Trip Log:

Slept in till almost 7:30am. Headed to Everything Pop for breakfast. After a leisurely breakfast we headed to the Studios. Wandered down Hollywood Blvd and walked onto the Great Movie ride since there was no line. After riding turned right and headed down Mickey Ave. The Chronicles of Narnia was just letting in so we jumped in line and walked through the Soundstage. Then continued on to the Backlot tour. As we got ready to board the tram the skies opened and a quick storm (it was over by the time we returned to offload) blew through. After the tram tour we walked through the Big City Streets and watched the Muppets. We split up at this point and two headed for the Contemporary and an afternoon fishing trip and the other two of us to the Lights Motors Action show. After the show grabbed some lunch from the Catering Co and Pizza Planet. Headed back to Hollywood Blvd and cut over to the Animation Courtyard and watched the Little Mermaid show. Took some time to stop in the shops on Hollywood Blvd and then we headed out of the park and onto a Friendship Launch. After a 3-hour cruise (well really just an 45 minutes or so) we made it over to EPCOT. Headed into the park and ended up in France watching the film. Walked through France, the UK, and Canada before settling in to watch Off Kilter. After there set met up with the rest of our group and went to Le Cellier for dinner. Once we were filled up it was off to the American Gardens stage to catch the Buckinghams. After there set we strolled the rest of World showcase and went into Future World. Caught the last showing of the night for Universe of Energy. Once our adventure was complete we walked around Future World and took a spin on Spaceship Earth. Walked through the Mouse Gear shop and then took up a spot to watch Illuminations. After the show hiked back to the bus stop and back to Pop Century to call it a night.

Thoughts & Observations:

• Started off the day at the Studios. There was no line so visited the Great Movie ride. It seems as if its time for some changes in here. not sure what but it really feels dated to me. I did notice the couple changes to the finale film. They have integrated Bruce the shark from Finding Nemo as well as Johnny Depp from Pirates of the Caribbean into the film.
  
  
• While walking down Mickey Ave. We noticed they Narnia sound stage was open with no wait so we went in. I was really disappointed. It was basically one set that played an expanded trailer from the film then a couple props/costumes on the way out.
  
  
• Since our timing was good and there was no line we went on the Backlot Tour. This seemed even more gutted than before. There really isn't anything to it anymore. You go through the water tank then out to the trams. Once on the tram you drive through the wardrobe building then out to Catastrophe Canyon. Then your let off. Its just a shell of itself and really doesn't talk much about movie making anymore either. Our guide did mention something about the subtitle for the third Pirates film but we could not remember it.. maybe it was "Lost at Sea" or something like that but that does not seem right.
  
  
• While at the Water tank it really started to rain. By the time we got onto the tram it was pouring. They took their time loading and by the time we pulled out it had almost stopped. By the time we were done the rain was gone. The reason I mention this is this is the only rain we encountered the entire eight days. Very weird for Central Florida. But they are in a drought and really lacking rainfall.
  
  
• Saw the Lights, Motors, Action show. Still a great show, we really enjoy the action, but I am still not a fan of the "filler" material between shots. I know it takes a long time to set up for these scenes but there should be something else that can be done. not sure what.
  
  
• At lunch at Pizza Planet and reminded myself not to do that again. The place was packed, which by itself is not unusual or a problem but the guests were extremely rude and quite annoying. Also they changed the pizzas from last year. They seemed to have more dough and sauce. A slightly better taste too.
  
  
• Dinner was at Le Cellier.. which was great as usual. The steaks and bread sticks were perfect. The service was a bit slower than usual though. Trying to get your drinks refilled or more bread took a long time.
  
  
• Spaceship earth now has a new sponsor, Siemens, since our last trip. The new post show area is still not done and nothing too noticeable has changed on the ride. We did notice the ride really showing its age though. In several spots it sounded as if the motors/gears/cars were grinding and the ride became very rough.
  
  
• Illuminations was great as usual. After hearing of the Inferno barge problems and its absence for several months it was great to see it performing as designed.

Pedometer Information for the day:

Enough with the text.. onto the pictures

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