Star Wars Weekends Part II

Hello this is Shannon and I'm here to tell you about our second adventure at Disney's Star Wars Weekends!

This time myself, my boyfriend Neil and my sister Ashleigh went to Hollywood Studios following the Monstrous All-Nighter at Magic Kingdom. After returning to the hotel (located just outside of Disney) we got maybe 2 hours of sleep before waking up for breakfast and then heading to the park. We arrived at Hollywood Studios around 9:45am.

This time we decided to try to make some goals since the first time we didn't get much done the previous Star Wars Weekend. So rule No. 1 when going to Disney to get stuff done (especially when it's busy because of a special event) is to make a list.

Todo List

1. Get pictures with Darth Vader (The best character in Star Wars!!!)
2. Get pictures with Darth Maul
3. Get pictures with other characters that we come across in the Empire areas
4. Ride the new Toy Story attraction
5. Go to Magic Kingdom to get my new cards

After grabbing a map we located the Imperial areas (There's only 3...Disney must be full of Jedi's vs Sith) so we started making our way to the back section which happened to be Pixar Place. On the way we found the previously unknown Toy Story ride. This is a busy one so rule number 2, if you want to ride the Toy Story ride get a fast pass quickly! Now we had to return at 4:15 just to go on the ride.

We found the Imperial areas and took some pictures without characters. To kill some time we went through a walk through about Walt Disney which we all enjoyed. It's accompanied by a little movie at the end (the history behind things was cool to learn about). If you don't care about the history this is still a good place to cool off from the heat.

After this we discovered that Darth Vader was out, but the line was huge! Instead we went to the Darth Maul line and got a picture with him. We weren't that thrilled with the picture, but Darth Maul just glared at you. While in line we met some seasoned Star Wars Weekend ladies who told us we should still try going in the Darth Vader line afterwards, so we listened. It was probably an hour before getting to the top of this line (with Darth Vader having to go back to check on the Death Star a few times, he even seemed shorter when he came back at one point).

Finally our turn came and now rule number 3, don't just stand next to Vader and smile! Be creative! For myself a loyal Sith bowed before the mighty Lord Vader. Ashleigh though a Jedi Master assumed she could defeat Darth Vader, but she does not know the power of the dark side! While trying to use his own attack against him (the force choke) Vader merely stood glaring at her knowing he was too strong. After Neil taking these epic pictures we moved on and were lucky enough to stumble on Boba Fett coming out. I must say again be creative, for Boba Fett we decided to do a Charlie's Angels like picture, but little did he know we would turn on him( Receiving a much deserved gasp from the crowd watching). When you are creative with your pictures the people around will respond which makes waiting in line more fun.

We got to walk around the park for a while because we still had plenty of time 'til our Toy Story fast pass could be used. We got to see the Beauty and the Beast show which was a quick version of the movie and focused on the songs.  Afterwards we walk around looking at all the shops. Finally, we got to go on Toy Story!

This ride was a sit down shooter where you came up to big screens and had to hit targets and other items depending on the game. At the end everyone got to see your scores and I did the worse! Ashleigh came in 1st place and was followed closely by Neil. Toy Story was the last thing we wanted to do at Hollywood Studios so we made way for the Magic Kingdom. From Hollywood Studios you have to exit the park and take one of the buses to get to the Transportation Station, from here we took the Ferry Boat to the park entrance.

On the way I made sure to see if the crew had an transportation cards which are another part of the Sorcerer's card game. So after entering the park we got the daily card packs and went to what we call the Princess Store to see if there was anything new and so Ashleigh could get a Little Mermaid shirt. She got her shirt and we all got a little extra magic in that store. Each one of us had to close our eyes and make a wish while a Disney cast member sprinkled pixie dust (with a rhyme) on our heads, even Neil did this.

Our day was soon coming to its end we just had to make it back to Hollywood Studios and to the car. We traveled back on the Ferry to the Transportation Station then grabbed the bus. This time we happened to get a very sociable bus driver. Upon getting on everyone received a high-five and he was kind enough to give me some different transportation cards, but he said he had more and to check with him after we make it to Hollywood Studios. After arrival he gave me another one that he found in his bag and even a Magical Moment card! Thus Bill the bus driver (I made sure to ask his name) ended our very long night/day Disney adventure with a happy memory!