A Heartfelt Farewell to Lights, Motors, Action! at Disney's Hollywood Studios

One week from today, the last performances of Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be performed.  An import from Disneyland Paris, we have enjoyed this show numerous times.

The stands can hold thousands of guests and we've sat high, low, and on either side and in the middle.  There isn't a bad seat in the house.  We like to sit close enough to feel the heat of the flames during the various fires and explosions. 

We've seen the show before Lightning McQueen and Mater were added.  And, we enjoy the trivia questions displayed on the big screen prior to the show.  Our best tip for viewing is to bring in water and/or a snack to enjoy during the 38 minute show.  We also use our inflatable Pocket Seats (click here to read more) and find the looks from other guests when we start to blow up the cushions a hoot.

We've been escorted past guests, to an elevator, and to special seating when the husband used a Birthday Fastpass in 2010 when there were special offers for being a Walt Disney World on your actual birthday. 

But our most recent and last time at Lights, Motors, Action! was the best!  Part way through the show, a Cast Member comes into the stands looking for a volunteer to drive a "remote control" car.  We've seen this part multiple times and the boy did stand up and wave. . . this time as he has done before.  Well, this time it worked and he was picked out of the crowd to join the show!

He did a great job of driving the car.  He said he "pretended" he didn't know that it was really a hidden driver actually driving the "remote control" car. 

He received a certificate and commemorative Disney pin only given to the children picked for this special part of the show.  The boy's plan now that the show is closing--keep the pin and let it increase in value.  Then, he has designs of selling it on Ebay.  (We've never sold anything on Ebay so I have no idea where he came up with that one!)

Lights, Motors, Action!, you have given us many great family memories as well as respite for our feet in the middle of the day while visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios.  We thank you and bid you fond farewell!

The Boy Was In DISASTER--Ride It Out At Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Orlando features two parks—Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  During our Summer 2014 vacation, we toured both Universal Orlando theme parks on the same day.  And, while experiencing Disaster: Ride It Out at Universal Studios, the boy was chosen from the audience to participate in the “show.”

Disaster—Ride It Out, is comparable to The Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  The premise is making a movie, and in this case, a disaster movie.  The extras are chosen from the gathered crowd that features a host.  One extra is selected for each letter in Disaster.  The boy was the first extra selected and he got to pick a parent to accompany him—he chose the husband, his dad. 

After all of the extras are selected from the first “stage” of the show, the crowd moves into another area that features the show host interacting with a projected image of Christopher Walken who is portraying a famous disaster movie director.  Guests stand during this portion as well as the very beginning segment when volunteers are selected.

When that segment is completed the crowd moves into another area that features bleachers/benches of sorts.  The extras are gathered at the various “sets” to film their sequences.  The host is now acting as a director and inserts humor during the scenes to provide “motivation” for the actor/extras.

Guests then move into a tram, which is supposed to be a subway train that will be filmed as a part of the feature.  The premise is that there is an earthquake and footage is being used of us, as extras, in the film. 

The tram moves into a scene where the earthquake disaster is simulated.  I won’t spoil this part, but think Catastrophe Canyon at The Backlot Tour.  The completed film is then played on screens in the tram as it moves back into position for the next group of guests.  In the film, the boy was falling and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson scooped in and saved him from certain death.  We were surprised!

The ride/show moves quickly through the various areas and is all indoors.  Even the queue is covered. 

The boy enjoyed being picked and having the experience of acting and being filmed on a set.  All of us enjoyed the experience.  The downside was that once the boy was chosen and the husband went with, I was on my own, which was okay, until we got to the tram loading.  By then, the boy and I were together, but the husband had been given a different area to sit during the filming, so it took some doing for us to regather before loading the tram.  Though, wearing bright green matching shirts helped!

We would ride out Disaster again, anytime.  Two thumbs up!

The Husband Was IN Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular AGAIN!

Here's my crew in the audience at Indiana Jones

The husband was chosen as an extra for the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios AGAIN!  I have now lost count of the number of times this man has been picked out of the audience to be in the show.  Hmmm. . .. 10 trips, I’m guessing 7 or 8 times.

It goes something like this. . . we sit in the section just left of center on the aisle a few rows up.  Everyone sits in the center section only to discover that everyone will be asked to slide right, even the section left of center, so even with the sliding right, we are still on the aisle.  Then, as soon as the show starts and the “host” asks for volunteers, the husband stands up waiving his arms.  Inevitably he gets picked.

Volunteer Introductions On Stage

After the introductions on-stage, the volunteers are taken to the small tent at the top of the theater area for costuming and the signing of waivers.  The husband has taken it upon himself to add a little humor to the waiver signing, since he has done this so many times before, by saying things to the other volunteers, etc. 

The husband returning to the stage in his costume.

The volunteers return to be the “crowd” in the scenes and get to meet the director and some of the other actors.

This time, the husband was chosen for the death scene.  I didn’t have the video camera out, so the still shots will have to do, but the banter with the director in combination with the husband’s acting was a hoot.  Just know that the husband has a Bachelor’s degree in Theater, so this was a dream come true for him.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of our favorite shows/attractions.  We find getting to the show just before lunch fits with our touring schedule.  Guests can find the times for the shows on the Times Guide located near Park Maps at the entrance to the park.  Check the listings for times for all the shows.  Doors open to the theater area 30 minutes prior to show time.

You can bet we will be back to see Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular during our next trip.  Anyone willing to wage whether or not the husband will be in the show?  Again?

The Golden Mickeys on the Disney Dream

In our “best tips for a Disney Cruise” post—click here to read more—we recommend seeing the Broadway caliber shows while sailing.  The Golden Mickeys is one of those shows specifically designed for Disney Cruise Line and is a must see, even for us as we have seen it multiple times.

The Golden Mickeys is a play about an awards show. . . think Oscars or Grammy’s. . . where guest attending the “award show” are greeted on the red carpet.  The interviews are then broadcast live into the Walt Disney Theater where the audience is waiting.  Rona Rivers is there to greet and interview guests.

Okay, this is where having sailed multiple times and having seen The Golden Mickeys multiple times comes in handy.  The boy knows that guests are going to be interviewed, so he plants himself near the red carpet in the entrance to the theater to wait and be interviewed, while his dad and I get seats in the theater for the show.  Then it happens; he ends up being interviewed and the interview is broadcast into the theater where his loving mom is ready with the video camera to capture the event.  See video below:

The boy comes beaming into the theater after his interview and settled in to watch the show.  Yes, he can find us, as we typically sit in the same location in the theater for all of the shows.  While we were waiting and watching the other guests get their on camera moment, we were approached by a Cast Member who asked the boy to be in the show.  Of course he said yes.

Now, this next part has also happened before.  Several children from the audience are selected prior to the show to join a Cast Member in the front row who will then shuffle them off to the wings at the appropriate time, don them with beards and hats, and they will then appear on the stage during the Snow White scene dancing as the Seven Dwarfs.  The boy was selected to do this during our second Disney Cruise—a seven night sail on the Disney Magic in the Mexican Riviera.  When their part is over and they have returned their “costumes” the children rejoin their families in the theater.  We later asked the Cast Member the selection criteria and were told the following:  willingness on the part of the child, not taller than the actors on stage, solid shoes or sandals—no flip flops.  The boy met all of the criteria and was within eye sight of the Cast Member selecting children.

Photos are strictly forbidden during the shows so we have no photos of the event, but a certificate did appear on our stateroom door commemorating the magical moment.

The Golden Mickeys typically is performed on formal or semi-formal dress nights on the cruise so guests can look their best for the red carpet event.  Our 5 night sailing on the Disney Dream had semi-formal evening on Christmas.  We did dress up a bit and had photos taken before dinner and at dinner.  Because it was an “at sea” day, The Golden Mickeys also had a matinee performance, in addition to the two evening shows, prior to the dinner seatings and we took advantage of the early show.

Of course there is a thrill for the boy when being on stage and screen and then there is the magic of the moment.  At the same time, as a parent, I get glimpses of the grown-up version of our son while on a Disney vacation; his independence, planning, willingness to try new things and take risks, and confidence.  Those moments, too, take you by surprise and add to the memories of a magical vacation.

Click here to read about the boy being the Holiday Prince of the Sea on the same cruise! 

Jedi Training Academy 2012

Jedi Training Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a way for children ages 4-12 to play out their Star Wars fantasies.  The 30 minute show featuring participation of the padawans is held multiple times a day on the stage outside Star Tours.  Check your Times Guide for a listing of times.

The boy has been in Jedi Training Academy since our first or second trip to Walt Disney World.  We have seen the selection of participants go through many renditions from selecting from the audience to lining up and hoping you were in the next show to the way it is done now.  Those interested sign up for a time slot at the former Sounds Dangerous location which is between Indiana Jones and Star Tours.  Look for the signs and head inside.  Have the child or children with you that want to participate—it’s a requirement.

Now, since we arrived at Hollywood Studios at rope drop and the park opened 15 minutes early, I headed to Toy Story Mania to get Fastpasses while the husband and the boy went off the sign-up for Jedi Training Academy.  We had already checked the Times Guide and had an idea of what show would work best in our plan for the day—the 2:20 pm show.  When the husband and boy arrived, the Cast Members were filling up the first shows and when the husband said he wanted the 2:20 pm show, it sort of threw them off.  They hadn’t anticipated someone asking for a later show; they were just filling in time slots.  But after consulting with each other, they decided it was okay and gave the husband a slip of paper with the show time and the number slot assigned for that show, which was #1.  This slip of paper is important as you will need it when you return for the show.  He was told to arrive and check in at the same location 30 minutes prior to the show. . . 1:50 pm.

We knew about the 30 minutes ahead of time check-in requirement, which was another reason for selecting the 2:20 pm show time.  We had a 3:45 ADR at Mama Melrose for our Fantasmic Dining Package and well, the time just worked out better with our plan for the day.

We arrived at the appointed time and checked in with the slip of paper in hand.  We watched as others checked in, but for one reason or another didn’t have the little slip of paper.  For example, one parent headed off to check-in 30 minutes prior, but the other parent had the slip of paper.  Nope, you have to have the child or children, slip of paper, and be there 30 minutes ahead.

Then, we watched those who were on the “wait list” hoping for a chance to participate.  We’ve been in that spot before, but we were confident it would work out—click here to read more.  In this instance, there were tears coming from the children who were waiting and parents who were trying to figure out what they could do to make this dream happen for their child or children.

When all children had gathered with proper paperwork, the group is assembled and goes to the staging area in a line.  Parents are asked to walk along the line to make sure others don’t join in the line.  At this point, the children are all carrying their little slip of paper with them and then the papers are collected once the group of 15 gathers at the stage in exchange for their brown hooded robes.

Parents are now finding spots to photograph the event, but remember to stand behind the line painted on the ground, as that area is reserved for the Photopass photographer who rolls on a chair around the stage to capture photos of children in the Jedi Training Academy.  

Parents are given a special Photopass Card indicating their child was in a training session.  Before leaving the park, be sure to stop at The Darkroom or Cover Story before leaving the park to select and add the pictures taken at Jedi Training Academy to your Photopass account.  You can then edit and add fun borders to the pictures—see below.

The Jedi Training Academy show is fun and revolves around the young padawans being trained to fight the dark side.  Each participant gets to go up against Darth Vader during the show.

The participants are given a certificate of participation at the end, which can be personalized and framed upon returning home.

Another special note is about asking the Photopass photographer at the end of the show about “magic photos” of you and Darth Vader.  We forgot this trip, but have done it before.

The boy seemed less interested in Jedi Training Academy this trip, but was glad he took the time to do it.  And, as you can see in the pictures and videos, he is definitely enjoying himself.

Our best tips are to arrive early, have the child with you when you sign up for the show time you want,  keep track of the little slip of paper given to you as you will need it later, and arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the show.

Interestingly, questions about this experience are the most often asked when we are waiting at the gates at Hollywood Studios. Maybe it is our matching t-shirts that tip folks off that we have done this a few times or maybe it is the fact that we are traveling with a young boy that may give it away that we know how to do it, but each time, we have been waiting for the park to open, we get asked about Jedi Training Academy.  In fact, the husband had other families follow him to the sign-up location.  He was happy to help.

We Opened Animal Kingdom With The First Safari Ride of the Day!

Yes, Walt Disney World is a magical place, and during our most recent trip, we were selected to open Disney’s Animal Kingdom. 

We were touring on a day with Extra Magic Hours in the morning for resort guests—which means that the park opened an hour early for guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort.  We arrived at the park about a half hour before the park opened and were within the first few guests at the gate turn styles.  There was a family from a nearby metropolitan area in front of us and we were chatting with them as well as a Cast Member monitoring the gates.

Before the gates opened, the Cast Member was welcoming the crowd and asking who knew how late the park was open, giving weather information, etc.  He asked what time the parade was and I shouted loudly enough for the crowd to hear, “3:45.”  He congratulated me and soon we were through the gates and making our way to the rope which was past the Oasis near Discovery Island.  The boy stopped to view the warthogs in the Oasis.

While at the rope, I was visiting with some folks just behind me and soon the husband was tugging on my arm saying, “Let’s go.”  What?  The park hadn’t opened yet.  Well, as he tells it, he had been chatting with a Cast Member who picked our party to open the park and head off to Kilimanjaro Safari for a private Safari.  The Cast Member wanted more than a party of 3, so the husband grabbed the mom and daughter that we had been talking to at the gate and asked them to join us.

A Photopass photographer snapped a few photos and off we went to the safari before other guests were entering the park!  Other Cast Members greeted us on our way.

We had a great safari ride.  The animals were so alert for the first safari car.  The giraffes were even in the middle of the road!  The Cast Member that had chosen us went along with the ride, so we got both her narration and animal spotting as well as the driver of the vehicle!

We were deposited at the exit and were given a special certificate for the honor.

What a special experience!  We are so grateful for the many magical experiences we have had at Walt Disney World. .  . well, anywhere and anything Disney.

The Husband Was In The Backlot Tour Again!

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can be in the movies!  And, the husband got another chance to be in the Backlot Tour during our most recent visit.  (Click here to read more about his first time—thousands of gallons of water.)

We headed to the Backlot Tour after riding Toy Story Mania, and the lines had already formed in the queue area.  We thought we would be taking in this attraction as just guests, not participants.  Then, a Cast Member appeared at the top of the ramp and yelled that they needed one more volunteer.  I yelled back, “He will do it!” meaning the husband.  Of course, the husband agreed and off he went to don his blue jumpsuit.  In the meantime, we were ushered to the front of the lines, visited with the other families who had volunteers in the show, then made our way to the special reserved spot for family members.

This time, the husband played the Captain of the PT boat.  He didn’t get quite as wet!

The video below is of the film—Harbor Attack—that is made from footage from the volunteers while the special affects get recorded.  Check it out:

And the cast takes a bow!

The rest of Backlot Tour includes a tour of a prop room, a tram tour through Catastrophe Canyon, and backstage at Lights, Motors, Action.  The attraction itself lasts for several minutes and there is no exit.  So, if you are crunched for time, I would skip it until you can go at a more relaxed pace.

The Backlot Tour exits in a movie costume museum of sorts, and of course, a shop.  But just beyond that are Mike and Sully from Monster’s, Inc.  

Kidsymphony

Southeast Iowa Symphony hosts a special event each November—Kidsymphony—with three performances on the second Saturday in November—Ottumwa, Mt Pleasant, and Burlington.  Tickets are $3 for kids and $5 for adults.

Each year, there is a different theme for Kidsymphony.  We’ve enjoyed a “Super Hero” theme and this year, it was Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham. 

Each child selects an instrument—finger cymbals or a triangle—to play along at certain portions of the concert, when they enter the auditorium.  Now, the rule is supposed to be that the parents hold onto the instruments until it is time to play, but that rarely happens.  So, if you are expecting a civilized and quiet symphony audience, this performance is not for you.  It’s more of an interactive, noisy, diaper wearing, symphony audience. 

We took Grandma Carol along for the fun.

The conductor introduced the instrument families and the musicians provided demonstrations of the various instruments.  The symphony played one song, then it was time for the main feature—Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham.

Interestingly, the conductor connected the theme of the story—unwillingness to try something new—to our current political climate. 

The portion of the story when she will “not eat them on a train” is the boy’s favorite part.  He even anticipates that it’s coming.  Check it out:

After the main performance, it was time to rehearse chiming along with the music.

Then, the audience robustly chimed along with a Sousa March as the finale of the performance.

The concert lasted about 45 minutes.

Children deposited their instruments in boxes on the way out, as the musicians packed up their instruments and headed East for their next performance.

While we have missed Kidsymphony the last two years—it coincided with the week-end we were at Walt Disney World in November—we were happy to be back.  It’s a great way to introduce kids to the symphony and the various instruments and catch some parents who might be interested, too.

Bravo for a great performance!