The Force is Strong in This One: SWW and Celebration VI, Disney Done Differently

[addictedtonostalgia]

Thanks! Yes, we need to channel his enthusiasm in a creative, positive way. He's been having more seizures. His cough is much better, thanks for asking.

I read Judy's thread that your surgery was successful! Great news!

Well, my surgeon thinks it was a success, but so did my last one. The odds of it working are much better this time though, but I still appreciate prayers! Glad to hear Anakin's cough is better, not at all happy to hear that he is having more seizures.

 

[jmskinner]

Here is the link someone gave me, but I don't think it's through the official site.

http://swc2012.crowdcompass.com/activities

I noticed they added another children's activity, a screening panel.

Yes, the Lego ones are ones we are considering too.

Definately going to the bully panel, I saw on the schedule it was two different days?

I'm confused about the Red Carpet event and Clone Wars preview. Are they at the same place? If you are there for the red carpet are you automatically in line for the preview of the new episode?

Are you getting a special needs badge for Jacob?

They finally got the schedule up on the website. I think you said you copied and pasted everything so you could print it out to go over it. I did the same for DH last night. Boy, that was a lot. I saw a lot that looked like they would enjoy it, but then thought, when are we going to have time to explore the displays.

Looks like both the red carpet event and the premeire are at the same location. So I would think being in line means you see the red carpet event and afterwards head into the theater. I'm thinking we may swing by super early to see if people are in line, if they aren't, we will continue on, but once we see a line, we may hop in it.

No, I'm not getting Jacob a special needs pass.

 

[WDWRids]

We are not in Celebration. But I have been there once. When you go be sure to check out Kilwin's icecream! We love the Kilwin's in St. Augustine. My first time to Celebration the town was in July of this year. All we did was stop for icecream. I had fruit pie flavored. It was strawberry and blueberries in vanilla ice cream with crushed pie crust mixed in there too, in a waffle dish. Patriotic red, white, and blue for July 4th,YUM!!! I'd like to try the Columbia Restaurant sometime. We've eaten at the one in St. Augustine, but not in Celebration. I loved their 1905 salad, they add worchestershire sauce to the dressing and it adds such a zing to the flavor!

The Celebration I was referring to in my post is Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando, August 23-26. We are so excited. This will be our first Star Wars Cenvention.

HA HA - as you can tell I'm not up to date with all is done for Star Wars. Love the movies. That is why I am loving your thread so much. Teaches me so much about what goes on at the parks I'm not aware of. Thanks for the info on the town Celebration. I will have to check those places out. Honestly, I'd love to buy one of the house with the beautiful porches, wake up every morning and have a cup of coffee in a rocking chair then head over to work - at WDW.......that would be the life. Maybe when I retire and just be a greater at the parks. Those CMs all look like they are having fun and I love talking with them!

 

[lovethattink]

Well, my surgeon thinks it was a success, but so did my last one. The odds of it working are much better this time though, but I still appreciate prayers! Glad to hear Anakin's cough is better, not at all happy to hear that he is having more seizures.

Here's hoping it's not just a THINKS and that it is a IS!

They finally got the schedule up on the website. I think you said you copied and pasted everything so you could print it out to go over it. I did the same for DH last night. Boy, that was a lot. I saw a lot that looked like they would enjoy it, but then thought, when are we going to have time to explore the displays.

Looks like both the red carpet event and the premeire are at the same location. So I would think being in line means you see the red carpet event and afterwards head into the theater. I'm thinking we may swing by super early to see if people are in line, if they aren't, we will continue on, but once we see a line, we may hop in it.

No, I'm not getting Jacob a special needs pass.

I did up to Saturday. I have Sunday's left to go. I know. There is so much to do. Saturday we found at least 4 different things we'd like to do, but they all conflict, so we have to pick one of the four.

I was looking at the floor plans of the convention center. I see restrooms, but do you know if they have companion restrooms? Also, did I see correctly? There are ramps to the different levels of the convention center? I'm trying to figure out how to get from one floor to the next since we can't use steps with Anakin.

HA HA - as you can tell I'm not up to date with all is done for Star Wars. Love the movies. That is why I am loving your thread so much. Teaches me so much about what goes on at the parks I'm not aware of. Thanks for the info on the town Celebration. I will have to check those places out. Honestly, I'd love to buy one of the house with the beautiful porches, wake up every morning and have a cup of coffee in a rocking chair then head over to work - at WDW.......that would be the life. Maybe when I retire and just be a greater at the parks. Those CMs all look like they are having fun and I love talking with them!

Thanks! I'm glad you're loving it. I'm loving reliving it!

We had considered Celebration at one time, but our subdivision is also deed restricted. The rules can get crazy, and Celebrations rules are more restrictive than ours. If we ever move again, I want to find a place without deed restrictions. While it does look great to have your mail box match your house, it is a pain to have to ask for permission to repair a fence and get the color of wood approved, etc. Celebration is a charming place. The only downside, we went on a busy weekend and parking was a bear.

Sounds like a great retirement dream, I hope it's realized one day!

 

[lovethattink]

Those Eyes! Roaming and Staying Cool​

The temps were back up along with sticky, sweaty humidity. We missed that overcast sky and cooling rain from the day before. It was time for our ADR at Sci-Fi. Yes, AGAIN. I know, I know. But the place is nice and cool, besides 50’s PTC and Mama Melrose didn’t have any ADRs for the time slot I wanted.

Remember we left off with Anakin over stimulated. His endless rambling and monologue continued as we waited for our car to be ready. Every now and then a wookie noise would escape. Another Star Wars fan waiting on the bench too began to make noises too, which just charged him up more. Another child had a light saber and engaged him in battle. Not the best idea when there are others around and the space is tight. We were able to convince him that this wasn’t the appropriate place. He and the boy began to talk as our name was called to be seated.

As you can see from the picture, he was very hyped up. By the end of lunch he was calmed down and cooled off. Left on our list to see were the roaming characters and Obi-Wan and Beyond. We went back to the back lot to see if any roaming characters were out. Anakin had fallen asleep. We found a cm named Ashley and asked her who would be out and when. She gave us times to return, and said that if we were unable to catch them to find her and let her know. It was a bit before the next character, so Anakin and dh stopped inside One Man’s Dream to let him sleep and stay cool, I wondered off on my own for a bit.

Came back to them and Anakin was awake playing Angry Birds. It still wasn’t time for the character, so I walked him around the Fantasyland Expansion display pointing out different things to come.

Now it was time to head over to see the character. Anakin was very calm and relaxed. I noticed Zam Wesell first and got my phone out to take a picture. She walked smack in between Anakin and dh and they were completely oblivious, I shrugged my shoulders to her, and she stopped us in our tracks.

He was completely fascinated with whatever she wears on her wrist. In the backround, you can see Ashley, the cm we had spoken with earlier! Ashley was to become one of Anakin’s favorite “characters”. They formed a very nice bond by the end of the afternoon!

The next character was to come out in a little while, so we headed back to One Man’s Dream. This time Anakin and I played I spy with my little eye. We took our time with each display until it was time to go back to the back lot area.

This time it was Tusken Raiders!

Earlier we had seen that Ashley Eckstein had a signing for her merchandise.

I had bought two pairs of Her Universe earrings and a shirt. I had been carrying the tag and receipt in my bag in case we got to do this. We discussed what we should do next. Anakin asked if he could get Nikka Futterman’s autograph. We didn’t have a fast pass/wristband for her, so it would have to be a standby wait. There was no way he could handle the heat and sun this day. Dh offered to do that while I took Anakin to the merchandise signing.

Dh went one direction while we headed the opposite.

Would we get there in time to for the signing? Would Dh get an autograph? Who would stay cool and who would not?

 

[addictedtonostalgia]

Yay, an update!

Glad to hear Anakin was able to calm down after lunch and enjoy a few meet and greets. I guess he is fully over his intolerance for One Man's Dream? The pictures of the New Fantasyland model got me excited!

 

[englishrose47]

There is nothing like a Hot Stivky dday to make for melt downs !!!! But sounds like you and DH had it under control!!

 

[lovethattink]

Yay, an update!

Glad to hear Anakin was able to calm down after lunch and enjoy a few meet and greets. I guess he is fully over his intolerance for One Man's Dream? The pictures of the New Fantasyland model got me excited!

He is still upset that the Tom Morrow interactive anamatronic isn't there any more. But he was find going in this time.

The model is very exciting.

Another update coming very soon!

There is nothing like a Hot Stivky dday to make for melt downs !!!! But sounds like you and DH had it under control!!

 

[lovethattink]

Those Eyes Continued​

We left off with parting ways. DH went to check out the stand by line for autographs. Anakin and I went to Darth’s Mall for the Her Universe signing. By the time we arrived the line was at the art work. Anakin began talking to the people in front of us. The one is a friend of Squidward at Universal. He was not a Star Wars fan. I asked him what he was doing at SWW and a signing if he wasn’t a fan. He said that he is a So Raven Fan. Oh well that makes all the sense in the world??!! No, it made no sense to me at all. He explained that Eckstein was part of the So Raven cast and he had been a fan for years and years. Ok, makes perfect sense now! Since he offered he was a friend of Squidward, I asked him where the best viewing area for Universal’s new parade was.

Remember the lizard spotting earlier and searching for it? Well Anakin’s lizard searching buddy was there with his wife. The people behind me were very excited to see him up there. They are huge baseball fans and new him as a baseball player. It was our turn. Right away she made a comment about his wookie sounds at the show. Then she teased Anakin and asked if he likes her merchandise. Her line is exclusively for girl geeks. He said it’s for girls, my mom bought a shirt and earrings. I just want an autograph. He was honest. She asked if he has something to sign, and I gave her the tag from the shirt. Right away the conversation changed from Her Universe to lizards. I have no idea what Anakin said, but he had them all laughing.

I loved the headband that Ashley was wearing. It had a fighter on it. I was so concentrated on getting that in the picture, that I did a very lousy job of centering them.

We finished up with pictures. She asked if he takes acting classes since he didn’t seem to mind all eyes on him. I said no, but maybe that would be a good way to channel his impulsiveness in a positive way.

When we were finished I texted dh that we were done. He said that he didn’t make it that autograph session, but he was close enough that he should make the next one. But it would mean missing the Obi-Won and Beyond. Anakin said that was ok, so he stayed in line and we headed off to see the Gamorrean Guard.

The Gamorrean Guard is one of Anakin’s favorite characters. I didn’t realize this. I had almost forgotten about what he did to Anakin at SWW 2011. Before the Hoopla started, he had grabbed Anakin’s light saber and ran off behind the stage with it. Anakin chased him. We couldn’t go under the ropes to chase Anakin. It was hysterical, but we didn’t know if Anakin was going to stop or not. The guard stopped, gave him his light saber and escorted him back to us.

On our way back to the back lot, we bumped into Anakin’s friend Stephen and his mom. We said hello, but kept moving. We got to the area and the Gamorrean Guard was at the edge of TSM. Anakin got out of the w/c and tried to see him. One after the other people stepped in front of him. Even when it came down to just Anakin left, a group of people walking by, stepped right in front of him. His feelings were crushed as he Guard moved on and he was left standing there alone. He began to tear, when he remembered what Ashley had said. So he started to panic that we had to find Ashley. She was no where to be seen. I asked another CM if they knew where she was. We were pointed to her. She told us to stay where we were and she would bring him over to us when he was finished out there.

As we waited, Aurra Sing came out! Anakin was so scared of her. He was afraid she would give him “the eye”. He said her look is very intimidating.

Before we knew it the Gamorrean Guard was brought to us.

Check out these eyes!!

He just loved this meet! He was in heaven.​

I noticed he was sweating jellybeans, so I started to get out frozen water bottles to cool him down. As I was digging through the cooler bag, I heard this tap, tap, tapping. I look up and looming over me was Darth Vader and his Storm Troopers. I handed the frozen water to Anakin and got out my camera as I got out of the way.

Anakin wanted to find Ashley to say thank you. We asked a cm where she was. She radio messaged to her. Told us she was at Darth Vader’s M&G and was heading our way. We began to walk towards her and met in the middle. Anakin thanked her for helping him see all those roaming characters.

It was time to get in line for Obi-Wan and Beyond, but he was too hot. So I took a detour to the Writer’s Stop. There is one area there were the air conditioning comes down strong. I sat him under that spot and he cooled off quickly. Then we headed to the line for the show. It was very full when we arrived. We had a shady spot under cover, but there was no air. I got out more frozen waters for him. He wanted them behind his back. The pressure relaxed him and he fell asleep almost right away. He had a lot of myoclonic twitching as he slept. He was still sleeping as we entered the theater. A cm was tossing out toys to the kids. She came over to us and gave him a toy. He was still asleep, so he didn’t know this. I put it in his hands, but he didn’t wake up until I woke him up a couple minutes before show time.

Obi-Wan and Beyond is an amazing show. James Arnold Taylor showcases his talent as a voice actor. As I mentioned previously, this was one show we had never seen. I had no idea going into the theater, that this one man and this one show would touch me as much as it did. The main message of this show is pursuing your dreams. I thought about how Anakin’s dreams for SWW really did come true for him. My eyes got misty. As he spoke these words, I felt as though he was he was looking right at Anakin. He said something about people may say you can’t pursue your dreams, but you can. Tears began to stream down my face. He added at times it may seem impossible. Oh, we have been there. I was really fighting crying. He went on explaining how toxic mold nearly destroyed his throat, voice and career. How he never spent so much time on his knees. I could relate to so much of what he was saying. But for me, it wasn’t toxic mold. For me, it was Anakin being diagnosed with a brain lesion which we would later find out was Cortical Dysplasia. Our lives changed in 2010. Taylor’s message gave such encouragement. Doctors told him his voice wouldn’t return as it was, but it did. He gave us encouragement to pursue those dreams of my little guy despite the odds.

A line from the stage show at the castle says, “Dreams come true.” For my young Star Wars fan, his dreams did come true at SWW 2012!!

 

[addictedtonostalgia]

We finished up with pictures. She asked if he takes acting classes since he didn’t seem to mind all eyes on him. I said no, but maybe that would be a good way to channel his impulsiveness in a positive way.

I think that's a really good idea! I can see Anakin channeling his impulsiveness to be really great at improv and comedy, he has a great sense of humor!

Anakin wanted to find Ashley to say thank you. We asked a cm where she was. She radio messaged to her. Told us she was at Darth Vader’s M&G and was heading our way. We began to walk towards her and met in the middle. Anakin thanked her for helping him see all those roaming characters.

Ashley sounds like a fantastic CM, Disney needs more people like her!! Glad you guys found her!

He went on explaining how toxic mold nearly destroyed his throat, voice and career. How he never spent so much time on his knees. I could relate to so much of what he was saying. But for me, it wasn’t toxic mold. For me, it was Anakin being diagnosed with a brain lesion which we would later find out was Cortical Dysplasia. Our lives changed in 2010. Taylor’s message gave such encouragement. Doctors told him his voice wouldn’t return as it was, but it did. He gave us encouragement to pursue those dreams of my little guy despite the odds.

A line from the stage show at the castle says, “Dreams come true.” For my young Star Wars fan, his dreams did come true at SWW 2012!!

That sounds like a very touching show and I'm glad it meant so much to you. I hope Anakin never gives up on his dreams, he's one who can beat the odds, I can tell! What a magical day!

 

[kaoden39]

What great updates!


I got all teary reading that about James Arnold Taylor. He sounds very inspirational.


And for the record Aurra Sing looks intimidating to me!

 

[lovethattink]

I think that's a really good idea! I can see Anakin channeling his impulsiveness to be really great at improv and comedy, he has a great sense of humor!



Ashley sounds like a fantastic CM, Disney needs more people like her!! Glad you guys found her!


That sounds like a very touching show and I'm glad it meant so much to you. I hope Anakin never gives up on his dreams, he's one who can beat the odds, I can tell! What a magical day!

Thanks. It's so wonderful to see a sense of humor developing.

She went above and beyond.

There is still one more part of the day left. Remember I had signed him up for the Padawan Mind Challenge. Up next, did he get there or did we go back to the resort?

What great updates!


I got all teary reading that about James Arnold Taylor. He sounds very inspirational.


And for the record Aurra Sing looks intimidating to me!

Thanks.

You can google that show on youtube, Obi-Wan and Beyond. There is a video on their that someone did in 2011. For our show, we were told video taping wasn't allowed. I found the one on youtube after we got home and that's what dh watched since he missed the show.

She certainly remained in character.

 

[kaoden39]

I did not notice the antennae in her head at first and then I spotted it and needed to look at all the photos again. That did me in. Ouch!

 

[cgncga]

Obi-Wan and Beyond is an amazing show. James Arnold Taylor showcases his talent as a voice actor. As I mentioned previously, this was one show we had never seen. I had no idea going into the theater, that this one man and this one show would touch me as much as it did. The main message of this show is pursuing your dreams. I thought about how Anakin’s dreams for SWW really did come true for him. My eyes got misty. As he spoke these words, I felt as though he was he was looking right at Anakin. He said something about people may say you can’t pursue your dreams, but you can. Tears began to stream down my face. He added at times it may seem impossible. Oh, we have been there. I was really fighting crying. He went on explaining how toxic mold nearly destroyed his throat, voice and career. How he never spent so much time on his knees. I could relate to so much of what he was saying. But for me, it wasn’t toxic mold. For me, it was Anakin being diagnosed with a brain lesion which we would later find out was Cortical Dysplasia. Our lives changed in 2010. Taylor’s message gave such encouragement. Doctors told him his voice wouldn’t return as it was, but it did. He gave us encouragement to pursue those dreams of my little guy despite the odds.

A line from the stage show at the castle says, “Dreams come true.” For my young Star Wars fan, his dreams did come true at SWW 2012!!

Sounds like a great show and a great message. I can see how it would make you emotional. It sounds like the whole family had a great time at SWW, too.

 

[lovethattink]

I did not notice the antennae in her head at first and then I spotted it and needed to look at all the photos again. That did me in. Ouch!

Lol. How about her long fingers? Did you notice them?

Sounds like a great show and a great message. I can see how it would make you emotional. It sounds like the whole family had a great time at SWW, too.

Yes, it was a great time for the whole family.

Now we are getting excited for our next Star Wars adventure, Celebration VI!

 

[KatMark]

Terrific updates, Tink. Love that extra pixie dust from Ashley.

 

[kaoden39]

Lol. How about her long fingers? Did you notice them?



Yes, it was a great time for the whole family.

Now we are getting excited for our next Star Wars adventure, Celebration VI!

Okay, no I did not notice and went back to look. I wonder how they do that?

 

[lovethattink]

Terrific updates, Tink. Love that extra pixie dust from Ashley.

Thanks. She is a very special cm!

Okay, no I did not notice and went back to look. I wonder how they do that?

I have no idea.

 

[lovethattink]

We were heading towards the exit when Anakin realized he was signed up for the Padawan Mind Challenge. He really wanted to do this. Dh and I had some concerns; the steps going up to the stage, would the kids be patient with his slow going up and needing help down?

We turned around and headed to Sounds Dangerous to check him in. I asked about the steps. They assured me there was no problem, one of us could go back stage with him, or even on the stage.

He made some friends on the way to the stage. One of the boys we'd run into the next day at Epcot and they played the Highland Games together!

One of the stage hands asked me how many steps he can go up and down. I told him he's up to 5 by himself. He said there were more than five steps, and that there is an elevator lift, he can stay in his chair. So I stayed behind stage until the lift was up to the steps and he was up on stage. Then I rejoined the parents.

Anakin noticed that when you get an answer wrong, you go back to C3PO. He answered a question wrong that we knew he knew. He was smiling ear to ear as he went back to C3PO.

In the end, they all won! I went back stage to get him, and there was a different CM there. She quickly stopped me and yelled that I can't be back there. I smiled and told her I was just coming back to get my son off the elevator life. She apologized profusely, but she had no way of knowing, and I'm glad she was keeping guests away from the children.

As the children exited and went to their parents, they were each given a toy. For Anakin, that made the third toy of the day!

As we left the area, we passed by many people already in their spot for watching Hoopla. Anakin was one tired little man. We exited the park and went back to the room.

He went to bed early. As soon as he entered REM he began a cluster of seizures. We gave him his rescue medication and it by the third seizure we saw a change in intensity and duration, and they stopped. Thankfully he went from June 11th to July 30th without any seizures!! The longest stretch he's gone seizure free since his first one on Father's Day 2010.

The next morning he felt perfectly fine. He declared this year's SWW the best EVER!! We checked out of the motel and went to Epcot for lunch. Before we left the park, we stopped into Character Connection where he saw Goofy and told him he was glad to see that he wasn't wearing his underwear on the outside! This brought about alot of giggling, and even some pointing from Donald! The Saga continued and still does as we eagerly anticipate Celebration VI, and what SWW 2013 will bring!

 

[ShortStuff]

How wonderful!! Loved seeing his interaction with the characters and his face so lit up!! Ashley was exactly at the right place at the right time!! What an awesome CM. :

I will look forward to your 2013 SWW experiences!! Thank you so much for sharing your pictures and Anakins story!! I also thank you for some insight on ideas for my grandson.