A Fantasmic Day at Hollywood Studios

 

            To kick off day two of our trip, we woke up early and headed to Hollywood Studios. We were there well before park opening so that we could rope drop Rise of the Resistance in Galaxy’s Edge. Despite Kylo Ren and the First Order’s best efforts, our entire group successfully completed the mission and escaped their wrath. We had a great deal of fun, and it was an amazing way to jumpstart an action-packed day.

 

Our assignment for the day had us focus in on the top three experiences, whether it be a ride, an interaction, or any occurrence, that we enjoyed throughout the day. This task was, in a way, tied to our interview with Main Street Magic later in the day, as their theme song highlights their love for “Top 10 Lists”. Many of us described the various attractions we enjoyed, such as Rise of the Resistance, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Also, as part of our assignment, keeping step with Main Street Magic’s mantra of “Be Nice to Cast Members”, we were to describe a cast member interaction that really exemplified the Disney Magic. Several of us were impressed by Shawn at Toy Story Mania, as he was doing impressions and quoting movie scenes. Shawn and many others help to make the Disney Parks an unforgettable experience.

 

As aforementioned, later in the afternoon, we had the privilege of meeting with Jeremy and Rhonda from the Main Street Magic podcast. They even recorded a podcast with us, as well as let us ask questions and be a part of the entire process! This was honestly a tremendously awesome experience. It was so interesting to hear about their backgrounds, as well as how their podcast has evolved and blossomed into such an insightful bright spot and encouragement to so many. Their love for Disney and the parks was so evident and infectious, as it seemingly just oozed out of them. Jeremy and Rhonda were both extremely kind and were truly a special treat. We were even able to continue our conversation with them over dinner at the Riviera’s Primo Piatto, where we all enjoyed some great meals! A major thank you to Main Street Magic for helping make today magical!

 

To round out a wonderful day, the whole group returned to Hollywood Studios to enjoy the amazing Fantasmic show. We all were mesmerized by how great of a production it truly is. Throughout the show, we got to see many of our favorite Disney characters, and enjoyed the awesome water, pyro, and lighting effects. Some of us even sang along with some of our favorite Disney tunes! After it had ended, I even heard a member of our group say, “Well that’s hard to beat.” I cannot think of a better way to close out a really special day.

One unique thing that happened today was on Rise of the Resistance. The droid’s and my (Nate) screams were apparently so similar, it was hard to tell us apart. Tomorrow, we release our wild side and head to the Animal Kingdom.

 

That’s all for now,

            Lucas Densford and Nathan Irskens