SAFD: I miss the Star Wars race weekends. Dark Side Challenge in 2017 is still the only non-MW RunDisney race that I’ve done. Having the 10k and Half Marathon course fully themed to one IP was really cool. I definitely would have wanted to do more over the years if they continued to offer them. Added bonus for spending time in Epcot during flower and garden and the Death Star challenge medal.
(Excuse the sweat, those races were hot
)
I was also very lucky to visit Galaxy’s Edge on September 5, 2019 (and a couple other days that trip), a week after it opened. We planned the trip long in advance of when the SWGE opening date was announced, and were very worried that our normally slow time of year would be inundated with large crowds as a result of the opening. Amazingly, it turned out to be my favorite trip I’ve ever taken.
First off, we booked at what now seems a completely insane rate for AKL (somewhere in the $250-270 per night range). Second, in the buildup to our trip, there was a massive hurricane projected to hit Florida. I don’t remember the exact specifics anymore, but I believe it both greatly dissipated and changed course very late in its path and barely touched central Florida. Despite this, the anticipation of the hurricane had apparently caused many cancellations. I arrived early in the AM and when I checked in at AKL they asked if I wanted them to see if they could get us in a Savannah View room at no additional charge. This is not something that I would have even thought to ask about or dreamed was a possibility. Anyway, they were able to pull it off and the rest of our trip featured amazing views.
Oh yeah, Star Wars
, well long story slightly longer, my sister, niece and nephew weren’t getting in until late that evening. So I had a day to myself to explore (I had an AP at the time). I went straight over to Galaxy’s Edge and it was stunningly empty. Got to explore the whole world, walked onto Smuggler’s Run in the single rider line a couple times (RoTR opened a few months later). Actually stopped for pictures since I had the AP. Tried blue and green milk and wondered who on earth thought making a slightly viscous perfume/potpourri flavored drink was the way to go (this still baffles me). Went back later in the trip when the rest of my family arrived. Decided to design a droid as well, despite normally not being a merch type of guy. Was just caught up in the moment. I still hope that Disney does better with the Star Wars IP in their parks, but SWGE continues to be a good start.
(The giraffes did get much closer many times during the trip, but I’d be a bad social influencer because I never think of taking pictures)
Rest of the trip was amazing as well, one of the emptiest
MNSSHP we’ve ever attended was another highlight. It was just such a serendipitous trip.
