All Villa No Filler - Day 8: Star Wars Guided Tour and Dessert Party

[Stewboy]

The Index

Saturday 29th July 2017

So Kimberly was heading back West today. It had been fun having her stay with us; and Jo definitely enjoyed spending a couple of days with one of her best friends.

But now it was time to take her back to MCO. Her flight was 11:40am, so by 9am she was ready to go. Isabella was still asleep, so Jo was going to stay behind.

After Jo and Kimberly said their goodbyes we were on our way. This was going to be a bit of an adventure for me; I’d never driven more than about 10 minutes on my own in Florida! Having been back and forth a few times on this trip I think I knew the way by now (although I’d still have Google Maps on just in case!).


Kimberly was enjoying her imaginary cup of tea

The drive was uneventful. Kimberly was telling me about how difficult it is to drive for real in America, not just as a tourist. Each state has their own rules, and driving in a city - San Francisco - is a bit different to driving out in Florida where there’s so much space!

It was about 10am when we arrived at the airport; Terminal B parking garage again. I dropped her off by the elevators, as she needed to check in. I then found a parking space so that I could pop into the terminal to use the restroom, and get Wi-Fi (for Google Maps) before I made the drive back.

As I was quick there was no charge for parking and I was soon heading back down the I-4 towards home.

I was back at the villa by 11am. Jo and Isabella were both ready for lunch; we were heading to Applebee’s at Berry Town Center.

It was quiet inside, and we were seated and a server immediately came over. As we’d only just sat down, we sent her away with our drinks order.


Although it was lunchtime Jo decided it was probably too early for a real drink

When we were eventually ready to order, it took her ages to come back. When she finally did arrive Jo and I ordered ‘Two Entrées + One Appetizer’ for $20.

We got the Mozzarella Sticks to share and the following mains:

Me: Sirloin Stir-Fry (USDA Choice top sirloin, stir-fry veggies, dumpling sauce and wonton strips served with white rice.)

Jo: Spinach + Artichoke Chicken Cavatappi (Fried spinach leaves, artichoke, cavatappi pasta, grilled chicken breast, Parmesan, and grape tomatoes.)

Isabella got her own Mozzarella Sticks as a side for her corndog.


Sirloin Stir-Fry


Spinach + Artichoke Chicken Cavatappi


Mozzarella Sticks


Isabella loves a corndog

The food was ok, I enjoyed mine more than Jo enjoyed hers. Our server was nice, but really slow. It wasn’t busy in the restaurant but she kept disappearing for 10-15 minutes at a time, and when we wanted to pay up and leave she was nowhere to be seen.

When we were eventually able to pay the cost was $34.32 excluding tip.

It was time to make the short drive back to the villa, and get changed before heading back out to Hollywood Studios for the day, where we would be experiencing 7 hours of Star Wars fun on the Star Wars Guided Tour: I couldn’t wait!

I’d created some special t-shirts for today which was the reason we stopped back at the villa. Once we were changed we drove to the park, arriving at about 1:45pm.

After parking up, we got the tram rather than walk as it was a really hot afternoon. Check in for the tour was at 2:30pm so with some time to kill, we first got ourselves a PhotoPass photo to show off the tees.




Jobi-Wine Kenobi, Darth Small, and Stewbacca

We caught a bit of the March of the First Order before browsing the shops until just before check in time.

Check in time arrived, and we headed to the Great Movie Ride - check in was outside the Chinese Theatre but when we got there we were told to come back at 3pm.

We wandered down Commissary Lane to kill more time, and bumped into our old friend Goofy!






The Goof...er... goofin' around

It was too hot to wander aimlessly, so we turned around and headed back to check in only to find lots of people had checked in during the 10 minutes we’d been gone!


Jo creating her own windswept look...


Isabella was a big fan

[Stewboy]

As we were checking it, the weather took a sudden turn, and it absolutely hammered it down! Fortunately one of the perks of the tour was that we were given three free Disney ponchos, worth about $10 each. We also got given a bottle of water each, and our name badges written in Aurebesh (the Star Wars language). It also included our planet - Isabella and I were excited to be from Mustafar. Also at check in they took our food order for our dinner at Backlot Express.


A light shower


Jo rocking the poncho


"This just in, ponchos are in this season"


Not sure I pull off the poncho look like Jo does

Now that all that was done, and once everyone else had turned up and checked in, we were led inside into the Chinese Theatre out of the rain, which was still pouring down.

Our tour guide Julie gave us all a whisper unit each so that we would be able to hear her talking as we went on the tour. We were then introduced to our other guide Josh, and after a few minutes of intros we were ready to start the tour.

Back outside the rain had all but stopped, and we headed to the first stop on the tour, The Path of the Jedi. As we waited to be let into the theatre for our exclusive viewing Josh gave us some history about Star Wars sound effects and Skywalker Sound (the theatre showing The Path of the Jedi used to house Sounds Dangerous), I won’t spoil any of the stories for you but it was interesting stuff.

Path of the Jedi isn’t something we’ve watched before, and we all enjoyed it. If you’ve not seen it, it’s a 10 minute film using footage from all the Star Wars films in order to tell the story of the fall and return of the Jedi.


Star Wars Experience Selfie

Next stop was the park entrance to wait for the arrival of Captain Phasma and her Stormtroopers. As we made our way through the park we heard more interesting Star Wars related stories, this time talking about the long term connections between Lucasfilm, ILM and Disney.

On Hollywood Boulevard we walked past some of the Citizens of Hollywood. The film director, Oscar Meyerweiner, saw me pushing Isabella in the stroller and called out, in his best film trailer voice:

“Witness a terrifying tale of a young girl who could walk, and a father determined to push her!”

Once we reached the front of the park we waited for the First Order arrival. We were handed more free bottles of water, and chilled moist towels - welcome on what was a very hot day. The guides kept us entertained with more Star Wars stories, and 15 minutes later the First Order arrived!


Waiting for the First Order to arrive

As the Captain Phasma led her stormtroopers passed our position the guides led us in following them as they marched up Hollywood Studios, with the children at the front, and various CMs around us to stop regular guests from joining in the march.








March of the First Order (and Friends)

Having seen the March of the First Order a few times from the sidelines, it was fun to be following them. I would have liked a stormtrooper suit to really look the part, although I may be a little short for a stormtrooper!

When we reached the stage area our party were led to a viewing area to watch the end of the march where Captain Phasma appears on stage, says some intimidating words, gets her stormtroopers to intimidate the crowd, then heads back down Hollywood Boulevard.






Captain Phasma is such a show off


Jo was impressed


"Ok I'm done, let's go"

At that point we let them go and stayed in the viewing area in front of the stage, where we got yet more bottles of water, and were told we had about 15 minutes until the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show began.

After a quick trip to the restroom, it was time for the show. This is another show we’ve never seen, at least not properly; we’ve watched half of it from half way down Hollywood Boulevard before. We got to see all the characters up close, including Darth Maul, Chewbacca and Boba Fett. Rey makes an appearance, which I believe is new, as - no doubt - are the Death Troopers.


"I am C-3PO..."


I've just about had enough of you. Go that way. You'll be malfunctioning within a day, you near-sighted scrap pile.


"Rarrrgh! I've got my legs back!"


"Now, has anybody seen Ewan McGregor?"


RRRAARRWHHGWWR


"Yes, I got out of the Sarlacc!"


"Did he say quarter past or quarter to?"


"Shhh he's here!"


"I told you quarter past!"


"Yoo-hoo, me again"


"I'm not as handsome as Harrison Ford, that's why I wear this mask and I'm really angry"


"Snnnkkttzzznktttp"


Luke/Ben/Han/Leia/<insert guess here>'s daughter"


"Is this canon?"

The show was over, the time was 4:45pm, and our next stop on the Star Wars Tour was Star Tours. We were led over to the ride, and taken in via a special entrance.

Once again we ended up on Naboo - one of the guides actually joked that everyone ends up on Naboo, but I know that’s not true!

Star Tours was over, and now it was time to eat. Our guides led us from the ride into a reserved area of the Backlot Express. Each table had a place name that corresponded to the planet names that were on our name tags. As mentioned earlier, our planet was Mustafar (the location of Anakin and Obi-Wan’s duel at the end of Episode 3, and Darth Vader’s ‘home’ in Rogue One), but other guests had different planets.


Mustafar, minus the lava

Our food came out soon after being seated, we had ordered the following when checking in for the tour:

Royal Guard Burger - 1/3 lb Angus Beef Burger, topped with Barbecued Brisket, Pepper Jack Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato and Pickles on a Dark Bun served with French Fries

Caprese Sandwich - Marinated fresh Mozzarella, Vine-ripe Tomatoes, Herb-cheese Pesto, and Arugula on Ciabatta Bread served with French Fries

Dark Side Chicken and Waffles - Darth Vader Waffles topped with Chicken Breast Nuggets served with Maple Syrup


Royal Guard Burger


Caprese Sandwich


Dark Side Chicken and Waffles


The reserved area


The paper the food came on

The food was really nice, and as we finished up we were visited by a couple of stormtroopers. They went round the tables, and interacted with all the guests on our tour. Isabella was questioned, they must’ve suspected that she was the rebel spy they were looking for a few days ago!




"Hey, are you that rebel spy we were looking for?"


"Was that the droid we were looking for?"

[Stewboy]

Dinner was finished at 6pm, and now it was time for the Jedi Training Academy. All the kids and their parents went off to the Jedi Academy check in behind Indiana Jones. The kids were sorted into two groups, R2-D2 & BB-8, all of the kids in our tour were in the R2-D2 line (I think) which turned out to mean that they would duel with Darth Vader.


Isabella made a friend

Once all the kids were sorted they were given their Jedi robes, and some instructions. After about half an hour, the two stormtroopers showed up again - of course there’s no way of telling if they were the same ones or not. They were to lead the procession of young Jedi over to the Jedi Temple.


These two again...


"What you looking at?"


Ready to march

As the group made their way through the park they did a call and response with one of the guides: “We are one with the force/The force is with us”.

At the temple, the younglings lined up in their lines, and the parents were handed photocards that would have all the photos from the Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple show loaded on to.

The guests on the tour got to watch from next to the stage in a reserved viewing area. After a little intro scene with a couple of the Jedi trainers, the younglings are brought up onto the stage; one group (including Isabella) onto the top stage, the other group on the lower stage. They all got to choose their lightsaber (Isabella went for blue), and then they were shown a series of moves.


Talking to a Jedi

Another scene followed which resulted in the two main Jedi asking the younglings to help them in opening the temple door, Isabella really put everything into it!. When the door eventually opened out walked Darth Vader, followed closely by the Seventh Sister - an Inquisitor (charged with tracking down remaining Jedi) from the Star Wars Rebels animated show. It’s a great show from the same team that did the Star Wars: Clone Wars show. It’s set between Episodes 3 and 4 with some crossover with Rogue One. Isabella and I had just started season 3, so she knew what was what.


Feeling the force




Learning the moves


Ready to fight


Darth Vader


...and friend








Darth Vader v Darth Small

The Seventh Sister headed down onto the lower stage, which meant that everyone’s favourite Sith Lord (unless you’re a Maul fan - I’m split…. ) would stay on the main stage, and Isabella would get to fight him!

One by one the kids came up to fight Darth Vader - following the instructions as called out by their Jedi trainer.

Another scene followed, and all the younglings were encouraged to join the Jedi in pushing Darth vader and the Seventh Sister back into the temple. However, once that threat was banished, a new one emerged: Kylo Ren!




Force push!


Kylo Ren!

Once again the younglings aided the Jedi in banishing Kylo Ren back into the temple, and once again Isabella was really into it!

The show was finished now, it had been about half an hour altogether. Isabella had really enjoyed, as had Jo and I. Once they’d handed back their robes and lightsabers they were given a special badge (and a small bottle of water) for taking part.


Isabella and her badge

The time was now just gone 7pm, and it was time to head into the Star Wars Launch Bay, where the first thing to do was to head into the Star Wars Launch Bay Theatre to watch a behind-the-scenes video.






Into the Launch Bay

After the film, which we’d seen before but now had new footage and interviews in it, we were back in the Launch Bay. The guides gave us a tour of the props, and also shared some more Star Wars related trivia.

Twenty or so minutes of looking around, we were taken out into the courtyard where we were offered free drinks - to no one's surprise Jo had a cocktail!


Jo finally got that drink

The time was 7:50pm and the tour was essentially over. We still had the dessert party, and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular to enjoy.

The dessert party started at 8pm, and the people from our tour group joined the other dessert party guests. While Isabella and I went to the restroom, Jo found a standing table, and tucked in. She started off with some Nutella Frozen ice Cream, and a Water Melon Dark cocktail to drink.

Isabella and I returned, and all three of us hit the buffet getting a mixture of both sweet and savoury (the pitta bread with dips was especially tasty). We all got more cocktails; Jo had a citrus punch, swamp milk, and two margaritas; I had just the one citrus punch. At this point of the evening (about 9pm) my phone ran out of battery, so Jo’s phone took over photo duties.


Dessert party food


Dessert party drinks




Cheers!


Stormtroopers again!

In the midst of all the food and drink we took the opportunity to meet the characters. As guests of the tour we got in to see the characters via the FastPass line. First up we got to meet Chewbacca, I showed him my Stewbacca t-shirt, and both Jo and I enjoyed getting a hug with Chewbacca. Kylo Ren was next, he liked Isabella’s Darth Small t-shirt, but nobody attempted to get a hug. Lastly we met BB-8, who was fun, but I think he was a bit wary of Isabella’s t-shirt.


This doesn't need words!


Chewbacca and Stewbacca


Chewie meets Darth Small


Love Chewie!


Keeping our distance, just in case he threw another hissy fit


I think Isabella was an agent of the First Order all along!

We went back out into the casino where the Jawas were wandering around (for the last time, as we later found out) and got some photos. Our old friends the stormtroopers wandered through and interacted with various guests.


Ootini!


We didn't know it was their last day in the Launch Bay

It was now time to head back into the dessert party and had some more sweet things. We also grabbed a couple of cans of coke to take with us, and a decaffeinated coffee to drink now.

At about 9:10pm it was time to start finishing up and get ready to head to the reserved viewing area for the fireworks. As we waited we got chatting to a CM called Sam, who was a big fan of Kylo Ren. Her name tag had her home planet on it (as all the CMs in the Star Wars related attractions do), she was from Mustafar like us!


Isabella and Sam from Mustafar

At 9:15pm we were ready to go, being led by the stormtroopers (again). As we left the dessert party everyone was handed a TIE fighter popcorn bucket. Once we reached the area the projection and fireworks show on and above the Chinese Theatre began soon after.


















Star Wars fireworks and projections

The show was really good and being in the viewing area gave us a great view of everything. It really was the perfect end to a really fun, but tiring day.

Once the show was over, we left the viewing area, and headed out of the park. The time was about 9:45pm. We got back to the car, and drove home, making a stop at the 7/11 at Champions Gate to get some petrol - no dramas this time!

It was 11pm when we got home. We all went to bed straightaway.

The Star Wars Tour was a great experience. It cost us $121 each, which we thought was good value considering everything that was included. Unfortunately the tour is changing; they’re removing the dessert party, and from the beginning of October the tour now will take place in the morning rather than the evening. The price is due to go down to $92.95, which we feel is not as good value as what we paid.

Hope that you’ve enjoyed our Star Wars day, TFR!


Isabella's TR day 8

[nanasamboy]

Yay! Star Wars tour time! I love the shirts you made, they are so cute and funny! Why don't you have an etsy store already?!

Yup, Rey is new. I like that show, it's fun and I lost my mind when BB-8 came out because obviously I love all the cute droids. I am loving the captions on the show pictures!

Aww Isabella is quite the little Jedi! Although I'm still miffed they don't let adults take part. Although, if they are anything like me, they'd probably get too excited, wallop DV with the light sabre, kick him in the squidgies and run away in triumph. So that's probably why...

Oh that's a shame, that they are removing the dessert party from the tour. That would be the biggest pull for our family (not just cos we are piglets!) because it makes it a little bit more special and is a chance to cram some more Star Wars into the day

Thanks for sharing, that looked like a super fun afternoon and evening

[ShezMcQ]

I’ve been waiting for this trip report day since you first announced you were going to do it in the pre-trippie. Thanks for another great day.

Such a shame they’re changing it. I too would have gone for it if the dessert party were still included as it seemed the perfect way to end the day.

Looking forward to the next instalment.

[Mexy02]

Looks like you had an amazing day . Some great photos

[Unexpectedpenny]

LOVE your personalised t-shirts, especially Darth Small - amazing!
7 hours of Star Wars sounds like a perfect way to spend the day.

Brilliant captions for your show photos

I would have loved Jedi training (I would love it now, they should have an adult show occasionally!) and Isabella looked like she did brilliantly.

[Zomax25]

What a great day. Your t shirts are great! I don't really like Star Wars, but my husband and eldest are massive fans so I am starting to be won over. My eldest adored doing the Jedi training and she was first up to fight! And their photos of her were great too!

[The Fatadder]

This constant ending in Naboo is getting very annoying, wouldn’t be so bad if the starship would splatter a few of JarJar’s kin over the windscreen...

T shirts were brilliant

[Col&Ali]

Aww, memories of my Ry taking part in Jedi training when he was 8 ... he’s 17 now!

Looks like you had a fab day