Sensing Pixie Dust I Am! A Star Wars Weekend PTR! New PTR Link pg. 77!

[SoonerGirl]

Oh that is too funny! I think you have successfully converted him Or maybe he's just not into the whole New Orleans thing, I know I am one of the few, but I didn't like it there AT ALL. It was just so smelly and dirty, I couldn't get past that....

I wish you had video of Connor dancing to the jazz music, I bet that was fun!

 

[Charleston Princess]

...I was going to pass out if you traded the Disney trip for New Orleans..

Whew! Glad to hear Charles is the only sane one!

If it's beignets you crave ...go to POFQ!

No offense to New Orleans...I've been there and it was a fun weekend trip.

I kinda had the same conversation with Lexi this week.

She asked me why we weren't going anywhere this week for March break.
I said to her... it's your choice NY city for your bday or doing something this week.
She very vocally said "I pick New York!"
Wasn't a doubt in my mind.

Exactly. Lexi would be crazy to give up her b-day trip to NYC! Are you planning on going to any Broadway shows while you are there?

I don't think I could have actually changed our travel plans -- not with all the fun things we have planned...

Oh that is too funny! I think you have successfully converted him Or maybe he's just not into the whole New Orleans thing, I know I am one of the few, but I didn't like it there AT ALL. It was just so smelly and dirty, I couldn't get past that....

I wish you had video of Connor dancing to the jazz music, I bet that was fun!

I wish I could have taken a picture of Charles' look -- it really was one of those, "You cannot be serious" looks -- I think he learned them from me. LOL!

We both love New Orleans, but apparently, I am not the only one who loves Disney more.

I took a picture on my phone to send to my SIL of Connor in his beads -- I wish I had a video -- he was having a blast and really getting into the atmosphere.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Given my long-standing love of all things Star Wars, it probably doesn’t surprise anyone that Star Tours has always been one of my favorite rides at Disney World.

I remember when it first opened back in 1990 at Disney-MGM how excited I was to experience it! The thought of being right in the middle of all the magic from the movies really seemed just perfect to me even if I was already a “jaded” teenager. (I would have been about 15 or 16 when I rode it for the first time.)

Needless to say, I loved, loved, loved it and have continued to love it even as I have gotten older. The kids feel the same way, and I think I can safely say we have ridden it every single time (sometimes more than once) we have been. Rex has piloted many a journey to Endor for us.

Sometimes those flights were after near-misses with that dreaded AT-AT Walker.

A couple of months ago when I was digging through boxes in my closet, I found a couple of “vintage” goodies from those early years of Star Tours.

The first was a postcard I must have bought.

The second was a copy of Disney News from Spring of 1990. In fact, there was a whole stack of these Disney News magazines, but this one had an article about the brand-new Star Tours attraction filled with all sorts of tidbits.

I never knew before rereading this article that the R2D2 units were actual props on loan from Lucasfilms.

Or that it was George Lucas’ idea for Rex to take a wrong turn and go through the maintenance areas.

Most surprising of all, I never knew the candy of choice in the Star Wars galaxy was M&Ms. Am I the only one who didn’t know this???

Now, we have an entirely new adventure awaiting us when we return to what is now Disney Hollywood Studios.

Connor and I have been eagerly reading all the news that is coming out about it.

New destinations…(Thank you, Scott, for letting me borrow this picture!)

New Pilots…

And most exciting to me, new appearances by some favorite Star Wars characters like R2D2, C3PO, Darth Vader, Yoda, Chewbacca, Boba Fett, Princess Leia (how are they going to do that one???), and Admiral Ackbar.

Admiral Ackbar for anyone who doesn’t know him…LOL!

I am really hoping Disney continues to release tidbits about it as we get closer and closer to the official opening on May 20!

 

[micandminforever]

We are headed out out Savannah for the weekend, until Monday, but I had to check the Dis first. First of all I am so glad I got out of teaching when I did. Georgia says they want the best teachers then tries to drive them off. I can remember when they really push teachers to go back to school.

The campus at Berry is beautiful. I had to take several classes there through staff development and really enjoyed the experience. Plus the classes will be small, and the professors seem to really care.

 

[SoonerGirl]

I love that you have kept so much memorabilia from your childhood! I think I want to come to your house and just look through your closets with you, so much fun stuff!

Star Tours has a tendancy to make me feel a bit but I still ride it almost everytime we go, just have to close my eyes for a good chunk of it! I am looking forward to hearing about all the changes!

 

[MegansMom]

I have to share this update with Tom......he is going to be too excited about the new adventures that await us in July!!!! What a fantastic update......I can't believe that you have all those Disney magazines!!! What awesome mementos of your childhood!!!!!!

I can not WAIT to hear all about your first ride on the new Star Tours!!!!!

Love the Charles story btw......oh how we have converted such "non-believers!!!" YEAH US!!!! Ha ha ha ha ha haaaaa!!!!!! Tom and I were just talking the other day, and he talked once again about how he would much rather go to WDW or DL than the beach---he loves having so much to do! Yeah, he is pretty much whipped! YAHOO!!!!

 

[Mommy2LittleVols]

One day (hopefully today or tomorrow), I will have a real update! I have even put it on my to-do list. LOL!

In the meantime, I have a funny story...

Last night we took the kids to eat at Henry's Louisiana Grill in Acworth. It is a fabulous Cajun/Creole/New Orleans restaurant with an amazing menu. Chef Henry is from Louisiana, and the restaurant makes you feel like you are right in the middle of the French Quarter. Chef Henry visits all the tables and hands out Mardi Gras beads. The place was featured on Nightline and everything. Well, Charles had a craving for it yesterday and secured us an 8:15 reservation. We had been for our anniversary in October, but it was the first time for the kids.

They loved it! Connor was cracking us up all decked out in his beads and dancing away to the jazz music.

Being at Henry's always makes me crave a trip to New Orleans. This morning I said to Charles, "So, we could skip Disney this year, and take the kids to New Orleans." (I must confess I had visions of eating beignets at Cafe du Monde and taking Connor to Preservation Hall to hear real N'awlins jazz.)

Charles gave me the MOST withering look I have ever seen and said, "No."

Alrighty then... Disney it is. (And really, even if Charles had said okay, we all know I wouldn't have been happy giving up Disney and our DIS meets.)

Too funny! I think it's hilarious how the husbands pretend that they only go along to humor us....but secretly love it! Whenever someone asks us about Disney, my DH starts rattling off advice before I even open my mouth.

LOVED the update! That is so cool that you have all of that memorabilia! I kept all kinds of stuff from my first WDW trip back in 2002, but I think it got thrown out one of the times I moved.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I have to agree... I think you have successfully converted Charles!

Love all the Star Wars memorabilia! It's one of my favorites too. I had no idea those old friends were going to appear in the new Star Tours. Now I really can't wait!

 

[jenjolt]

Yup Yup Charles if full blown on Team Disney LOL!! Although taking a trip to New Orleans isn't such a bad idea...someday!!! It is a great city I loved the 4 days I spent there last summer! I stayed right down the street from Cafe DuMonde and it was WONDERFUL...but alas no Disney LOL!!

BESIDES...I need to meet up with you guys again LOL!!!!

Loved the old Star Tours and I'm sure I'll love the new one!! I always got off disappointed I never met up with the Ewoks LOL!! I can't wait to see what new adventure we will be going on!! Thanks for all the lovely new tidbits, I'll leave it to you and Connor to keep me up to date!!

 

[jillyb]

That restaurant sounds very cool! I love me some good Cajun food!

Charles has definitely been converted. Too bad you didn't get a picture of "the look".

We never got to ride Star Tours so that will have to go on the list for next time. Love all the memorabilia!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I have to know if you were planning on trying to get two trips: one to New Orleans and one to Disney...or were you just testing him???

Great reflection on Star Tours... we too are excited for the new version!

 

[Happy Elf]

The restaurant sounds awesome!

LOL at Charles! Way to go for getting him on Team Disney!

Can't wait for Star Tours this summer! I skipped it in 2009 so I am really looking forward to it in July.

 

[IheartDDuck]

That is too funny about suggesting going to New Orleans and getting the kibosh from Charles. My dad would totally do that to us if my mom and I suggested the same thing!

I am so looking forward to the new Star Tours too! I was fortunate enough to ride Star Tours in 1988 when it came out in Disneyland. I loved it then, and was super excited when the opened it in MGM.

 

[manntra]

Aww I can just picture Connor gettin' his jazz groove on!!
Sounds like a great restaurant and a really fun atmosphere

Thank you for your ST trip down memory lane. You sure are good at saving all of your fun Disney stuff. One of these days I will have to get over to my parents house and go through my old room and closet!!
It would be cool if they had a soft opening in the beginning of May when we are there but I am sure it is too early

Tracy

 

[mousescrapper]

Love the New Orleans vs WDW decision and your Star Tours flashbacks love all the old souvies you found, isn't that always the best. I haven't been the biggest fan of the ride but I am eager to check out the new version...love me some good corny SW humor

my first ST memory though is from 1987 we were on vacation in CA and went to DL and I believe it was the new hit ride...we have a picture of us standing in line for it...

 

[Megablocks]

Too funny about Charles!! I need to get my Charles to Disney and hopefully convert him. I have given up on any hopes of honeymooning in Disney, but I am very much hoping to get him to Disney and to convince him that we are not all a bunch of lunatics, that it really is as amazing as everyone says it is!

I love the Star Wars memorabilia; my dad would go crazy over that. And thanks for the picture of Admiral Ackbar! Charles wanted to send an action figure of him to Katie but I could not for the life of me remember his name after that incident. All I could remember was Charles saying, "he's a bad___, that's what!" when I asked who it was. So I would find myself randomly wondering what his name actually was.

 

[Charleston Princess]

We are headed out out Savannah for the weekend, until Monday, but I had to check the Dis first. First of all I am so glad I got out of teaching when I did. Georgia says they want the best teachers then tries to drive them off. I can remember when they really push teachers to go back to school.

The campus at Berry is beautiful. I had to take several classes there through staff development and really enjoyed the experience. Plus the classes will be small, and the professors seem to really care.

Have fun in Savannah!!! Such a beautiful city, and the weather will be perfect this weekend!

It is frustrating to see what the state is doing to education. It just makes me shake my head. I got my masters at Berry -- I love the campus, and there is the added bonus of already knowing many of the people and professors there.

I love that you have kept so much memorabilia from your childhood! I think I want to come to your house and just look through your closets with you, so much fun stuff!

Oh, yes, there are boxes and boxes of stuff that I have saved over the years. LOL!

Star Tours has a tendancy to make me feel a bit but I still ride it almost everytime we go, just have to close my eyes for a good chunk of it! I am looking forward to hearing about all the changes!

Luckily, Star Tours doesn't bother me -- now roller coasters on the other hand are an entirely different story.

I have to share this update with Tom......he is going to be too excited about the new adventures that await us in July!!!! What a fantastic update......I can't believe that you have all those Disney magazines!!! What awesome mementos of your childhood!!!!!!

Oh, you should see all the stuff I have saved over the years! So much stuff...including all my Strawberry Shortcake stuff. LOL!

I can not WAIT to hear all about your first ride on the new Star Tours!!!!!

I have a feeling we will need to ride more than once.

Love the Charles story btw......oh how we have converted such "non-believers!!!" YEAH US!!!! Ha ha ha ha ha haaaaa!!!!!! Tom and I were just talking the other day, and he talked once again about how he would much rather go to WDW or DL than the beach---he loves having so much to do! Yeah, he is pretty much whipped! YAHOO!!!!

I am so glad Charles has quit fighting me over Disney trips.

Too funny! I think it's hilarious how the husbands pretend that they only go along to humor us....but secretly love it! Whenever someone asks us about Disney, my DH starts rattling off advice before I even open my mouth.

LOL! That's great! I don't have Charles quite to that point yet...maybe one day.

LOVED the update! That is so cool that you have all of that memorabilia! I kept all kinds of stuff from my first WDW trip back in 2002, but I think it got thrown out one of the times I moved.

I am a bit of a pack rat...

I have to agree... I think you have successfully converted Charles!

Fingers crossed. Charles could slip back into his anti-Disney stance if I am not careful.

Love all the Star Wars memorabilia! It's one of my favorites too. I had no idea those old friends were going to appear in the new Star Tours. Now I really can't wait!

I am really curious as to how the finished ride will look.

Yup Yup Charles if full blown on Team Disney LOL!! Although taking a trip to New Orleans isn't such a bad idea...someday!!! It is a great city I loved the 4 days I spent there last summer! I stayed right down the street from Cafe DuMonde and it was WONDERFUL...but alas no Disney LOL!!

Charles and I had a great time when we went to New Orleans by ourselves in 2004, but you are right, it isn't Disney. LOL!

BESIDES...I need to meet up with you guys again LOL!!!!

I agree!!!

Loved the old Star Tours and I'm sure I'll love the new one!! I always got off disappointed I never met up with the Ewoks LOL!! I can't wait to see what new adventure we will be going on!! Thanks for all the lovely new tidbits, I'll leave it to you and Connor to keep me up to date!!

Yes, twenty years of riging, and we have never actually made it to Endor!

That restaurant sounds very cool! I love me some good Cajun food!

It's great! The kids had a blast there, so I am sure we will be taking them back at some point.

Charles has definitely been converted. Too bad you didn't get a picture of "the look".

It was priceless!

That We never got to ride Star Tours so that will have to go on the list for next time. Love all the memorabilia!

It's a lot of fun to ride -- I am sure the new ride will be even better!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I have to know if you were planning on trying to get two trips: one to New Orleans and one to Disney...or were you just testing him???

Nope, just Disney for now since Charles squelched the New Orleans idea. LOL!

Great reflection on Star Tours... we too are excited for the new version!

Just a couple of short months away from opening!!! Can't wait!

The restaurant sounds awesome!

It is -- great blend of atmosphere and food!

LOL at Charles! Way to go for getting him on Team Disney!

That's the t-shirt he needs!!!

Can't wait for Star Tours this summer! I skipped it in 2009 so I am really looking forward to it in July.

Oh, yes, with all the new changes, it will be a lot of fun!

That is too funny about suggesting going to New Orleans and getting the kibosh from Charles. My dad would totally do that to us if my mom and I suggested the same thing!

Disney is just a hard act to follow, I guess!

I am so looking forward to the new Star Tours too! I was fortunate enough to ride Star Tours in 1988 when it came out in Disneyland. I loved it then, and was super excited when the opened it in MGM.

I remember really wanting Star Tours to open at MGM after reading about it at Disneyland.

Aww I can just picture Connor gettin' his jazz groove on!!
Sounds like a great restaurant and a really fun atmosphere

Connor was thoroughly enjoying himself, that's for sure! LOL!

Thank you for your ST trip down memory lane. You sure are good at saving all of your fun Disney stuff. One of these days I will have to get over to my parents house and go through my old room and closet!!
It would be cool if they had a soft opening in the beginning of May when we are there but I am sure it is too early

Tracy

I saved a lot of stuff from my childhood -- there are boxes and boxes of it in our closet.

I hope it does a soft opening, too, so you can give me an advance preview!

Love the New Orleans vs WDW decision and your Star Tours flashbacks love all the old souvies you found, isn't that always the best. I haven't been the biggest fan of the ride but I am eager to check out the new version...love me some good corny SW humor

my first ST memory though is from 1987 we were on vacation in CA and went to DL and I believe it was the new hit ride...we have a picture of us standing in line for it...

I was really kind of surprised that Charles didn't even play along with that one.

Yes, corny Star Wars humor is the best!!!

Too funny about Charles!! I need to get my Charles to Disney and hopefully convert him. I have given up on any hopes of honeymooning in Disney, but I am very much hoping to get him to Disney and to convince him that we are not all a bunch of lunatics, that it really is as amazing as everyone says it is!

Yes, we need to work on getting your Charles on the Disney bandwagon!

I love the Star Wars memorabilia; my dad would go crazy over that. And thanks for the picture of Admiral Ackbar! Charles wanted to send an action figure of him to Katie but I could not for the life of me remember his name after that incident. All I could remember was Charles saying, "he's a bad___, that's what!" when I asked who it was. So I would find myself randomly wondering what his name actually was.

I love Charles' comment about Admiral Ackbar! Too funny!

 

[Native NYer]

I'm so excited about the new and improved Star Tours! I wondering about the lines. I have a feeling TSM wont be as crowded once Star Tours reopens.

 

[Happydog]

Great update! Loved all the info on Star Tours. It will undoubtedly be amazing. When you think about the progress technology, etc. has made, they can do so much more... And I agree with Michelle, you have some amazing memorabilia!

So "no" to New Orleans, huh??!! Well I am sure that is partly because it would require a whole new phase of planning, and at this point I bet Charles is relieved to know he "knows" his vacation destination!!! New Orleans has a lot of character. You know, you could ALWAYS get him to go to DisneyLAND, and then you can get a taste of NOLA as well as Disney... HA! BUT sadly the food and beverages would NOT be the same!!! I never ate so well...

Michelle, keeping your eyes closed MIGHT also make you more queasy btw.... I have heard if you sit in the middle, and you stare straight ahead and keep your eyes focused on what is happening, you may actually be less ill, because your eyes and brain are "communicating" -- when I have read accounts of sea sick, etc., they say it is because your body cannot place the motion it feels to what it "sees" and so it causes havoc with your sensory system. I know I always panic that I will be nauseous when I ride any motion ride, but if I stare straight ahead and hold on!!! I do fine on Star Tours! But I still will NOT ride Mission to Mars....