DCA TR - 11/24
While I thought the day was going to end up being completely bad, turned out to be a pleasant surprise, and quite possibly my favorite visit to the park ever. Not only did I get to do everything (with the exception of Mickey's Fun Wheel) but crowds were moderate/ reasonable and almost everyone was happy to be there. Even made some friends.
Started the day off with getting FastPasses for Radiator Springs Racers, then heading over to Soarin' Around the World, which while an upgrade, was a disappointment. It lacked some effects and didn't seem to have as much of a fun factor as the original scenes did. However, I don't believe all effects worked either and unfortunately did not check back later in the day.
Procceded over to Cars Land, and rode the flats including Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters. It definitely is funner to watch than to ride, but I still thought the ride itself was pretty fun! Nothing worth writing home about, but unique. Decided to make my way over to ToT before my posted return time for RSR's.
Tower of Terror will definitely be missed for the version it was, my was the atmosphere incredible, and definitely felt more forceful than the last time I rode it (which was '08). Still one of my favorite drop towers ever, especially the themeing. Such an incredibly experience.
-- As for Late Check Out, the experience was definitely one of a kind and much different than what you normally would expect. While you may think you know the ride, the darkness still takes you by surprise. It's intense and suspenseful and definitely worth your while.
Radiator Springs Racers was fun as always, but did it for the first time at night that day and it was a much better experience, very nostalgic (Plus, I finally got to go through Luigi's after only ever going through Ramone's!)
Rode Ariel's Undersea Adventure for the first time, pretty short. Nothing spectacular, but cool.
Also saw Frozen at the Hyperion, and while I can't believe I'll say it, I thought it was a worthy replacement of Aladdin. The effects and puppeteering were great, as was Anna! However, they blatantly race changed Anna after the "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" sequence which was kind of awkward, but the main actress playing Anna was comedy gold. Every character has a chance to shine, but I wish I weren't sitting in front of these privileged wanna be guests complaining the show was too PC for having a black Anna and stuff.
Ended the night with the Ariel's Grotto World Of Color Dining Package, which while nice, had it been about 7-10$ cheaper per meal would've definitely been worth my while. The service was not as good as you would expect, but the food was great, waiters however were a bit clumsy. But I will give them the benefit of the doubt for the Holidays. They were nice and tried their best. Desert was pretty good too.
As for Season of Light, I'm so surprised by how different it was from previous incarnations of World of Color. It was so weird, nothing about it was too in your face about it and yet - it still worked. A very beautiful show and to the point.
Overall, awesome day, and Adieu, Tower of Terror.