Disney Day 2 - Disney Hollywood Studios

We were so excited to begin our first full day at Disney. Today was our day to visit Disney Hollywood Studios (DHS)! As became our custom throughout our vacation, we arrived at the gates around 8:15 a.m., so that we were there in plenty of time for the "rope drop" (RD). At the RD, that particular park puts on a little show or opening ceremony, followed by the gates to the park opening. As we read on "Tour Guide Mike" (TGM), arriving at RD is crucial to having a successful day at the park (meaning short wait times at your rides). Since Micah and Emma are early risers, getting to the parks by 8:00ish proved to be no problem.

So, after begin entertained by a 1950's era skit, we were officially welcomed into the gates of DHS...and the fun began! First stop, "Toy Story Midway Mania." This ride just opened in May, and definitely was a family favorite. In fact, it must have been a favorite for many park guests that day, because at some points, wait time for that ride was over 80 minutes! Needless to say, we didn't wait in those lines...Thanks to TGM, of course! (I promise, I'm not getting paid for mentioning this website a zillion times!)

Emma and I saw the "Little Mermaid" show, while the boys went on the "Star Wars" ride. Then, we met up to see the "Playhouse Disney Show."

As for our family favorites that first day at DHS...

Emma's was hands-down the "Beauty and the Beast" show...

Here we are watching Micah's favorite...the "Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular"

(I wish I would've gotten a better picture (sorry Micah!)

Micah and Emma discovered these dragons,

and although they weren't an official "attraction,"

the kids had lots of fun with them anyway!

Geoff's favorite ride..."The Tower of Terror."

All FOUR of us actually rode on this horrific ride!

(Can you believe Emma was old enough?)

Needless to say, three of us (the sane ones) never want to ride it again!

And my personal favorite, "The Rock 'n Roller Coaster!"

(You didn't think I was one of those types, now did you?)

We ended our day with a fun meal at the Primetime '50's Cafe. The place was decorated like a retro kitchen, complete with TV's playing old black and white reruns and obnoxious waitstaff who made you eat your vegetables if you wanted to have some dessert! Speaking of dessert, I wasn't too hungry for it by the time I drank of their peanut butter and jelly milkshakes with my meal...yummy!