Visiting Hollywood Studios at Disney World in Florida with our 8-year-old Kidsetter was one of the best days of our life. Apologies up front if you are not a Star Wars fan, this is mostly about all things Star Wars.
We visited the Park twice the first time was for an evening yuletide celebration called Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM Holiday Dessert Party ! We were greeted by friendly Chipmunks and promptly had our photos taken with them.
We were dazzled by the shimmering Lake Echo and enormous Christmas tree.
Our Kidsetter delighted in the holiday-inspired snacks and delicious desserts such as Yule Log Cake, Holiday Cookies, Spiced Bread Pudding.
To end a fabulous party we were directed to the Chinese Theatre to be amazed watching the Wonderful World of Animation !, a holiday spectacular.
This larger-than-life extravaganza features iconic music, fireworks, special effects and state-of-the-art projections that displayed heartwarming moments from some of our favorite Disney films including Bambi, Cinderella and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
The following day we embarked on our full day lining up at 5am to attempt to be one of the first people to enter the park to obtain a ticket to Rides of the Resistance as they capped the ride at 250 people per day. Thankfully we just made the cut off. Phew !
First things first, our Kidsetter had saved up to purchase a storm tropper outfit from Disney’s shop.
After our Kidsetters transformation into becoming a Strom Trooper, we made our way to Galaxy’s Edge to line up for the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Whilst queuing we enjoyed the interactions with the cast.
The anticipation of flying the fastest ship in the galaxy while hurtling through hyperspace was beyond thrilling.
We boarded the Millennium Falcon to be part of a covert mission.
We assigned our roles as we were about to take control of the cockpit. Our Kidsetter allocated himself as the essential pilot.
We were assigned Gunner and Engineer positions.
The engines rumbled as the Millennium Falcon blasts off, pushing us back into our seats when we jumped into hyperspace towards adventure.
After facing danger at every turn we successfully completed our mission – having a blast !
We meandered through Galaxy’s Edge and were approached by a pair of intimidating Storm Troopers.
They promptly recruited our Kidsetter as a fellow Storm Trooper and he became on duty surveilling the citizen’s of Galaxy’s Edge on behalf of the First Order.
He patrolled the village of Black Spire Outpost, a remote outpost on the edge of the Outer Rim Territories on planet Batauu in Galaxy’s Edge with the Storm Troopers.
The storm troopers are quite comical. They along with our Kidsetter became a side show entertainment. Demanding fellow Star Wars crew to be interrogated determining where their loyalties sit.
It wasn’t long before our Kidsetter was ‘one of them’.
Eventually we had to remove our Kidsetter from patrolling to explore other areas of Hollywood Studios. We headed to Lake Echo to see the infamous Indiana Jones Epic Stunts Spectacular. Amazing stunts and movie making magic.
Next, we visited Sunset Boulevard to ride on Rock n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith. Blasting off in a stretch limousine to the rockin’ tunes of Aerosmith. Our Kidsetter was not a fan at all as the limousine went upside down, in the dark at high speed. A parenting faux pax !
We watched Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage located in Theater of the Stars. A stunning production of romance and magic of a tale as old as time in a lavish Broadway-style musical version of Beauty and the Beast.
We then returned to Galaxy’s Edge to as we had pre-booked to hand build a light saber at Savi’s workshop.
We were heading into dangerous territory for our Kidsetter, as had aligned himself with the Dark Side and if he was seen with the “Gatherers” well….
Unfortunately our Kidsetter was caught red handed by Kylo Ren ! He was lucky he wasn’t arrested for treason.
Our Kidsetter told us he was petrified when Kylo Ren sprung him. Poor thing.
The “Gatherers” ushered us into a covert workshop full of unusual parts, whimsical pieces and miscellaneous memorabilia collected from the far reaches of the galaxy.
Under their guidance, we constructed our very own lightsaber and bought it to life through the power of kyber crystals.
Finally, we were ready for anything the galaxy puts in our path!
Next, we boarded a Starspeeder 1000 on the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue ride.
Making the jump to hyperspace on a thrilling 3D space flight to legendary destinations from the Star Wars saga.
Upon leaving the Starspeeder we bumped into a few legends. The first being the beloved Wookiee warrior Chewbacca. Secondly the brave and head strong Jedi Rey Skywalker.
Finally, the hour had arrived for our allotted Rise of the Resistance time. How exciting.
Hidden in the forest outside Black Spire Outpost, the Resistance gathered recruits for a secret mission. They were instantly suspicious of our Kidsetter.
Our transport was captured by an imposing First Order Star Destroyer filled with legions of stormtroopers—and even Kylo Ren!
We had to decide where our allegiance lied, obviously our Kidsetter was First Order all the way.
After a thrilling adventure we had worked up a thirst and visited one of the galaxy’s most infamous watering holes, Oga’s Cantina.
Bounty hunters, smugglers, rogue traders, and weary travelers of all ages come together to refuel, enjoy music, and conduct meetings—no questions asked.
A lady approached us saying she had been observing us all day as a family and loved seeing our interactions with all the crew and how we had immersed ourselves into the atmosphere of Galaxy’s Edge. It was very sweet.
Alas, the clock had struck 9pm and it was time to leave the park. The most phenomenal day – forever etched in our memories !
