May the "Fourth" Be With You!

 

Happy Star Wars Day!!!

​I know everyone is soooooo excited about the opening of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida (Aug. 29th, 2019) and Disneyland® Resort in California​ (May 31st, 2019)!!!!

Here is a list of Star Wars themed activities and attractions that you can find while visiting Walt Disney World if you're looking to avoid the crowds of opening day, but still get in your
​Star Wars fix, right now!!!

Thanks for the pose, Uncle Brian!

​Trials of the Temple
If your child has ever wanted to experience what it’s like to interact with the Star Wars characters – then Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple ©Disney/Lucasfilm, Ltd.  is a TOTALLY a must do!!!  

EARS TIP:  I recommend getting to the park early and making your way to the sign up area right away.  In our Ears of Experience packet, we will give you suggestions for exactly what to do here!!!

​​Once you sign your “young-ling” up at the Indiana Adventure Outpost area – you will receive a return time slip for your child to complete their “Jedi Training”; they will learn to use the Force and light sabers.  Once the training is complete – all young-lings will march to the show stage and prepare to battle the forces of darkness – at the time of this posting, the villains that your child could come face-to-face with would be either the Seventh Sister, or Darth Vader!!!

Kara and Lucas battling the "Dark Side"!!

​Star Wars Launch Bay
A great way to spend the hot hours of the day, or a mid-afternoon rain shower, would be to explore Star Wars Launch Bay.  This is located in the Animation Courtyard – really close to the Disney, Jr. show.  If you have a group with mixed ages – this is a great time to split up and have the “littles” go to the Disney, Jr. Dance Party, while older siblings and friends visit the Star Wars area.  The Launch Bay is a museum like setting with exhibits, models, costumes and replicas from the Star Wars films, including “Rogue One:  A Star Wars Story”.    

​While you are there – take a photo minute for Character Meet and Greets!  As of this posting, both Chewbaca and Kylo Ren are available for pictures and you can even say Hi! to BB-8 (be prepared – the droid is a quite a bit smaller than the one seen on screen!).  And of course – there are tons of merchandise memorabilia to be purchased while you roam and explore!!!

​EARS TIP:  For Disney Visa card holders, there is a special Meet and Greet that is often held between 11am - 4pm.  We suggest going between 12pm - 2pm, as the crowds are lighter!

Star Tours
One of our family’s favorite attractions in Hollywood Studios is “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue ©Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.  With the onset of the newest Star Wars movies, this attraction has been refurbished and renovated to incorporate the elements of all the newest characters and settings. 

PS:  Don't forget to pose on the speeder!

​You board a flight simulator and are immediately plunged into a 3D experience as your “ship” begins its' adventures.  When you ride this attraction, you have the possibility of experiencing different adventures and meeting new characters, as there are multiple story lines. 

Tyler standing in line for Star Tours!

EARS ​TIP:  Before you enter the simulator – have a talk with your littles about who they would like to sit next to --have the order of your family ready before you enter.  The seat belts can sometimes be a bit tricky – so I would recommend having smaller children next to an adult.

Tatooine Traders
Of course – you can’t leave without your favorite souvenir!!!  As you exit Star Tours, you will immediately enter “Tatooine Traders”. 

EARS ​TIP  Again – I strongly suggest you have conversations BEFORE you enter, with your littles (and even your spouse!!) about the amount of souvenirs you are allowing them to exit with!!!

​As you look around, you will see Star Wars themed merchandise – Lego kits, books, action figures and costumes.  However, a unique experience in this location is the ability to build your own light saber or droid.   While you can purchase a light saber – the experience of choosing your own parts is soooooo fun!!!  

Lucas making his own sabre!

EARS ​TIP:  Be sure to prep everyone for the long line that could be at the Build your own light saber station!   My son LOVED light sabers – so we went through this process 4 times in one trip – I have definitely learned my souvenir lesson!!!

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​Shows & Fireworks!

A Galaxy Far, Far Away - This live action show centers around the Star Wars movies and takes place in the center of the park –but the action begins all along Sunset Boulevard. 

Imperial Storm Troopers begin the show as they march, twice a day, from the front of the theme park towards the stage position. 

If you position yourself along the “parade” route – you can see the storm troopers stop – and begin to “examine” the crowds for “traitors”.   

​I was super lucky and was NOT one of the crowd members to be interrogated!!!

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​Star Wars:  A Galactic Spectacular -As your evening draws to an end- get ready for a combination of:  lighting, lasers, special effects and fireworks.  The entire show will be centered around Star Wars scenes and set to your favorite Star Wars music!   The scenes will be projected onto the Chinese theater with the fireworks surrounding and enhancing the projections. 

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​Star Wars Guided tour 
 
If you’re going to Hollywood Studios to fully immerse yourself in the Star Wars experience – you might think about taking a full day for Star Wars themed attractions!  Disney offers an All Access Tour that incorporates VIP access / preferred viewing for some of the most coveted Star Wars attractions, Meet and Greets and shows, a lunch at the Back Lot Express, as well as a sign up for the Jedi Training!

When heading back to your resort...

...don't forget to keep an eye out for Star Wars themed foods and merchandise!!  Our favorite pick was the limited edition "Star Wars ice cream" - last seen at Ample Hills on Disney's Boardwalk!

Let me know what you are MOST excited about as Star Wars, Galaxy's Edge is ready to open!!!