Disney World - Day 6 - Disney Experience

   Right after the kids did the Jedi Training Academy, one of the most magical things that has ever happened to us at Disney occurred.  It was such an amazing experience and not only made our entire day, it made our entire trip.  

    After the kids got off stage, a Disney employee approached Katy and Bryan and said that she wanted to know if Jameson and Ella wanted to be her special helpers and help her find her Star Wars "planet".    Her name was Bree and she was super nice.  Katy and Bryan were confused at first, but she explained she had some extra special surprises for them.  Katy asked if their cousins could come along and she said of course.  The rest of us where inside a nearby restaurant because it was so stinking hot.  Joey came in and said to grab Ashlyn and Dawson because they got picked for something special.  We were all very excited to see what was coming next.  (Gracie was napping, so she missed out on 90% of what came next.)

   The first thing she did, was take us to ride Star Tours.  We didn't have to wait at all and got right on the ride.  She told us she would be waiting for us in the gift shop at the end of the ride.  When we got toe the gift shop, she had presents for the kids.  Each of the kids got a really neat light saber that lit up and a special pair of Mickey Star Wars ears.  What cool gifts they got!

Bree passing out their gifts

These light sabers are quite expensive

Bree passing out presents

   After giving the kids their gifts, Bree asked us if we wanted to go meet her friends.  Of course, we all said yes.  She led the way and we all followed her to the Star Wars area.  When we got there, we went inside and watched a short movie about the making of the Star Wars empire. 

Bree leading the way

Excited to see what adventure awaited us next

Walking to Star Tours

   After the movie, Bree said she wanted us to meet her friends.  We got to go right in and meet Chewbacca. It was kind of neat because there was quite a line to meet him, and we bypassed it all and walked right in and got to meet him.  Chewie was really, really neat and the kids loved him.  He was so tall and very friendly. We had a great time getting some pictures with him. 

What a great picture

He was such a friendly wookie and gave all the kids special cards

Chewie checking out Dawson's light saber

Joey got the best birthday picture ever

Bryan happened to be wearing a shirt that had Darth Vader on it and said something about best father.  Chewie kept pointing at his shirt and acting very confused.  It was pretty funny. 

Our group photo.  Such a great shot of all of us and a such a great job of capturing a wonderful memory.

   After we met the very friendly Chewbacca, Bree said she had someone else for us to meet.  We got to meet Kylo Ren next.  Again, we got to bypass the entire line and go right in and meet him.  Both of the character meeting areas were neat because they were private and no one else was in there.  Kylo Ren is the evil guy in the movies and he did not disappoint.  After meeting the very friendly Chewie, Kylo was very intimidating and very much in character.  It was still a neat experience.  He really did stay in character. 

Kylo talking to the kids

Intimidating the guys

Using our force against Kylo

  After we met the characters, Bree said she had to leave, but she asked us if we wanted a private tour.  Of course, we all agreed.  Our guide, Caleb, was full of Star Wars info and trivia.  He took us around all the Star Wars artifacts and gave us so much information.  We all learned a lot that day about Star Wars.  Caleb was so, so great with the kids and they just loved him.
   We meet some Jabbas long the way that just loved the kids.  They didn' t talk, but the kids had a great time interacting with them.  When our tour was done, Caleb explained he had one more treat for the kids.  They each got to pick out a a special name tag to be engraved with their name.  It was a great final treat to such a special afternoon.
    We all had such an incredible time and it was so neat to be given such a special surprise.  The kids all felt so incredibly special.  We are still not sure why Bree picked us, but I am convinced it was because Jameson was so darn cute practicing his Jedi moves before and after the training.  We will never know, but it was such a great experience that we will be talking about for years to come.  The kids repeatedly said it was one of their favorite parts of the trip. 

Hanging out with a  Jabba

They were pretty entertaining

The Star Wars drink stop

The force is very strong with this group

   Shortly after our wonderful afternoon, we had another very special event to attend.  This was a planned event and something we were all very excited for.  You can pay extra to go to a Star Wars dessert and fireworks party.  We all thought it looked like a lot of fun, so we bought tickets for the event.  It was definitely a very fun event . 

Checking in for our event

  They have a special area for the dessert party.  It was full of every Star Wars themed dessert you could think of.  They also have a few savory options as well.  They also had special Star Wars themed adult drinks as well.  They all stuffed our selves silly with so many delicious desserts.  It was definitely fun to eat that much dessert.

Some of the desserts

The kids enjoying all their treats

This was freeze dried nutella that they had.  It was very interesting and quite delicious. 

Getting my money's worth

Storm Troopers wear all around

   After we were all stuffed to the gills with desserts, we headed outside for the fireworks.  Part of the package was that we got priority spots for the firework show.  It was a great spot to view the fireworks.  The show was Star Wars themed and absolutely incredible.  It included lots of clips form Star Wars movies.  The show probably lasted 20 minutes and was so entertaining.  It was hands down one of the best fireworks shows I have ever seen. (Second only to other Disney fireworks shows I have seen.)

Waiting for the fireworks

Gracie getting tired

Best view ever

Gracie enjoying the view

Spectacular

Pictures do not do it justice at all

Jameson was using the force during the show

  After the show, we were all exhausted and more than ready to head to bed.  I think we all probably had Star Wars dreams that night after such a fun filled Star Wars day.