My Son, The Padawan

Jumping on the Star Wars Weekends bandwagon, I wanted to share some pictures from my trip to Walt Disney World a couple of weeks ago. My kids are all Star Wars nuts, especially my 4 1/2 year old son Elias. It was, without a doubt, the most magical moment of our trip when Elias got picked to go on stage at the (kind of) new Jedi Training Academy show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Elias spends most of his time at home playing with his lightsaber, so when he donned the Jedi robe and was handed a lightsaber to train with, he felt right at home. (That's him in the middle, with the hood up and the purple lightsaber.) He was so into it and it actually brought a tear to the eyes of both my wife and I. It's a simple little show that is just done so well and really lets kids live out their fantasies.

Simply awesome!

Hangin' Out In Andy's Room

I spent the last week in Walt Disney World where my family and I had an amazing time, as always. On Sunday night at Disney's Hollywood Studios we were on our way to visit Walt Disney: One Man's Dream but instead of making it inside that great attraction we were invited to take the brand-spanking new Toy Story Midway Mania for a spin! Best of all...there was no wait!

The new attraction, which has an advertised opening of Summer `08, is a delight for Disney Theme Park fans. First of all, it starts off with a wonderfully elaborate and detailed queue. Add to that, a new ride system that blends elements of an omni-mover with a carnival scrambler ride. Now top it all off with the most impressive use of 3-D technology in any of the parks plus interactive game play that makes Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin seem old fashioned and you've got a home run of fun!

Here's some of the pictures I took as I raced to get on board before there was a breakdown:

The queue takes you through Andy's room where there are all sorts of toys and pop culture items as seen through the eyes of the toys.

One of my favorites was this giant View Master reel, which of course is Disney related and makes me want to snatch it and use it in the big View Master at the Buzz Lightyear ride.

The famous Candy Land squares lead the path in one section of the queue.

A nice tribute to all the work Pixar has done over the years, the company's mascot Luxo (the desk lamp) makes an appearance near the end of the queue area.

There are several items and references from the Toy Story movies, like the homemade cardboard box houses that Andy uses in the films.

After the first room of never ending isles for the queue, you go upstairs and then down again to the loading platform.

Here's a couple of shots of the ride vehicles leaving the ride area and entering the ride load station:

While Toy Story Midway Mania may not elicit the same kinds of "oohs and aahs" as Soarin' or Everest , it's a real fun ride that sure to make it to the top of everyone's must-ride list! Kids are going to love it and older guests will enjoy the technology behind this one of a kind attraction!