Come to the Dark Side...4 Weekends of Fun with the Force(Updated 11/12)

[lovethattink]

I just wanted to speak up and let you know our family is praying for JJ. We love reading about his adventures. My 9 year old suffers from seizures. They damaged his brain when he was an infant. He would have 50 seizures a day. I remember the horror you are going through. Thankfully his meds are working now. He is still a bit self injurious and has some tics, but thankfully he is not overwhelmed by them. He doesn't understand what is happening to him, he has pretty significant ID issues. I hope JJ and your family finds relief soon. I am sure you have tried everything with his meds! We were lucky that risperdal takes care of most of my ds's tics. Continued prayers from my family!

I'm so glad you took the time to speak up and I certainly appreciate the prayer. Glad you are enjoying our adventures. I need to figure out where I left off with SWW and get back to it.

I'm sorry to hear that your 9 year old suffers from seizures and especially sad to hear they damaged his brain as an infant.

Thankfully we are at a point where the seizure medicines are doing their job. Back in 2010 he was having seizures all night and occasionally during the day. His nighttime EEG still shows seizure activity, but his daytime EEG looks pretty good! Keeping him cool and watching what he eats seems to really help.

The sensory issues and now the tics are what are impacting his life daily.

Glad JJ has had several good days with less tics! Sounds like the crafts were fun! How's the tooth? Did they have to pull it?

Actually it's two teeth and he needs them both pulled. However, they rescheduled him after he had one of those choking episodes in the chair.

A child cried and he began to tic, causing coughing and choking. So the dentist felt better rescheduling him for a day that would be quieter. She had 2 emergency young children who had accidents and she was pretty sure they'd both be crying. She suggested another day of the week and just before lunch as they are finishing up on patients.

I was impressed that at no time did they leave him alone. When his assistant came out to get us, there was another one with him.

He was relieved that no teeth were pulled today.

 

[lovethattink]

Passholder discount rates came out for October. Unfortunately, they weren't quite what I was hoping for. They would have saved only $20 overall, so I cancelled the 2 nights in October. Of course, we still have our MNSSHP tickets, but we just won't be staying at Disney.

 

[lovethattink]

A Celebrity M&G, A DIS Meet, A Blast to the Past, and a Short Story​

Our day started just as the others, with dh getting in line for a Celebrity FP. He doesn't remember exactly when he arrived (sometime between 4am and 6am), but he does remember that Warwick Davis' and Ray Park's lines were HUGE!! So he got in line for Jim Cumming's.

Dh and JJ decided to wear the shirts that dh made. He had bought one of those How to Draw books at Celebration. He followed the instructions for the Yoda and it came out pretty good. So he put them on t-shirt transfer paper and made shirts for the two of them!

Boba Fett was on the stage as we entered the park.

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It was hot already, so we waited until FP time by checking out the merchandise. Since it was a new week, there was a new Star Wars gift card. We were collecting them.

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On our way over to Echo Lake, JJ was looking for Joy, the cm he met the first weekend. He had made soap for her. We didn't see her, so I asked another CM, Kurt, if he knew where she was. He knew exactly where she was. JJ and dh got in line for Jim Cummings. I stood under a tree outside the line for shade. And Kurt said he'd be right back. He not only told Joy that JJ had made her something; he brought her all the way over to us.

JJ was so happy to give her the soap. Joy was very touched that he had made it.

Jim Cummings is another fantastic person. He is very friendly and very personable. Dh and JJ got in line when it was the FP time. The line moved very slowly because he was signing multiple pictures and chatting up a storm with everyone.

Just as it was soon to be JJ's turn for the autograph, the rules changed. With him it would begin 1 picture/autograph per person. This meant JJ had to choose if he wanted him to sign his Hondo picture from Official Pix or the black and white photo that they had on the table. He could only choose 1 and he had to know which before he got there. He chose the Hondo picture.

Ron (Disney's official photographer) entered the tent. He took a bunch of pictures of the woman before JJ with Jim Cummings and JJ with Jim Cummings. The M&G was really nice. He used all different voices while talking to JJ, everything from Pooh and Tigger to Hondo. JJ had so much fun with him. He signed JJ's picture Jim "Hondo" Cummings Stay Tooned.

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After the M&G I got a text that Ash, a DISer was waiting for the parade to start. We decided to go an try to find him. Walking up and down the street JJ was hollering for him. We couldn't find him, so I texted for an exact location. He was checking out the parade because he was marching in it the next day as a member of the 501st! We found he and his wife. JJ was so excited to actually meet someone in the 501st. Ash must have felt like a celebrity, because JJ was in total awe.

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He gave JJ some goodies. You can see the 501st necklace around JJ's neck. And JJ gave him some soap he made special for him.

We skipped the parade and headed to 50's PTC for our lunch reservation.

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JJ loved the grilled chicken. He ate the whole thing.

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Didn't take pics of mine or dh's because we got the same thing. However, I did tak pics of dessert since we didn't get it last time.

Dh's

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I got a PB&J milkshake. I knew I wouldn't be able to finish it all there, so mine came in a small glass and the rest in a plastic cup.

After lunch we looked for jawas, but we found a clone



Then we got in line for Warwick Davis' show.

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We have seen Warwick Davis many times. But with a comic nose and glasses, JJ didn't recognize him.

Glasses off, now he recognized him!











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It was a great show, very witty. JJ had been worried about going to see it. The last time we had gone to one of Warwick's shows, was a panel at Celebration. There he showed video and explained the process of getting transformed into the characters he plays. Also showed video from Willow, Star Wars movies, Harry Potter movies. But they were intense for JJ. He ended up holding a jacket over his eyes, wearing his earphones, etc. But this show was lighthearted, fun, silly and charming all in one.

We went home after the show. Yes, actually home. JJ had play practice in the evening. He rested, ate, then learned his choreography that went with the song he sang. Practice was an hour. Then we were heading back to the resort and to sleep for the night, before dh woke up to get in line in the wee hours of the morning.

 

[kaoden39]

What a great time! Too bad they changed the rules before JJ got up there. The dessert looks so good!

 

[lovethattink]

What a great time! Too bad they changed the rules before JJ got up there. The dessert looks so good!

Oh, it was so much fun! Those rules would stick for all Celebrity Autographs from then on for each celebrity the rest of SWW. It really helped with keeping the queues moving, and most of the celebrities continued to chat anyway.

Goofy really enjoyed his dessert and I loved mine.

 

[lovethattink]

Last night JJ's tic seemed to be changing. He had lots of tics. They caused him to hyperventilate instead of choke. Thankfully, years ago I was the Box Top mom for Grumpy's school. So I had some paper bags still in the closet from those days! I'm glad if it was going to change, it happened here at home. Now I'll make sure I carry a paper bag in my hand bag.

 

[lsenquiz]

Wow if we have to get in line at 4am to get the celebrity autographs there is a good chance we will never do that

The shirts look great and right up my Gabriel's alley. I have never gotten into making shirts because Gabriel would be too embarrassed to where most of the ones I have seen. I may have to rethink it based on your shirts.

I am going to have to look at the gift cards closer when we go next year. What is the lowest denomination you can get? We usually get our disney gift cards at the grocery because we get fuel points for purchasing them. However, my DS25 has a guitar pic maker where you use old gift cards to make pics for the guitar so I am always trying to find unique ones.

What an awesome gift that JJ brought. Homemade soap is so unique.

Bummer about the rules changing right before JJ got his autograph but I will say it does not surprise me. Seems like the rules at SSW are completely up to whatever CM is working the line at a particular time.

Sounds like you had another great meal at 50's PTC.

Great pictures of Warwick. I think I mentioned in my TR that we saw him at our hotel while we were there. Gabriel was less impressed with him as he was with the scooter the women who was with Warwick was using

Glad JJ was able to fully enjoy the show this time

 

[lovethattink]

Wow if we have to get in line at 4am to get the celebrity autographs there is a good chance we will never do that

The shirts look great and right up my Gabriel's alley. I have never gotten into making shirts because Gabriel would be too embarrassed to where most of the ones I have seen. I may have to rethink it based on your shirts.

I am going to have to look at the gift cards closer when we go next year. What is the lowest denomination you can get? We usually get our disney gift cards at the grocery because we get fuel points for purchasing them. However, my DS25 has a guitar pic maker where you use old gift cards to make pics for the guitar so I am always trying to find unique ones.

What an awesome gift that JJ brought. Homemade soap is so unique.

Bummer about the rules changing right before JJ got his autograph but I will say it does not surprise me. Seems like the rules at SSW are completely up to whatever CM is working the line at a particular time.

Sounds like you had another great meal at 50's PTC.

Great pictures of Warwick. I think I mentioned in my TR that we saw him at our hotel while we were there. Gabriel was less impressed with him as he was with the scooter the women who was with Warwick was using

Glad JJ was able to fully enjoy the show this time

There was one night I think he got in line at midnight and another he got in line at 2am. At the end of SWW he decided he was done with autographs for future SWW. He'll stick to autographs at Celebration and pay for them with $ instead of paying with time spent in line.

Dh made several shirts. JJ wears them proudly and tells everyone his Dad made them. The face of Yoda didn't quite get right, but the body was really good. He does a really good R2-D2. His Boba Fett is improving too.

I think the lowest denomination is $5 for a gift card. A guitar pic would be cool.

I think I remember reading about your spotting him at the pool in our fb group? His Segway is pretty cool. At DHS I saw him walking everywhere. But at Celebration he used his Segway.

 

[ladylyons]

He only had two that day! The one in the morning and another around 11 at night.

Yesterday, he only had 1 bad one. He had a few little ones that only lasted seconds.

So I was going to post that I was glad to hear this and then read how he had a bad day the next day. Continued prayers for you guys!!

How fun that he had a fun meet and then was able to enjoy the Warwick Davis Show. Kind of sad that they changed the rules right in front of JJ but at least it was good that they held to the same rule the rest of the weekends.

 

[lovethattink]

Today on tap is Epcot. We heard rumor that Journey into Imagination may be changing into a Phineas and Ferb attraction. We think that would be very cool. So we are going to Epcot today to enjoy Figment and savor the attraction. The original Journey into Imagination was my favorite!

The first time I went on it, it was with a bunch of engineering students during our sring break. They were so fascinated by everything. Back then the track moved in two different directions. The scenery went one way and we were going another. They were mesmerized by the Imagineering of the attraction.

Tonight it's Dr. Who. Can't wait to find out who will be the new Dr.

So I was going to post that I was glad to hear this and then read how he had a bad day the next day. Continued prayers for you guys!!

How fun that he had a fun meet and then was able to enjoy the Warwick Davis Show. Kind of sad that they changed the rules right in front of JJ but at least it was good that they held to the same rule the rest of the weekends.

I know, it seems he has his good days and his bad days. And a good day can quickly turn bad, and one with a shaky start can end up really good.

Yesterday morning he and his daddy were playing when I heard him ticking from across the house. And that was how he started his day. There were no more the rest of the day! But he was tired all day.

It's tax free days in FL and I was hoping to get some clothing shopping done for him, but I'm going to have to try online. We got to the craft store to buy some soap making supplies and we went to Walmart for some school supplies. He had to use his w/c in Walmart. Too many people, lights, noise, ect.

We tried to make Walmart a quick trip. We had all the school supplies needed in the cart and he even found a big Lego set that was on sale for $17! Then we ended up a half hour in line at the check out. UGH!

His friends were in a play last night and we were going to see them, but he was done after Walmart and he couldn't make it to their play.

He handled the rule change very well. And was able to make the quick decision as to which picture he wanted signed. Keeping it consistent after this was a good move.

We all wanted to see Warwick's show again another day, but it just didn't pan out. So we were so glad we saw it that day.

 

[khaleesi]

This is great!!!!! I only read the first two pages so far, but had to comment

SWW is one of those things that I would love to do since I'm a ginormous Star Wars fan (hurry UP, 2015!), but I hate crowds and I hate the heat. *sigh* So I will live vicariously through you!

I LOVE Ashley's Her Universe line!! Such great stuff.

 

[lovethattink]

This is great!!!!! I only read the first two pages so far, but had to comment

SWW is one of those things that I would love to do since I'm a ginormous Star Wars fan (hurry UP, 2015!), but I hate crowds and I hate the heat. *sigh* So I will live vicariously through you!

I LOVE Ashley's Her Universe line!! Such great stuff.

Welcome and thanks so much for joining in! Always great to have another Star Wars fan.

Yeah, crowds and heat go hand in hand with SWW.

Her Universe is awesome! Ashley is awesome! I am eyeballing the Vader dress for MNSSHP. I saw the pic from C2E2 of Ashley and two other women with red tutus under the dress. I'm thinking of doing that. Not sure though. I have the squadron dress and it's pretty darn short. They look like they are made very similar. I'm getting too old to wear those kind of things. Though with leggings and a cape I might be able to pull it off?

 

[lovethattink]

I had just realized with the mention of 2015 above, that I hadn't seen when the next Celebration will be. It's April 16th to 19th of 2015. I'm bummed it's not in Orlando. However it does make sense to have it in CA for the opening of the movie. I doubt it, but maybe a trip to Anaheim is in our future for 2015? http://starwars.com/news/star-wars-celebration-vii-announced.html

 

[jane2073]

I remember the original ride and I remember that track! I thought we were sitting still and watching a show until I turned around to look at the wall behind me and realized we were actually moving. I loved that version of the ride!!

They are announcing the new Doctor on BBC America at 2:00 today.

Praying for JJ!

 

[lovethattink]

I remember the original ride and I remember that track! I thought we were sitting still and watching a show until I turned around to look at the wall behind me and realized we were actually moving. I loved that version of the ride!!

They are announcing the new Doctor on BBC America at 2:00 today.

Praying for JJ!

Wasn't that ride the best! And the games afterwards were fantastic. Oh and the art work too upstairs! Maybe they will make use of all that wasted space.

Oh!! Thanks for the heads up on the time! Maybe we'll wait to head to Epcot. JJ's sound asleep anyway. I hate to wake him.

Appreciate the prayers. How does your dd do with her tics at the dentist?

 

[khaleesi]

Got all caught up!! So much fun. Sending prayers and pixie dust for JJ... and his family members!

Welcome and thanks so much for joining in! Always great to have another Star Wars fan.

Yeah, crowds and heat go hand in hand with SWW.

Her Universe is awesome! Ashley is awesome! I am eyeballing the Vader dress for MNSSHP. I saw the pic from C2E2 of Ashley and two other women with red tutus under the dress. I'm thinking of doing that. Not sure though. I have the squadron dress and it's pretty darn short. They look like they are made very similar. I'm getting too old to wear those kind of things. Though with leggings and a cape I might be able to pull it off?

I actually knew who David was before hearing of Ashley, because I'm also a huge baseball fan. Never met them, but everything I've read about both of them is that they are amazing people and you have confirmed that!

Leggings and a cape with the dress would be perfect! I haven't been comfortable wearing such short stuff since I was about 6 years old. LOL. But paired with something I think it would be fantastic, especially as a Halloween costume for Disney!

I had just realized with the mention of 2015 above, that I hadn't seen when the next Celebration will be. It's April 16th to 19th of 2015. I'm bummed it's not in Orlando. However it does make sense to have it in CA for the opening of the movie. I doubt it, but maybe a trip to Anaheim is in our future for 2015? http://starwars.com/news/star-wars-celebration-vii-announced.html

If you can swing it, I say do it! I imagine that's going to be a pretty huge event. I can't wait for the new movie. I think JJ Abrams will do an outstanding job.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Sorry to hear JJ has been having trouble with the tics. Sending good thoughts and prayers that they get much fewer and far between.

Wow! I knew the lines formed early during SWW but your husband got there between 4-6AM?? But certainly looks like it was well worth it. So glad you were able to enjoy another day of Star Wars magic.

JJ's face in his clean plate picture is just precious!!

 

[lovethattink]

Got all caught up!! So much fun. Sending prayers and pixie dust for JJ... and his family members!



I actually knew who David was before hearing of Ashley, because I'm also a huge baseball fan. Never met them, but everything I've read about both of them is that they are amazing people and you have confirmed that!

Leggings and a cape with the dress would be perfect! I haven't been comfortable wearing such short stuff since I was about 6 years old. LOL. But paired with something I think it would be fantastic, especially as a Halloween costume for Disney!



If you can swing it, I say do it! I imagine that's going to be a pretty huge event. I can't wait for the new movie. I think JJ Abrams will do an outstanding job.

You are a fast reader. I updated the index yesterday, hope that helped. Appreciate the prayers. And Disney is always fun for us, whether it's Star Wars related or not. It's our happy place.

David and Ashley are wonderful, down to earth people with a heart of gold.

I'm on the fence about the dress, but I know it takes long to get merchandise from Her Universe, so I need to order soon. A friend of mine suggested a red petticoat from Party City for under it. I need to check that out too.

I'm thinking of going with the Vader dress if it's hot outside and the Ahsoka hoodie (already have it) if it's cool out. Last year's MNSSHP was very hot but rainy when we went.

 

[lovethattink]

Sorry to hear JJ has been having trouble with the tics. Sending good thoughts and prayers that they get much fewer and far between.

Wow! I knew the lines formed early during SWW but your husband got there between 4-6AM?? But certainly looks like it was well worth it. So glad you were able to enjoy another day of Star Wars magic.

JJ's face in his clean plate picture is just precious!!

Appreciate the good thoughts and prayers. He was just woken up a few minutes ago by choking. That's the first time he had a tic in his sleep. Hopefully today will be like yesterday and it will just be that morning one.

Those lines formed soooo early this year. I don't remember ever seeing them form with so many people so soon. For Ray Park he got in line at midnight and for Billy Dee Williams he got in line sometime between 2 and 4am.

He did push some fries off on his dad, but he ate all his grilled chicken. He says 50's PTC has the best grilled chicken on property.

 

[jane2073]

Right now her tics are mostly mild and she didn't do them while they were working on her mouth- just before and after. She does make one noise which sounds kind of choke-y but she is not in distress when it happens and says she is "doing it on purpose" when I asked her if she was all right and needed to go to the doctor.
School is starting soon and while she likes it a lot, I am expecting an increase in tic severity.