Alrighty folks, this was….interesting. First off, I want to point out that one of the coolest benefits of living near the magic is to do days like these. No hotel bookings, no dining that needs to be arranged….I just get up and go to it.  That being said, I got up very early today because I just stress out for these days. Some crowds have been huge in the past, some not at all. Some Disney merch will sell out in hours, and some they will have leftovers at the Outlets…you just never know.  So why take that chance? It’s just easier writing my own happy ending on what I want and just biting that bullet to get up at the crack of dawn.

So I arrived at Studios at 7 a.m., with a quiet walk in that I have never had before. Not one soul was near me. Walked right up to the Security guy, got checked right then and there and then got in the far right line for the Park.  They were handing out guide maps among those waiting which was nice, and then proceeded to start to check that all magic bands were working.  That way we don’t have the hold up when they release us into the Studios wilderness.  I didn’t wait long, maybe a little under a hour and I recorded the entire experience which can be found on Facebook- honestly the video is hilarious.  I talk to more random strangers, and I am actually really comfortable with it, at Disney than anywhere else. Buttons and stickers were handed out one per person, as were the posters on the way out.

They escorted the horde of walkers (US) to the left, down the boulevard, towards Gertie, past Indy, waved hi to Star Tours and then proceeded to line us up in the Muppet corridor next to “Muppet Vision 3D”.  I was probably in the first group of about 25 people who were let in. Just wanted my Annual Passholder shirt and then I would be happy to get of there.  It was odd shopping in the Muppet Store…felt weird. Anyways, they had them hanging nicely, sizes all marked, asked a lady which size wold work best for me and she helped me out- thanks kind stranger! I checked out quite quickly, Cast Members were awesome and patient, and for me, a pass by a CM and her service dog was my absolute FAVORITE pic of the day near Star Tours.  That was the good part of my Studios experience.

The bad part was that parade…cavalcade….commercial….what’s the word…oh yeah, mess, it was a mess.  First off, they don’t care that I held my spot for 2 hours, that’s on ME- but honestly I had a sweet spot and I caught up on my social media sitting there anyways.  Let’s start with expectations…again, ON ME.  All I have  to go on are the previous parades that have graced our beloved Studios in the past..Star Wars, Stars in Motorcars, Hercules, etc.  Lots of floats, lots of characters, lots of fun.  This parade was something that felt like someone woke up this morning and went “Oh crap, was the 30th today?” and threw some stuff together.

First off, the banner holding CM’s walked down SO FAST that I thought maybe they were late for something. Again, I have proof of this, watch my video on FB. Then Mickey and Minnie cruise by, not a slow and saunter by with a wave and a hello, I am talking unusually fast. Then group by group is brought down, with easily 2-3 minutes if not more of dead air…and again the groups that came down, the Indiana Jones did a fight scene which was cool, but did it once closer to the stage, those of us near Crossroads could barely see it.  The finale was to be the “Galaxy’s Edge” costumes making their debut.  But…there were no Star Wars Characters. In fact, of the Fab 5, apparently Mickey and Minnie were the only ones available.  I guess I had hoped they would have a bunch of different characters from the past 30 years represent…also maybe floats of all the different rides that have gone to pasture (Great Movie Ride, you were robbed today!) Nope, it was short, kind of sweet, but didn’t even TRY to have the Citizens in it either! They were roaming the streets beforehand, but I thought for sure they’d be included.

The Presentation on stage was all about little tidbits about day one of Studios, and then the hard sell of Star Wars coming. I don’t think they need to sell it anymore, we got it, it’s going to be insane.  The coolest part was the new logo reveal and surprise- no name change. Interesting. Also Kermit is on the poster, not on the logo though.  Please don’t evict the Muppets….I beg of you.

I have come to the realization that even though I know Disney is a corporation, a business at the end of the day, that REAL magic and nostalgia is just drifting away like an Avenger being dusted. Do they NOT GET IT? We WANT to see the old animated movies be brought to life, we WANT to see Hercules and Meg hanging out again. We want our Backlot tours and Osborne lights.  After the parade, Kyra and I decided to go hunt down macaroons. The place wasn’t open yet, so we just sat and people watched.  Goofy and Chip and Dale were all out by the Muppet area…but in plain outfits. Why not put them in their Studios garb? I know they have them, I have pics of them in it.  Just frustrating when you know they could do more and the effort doesn’t seem to be there.

Crowds got thick by 11:00 and the only thing I really wanted to do yet was get the pic that “I was here” today. Kyra had come in to meet me, so I love that we got the pic together. The line had gotten so long for this Photopass opp that they entire group of us had to be moved and marched down to “Tower of Terror” to get out of the main flow of people coming in.  Got the pic, thanked the Cast Members, and we headed out. The new animated projection show will be presented tonight, which I will wait and go in when it settles down.  All in all, it just feels like the Disney Anniversaries are more about the money and less about the magic. Go figure.

For all pics and videos of today’s event, you can find them by following along at “The Relocated Tourist” on Facebook and Instagram.

Donations for Content

Going from “What If? to “Why Not” is my life motto and I work hard at living that every day. I share everything from moving to Florida to live near Disney World to road trips across the States. I love the cool, quirky, and crazy stuff that I can find on my Adventures, and every dollar you donate helps support my efforts and hard work. Thank you to ALL who support me!

$5.00

Published by Amy Joy

Inspiring adventure and joy, one day at a time. View all posts by Amy Joy