PirateGuy's Senior Class Trip 2011

[PirateGuy 815]

On the final in parks day, we decided to hit up the Magic Kingdom and do some of the big rides, like Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain, and then head over to Hollywood Studios.

We took the monorail to the Transportation Center to take the other monorail to Epcot. We then walked through Epcot to the World Showcase gate to get onto the ferry to take us to Hollywood Studios. The ferry stopped at several of the hotels, so it took longer than I expected. So about an hour after we left Magic Kingdom, we arrived at Hollywood Studios.

First thing we did was eat lunch. I saw that Star Tours was opened, so I made sure we were going on that later in the day. After lunch we saw the Indy show. Then I bought and Indy hat. I also saw this really awesome Archeology Geek t shirt that I was going to come back and buy, but when I did come back, the store was closed . Then finally it was time to ride Star Tours.

I was so excited to ride. No one else could understand why, hahaha. Anyway, they had gaurds and suits all over the place making sure no pictures were being taken, and I made sure no one took pictures in my group. The queue was nicely done. It was sleek and cool. The line was going slower than what was posted, and some people were worried we would be late to check in. But I was so pumped I didn't care. And let me tell you, Star Tours did not disapoint. They really did a great job. The visuals are stunning and the 3D really added depth to the ride. It's a must, for sure!

After Star Tours, we went back to the hotel to check in. Because we didn't do much at Hollywood Studios, we decided to go back. Tower of Terror was first up, and we got fastpasses for Rockin Roller Coaster. I have several Beauty and the Beast fans in the group, so we went to see that show.

It was getting late so we had dinner at Pizza Planet. The restaurant was pretty lame, imo. I was expecting more. Unfortunately, there was no way to get on Toy Story Mania, so we had to skip it.

We had time to kill before fastpass time for Rockin Roller Coaster, so we rode the Great Movie Ride. Then, we did Rockin Rollercoaster.

We headed back to the Magic Kingdom because checkin wasn't until 12 and Magic Kingdom was open until 2. I just wish that we could stay out later than 12. We did happen to catch the finale of Illuminations from the bus stop.

As we entered the Magic Kingdom, The Electrical Parade was about to begin. We watched it. I also noticed how they do crowd control, which doesn't seem to be very efficient. During the breaks in the parade, CMs would allow a bunch of people who were in a queue to run to the exit of the park. I've noticed during past trips that crowd control at WDW needs to be reevalutaed.

After the parade, we walked behind it with some other people (I've never done that before, so it was a new expierience for me!). We then went on to the Haunted Mansion, which would turn out to be the final ride of the night. The updates to the Haunted Mansion were really cool, I hope Disneyland gets the updates, too!

The bus ride back to the hotel was full of Goshen kids and chaperones. We got back at around 12 AM. Luckily, I'd be able to sleep in a little later tomorrow because we didn't have to be out until 10 AM.

The final day (Monday) was spent shopping and eating at Downtown Disney. I have never spent a designated time shopping for souveniers, but let me tell you, it is really a good idea!

We got back to the hotel at 2 PM with enough time to take a group picture and grab lunch. We were on the Magical Express to Orlando airport at 3.

Due to the terrible rain in NY, the plane was delayed for about a half hour. The plane ride itself was better, as each person got a free TV that offerred free TV shows, movies, and games.

We got back to NY around 10 PM. We didn't get back to the school until 12 AM. Everyone was cold and exhausted. But it was worth it.

The trip was really great and a lot of fun. I'll have great memories for the rest of my life. It may sound sappy, but "Let the Memories Begin!" could not be a more suitable tag to the trip.

And I will start posting pictures later this evening!

[PirateGuy 815]

I've been been really sick, but here are the pictures (finally)



At the airport. 5 in the morning.



In Orlando. 9:30 in the morning.

PICS OF THE HOTEL

[PirateGuy 815]

Time for more pics! Btw, I'm the handsome chap wearing the Disneyland shirt in the first pic and wearing the Senior shirt in the other pic.





Obligatory shot of the Castle and entrance.



It's Captian Jack Sparrow! Angelica was also around, but no one snapped a picture.



Pirates fans anxiously awaiting to go on Pirates!


Aladdin's Flying Carpets.



Time for Epcot!



Test Track. Oh yeah! Also something interesting to note. Disney now has words that appear periodically over your picture telling you where to purchase it. I guess it is supposed to deter people from taking pictures of the pictures. Needless to say, it kinda fails to do what it is supposed to do.



Our Chinese exchange student excited to see China!



Time to get our group shot out of the way on the first day!

[cinder]

Great photos, looks like you guys had a really fun time!

[Pinocchio85]

Awesome pics! Way to represent Disneyland!

What did you think of the Flying Carpets? They weren't there when I went to WDW.

[PirateGuy 815]

Awesome pics! Way to represent Disneyland!

What did you think of the Flying Carpets? They weren't there when I went to WDW.

When I went shopping at Downtown Disney, I was wearing my Disneyland shirt. At the checkout counter, the lady saw my shirt and asked me if I was from California. I explained that I go to Disneyland all the time, and we talked for a little bit about Disneyland. It was pretty cool!

The Flying Carpets were much better than Dumbo with a fraction of the wait. Although I don't think the back row control was working because when I was holding the button, nothing happened. It was surprising to be squirted by the big camels that line the attraction though...

And more pics are on the way, too!

[PirateGuy 815]

Off to Islands of Adventure, and off to Harry Potter!



Hogwarts Express. Muggles apparently cannot ride.





Hogsmeade.



BUTTERBEER!!



It's Hogwarts, muggles!



In line for Harry Potter. I'm staring into the abyss.



Yea for happy PirateGuy!



Sirrius Black is dead. Bad show, Universal!



I go from being captain at WDW to chartman at IoA. Bonus points for you if you get the reference!



A soaked PirateGuy petting a dinosaur. I will stop talking in the third person now.



A huge dinner at The Three Broomsticks. Honestly, I have no idea why I just didn't have Butterbeer only. It was too much food.



Speaking of butterbeer...



Our hilarious host at the Three Broomsticks.



I go to the bathroom and my group meets the Hogwarts Express conductor. Nice one, guys.



On the bus back to the All Stars, I'm soaked and cold. I didn't know someone could be cold in Florida.

[PirateGuy 815]

On our way to the Magic Kingdom. The fun doesn't stop till you do. Though exhaustion is starting to set in. Good thing I'm use to living off coffee and adrenalin throughout my many trips to Disney Parks.



Off to the west side of the park. I think. I'm basing this off the assumption that it's structured like Disneyland. I'm back to being Captain again, no longer chartman.




On the monorail to Epcot.



On the boat to DHS.



The shirt I fell in love with. I went back later to buy it, but the store was closed. This would not have happened if Pressler was in charge.



The Adventures Continue!!!!



As a New Yorker, I find this store offensive. I do not speak like this. I am therefore writting a letter. I should I say lettah?



I bought and Indy hat. I was the envy of many students and all the chaperones. When I was at school the day after we got back (well, 6 hours after getting home), many teachers asked me where my hat was.



It's Perry the Platypus!!!!!

I'll end with some group shots.



Outside the last ride of the trip. I usually end on Pirates, so this was a new experience.



My entire group, in front of the castle.



The entire group together before leaving the hotel.

I hope you enjoyed my trip report. The trip was so much fun and will be something I remember for the rest of my life. The slogan "Let the Memories Begin!" actually means something to me now.

And we're graduating in 20 days...

[Pinocchio85]

When I went shopping at Downtown Disney, I was wearing my Disneyland shirt. At the checkout counter, the lady saw my shirt and asked me if I was from California. I explained that I go to Disneyland all the time, and we talked for a little bit about Disneyland. It was pretty cool!

The Flying Carpets were much better than Dumbo with a fraction of the wait. Although I don't think the back row control was working because when I was holding the button, nothing happened. It was surprising to be squirted by the big camels that line the attraction though...

And more pics are on the way, too!

Neat story. Whenever I see WDW shirts at DL I wonder if they are regular WDW folks.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Sounds like you had a blast.

Congrats on graduating!

[dlfreak]

That's awesome, I really want to see Wizarding World!!