The End of our Chunky Year of Disney! Dec 2017 TR - NEW 3/21 THE END of our YEAR OF DISNEY

[chunkymonkey]

December 16th: Star Wars Galactic Nights part 2

After we got a picture at the entrance to the future Galaxy's Edge, we stumbled upon K2-SO! The droid with the driest sense of humor from Rogue One.

While we were in line, there was a small crowd forming...turns out that Warwick Davis also got his picture with K2 and was running to the next showing of the Galaxy's Edge panel. It was quick so I didn't get a picture of him but he waved to everyone before being escorted away. He's really cool. He also secretly met with fans over by Star Tours later on that evening - I say secret because it wasn't official he was just walking around and so many people wanted a picture with him that he formed his own line, LOL.

Here's us at K2-SO:

We got more food at Baseline Tap House:

A charcuterie fruit and cheese plate with Yoda pepperoni and C3PO cheese cracker. This was a good use of the food ticket as it was pretty pricey. We also got a Root Leaf Stew with Lamb Chop. It was not bad, not something I'd order again though, sometimes I love lamb sometimes I don't just depends on my mood. Steve liked it though and it was tender.

I really liked the Yoda Pepperoni!
They also had a pizza with Yoda pepperoni but I wasn't sure where to find it. Probably at Pizzerizzo but we didn't really venture that way.

As we were walking towards our Galaxy's Edge panel, we stumbled across some Ewoks near Star Tours. They were so cute but it was too dark to take any decent pictures.

The Galaxy's Edge panel was held in the Indiana Jones theater. If you had the viewing package you got to enter first and pick your seats in the middle of the theater. Our show was the last show of the night and it wasn't too packed IMO.

Warwick Davis introduced the panel:

They brought out a few different people involved with the design and conceptualization for Galaxy's Edge:

You might recognize one or two of the engineers from Lucasfilm from the Star Wars Launch Bay Theater which has that movie about behind the scenes from the Star Wars saga.

So the panel was mostly a discussion on the design of Galaxy's Edge with the engineers and artists. There was nothing really very new coming out of the panel, just maybe one or two new pictures we have not seen before. So the main thing to grasp about the new land is that all the building material going in is very different than what is in the movies. For example the Millennium Falcon will have real metal and more substantial materials whereas the models and stuff used in movies are lighter foam and fiberglass props. They said everything will feel "real" as opposed to just being on a movie set. Can't wait to walk through the Falcon!!

Honestly by the end of the panel we were getting a little antsy because it wasn't as exciting as we hoped. We exited about 5 minutes early so we could do other things in time to get a spot to watch the fireworks. We got this PP pic in front of the Christmas Tree:

We thought it'll have some special magic shot but alas no magic in this shot, LOL.

Then we went to Ach-To which is the island Luke resides on in The Last Jedi. The best part was that you could pose with stuffed Porgs!!! So cute!

Of course Chewie was doing what he does best:

Stop thinking with your stomach Chewie!!

I thought it would be funny if they had one of the menu items be Roasted Porg, and maybe serve roast duck or something, LOL.

Right before the fireworks I managed to score an AT-AT popcorn bucket!! It was at the popcorn stand to the left of TGMR (RIP) when facing it. I'll show it in a pic coming up as it was really dark at that point. We got a nice spot for the fireworks and Steve went to use the last of our food tickets. I told him to get me the Millennium Falcon cupcake which I had been eyeing all night.

He came back with two items and no cupcake. Said that he couldn't find it, even at Starbucks! Boo.

Sorry my pictures are so dark here as we were waiting for the fireworks to start:

This was a Blue Crab Profiterole served with a wasabi-dipped snow crab claw. I think this is a crab version of a lobster roll. I was pretty full so I don't think I had much of this but Steve said it was pretty decent for the price.

And the Frogs Legs,Pork Belly, and Black Ink Noodles:

I don't eat frogs so I didn't touch the frog legs but I loved the pork belly! So delicious. The noodles were ok but I was full so didn't really eat much of them and the pork belly was the best part anyways. Steve ate the frog and said it was ok. Although I don't eat them I was pretty impressed to see frog legs on a menu at DHS in general. Good job at bringing more interesting food items Disney!

Soon the fireworks started. I am not sure what new stuff they added but I think some of the projections are new. I honestly wasn't paying attention that much.

It's hard to photograph the fireworks because they are so wide! I also have some video:

And with that the party concluded...

We did have one more food taste ticket we did not use. It was supposed to be for the cupcake but DH didn't get it earlier and now all the food was closed. We went to guest services to see if we could exchange it for something and the CM working was nice enough to write me a ticket for a freebie cupcake!

Yay!!

As we excited and headed for the boats, we passed by the red carpet that had been set up for the evening. We didn't stop here before when they had PP photographers, but someone was nice enough to get this picture for us and our new AT-AT popcorn bucket!!

It was a really fun party and I was glad we got to do it to close out our Chunky Year of Disney!

Like with any of the paid parties at WDW, it looks like you have to just pick your battle for that evening. Either rides, characters, or photopass ops etc.​

There were still a bunch of stuff I wished we could do that we didn't have time for and we were there for the entire party. We didn't take any character pictures since we were doing all the backdrop pics and the lines for those were quite substantial. Next time I'll focus on character pictures as they had Rey posing with Chewie, and Darth Vader as well over at Launch Bay. I'm sure they had pretty significant waits as well. There were also scavenger hunts, wine tasting (Skywalker vineyards), and other things we could only glance at. Really makes me want to go again the next time the event is scheduled!

Coming up...MK and a decadent dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse​

 

[chunkymonkey]

I just found this report and have read the first page. I'll catch up on the rest later, but I wanted to say congrats on your DVC purchase! Hope to do that one day. My DH is also difficult to convince. Sounds like we need a tour.

I love the photos of the projections on ToT. Beautiful! Probably even more so in person.

Thank you so much!! Yeah I think a tour is in order...hehe, the free FPs and ice cream don't hurt!

The projections on ToT were awesome!!! I loved the sound effects, and the fact they used different projections every few minutes. We spent a good amount of time just staring at it.

Wow!! Congrats on buying DVC! We did a tour when we were there in December and are still talking it over. I'm jealous that you guys made the decision so easily!

The Star Wars Galactic Night looks amazing! That was the last night of our trip and we decided to head to the Magic Kingdom for the evening instead going to HS for the event. I have serious regrets, because it looks like a great time, and the MK was so unpleasantly busy that we didn't even stick around for the fireworks.

Thank you!! It really was a surprise to me, as I thought I would never convince DH to buy.
Hopefully we can be neighbors too!!

Galactic Nights was really fun. There were things that I wished we got to do like ride RnRC again, and take pictures with characters as I know Vader and Rey made an appearance at Launch Bay but we really just didn't have time and before you knew it, the party was over. We spent the majority of time eating and taking pictures of the new backdrops. I guess you have to pick and choose your plan of attack for these sorts of things.

Holy smokes! I'm not very good at this ride. I finally beat Nathan though.

We used to suck then we got pretty good.

Awesome Dismeet!!

It certainly was!

Congrats! That's amazing!! I'm really pleased for you and Steve! Poly also seems a lot more difficult to get DVC reservations at less than 11 months out compared to other resorts, so it's great to have that as your home resort in case you want to stay there again sometime.

Thank you!! It was a great surprise!
I love the Poly and am happy it is our home resort but it does cost a lot to stay there!

How cool! It's the little perks that really add to the experience I'm sure! Like having an AP and getting to go through the AP park entry line.

I know! So cool!
Also at the turnstiles, if you're DVC the mickey head glows purple! I didn't know that!

Oh. My. Gosh. Me. Too. Uggh! Disney is so on top of things most of the time, and this website is just shamefully difficult. It took me hours to get a fairly small number of pictures downloaded from our last trip.

The website is an embarrassment for Disney really. I mean they have a great MDE app, why can't they create a better photopass website?!? I have all these pictures I want to downloand and I've literally be putting it off because it's just such a pain and hassle to do so!

Holy Cow, Su-Lynn! You're a champion for sure! I was just excited when I finally got the cat.

Haha it took a long time to get here, but I'm proud to note that I ALWAYS get the cat!!

Oh man. I have no patience for this, and I'm a ride chicken, myself. Anything where people have no respect for other people's time drives me nuts.

Yeah tell me about it...we were all there for the party and had things to see and eat! We all wanted to ride and get out of there!!!

I loved reading your Galactic Nights report. Now this event is on my wish list.

Thank you! I really recommend it!

I love Food and Wine for just that reason! I love lots of little tastes of a lot of different things. Love me some Tapas too- same reason.

It's the best!! I love all these little treats especially when they are themed to the event!

There's never enough time to do everything at those events, is there?

Nope, never! Wish we could have done more stuff!

Sorry for just making it over here now...I've been a bit MIA on the DIS...but congrats on your purchase! It's funny though...because I thought I remembered reading on one of your TR's that after this year you weren't gonna get AP's again for 2018...and then BAM you are DVC members with AP's lol...(probably just the way it seems from my view having not been around much lol) I am so happy for you though and I'm sure a lot of consideration went into this. The Poly is such a great resort and whether you stay there or not, the amount you guys go to WDW it is for sure a good investment!!!

Thank you!
Yeah I know...I guess I LIED, hahaha. But I really am not going to Disney that often this year. Maybe twice later in the year.

Your trip looks fantastic...and so nice to dream about now while it's so ridiculously cold here!!!

I know...I came back to the cold and it was

Long time reader of your reports but I have been really bad about commenting as I hate typing on my IPad. I do want to say I always enjoy your reports as they are so adult centric. I also love all the details you post and the pix. I know that takes a lot of time and I really appreciate all your sharing.

Hi there! Thank you so much for the kind comments!! I really appreciate it!
I guess most of our trips have been adult centric except for the one we took in August. It's a lot of fun but you do learn all the things that parents have to deal with at Disney and you feel their pain. It can't be easy for them.

Congrats on your DVC points. I am sure you will really enjoy them. We are BWV an VWL owners and love ours.

Looking forward to the rest of your report!

Thank you! Awesome! I love the Boardwalk. I wish we could buy them but they are only available for resale. I love being so close to Epcot!

I'm sorry, I'm just now getting caught up! Congrats on DVC membership. Maybe someday I'll join you . . .
Lol.

Thank you!! Appreciate it!

BTW, I agree with Steve about Figment. The skunk part is just gross and reminds me too much of Stitch's Great Escape when he burps in your face. Rude much.

Haha Steve agrees.

The Star Wars Galactic Nights seems like an interesting event for a big Star Wars fan. Probably not my cup of tea, though all the food certainly looks good!

It really is an event for the fans bit many non fans would like the food!

Found this trip report while reading your Marvel one. Love the pics - and that Star Wars night looks cool. Congrats on your DVC purchase.

Thank you!!! Really excited!

1st, congrats on your DVC Membership!!!

2nd, I love your trip report. It reads so swiftly and then the photos. I like the format you're using. Great job!

I'm jealous of the special Star Wars event you attended. Can't wait to see and read more!

Thank you so much for reading! HEading over to read your PTR now!
Thanks for the kind comments, It really was an awesome trip (but I say that every trip)

Welcome back! I followed you on insta (is that creepy, haha!) and your trip looked amazing! Can't wait to hear more about the Galactic Nights, it looks amazing!

Thank you! Not at all...in fact, do I follow you? Let me know what your insta-name is!
It was an amazing trip to Singapore barring all the flght delays and cancellations. But the food was amazing. I wish I were there right ow.
Galactiv nights was so much fun. I'd totally go again!

 

[macraven]

I’m so enjoying this trip report of yours!

 

[buzzrelly]

Hi everyone! Sorry for the lack of updates, I was on a two week vacation to Singapore for my cousin's wedding which turned into a 2.5 week vacation due to our flights being cancelled both TO and FROM Singapore due to weather (first time from NYC and then going back home while on transit at Tokyo Narita airport which was bombarded with a huge snowstorm for the first time in like 4 years). We had to spend the night in Narita airport. It was rough to say the least, but oh well, we are back home safe and sound and hopefully I will have some updates soon!

Welcome home! Glad you're back safe and sound!

A charcuterie fruit and cheese plate with Yoda pepperoni and C3PO cheese cracker.

That's so cute!

It was a really fun party and I was glad we got to do it to close out our Chunky Year of Disney!

It looks like a lot of fun, but I feel so lost! I have to go back and read what that was all about. It'll have to wait since I'm off to work though!

 

[emilyhuff]

Love it! Not a huge star wars person but the Ewoks and Porgs are just SO FREAKING CUTE! I just love them! I also really love Steve's Chewy costume, you guys are just so cute!

My insta is Emilyyyhuff!

 

[micheleq]

I love all your trip and dining reports so I am sad that your year of Disney is at its end! But congrats on DVC We bought into DVC in 2014 (after some fabulous wine and dinner at Palo on the Fantasy lol) and it’s been the best thing for our family. Our home resort is VGF but we’ve stayed at several others including Aulani. You will love all the DVC options! Join us on the DVC boards!

 

[MeghanEmily]

turns out that Warwick Davis also got his picture with K2 and was running to the next showing of the Galaxy's Edge panel. It was quick so I didn't get a picture of him but he waved to everyone before being escorted away. He's really cool. He also secretly met with fans over by Star Tours later on that evening - I say secret because it wasn't official he was just walking around and so many people wanted a picture with him that he formed his own line, LOL.

Haha how cool! I'd like to meet Warwick Davis. I'm not as much of a Star Wars fan, at least not compared to Nathan. But he's in everything (including Harry Potter, and I'm a huge fan of that!)

A charcuterie fruit and cheese plate with Yoda pepperoni and C3PO cheese cracker. This was a good use of the food ticket as it was pretty pricey.

This is so adorable! Was it any good?

So the main thing to grasp about the new land is that all the building material going in is very different than what is in the movies. For example the Millennium Falcon will have real metal and more substantial materials whereas the models and stuff used in movies are lighter foam and fiberglass props. They said everything will feel "real" as opposed to just being on a movie set. Can't wait to walk through the Falcon!!

Ooh that sounds really cool! Makes sense. What an amazing experience it will be...

I thought it would be funny if they had one of the menu items be Roasted Porg, and maybe serve roast duck or something, LOL.

Although I don't eat them I was pretty impressed to see frog legs on a menu at DHS in general. Good job at bringing more interesting food items Disney!

Yeah, that's kind of surprising! Cool!

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like the rest of the party was very fun! Love the pic with the porgs!

 

[Stasieki]

Not sure how I missed that you started this! Excited to read about your adventure. We were supposed to go this week but moved it up to Labor Day week. Congrats on DVC!!!!!!!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Glad to see you are back. I saw all of your pics on instagram, man that was quite the trip! And seriously, how much vacation time do you get!!! I need to switch jobs!??

And that bag you posted. I love love love it.

Here's us at K2-SO:

So cool!

As we were walking towards our Galaxy's Edge panel, we stumbled across some Ewoks near Star Tours. They were so cute but it was too dark to take any decent pictures.

OMG!!! They were just walking around? Gwen would have died! Me too, a little. they were def my favorite as a kid!

Can't wait to walk through the Falcon!!

Seriously! Andy may cry.... And we almost most def will need to go on our first adult only trip when this opens... And then come back with the girls.

Of course Chewie was doing what he does best:

Ha! Gwen "claims" that is why she won't watch the new movie in the theater.

And the Frogs Legs,Pork Belly, and Black Ink Noodles

That Popcorn bucket is HUGE!!! How did you get it home?

 

[disneyAndi14]

Wow, looks like a great SW evening. There really are many photo-ops and unique things to this event. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Elizabeth Smith]

As we were walking towards our Galaxy's Edge panel, we stumbled across some Ewoks near Star Tours. They were so cute but it was too dark to take any decent pictures.

So, how do you feel about Ewoks? I am definitely in favor of them, but I know that they are controversial. Some people say they were just a marketing ploy, but I know they were essential to the Rebellion's success. (Cute pictures, btw)

They said everything will feel "real" as opposed to just being on a movie set. Can't wait to walk through the Falcon!!

AH! That's so cool! I figured it would be made out of fiberglass or something like that. But real metal? That's so cool!

. Although I don't eat them I was pretty impressed to see frog legs on a menu at DHS in general. Good job at bringing more interesting food items Disney!

Eeek! I wouldn't be willing to try either. But I definitely agree that it's very respectable that they serve them.

Like with any of the paid parties at WDW, it looks like you have to just pick your battle for that evening.​

Yup. At MVMCP we did not meet any exclusive Characters. It just makes it so you feel like you have to go again sometime. Lol.

 

[annie170]

I'm not a big SW fan, but that party looked a great time! Love Steve's Chewie hat and you two are so photogenic!

Out of curiosity, do you display your Disney souvenirs at home? Is that awesome popcorn bucket on display somewhere?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I don’t like frog legs either but other than that, seems like they really went all out in the food dept on this! Love the simple but fun details of yoda pepperoni and C3PO cracker. Too bad the panel didn’t have more exciting reveals. When this opens, DHS is going to be pure insanity. The popcorn bucket looks cool! Love the Ewok photo opp!! Great to hear you’d do this again. Hope they offer more!

 

[wdwnut61]

Meeting K2 awesome and who doesn’t love Yoda pepperoni
Getting to see Ewoks so fun
My favorite picture is you and Steve at Ach-To with the porges amazing
The whole event looks like so much fun thanks for sharing

 

[kastoney]

Welcome home!! Despite all your troubles, I loved seeing all your food pictures on FB. You all certainly ate well!

Speaking of eating well, loving all the different food options they had for you. Did food come with the event or did you have to pay separate for it?

 

[chunkymonkey]

Thanks everyone for the comments! Just adjusting to life again after our 2 week trip to Singapore...also my dad has been hospitalized with kidney failure due to cancer.
It pretty much happened the day we got back home so I've been in and out of the hospital for the past week, even staying overnight which did not help my jet lag! He is doing better but still has a long road ahead. He's in a rehab facility now which is better than the hospital so hopefully he can recover and continue to get treatment in a nicer environment.

I am also really behind on everyone's TRs and PTRs! I really want to catch up so bear with me!

I’m so enjoying this trip report of yours!

Thank you!

Welcome home! Glad you're back safe and sound!

Thank you!

Love it! Not a huge star wars person but the Ewoks and Porgs are just SO FREAKING CUTE! I just love them! I also really love Steve's Chewy costume, you guys are just so cute!

My insta is Emilyyyhuff!

Thank you!! The Porgs and Ewoks are so cute.
Followed you on Instagram too!

I love all your trip and dining reports so I am sad that your year of Disney is at its end! But congrats on DVC We bought into DVC in 2014 (after some fabulous wine and dinner at Palo on the Fantasy lol) and it’s been the best thing for our family. Our home resort is VGF but we’ve stayed at several others including Aulani. You will love all the DVC options! Join us on the DVC boards!

Thank you so much for reading! I will join you all on the DVC boards!
Haha Palo can definitely do that to you...glad it turned out to be a good thing!

Haha how cool! I'd like to meet Warwick Davis. I'm not as much of a Star Wars fan, at least not compared to Nathan. But he's in everything (including Harry Potter, and I'm a huge fan of that!)

Yup!! He was very cool, and very gracious. Hope I get to actually meet him one day!

This is so adorable! Was it any good?

It was a pretty standard fruit and cheese platter but yes it was good The cheese crackers I have seen before. They had them at the Star Wars dessert party. Not sure if they still have them though. Yoda pepperoni was definitely a winner.

Ooh that sounds really cool! Makes sense. What an amazing experience it will be...

I cannot wait!!

Sounds like the rest of the party was very fun! Love the pic with the porgs!

Thank you!! We couldn't resist a picture with the porgs!

Not sure how I missed that you started this! Excited to read about your adventure. We were supposed to go this week but moved it up to Labor Day week. Congrats on DVC!!!!!!!

Thank you so much!! Hope you had a great time Labor Day week! We were actually at WDW on Labor Day and the day after. We did Universal for two days then Disney mostly for food and wine - still have to write about that trip and our Oct/Nov trip!

Glad to see you are back. I saw all of your pics on instagram, man that was quite the trip! And seriously, how much vacation time do you get!!! I need to switch jobs!??

Thank you! Yeah our trip was mostly just...eating! Singapore is known for food, and shopping, but I feel like the shopping was not as good as it used to be (i.e. more expensive now) so all we did was ate!
Haha, yeah I get 5 weeks of vacation which is great. I always think about leaving my company for something more challenging but decided I didn't want to give up my vacation days!

And that bag you posted. I love love love it.

thank you! I was so excted when I saw that Cath Kitson store in the airport. Granted it was a miserable experience having to spend the night there, so this was a small consolation.

OMG!!! They were just walking around? Gwen would have died! Me too, a little. they were def my favorite as a kid!

They were walking around in the area right next to Star Tours, didn't see them anywhere else. They were so cute and little!

Seriously! Andy may cry.... And we almost most def will need to go on our first adult only trip when this opens... And then come back with the girls.

Good idea!

Ha! Gwen "claims" that is why she won't watch the new movie in the theater.

Aww hehe.

That Popcorn bucket is HUGE!!! How did you get it home?

I put it in my suitcase! I have a hardside suitcase so it doesn't break. I know people who use it as a handbag!

Wow, looks like a great SW evening. There really are many photo-ops and unique things to this event. Thanks for sharing!

We had a great time! We loved the unique food items and all the photo ops. I would definitely go again. They are having another one memorial day weekend...not sure if I would go to that as all my experiences at Disney over Mem day weekend have been really crowded.

So, how do you feel about Ewoks? I am definitely in favor of them, but I know that they are controversial. Some people say they were just a marketing ploy, but I know they were essential to the Rebellion's success. (Cute pictures, btw)

How come they are controversial? I thought they were cute and fun, and when I first saw RoTJ I was so young that I just accepted everything I saw and now I can't think of the movie without ewoks!

AH! That's so cool! I figured it would be made out of fiberglass or something like that. But real metal? That's so cool!

Yeah pretty neat! Can't wait to see it!!

Eeek! I wouldn't be willing to try either. But I definitely agree that it's very respectable that they serve them.

I've had frog before but this is before I actually saw the frogs live and once that happened...I pass. It really does taste like chicken though. Haha.
Disney gets points for not serving just "safe" items and getting more unique offerings!

Yup. At MVMCP we did not meet any exclusive Characters. It just makes it so you feel like you have to go again sometime. Lol.

I know! I want to go again so badly! There's one over Memorial day weekend but it gets so crowded at Disney then!

I'm not a big SW fan, but that party looked a great time! Love Steve's Chewie hat and you two are so photogenic!

Out of curiosity, do you display your Disney souvenirs at home? Is that awesome popcorn bucket on display somewhere?

Thank you so much! We had a great time!
Yes I do display my buckets at home! Right now I have a Tie Fighter, the At-At, Han Solo in carbonite, the pink Lotus one, and Cinderella's carriage. I am running out of room though because they are so big they take up so much room on my bookshelf.

I don’t like frog legs either but other than that, seems like they really went all out in the food dept on this! Love the simple but fun details of yoda pepperoni and C3PO cracker. Too bad the panel didn’t have more exciting reveals. When this opens, DHS is going to be pure insanity. The popcorn bucket looks cool! Love the Ewok photo opp!! Great to hear you’d do this again. Hope they offer more!

They really did blow us away with the food offerings. Love all the themed meals which were all tapas sized so we could eat more!
I can't wait until SW Land opens but I guess so does everyone else! It will definitely be insanity but maybe then the Flight of Passage lines won't be 3 hours long? Haha.
They are having another one over Memorial Day weekend! I'd love to go but wasn't planning on going that weekend.

Meeting K2 awesome and who doesn’t love Yoda pepperoni
Getting to see Ewoks so fun
My favorite picture is you and Steve at Ach-To with the porges amazing
The whole event looks like so much fun thanks for sharing

Yada Pepperoni needs to be on every pizza at disney!
Loved seeing the Ewoks.
Thank you! We had a great time and I'd definitely do another one again!

Welcome home!! Despite all your troubles, I loved seeing all your food pictures on FB. You all certainly ate well!

Speaking of eating well, loving all the different food options they had for you. Did food come with the event or did you have to pay separate for it?

Thank you! We certainly ate very well on our trip. Singapore is mainly known for food and not much else, so we can do what we do best, EAT!
At the event the food was separate, but you can buy a "sampler" package which was a pretty good deal if your item cost over 6 bucks which is all the alcohol and most of the bigger items.

 

[MeghanEmily]

So sorry to hear about your dad! I'll be thinking of him and sending love and positivity his way (and yours) in his rehab!

 

[missangelalexis]

So sorry about your dad, sending good thoughts your way!

 

[ONUAtrain]

Hope your dad feels better!!