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[jc040404]

After practicing their routine, company arrived!

Is it nuts to admit that I might have a really strange crush on Darth Vader??

Each child took their turn battling him. It was great to watch. One boy must’ve been paying attention well (or he knows the show anyway!) because he walked right over and went through the routine like it was nothing. Despite hearing it over and over, I think I would’ve missed something.

Andrew would be the final participant to take a turn!

He was announced as “35lbs of unbridled fury” and went to work. Getting the weight joke was kinda funny, as Andrew weighed around 36lbs then.

He did great! Later, he told me that he had closely watched “that boy that did it really fast” so he’d be able to do as well. He was so proud of himself!

When Yoda began to speak after, I felt kinda dumb. I actually looked around to see where he was! Like I said, I didn’t know how this show played out! How fun would it be if they added an actual Yoda character to the show though?

My favorite part was after Vader gave up and left, leaving the two stormtroopers. I loved how they walked back and forth across the stage, not knowing how to exit. Then when one wished a good day to the Jedi Master, I was cracking up. Too funny! The whole thing was so much more entertaining than I’d expected.

my little padawan getting his diploma!

During the show, I was impressed at how the photopass photographer made his way back and forth in front of the stage without ever distracting from anything. We’d been given a paper to check out our photos and have them added to pp cards before leaving. I assumed the pictures wouldn’t be the greatest, as I’d never been a photopass fan. Surprisingly, I really liked a few of these and we decided to order the cd.

This was the only Star Wars border on the site at the time. Andrew thought it was awesome, so we saved a copy of every image with it!

fighting with that silly light saber!

^my favorite of theirs’^

Before our Star Wars adventure was over, we paused at the speeder bike for some more pictures.

Blake was excited to participate in this part. He’d really been into watching brother, even if he got a little worried, too. Blakers climbed up and was all smiles. Then John told him to make a “mean face” for a picture. This is one of Blake’s silly games, and it’s really cute. Well, to us anyway. It doesn’t take much for me to find my children completely adorable. Haha.. I’m sure all mothers understand that. Instead of giving his cute mean face, Blake gave me this!

That lip only got bigger when brother jumped on behind him!

No clue why he decided to go that way with it! I’m glad he did anyway. It was funny!

 

[CAStevens218]

It looks like Andrew had a great time at the Jedi Training Academy! I love the pictures of his battling Darth Vadar, he looks so tiny next to him!

LOL at your crush on Darth Vadar...I guess that would be the ultimate bad boy huh?

 

[Dugette]

What a cool start to the day! Gotta love that TSM FP line!

You were wondering about purchases being delivered to the front of the parks. As far as I know, you can do that at all the parks. When you're staying on property, you can also have things sent to your resort, which is what we did.

Jedi Training Academy looks like a lot of fun! We had watched some kids do that once and it is really cute and funny. I'm glad Andrew had a great time. And you got some nice Photopass pictures of it too.

As far as that crush on Darth Vader, I told DH and he said that you probably want to change him and bring him over to the light side!

 

[AprilRenee]

Loved this update!! I love Star Wars but somehow we never made it over there to watch the Jedi Training! I bet Andrew loved it!! And this picture of him is PRECIOUS!!

^my favorite of theirs’^

 

[snowmanlover]

Another GREAT update, loved all your pictures!!

Is today the day your family is in Disney celebrating? I know it's soon if you haven't gone already!!

 

[PirateKate]

Holiday Wishes wasn't bad, but just not as impressive as I was expecting. The music actually felt boring in a way. HalloWishes is still the winner for me, provided they don't cut back on it this year. Did you stick around for Wishes at all on your most recent trip? It feels like they cut out a few more fireworks everytime I see it!

We didn't really watch Wishes last time, even though we were in the park during Wishes time. I hope they don't cut anything out of HalloWishes this year. I'd like to see the whole version.

Andrew looks very brave, battling it out with Darth Vadar. I'll have to take my boys to do that someday. Did Blake mind at all that he didn't get to fight?

 

[jc040404]

It looks like Andrew had a great time at the Jedi Training Academy! I love the pictures of his battling Darth Vadar, he looks so tiny next to him!

LOL at your crush on Darth Vadar...I guess that would be the ultimate bad boy huh?

Doesn't he? I thought the whole thing made Andrew look so little to me!

How could anyone really resist all that black? The way he kept tossing his cape around before staring at everyone was great. I probably should've skipped admitting this..

What a cool start to the day! Gotta love that TSM FP line!

You were wondering about purchases being delivered to the front of the parks. As far as I know, you can do that at all the parks. When you're staying on property, you can also have things sent to your resort, which is what we did.

Jedi Training Academy looks like a lot of fun! We had watched some kids do that once and it is really cute and funny. I'm glad Andrew had a great time. And you got some nice Photopass pictures of it too.

As far as that crush on Darth Vader, I told DH and he said that you probably want to change him and bring him over to the light side!

Too funny. I think I'd just join the dark side really.

I was impressed with the pics. They weren't all out of focus and odd to look at. I hope we've just had terrible luck with photopass and most are decent afterall.

Loved this update!! I love Star Wars but somehow we never made it over there to watch the Jedi Training! I bet Andrew loved it!! And this picture of him is PRECIOUS!!

It's always such a mess around that stage. If Andrew hadn't wanted to try it, we probably never would've seen it.

Another GREAT update, loved all your pictures!!

Is today the day your family is in Disney celebrating? I know it's soon if you haven't gone already!!

Yep! We're back from three days of birthday celebrations at WDW! I'm now the mommy of three and five year olds!

We didn't really watch Wishes last time, even though we were in the park during Wishes time. I hope they don't cut anything out of HalloWishes this year. I'd like to see the whole version.

Andrew looks very brave, battling it out with Darth Vadar. I'll have to take my boys to do that someday. Did Blake mind at all that he didn't get to fight?

I think starting Blake out at Disney on his first birthday has been a huge help. He does get sad about some of the things he can't do just yet, but he understands. He's never known anything else and isn't walking into the parks expecting to be able to try it all. While he may not remember it all, he knows Andrew wasn't always big enough for much of this, too. KWIM? He was fine with brother getting to do this one alone and enjoys watching the show. Blake is brave, but not quite that brave just yet.

 

[jc040404]

They couldn't even wait until July to start this? Our year is pretty much over, despite the 7/27 expiration. We're going to fit in a day or an overnight trip next month, but that's it. We've not even been home from the birthday trip for a week, and I'm missing the place soooo much already!


Updates coming.. eventually.

 

[Dugette]

They couldn't even wait until July to start this? Our year is pretty much over, despite the 7/27 expiration. We're going to fit in a day or an overnight trip next month, but that's it. We've not even been home from the birthday trip for a week, and I'm missing the place soooo much already!


Updates coming.. eventually.

I know the feeling!

 

[jc040404]

I know the feeling!

Painful, huh? They had to use "favorite friends" in it, too. Blake simply calls the characters he likes "favorite friends" all the time. Disney definitely knows what it's doing..

 

[jc040404]

As we moved away from our Star Wars adventures, Andrew started talking about how cold it had been up on that stage. I could believe it. It was a chilly morning and there was a breeze. At one point of the show, the Jedi Master had referred to him as “shaking with anticipation” at the chance to use a lightsaber. I’m pretty sure he was shivering from the cold instead! We decided to find something inside to warm up.

The Great Movie ride had a twenty minute wait. It would be perfect. There was lots inside to keep us entertained and comfortable.

Does everyone else know the “Good Morning” song they sing at the MK opening is from that movie?? I had no clue! I hadn't seen the movie before though. This ride inspired me and Andrew to check it out later. Nifty stuff.

We got the gangster, and Andrew got worried during the Alien scene. All in all, it was a fun journey into the movies. I love the ending, but I’m guessing it’s mostly the music again. Whenever I watch all those movie clips, I’ll comment on which ones we haven’t seen in forever and how we should watch at home. Once outside again, I instantly forget which I’d been interested in!

We paused for a moment to fill an Andrew request of dancing with Disney Channel Rocks. He loved any chance to dance and play to loud music in the parks. These shows are perfect for him. We’d just caught it near the end, so it was soon time to move on and use those TSM FPs!

This is a ride I’m actually glad my husband chooses to sit out. The experience is made a little longer, but it means I get to ride twice! Blake stayed with John to get some drinks while Andrew and I took first turn.

Andy-Roo flashed our FPs at the CM and we were on our way! One of the boys usually has FP control. They love feeling important and having a job. I wonder if that bothers CMs. I can’t help but think of “It’s all the same line!” guy when I hand them over sometimes.

After grabbing our glasses, we stopped to wait for the collector CM. This is another spot where splitting up seems to pay off. Only once have we not been directed to the right side to pass all of the line. Yay! It seems they let FP parties of two go that way most of the time. It makes sense to fill cars with odd groups at loading. We definitely love being able to breeze right to the front!

Through the ride faster than expected, it was now time for Blakers! The same story happened here. Party of two? Go to the right! Yippee!! We were in our car in no time.

While Blake and I were taking our together turn on TSM, Andrew entertained himself with his favorite Christmas present. This was the first time he had his very own camera at Disney!

He took sooo many pictures of his own reflection taking pictures!

John pointed out the time we were all back together again. It was getting very close to our lunch ADR at a brand new (to us) restaurant! We said goodbye to TSM and headed in that direction. Along the way, Blake nearly jumped out of his stroller to tell us something!

“I want the Mermaid ride!”

The mermaid ride? It took a second or two to put this one together. There wasn’t a mermaid ride here. Then I remembered the Little Mermaid show. Duh! We had only seen this once and Blake was too little to remember. He had spotted it on the walk to get TSM FPs that morning. After explaining to Blakers that this was a show, he was still sure we needed to check it out. I made a promise that we wouldn’t leave DHS without seeing it today.

Coming soon.. What time is it? It’s time for lunch!

 

[AprilRenee]

Aww I love that Andrew has his own camera now!

 

[CAStevens218]

I have the same experience on the Great Movie Ride! I always leave with such a strong urge to watch the Wizard of Oz....and as soon as I step out the door I forget all about it!!!

Can't wait to hear about lunch!

 

[snowmanlover]

I was thinking you would be going to the Sci-Fi Dine-In for lunch, but I know you guys have been there before. Hmmm....are you going off property? Maybe your going to eat at 50's Prime Time? I can't remember if you guys ate there before or not.

 

[jen22984]

Yay! I found your TR again! I have no clue where I stopped getting your updates (or why?). I'm going to read the last few updates as soon as the girls are content in the playroom.

 

[orangecats2]

Hi! I'm a lurker but wanted to say nice update. I've been reading along and am subscribing so I can read all your new updates.

It was great that you got to go on the right side and skip the line! My husband and I have never been that lucky. Although the last time we were there was Sept 2009 so maybe they have changed things.

Also, I am excited because I was able to book my WDW trip for Sept. 2012 at POFQ. My husband and I are going for our anniversary. It will be our first time at a mod instead of a value.

 

[jc040404]

Aww I love that Andrew has his own camera now!

He was so thrilled to finally get that. He takes lots of crazy pictures, but some of them turn out so nice. I love his angle on everything.

I have the same experience on the Great Movie Ride! I always leave with such a strong urge to watch the Wizard of Oz....and as soon as I step out the door I forget all about it!!!

Can't wait to hear about lunch!

They flood your mind with too many movies, I think! It's the video at the end that gets me. Only having a second or two to see a bit of one, it's easier to forget what you saw! I can't even really remember much that they show in it when we leave.

I was thinking you would be going to the Sci-Fi Dine-In for lunch, but I know you guys have been there before. Hmmm....are you going off property? Maybe your going to eat at 50's Prime Time? I can't remember if you guys ate there before or not.

We go off property way too much! I like that break, but this was the beginning of trying to kick that habit and stay in WDW more. You're completely right on your guess anyway!

Yay! I found your TR again! I have no clue where I stopped getting your updates (or why?). I'm going to read the last few updates as soon as the girls are content in the playroom.

Glad you found us again! I think I've had that happen with a thread or two I follow. DISboards is just weird sometimes.

Hi! I'm a lurker but wanted to say nice update. I've been reading along and am subscribing so I can read all your new updates.

It was great that you got to go on the right side and skip the line! My husband and I have never been that lucky. Although the last time we were there was Sept 2009 so maybe they have changed things.

Also, I am excited because I was able to book my WDW trip for Sept. 2012 at POFQ. My husband and I are going for our anniversary. It will be our first time at a mod instead of a value.

Glad you un-lurked for a post!

I don't really remember being directed to the right at TSM in our last AP year, so maybe it was something new. Or maybe we have just been super lucky? It's sooo nice to pass up the line up the stairs, especially with Blake. Moving so slowly and waiting step by step makes me nervous sometimes.

Have fun on your aniversary trip! We've never stayed at POFQ, but did check it out during our POR stay. I absolutely LOVE that area now! It would be perfect for an anniversary visit. You'll have such a great time.

 

[jc040404]

It all started with meatloaf.

A thought hit me one day that neither of my children had ever tried it before. It’s hardly a healthy dinner, but for some reason I felt that everyone should experience this at least once. So a meatloaf I made and they loved it. It still isn’t on our meal rotation, but it did inspire a new restaurant choice. We were about to visit 50's Prime Time Café!

We were greeted just as I anticipated. Giving our name, everyone was beyond thrilled to see us again. It was funny. We’d never set foot in here, but we were instantly missed family. It was neat being referred to as "the kids" all the time.

Waiting to be called, the boys took their time to explore the rooms. Of course, we requested a couple pictures in front of the B&W television first!

Love that I caught the screen like that..

Everything was so cute and fun. The black dog reminded me of my grandmother. She'd had a real one and collected stuff like that. John liked going over all the books. Blake and Andrew were crazy over everything! There was so much to check out!

Not long after checking in, we were called to the table! I was happy to see that we were being seated at one of the television tables. I only knew a few details about this place, but knew there was a possibility that we wouldn’t. Things were just getting better.

Our server would make the experience for us. He walked up and immediately asked where we’d been. This was our Uncle Tim and he really played it up. He talked about how much the kids had grown and made a habit of rubbing the top of Andrew’s head now and again. I kept waiting for Andy-Roo to object, but he was just as entertained. One of my worries over 50's Prime Time was the risk of being scolded and such. I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the possibility of being the center of attention, and worried Andrew would take things a little too seriously. Thankfully, it didn’t seem that anyone was being quite that crazy around us. It was simply family time.

We talked a bit about where he was from. I forget exactly what the city was and it’s driving me a bit nuts right now. I know his name tag made you think somewhere outside of the US. Whatever it was, he was really from New England somewhere. I think. That inspired talk of the area, of course, and caused John to ask Uncle Tim what he thought of Florida. Guess what. He hates it here! This actually seems kinda common when we meet people from up north. So many hope to move to Florida, but once they get here, it’s not the dream that was expected. I blame the heat. This was one of his problems, too. I still say no snow beats snow no matter what though.

The menu here had never appealed to me, but the recent meatloaf experiment made it perfect for Andrew. He made that order in no time at all. John went with the meatloaf as well. Blake picked a hotdog and I took the fish sandwich.

After taking our orders, Uncle Tim left us and we had a fun time checking out our table.

This made us laugh, but you'd need to know "our" Barb to get the joke.

The food wasn’t all that exciting. When I saw my sandwich, my stomach churned a bit. I expected the nasty flavor on the fried fish you can get at ABC Commissary, and hesitated to even try it. Thankfully, it wasn’t that at all and was good enough. A hotdog is a hotdog, so Blake was happy. He was more interested in the grapes. Andrew thought the meatloaf was nasty, but I couldn’t blame him. It looked awful. Really awful. He picked at it and the veggies just enough to fill his tummy. John had no complaints, but he’ll eat anything when he’s hungry.

Since Andrew and I were having so much fun with his camera, I have food pics this time

Looks sooo yummy, right? Ick..

While we ate, Uncle Tim did stop by to say we’d better clean our plates, but that’s as far as it went. Yay for that. I knew none of us would finish this meal!

John and I were too stuffed to bother with dessert, but the boys had a great time making their sundaes.

Andrew put so much work into constructing his. He even requested that I video the entire production. It was pretty silly. He loves cooking shows, so it worked much the same way. I had a tough time not letting my laugh drown out his words.

Sundae Completed

Looks yummy, right? After all the work to make it, he only ate the sprinkles!

After bringing our bill over, Uncle Tim did lecture us “kids” a bit. We needed to come around more often. Where had we been at Christmas anyway? We didn’t even send presents! John joked back that we never got the card when Andrew jumped in to steal the show instead. He promised we’d bring a present next time we stopped here. This made Uncle Tim laugh.

“How are you going to get me a present? You got any money? Do you have a job?”

“Yes, I do.” Andrew replied. For some crazy reason, he likes to pretend he works at Blockbuster sometimes. I guessed this is where he’d be going next..

“What’s your job?”

“My job is to get you a present!”

We all lost it at Andy-Roo’s “job” and couldn’t stop laughing. Uncle Tim patted him on the head and walked away chuckling. I think Andrew had derailed a joke, but it worked out great. We heard him laughing again as he told another CM the story. Kids say the silliest things. He still owes that present!

After paying the bill, we said goodbye to our uncle and explored a bit more before going outside. While the food wasn’t all that impressive, we all loved the theme and the CMs. Despite all the complaints I read about DHS and food options, it has two of our most favorite restaurants now. 50's Prime Time Café and Sci-Fi are just so much fun!

Next Up!! A new show and "REAL" fire!!

 

[AprilRenee]

I've been dying to go to 50's Prime Time but did feel like putting out the money for a TS when we were on the CS plan. Next time we go Andrew and I are discussing moving up to the regular DDP or just paying oop for everything and 50's prime time is at the top of my list of TS to try. Even more so after this update! It just looks like SO much fun!!

 

[CAStevens218]

50's Prime Time is fun, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Too bad your food wasn't the greatest....I had the pot roast and it was really good!! I remember I substituted the veggies it comes with for green beans and I really enjoyed everything. I can't remember what Ben had...

I laughed out loud when I read what Andrew said about his "job"!!!