Hollywood Studios & Star Wars Weekend!

Did we time this trip just right or not?  Evan is definitely a Star Wars fanatic.  He loves all things Star Wars.  He has watched all the movies multiple times, watches Clone Wars, knows all the characters, and the Star Wars theme music is like the soundtrack of our house.  Ha!  He loved getting to see and meet some of his favorite characters and loved the ride Star Tours...he rode it several times (which is actually good because there are about 50 different scenarios to do on this simulation so he saw a different one each time).  Our only regret is that he didn't get to do the Jedi Training, and I blame myself.  We chose to go to Hollywood Studios first on Sunday because we heard that it was a Star Wars Weekend event and wanted him to see everything going on. Of course, the Jedi Training Academy that day was already filled up so we couldn't sign him up.  There were so many Star Wars "fans" out that day (mostly adults and many in costume).  We told him we would try to come back on another day.  Our mistake was waiting until the following Friday morning to come back.  Friday was the start of another Star Wars Weekend and also Hollywood Studios had the "Extra Magic" hours that day and opened an hour early.  We tried to get there as early as possible but getting the two kids up and feeding them breakfast can take a bit longer than expected.  When we arrived, the Academy was all filled up again and the waiting line for "alternates" was too long as well.  He was heartbroken, and it broke my heart.  I wish we would have come back on a day during the week and tried to do it.  This will definitely be a priority on our next trip.  He was actually satisfied by meeting Darth Vader for now and getting to build a double light saber...after he had already built two new light sabers!  Hey, it was a small price to pay for happiness!

If you ask Evan what his favorite ride was, he'll probably tell you "Toy Story Mania."  His dad might tell you the same thing.  He loved getting to "shoot" real targets.  If you want to experience this fun interactive ride with kids, get a "fast pass" as soon as you arrive.  We headed there upon arriving our first day at 10:00, and our fast pass time was not until after 5:00 p.m.  We enjoyed the rest of the park while we waited though and came back and got right on.  Fast Pass is a lifesaver with kids, but you do have to be pretty smart about what rides you use it on.  You can only get one Fast Pass every hour.

Another must have shot in front of the big hat.

The big magician's hat welcomed us.  We did get a photopass photo of the family here. 

Mommy and Evan met Lightning McQueen. 

And Mater too. 

Brody's usual mid-morning nap.  He never fussed and just went to sleep while riding.

Evan playing in the "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" area.

Awww, Brody made friends with the little ant.

Daddy and Brody with the "giant" ant. 

Mommy and the boys met Sully from Monsters, Inc.

The Pixar Parade

The Pixar parade was pretty cool. 

The Incredibles

Bug's Life float

Sully from Monsters, Inc.

Another Monster.

Mr. Potatohead from Toy Story

Woody on the Toy Story float

Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular!  (Mommy's fav)

Mommy loves Indiana Jones and really enjoyed this stunt show.  

Watching the show with my boys. 

Indiana gets the priceless artifact at the beginning of "Raiders of the Lost Ark"

Remember this scene from "Raiders of the Lost Ark"?

Working to get Miriam free before the plane hits the fire. 

And they get away just in time. 

Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show (Brody's fav)

(Showed how car stunts are performed in movies.)

Seriously, Brody's first love is cars, and he watched this whole show in sheer fascination. 

Lightning McQueen makes another appearance. 

The car jumps from one truck to another. 

Car driving on 2 wheels. 

A motorcycle and rider just drove through the flames. 

The rider was on fire. 

He clapped along with the audience. 

Just look at that face.  Does that not scream amazement to you? 

Star Wars!

Evan's first Star Wars sighting...a clone. 

Darth Vader walked by. 

Evan meets Anakin.

All the boys with Anakin Skywalker.

Brody catching a little nap before meeting Darth. 

Darth coming back from a break.  I guess wearing an all black suit in 90 plus weather is not that comfortable. 

So serious. 

Oh, he loses a little of his credibility signing this princess book.

The highlight of Star Wars Weekend -- meeting Darth Vader.

The boys meet Darth Vader.

Who are you more afraid of -- Evan or Darth?

Jedi Mickey arrives on a fighter. 

Jedi Mickey showing off. 

Finally saw C-3PO. 

Toy Story Mania!

Getting our fast pass. 

I had one of these as a kid. 

Waiting to ride. 

Brody loves his 3D glasses. 

Evan getting ready for some target shooting.  

Is that Buzz Lightyear? 

Awww, now that is one cute alien!

Daddy and the boys take over Stinky Pete's box.  How appropriate!

Evan and Stinky Pete

And we finally met Woody and Buzz.

Fantasmic!

(A must see evening show.)

Mickey is armed and dangerous. 

Classic Mickey piloting the big ferry. 

All the Disney characters on board. 

Magician Mickey started it all with his "magical" imagination!