I went up to WDW with my daughter on 9/10 which was my birthday. I was 39 ... AGAIN! We both have a Florida seasonal pass which equals $79 in Disney goodies on your BD. Due to back issues, I really wasn't looking forward to this trip all that much. But then I figured, we'll do the Studios for a couple of hours. How bad could that be? I'm an idiot!

Our first stop was the Characters in Flights balloon at DTD. As we drove up, the balloon was just landing. I had noticed that it seemed to be pretty windy but I figured if it was OK with the people flying it, it was OK with me.

It's quite large and the platform you stand on looks like it would accommodate quite a few people.





I went up to buy my ticket and just as I gave the CM the money, one of the people working the balloon came over and said they were going to stop for a while because of the wind. I was told I could wait a while to see what might happened but, after 10 minutes or so, I gave up and went back to the car. Maybe the weather will cooperate the next time.

On the way out I went by the Princess Diana exhibit. That's something else I'd like to see in the future. The only thing that kind of turned me off about it was the "No Picture Taking" signs.



We headed back to The Studios. While it certainly wasn't crowded there were still quite a few people there. First stop was TSM also known as Toy Story Mania. There was only a 30 minute wait! For this ride, that's like walking on. The first time we tried to get on this thing back in February the wait time was a whopping 170 minutes!

So we rode it once, got off and immediately got on again. It's addicting. Then we decided to have lunch and went to the Prime Time. The food was OK, the waitress was OK but the cupcake they brought me for my birthday may have been baked the day the Studios opened. Oh, the milk shake was awesome so one out of 4... I don't think I'd spend the money to eat there again any time soon.

After that we sat for a bit trying to decide what to do next. I saw these cool berries.



I have no idea what they are and have never seen them in the nearly 5 years I've lived down here.

We couldn't make up our minds so we went back on TSM! OK, who knows where this was taken? I've got so many pictures of The Studios, I'm on the lookout for weird things.

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We get back in the TSM line which is now 50 minutes. About half way through a woman pushes past us. Her husband is still behind us and I'm like WTH? There was no way we were letting this guy through. I mean where on earth did this woman think she was going to go? I could see her eyeing the two girls in front of me and trying to make a move to pass them too. They weren't having it. Finally, just before we got to the stairs, she decided her plan had failed and went back to where her husband was. Line cutters drive me nuts!

After the third ride, our arms were ready to fall off so we headed over to The Idol Experience. This was our first time in there and I really enjoyed it.



The guy who came out to get the audience hyper was a riot.



I liked the judges, especially the Simon one.



The only disappointment was the Ryan wannabe. He was kind of boring.



Two guys and a girls auditioned. The first guy was OK but pitchy.



The girl was terrible. My ears were bleeding.



The last performer was better than the other two. Not great but better. Plus he was fun to look at.



And the winner was...........



I wish we could have stayed for the finale but that wasn't going to happen.

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We went back out and walked around a bit.





I went over to the ToT and went on once. I want one of these in my backyard!

Then went back to TSM. The sign said 50 minutes but we didn't think so. When it said 50 minutes before, we were able to get inside the building for quite a ways. This time we could barely get in the door. We decided to call it a day.

The parade was going on when we tried to leave.





That finally ended and on the way out I got my new sweatshirt jacket courtesy of Mickey.





My 2 to 3 hour trip had turned into one lasting 7 hours. We arrived back home around 4:30.

So that was my day. Not one of our better trips but a bad day at Disney beats a good day most every where else.

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Once again Virgo thanks sooooo much for sharing your pictures as always are amazing and never ever worry about sharing any mini trips or large trips or any photos because we all I am sure enjoy them so much, you have talent for sure. I truly love the ones with anything with animals or nature again thanks so much for pictures tells us a story... Peace. Catherine

I never tire of looking at your pics. Please continue to post them as often as you like! Sounds like a good day over all. HAPPY BELATED B-DAY!

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~~just open your eyes and see that life if beautiful~~

My DD has a shower curtain that is a brightly colored map of the world.
She enlarged and framed 3 pictures she had taken at Epcot at some of the different countries. The pictures are not typical snapshots but are close ups of ceilings, and other colorful closeups. They look great in that bathroom.

Keep your pictures coming.........I never get tired of seeing pictures!!!

PS... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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Square dancing is friendship set to music!

Thank you so much for sharing! I love reading about your trips, and you must have a great camera because your pictures are beautiful. With the pictures and your story it really makes me feel like I was there..which is just what I need right now!

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If you really want something in this life, you have to work for it. Now, quiet! The're about to announce the lottery numbers... - Homer Simpson

Happy Belated Birthday Virgo! Your pictures are wonderful! Like your new jacket.