Firsts, Fourths, and Farewells (4/28 Back to the Future!)

[thecapells]

We love TSM! Your pictures from the queue are great! I especially like the viewmaster pics. I had a talking viewmaster back in the day

I can't wait to hear about the Jedi Academy and see all the pictures

Oooh, talking Viewmaster - fancy, fancy.
Don't think I ever had one of those.

Jedi Academy was a blast - tons of pictures coming up for that experience...

 

[TheCapellsMom]

Mike's not kidding when he says the line was long. Even for FP, this was kinda nuts.

Can you guess why the FP line was so darn long??? Yup- it was those [BLEEP]in' Brazilian Tour Groups again!
The problem is that they traveled everywhere in packs of 30-50 High School (or maybe college) age kids.
So if a group got on line ahead of you, the wait time was instantly doubled. AND- they were all using the fastpasses!

Each separate batch of those touring kids had different matching T-shirts so we started referring to them by color.
This time, I think it was the neon yellow kids ahead of us in the FP lane making it the longest I have ever had to wait for TSM with a FP!

We finally get through the inefficiently loaded ride (there's GOT to be a better way for them to load this thing!)

I don't think the loading/unloading for this one is too bad at all! It's not like Dumbo or the teacups!
At least this one keeps moving! And they have a nifty way of pulling the handicap-accessible cars off to the side for loading/unloading so they don't hold up the rest of the riders.

You are being too picky, J!

I *think* this was X and Stacey's read-out:

Yup. That's it. 65,700 is actually pretty good considering that I needed to help X aim his gun at the same time as I was shooting mine!
But, stay tuned for my upcoming TR- I did MUCH better when I was there with DD in may!

X is NOT a happy camper when the rides end. He just wants to stay on.

THAT is a serious understatement!!!!
X has gotten so familiar with some of his favorite rides (like TSM, Aladdin, Imagination and the TTA) that his eyes actually start to tear up when we get close to the end before the ride is actually over!
It is SO pitiful! Every once in a while when the park is relatively empty, a CM will see his sad eyes & big pouty lips and just let us stay on a ride for a second run.
I once went around the TTA 4 times in a row with him and he STILL cried when we had to get off!

 

[MEK]

You got some cool pictures on your unhurried walk over to TSM. Wow - lucky for you that you could get out of line and get your FP's back. Strong work there!

X looks SOOOOOOOOOOOOO upset that he couldn't stay on the ride. Boo hoo! Poor little guy! Makes me feel so bad for him.

Thanks for the breakdown on the H&V breakfast buffet. The breakfast burrito sounds yummy!

 

[thecapells]

You got some cool pictures on your unhurried walk over to TSM. Wow - lucky for you that you could get out of line and get your FP's back. Strong work there!

X looks SOOOOOOOOOOOOO upset that he couldn't stay on the ride. Boo hoo! Poor little guy! Makes me feel so bad for him.

Thanks for the breakdown on the H&V breakfast buffet. The breakfast burrito sounds yummy!

X got over it once he got one some more rides but it is pitiful.
And yes, I was pretty proud of getting out of line with my fastpasses - I didn't want DS to miss the ride later on.

As for breakfast, Mom said to mention they have fritattas as well.

 

[lbuzz52]

so i've made a note to remember to never get behind the tour groups in the fastpass lane! thanks for all the TSMM pics- i've got to send a friend to your tr to see them all- her toy story fan would love it!

 

[thecapells]

so i've made a note to remember to never get behind the tour groups in the fastpass lane! thanks for all the TSMM pics- i've got to send a friend to your tr to see them all- her toy story fan would love it!

Glad you enjoyed the trip to Andy's Room.
Now come join us a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

 

[thecapells]

While the gang was enjoying Toy Story Midway Mania, the future Jedi and myself were heading to the Academy.
But even as we briskly walked to our destination, we found some details we just had to capture.
DS pointed out the huge billboard for Tron:Legacy which we recently saw in the theatres in 3-D:

Finally arriving, we got into line (DS was first).
And, for the first time, he started to grasp the concepts of Hollywood Studios.
He noticed how the facades looked real, but the backs of all the props were not fully developed:

At that point, a CM appeared and starting separating the young padawans from their parents.
I grabbed a spot front and center to the Jedi Academy stage.

And a last picture of the signs for Star Tours (before the upcoming refurb):

Meanwhile, DS was fitted for his Jedi robes and you can see his shirt was also themed appropriately.

The crowd began to fill and finally J and Mom appeared with the rest of the Capell clan.
They took up positions closer to the action but off to the side.
As you’ll see, we have full coverage of this event – including several angles!!
They settled in just in time as a familiar theme began to explode through hidden speakers.
A Jedi suddenly appeared on stage and the crowd was hushed in her presence.

She dramatically removed her hood to reveal a Jedi instructor uniform.

Then the padawan were assigned locations with the older ones around the outside of the stage.
The idea being that they were less likely to fall off the edge.

Finally the padawans were assembled and ready for their lesson.

From Mom’s angle, I think he looked more like a Jawa than a Jedi.

A second Jedi handed out practice lightsabers while the teacher went over last minute instructions.

Then the command was given.
IGNITE!

STAND AT THE READY!

ATTACK!
LEFT!

RIGHT!

DOWN!

AND STRIKE!

 

[thecapells]

With their lesson completed, the padawans were instructed to holster their weapons.
After all, lightsabers are not toys.

They repeated this exercise to complete their training.
And young Padawan Capell was ready.
The force was indeed strong with this one.

The training completed in the nick of time.
With a sudden explosion of smoke, a patrol of stormtroopers blasted through the bunker doors.
And in their wake, the Lord of the Sith himself – Darth Vader.

Covered in black from head to toe, this imposing figure sent a chill down the spines of all those present.
The sun gleamed off his helmet and he stood triumphant on the stage.

The padawans retreated quickly to the side of the stage.

Vader approached the younglings and offered them a way out.
“Join me and feel the power of the Dark Side.”

He was confident in his ways.
Despite the heckles from concerned parents surrounding him.

He was menacing indeed – at least, until he dropped his lightsaber…

He vowed to fight each of the younglings in turn and show them the power he posseses.

 

[thecapells]

He fought valiantly through several of the younglings.
Until Padawan Capell stepped forth.
The Force is strong in my family.

DS attacked with speed and precision.

Then Vader took the offensive.
He swung but the nimble padawan ducked just in time!

After the blade passed over him and he lept back into action and struck the Dark Lord!

The test was over and DS had prevailed.
Vader stood there motionless.

Just then, Yoda’s presence was felt across the stage as the collective power of the Jedi began to grow.

Vader stepped towards the padawans but dozens of lightsabers ignited in unison!

Vader wisely retreated back into the bunker.

The stromtroopers, however, were not as wise.
The Jedi force-pushed them back to show them they meant business.

And laughed as they no longer viewed these silly henchmen as a threat.

However, the bunker doors had closed and the stormtoopers were now at the mercy of the Jedi.

The Jedi instructor reached out into the force and opened the doors once more.
Good riddance to this Imperial Trash!

Our padawans were victorious!

Upon their exit from the stage, they were presented with a diploma.

Arriving back into the crowd, we were so proud.
Our son, had indeed fulfilled his destiny and has become a powerful Jedi.
But after harnessing the force, whatever is a young padawan to do next?
Stay tuned and May The Force Be With You...

 

[shan23877]

Awesome Training Academy pics! Your son must have been in heaven!

 

[thecapells]

Awesome Training Academy pics! Your son must have been in heaven!

Thanks!
I think he had a good time (although he'll probably never admit it!)

 

[dawnbu40]

What fun! I'm sure he'll always remember the magic of that day!

I love how you seperated so you could get shots from every angle. Good thinking

I didn't know that the Photopass had special Star Wars borders. Very cool!

 

[thecapells]

What fun! I'm sure he'll always remember the magic of that day!

I love how you seperated so you could get shots from every angle. Good thinking

I didn't know that the Photopass had special Star Wars borders. Very cool!

The separation was more out of necessity than design.
By the time J and Mom showed up, the crowd was already gathered so they slipped in where they could.
In hindsight, it worked out well as their pictures weren't whitewashed by the sun like mine were.

As for Photopass borders, I've only seen those borders for the Jedi Academy or Star Wars Weekends.

 

[lbuzz52]

I love the Jedi Academy Pics. How long is the whole "show"? I'm sure it was a very special moment for your DS.

 

[thecapells]

I love the Jedi Academy Pics. How long is the whole "show"? I'm sure it was a very special moment for your DS.

It's about 20 minutes or so.
The kids practice a set maneuver several times.
The instructor has some corny jokes.
Vader comes out and fights each padawan in turn.
It's staged so the kids basically perform what they just learned.
Then a cute little bit with Yoda's presence and the retreat of the bad guys.
And then each child gets a certificate.
And you can get their Photopass pics added to your card at the front of the park later that day.

-Michael

 

[MEK]

**** Applause.....Applause********

That was GREAT! Loved it! I've never seen the whole thing and that was pretty cool. Your son's pictures turned out great!!!! What a fun activity for kids. My boys would have loved that about 10 years ago. Very cool!

 

[portobello_rd]

that is so awesome that he got to fight darth vader!!!!!!!!!!!!
wow.
awesome. too bad some adults dont get to do that too.
i heard that there is a photopass picture option that you can do with vader. so i guess thats as close as i can get. i leave in three days for my very first trip!

 

[thecapells]

**** Applause.....Applause********

That was GREAT! Loved it! I've never seen the whole thing and that was pretty cool. Your son's pictures turned out great!!!! What a fun activity for kids. My boys would have loved that about 10 years ago. Very cool!

10 years ago?
Are you kidding?
*I* was jealous and wanted to be up there fighting Vader.
That desire transcends age!

that is so awesome that he got to fight darth vader!!!!!!!!!!!!
wow.
awesome. too bad some adults dont get to do that too.
i heard that there is a photopass picture option that you can do with vader. so i guess thats as close as i can get. i leave in three days for my very first trip!

If you are lucky, you can get pics with the real Vader although it's rare (but stay tuned and you might see some).
As for the photopass shot, I believe it's only during Star Wars Weekends these days.
We tried it this summer and it was really cool!
But that's for the next trip report.

 

[thecapells]

Before we leave that galaxy, far, far away, I had a thought.
When we arrived at the Jedi Academy I noticed that Darth Vader was actually doing a meet and greet but the line was already closed.
Since Star Tours was closed, he was meeting at the entrance to the attraction against a Star Destroyer backdrop.

I asked the CM what his schedule for the day was and she responded that he will be back after the Jedi Academy.
That’s all I needed to hear!

So as all the parents gathered their belongings and children and headed out, I grabbed the Capells and moved to the Star Tours queue.
We waited with about 3 or 4 other smart families and then they removed the rope and we headed down the queue.
While we waited for the other families to meet the Lord of the Sith, I took one of my favorite pictures.
AT-AT Footprint! You have to love those Disney Details!

Vader finally appeared while Stormtroopers paced the line making sure everyone was single file and orderly.

Soon enough it was our turn.
The Empire was waiting for us and “The Empire Wants You!”

I love these borders – it’s like those old Star Wars Bubblegum Cards I had when I was little.

Yes, I had Star Wars Bubble Gum Cards.
You have to realize that Star Wars – the original Star Wars – was the first movie I remember seeing in the movie theatre.
I remember everything that happened and how awestruck I was leaving the theatre.
So awestruck I didn’t even care that my parents made me (a 4 ½ year old boy) sit through Grease for my sister.

We were so excited by this meet and greet that we had cameras firing from all sides.
The problem is the characters didn’t always look at the right one.
For example, here, DS was watching me instead of the Photopass photographer:

But afterwards we got some nice shots including the cool background:

And of course, I could not resist and had to get some shots as well.
I tried a pose where I strangled Darth Vader with the force but it didn’t come out very well.
Instead I’ll settle for the family photos, some solo shots, and then some of just the guys.

And then, I cracked J up (I forget what I said but I think these are the first pics he actually smiled for!!

And with that, our adventure to a galaxy far, far away came to an end.
The grumbling of our stomachs confirmed that fact.
So we headed over for our lunch ADR’s.
Come meet us under the stars!

 

[dawnbu40]

How cool that you all got to meet Darth Vader after DS participatied in the Jedi Academy! I totally remember those Star Wars trading cards. My brother had them. The year the movie came out I was Princess Leia for Halloween and it is still one of my all-time favorite costumes

Great pictures!