FROZEN in Carbonite! Updating for Halloween at Sea World and Disney

[lovethattink]

Launch Bay/Galactic Food/Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
Path of the Jedi


We went back to DHS on Sunday to do everything we missed on Dec 1. We arrived to the park later than we had hoped. My guys are NOT morning people. It was just before 11am. DS being familiar with the old JTA didn't think he'd stand a chance this late in the morning to get a spot. But he was ok with going and checking it out.

Check in is here at the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost

You go to the back of the store and there are a few tables set up for registration. The cm takes the child's information and asks the child questions. How old are you? Will you follow directions? Do you like to act in front of people? To which my son informed the cm that he is an actor. And are you afraid of Darth Vader?

We were told the earliest time slot was for the 3:40 show and asked if we'd like then or later for ds. We chose the 3:40 slot. Return time was 3:10pm, to return where we signed him up.

Our son could not wait to get over to the Launch Bay. Every day he asks if this is the day he goes back. I had other plans and my plans did not suit him or his agenda. I wanted to check out the new food and see the film at the old Sounds Dangerous theatre. He knew we were going to see what we missed, but his plan was go to what we missed at Launch Bay first. For those with kids on the spectrum, you know I was treading on dangerous territory. A couple years ago this would have caused a major meltdown. But we have been working really hard on flexibility. And in his shows, his blocking changes often, so he is becoming more flexible. He didn't hesitate to politely let us know he was going to cooperate, but it wasn't what he wanted to do. We told me we appreciate it.

Path of the Jedi was just letting out. So our timing was perfect! We were let right in the theater. It wasn't a full house so we could pick our seats. When it was over ds was thanking us for making him go see the film. He loved it. We all thought it was well done. It's also great for those not well versed about Star Wars. It's a really quick synopsis of who's who (as far as Anakin and his path) and what's happened prior, and with a glimpse of Episode VII.

Jedi Training was going on when our show got out. We caught a glimpse of it while walking into the Backlot Express. The restaurant was getting ready to open. As I was taking a picture of the menu, a cm came up to us saying "I remember seeing you at the Rebel Hanger during SWW!" He talked with us about the menu. He said the Royal Guard Burger was similar to the sliders during SWW. The fries were the same as the Rebel Hanger minus the dipping sauce. The chicken and waffles remained the same without any changes.

I was taking pictures of the menu and mugs. There was one mug not on the menu, the Boba Fett stein. He brought it out to show us and ended up giving it to ds in a Magical Moment!

As we walked away, ds said he couldn't believe the cm just gave him the cup. He was so glad he went our way and not his.

Minn and Bill's Diner also has some Galactic Goodies. So that was our next stop. This time instead of just looking, we decided to buy and taste. We split a Blue Milk Shake. The blueberry in this tasted like that of an Icee. Dh and I liked it, ds did not. He did like the whipped cream and cherry though.

On our way to Launch Bay, we passed a popcorn stand. They had both Vader buckets and the new tie fighter buckets.

Up next, the Chase Visa Card M&G



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[lovethattink]

Chase Visa Vader Meet and Greet

I asked the cm before the entrance where to go for the Chase M&G. She told me to stay to the right. We entered through what will one day be a FP+ entrance.

Each cm along the way said to stay to the right. Once we got inside the building we were directed to go through the Cantina to find a cm with a clip board.

She looked at our card, wrote on the clip board and gave us a piece of paper explaining how to get our free download.

We were sent down a small hallway. Right around the corner was Vader!

With the room lighting, Vader blends into the backround. He did not "talk" to us as others have reported. There are a few backgrounds to choose from. Our PP pictures look even darker than the phone picture posted. I hope they fix the lighting in that room. Or lighten the backdrop so Vader can be seen.

As soon as we got out of the M&G ds was ready to do what he came there to do, Disney Infinity 3.0 (which he is getting for Christmas). I was happy to find a comfy bench to sit upon.

Most of the games were broken down. 2 machines were working. Most of the Angry Bird games were also broken. Several IT cm were working on the machines. After way too long of sitting there, I got up and walked around. Greedo was walking around the Cantina! I walked over to the cm at the theatre exit and asked what the best way to get from inside the Launch Bay to inside the theater when we were ready. She said to come back to her and she'd get us in the exit or walk us around to the front of the theater. As things go, she was not there when we were ready. The cm who was there said definitely can't come in the exit because each person has to be counted out front. He said we could exit there and see what the cm in front of the theater. They had us wait til the theater was loaded, then put us in line for the next show.

The show was really good. Not sure it's something I'd want to see each time. But there were some details I missed and would like to see it again.

The exit of the theater led us back into the Launch Bay. We wanted to see if Greedo was still there. He was! Someone cut right in front of us to get to him. We waited patiently, but ds mentioned to us that they cut. I'm pretty sure that Greedo noticed. Perhaps a jawa too. Because one of the jawa came up and hugged him. DS wasn't even wearing his Olaf Disney bounding that day. Or perhaps the jawa's friend is someone who knows ds from theater?

Greedo was great! He was very interested in ds' sunglasses.

One of the times we walked by Chewie's M&G his time was 10 minutes!

CM at Launch Bay have planet names on their badges.

Trash cans are Star Wars themed

up next...sticker shock​

 

[mickeystoontown]

I finally here! I can tell that your guys are in Star Wars Heaven by the big smiles on their faces!

 

[lovethattink]

I finally here! I can tell that your guys are in Star Wars Heaven by the big smiles on their faces!

Yay! Welcome, Lisa. Yes, they are in their element!

 

[CJK]

Your son's smile is infectious! He truly lights up the room!

 

[lovethattink]

Your son's smile is infectious! He truly lights up the room!

Thanks! He said when Greedo did that to him, the jawa was giving me and dh bunny ears and he thought it was hilarious.

 

[cassie58]

Thanks for posting this detailed info. DD is interested in doing this again, since she is now 12, and it will be her last chance. I know we will not get to the park till 10:30 - 11:00, since we are flying in early that morning, but we can try and go over to sign up before our IJ FP, since it is right next door!

 

[lovethattink]

Thanks for posting this detailed info. DD is interested in doing this again, since she is now 12, and it will be her last chance. I know we will not get to the park till 10:30 - 11:00, since we are flying in early that morning, but we can try and go over to sign up before our IJ FP, since it is right next door!

You're welcome! And welcome. Yes, definitely stop by. This is her last year to be eligible. And the new Jedi training is great. I'll try to post pictures and details today. Life got in the way yesterday as I had hoped to finish before we visit a park again. The fact that they are constantly having 2 levels of training means lots of kids. I didn't count, but I think there are 15 kids on each level. @hiroMYhero would know for sure.

 

[lovethattink]

I ended the last update saying up next was sticker shock. Each time we have walked through the store of the Launch Bay exit, we have stopped to look at some merchandise. We still haven't been through the whole store. This time it was our hunger that made it a quick trip. And this time we only stopped to look at the autographed pictures.

First let me voice my opinion. Star Wars every day, does not replace SWW. As I've said before, SWW was like a huge family reunion. We'd see the same people year in and year out. We'd catch up with everyone like it was just yesterday since we'd seen them last. People were more than just acquaintances, we were all relational, if that's a word. CM, guests, and celebrities all drawn together with one common love, Star Wars.

One of our favorite elements of SWW was the celebrity M&G. My husband was one of those who "camped" out over night to get autographs. It's much more than a signature and a picture. The whole experiece of meeting the Star Wars celebrities, in particular, the Clone Wars voice actors, is like seeing an old friend. Many either knew us by name or face.

Each guest was allowed one autographed item. The chance to quick meet and chat with beloved celebrities. And a photograph of yourself with them. There were a few celebrities that didn't make chit chat, and got to you and out. But most were efficient at chatting and signing.

The long lines brought about chatter with the guests and cm around you. The guests were the folks you spent hours in line during the night or wee hours of the morning being near, and here they were again in line waiting with you later. The cm were usually the same ones year after year. Over the years, they began to know us. They saw our children growing up. We had been going to SWW since 2004. Our oldest son is 21. He grew up going to SWW and our youngest is 11 and this will be the first year of his life without SWW.

Call me silly, but as I type this there are tears streaming down my cheeks. SWW had become an integral part of our lives. Our youngest had always said it was his favorite season of the year!

Now back to the TR and the sticker shock. We did the merchandise signing at Watto's Grotto recently. We arrived 30 mintues early, which put us at a 2 hour wait. Ashley Eckstein was there for the Her Universe clothing line. We think the world of her and her husband. Over the years at SWW and Star Wars Celebration we got to know each other.

The limit was 2 autographs per person. Each person wanting autographs needed a wrist band.

My son is famous for his soap making. He had made her a millennium falcon. Also, it's because of her that he is involved in theater. Years ago, she had suggested he find an acting class. She said it would help channel his energy in a positive way. He was impulsive, not one bit shy, talked non-stop, had no awareness of his body in space and time, etc. We did find him an acting class in 2012. And live theater has been life changing for him. Just as therapeutic as all his occupational therapy sessions, perhaps more so.

Besides his soap, he gave her his Shrek the Musical playbill. He was Young Shrek and The Dwarf in it. In the past, she's promised him to catch one of his shows sometime. This coming week he is auditioning for another show. And he told her about his upcoming audition. He also included a Star Wars snowflake and my husband's 501st card.

We saw that Ashley had a picture there. So I put our picture back in my bag. The picture was an 8X10. But instead of one picture, she took out another one too! And signed both. Making one personalized for him and the other with just autograph.

Back to the Launch Bay store. The same pictures with her autograph are available for purchase.

His is identical to this one.

This one is larger than the 8X10 he received.

Up next...Let's eat some Galactic food!​

 

[lovethattink]

Let's Eat some Galactic Food

We were hungry! But before we headed to the Backlot Express, we headed to First Aid. DS cannot properly control his own body temperature, so he wears a cooling vest to keep himself from overheating. He has 2 vests. One is a kid's size and the other is an adult size. The one he has on this day, was the adult one. It weighs a ton and works two fold. It keeps him cool while applying deep pressure.

There was still some ice left in them, but he needed for Jedi training. So we took out two of the huge ice packs and took them to First Aid to freeze. Which left him with 2 half frozen ice packs in the vest.

On our way, we saw an undercover cop

Rebel Lounge was a big part of our Star Wars experience last year. We were at all 5 SWW. And ate at the Rebel Lounge at least once each weekend. Dh got the Royal Guard Burger, I ordered the Chicken and Waffles, ds got an adult chicken and fries.

The only kid's meals available were either a smaller version of chicken and waffles or a PB&J. The vegetable sandwich disappeared from the new menu. The only vegetarian option I could see was the chicken salad minus the chicken.

The paper on the plate.

The Chicken and Waffles were identical to the ones at Rebel Lounge. The Royal Guard Burger was similar to the two sliders. At $14.95, dh wasn't happy with the price. It was overpriced. Just like the Tie Fighter popcorn bucket is overpriced.

Next time we will try the fries. I loved them at the Rebel Lounge. It will be odd not having the dipping sauce though.

Speaking of odd. It seemed odd to be eating Star Wars themed food while hearing Christmas music. We also missed the Star Wars table decorations and wall displays.

However, we will gladly take this small taste of Star Wars over no Star Wars!

Up next...Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.


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[lovethattink]

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

We returned back to the store, Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost

When you enter the store, you check in at the same tables where you signed up. Then the kids are lined up outside the Outpost in 2 different lines. A cm asks them trivia questions.

Once all the kids are accounted for, 2 are banner holders and they proceed down to the Star Tours stage where they enter. (This is both the entrance and exit area for the participants)

***Tip: I'd suggest one parent stay with your young jedi at the outpost and have the rest of your party find a spot at the stage. It is much easier to squeeze one person into the viewing area than a family. At our Jedi Training, there were several parents who didn't get good viewing of their children because spots were already taken before the kids ever even arrived.***

The kids are lined up in 2 different lines on the lower level.

The ones closer to the stage go up to battle Vader. The ones further, stay on the bottom to battle the 7th Sister from Star Wars Rebels.

My son was thrilled to have the 7th Sister as his villain.

Darth Maul makes an appearance. The kid's don't battle him.

The kids are presented to the audience

They get a certificate

***Tip: As soon as they are handed the certificate, they are ushered out to the crowd through the same space they entered. If your child is one to wander or get lost easily, you'll want to quickly get over to that exit. I really wish they were dismissed to the parents directly. I think it would be easy for kids to get confused with the Star Tours line, the show spectators and guests walking by. My husband "sprinted" over to get ds.***

My son loved, loved, loved this new Jedi Training. He is an avid fan of Star Wars Rebels. This experience is very similar to the Path of the Jedi episode where Ezra and Kanan go to the Jedi Temple in Lothal. It's more serious minded than the past JTA. Has a great storyline about facing your fears. My only suggestion would be for Disney to give each padawan a "Kyron" crystal as a parting souvenir instead of a certificate.



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[cassie58]

Thanks for the update on the training experience! Last time DD did it was a few yrs. ago at Thanksgiving week, and they also had the two levels going, I assume to give more kids a chance at a crowded time. She was a little disappointed to not get Vadar, as he was on the stage with the smaller children, but did get to fight Darth Maul with double-sided lightsaber, which ended up being very cool, and photopass got some great shots. It seems the same this time, with Vadar on the stage with the younger kids, which is kind of a shame if she doesn't get him again this time, but she can decide if she wants to do it. She can hopefully meet him at the Visa M & G. So much better than the old system when my poor DS got their early, wore his SW shirt, and didn't get chosen twice. At least you know now if you will get in!

 

[castle4us]

I don't know that much about Star Wars but my son loves it. I'm pretty clueless. I am embarrassed to ask but can you tell me more about what we could bring to do Trading with a Jawa?

 

[lovethattink]

Thanks for the update on the training experience! Last time DD did it was a few yrs. ago at Thanksgiving week, and they also had the two levels going, I assume to give more kids a chance at a crowded time. She was a little disappointed to not get Vadar, as he was on the stage with the smaller children, but did get to fight Darth Maul with double-sided lightsaber, which ended up being very cool, and photopass got some great shots. It seems the same this time, with Vadar on the stage with the younger kids, which is kind of a shame if she doesn't get him again this time, but she can decide if she wants to do it. She can hopefully meet him at the Visa M & G. So much better than the old system when my poor DS got their early, wore his SW shirt, and didn't get chosen twice. At least you know now if you will get in!

I remember those days too. My oldest son got picked twice over the years, and tried so hard to get picked every time we'd go. I much prefer the sign ups!

 

[lovethattink]

I don't know that much about Star Wars but my son loves it. I'm pretty clueless. I am embarrassed to ask but can you tell me more about what we could bring to do Trading with a Jawa?

If they are trading, you can trade all sorts of things. A sticker, Mari gras beads, eraser, pen, sunglasses, party favor toys, etc.

We try to bring something another kid would want in return.

He's received some cool stuff and some silly stuff.

 

[castle4us]

If they are trading, you can trade all sorts of things. A sticker, Mari gras beads, eraser, pen, sunglasses, party favor toys, etc.

We try to bring something another kid would want in return.

He's received some cool stuff and some silly stuff.

Thanks!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Really appreciate all the information about the new Star Wars exhibits at DHS, Thank you! We went to our first SWW this year and we loved it. We were hoping to return in the future but too bad now. We'll be in WDW in Feb/March next year so am REALLY looking forward to all the things you've described. Great pictures!!

BTW, what do you think the best plan of attack should be when heading to DHS first thing in the morning...do you think the SW M&G should be the first thing we line up for? Also, if you have the Chase Visa, do you always meet Vader or do they change the characters up? If it's always Vader, do you think we should skip the Dark Side M&G then? Seems like a long time to wait on line for both characters!
Thanks!

 

[lovethattink]

Really appreciate all the information about the new Star Wars exhibits at DHS, Thank you! We went to our first SWW this year and we loved it. We were hoping to return in the future but too bad now. We'll be in WDW in Feb/March next year so am REALLY looking forward to all the things you've described. Great pictures!!

BTW, what do you think the best plan of attack should be when heading to DHS first thing in the morning...do you think the SW M&G should be the first thing we line up for? Also, if you have the Chase Visa, do you always meet Vader or do they change the characters up? If it's always Vader, do you think we should skip the Dark Side M&G then? Seems like a long time to wait on line for both characters!
Thanks!

Thanks! Glad you got to experience one sww before they ended!

If you aren't planning on doing the TSMM run, then I'd suggest Launch Bay first. Or if you do the TSMM run, then come back to Launch Bay at 11 and head straight to the Vader M&G when that opens. There is a separate queue outside leading into the Launch Bay.

On opening day, some people got to meet Chewie instead. That was because the Chase room wasn't opened yet. Now that it's opened, plan on Vader unless they have room issues again.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Thank you! Very excited!

 

[lovethattink]

Last night we saw the movie and as I type I'm waiting in a movie theater to see it again.

My son loved it!!! I'm on the fence. Hope this 2nd viewing changes my mind for the better.