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2013 in Review: Unleash the Disney Villains, SEPTEMBER

New YearEditor’s Note: This is the first in a series of posts within the next 2 months that will review 2013, the year!  Please enjoy Ruby’s recollections of “Unleash the Villains” which was held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in September 2013.


 

by Ruby

On Friday September thirteenth, Hollywood Studios had a “Unleash the Villais Party.” Since the moment I found out about it, I was looking forward to meeting the greatest Disney villains of all time and my favorite…Maleficent!

The day came and since we spent the day at Magic Kingdom we left at [6:30] because the party started at  8pm.  We’d be at the party just in time.

After a little while of driving…WE GET STUCK. We were only moving a few inches a minute. We could just see the IMG_1099entrance to Hollywood Studios and there were buses and cars everywhere blocking everything and we were literally stuck! After almost two hours, it finally cleared out a bit, but we couldn’t even get to our hotel!

We could only drive in the direction of the Magic Kingdom, so we decided to stop at the Polynesian (Oh, it’s so beautiful!). We got a snack and went outside. You could see “Hallowishes” from the beach! After about an hour we left ([10:30] PM) and the entrance to Hollywood Studios was cleared up…yet the park was PACKED!

Some might say we were crazy for trying again that late at night, (we even questioned ourselves!) but I also know others were doing the same thing! We stepped into the park and…. It. Was. JAMMED! One thing I am very sure of is that I have never seen any Disney park that busy.  People were saying it was even more crowed than the Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day!!

There was a big stage in front of the Sorcerer Mickey hat and a band was playing. People really seemed to like the music but we didn’t pay much attention because we were to busy trying to get around the crowd! There were so many people but we finally got to a cast member. My mom asked him where we could meet the villains and he said after the fireworks they would be lining up on the other side of the street.

IMG_1118After trying really hard again, we made it around the people and on a big screen you saw Hades come out on stage! He was awesome, and I was getting so excited when he told us the fireworks were starting! (He was really working the crowd!) And then without warning the fireworks start with a “BANG!!!!” and they had me sold from there. Those fireworks were the most amazing ones I have ever seen! It was like the villains were taking over the sky! They were sparkling and exploding with elegance (sounds weird but its true)! All of a sudden they stopped and then start again! It happened so fast. The best part was coming…the end! The biggest fireworks ever were blowing up and they were so loud you had to cover your ears!  And it was so bright it looked like midday.   I can’t explain how exhilarating I felt watching them and they were truly amazing.

Now we were trying to get to actually meet the villains. When I got there and saw the line for the meet and greet my mouth fell open…the line was hours long. The people at the end of the line were probably not even going to be able to meet them because the park would be closing! My sister was about to collapse and my parents did not want to wait hours and hours and I really didn’t either. I think the line was closed, too. I was very sad; but to torture myself even more, I went down to see where the villains were to sneak a peek at who was there.

The first villain in line you could meet was, the Mistress of Evil herself…Maleficent!!! Oh my goodness she was stunning! I kept starring at her and she greeted and engaged every guest. (Just like every great character experience I’ve had, it gives it that personal Disney touch) Then there was Jafar and the Evil Queen! Then I saw three villains that I’ve never met ever before and I DESPERATELY wanted to see…there was a line to meet The Boogie Man, Shan Yu (the Hun from “Mulan”) and The Bowler Hat Guy!!!!! Oh, I was dying to take a picture with them. I didn’t see any more characters but I’m sure there were lots more.

To lift our spirits, my family and I went on Star Tours, because honestly, who isn’t happy on that ride? It was cool because we were on it with lots of super crazy fans screaming and reciting lines together! Afterwards, we were exhausted and went to bed with no trouble at all.

I wish Disney gave more information about the party or even made it a hard ticket event. I was really surprised how crazy and unorganized it was. We talked to a cast member the next day that said they weren’t expecting that many guests to come.  All of the merchandise for the event was sold out by the time we got there too!  I really wanted a pin!  One thing I didn’t appreciate was that it smelled like beer everywhere. It was absolutely hectic.

Now, I have questions for you: Did you go to the Unleash the Villains event?  Did you like it or think it was a flop?  Tell me about your experience, I want to know how you felt about it.

Love, Ruby

Ruby is an eleven year old Disney fan, and she credits her mom with starting her early love of Disney.  In addition to her enthusiasm for Disney, Ruby enjoys singing and writing.  She will be reviewing Disney-related topics that are of interest to younger Disney fans—and their parents and grandparents!

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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