Skyliner

Earlier this month we attended another DVC Moonlight Magic event, this time at Typhoon Lagoon. We didn't spend a lot of time doing slides, but we did enjoy the free food and the lazy river.

This week we attended a special cast preview for the new Skyliner. This gondola system connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios to several resorts. 

The new Riviera Resort, which was built on the northern most portion of the Caribbean Resort and will open later in the year, is also on the Skyliner.

We also got to spend more time in Galaxy's Edge. We weren't able to experience the Star Wars attractions, but I enjoyed using the Disney Play App to explore Batuu.

Around the Parks

Early in August, the Halloween decorations went up at the Magic Kingdom, and Halloween parties started. 

On the last Wednesday of August, Jennifer and I visited Epcot and Magic Kingdom. We rode the monorail between the two, so we could see the work being done at the front of Epcot.

Disney continues to work on a swing bridge between MK and the Grand Floridian.

The next day she picked up a shift at Hollywood Studios so she could work the opening day of Galaxy's Edge. Both she and Susan often give away shifts at their primary location so they can work other places at WDW.

After my shift today I visited them both at MK, and rode the Peoplemover so I could see the progress on Tron.

Galaxy's Edge

  

Last week we attended a cast preview of Galaxy's Edge, the new Star Wars area in Hollywood Studios.

The Rise of the Resistance attraction wasn't open yet, but we rode Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run twice. It was fun, a cross between Star Tours and Mission:Space, but a little tamer than either. We weren't able to experience the cantina or the lightsaber building, but enjoyed walking around the land.

I also visited Epcot last week. Work continues at the International Gateway, expanding the turnstiles and security for the opening of the Skyliner.

Last night we attended the Annual Passholder Appreciation Night at Universal Studios. This summer Universal opened another Harry Potter attraction, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. It replaced the Dragon Challenge in the Harry Potter area of Islands of Adventure. It is a lot of fun, especially at night.

Memphis

Earlier this month we flew back to Bend and drove our camping trailer out. My truck wasn't doing a good job towing it across Wyoming so we stopped in Fort Collins Colorado and traded it in for a heavier one with a bigger engine. 

We also brought the cats out with us, so we weren't able to make too many stops.  

We did stop in Memphis, and enjoyed a meal at the Hard Rock there. This was my 26th HRC.

We walked a bit on Beale Street after dinner, and spent some time driving around downtown, then headed back to our campground outside the city. The next day we drove back to Florida, completing my thirteenth trip across the country.

July Update

I continue to enjoy going into the parks when I'm not working and checking out the construction sites. Yesterday I visited both Epcot and the Magic Kingdom. At MK, I rode the Peoplemover to see the new Tron roller coaster site.

In Epcot, work continues on the expansion of the France pavilion, and around the gondola system at the International Gateway.

Jenn is celebrating her birthday this week, so earlier today Jenn and I went to MK. Disney has started working on a swing bridge near MK. This will allow for a walkway from the park to the Grand Floridian, as the canal is used to store the Electric Water Pageant. 

Moonlight Magic at Animal Kingdom

 

Last week Jennifer got to do a behind the scenes tour of Rock N Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios. 

Last night we attended a DVC Moonlight Magic event in Animal Kingdom. We rode several rides, including an after dark Kilimanjaro Safaris. We stayed one night at Animal Kingdom Lodge. A friend of Jennifer's went with us.

We also got a free dinner and snacks, and met characters. It was a nice event.

Independence Day

Neither Jenn or I had a shift on the 4th of July, so we decided to celebrate the day in Epcot. Some of the characters were out in patriotic attire, like Chip n Dale.

Epcot has had a lot of work going on. In the front of the park work continued on the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster and the tram stop. We took a trip on the monorail to check it out.

There's also work going on between the Imagination pavilion and the Showcase Plaza.

That night there were special fireworks after Illuminations.