Day 4: Hollywood Studios

Our next day at the parks was at Hollywood Studios. Out of all the days, the waits were by far the worst this day. Even with a strong plan, we wound up missing out on a couple of things we likely would have enjoyed. Things started out strong bookling an Individual Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance from 10:30-11:20 and a Lightning Lane for Slinky Dog Dash from 11:20-12:20. We were then at the park right around Early Entry and went right to Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. The line was longer, but moved pretty quickly.

For park opening we made it to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, which already had a wait of about 20 minutes. We were off around 9 am. At this point the park had been open for 30 mintues and the lines were all already so long. And we had over an hour till we could book a Lightning Lane or till we could use our next one. So for likely one of the worst decisions of the trip, opted to wait in a 40 minute line for Alien Swirling Saucers. (Honestly what felt like the longest wait of the trip.)

We were off right around 10:20, which ment the park had been open for less than 2 hours, and we had been on a total of 3 rides. Looking back that's about the same amount of rides we did in the first two hours as the other day, but it felt so much longer this time. We walked back to Galaxy's Edge for Smugglers Run. Of course, our next Lighting Lane opened while we were in the pre-board area. I tried to book Tower of Terror, but it sold out immeadiately. (They were only operating one side during our visit and the posted wait was around 2 hours the majority of the day. This was the one ride I really wish we could have rode. Yes, we've technically rode in California, except it's not quite the same with the Guardians retheme.) So instead, I booked a Lightning Lane for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster from 2:35-3:35, which was the only ride my son wasn't quite tall enough for. We did ride Rise of the Resistance, which I do think lived up to all the hype. (Unlike Smugglers run, which I wouldn't necessarily see us prioritizing again.) We wandered a bit in Galaxy's Edge then went back to Toy Story Land for our Lightning Lane for Skliny Dog. (A fun little roller coaster!) While in line I mobile ordered our lunch at Docking Bay 7, back in Galaxy's edge.

I had the Batuuan Beef and Crispy Topato Stir-fry (Smoky Braised Beef glazed in Tamarind Sauce. Served with Stir Fried Mushrooms and Vegetables, Crispy Herb Yucca, Pickled Onions, and Cilantro), the boy had the Smoked Kaadu Pork Ribs, Elley had the Ithorian Pasta Rings, and Bear the Fried Chicken Tip Yip Youngling Meal. This was another really strong quick service meal.

From here all the waits were so long (most were an hour if not more!), and our next Lightning Lane was about 2 hours away, so we planned to see some shows. First we went to see Muppet*Vision 3D, something I hadn't made it to on our last Disney World trip. (As it was ending I booked our next Lightning Lane for Star Tours for 3:15-4:15.) Then went to see the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacualar. (Something else I had never seen, unless you count the Full House episode when they watched it which is strong in my memories) Then to the Disney Junior Play and Dance! (Something I had done before, but at California Adventures.) At this point our Lightning Lane or Rock 'n' Roller Coaster finally opened, so we Walked That Way. I origonally thought The Boy and Bear could go to Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy while we were riding, but of course it closed as we were walking over. So instead they had a snack while we were on (a churro and a Sprite, which resulted in a bit of a meltdown from the one who didn't receive a churro once she found out.)

From there it was time for our last Lightning Lane for Star Tours. By the time we had been availible to book another, there weren't great options. After we got off the ride we still had a couple of hours before dinner, and could have seen some different shows. (Frozen or Beauty and the Beast were likely options.) Instead though we opted to head back to the hotel and rest for a bit.

For dinner that night we had reservations at Sanaa at 6:45. While at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, it was at the other section, so we took a shuttle to Kidani Village. We wer actually meeting a friend of mine and her husband for dinner that night since they lived in the area. Of course we split the bread service, because how could you go there and not order it. I then had Potjie Inspired with Butter Chicken and Rajma Masala. I think my husband had the same, but with Lentil Daal. Then my daughter also had the Butter Chicken and I think my son may have had a cheeseburger. Then since there was someone else to split desserts with me we had the Serradura (Butterscotch Pudding, Almond Coffee Streusel, Pineapple, Mango, and Breton Shortbread) and African Triple Chocolate Mousse (Dark Chocolate from Ghana, Milk Chocolate from Madagascar, Blonde Chocolate, Chocolate Almond Biscuit, and Strawberries).

Both kids were basically ready to fall asleep at the table at this point so we called it a night, taking a shuttle back to our hotel, and doing Hanuakkah where each received a new pair of PJs. (I was really intentional about having a lot of their gifts with things we were packing anyway.) From here we have only one more full day, so soon, I'll be back talking about our last day at Animal Kingdom. Till then, here's the Instagram post from our day at the Studios!

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