lodge

Toy Story Land Disney World with a Preschooler

October 4, 2018 by Heather

Disclosure: We attended a #DisneyKids media event at Toy Story land Disney World, however, all opinions are my own.

Disney's toy story land with a preschooler

When I first heard that Walt Disney World was creating Toy Story Land, I was pumped. Not only would I get to experience the nostalgia of a favorite movie series I grew up with, but I just couldn’t wait to see what Disney was going to DO with it. You know, how they always go above and beyond with every little detail? Well, I can tell you that it does not disappoint, and it was amazing getting to experience Toy Story land with a preschooler who loves the films as much as I do.

Pro tip: Go early before the crowds so you can see all the fun details!

Life-size characters, bright colors, and an amazing “backyard” to explore as one of Andy’s toys. It’s so exciting as you turn the corner and see Woody waiting to tip his hat and greet you as you enter the land. My four year old LOVED all the fun “toy”, details, and seeing her favorites everywhere she turned.

Toy Story Land with a Preschooler

Pro tip: The sun is blinding at this photopass spot, so maybe come back later in the day for a pic!

There are tons more “toy-sized” characters to discover, including meet and greets with some of the stars. Emma Kate even found fun characters to pose with as we waited for our breakfast at the new quick service dining location. This dining location, Woody’s Lunchbox, has some great food options not found at other locations.

Pro tip: Woody’s Lunchbox has breakfast! We had a delicious yogurt parfait that hit the spot!

Of course, We loved taking photos in front of several of the famous “walls.”

Related: The Walls of Toy Story Land

Toy Story Land with a Preschooler

Emma Kate was a little scared to ride Slinky Dog Dash (her mom and dad loved it!) But she ADORES Alien Swirling Saucers and it is her new favorite Disney ride. She also still has a huge love for Toy Story Mania. I can’t blame her, I do too! Even the exit queue of Toy Story Mania is a blast

Pro Tip: The exit queue is also where two of the fun walls are located as well.

Adding Toy Story Land Disney World to Hollywood Studios is a huge plus in our book. We already love the fun and shows at this park, (not to mention character breakfast at Hollywood and Vine), so now it’s even more valuable to us as a family with a small child. One thing we have yet to do is go at night. I guess we need to make another trip back!

Toy Story Land Disney World

Filed Under: blogging, Disney, family, vacation Tagged: Disney, Disney World, Hollywood Studios, theme park, toy story land, vacation

ESPN WWOS Media FAM Day 4

August 27, 2018 by Heather

Disclosure: I was invited to a 3-night media event by Walt Disney World, however, all opinions are my own.

(Check out day 1, 2, 3 and 3 part 2 before reading this one!)

On day 4 of our trip, the media FAM was over, but Disney was kind enough to give us park tickets so we could have one more day of fun before heading home. We decided to go to Toy Story Land for the very first time and I’m so glad we did!

We checked out of the Boardwalk and drove over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to make our way to the brand new area. It is SO adorable and has so many fun details. We were able to ride Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers (three times) and Toy Story Mania. We were not able to eat at Woody’s Lunchbox, but that just means we have to go back.

Related: The Walls of Toy Story Land

Emma Kate did NOT want to do Slinky Dog Dash, so Bobby and I took turns riding it and taking her on AlienSwillingg Saucers which she loved.

She screamed (happy scream) the whole time.

I adored all the little hidden nooks and areas with cute theming. Be sure to look for Andy’s footprint on the ground and the backyard fence off in the distance. The exit que of Toy Story Mania is really cute too, so even if you aren’t riding the ride be sure to go check it out (near the giant Pixar ball).

Slinky Dog Dash was a lot of fun and just the right amount of thrill for me. The que was really cute as well, but it was really warm as there isn’t much shade in the longer parts of the line.

A must for photo opps is the giant sign as you enter. There was a photopass photographer hanging around when we went by.

Also, the restroom was really cute, it’s in the back to the left of the land.

We ate lunch at Sci-Fi but I don’t have any pictures since it’s pretty dark in there. It was nice to sit in the air conditioning for a while before going back out again. Before we left we got pictures with Donald which was a great way to cap off the trip. Little miss slept the whole way back to Tampa, so I would say the trip was a success. Thanks so much, Disney!

Filed Under: blogging, Disney, family, vacation Tagged: Disney World, donald, Hollywood Studios, media, sci fi, toy story land, travel, vacation

Disney World’s Toy Story Land

February 21, 2018 by Heather

It’s finally coming! The long awaited expansion at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Land, will be opening on June 30th! I have been fans of the movies for many many years, and now love that my three year old is obsessed with them as well. It truly spans generations and I’m so pumped Disney is finally adding in some “extra” fun for Toy Story lovers.

5 Things to look for at Disney's Toy Story Land opening at Hollywood Studios on June 30th.

Here are 5 things to look for:

1.) Two new rides: Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers will join Toy Story Mania as fun rides for all guests to enjoy in this new land, where you are “shrunk down” to the size of a toy. Slinky Dog Dash will be a fun filled family coaster, and in Alien Swirling Saucers you climb into a toy rocket and join the aliens on a fun adventure. You may even get chosen by the claw!

Disney World's Toy Story Land

2.) A new restaurant called Woody’s Lunchbox: This will feature a walk up quick service window with old fashioned soda floats. I can’t wait to see the full menu, I’m sure it’s going to be amazing.

3.) An expanded Toy Story Mania ride: This ride will go to three tracks so less wait time and more time enjoying the attraction. You will go through a carnival game box as you approach the attraction. I can’t wait to see it this summer!

4.) New characters: Newbies to the area like Rex Jessie and Sarge and others will be able to be seen in Toy Story Land, like in the photo below. How cool is giant Jessie?!?

Disney World's Toy Story Land

5.) A Model: A model of the all new Toy Story Land is currently on display in Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, be sure to check it out on your next visit in anticipation of the June 30th opening. It’s coming up so soon!

Disney World's Toy Story Land

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Disney, Hollywood Studios, toy story, toy story land, travel, vacation, walt disney world

Disney Girls Trip Part 2: Before the Race

May 11, 2015 by Heather

I left off with our packet pickup at the Animal Kingdom Parking lot. From there, we hopped a bus to EPCOT. We had some fastpasses and then dinner reservations at Via Napoli. We were there during the Flower and Garden festival, so it was fun to see all the topiaries.

Hi Epcot!

First things first, we needed some caffeine. I tried the new S’mores Frap at Starbucks. It was delicious!

Then it was time to laugh at our funny pictures on Spaceship earth They did not disappoint.

We rode Soarin, then headed over to the World Showcase to make our way to Italy for dinner. We really worked up an appetite with the long walk.

I rewarded myself for a job well done on the long walk with some yummy food.

PIZZA! We may or may not have eaten the whole thing…

After being sufficiently filled with carbs and lots of cheese, we waddled towards the exit and called it a night.

The next morning started off the way every day should start, with a Mickey waffle!

Hello Caribbean Beach resort!

We got on a bus for Hollywood Studios, ready for our first full day.

it was so strange with the hat completely gone.

Once again, we caffeinated, then we hit up Toy Story Mania.

For some reason I thought the coach was being taken away in April, and was bummed I forgot to go get a photo during Princess. However, it was still there, so we stood in line of course.

We had lunch at Mama Melrose. I have note eaten there in about 7 years, and it was surprisingly better than I remember. I had some pasta to get me fueled up for the big race, and then we headed back t the hotel to nap. It was such a gorgeous day outside that I decided to nap outside our room in a hammock. Ever have one of those naps where you aren’t really sure if you fell asleep or not? That was me. Oh well.

We grabbed some dinner at the food court and then just hung out in the room. It was so odd waiting around for a night race, we didn’t need to be on the bus until about 8:15, which, let’s be honest, it normally when I am about to start heading for bed!

Next up will be my race recap, stay tuned!

QOTD: Have you ever run a night race? Do you prefer it? Favorite ride at Hollywood Studios?

Filed Under: Disney, runDisney, vacation Tagged: Disney World, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios

Disney Princess Weekend: Monday, and a Giveaway!

March 30, 2012 by Heather

In case you missed my other non-running Disney Princess posts, you can check them out below:

Disney Princess weekend Friday

Disney Princess Weekend Saturday

Disney Princess Weekend Sunday

After quite the eventful Sunday, we were excited to hit the parks at a nice relaxing pace on Monday. We went to Hollywood Studios, and wore our I did it shirts.

We headed straight for Toy Story Mania. The fastpass return time was already really late, so we stood in the standby line, which went by really fast.

We saw this hilarious guy on the street telling people to stop and go.

We made sad faces in our picture then he changed his at the last minute.

my mom wanted a picture with this funny pair. I could watch the street performers all day! Be sure to watch them if they are out when you are there!

Karen and I wanted to ride Star Tours, so our moms waited for us to be down with it. There was hardly a line for it, either! We also saw Beauty and the Beast.

I really can’t remember what else we did besides lunch! We ate at Backlot Express, and it took forever to get my sandwich because I special ordered it. I won’t make that mistake again, I will just pick off the stuff I don’t like.

We decided to head back to the hotel and then go to the Magic Kingdom (I love being on the monorail!) To do some shopping and I really wanted a dole whip! First, we got a picture with Richard. I love this guy, he has been at the Grand for 20 years. Whenever a bride is getting her photos taken at the resort, he goes around with her holding the train of her dress up. it is so. cute.

We hopped on the monorail and were quickly at the gates of the magic Kingdom.

I snagged a couple pics of the Main Strees Barber shop

My mom and I headed for adventureland and Dole Whips while Karen and her mom were in search of some regular ice cream.

aaahhh my trip is now complete. We seriously considered each getting another one they were so good.

We waited for the other outside the Plaza, and what do you know, the parade was about to start and we had perfect seats!

make sure you get it all mom haha

After the parade we did some shopping and walking around the shops, it was so relaxing.

We headed back to the hotel just in time for scones and tea

I used the down time to take photos with my stalker lens

I honestly don’t remember what I did before it was time for appetizers! But, soon enough it was time for our last night in the lounge. It started raining, but we crossed our fingers it would finish before time to walk to Ohana. We were able to walk over there and enjoy our last dinner. Look who else we found, Megan!

The food was good as usual, I was stuffed!

We were able to watch Wishes from our seats, and then we headed out and took the monorail back to the Grand. Tuesday morning, we packed up the car and I somehow managed to drive the whole 9 hours home, with a car that looked like this.

We had a great trip with great friends, and now have so many memories. Thanks so much for reading along for our magical trip!

——————————-

GIVEAWAY!

Remember Yesterday’s post that included Zero Water? Well the kind folks there have offered to give a RWS reader one of the water filter pitchers! This thing is awesome trust me. I saw them pour RED WINE into it and regular water came out. I drank it myself. Way cool. Here is how you enter:

1.) Tell me How much water you drink in a day (separate comment)

2.) RT, post to FB, mention on your blog (separate comment for each)

I will announce a winner on Tuesday, April 3.

QOTD: Are you a light packer or over packer?

Please don’t forget to vote for me for best running blog, I would appreciate it!

Filed Under: Disney, family, Uncategorized, vacation Tagged: Disney, Disney World, dole whip, Grand Floridian, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Ohana

Running in Disney World: Boardwalk Area

March 28, 2012 by Heather

Good morning friends! I played catch up ALL DAY yesterday on my computer. I looked up and it was 4:00! I got a lot done with clients, etc. but still haven’t unpacked my suitcase. Oops. I did manage to drag myself to the gym last night even though I rrrreeaalllyyy didn’t feel like it. Confession time: I ate like CRAP all of last week. I drank coke, had several desserts a day, and only worked out 3 times in 6 days and it shows. I felt so sluggish and just wanted it to be over. Today I am going to attempt a run, so hopefully it isn’t a disaster!

On a lighter note, I did have one workout last week that WASN’T a disaster. Last Wednesday, I had a 6:30 am flight to Orlando. It wasn’t fun getting up that early, but the great part is I was at my resort, by the pool by 11:00. I stayed out there a couple of hours and still had time to kill before the rest of my group arrived, so I decided to go for a run.

I have run the loop around the boardwalk area once before when I was staying at the Boardwalk Inn, but wanted to do it again and also run along the path that goes to Hollywood studios (this is part of the Disney Marathon.) I put on one of my running skirts and headed out the back of the Yacht Club.

Facing the Yacht Club from the Boardwalk

I started out to the right. The weather was perfect, so there were a lot of people out and about. There was a lot to look at so I didn’t get bored.

I made it up the hill by the Swan and Dolphin, and down past the shops and things in front of the Boardwalk Inn. All of the sudden, the heaven’s let loose and it started pouring rain! I just kept running, I was halfway around the lake, what could I really do?

I ran on, and came upon Jen’s wedding ceremony location, Sea Breeze Point. Per usual, I took a picture and e mailed it to her and let her know I was thinking of her.

I made it up the other bridge and stopped for a quick photo.

This is where I passed the international gateway, the “back door” to the EPCOT theme park. I made it back to the Yacht club, and decided to go around again, but this time I would detour off by the Boardwalk and head down the path along the river to Hollywood Studios.

It was very quiet and peaceful, with just a couple of families making their way over. I went under the bridge and could see Hollywood Studios in the distance. I kept having marathon flashbacks!

I went up the hill to where the busses stop, and turned around and headed back to the boardwalk.

A couple of boats full of people passed by.

Below is a view of the Yacht club from the other side of the lake.

I finished the loop and made it back to the Yacht club and my Garmin beeped, it was three miles exactly, perfect! I sat in some rocking chairs underneath the awning of the resort and cooled off while I people watched. Pure bliss!

Please also be sure to check out my post on running in Disney World, the Grand Floridian and Polynesian.

Also please don’t forget to vote for me for the Fitness Magazine Blogger awards!

QOTD: Would you rather run in rain or wind?

*Remember, I am a Disney travel planner. It does not cost you ANYTHING to use me to plan and book your trip to WDW, DL, or on the Disney Cruise Line for you! I can also book other cruise lines as well.* heather@travelwiththemagic.com

Filed Under: Disney, running, Running Skirts, Uncategorized, vacation Tagged: Disney, Disney World, Disney's Yacht Club, Hollywood Studios, running

Disney Day 6 September 2011

October 19, 2011 by Heather

Mornin’. I am on my way to St. Louis right now…well…depending on what time you read this! I am headed to work the Running Skirts booth at Rock n Roll St. Louis. If you are running, please stop by and say hello! I will be running the half Sunday then flying back home afterwards.

We left off on the Disney posts with a dinner with friends at Artist Point. The next day, we headed to Hollywood Studios after breakfast. Poor Jen was still sick and they didn’t plan to stay long, but we figured the boys could go ride some of the rides together that pregnant Jen couldn’t ride in her current state.

We had a good laugh at the fact that Mr. Runner’s Trials was wearing a “happily ever after” button from their honeymoon on the back of his camelbak. When the boys went off together to ride rides, people were congratulating them and poor Bobby didn’t realize why until they told us about it when we met back up with them. Hehe!

It was also quite comical to see a very pregnant Jen walking around with him wearing the happily ever after (honeymoon) button.

After they left, Bobby and I hit up Star Tours, and I was chosen as the Rebel spy. eekk! If you have no idea what I am talking about, go ride the new ride. Smile

But I promise I’m NOT a spy!

We had lunch at Sci Fi, a fun favorite. It gets a lot of points just for atmosphere.

For Dinner, we met back up with our fellow vacationers for a huge, delicious, dinner at Ohana. I had a big #fail this night because the only picture I took was of dessert! Oops. Shows you what I was thinking about!

It is all you can eat so we ate a LOT. Good company, good conversation, good times.

QOTD: Do you take a lot of pictures on vacation, just a few, or leave the camera at home?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Disney, Disneyworld, Hollywood Studios, Ohana, vacation

Disney 2019 Vacation Recap: Part 4

Toy Story Land Disney World with a Preschooler

ESPN WWOS Media FAM Day 4

Disney World’s Toy Story Land

Disney Girls Trip Part 2: Before the Race

Disney Princess Weekend: Monday, and a Giveaway!

Running in Disney World: Boardwalk Area

Disney Day 6 September 2011

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