Disney Day 5: Jedi Knight

Friday was our last day at WDW. We started out the morning back at Hollywood Studios, and Drew was prepared in his Back to the Future t-shirt. We got there pretty early again that day. Why did we spend so much time at Hollywood Studios? Well, not only do they have the Star Wars ride, they also allow kids the chance to train as Jedi Knights and fight Darth Vader. We had seen this the first day there and tried to sign Drew up, but we didn't realize the extent of the sign up for this thing. We got there before the park even opened on Friday, but we were still only able to secure a spot for Drew at 2:20 in the afternoon. We initially entertained going to Animal Kingdom for the morning, as it was the only park we hadn't been to yet. But by the time we tried to hop on a bus we got worried that we wouldn't be back in time for Drew's training. So we stayed at Hollywood Studios and rode the Star Wars ride again. We also waited in line to meet Buzz and Woody! They had little scenes from the three movies around the waiting area for lots of picture opportunities during the wait. We all got to meet Buzz and Woody. Drew loved it and they loved his Back to the Future shirt too.

Finally, it was time for Drew to fight Darth Vader. He was so excited and it was so great to just watch him. He got to wear a costume and then his teacher showed them all how to use their Lightsaber and instructed them on the moves they would need to fight Darth Vader. At first we were a little worried about Drew even getting his Lightsaber activated, as you had to do it with only one thumb and it was kind of difficult. But not only was he able to do that he got all the moves down too. Darth Vader entered the scene and each kid got a turn to fight him. Drew did great and rocked it out! That's him giving Vader a blow to the leg. Drew was so excited when it was over and he graduated. That's him and Katie showing off his diploma below.

Then we headed over to the Magic Kingdom to finish our time at WDW. It was an absolutely beautiful day by the way. We rode the train around the park and then hopped off in Frontierland. Katie and I took some time to ourselves and rode Splash Mountain where we got thoroughly soaked, a stark contrast to the ride I took with my dad a few days ago. Then we rode the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which was really kind of jerky, but also a lot of fun. We went back and did some things that we hadn't got to do, such as Snow White and a few other things and did some things again that we liked the first time. The only thing we didn't get to do that I really wanted to was Space Mountain. It was shut down when we tried to go Monday and on Friday the wait was just way too long. We had to leave the Magic Kingdom at 7 because they were having another Halloween party that night and we didn't have tickets then.

We went to eat that night at Ohana, in the Polynesian Resort. It was similar to Texas de Brazil, not quite as good or exotic, but delicious all the same. They had chicken, steak, and shrimp and it was all you could eat. We got stuffed. They had a program for the kids where a Hawaiian lady would lead them around the restaurant doing various dances or games. That's Drew trying to stick out his thumb and pinky at this same time. Another time they swept coconuts all around the restaurant with brooms. Drew and my mom danced together before the night was over which made for some really sweet pictures. You can see the two of them smiling so big together.

We drove back home the next day in the van. We had a great time at Walt Disney World and I think we're all just about ready to go back again. Drew has already asked more than a few times when we'll be going back again. I think we'll be planning for a return trip around the time Allie is 4 or 5. It seemed to be a perfect age for Drew. He did a great job walking without the need for a stroller and he was able to enjoy just about everything. Thanks to my parents for allowing us to go. We had a great time with them as well. We have so many great memories and tons of awesome pictures to go back there again and again in our mind!