I hope. Because today it rained buckets. I mean it really, really rained hard. I have never had to swim when exiting an attraction before, but there must be a first time for everything. The day started off innocently enough. The weather forecast did warn us of the impending flood so we were prepared (or so we thought). When we set off for the Hollywood Studios this morning evidence of previous wet weather was abundant but we made it to the Studios after a brisk walk with only a peppering of rain. Ethel and I split from the group to use the facilities with the agreement that we would reconvene just inside the gate. Good thought, except now the rain was coming down harder-no problem zip up the coats and put on your hood. Now we are in good shape. Mind you, I’ve spent lots of time in Florida. I have seen Florida rain. I have swept Main Street in Florida rain wearing white shorts and a white shirt (settle down ladies). But this, this was biblical. We wove our way through the shops to avoid as much rain as possible but as we made the turn towards Rock n Roller Coaster, there was no way to avoid the deluge. So we soldiered on hoping for a moderate wait at the ride. My eyes must have water in them, because this can’t be the line at 9:10-a 50 minute wait, with 15 minutes being in the downpour? Ok, let’s wait and hope we make our fast-pass window for the Tower of Terror that closes at 10:05.
We prepped the girls on the strategy for after exiting the ride. We would enjoy our limo ride to the Aerosmith concert and then we would walk with a quickness to meet Nana at the next ride. I am fairly sure-footed. If there is a puddle or some obstacle in my way I am usually adept at avoiding the problem. Not today. Upon exiting the gift shop we were greeted by a wall of water unseen since the Israelites were running from the Egyptians. Unfortunately for us, Moses was not there to part the seas so we all decided to take the plunge, literally. The drainage system was completely overwhelmed and the water had reached depths that once entered reached mid-way up our legs. I am glad that our children are older and taller lest we may have lost one in the Thanksgiving week flood of ’14. With nary a minute to spare we did reach the Hollywood Tower and entered the fast-pass queue.
A great benefit of technology is the ability to check wait times on the app the mouse so graciously provides those who spend their money, I mean time with him. Another benefit is that when severe weather is around we receive alerts. I need to clarify that when I say we, I mean to say the entire line of people in the basement of the ride received an alert. Beeps and buzzes were sounding loudly and very few people appeared at all concerned. It was probably for the best. Had we known that there was a tornado warning in effect I most likely would not have boarded the tallest ride on property. With that said we all enjoyed the ride and I think there may have been an extra drop added in. It was either that or our return from Oz. I’m still not sure.
Outside the rain continued to fall in sheets. It was all kinds of rain. Big fat rain, little bitty stinging rain, it rained from the side, it even rained from below. But onward we trod toward our next attraction- Toy Story Midway Mania! Oh? Closed due to flooding? It may open back up? No, the moose out front did not tell me. Well family, let’s find something else to do. Let’s go see the movie in One Man’s Dream. We took in the exhibit part the day before, so now we’ll check out the film. After the movie, it still rains. So we decided at this point to grab some lunch and get ready for our next experience- Frozen Sing-Along!
We ducked into the ABC Commissary for lunch. I was craving a cheeseburger and fries and I read that this place was gluten safe for me. They do have a dedicated fryer and gluten free buns. The only downside is that my burger was just that-a slab of beef on a bun with no accompaniments or cheese. But the fries were good and I avoided gluten gut again, so that is a win. From there we forged through river and stream to the Frozen gig. What’s that Frozen lady? You are closed due to weather too? Has all of this rain melted Arendelle and rendered Elsa’s powers useless? Don’t tell me I just stepped in Olaf!?!? Jeez. At this point they might as well just close Florida. The nice lady cast member did tell us that we could wait and use our fast-pass if the show opened back or at any ride at the Studios. Lucy and Ethel both voted for another ride to the Aerosmith show. On our way there, Toy Story had opened so before the flood closed it again, we rode it. It was fun. I think that the midway games are fun and I also like that you compete against all in your ride vehicle for top score. I had a fairly good performance, destroying all those in my vehicle by scoring 161,800 points. Lucy pointed out that her accuracy was higher than mine. I pointed out that that score is not the one on the board, so deal with that little girl. We went and rode the roller coaster one more time, hit some shops and walked back in the light drizzle that continued to fall. We got an email alert about our fast-pass at this point telling us what rides we could go on for the Frozen debacle. Rock n Roller Coaster was not one of them.
After a nice break and an attempt to avoid trench foot we sauntered over to World Showcase to see a few movies/shows. The Boss wanted to see the Voices of Liberty before we watched the American Adventure and we did. Ethel informed us she was hungry so we ducked into Japan for some teriyaki chicken and sushi. The Boss had a beer and I had a sake. I always want to say “sake it to me baby, yeah” but I never do. Maybe one day. We all walked through the Morocco pavilion and on to France. The rain had held off for a bit, but now it started to fall once more. We checked out Impressions de France. I was impressed to say the least. I also think maybe it is time to update the movie, unless the French still dress like it is 1982. The boss and I enjoyed a decent glass of wine from the shop and the girls headed back to the Beach Club with my parental units to play in the arcade and have ice cream. The boss and I tried to find food, but ended up with popcorn from Canada (imported)! As we headed back we caught another set from the British Revolution. The rain was starting to pick up and as we reached the safety of our resort, thunder and lightening filled the sky and children filled the pool. It was a fun and damp day. We are hoping for sun to return tomorrow, at least after the flood warning expires at noon.
Observations
1. They tried to keep all slick surfaces as safe a possible.
2. Missing a tier 2 fast-pass doesn’t get you into a tier 1 attraction. Unless you are us, and lucky.
3. Aim for the high score targets on Toy Story. You might have a lower accuracy score, but you will crush the small children in your ride vehicle.
4. I think Walt Disney would be sad at what his world is becoming-outdated and unconcerned with the guest.
5. The American Adventure screams jingoism, but hey we’re not number 1 for nuthin’.
6. British Revolution guys-stay in character when on-stage. At least fake a British accent.
7. Surprising, the French cast members were the nicest today. Not the Canadians.
8. So I can’t take a drink within 4 feet of the pool, but you’ll let people be in the pool during a thunderstorm? Makes perfect sense.