Just back today - Highs and yet more highs

[RachaelC]

We just got back this morning from this trip:

virginholidays/the...ars-experience

There were literally no low points, we had the best week we've ever had in Florida and I'm planning to do a full trip report, but the summary of the high points were:

Galaxy's Edge Exclusive Access
We got to experience Galaxy's Edge with only about 250 people there who were on the holiday from 9pm until 10:30pm. It was SUCH a contrast with how busy the world was during the day and was just amazing. We got to sample the blue and green milk, pop in to Oga's cantina and ride on both the rides. If this had been the only special thing included with the holiday then it would have been worth it on its own.

Rise of the Resistance
Everyone on the package got to experience this once as part of the exclusive access, but as we had our 2 year old with us and had to child swap the cast members kindly let my DS come back on for a second time with me. We were literally the only two people on the ride and is something I'll never forget. It's a fantastic ride anyway, and totally immersive, so to be there with just the two of us felt quite intimidating at times!

Caribbean Beach Resort
We had the option of 3 hotels as part of the package - one of the All Stars, CBR or Animal Kingdom Lodge. We went for CBR as it was the middle option and it worked out perfectly for us. We all stayed in Aruba block which was a 2 minute walk from the Skyliner, one of my new favourite parts of WDW. It made it so quick and easy to get to Hollywood Studios and Epcot and was so efficient - we were in Epcot and through bag search/ticket within 30 mins. We were on the QSDP and that worked well for us with a toddler in tow, but I think next time I would be tempted to upgrade to the DDP.

Star Wars Gala Dinner
This is a hard one to describe, but it was a fantastic evening full of photo opportunities with Star Wars characters and a wonderful talk from one of the heads of Imagineering talking about the concept of Galaxy's Edge, their thoughts behind it and how they then brought it to life.

Flights
We flew out of Gatwick on The Falcon and it was brilliant. It was at the first gate that we saw when walking from the departure lounge so we got a great view through the glass which definitely helped build the excitement. The crew really entered the spirit of it, with Star Wars headgear, announcements from "Captain Solo" from the flight deck and special themed pillows! The best bit was getting to the end of the runway, coming to a stop where the pilot said "Punch it Chewie" over the PA system and then we were full throttle down the runway taking off to the Star Wars theme tune. Fantastic and it felt very emotional. My grandfather was part of the LSO who recorded the soundtrack to Star Wars back in the 70s and it never fails to get me to think that I'm listening to him playing even though he's no longer with us. Added to that Warwick Davis was on the flight and he came and spoke to every single passenger - what a top guy he is.

Non Star Wars Highs:

Avatar: Flight of Passage
Our new second favourite ride - loved it and hoping to ride again in the summer

Rainforest Cafe/Landry's Select Club
I was so pleased to have signed up to this before we went - skipped a massive queue at Rainforest Cafe and were sat in no time. DH's meal wasn't great (really tough ribs), but they couldn't do more to make up for it and we had an enjoyable evening there

I said there weren't any lows, but actually I'm lying - the biggest low was that we were only there for 7 nights!

[Scotty]

Sounds great, we saw the Falcon at a gate at MCO on Friday, impressive artwork.

[mrsdjh]

It all sounds amazing - love the fact that the theming started as soon as you were on the plane, and taking off to the theme tune was a brilliant idea. Being on Rise of the Resistance alone sounds fab too.

I'm glad you all had a wonderful time and look forward to reading more about it.

[disneypars]

Sounds wonderful. A true once in a lifetime experience. Glad the crew all joined in and what a star Warwick Davis is.

[smithlane]

Oh wow it sounds like you had a fantastic time Rachael. I know next to nothing about Star Wars but even I would have found it all very exciting!

[Eeyore rocks]

Sounds like you had an amazing time...with Virgin getting into the spirit of the whole experience... did you get any of the salt and pepper pots? If so, I’m really jealous.

[RachaelC]

Originally Posted by Eeyore rocks

Sounds like you had an amazing time...with Virgin getting into the spirit of the whole experience... did you get any of the salt and pepper pots? If so, I’m really jealous.

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Sadly not, we were down the back and they were only for Upper Class!

[Eeyore rocks]

Originally Posted by RachaelC

Sadly not, we were down the back and they were only for Upper Class!

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What a shame, as they were amazing.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

Originally Posted by Eeyore rocks

What a shame, as they were amazing.

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We’re they themed for this flight as opposed to the aeroplane ones?

[RachaelC]

Originally Posted by Mr Tom Morrow

We’re they themed for this flight as opposed to the aeroplane ones?

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Yes, they were branded with BB8 and R2D2 markings! I think they were giving some away via social media too, but sadly I haven't got my paws on any of them.