Episode Transcript
[00:00:07] Speaker A: Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Mouse Ears Podcast, where we talk about all things travel, but mostly Disney, brought to you by fairy tale journeys Travel.
Hello, everybody. Welcome back. It's your favorite time of the week. Could be Monday morning on your commute into work, or Wednesday evening cooking dinner. It's the Mouth Serious Podcast. My name is Kelton. I'm your host for this episode. I've got some fantastic people with me tonight. First off, Jenny, who was very out of her comfort zone down in Georgia. Jenny, hello.
[00:00:45] Speaker B: Hi. How are you?
[00:00:47] Speaker A: I'm fantastic. How you doing? Awesome. Steph, who was not in her home in Florida, but in her second home in Disney. Steph, hello. How are you?
[00:00:58] Speaker C: Honestly, I'm wondering why I don't live here.
[00:01:01] Speaker A: Ain't that the truth? I think we all ask ourselves.
[00:01:04] Speaker D: I ask myself every day.
[00:01:06] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:01:08] Speaker A: And the man you're hearing now, Brooks, he is back at home in South Carolina. Brooks, hello. Welcome in.
[00:01:14] Speaker D: Hottie ho. Neighbors, welcome the wonderful people of the Weber Net.
[00:01:19] Speaker C: Ear sweater, please. It is worth it.
[00:01:21] Speaker A: Stand up. So show the people.
[00:01:23] Speaker B: Oh.
[00:01:26] Speaker A: He'S rocking the blue tonight. For those listening on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or anywhere else you listen to your podcast episodes, if you're watching us on YouTube, I'm sorry. Apparently we do things backward in our house and we are spring cleaning in the fall. So here's my office. A mess. Absolutely. So to make sure to help us spread more magic, and if you love all things travel, but mostly Disney, click the like button. Subscribe to the channel, Smash the bell for your VIP pass to be notified for every new episode. And it's time to move on to, I think everybody's favorite portion of these episodes. We're heading on over to the new news.
[00:02:28] Speaker B: All right, welcome to new news. So Disney's Blizzard beach is officially open as of November 4th. So, you know, take advantage of enjoying this family friendly water park this year. Blizzard beach is so much fun. I love Blizzard Beach. I love it.
So also in 2025, Disney Resort guests will get free admission to either Blizzard beach or Typhoon Lagoon on day of arrival. So this is a deal you don't want to skip out on. Contact your favorite fairy tale journeys agent and they'll get you booked and get you into that deal. It's only for Disney Resort guests, so I think that's an awesome thing. Like, I'm so excited about that.
All right, big news. The holidays have arrived for Walt Disney World and Disneyland. So enjoy. Life sized gingerbread displays, festive holiday treats, drinks, massive Christmas trees everywhere. It's just exploded in Christmas trees.
So there's going to be a lot of special events and special ticketed events, so. Such as one that Steph is going to be attending this weekend, Jollywood Nights. We're so excited about that.
So also the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party at Magic Kingdom. So tickets are still available, but they are selling out fast. So let FTJ help you plan the most memorable holiday vacation at any Disney destination. And you can check out these parties. So lots of parties. Yay. And that's it. That was big news. It was a little short, but that was some big news. Holidays at Disney are amazing.
[00:04:20] Speaker D: I mean, we love big parties.
[00:04:22] Speaker B: We love big parties.
We cannot lie.
[00:04:26] Speaker C: And the gingerbread houses. Oh, my gosh.
Yeah, I love seeing all the decorations at the resorts too. So, you know, even if you can't make it to the parks, definitely encourage anyone who can visit, you know, Walt Disney World to check out a lot of the decorations at the resorts. They're beautiful. They're spectacular. They have specialty food and drinks and sweets and treats. So there's plenty to experience beyond the holiday parties, which we of course recommend because. Hello, who doesn't want an excuse to celebrate the holidays?
[00:05:01] Speaker B: Right?
[00:05:02] Speaker A: Yeah, absolutely.
[00:05:05] Speaker B: Yep.
Well, I'm excited. I'm excited for you. I'm very jealous and I'm only like four hours away and gosh, I wish I could come down, but I don't.
[00:05:17] Speaker C: Know if it's worse or better to know that you're so close because it's like, just come join me.
[00:05:22] Speaker B: I know. I wish I could. I wish I could.
[00:05:26] Speaker C: I wish I could. Next year, hopefully.
[00:05:29] Speaker B: All right, so am I throwing back to Kelton or Brooks? Are you taking it over for trivia?
[00:05:34] Speaker D: I'll take it over for trivia. So, right, today's trivia question is brought to you by of course, Magic Candle Company. Next time you want a Disney inspired scent to fill your home or office, whether it be a candle, room spray or more, use our special promo code, mouse ears for 15% off, that is without the dashes. M O U S E A R s for 15% off of any future magic handle company purchase. So tonight's trivia question, we are going with a Hollywood studios or maybe a MGM studios question to go with our topic for tonight. So going with the question from the great movie Rod, which Star wars movie was not in the final set of films in the finale of a great movie ride. Again, multiple choice, you have A Star wars, the first one, A, New Hope, B, Empire Strikes Back, C, Return of the Jedi or D Star wars the Force Awakens.
Remember great movie ride went until 2017.
[00:07:09] Speaker A: Ooh.
[00:07:10] Speaker D: So what movie was not in the final set of films?
If you're watching on YouTube, put your answer in the comments and we'll see if you're correct.
And stay tuned to the end of the episode to find out the answer. And now we're going back to the host with the most, Kelton, for tonight's topic. Kelton.
[00:07:36] Speaker A: Well, thank you, Brooks. Okay, so just like what we did back at the Yield season two of the podcast, we are doing another fantastic top three episode. This one of course on attractions in what I probably think is an underrated theme park. Hollywood Studios or mgm depends on, you know where you fall on that line. If you're it still is GM to me. Man, there are people out there who are still like that. However, before we get to that, now each of us have our our own top three. I'm going to get into in just a second. Let's do a quick read or you're going to listen to me read the brief history for Hollywood Studios.
So Studios was initially envisioned as an entertainment centered pavilion in Epcot, which I think would have been weird. To be honest with you. I think it would have been weird. Disney's MGM Studios debuted on May 1, 1989 as the the third theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Originally, it was a both a theme park and a functioning movie, animation and television. A studio, Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida contributed to various movies and shorts such as or from Roger Rabbit cartoons to the Lion King, the Hunchback of Notre Dame or Dom, depending on who you are. The studio also created beloved Disney films like Mulan and Lilo and Stitch. On its opening day, there were four attractions that welcomed guests. We had the Backlot Tour, the Great Movie Ride, Superstar Television and Monster Sound Show.
As the working studio aspect gradually scaled back, additional rides were introduced in 2008, a sad year for us Disney fans. In 2008, the park's name changed from MGM Studios to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Today though, it offers 19 attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Though sad as well, none of the original attractions or the working studio currently remain.
What was your favorite original attraction?
[00:10:16] Speaker C: I'll say this, what I miss most that I remember from when I was really young was the sorcerer Mickey Hat icon.
That to me was just like.
[00:10:35] Speaker D: That.
[00:10:35] Speaker C: Was what I associated MGM with more than anything. I hated it, but I. You hated it?
Well, people tell us in the chat. Did you love it or did you hate it?
[00:10:48] Speaker A: Are you a source? A Mickey Sorcerer hat fan or are you a Chinese theater fan?
That is what the people need to know.
That's.
[00:11:00] Speaker C: We do want to know. I am very curious. Tell us. Let us know.
[00:11:03] Speaker A: So I'm gonna pick. So Jenny, what was your. Do you have a favorite original.
Original attraction?
[00:11:13] Speaker B: I really love the backlot tour.
[00:11:17] Speaker A: Fantastic.
[00:11:18] Speaker D: Absolutely fantastic.
[00:11:19] Speaker B: I loved seeing, you know, the houses and you know just all of the display and that you could go by where they were doing costuming and animation. And I really love the backlot tour. I thought that was really cool. And it kind of, you know, it was studios so it was nice to have studio experience there.
[00:11:46] Speaker A: That's Also where Mouse 1 was stored for quite a number of years. That was Walt Disney's personal plane. Brooks, how about you any.
[00:11:57] Speaker D: So by the time I first went to Disney. So my first time going to Disney I've talked about before was in 2004. So two of the four original attractions were not around anymore.
So I mean I. It's a tossup between that backlog tour and they're both good. I mean they're both incredible. I will say though like research and everything for tonight. I never knew about superstar television where basically you got to. I reading a little bit about it. You got to reenact scenes. That is theater, kid Brooks. A hundred percent. And I was. I'll say this too. I miss like I remember going and where they had who Wants to Be a Millionaire game show.
I'm like that was my jam.
I would have sat there all day just playing that.
[00:13:05] Speaker A: So your mom would have spent $98 for you to sit there to what, win one pin?
[00:13:10] Speaker D: But that, oh no, I would have gotten. I would have gotten that cruise.
[00:13:16] Speaker A: Oh, you that confident?
[00:13:19] Speaker D: So I remember one time we're. We're playing and it was one so real quick if people that don't know about basically it was like a 30 minute attraction that they're. They'll spend 15 minutes like getting people out and getting people back in. You. The audience will play who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Whoever was the fastest, they get put in the hot seat. But you keep playing because some people get out quick and you have time to try to get back up there. I remember there was one time we did it twice. The first time I was. I was in the top five the entire time. The second time we did it, someone was in the hot seat the entire time. Got to a quarter of the quarter million dollar question which I think was like they got a two night free stay or something. The million dollar was a Free cruise for, I think four people.
They were like, all right, we're out of time. But just for fun, let's see who would have been up?
I would have been, oh, my gosh. And I'm like, nah, I'll stay for the next round.
[00:14:26] Speaker A: But oh, my gosh.
[00:14:28] Speaker D: So, yep.
[00:14:31] Speaker A: Even though that's not an original attraction.
[00:14:33] Speaker D: Boy, it's not an original attraction.
[00:14:34] Speaker A: Good one.
[00:14:35] Speaker D: Yes, it's. And I. And I miss stuff like that. Like, the attractions they have now are great, but I miss. That would have been great to leave something like that. But I know that probably where it was is not there anymore.
[00:14:55] Speaker A: It is.
[00:14:56] Speaker D: Oh, it's probably. But it's used for something else.
[00:15:00] Speaker A: Frozen ever after.
Yeah, it's the old Frozen show, so. All right, well, enough about the past. Let's go to the present. What do you say? I think we should. Yeah. So all of us, that's Steph, myself, Jenny, and Brooks are going to give y'all the listeners our top three attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Like I said before, much like season two top three attractions at Animal Kingdom, we're going to anonymously post our choices on Facebook for the people that you guys to vote on and sorry to vote on who has the best topic 3. So if you align with any of ours, hopefully it's mine. But any of our top threes, hopefully.
[00:15:52] Speaker D: Your mom aligns with yours.
[00:15:54] Speaker A: This I'm really hoping. Mother, if you're listening, please, please do me. Do your son right and please pick mine this time.
[00:16:02] Speaker D: I purposely did not tell Kelsey my top three so she wouldn't know.
[00:16:08] Speaker A: That's good.
[00:16:08] Speaker D: I purposely does.
[00:16:10] Speaker A: Well, I think this one's going to be harder. I think this is going to be a tough one for the people.
[00:16:15] Speaker D: There's more to that.
[00:16:15] Speaker A: And of course, the. The winner will receive a very special prize to be gifted on the season three finale. Here we go. So we are talking about what top three attractions out of 19 attractions. So this includes rides and shows at Hollywood Studios. We are considering three things when we think about the top three attractions, and they are as follows. We want to look at the overall story and theming.
We are also looking at the Q experience because the Q is part of the attraction in some of these and, of course, unique elements.
Who wants to go first?
We're looking for a number three. A number three. Steph is shaking her head, so we're gonna go with her. Steph, what's your number three? We'll start with you.
[00:17:14] Speaker C: Fine, fine, fine. Okay. My number three.
[00:17:18] Speaker A: Come on.
[00:17:20] Speaker C: You Know this is tough. I will.
It is tough. So I'm just gonna go with.
[00:17:29] Speaker A: You.
[00:17:29] Speaker C: See, what changed this from my 2 to a 3 is the aspect of the queue that you just mentioned. Because this would have been my number two, but now it's not. So my number three is Rock and Roller Coaster.
[00:17:51] Speaker A: How did that move from your number two to your number three?
[00:17:58] Speaker C: Because my number two Q is superior.
That is the reason and the only reason. So Aerosmith Spectacular Thrill Ride. If you're a thrill seeker, this is a can't miss for your time at Hollywood Studios. I, I have clients who refuse to go to Hollywood Studios or will move their trip. I should say say to go to Hollywood Studios when Rock and Roller Coaster is not under refurbishment. And yes, it is under refurbishment often. Right.
The queue, the outside portion to me blows. I'm sorry.
It is not fun. It is hot. They have a couple fans, but it.
[00:18:43] Speaker D: Is just those fans don't blow air.
[00:18:46] Speaker A: No, I think it is true. I think it's like two fans in that whole queue. It's horrible.
[00:18:51] Speaker C: Yeah. As I'm saying, the Q aspect dropped it down to a three for me. Love the throw aspect of it. Love the storyline. It's dark, it's fast, it's fun. Aerosmith. So I just even like the pre show portion is fun for me, but the majority of the queue just really isn't it. So did I hit all the three aspects?
[00:19:17] Speaker A: You did. You hit all three. That's what we're looking for here on the top three attractions for this episode.
Let's take, let's go up north here about the furthest north we can go. Brooks, I'm talking to you, buddy. What you got? Number three.
[00:19:31] Speaker D: It's kind of weird that South Carolina is the furthest north tonight.
[00:19:35] Speaker A: That's because your northern partner is down below you in Georgia.
[00:19:39] Speaker D: Yeah, yeah, down where the devil went down to Georgia looking for sword steel. Hey, I'm from Georgia. I can say that. Okay, so my number three and this, this was tough.
I think if we were doing honorable mentions, but I don't know we're doing honorable mentions. But yeah, Rock and Roller Coaster would have been my honorable mention, but my number three.
And to me, everything's great about this ride or. Or attraction because it's not a ride, it's an attraction.
The queue is awful. You just stand there.
But my number three is for the first time in forever, a frozen sing along celebration.
[00:20:31] Speaker A: You are right. That Q is awful.
[00:20:33] Speaker D: The Q's, you just stand there. You stand there at an angle it is not that.
[00:20:38] Speaker B: At least it's shaded and they don't yell at you to stand up, so.
[00:20:42] Speaker D: Yeah, true. But, you know, I.
[00:20:44] Speaker A: It's a good one. That's a good. Pick it.
[00:20:47] Speaker D: But what's not it? You're in air conditioning, you're seated.
And yes, it's essentially the same show every time, but the actors will throw in little thing. It's like the Jungle Cruise. Can ride the Jungle Cruise every time and get a. I mean, you get a similar experience, but you get a different experience every single time depending on the skipper that you have frozen.
The Arendelle historians make that show.
I remember the last two times I've done. We've done that show. We've done it with Ellie. And the first time we were very close and she was still. She was still too young to really, like. She really didn't recognize the songs or anything. It was just bright lights and she was like, oh, but the historians, they saw Ellie and they're just like. They kept waving at her. Like. I mean, crowd full of people, but taking time to wave at Ellie. The second time.
You know, the. The spot where Olaf is singing about summer, and we talked about being a happy snowman, but it rhymes with another word that we don't want to talk about. Happens to snowmen in summer.
If you yell that word, one of the historians usually. Usually gets very angry.
And this one, he was like, if you said puddle, raise your hand. And I raised my hand, and he was like, security, get him. And he, like, looked at me, did this, and I did it right back at him. He's like.
And it was. It was just a fun experience. So it's just making it fun every single time.
It reminds me very.
I think, just throwing this out there. If they can make Muppets 3D more interactive, like Frozen, that would be a number one ride, in my opinion. But my number three is Frozen. Sing along.
[00:23:10] Speaker A: Very, very nice. I think it's a great pick. All right, Jenny.
Devil Went Down To Georgia. I guess you did, too. What you got?
[00:23:19] Speaker B: My number three is Toy Story Mania.
[00:23:24] Speaker D: Great pick.
[00:23:25] Speaker B: So that Q is amazing. However, if you were in the standby line, that has to be the slowest moving line ever in the history of lines. I mean, like, just doesn't move. But the Q is amazing.
[00:23:43] Speaker D: Twists and turns.
[00:23:44] Speaker B: There's so many twists and turns, and it's just. It's very. It's a very tight area that you're in. So if you have never ridden on it, definitely use a lightning lane for that ride. Just trust me, okay?
It also.
It's just. It's so cool to be shrunk down into, you know, a toy. And you walk in and it's just Andy's room and everything's life size, and you're this little teeny, tiny thing. And, you know, the games are. They're fun. They're so much fun.
My friend Mel and I, we have an ongoing thing about who's gonna win. And it's very competitive.
Steph has seen it. It's very competitive between Mel and I.
But it's just so much fun, and it's so imaginative that, you know, you get to go and, you know, play with the toys and, you know, do all these fun things. And I like that. It's.
It's a bunch of different little mini games that you get to play. So it's not like you're just in one, you know, trying to break plates with the thing. So.
[00:24:54] Speaker A: Baseball.
[00:24:56] Speaker B: Yeah. So I. I love Toy Story Mania. I.
It's one of my favorite rides. It's definitely on my. Do not miss. Listen, also, I just want to throw this out there. There are stairs involved in the queue, so if you cannot do stairs, you can let the cast member know. And they actually have an alternate entrance area that you can just go down and around, and it'll keep you on the. On the bottom floor so you don't have to do those stairs up and over. So just keep that in mind.
[00:25:35] Speaker A: Very good.
[00:25:37] Speaker C: So I want to just add a little information.
I had the pleasure to ride Toy Story Mania in Disneyland, Hollywood Studios. Toy Story Mania is far superior. The one in Disneyland was the original one. And Mike and I, when we went, we actually spoke, spoke to a cast member that's been there for years and years and years, and he told us how that ride always has something broken. Always.
And where. I would say that Astro Blaster in Disneyland is better than ours here in Magic Kingdom.
I feel like the toy shooting gun thing at Astroblast are over there. Much easier and better to use. The opposite is the, you know, for Toy Story Mania, where our Toy Story Mania paddle shooter thing actually works. Very good. Very easy. Where in Disneyland, you're just fighting for your life on that ride, and it's like if you hit something, it's a miracle. And it's because there is just. The synchronization isn't always there.
But, Jen, fantastic ride. I'm so glad someone brought it up because.
[00:26:56] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:26:56] Speaker C: So fun for every age.
[00:27:00] Speaker A: No great points. Absolutely. Absolutely. So, moving on, my number three and I'M thankful that nobody has mentioned it yet, even though we're on number three. But mine is fantasmic for this one. And so as we all know, the queue experience, absolutely horrible. It is a long walk up there. However, it can move fast at some point, so that's always good.
And that's where that fantasmic dining package comes into play in the parks. If you don't know about that, let me know. I'd be happy to tell you. But when we're talking about overall story and theming and unique elements. Hello. The attraction has fireworks, it has fire, it's got a dragon or the head of a dragon. It has boats that are not on a track and if you look at a they, you know, collided into each other, so they're not on tracks and honestly makes me cry every time. So that's my number three.
[00:28:09] Speaker D: And well built boats, if they can crash. Oh, yeah, very well built. They spare no expense.
[00:28:15] Speaker A: They spared no expense. Except the big paddle boat is on a track. Just.
Yeah, so there is.
[00:28:25] Speaker B: We don't need that one crashing.
[00:28:27] Speaker A: No, no, we don't need that one crashing. So fantastic. Well, we made it through our number threes. Let's move on. Steph, I believe I started with you. So you were up. What's your number two?
[00:28:44] Speaker C: My number two is Rise of the Resistance.
And yes, the Q made all the difference.
Although for those that are looking for a little thrill, I do feel like you can get a little bit of that on Rise of the Resistance with the unexpected little tiny drop, which is fun, especially when I'm able to go on it with someone who's never been on it and they don't expect. You're like, oh, my gosh, it's so great. But truly, like, that queue is fantastic. Yeah, I.
I was there when it first opened and I remember that outside portion felt very daunting. That line tended to have a pretty long line, but I don't know, I just. It. It moves fast. I don't feel like I am just standing in one place forever and ever and ever. And they have plenty of shade and plenty of fans in the outside portion. And it's beautiful. Just like the landscape and all the flora that they have, the plants and everything.
[00:29:52] Speaker B: It's beautiful.
[00:29:53] Speaker C: It really, really is. And you're just like sequestered in batuu. Like you feel like you're in another planet, in another world. And it's fantastic. You feel immersed. So that right there. And that's just the outside portion. Then you go inside and then you have all of these fantastic, you know, museum like props everywhere. And you have throughout Galaxy's Edge, if you pull up the Disney game app on your phone, it's interactive as well, which is super cool. And people do not talk about that as another form of entertainment. Especially when you're in a long queue and then you've got the pre show. You've got what, three different pre shows basically, before you actually get on the ride.
It doesn't get any better than that. It's so exhilarating. So, and then the actual ride is just so seamless. I mean that magnet track is just, it's so innovative. It's. Anyone can write it and enjoy it.
Just the animation and oh gosh, it's the props, those at 80s life size massive, the shooting guns. When you're going through the side panel with the, the war going on outside, I, I, it's really just as far as like the Disney quality. What you expect Disney to create, to immerse you and to make you feel like you're really there.
This is top of the line and I really love that they've created it in a way where you, it's mostly for everyone. I won't say for everyone because little ones really can't go on it, but it really can be for everyone. Whether you're a Star wars fans or not. I feel like you can appreciate the work that was put into this. So that's my number two.
[00:32:01] Speaker A: Solid, solid number two.
[00:32:03] Speaker D: Yeah.
[00:32:03] Speaker C: Thank you. I thought about it.
[00:32:06] Speaker A: So Brooks, what you got? Number two, sir.
[00:32:12] Speaker D: So I am actually surprised that we have two people with the same number two. So my number two is Rise of the Resist. I know it's shocking because there's 19 attractions to choose from and we're matching.
But my number two is Rise of Rise of the Resistance and it's. My number two and number one are a toss up.
But it is just, you know, I echo everything Steph said but is so immersive. Like you know, the queue and then the pre show and you know, I don't want to get into too much spoilers for people that haven't written it and don't want the magic ruined for them. But I mean there's spots in that, you know, you know, at the pre show because you have the queue, you have the pre, you have the pre show, then you have the, I guess preparing and then all, all this stuff. But I mean there's, there's the iconic thing that everyone thinks of in the pre show when you, you walk in and you See this.
And as a Star wars geek myself, Kelton, I know you feel me on that, but yes, it, I cried the first time I saw it. I'll just say that I cried. I cried when I saw the Millennium Falcon for the first time. So, I mean, I'm saying that I'm drinking from my original Star wars weekend mug with Mickey as Luke when it was still MGM man, but not gonna get too much into it because everything's been said. Echo it. Rise of the Resistance number two, fantastic ride. And one thing I will say with Hollywood studios, because a lot of people say, and they don't sleep. I feel like Hollywood Studios for me has almost more, can't miss rides, I would say, than any of the other parks, rides and attractions because to me it's the most well balanced park because you have, you have your shows, you have your, you know, thrill rides, you have your, you know, take it easy rides. And then fantastic. The second best, I would say second best nighttime show on property.
[00:34:55] Speaker C: But.
[00:34:58] Speaker D: I, I digress.
[00:34:59] Speaker A: No, you bring up valid points, Steph, go ahead.
[00:35:01] Speaker C: I just want to add one more thing and I'm sure Brooks will agree with me.
One of the best things about the rise of the Resistance, and I'd argue Batu as a whole, are the cast members. They're so, so, so involved and really take their roles and their acting seriously. And on Rise of the Resistance, oh my gosh. I like, they have fun.
They have fun and I have fun. And it's, I think again, shout out to the cast members because it's more than just a ride, it's an experience. And that experience couldn't be complete without cast members. So just wanted to shout that one out.
[00:35:50] Speaker A: They don't crack at.
[00:35:53] Speaker D: No.
So I, Yeah, so I mean, the first time ever riding it, I had my DJI camera, which I mean, just. And it looks like something that would be in the Star wars universe, honestly. And the guy, you know, the imperial officer was asking if that was a recording device and I just played along and said like, oh no, I'm, I'm with you guys. I'm spying for the, for the Empire.
And he was like, really? I was like, yes. And I think Kelsey said something. It's like, like, no, he's, he like she sold me out and say, are you sure you want to stay with them? They sell you, they sell you out very quickly.
And I was just like, I agree, I'll be with the Empire. He's like, well, I don't think we want you. I mean, you so easily Captured.
[00:36:58] Speaker A: So that's awesome. No, awesome. Awesome. Number two.
Jenny, moving on over to you, what's your number two attraction in Hollywood Studios?
[00:37:11] Speaker B: So my number two is actually someone's number three, the Frozen Sing Along.
I think that it is one of the most underrated attractions. So the queue is. Yeah, the queue is not. It's nothing special. Nothing special. However, the show itself, first of all, it's in the air conditioning and I appreciate anything that's in the air conditioning for more than 15 minutes. Okay.
Or if it's raining. It is great if it's raining.
The storyline though, and that's why it was my number three. But I was like just the storyline pushed it because it's not like you're just sitting and doing a sing along. There's this whole intricate story with the historians and they do make the show. That is my dream job to be one of the historians. Like I, I just, that's so much fun.
[00:38:06] Speaker D: And they make it happen. Jenny, let's make it happen.
[00:38:10] Speaker B: Look, I want to be a historian. I'm just going to put that out there to the Disney universe. I want to be a historian but also, as you know, a theater nerd.
I just love the interactions and the acting and the storyline because you know, it's different. It's not like they're just up there with a screen and you sing along.
It's very immersive.
Several times we have been told that we are, you know, thank you for the Arendelle Dramatic Academy coming out because man, we put everything into Singing along, you know, and it snows. So that's fun that indoor snow.
But it, it also, it's good for all ages. It's a really good family attraction and I think it doesn't get enough, enough love. But it is a fabulous attraction and it is one of my must, you know, must do when I go there and Hollywood Studios is, you know, Disney MGM Studios to me just because I worked there when it was Disney MGM Studios and you would get in trouble if you just called it MGM and didn't put the Disney in front of it.
There'd be a little bit of reprimand from a manager. It's Disney mgm. But you know, the whole park is just, is just fabulous for families. I think it's next to Magic Kingdom. It's very family friendly area. But the Frozen Sing Along, I just, I just love it. It's just fun. It's just joy. It's just, you know, I like how they did the storyline with it and it changes with the Little bits that they put in. And also they have a holiday overlay with that show. So I'm not going to spoil it. But if you're going during the holidays, you have to see that show because it's. It's very. The ending is very different.
[00:40:22] Speaker A: Awesome. No, another, like I said, another great choice for the Frozen Sing along and Hyporion Theater. So.
Okay, moving along.
So my number two does, you know, kind of bring in all three of these items that we have been looking for and one that has not been mentioned yet and I am a little disappointed. So I'll be interested, you know, interested, interested to see what everybody's number one is. But mine is the Hollywood Tower.
Tower of Terror is what mine is.
So.
And a few reasons behind that. Number one being, okay, half the line isn't the best, but you are kind of on the grounds of the hotel. So there is a little bit of theming and story background with that. Plus when you get to go inside to the lobby of the hotel.
And I know Jenny has done this because she used to work at the attraction. I have gotten to have the opportunity to walk through the lobby freely when I was a cast member and actually get to sit on those couches. Yes, they are comfortable, actually. They're actually comfortable. They are.
So that's always. And if you didn't know the little insider tidbit. The what? The cobwebs are made from hot glue.
Which never would have thought that in my life. Yeah.
Mind blown. So. And then of course, with the actual attraction itself. Hello. What other attraction? I mean, you don't. It has a little bit of the magnetic moving thing, which I think started a lot of kind of what the attractions are now. And then, of course, you know, you have the actual. What? It's not really a drop. For those who don't know it. They actually pull you down. You don't actually drop.
So it's just the, I guess the unique elements, as you would say, that go into that attraction and this storyline and all the really coolness, it's just something different. So that's my number two.
[00:42:47] Speaker B: I love it.
[00:42:48] Speaker D: Great choice. Great choice.
[00:42:49] Speaker B: I love it.
[00:42:50] Speaker A: Thanks. I appreciate that. It is a good one.
[00:42:53] Speaker C: I thought that was going to be Jen's second.
[00:42:57] Speaker B: Yeah, I. I love it. I do love it.
[00:43:00] Speaker A: But, yeah, so if it's not her number one, I'm kind of sad that it's not on her list. But we'll see.
We will see. So speaking. Speaking of that, it is time. It is time to hear what the Four of us think or what we think is the number one attraction in Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. Here we go. Steph, we started this entire shindig with you, so we're going to close it out. What is, what do you think is the number one attraction in Hollywood Studios?
[00:43:48] Speaker C: Fantastic.
[00:43:50] Speaker A: Oh, fun.
I am curious of why, like, why is that number one?
[00:44:00] Speaker C: All right, we're coming full circle because if you remember, if you were listening earlier on, I did mention the Sorcerer Mickey hat icon when it used to live and reside at Hollywood Studios. And I've always associated mgm, Disney's Hollywood Studios with Sorcerer Mickey and Fantasmic.
I wasn't around alive or even a thought when it first opened.
However, once I knew what was going on, you know, and I was. I've been at Disney since 1996, the year I was born.
As soon as I could remember. Yes, guys, I know.
Revealed my age.
I always, always, always, always remembered an associated Hollywood Studios. Fantastic. And if you think about it, it's withstood the test of time.
You think of Magic Kingdom and they've had a three, four, four different Nighttime spectacular fireworks show.
[00:45:15] Speaker B: Right.
[00:45:15] Speaker C: Or the original, whatever it was called.
[00:45:17] Speaker A: Fantasy in the Sky.
[00:45:19] Speaker C: Thank you. Wishes, Happily Ever after and then Harmony. Harmonious. Is it Harmonious?
[00:45:26] Speaker D: Enchantment.
[00:45:27] Speaker A: Enchantment and then back to 2.0.
[00:45:33] Speaker C: Right. So but if you look at Fantasmic, it's been there almost since day one. I mean it's been there for years and you still get sold out shows. And I, when I mean sold out, I mean the entire amphitheater is filled from one end to the other.
It never gets old.
Never gets old. And there's so there's a few things I want to also mention about it. Kelton, I know you mentioned it earlier on as your number three, but you know, I don't mind the queue because of a few things. One, you're really not standing around for so long.
You can either wait in line if you want to, but it's normally a night, so. So it's not that bad with the heat, first of all.
Second of all, once you get in, I love seeing, correct me if I'm wrong with how I'm saying it, little like flags with all the different characters walking up. I get really like excited about seeing that. It's such a small thing, but it like, it's like the first thing. Oh my gosh, I'm about to go see Fantasmic. And then the music, the playlist that they have going on while you're Waiting. I mean, you can be with a group of friends and family. You're going to like stop at any moment and just start jamming out. Because that's what you do. It is like. Oh my God.
[00:46:58] Speaker A: Goosebumps. It's busing.
[00:47:03] Speaker D: No, Cap.
[00:47:06] Speaker A: Hey, hey. Let me cook, okay? Just let me cook.
[00:47:10] Speaker D: He's got the Riz tonight.
[00:47:12] Speaker C: Oh my God.
[00:47:13] Speaker A: No, that's that playlist, right?
So good.
[00:47:19] Speaker C: So I don't mind waiting around and sitting and after having gone to Fantasmic, watching Fantasmic Disneyland. Yes, I've heard that the one over there technically is better, but the one over there doesn't have seats.
Ours is an amphitheater. We have seats that after a long day at the parks, like, no question, game changer. Best thing in the. I mean, if you think about it, it's the only show or, sorry, it's the only nighttime show with seats. You don't get it for Happily Ever after and you don't get it for Luminous. You get it for Fantasmic. So you have to watch a show that not only is timeless, but you get to do it sitting.
And they got great merch.
They got great merch. You got food in the amphitheater. So we're talking all these things and the show hasn't even started.
Another thing is, I know there's different times of the year where they off. They have two show offerings, which is fantastic.
But the second showing typically is after park Close.
So you don't have to sacrifice going on a last ride to go to Fantasmic in theory, or like I've done, I'll go wait at the amphitheater with good seats and then whoever wants to go to a last minute ride and then meet us there, they could do that too. So. And plus you have, as you mentioned, the dining package, which is just a huge bonus.
So anyways, that's like what I would consider the queue in the atmosphere.
And you got Sorcerer Mickey. He's just magical.
[00:49:08] Speaker B: He's beautiful.
[00:49:08] Speaker D: Love him.
[00:49:09] Speaker C: And I love him. Like he, I, I love him and his little like popper outfit at the beginning and then boom, like this. Like his character arc is fantastic. It's fantastic. You cannot argue that.
And you have all the elements of all the Disney classics. And then ever since, you know, they, they updated it post Covid and you've got all the new Disney movies. You've got Moana representations of Moana and Frozen.
I love seeing Moana jump in the water and then play with the water. I no that Disney magic. I will Cry shamelessly every single time. So this timeless show is a can't miss. Like, I cannot spend a day at Hollywood Studios and not end it with that.
And it is for everyone.
So that is my number one.
There is just no competition for me.
Nothing. It gets me in my feels. I go through the highs of emotion. I go through the lows of sadness.
My favorite part is when all the characters pop out on that steamboat coming around and then you've got, you know, Sorcerer Mickey shooting fireworks out of his hands. You can't get more magical. That's it. That's it. Mic drop. Fantasmic number one.
[00:50:42] Speaker D: Don't drop Mike.
[00:50:45] Speaker C: Oh, hush.
[00:50:46] Speaker A: Pick it back up. Sorry, Mike.
[00:50:49] Speaker C: All right. No, I'm done with my great.
[00:50:52] Speaker A: And it is one of the. Another one of those that's very expensive to run. You know, you think. But it. It truly is. That is a heartwarming of a show.
[00:51:04] Speaker C: Timeless. You think about it.
[00:51:06] Speaker A: It.
[00:51:07] Speaker C: All it's been. All they've done is add to it. They have not changed it because it's that good.
I think it speaks for itself. The only thing that is unfortunate is when you. You know, because it's exposed to the elements and you get rained out.
[00:51:24] Speaker A: And that like September.
[00:51:26] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:51:26] Speaker A: Was so sad.
[00:51:27] Speaker C: Heartbreaking thing possible really is just gut wrenching.
But I encourage every single person who ever goes to Hollywood Studios. Don't miss out on this. It's the best thing. It just. It'll warm your heart forever and ever. Forever and ever and ever. All right.
[00:51:48] Speaker D: Amen.
[00:51:49] Speaker C: I'm done.
[00:51:51] Speaker A: Thank you, Randy Travis. Now on over to you, Brooks. What you got for your number one attraction in Disney's Hollywood Studios?
[00:52:00] Speaker D: All right, so for my number one consider, if you will, you open this door with the key of imagination.
Beyond is another dimension. A dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just passed. Crossed over into the Twilight Zone, my number one tower of terror.
[00:52:34] Speaker A: Fantastic.
[00:52:35] Speaker D: Yeah, yeah. It. The queue is incredible. You have.
I mean, it is literally the icon of Hollywood Studios. It is the only ride of his kind on Disney property.
And it's one of those two is. It's different every time because they have different.
They have different drops.
And I'm sorry, you can know that drop is coming.
It gets you every single time.
And it's also one of the only places where I get to feel weightless. And I love that feeling.
So it is just.
And is. I feel like it's also A very polarizing ride because there are people that absolutely love it. They have to do it. And there. And I know people, dear friends, that they see that in their. They're like Kelton with. With Halloween Horror Nights. Just. Nope.
I mean it is again, oh, it is so great. And what's nice is if you're waiting in fantastic in the line for Fantasmic and it seems like you're waiting for a little bit, you see that magical 13 minute wait time that magical just like on a mansion, if you see 13 minutes, you don't walk, you run towards that queue.
And again, it's a different ride if you ride in the day. It's a different ride if you ride it at night. And it. It was struck by lightning and it still runs. I mean it is durable.
[00:54:33] Speaker A: So Disney Magic.
[00:54:35] Speaker D: Yes, it.
And then also it spawned a. In a fantastic, wonderful World of Disney original movie with Steve Gutenberg Tarot Terror, which was not a. And I think it. I think it was a wonderful world of Disney which was different than Disney Channel original movies because it aired on ABC and Disney Channel. I could be wrong in that, but I remember it being on abc, but we've talked about it. It's incredible. And that is a bucket list of mine to sit on one of those couches. So.
[00:55:19] Speaker A: Oh, it's fantastic.
So. And great. Two great choices.
When it comes down to any of these 19 attractions. However, we are coming down to the 2X cast members here who I can probably guarantee, Jenny and I have both been to Hollywood Studios well over a thousand times in our time of, you know, just within working there. So. And Jenny, especially with you not just working at studios but working at Tower of Terror, I am excited to hear what your number one attraction is. So when you're ready, feel free to enlighten us.
[00:56:08] Speaker B: I'm going to get comfortable for this.
[00:56:11] Speaker D: Would you like a drum roll?
[00:56:14] Speaker B: Yeah, sure.
[00:56:16] Speaker D: All right.
[00:56:26] Speaker B: All right.
My number one is Fantasmic.
Steph probably saw this one coming.
[00:56:34] Speaker A: Nice.
[00:56:35] Speaker B: So my time at Hollywood Studios, when I first started there, I worked at Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground. This will really date me. Really date me.
When I went full time, they moved me to Area 3, which is Beauty and the Beast, Fantasmic, Tower of Terror, Rock and Roller Coaster. Back then it was Area three. I don't know what it's called now. So don't come for me if you're a current cast member. Back then that's what it was called, Area 3.
So I split my time between Tower of Terror and Parade Being on the parade route and doing Fantasmic. So I loved my time at Tower of Terror. Loved it. Loved being in character. Just. Just loved it.
And that ride is just amazing. It is amazing. However, I have never had so much fun in my life as when I was working at Fantasmic. I prefer the original playlist that they had. The new one's okay like the new, and I like the old one better, but I'm just old school.
I cry every time. Stephanie and I have actually sobbed together during a show.
Just the way that they weave all of the stories together and there's fireworks and you can bring food in and they have SN snack stands, and it's just amazing. It's just amazing. The live action and then, you know, the walls of water where they're projecting, you know, cartoons on.
It's just spectacular. I love it. It gives me the feels every time. Just every single time I cry. The boats do crash sometimes. I mean, that's okay.
You know, sometimes characters fall off the top rails of the. Of the ferry. That's okay, too.
Poor Ariel, if you don't know this, they can't get her off the back of that. Of the big ferry boat, so they just throw like a big sheet over her. So it's funny if you're sitting over on the.
[00:58:53] Speaker A: She also gets hazard pay.
[00:58:55] Speaker B: Yes.
So.
So it's definitely fantastic. I highly recommend doing the dining package if you have the Disney dining plan. The dining package is only one credit. Keep that in mind.
So I just.
I don't know, there's just something so, so magical about it. And Sorcerer Mickey, like, please, please just.
I just love it.
It is a show that if it is rained out one night, I will leave another park early to hop over there just to see the show.
So, yeah, so mine is, hands down Fantasmic.
[00:59:47] Speaker A: Those are three great number one attractions especially. Well, I guess it's really only two. Three people, two attractions. Yeah, not too shabby at all. Fantasmic is a. Definitely has a, you know, soft spot in my heart too, but. So I'll bring it up to an end here. My number one attraction for Hollywood Studios, there's one that has been mentioned already, but for me is Star wars is Rise of the Resistance.
And it's been discussed, so I'm not going to go too deep into it. I got to do it on the cast member preview when that had opened. But I'm telling you, there is just not an attraction that's like it. I mean, Remy is kind of like it, but with the in depth and detail.
And Brooks and I have said, I mean, being huge Star wars people, it, it just, it brings everything together.
So that is my number one for this. I think we all had great lists. So if, well, not you've made it to the end of the episode. So you know what attractions everybody has picked. But I'm excited to see which one of the four of us gets the most votes when it comes to Facebook. So by the time you're listening to this, they already closed anyway, so that part doesn't really matter. So at this point, let's go ahead and move on over back to Brooks for our trivia question answer.
[01:01:30] Speaker D: All right, so if you remember our trivia question going back to the great movie Rod, which I'm curious if that Rod was still around today, would that have been any been on any of our top threes?
But which Star wars movie was not in the final set of films? In the finale of the great movie ride, we had A, Star Wars a New Hope, B, Empire Strikes Back, C, Return of the Jedi or D, Star wars the Force Awakens.
What? What do y'all think was the answer?
[01:02:15] Speaker A: Force Awakens.
[01:02:17] Speaker B: Force Awakens.
[01:02:20] Speaker D: You would think that, but you would be wrong because remember, it went into. I double checked it. I even watched the final list and because I when I saw so I first was looking at it on Wikipedia and then I today I literally watched the final, like the finale and I was looking and I was like, there's no way. This one is not in there. And it's not in there.
The correct answer is Empire Strikes Back.
It's not in the final list. Star New Hope is in there. Return of the Jedi and Force Awakens final list.
[01:03:05] Speaker B: I didn't know that.
[01:03:09] Speaker A: God dang.
[01:03:10] Speaker C: Great trivia.
[01:03:11] Speaker A: Yeah, great trivia.
[01:03:13] Speaker B: You stumped us.
[01:03:15] Speaker A: Oh man, we should use that for our trivia episode.
Well, folks, that just about does it. For this week's episode of the Mousers podcast, don't forget to join the Masters Podcast Facebook group. Follow us on Tik Tok and give us a follow over on Instagram the Mouse Ears Blog to stay up to date with all things travel, but of course mostly Disney. If you are interested in having a fairy Tale journeys agent book your next trip, go ahead and hop on over, Visit them at fairy talejourneys.com and let them know that us at the podcast have sent you.
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