Disney's Hollywood Studios

This trip, we had timed it so we would be at Disney for Star Wars Weekends.  Basically, this is when Disney has special events at Hollywood Studios involving Star Wars.  There are celebrities to sign autographs, a special parade, and people {like tourists} walking around in Star Wars get ups.  It's kinda creepy to be honest, but the boys thoroughly enjoy it.  Storm troopers guard the entrance, Darth Vader, Chewbacca,  Annakin, and Obi Wan are in meet and greet spots for autographs, and Minnie and Mickey are dressed in their Star Wars costumes, too.

Anyway, we hit this park on Sunday, knowing it was Star Wars Weekend.  We didn't make it in time to sign up for the Jedi Training Academy, much to the boys' disappointment.  However, we did get to see the first Indian Jones show of the day.  After this, we made our way onto Star Tours.  

I have to say, not my favorite ride. Simulation rides usually don't bother me, but I always feel like I'm gonna lose my breakfast after riding this one.  Alas, the things we do for our kids.  So, Derrick stayed back with Natalie, and Keith, Patty, Darragh, and I rode with the boys.  Next it was on to Toy Story Mania....one of our favorite rides in all of Disney World.  Natalie even got into it and was shooting at the games.  She had a lot of fun on this one.  We did lunch at ABC Commissary, which was rather good.  This park was super crowded this day, because of SWW, so we decided to divide and conquer.

We did the Disney Junior Live on Stage, again something Natalie thoroughly enjoyed.  All her favorite characters from Disney, Jr. were right in front of her eyes.  Jake and the Pirates, Little Einsteins, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse all did numbers from their shows.  She was clapping her hands, having a great time!  While we were in the show, Keith, Patty and Darragh stood in line for the Little Mermaid Show.  We were trying to do as much for Natalie as we could while she was still awake.  We all loved this one, too.  The shows at Disney are definitely awesome...short Broadway versions.  By this time, Natalie was ready for a nap.  

It started to rain and storm, so we got on the Great Movie Ride.  Granted, not the most exhilarating attraction at Disney, but I have to say I love it.  It's so fun to ride through the scenes of the classic movies, and the Wizard of Oz one is my favorite.  Alien.....not my favorite.  We exited this attraction in time to hit the Lights, Motor Action Stunt show.  

Disney really needs to run this show more times-it only performs three times a day.  So, we made it to the last one....and just as it started, it began to thunder and lightning.  Yea, that was  GREAT experience packed in with freaking out people, most who weren't speaking English, on aluminum bleachers.  But, we survived.  Since the show was cancelled, we started to make our way toward Tower of Terror.

 Now, the boys have NEVER ridden this ride, and refuse {loudly} to do so each time we visit Disney.  But, Grandma Patty can get them to do anything, and the promise of a pin for their lanyards was an added bonus.  We hopped on, getting a rider switch pass for Derrick to go with them next time.  They were fine in line while we adults chit chatted.  Then, as we got closer to the ride entrance...they started to freak out a little.  It's a free fall "elevator" that drops, stops, goes up, drops a little further, drops again, and then finally drops again to the bottom.  Lucas was hilarious....the picture says it all.  But, I think they'll ride it again, or at least I hope so.  

Since we were right there, we did the Beauty and the Beast show.  Loved it!  Natalie was VERY into it, and captivated the whole time.  I love shows like that.  They're so well done, and the music is awesome.  

Rockin' Rollercoaster was next.  Love this one!!!  Disney only has a handful of rollercoasters, but this is my favorite.  The boys were NOT getting on, because they were chickens.  So, Derrick got them a snack while I rode with my in laws.  Oh my gosh.  Hilarious doesn't even describe it.  Keith was my seat mate.  And he {I'm laughing as I type this now because it was so funny}, was absolutely hilarious. As soon as it took off, all I heard the whole ride was, "Oh  my God!"  "Oh mother!".  "Holy crap!", and on and on.  When we finally stopped, he looked at me and said, "I think I peed myself.".  Oh my.  If you know my father in law, you know how hilarious he can be.  It was soooo funny!  I was laughing so hard I was crying and couldn't stop.  

We decided to call it a night, because it was starting to storm again.  So, it was back to the resort for some dinner and relaxing before our next Magic Kingdom day.