When I got back to my room (after walking past creepy jester statue guy) after my time at Epcot, I thought I’d better figure out a type of itinerary for Hollywood Studios. It is funny, but when we took the kids when they were little, I had an itinerary down to the minute. I was a Disney nazi. But, it did save time standing in what my daughter, Alex, called the “Ride of Misery.”
So, as soon as I got to the park, I went straight to the Tower of Terror. This was the one thing I wanted to experience at Disney World.
I decided not to take a Dramamine today. I took a 1/2 pill yesterday and although it said, “non-drowsy formula,” they lie. The Tower of Terror was so much fun. When I got off the ride, I noticed that there was already a 30 minute wait listed on the board. I got there just in time. I headed over to the Aerosmith roller coaster and got a Fast Pass because it was already a 30 minute wait. I had to come back at an assigned time period to ride it. I then went to stand in line at Toy Story, the most popular ride at Hollywood Studios. Oh Dear God, it was a 100 minute wait. So, I decided to get a Fast Pass. I got this instead.
Damn. I messed up. I didn’t even really want to ride the Aerosmith Roller Coaster. I had my head torn off by a maniacal roller coaster at Kennywood Park called the Steel Phantom. I didn’t want to die again. So, what to do? I decided to stand in line. For 100 minutes. Which is like almost two hours…This was going to be more fun…than a barrel of monkeys.
I do have to admit that it was a great queue. And the ride didn’t disappoint. It snaked through Candy Land, and dominoes, Chutes and Ladders, toy soldiers, Mr. Potato Head and other games that were enlarged, like this picture of Candy Land with the red queue bars in front of the wall. It really wasn’t a bad wait.
I then went back to ride on the Aerosmith ride. As soon as it started I knew I was in trouble. I put my head to the left and closed my eyes. I breathed through my mouth because I knew that one more loop would do me in. I hate roller coasters with loops. I was feeling pretty brave by this point, ready to experience what I couldn’t before. Well, motion sickness is not in your head. It’s real and I’ve lived with it all my life. I can’t even swing on a swing. I HATED the Aerosmith ride. Hated.
Disney boasts of the ride on its Web site, “Zoom from 0 to 60 mph with the force of a supersonic F-14, take in high-speed loops and turns synchronized to a specially recorded Aerosmith soundtrack and zip through Tinseltown in the biggest, loudest limo you’ve ever seen….The 3,400-foot-long track is more than a half mile of sudden accelerations, dips, loops and twists and turns.”
Well, you go from 0 to 60mph in 2.8seconds. That’s when I knew to shut my eyes and hold my head to the left. The picture that they take of each car, you know the one that you can buy at the end of the ride? Well, mine was hysterical. I should have bought it.
I loved Hollywood Studios. I took my time and enjoyed all of the shows and street entertainment throughout the day. Muppet 3D was fun. I’m a muppet/Swedish Chef fan, so I was in my element. The whole park was wonderful. It was a lot of fun. I got back at dark, walking past Jester and Jester junior. I quickly turned around, half expecting them to be right behind me. I scared myself..lol
Well, hopped back on the plane to Pittsburgh yesterday evening and headed home. I learned a lot about myself on my first trip. First of all, what was I thinking? I teach small children. Why in the world would I want to use my spring break to go where there were children running amok?
I think, though, that I did great and now know that I can travel by myself…if I HAVE to. Would I go to Disney again by myself? Oh hell no.
In the end, I think traveling solo is fine. But, I like to talk. I enjoy companionship, camaraderie. So, in the future, I will first see if anyone wants to join me. Then, maybe join a travel group. And if I still want to go bad enough, I can go by myself. Because, again, in the end, I won’t be lonely. Afterall, I will be with me. And I think I’m pretty good company. That’s my new Puerto Rican attitude talking. I learned a thing or two while standing in lines.
Jumping in Mud Puddles 
Posted by The Good Greatsby on April 25, 2011 at 12:32 am
I love Disney World, and I make no apologies for planning every minute of the itinerary. Tower of Terror is my all time favorite ride.
Posted by Jumping in Mud Puddles on April 25, 2011 at 6:49 pm
You have to have an itinerary or you will end up in a hell of a line…like I did with the Toy Story ride. I messed up on learning about the Fast Pass.
Posted by writerwoman61 on April 23, 2011 at 4:05 pm
I’m glad you enjoyed your vacation, Vickie! Let me know when you’ve got your train trip booked!
Wendy
Posted by Jumping in Mud Puddles on April 23, 2011 at 6:42 pm
I did, Wendy, thanks. I won’t go there again by myself, though..lol..I was moused out early..lol There’s so much of Canada I want to see, Wendy. Your Bay of Fundy post got me wanting to see your neck of the woods, so I don’t know where I would start. I think I will go next summer if my daughter will watch my (her) cat..lol
Posted by mw5971872@gmail.com on April 23, 2011 at 10:03 am
So glad to see your blog again. Kept wondering where you went on vacation and when we would hear from u again.Sounds like Disneyland Orlando is great. We live in southern CA and go to the Disneyland in Anaheim. I too worked up the courage to go on Tower of Terror while a friend waited outside. Just once, though. If you’re ever in SoCal let me know. You’ll have companians. I am about your age and had a crazy mother that smoked Salems. Never forget that smoky haze.
Posted by Jumping in Mud Puddles on April 23, 2011 at 10:47 am
Thanks. I think I must have needed a blogging break. I remember sitting in front of the computer with my hands on my keys, and I had nothing..lol..and that is rare for me..so on to do my taxes and other exciting things in my life..lol… Ahhh southern California..where the weather is always nice and no humidity. I just ran into a woman and her daughter from San Diego and they couldn’t wait to get out of Florida..they hated the humidity. If I am in SoCal, I will let you know. Thank you!! 🙂 So, we are kindred spirts, both having secondhand Salem cigarette smoke in our lungs, eh? lol..Take care and thanks!!
Posted by willowmoonshadow on April 22, 2011 at 11:57 pm
Good for you!! shame you didn’t get a picture of you on the Aerosmith ride…then again, perhaps better you didn’t, things like that have a way of being used at birthday parties/public ridicule (in a good natured way) etc lol
Still, I can see why you didn’t want to spoil the surprise of where you went beforehand, who would have thought 😀
Posted by Jumping in Mud Puddles on April 23, 2011 at 9:28 am
Oh, that picture was priceless, really…lol I know, who would have thought? It was a great, but yet, stupid, idea..lol
Posted by Margie on April 22, 2011 at 9:16 pm
Congratulations. I’d love to go to Disney World on my own. I’ve only gone with family, which means much of the time is spent making sure everyone’s expectations are met. Sometimes it would be nice to just meet my expectations!
Posted by Jumping in Mud Puddles on April 23, 2011 at 9:48 am
It really was much nicer going by myself. I could go as I pleased, sit down and eat where I wanted, etc. It was nice to do something for myself. And you are right, Margie. You can meet just your expectations..