Lucky #13 with pics ~ 9/25 Finished!!!

[nts4wdw]

Day Eleven
Star wars Weekend!!

Let’s have a video segment to get you into the proper frame of mind!



Yes folks, it’s Star Wars weekend! It may be Geek Fest Live, but we love it! Some of us more than others…..Princes Leia (the woman who single handly caterpolted me into puberty…Grrrrr…..Help me Chuckie Won Kenobie <insert lecherous grin here> And this year is the 30th anniversary of the release of A New Hope.

This year those of us who wanted specific autographs entered the park through separate turnstiles from everyone else. I had thought about going to get Peter Mayhew’s autograph (Wookies Rule!!!) but quickly decided against it when I saw the line – WOW!! I ain’t waiting in a line like that for anybody (except maybe Princess Leia or Samatha Brown) & We had live entertainment while we waited, in the form of Storm Troopers on the roof. They did some bits for past years, but had some new stuff too.
I love those guys!!

Once inside we were once again held back by a force field know as the white rope. Ah, the magical white rope with the power to repel massive hordes of impatient tourists. &&&&& We were right at the front. I always get nervous. I get the urge to yell, hey it’s Jake Sparrow handing out free DVC memberships (only if I am located safely out of the stamped area).
Look at all the people who were behind us!!

This time we went straight for the characters. The Dark Side is on Mickey Avenue and The Force is over by Star Tours itself.

Of Course Em wants to see the big man himself, Darth Vader I sense a presence I have not felt since……

She wore her special shirts which met with her master’s approval. That’s my little Sith. Now if I could only get her to master the force choke hold for those who insist on trying to muscle their way in front of us in line.

Ready to take over the galaxy.

Storm troopers patrolled the street, harassing guests.

 

[nts4wdw]

Em did draw some attention from this guy!

She doesn’t look scared.The force is strong with this one

Now this is more like it. Em meets her favorite critters in front of the Great Movie Ride.

For some reason, the children did not want to meet Mace Windu and Shak Ti, so Chuck and I stepped in. We had a lovely conversation about Chuck’s special “Darth Dad” tshirt.

It was getting pretty hot so we decide to cool off in the Behind the Force movie.

It was a funny film about the making of the Star Wars trilogy. Very seventies, complete with a disco ball on the ceiling. Jake seemed to like the 70’s feel, I don’t if I should feel proud or concerned

After the film, it was time for the Jedi parade. We lucked up on a great spot right where the rope met a raised flower bed so we could sit and no one would be in front of us. But it didn’t stay good for long……..

&&&&Ah, time for me to insert my rant…….I was originally going to include this under my observations post, titled ‘Your trailer park called, they’re missing you’. Before I receive many, many flames ( I hear the collective –HEY!), I want to qualify my statement that both Miss Lynn and I resided for a time in a Manufactured Home Community (ie, trailer park), had and still have friends who live there or other parks and know the stigma that is often associated with living in something that is other than a stick built home. 99.9 % of the folks are good hard working folks that would give you the shirt off of their back (like most other places). There is, however, that .001% that insist on engaging in a pattern of behavior that serves to perpetuate the stereotype that automatically springs into mind
or is portrayed on a recent episode of COPS. Imagine how lucky we thought we were when, out of all of the people that were there at the park with us, that we were able to come into CLOSE contact with a family from that .001%. Just think of all the odds!!!!
I don’t know what impressed me the most, the fact that at 9:30 in the morning this lady (dear sweet mother) felt the need to crack open the brewskies right in the middle of a crowd (mostly kids) or the fact that she let forth a stream of obscenities that would make a sailor blush when it spewed ((Oh, ya on where Jake had been sitting (he was quick to scoot out of the way)- out of all the words uttered, sorry wasn’t one of them)). Why did it spew you ask? Because it got shook up when she smuggled it and the other beers into the park. She did seem talented though, in addition to being able to recite every curse word ever muttered, she was able to hold her beer bottle in the same hand that she was holding her lit cigarette with atleast 2 inches of ash on it. I also have to admit that after hearing her converse with her husband and children (Oh, no! They procreated!) we were convinced that this charming little group came from the land profanitalia where the language is made up of words consisting solely of four letters (I’m talking about 8 and 10 year old kids too!!).
While some would find this behavior a bit off putting, I have to say, that after a little bit we (being a twisted a sort of family) got a bit tickled by their antics (you have to remember we are from the south and my neck is a lovely shade of auburn). What did set us off was, these were late arrivers. You know the kind of people that arrive 5 minutes before a parade and then raise holy heck because they can’t find a good spot. The mom attempted to edge herself over in front of us. But they were quickly told by a CM that they needed to move over to the side because they were in the parade route ( we were in the area directly across from the busts). That, combined with the fine art of what I like to call ‘Body Expansion’ (making your body bigger to fill in gaps around your children to keep folks from edging in) we were able to militantly to defend our space. But don’t worry folks they were able to get a fine viewing spot – right in the middle of the raised flower bed (you can’t hide class). I think, although I won’t swear to it, one of them cussed out some of the characters as they passed by because they didn’t pay attention to them. I fought the urge to ask for their autographs, I’m pretty sure I saw the whole brood on COPS a couple of years ago.

Okay vent over, I feel soooooo much better now. I hope I didn’t offend anyone.

Here we are! Faces have been obscured to protect their identities!

 

[nts4wdw]

The parade was great. Of course Jedi Mickey led the way.

Closely followed by all sorts of Storm Troopers.

R2D2 made an appearance.

Followed by the celebrities of the weekend.

The original Boba Fett

Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca)

and Captain Typho (who was definitely having the most fun!!!)

Some villains.

Here come the Jedi!!

Jake got this picture of his favorite Jedi, Kit Fisto, waving right at him!!

 

[nts4wdw]

Afterwards, we made our pilgrimage to One Man’s Dream. I like to go at least once each trip, just to honor Walt Disney. (although we no longer bring the candles with us) We got a glimpse of where we’d be later (I know, big surprise!)

And a glimpse of where we’ll be staying for Jake’s birthday!!

I had made reservations at the Prime Time for lunch. I thought it might be fun for Father’s day, like a home cooked meal, but…….it was sooo crowded! Crowded doesn’t even begin to describe it. It was if everyone in the park was shoved into the same waiting area. We checked it and began to wait….and wait…..and wait. There was no place to sit and it was so loud you couldn’t here the people call the names. I don’t know how long we waited, but it felt like forever!!
Finally they called our name and lead us into a tiny room for a table in the corner. The room was completely full and the noise was deafening. We all stood there for a moment and Chuck said,”Let’s go!” I think it was more a phrase that I adapted from the family we were in front of while watching the parade. But ya, you can say I said lets go! I did actually feel bad for the hostess, she looked like she thought like she might have done something wrong, but we told her it was just because were a little bit quirky about loud noises (you are talking to a guy that wears ear plugs in the Haunted Mansion).We stopped by the checkin to let them know we were leaving and we were out of there. Both Em and I have trouble with loud noises for long periods of time and there’s no way we would have been able to eat. My heart starts to pound just thinking about it now.
I wanted to cry! Wanted to, between you and the kids I was getting some really evil stares!All my special plans for Father’s day were out the window! But it would get better. We just couldn’t see it at the time……


Continued Tomorrowbecause I am exhausted!!

 

[luvfigment]

Ahhh gotta love the people who think they deserve the best spot for parades and fireworks while showing up just minutes before the start. I am sorry that you had to encounter that while waiting.

That is a great picture of Emily with Darth Vader...ok I just noticed you psoted more so I will continue my comments after I read it.


Ok so I read the rest now...I am sorry that you couldn't eat as planned for Father's Day! I can't wait to see what it turned into.

I forgot to mention "Holy Crap" there were a lot of people behind you while waiting for rope drop at MGM. That picutre is kinda fightening, what a sea of people.

 

[shannon47142]

What a massive crowd that morning!!!
You had me during your rant!!!
Keep up the great reports

 

[Goofyluver]

Love the rant!!!

Never again will there be a Star Wars Weekend for us...never again!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

GREAT pics of the parade.

So funny about the family you encountered.

There was a family that matched that description at Sea World once. The mom and the daughter were trading a foot/ankle boot (like one you wear for a bad sprain or a small fracture) back and forth to get on the rides without waiting in line. The nerve!

 

[Tanya90210]

wow... great updates!! I'd really love to do SW weekends one of these years!

 

[praisehisname]

at the crowd waiting to get in behind you! I know it would be DS13's dream to go to Star Wars Weekend, but I honestly couldn't do it. No way.

Great pictures and video! No commentary from Emily for this chapter?

Denise

 

[lgcountry]

Awww, I loved your surprise scavenger hunt, and your jacket. I'm really enjoying your TR. You have a great family, and seem to get the most out of the time you get to spend together!

Does your hubby give lessons on how to surprise? Don't get me wrong, DH & DS are great, but I still get a little teary eyed when I read about those little surprises Can't help but wish for a couple of my own.

 

[lgcountry]

Oh yeah! Forgot to say "Great job Em" I love hearing the differnet comments from all of you.

When are you going in Jan? We planned a quick trip Jan 11-15. DS has 1/2 days, then a day off so we decided to jump on it.

You are the very first DIS'er to know. Haven't even gotten a ticker for it yet.

 

[nts4wdw]

Ok so I read the rest now...I am sorry that you couldn't eat as planned for Father's Day! I can't wait to see what it turned into.

I forgot to mention "Holy Crap" there were a lot of people behind you while waiting for rope drop at MGM. That picutre is kinda fightening, what a sea of people.

Chuck loves to take those "look behind us" shots! I try not to look!

What a massive crowd that morning!!!
You had me during your rant!!!
Keep up the great reports

I forgot to add my part. I went to get popcorn for the parade, come around the corner and see a woman in short shorts and a cut off shirt standing next to Jake, cusring at the top of her lungs about her long neck Bud spewing! Definitely too much of the outside world for me. Not to mention the "Dad" sitting behind me kept rubbing his legs against my back! I ended up trading spots with Chuck. I don't know if there was anymore rubbing!!! Yuck!

Love the rant!!!

Never again will there be a Star Wars Weekend for us...never again!

We get in early and get out!!

 

[nts4wdw]

GREAT pics of the parade.

So funny about the family you encountered.

There was a family that matched that description at Sea World once. The mom and the daughter were trading a foot/ankle boot (like one you wear for a bad sprain or a small fracture) back and forth to get on the rides without waiting in line. The nerve!

OMG! I can't believe that! Ok, well, maybe I can, but really!

wow... great updates!! I'd really love to do SW weekends one of these years!

You really should try it if you are a fan! But get in early and get out! It gets crowded very quickly!

at the crowd waiting to get in behind you! I know it would be DS13's dream to go to Star Wars Weekend, but I honestly couldn't do it. No way.

Great pictures and video! No commentary from Emily for this chapter?

Denise

I tried to get her to comment, but she "wasn't in the mood." Now that she is a preteen, she has alot of "moods!"

You should try Star Wars weekend! It is fun, mostly interacting with the characters. And go on Sunday! That's the best day.

Oh yeah! Forgot to say "Great job Em" I love hearing the differnet comments from all of you.

When are you going in Jan? We planned a quick trip Jan 11-15. DS has 1/2 days, then a day off so we decided to jump on it.

You are the very first DIS'er to know. Haven't even gotten a ticker for it yet.

Ohhhh, I'm touched! We are going to miss each other in January, though. We are coming in on Jan. 18 and leaving on Jan. 22. We had planned a week, but the stinkin' school rescheduled jake's exams for that week!! He's got exams on his birthday!!! So we are leaving as early as we can on Friday!!
Maybe you could extend your stay a few days..... It's a good excuse, at least.

 

[nts4wdw]

Day Eleven Continued

We arrived back at the room and enjoyed the quiet and some sandwiches. I had a good little cry about the Prime Time. Ah, the quiet…except for the occasional sniffle.

We had extra money now for supper, so we called around a bit to see what ADRs we could score. Lesson learned, never try to get ADR’s on the day you actually want to go….I of course knew better, but still thought I would give it a shot. We pulled out our trusty PassPorter and made a list. Only one place was available, the Turf Club right there at Saratoga! We had a swim, cleaned up and made our way over.

We asked to sit on the patio. It was quiet and even though it was hot, there was a nice breeze off the water which made it quite comfortable.

Our view

JR was our waiter and he was great! He made us fell at home right away. We all got burger, even though Chuck insisted on calling his an “Agnes” burger! They were great, grilled just right.

Em plowed through her apple juice and asked for more. When JR came down the steps with her refill, he tripped and apple juice splashed down my back!! Good thing it was a little hot outside. It dried in no time. I’ve got to give kudos to JR, he just didn’t trip, he mis-stepped coming down the steps and just about fell on his face. To his credit he didn’t mutter any profanity and his immediate response was ask if we were okay.

JR was leaving on his vacation the next week, going to Myrtle Beach, our neck of the woods! We gave him our traveling I-95 tips Don’t speed in Georgia!!!!, and just had a good time talking with him. I always wonder where CMs go on their vacation.

I ended up being very glad the Prime Time didn’t work out. The Turf Club was quiet and we felt special being one of the few families there. That was what I was shooting for!!

We jumped a bus and it was another evening at EPCOT.

Do you know where this picture is?

That’s right, Spaceship earth! Chuck took tons of Pictures, because it will be changing before we return. I am not a purist, I liked the wand!

A leisurely stroll around World Showcase and Illuminations and it’s back to the room to rest for our last day in WDW!!!

 

[ConstableMickey]

Not to mention the "Dad" sitting behind me kept rubbing his legs against my back! I ended up trading spots with Chuck. I don't know if there was anymore rubbing!!! Yuck!

Naw, that weekend was two weeks before!! Besides I like to apply the reverse space invasion game. I leaned back and kept working my way back until 'he' felt uncomfortable and moved over to the side.

Does your hubby give lessons on how to surprise? Don't get me wrong, DH & DS are great, but I still get a little teary eyed when I read about those little surprises Can't help but wish for a couple of my own.

I see that your DH subscribes to the same theory about pacing one's self!! Good for him!!! (takes the pressure off). But don't be too impressed with me, it's that dog gone Disney magic (and a Visa card!). Lynn will assure you that once we reach home I go back to my regular old beastly self (Just tell me what you want for your birthday/anniversary/mother's day (assuming I remembered), don;t make me guess - that never goes well).



To those that freak out about the Star Wars Weekend crowds. I have just one word 'Diazepam'! I am not a big fan of crowds and like loud noises even less, but I am willing to brave the crowds because it something that our DS really likes to do (and I do to).

 

[ConstableMickey]

For those of you who follow all things Chuck –N- Lynn, even though this has nothing to do with our trip report, I thought I would post a few photos from today’s adventure at the beach.

Almost lost my camera to the ocean on this one

Our Base of Operations

And then finally a short clip that sort of sums up our ocean experience……



Yep! That’s right, the life guard said sharks!!! Oh, well at least we were able to spend some time in the ocean. When we saw him tooting on his whistle and walking over we thought that they were going to shut down the beach because of jelly fish (there were several of their little bodies laying around), but sharks ware so much more exciting.

I know that this post is a bit OT but I wanted to provide evidence that we do participate in outings at other places than Disney (although not by much!!!!).

 

[buffy0214]

Whew! I'm all caught up. It was a good thing you were going slower because I was way behind. I like that picture of Miss Piggy. Is it just me or is she getting thinner?

I especially enjoyed the Star Wars Weekends segment. That looked crowded! Chuck, you sure have a way with storytelling. So hilarious I can't believe someone smuggled beer into DisneyWorld.

 

[shannon47142]

I have noticed how much you guys make the best of any situation-- by the look on your faces at dinner, you aren't able to tell that the day had some downers in it!!!
Wow--shark sightings, more excitin than jellfish for sure!

 

[LouDisney]

Lynn, I experienced Star Wars weekends about 2 years ago. It was a lot of fun. My favorite thing was the Storm Troopers at the entrance.