Finally a Ford! Our Disney Wedding & NYC Trip August 2014 - Day 17-Hollywood Studios,Cali Grill, ELP

[juliab]

Index

Back to our usual routine of having a coffee whilst checking our fast passes for the day on the ipad. It was easier for us just to make a note of them on a piece of paper as we had found the Wi-Fi to be a bit hit and miss in the parks. Meant I had them on hand straight away so to speak.

I've not got any notes of what we did for breakfast or pictures so we must've have breakfast in the room and it most likely consisted of Wedding cake seeing as though we had loads of the scrummy cake left to eat

It was such a lovely morning, really hot with beautiful clear skies. In fact it was so hot today that it took longer than usual for both my glasses and camera lens to demist!

Super hot day

Arrival time at Hollywood Studios was a very respectable 9.30. It wasn't very busy and we got parked in Stage 47 which mad for a short walk up to the entrance. No need for the tram today.


Beautiful clear sky

We stopped off this time for a few photo's on Hollywood Boulevard.

We continued up to the top as our first attraction of the day was on the Great Movie Ride.

The ride was walk on and instead of the gangster story we experienced the Western version, so it was slightly different from our previous ride.

We split our first fast pass with Scott, Hayden and Jamie riding the Rock n Roller Coaster and Poppy and me going on Toy Story Mania. We said out goodbyes and arranged a meeting point then us girls went for a shoot out!





A good time was had by all on our respective rides. Today was to be a more relaxed affair so we went at a really gentle relaxed pace. We met back up with the boys then all of us went on the next fast pass, Star Tours.

Got straight onto the ride, no wait at all We really love this ride and we think it's so much better now as each time the tour is completely different. This time Darth Vader was trying to get the rebel spy! Poppy declared afterwards that Star tours was her favourite ride in Hollywood Studios! We had a look round the shops afterwards and Jamie bought a very large gun thingy I was concerned about how I was going to get the massive box into a case - luckily at a later time I managed to.

We had a walk along the streets of America, the whole area seemed really quiet today. In fact most of the park was quiet which made the day feel even more relaxed and unhurried

Whilst in this area we paid a visit to the Honey I shrunk the kids playground. I don't think our kids have ever seen this film but it didn't stop them from having a good play. We managed to find a nice shady spot to sit down in, heaven!

After a while we asked the kids if they wanted to do another ride, say the Backlot tour, the Lights motor action show or something similar but they said they wasn't too interested in seeing them today. I suggested that later we watched the Beauty and Beast show as it is one of our favourites, everyone agreed that we should I was able to obtain a fast pass for BATB on my phone, the wi-fi was good for a change. One thing the children did say was that they were hungry. We came out of the play area and right behind us was the Studio catering co. It was really quiet with lots of free tables and there was hardly a line so we decided to give it a try.



The menu was mainly sandwiches but you could get chicken tenders for the kids meals. Jamie and Hayden helped me with the food but unfortunately dropped one of the soda's on the floor. We were very apologetic and a cm came over straight away to help, they also replaced our soda which we were grateful for. The food was fine but we especially like the Olaf cupcakes which, they were delicious and they looked so cute too.

We headed on over to the Beauty and the Beast stage passing by New York on the way.

Wouldn't be long till we'd be seeing the real thing

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[juliab]

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We used the fast pass queue to enter the Beauty and the Beast stadium but I wasn't sure If it was worth it. We were seated near the back so didn't have the best view, I wondered if you needed to one of the first in to get a seat near the front whereas we arrived only 15 minutes before. Never mind we could still see everything, just meant that I didn't have a clear view for photo's.







Can honestly say that I will never tire of this show, I just love so much. The music the songs, everything about it is wonderful I just love Beauty and the Beast.

As we excited the show Jamie said he'd like to have a ride on Tower of Terror so we popped over to see what the wait time was. Couldn't believe that It was only 10 minutes so off I went with the boys.

Such a fantastic ride!

We grabbed a few photopass pictures on Sunset Boulevard

Just before we came out on holiday Jamie had discovered the WDW Radio channel on youtube and had really enjoyed all the food based video's. Especially the ones that included lots of yummy snacks. Jamie thought that Lou Mongello had mentioned Hollywood scoops? Yet another sundae for him to try

Walked back across the park to the Legend of Jack Sparrow. We picked up tickets then went into One man's dream for a look round until the show began. We didn't know anything about the Jack Sparrow attraction and to be quite honest if we had have done we probably wouldn't have bothered Still we go it a go and the kids did enjoy it. Glad we didn't actual queue for this attraction or miss out on something else to watch this.

Poppy was desperate to watch the Muppet 3D show so this was to be our final attraction in Hollywood Studios. As always the kids really enjoyed it



We'd had a lovely relaxed time in HS, helped by the fact that it was so quiet today. Back home in our room I got some clothes together to take down to the launderette for another wash. The kids got their showers and changed and it between washing and drying I got washed and changed too. We had an early evening ADR at the California Grill which we were really excited about as we'd never eaten here before. We left our room at 5.00 and on the way to the car I picked up our now drying washing from the Launderette, bagged it up and popped it into the back of the car. A woman's work is never done!

Took the short journey over to the Contemporary and when we checked in with security we asked if it would be alright for us to leave the car in the car park for the evening, as we would be retuning to the restaurant to watch the fireworks later. They said it wouldn't be a problem and then directed us to the appropriate area.

We walked into the resort and had to ask for directions. We eventually found our way to the lift and was checked in first before being took up to the restaurant in the lift. We were seated more or less straight away and had a lovely large table. The sun was bright so the blinds were down in the area where we were sat, but at the other end of the restaurant we could see that the views were quite spectacular

We ordered some drinks which our server promptly came back with along with a selection of some tasty breads.

Looking at the menu Hayden declared that he wasn't particularly hungry tonight and so didn't really want much to eat - quite unlike Hayden he normally loves his food. Thankfully it wasn't because he was feeling unwell I think the menu that time just didn't appeal to him. In the end he chose a meal from the kids menu, a pizza and both Poppy and Jamie ordered the pasta dish.

I ordered the beef dish which was absolutely exquisite while Scott ordered the lamb, again a totally luscious dish

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[juliab]

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Well we thought the mains were delicious we still had the delights of the desserts to enjoy

Again Hayden declined, we didn't push him but said he could always get something from Magic Kingdom later if he felt a bit peckish.

Poppy ordered the fresh fruit kebabs which came with a strawberry yoghurt dip...yummy

Whilst Jamie went for the Puff rice Sushi...can this dish be any cuter



Scott had the Sundae Sampler...I know I know, just couldn't stop myself from taking lots of photo's of this beauty

I went for the cheesecake

And our server came back with a complimentary glass of champagne for us both which was quite enjoyable too

Our signature dining experience at California Grill had been such a memorable one and for all the right reasons. We had found the atmosphere to be quite relaxed and informal yet you knew that you were dining somewhere just that bit more special than others. We were also glad that we'd chosen an early reservation as this suited our family better as the restaurant was still really quiet. Our server had been very attentive and we left the suggested 20% tip. Along with Citricos, our time here had been outstanding

Of course we couldn't leave without taking a walk out onto the roof to have a look at those amazing views.



We took the lift back down and then took a gentle stroll towards the gates of Magic Kingdom. Would love to stay at the Contemporary one day, it must be so wonderful to be able to walk to MK! Of course you get the great view of the monorail.

Had a look in the shops first, I couldn't believe that I'd left it this long to get some bridal ears!

Ears purchased Hayden announced that he was ready for a dessert now, we were stood very near to Plaza ice cream plaza and Hayden said that an ice cream of some description would do nicely

Couldn't believe how busy it was inside but we were kept entertained by watching the ladies making the delicious ice cream treats Before we knew it Hayden was walking out with this whopper of a sundae, another snack credit used.

It was really dark now, we walked over to the Liberty Square area to find a space to watch the Electrical Light Parade. The pavements around Main street and the castle were all very crowded, Surprisingly we found plenty of space even though the time was fast approaching 9pm.

The kids sat down on the floor all the way through the show. Love the music to this parade it's just so happy A few of the characters came over to the kids and gave them a wave, we all enjoyed the show.

It was past 9.30 when the final float went past us. we had a very quick walk back the Contemporary resort! After explaining that we'd dined here earlier in the evening and we were returning to watch the fireworks, we were escorted back into the lift. We arrived just as Wishes started

It really was another amazing way to watch Wishes, didn't realise how far back some of the fireworks actually are. Fab way to end another fantastic day. We left straight afterwards and I couldn't believe that we were back in our room some 15 minutes later then lights out at 11.00

Bit of a rest day tomorrow as a water park awaits

Day 18 - Blizzard beach & Coral Reef

[collybird]

The boys face on RnRC! Bless their hearts.

Your dinner looks gorgeous. I'd love to try Cali Grill just for the view but unfortunately I don't think they'd let my boyfriend eat of the kids menu LOL!

[sandshal]

Another fab day, couple of really good photos of Hayden in there today. When are you off to NYC? We're giving it a miss this year but last August we spent 4 nights in Manhatten on the way out and 1 night again on our way home.

Keep the days rolling!

Sharon xxx

[dixonsontour]

Great day, lots done at HS. Cali grill looks lovely too.

[Momofboys]

Another lovely day! Cali Grill looks so good, nice to know you felt comfy there with children, I'd only see reports of couples dining there. Another one to add to the hopeful list of when we hopefully return!

Thanks, really enjoying your report

[juliab]

Originally Posted by collybird

The boys face on RnRC! Bless their hearts.

Your dinner looks gorgeous. I'd love to try Cali Grill just for the view but unfortunately I don't think they'd let my boyfriend eat of the kids menu LOL!

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They look so scared bless em

You never know, you could always ask
Thanks for reading x

Originally Posted by sandshal

Another fab day, couple of really good photos of Hayden in there today. When are you off to NYC? We're giving it a miss this year but last August we spent 4 nights in Manhatten on the way out and 1 night again on our way home.

Keep the days rolling!

Sharon xxx

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Hi Sharon, we go for the last two nights, it was our first time going to New York City and I wasn't sure how the kids would take it. Turns out they absolutely loved it there, we all did. Hope some day we can go back to explore more.

Lucky you going on the way out and back too xx

[happy bunny]

A quiet day, she says

I agree, a nice relaxed day, but you just fit so much in...

Glad you had a nice meal in Californian Grill and I love the kids desserts, just super cute

[juliab]

Originally Posted by dixonsontour

Great day, lots done at HS. Cali grill looks lovely too.

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We did have a fab day. First time we've been to Cali grill and we loved it! Thanks for reading

Originally Posted by Momofboys

Another lovely day! Cali Grill looks so good, nice to know you felt comfy there with children, I'd only see reports of couples dining there. Another one to add to the hopeful list of when we hopefully return!

Thanks, really enjoying your report

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Hi, we booked an early time, 5.30 I think it was and it was perfect, the kids weren't tired it worked out well. They really enjoyed it there, Jamie say's it was one of his favourite meals, probably because of the dessert

Thanks for reading