I'd like to welcome special guest blogger, and long time Studios Central alum, Yulady Rodriguez, who spent her New Years Eve 2011 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. She graciously took the time to report her experience and share it with all of us. Big thank you to Yulady!
I'd like to welcome special guest blogger, and long time Studios Central alum, Yulady Rodriguez, who spent her New Years Eve 2011 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. She graciously took the time to report her experience and share it with all of us. Big thank you to Yulady!
We arrived at 3:30pm, first thing that struck me was the amount of people in the ticket booths buying same day entrance. It was not packed, wall to wall, but it was very full. We got FASTPASS's for Tower of Terror return time 10:30pm-11pm. Walked around for a bit and while Hollywood and Sunset Bouelvards were very crowded, the back of the park was fairly empty.
At the entrance to Fantasmic! people were lining up at 4pm for the 6:30pm show. Hats and Horns were given out through out the park, at Fantasmic!, Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show, and American Idol Experience.
We had dinner reservations at 50's Prime Time Cafe for 5:20pm and were seated right away. We decided to have the Mama's special (Pot Roast, Meatloaf, Fried Chicken, with mashed potatoes and green beans) for $20. My son and I shared a plate. By the way, this ressie was made only 3 days prior to New Years Eve!
My husband and son wanted to see the finale show of American Idol Experience but as we went to get in line I soon noticed that we would not make it in. The line was curved around and all the way outside their roped area. So we saw it from the outside and there were alot of people doing the same. After, around 7:45pm we went to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights one last time and this is what shocked me the most. It was not packed at all, you could walk with out tripping over people, very enjoyable.
We went to check out the dance party at Playhouse DIsney – Live on Stage and I think that people really missed out on this one; there was a DJ the Cast Members were really into it, dancing and playing with the kids, and there were tons of characters. We saw Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Handy Many, Agent Oso, Little EInsteins, Eeyore, this was also half empty, at one point Minnie was just dancing by herself. Also they had 4 people making balloon hats, animals, crowns…really fun and at no extra cost.
The stage DJ and Mulch Sweat and Shears were awesome, very entertaining.
Saw the last show of Fantasmic! (10pm) and by 9:50pm still there was room in the last area. Afterwards went to get our spot for fireworks, we decided on Crossroads of the World so we sat on the ledge of a window of Mickey's of Hollywood until around 11:25pm then we stood right at Crossroads by the store that sells the pins. The countdown was a little late it was 12:02pm when the fireworks started but they were Amazing!! Behind the Hat and also on top of all the stores on Hollywood Blvd.
The exit was fast and efficient, since we were close to the exit we got on the tram and out of the parking lot by 12:30am. On another note Toy Story Midway Mania closed at 10pm to have all the regular guest out of the attraction before evening Extra Magic Hours. Also, the Great Movie Ride closed at 10:30pm but I don't think it was for the same reason.
For anyone wondering if going to Disney's Hollywood Studios on New Years Eve is worth it, I say, YES, it was fun, they had a dance party for little ones and for adults. The atmosphere was great, they were pumping the Hat Stage music on Sunset Blvd as well. We had a great time. And it although there were tons of people it didn't see that packed, heck I only got run over by a wheelchair once!!