Hollywood Studios

Formally called MGM Studios, I think. We got Eli a stroller and made a bee-line for the Disney Playhouse show. Eli had his picture made with Leo and Annie and had them sign his book. Then, we stood in line for the show while Keith went to get fast passes for Toy Story - for 8 hours later! That's how popular this ride is, I guess. So, we had some time to kill!

We ate lunch at Backlot Express and then Eli played at the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playground. Definitely his favorite part of the day (maybe the entire trip?). We actually made several trips there throughout the day. He has SO much energy. It's this play area inspired by the movie and all the props are oversized - huge cans of play doh, super soakers, blades of grass, flowers etc... It was very cute and very popular with the younger set. Lots of parents sitting on the outskirts waiting for the little ones to tire out! We waited a long time! :P

We also saw the Muppet Vision 3D. Eli's first 3D experience and it was great. He jumped and screamed and tried grabbing the things that were coming at us. Very cute! We saw Lightening McQueen and Mater and had his picture made with them. He really wasn't too into the character thing, but we talked him into a few of them b/c I wanted the pictures. Not all of them, b/c we discovered that he isn't too good at patiently waiting in lines (yeah, we needed Disney to show us that - sure). We also saw Green Power Ranger. There was also Red, Blue, Pink, and maybe Yellow (?) but Green had the shortest line. As we joined the line several people back, the park worker kept hollering about how there was just 5, 4, 3, etc.. minutes until he left and I was so afraid that we would get right up to the front of the line and the guy would just disappear. We had been on a bus for 18 hours, with very little sleep and no naps and I knew that would be disastrous. What a huge temper tantrum that would be - and Eli would be sad too :P But, thankfully, we got the pic and autograph and got to see them ride off in their little car. I'm not sure he's ever seen the movie, but he sure knows who they are! His friend Beck will be excited to see that picture, for sure!

He was done with Hollywood several house before it was time to leave. We spent the entire day in the park, and there just wasn't much that he could/wanted to do. Standing in line is really not his forte - did I mention that?

We decided to skip the Fantasmic and do the Toy Story instead. It was super cute! You shoot these little guns - like carnival style type things. Eli loved it, of course. He also picked out his souvenir from Hollywood. This little battery operated string thing. It's pretty cute and he loves it. He has his own money to spend - so that's what he chose. I guess we had popcorn for dinner. Just never got around to eating.

He did fall asleep while we were shopping (we picked up trinkets for Ms. Lisa and Ms. Madonna, and Beck and Carlee Grace) and was super tired by the time we finally got to the hotel. It was still 11 before we got him in bed. Keith had tons of check-in stuff to take care of, so I put Eli in the tub while we were waiting for our bags. He was very concerned when he got out quite a bit later and saw his wrinkled fingers! He got in his pjs and was asleep before his head even hit the pillow.

He had a good time and really enjoyed the play area. There have been some whiny moments and times that he's argued more than usual, but I think he's been great, considering how tired he is. You'd never know it to watch him though. Where does all the energy come from? It's very helpful on this trip right now!