There's Always Too Much Sauce - A July 2022 TR *Updated 3/23

[Stacybaeasm]

You missed the BEST dish at Steakhouse 71 - the chocolate layer cake!!! I did my 50th birthday dinner there (yes, MK and I are the same age!). The steak and au gratin potatoes were delicious but that cake!!! Oh my lanta!! I don't know when my next trip is, but you can bet that 1 dinner will be back at Steakhouse 71.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

What a great day! Steakhouse 71 is definitely on my list of places to try whenever I get back to WDW. That food ( except the wings ) sounded so good. I love that Evie knows her mind and stands her ground. Fantastic life skills to have for those teenage years.
We often split up on our trips (even before the debacle that was our 2022 holiday). Usually it’s Matthew and I at the parks and the others at the pool though there are also times when I head to the parks on my own as they want to rest up and I get bored. I have also been known to take myself to the laundry room when I need some quiet time- so good to decompress and enjoy the peace and quiet. Looking forward to your busy day coming up.

 

[afwdwfan]

“You didn’t even have cell phones back then. Yeah, it was.”

Wow... rough.

Actually just had a conversation like this at work. I'm 41 but I'm the oldest in my office and work with 2 young ladies who graduated college within the last 3 years...

One of them was talking about how we all grew up with technology and cell phones, but she can't believe how kids now are getting phones when they're in elementary school and how she was in 8th grade before she was allowed to have one, etc, etc. She asked me how old I was when I was allowed to get one.

I bought my first cell phone when I was a sophomore at Purdue.

“I am not eating any more of these. Peanut butter on chicken is weird!”

I mean... I just don't think I could bring myself to try that one. I love peanut butter and I love chicken wings. But together... I just can't imagine.

Isn’t it wonderful when you try a new restaurant and nothing is disappointing?

That is fantastic!

And spoiler alert: the two of us did eat there again.

Twice.

You couldn't have posted this sooner? We made our ADRs a few weeks ago now and now you have me reconsidering.

It’s baffling how much they grew and changed in 3 years.

Even now, 7 months later, I’m looking at them going, “They look different now.”

The result?

All four of us had a lovely evening!

I'm glad that you were able to work it out so that everyone was happy and got to enjoy the evening the way they wanted. I'd definitely be with Alex and Landon on this one though!

Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Thunder Mountain.

That's an evening right there! All 3 mountains! Sad to say that will be the last time ever for that one. Unless we'll still call Tiana's whatever it's called a mountain.

 

[cindianne320]

Your evening with Evie sounds FABULOUS! I love peaceful moments found in the craziness!
And Steakhouse 71- we LOVED our lunch there! I can't wait to go back. Someday!

 

[suse66]

The kids got a kick out of looking at the photographs on the wall and giggling at what Mickey used to look like.

I loved the historical photos as well.

But you were alive for Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom’s opening.”

…....

“That wasn’t that long ago, kids!”


“You didn’t even have cell phones back then. Yeah, it was.”

Haha! Nothing like our children to put us in our place.

We got the Bacon and Eggs:

Loved this!

This was the favorite of the kids. They were fighting for the last few pieces. I really enjoyed the sauce that came with them. It had a little kick to it, which I was surprised by. Normally, Disney keeps their dishes on the tamer side. It reminded me a little of a blooming onion at Outback.

Also loved these.

It now lives in infamy at our house. This burger puts all other burgers to shame. This burger made me beg for a third bite, it was so good. This burger made me regret not ordering one of my own.

I know Stu and Jamie will adore this burger.Definitely planning on Steakhouse 71 this summer.

Three visits in, and we still love the place. It has to be the winner for best meal of the trip. I cannot wait to eat there again with mom in April.

Great review! I loved the apps at the bar and the breakfast ws fantastic!

Once we grabbed our photos, the four of us took our time, strolling around the resort. We checked out their shop, the same chain as on every military base, but it sold some Disney-specific merchandise. Alex has a soft spot for the place, because it’s where he got his camouflage Goofy hat that he loves. He always goes in hoping to find something just as cool.

So cute!

According to Alex, Landon was a machine. He powered through all the queues, never letting the rain bother him, and when Alex told him the park was closing in five minutes, and they were in Adventureland, Landon asked to run over to Tomorrowland and get in line for Space.

Go Landon!

 

[vamassey1]

I'm afraid I have bad news. I'm not going to be able to do the HEA Dessert Party on Monday. The CM schedule came out and Danielle is blocked out of MK for the entire month. She has 2 unblocked tickets she earned for working the holiday. She and Dennis will use these to get into MK on Thursday. They won't be able to hop to MK at all.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Steakhouse 71 was a favorite of ours, too. It's an excellent choice for a lunch on an MK day.

I'm glad to hear you had a nice, quiet night in, but I'd have been all over that MK night! I know this is going to sound crazy, but there's something about a theme park when the rain has scared the lightweights away. One of my favorite childhood memories was waiting out an intense storm under a walkway at Sesame Place, back when it was truly a water park and didn't have any dry rides. The storm cleared, the sun came back out, and it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves! Maybe that night with Dad will be one if those memories for Landon...

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

@TheOneWithTheTriplets what a fab memory. Hopefully Landon and Alex will remember their night as fondly. I love theme parks after the rain. I also love the manic race through the rainstorm to find shelter but I’m weird that way

 

[khertz]

Alicia!! I have been hanging out on the UOR TR boards for too long! I spotted your name and spent the day catching up!

I am seeing so many parallels as our kids have grown. DD was finally tall enough for EVERYTHING on our Jan trip and it made it feel like a whole new trip! She is more like Landon though, and wants to spend every minute in the parks. DS was the one who would get tired in the afternoon or evening and beg to go back to the room. Also just how you are so excited to be back at WDW for the first time in a long time is so relatable! It had been 3 long years for us, and I think it led to a super magical trip for us. I do have to say though, we were thinking of going in the summer next year with the thought that we could take a longer trip if the kids were not in school, but the heat and rain are really making me want to change my mind.

 

[amazingact21]

We haven't seen Pandora yet and with Tron, opening only 3 days before we get to Disney, that gives us the something new in MK. I won't ride much of the new stuff though. Jeff will. I get sick with watching the screens so no Flight of Passage for me. I have a hard time just on Soarn.

If Soarin' is tough, then it's definitely a smart call to skip FOP. Screens don't mess with me too much, but even FOP can be rough.

The dark also makes me feel sick. So I will stick with Remi,

Be careful with Remy's. It uses a lot of screens, as well.
Will you be trying Remy's before going to Galaxy's Edge? I think if you can handle the effects in Remy's, than you'd probably be able to handle Rise. (As far as screens go.)

but once you get used to it it is nice. Jeff and I have been able to just go out on dates now and not have to worry about anything.

I am sure it has been nice being able to reclaim some of your time together back. However, I am sure that age range comes with its own set of hurdles.

This is still on my list for someday. I really wanted it for April, but since I won on a few of my choices I'm ok with not doing it this trip.

I hope you manage to eat there someday. I wanna say this on your ADR list now, but it's on the cutting block.

I'm sure Alex is happy to have someone who will do the parks with him no matter what.

For sure. Alex has a ride companion to go on all the attractions I'm not interested in.

I totally get it with those "down" nights! My husband and I have sometimes put our daughter to bed and just will sit and read or watch tv in the hotel room. I went in August with a friend and she and I spent a Friday night in Disney doing nothing but laundry. It was so great lol. We have definitely changed our touring style as we have gotten older.

Those rest periods are important!
I feel like if you don't give yourself a break, then you'll be more ragged the next time you go into a park and won't enjoy yourself as much. I'd much rather go into a park at 100% than slog through at 50%.

The cake

The Steakhouse 71 cake looks so good! I really want to try it one day.

 

[amazingact21]

What a great day! Steakhouse 71 is definitely on my list of places to try whenever I get back to WDW.

Steakhouse 71 is definitely worth a visit on a future trip.

Usually it’s Matthew and I at the parks and the others at the pool though there are also times when I head to the parks on my own as they want to rest up and I get bored.

Was it hard for him this trip to have to stay in and rest? I can only imagine, since it was the opposite of what normally occurs.

I have also been known to take myself to the laundry room when I need some quiet time- so good to decompress and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Haha, I think laundry at Disney is the only time I don't dread the job! Sometimes, you just need that peace and quiet away from everybody else.

She asked me how old I was when I was allowed to get one.

I bought my first cell phone when I was a sophomore at Purdue.

Landon's been on our case for the past year asking when he can get his own phone. And I'll never forget one time he asked us, "Well can I get a phone when you and Dad got one?"

Alex and I were like, "Sure. That means you'll be in college."

.....He hasn't used that trick again.

You couldn't have posted this sooner? We made our ADRs a few weeks ago now and now you have me reconsidering.

You should try and eat at Steakhouse 71. It's delicious.
Did you end up getting a Woody's Roundup BBQ reservation?

Your evening with Evie sounds FABULOUS!

I loved the break. Made me ready to tackle the parks the next day.

And Steakhouse 71- we LOVED our lunch there! I can't wait to go back. Someday!

Have you decided where you're going to eat on your next trip?

 

[amazingact21]

I know Stu and Jamie will adore this burger.Definitely planning on Steakhouse 71 this summer.

I'm sure you all will have a wonderful meal there!

Great review! I loved the apps at the bar and the breakfast ws fantastic!

I agree, the breakfast was delicious. I keep checking for an open reservation the morning I leave, but everyone else must have heard about the awesome food. There has been no availability!

I'm afraid I have bad news. I'm not going to be able to do the HEA Dessert Party on Monday.

Aw, man, I'm sorry to hear this!!! What a bummer about the tickets. But I understand, and I'm sure we'll all have a great time at Geyser Point the night before.

 

[amazingact21]

I'm glad to hear you had a nice, quiet night in, but I'd have been all over that MK night!

I definitely think it comes down to a personality choice. I'm the type of person who is go-go-go at home, so when I take a trip, I want lots of breaks. Plop me down on a beach all day and I'd be perfectly happy. Whereas, while Alex is always on the go at work, he doesn't want to waste a second of his vacation time. He looks at it as, "I only have so much time before I'm going to be back at work, how much fun can I cram in?"
I think so long as everyone knows their preferences and their traveling partners' tastes, it can all work out to where everyone's happy.

Alicia!! I have been hanging out on the UOR TR boards for too long! I spotted your name and spent the day catching up!

Thanks for finding my report and reading!

I am seeing so many parallels as our kids have grown. DD was finally tall enough for EVERYTHING on our Jan trip and it made it feel like a whole new trip!

It becomes a different touring style when all the kids are tall enough for the attractions. The days of diaper bags and rider swaps are behind you. And to be honest, I'm glad of it.

It had been 3 long years for us, and I think it led to a super magical trip for us. I do have to say though, we were thinking of going in the summer next year with the thought that we could take a longer trip if the kids were not in school, but the heat and rain are really making me want to change my mind.

I do think taking longer breaks between visits does make WDW seem more magical. You don't nitpick the problems as much, because you're just so happy to be back.

I think summer is doable if you make it a longer trip. That way you can add in more breaks.
Plus! You're from Louisiana, where the humidity is like no other place I've ever been before. You'll be more acclimated to the summer weather than we were, coming from dreary England.

 

[piglet1979]

Be careful with Remy's. It uses a lot of screens, as well.
Will you be trying Remy's before going to Galaxy's Edge? I think if you can handle the effects in Remy's, than you'd probably be able to handle Rise. (As far as screens go.)

I am planning to take Bonine each day, so I am hoping that helps. If I have something to focus on other then the screen at times I do much better. When I was in the front row on Soarn I did better the n the second row. THe first row I was able to look above the screen.

I think we will be in HS before we get to EPCOT.

I am sure it has been nice being able to reclaim some of your time together back. However, I am sure that age range comes with its own set of hurdles.

Oh Yes, With the girls it is nothing but drama. It is also a lot of worrying when they are either out with friends that are driving or they are driving. DS just got his license 2 weeks ago and DD got her temps on Wednesday.

 

[vamassey1]

Aw, man, I'm sorry to hear this!!! What a bummer about the tickets. But I understand, and I'm sure we'll all have a great time at Geyser Point the night before.

I'm really looking forward to our Geyser Point get togeher.

I was able to add Steakhouse 71 back into the line up.

 

[khertz]

I think summer is doable if you make it a longer trip. That way you can add in more breaks.
Plus! You're from Louisiana, where the humidity is like no other place I've ever been before. You'll be more acclimated to the summer weather than we were, coming from dreary England.

That's what I keep telling myself! If we have more days, we can take time for a long break every afternoon to get out of the sun and hopefully avoid the rain. I was just looking back on our August 2021 UOR trip photos and I know we were hooooootttttt but we still had a great time!

I have lived here my whole life and I don't think I'll EVER be used to the humidity!!! I basically hibernate from late April to Halloween!!!!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Was it hard for him this trip to have to stay in and rest? I can only imagine, since it was the opposite of what normally occurs.

It wasn’t hard the first 4/5 days because he just felt miserable and slept a lot but after that we had to make a more concerted effort to find things he’d enjoy inside. Thankfully he likes to read so he got a fair few books on his kindle and the YC/BC have plenty of dining/ shopping options that we fully explored. Ice- cream anyone
His big brother played a fair amount of air hockey with him too. We had a very different trip and he is itching to go again asap but flight prices are crazy so 2023 not on the cards plus I want to see how he manages in a cheaper hot and sunny climate before I spend megabucks on WDW

Haha, I think laundry at Disney is the only time I don't dread the job!

Snap! Same here.

 

[amazingact21]

I am planning to take Bonine each day,

I think Bonine works better than a lot of other medicines.

DS just got his license 2 weeks ago and DD got her temps on Wednesday.

Oh gosh, the thought of kids driving. That has to be one of the more stressful things about raising teenagers.

I'm really looking forward to our Geyser Point get togeher.

I was able to add Steakhouse 71 back into the line up.

It's going to be a lot of fun. I just hope I can take a nap after the race, otherwise I'll be so tired at the meet up I'll be punch-drunk.

Glad Steakhouse 71 is happening again!

If we have more days, we can take time for a long break every afternoon to get out of the sun and hopefully avoid the rain.

Like you said, you look back on the pictures and you remember it's hot, but it's overshadowed by how much fun you had.

Thankfully he likes to read so he got a fair few books on his kindle and the YC/BC have plenty of dining/ shopping options that we fully explored. Ice- cream anyone
His big brother played a fair amount of air hockey with him too.

I'm glad you were able to keep him entertained while stuck at the resort.

I want to see how he manages in a cheaper hot and sunny climate before I spend megabucks on WDW

For sure!!!

 

[amazingact21]

July 14th:


Whew, this day was a doozy! We had a lot to do, and I’m happy to say we accomplished everything and made some magical memories.


As per the usual with Walt Disney World, Alex and I were awake and on our phones before seven a.m.

Yuck.

It was necessary we get ILL for this day, because it was our birthday present to Alex’s brother.

For this Disney day, Alex’s older brother and sister bought tickets to Hollywood Studios, because Alex’s brother wanted to do all the Star Wars experiences.

So, I hopped on Genie Plus to grab us passes for Toy Story Midway Mania while Alex elbowed his way into a 7:30 pm time slot for Rise of the Resistance.



And then…time to get ready!


This was Evie’s time to shine! She loves Star Wars. More the creatures and bots than the actual storyline, but either way. The girl has the Little Golden Books of all 9 movies plus the Mandolorian, and she reads them whenever she’s bored. She might not know how to read “disclosure” (a word she stumbled over during yesterday’s reading) but she can recognize and say Qui-Gon-Jinn.

Yes. I did have to look that word up.



When she was younger, her sick day movie was the Force Awakens. Not sure why, but I’ve come to associate BB8 rolling through the desert with Finn and Rey with blankets and Children’s Tylenol.


Naturally, Evie had a Star Wars shirt at the ready for this particular day. Plus a hair scrunchie. Plus a bow.




Just a few things.



The four of us made it into the park and coordinated with Eddie and Leslie on where to meet. They had arrived right at park opening and accomplished Star Tours and Tower of Terror while they waited for us to get there.

It was still early, but Alex and I wanted to knock out lunch before our set appointments began appearing.



Poor Alex was pushing for Woody’s Lunchbox, but none of the other adults were interested in the menu items this day.

Sorry Hubs. Another time…



Instead, we settled for ABC Commissary.

Alex and Eddie got the chicken club, Leslie the buffalo chicken sandwich, the kids Uncrustables, and I got the pork tacos.

Landon and Evie also informed me at this point that they’d forgotten their backpack with their waters and applesauce and snacks in the car.

The joy of traveling with kids!





Everyone was content with their food choices. I don’t think anyone would say it was worth making a trip specifically for those items, but nobody walked away disappointed. Honestly, I love tacos and beans and rice, and it felt like “normal” food for me. After so much theme park specialties, my body was glad to see something it was used to. I didn’t feel bogged down or lethargic after eating it, and I also thought the portion size was great.



Once lunch was done, our group split up. Leslie was kind enough to offer to run to our car and grab the kids’ backpack while the four of us went and used our Genie Plus reservation for TSMM.

It was redemption time for me!


No more losing by a thousand points!


No, instead I got absolutely crushed!





Note to self: Complete the rematch at the beginning of the trip, when you’re still fresh.


Ahh, well. There’s always future trips. (Of course, by then, Landon will probably be old enough to beat both me and Alex.)





We cut it close with TSMM. As soon as we were done, Alex had to pick Evie up and run her over to Eddie in Galaxy’s Edge. He had a 1:30 reservation for building a lightsaber, and Evie was going to be his Plus One.


In true six year old fashion, she didn’t tell us much about the experience, but Eddie said she seemed to have fun.


While the two were off picking kyber crystal (yes, another googled word) and hilts, Leslie made it back to me and Landon, and we made the long walk over to Galaxy’s Edge.



And can I just say?

Toy Story Land in July is just about the worst place to be in Florida.



It was like a desert! There was zero shade. No trees, no awnings from attractions, no umbrellas, nothing.

I said to Leslie, “If Disney was trying to punish us parents for bringing kids to their parks, they succeeded.”

It was a miserable walk. And poor Alex had to run through it carrying Evie.

I should’ve let the man get a brisket sandwich from Woody’s….



Eventually, Eddie returned with his light saber, where everyone proceeded to admire it:




Then, Evie begged Alex and I to let her change into her second outfit of the day.

The previous Halloween, Evie dressed up at Rey and brought the costume with her to Galaxy’s Edge.



That picture is the epitome of Dad life. Alex spent such a long time getting the costume perfect for his daughter. Even looking up the exact spots the arm bands go on the arms.

Alex really did earn a Gold Star this day.



Almost as soon as Evie was dressed, a couple Stormtroopers were walking around, so we took her over to them. It took Evie by surprise that they interacted with her. She froze and looked at me, like, “What am I supposed to say?!”

It was great.


Then, because Alex spent ten minutes getting the costume perfect, Evie declared she needed to use the bathroom.


Kids….



While everyone was waiting for Eddie at the lightsaber shop, the group sort of set up shop in a shady area we had found near Smuggler’s Run. It kind of became home base.

Unfortunately, it was on the opposite side of Galaxy’s Edge as the bathrooms.

So, Leslie and I took Evie to deal with that and afterwards bought some blue and green milk to try.




They were interesting. Sweeter than I cared for, but fun to try and helped keep us in the Star Wars immersion. I tried a taste of the blue milk with rum, and that one was a lot better than the regular version. The alcohol cut the sweetness down a lot.



As my group of six were testing out the milks, I spotted a couple characters roaming around and told Evie to follow me.


What came next was pure magic.



Rey and Chewie saw Evie in her outfit and came right over to her. Rey got down on her level and spoke to her for several minutes, discussing how difficult piloting the Millenium Falcon is and how important it is to have engineers. Even warning Evie to watch out for Stormtroopers, joking that if they saw Evie, they would think she was Rey and get confused.





Evie was completely starstruck. When we talk about kids and them getting swept away in the Disney magic, this was the perfect example. I’ve never seen Evie so happy in the parks before. Her smile was ear to ear, and you could tell from her expression she couldn’t believe this was happening.






If Alex and I randomly getting an “It’s a Boy” vinylmation a month before we found out we were having Landon is our magical Disney moment, and if Landon pulling the sword out of the stone is his, then meeting Rey is definitely, one hundred percent Evie’s.


This will forever be: THE TRIP WHERE EVIE MET REY.




We didn’t have too much time to gush over the experience, though, because it was time for Eddie to go to another reservation. This time he took Landon, and they went a built a droid.


The rest of us continued to sit in the shade and goof around while we waited for their return:







Eventually, the two made it back our way with this little fellow:




To which the kids (both young and old) had fun operating him and watching him traverse over the grounds of Galaxy’s Edge.


Then, while we were tucked into our little corner, using our handheld fans to create a breeze, chit chatting, two more stormtroopers came up to us!

They came all the way to our little corner just to speak to Evie.

Blew our minds!



And sweet little Evie. She froze again. I talked to them and explained she was just a “traveler on Batuu looking to do some trading.”

They told Evie they would keep their eyes out for her, and as they walked away said, “Have a good day…traveler.”


“I can’t believe they came over here like that,” Alex kept marveling, afterwards.



Look, I’m not a Star Wars fan. I don’t dislike the series, it’s just not my cup of tea.

But dang if I didn’t fall in love with Galaxy’s Edge on this day.

The interactions were priceless.



And it wasn’t even four o’clock yet. We still had several hours left in the land!





Continued in Next Post:

 

[amazingact21]

Continued From Previous Post:



After our dodgy talk with some stormtroopers, Alex and I let Eddie and Leslie use our Genie Plus passes to take the kids on Smuggler’s Run.

When Landon came back to us, I asked if he got to be the pilot, and he said:

“Yeah, but I did real bad.”



“I think I’m going to stick with engineer from now on.”




This was a day filled with reservations. If two Galaxy Edge’s experiences weren’t enough, it was time for a third!


My party had snagged an ADR at Oga’s Canteen, and it was time to head that way. On the walk over, we had not one, not two, but three guests call out, “Hi Rey!” as Evie walked by.

Thank you, random strangers, for enhancing my daughter’s day.

Kindness cannot be underappreciated. Something as small as saying hello can mean so much.




While waiting for our name to be called at Oga’s, Kylo Ren and several stormtroopers made an appearance.

And Evie…

“HIDE ME!!!”



Her meter for character interaction had topped out. She was done with the stormtroopers. And they wanted to throw in the main villain himself?


Yeah, Evie began panicking.

“Mom! Don’t let them see me!!!”

“Okay, okay.”


So this was when Eddie, Leslie, Alex, and I made a circle around our daughter and hid her from view.


Probably for the best, too, because Kylo Ren came right next to us and did an evil point our way.

“Whew! I did NOT want to talk to him.”



Once inside Oga’s, it was like a whirlwind trip to an Irish bar on St. Patty’s Day. Loud, chaotic, and too many people crammed into too small a space.

They put us standing at the bar. I ended up standing behind the kids, because there was no room. The second we arrived, the bartender was throwing questions at us.

“What’ll you be having? Any food? Are you having one or two drinks?”


Uhhh, I literally just got the menu, I have no idea.


Thirty seconds later, “What are the kids having?”


Uhhh, I don’t know, I am still trying to read the menu.


Thirty seconds later, “Made a decision yet?”

NO. NO I HAVE NOT!



I did not like Oga’s.

Very quickly, I ordered the kids the two non- alcoholic drinks and a Bespin Fizz for myself. Alex got the Yub Nub.


They came lightning quick, and it felt like after one sip the bartender was asking, “What’s your second drink?”


Look, I get it. This is an extremely popular place and there’s lots of people waiting outside and we only get 45 minutes, but let us have our allotted time!


What didn’t help was the couple next to me were not happy to have kids near them. And I get it. Trust me, there are times and situations where I don’t want kids around.

But it was four in the afternoon, in a location that ALLOWS kids. You don’t want kids, go to Trader Sam’s or Abracadabar late at night or The Edison at nighttime.

Plus, Landon and Evie weren’t doing anything outrageous. I’m not saying my kids are perfect. Trust me, I’ll be the first to call them out if they’re being annoying or out of line.

But these two just spent HOURS outside in the heat, riding multiple attractions, going to build experiences, talking to characters, hanging out with their aunt and uncle.

By that point in the day, they were drained. They were just happy to be inside somewhere dark and cool and drinking a sugary beverage. They weren’t bumping anyone in the arms or talking loud. Heck, I don’t remember them talking at all.



Needless to say, Oga’s is NOT somewhere we need to visit again. I wasn’t expecting much, but I definitely thought it would be better than that.

A one and done.



With that under our belts, it was time to move on! Yes, we had more to do. It was only five thirty after all. Still plenty of time to enjoy the park.

Again, Alex and I let Eddie and Leslie use our Genie Plus reservation so they could take the kids on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

They thought it a win they could experience a new attraction with minimal waiting.

The kids thought it a win because they got to go off with their aunt and uncle.

Alex and I thought it a win because we got some time to ourselves.



Except…during their ride a massive storm rolled through the area, and we had to take coverage in a gift shop.

It was a big one, flooding the streets, thunder shaking the buildings. The other four ended up waiting in the exit area of MMRR. Fortunately for the adults, the kids had snacks in their backpacks to occupy themselves.



It took almost half an hour for the storm to move on, at which time our Rise of the Resistance ILLs came due. Actually, the attraction had gone down and the passes converted to anytime passes, but it came back online not long after we made it to Galaxy’s Edge.





Rise was amazing. The kids were tickled pink when one of the CMs asked Eddie, “What color is that lightsaber?”

“Blue.”

“Can I take his word on that?”

The kids loved telling her yes. “We’re the good guys!”



To this day, when Landon talks about Rise, he says the thing he loves most is that the CMs “play along.”

Thank you Galaxy Edge Cast Members. My kids now feel like you all are the epitome of best Cast Members ever.




A long stretch of time had passed between lunch and our ride on Rise, so after exiting the attraction, we all agreed to grab dinner at Docking Bay 7.




I tried the Tip Yip dish, as did the kids.

Again, I struck out in Galaxy’s Edge. This did not impress me. The breading reminded me a lot of a McDonald’s chicken nugget.

Leslie got the Batuuan Beef dish, and I had a bit of her vegetables. That was the clear winner at the table. If I go in the future, which I probably will with my mom, I am going to order the beef and veggies.


Alex, of course, got another Ronto Wrap:






The day was beginning to wind down. My group had accomplished a lot. It was dark out by the time we left the restaurant, so there was only one thing left to do.

I re-did Evie’s hair and took the kids over to the Millenium Falcon area.

It was time for way too many pictures!











I took photos of everybody with the light saber. We probably spent forty five minutes there, just playing around, getting fun shots.

As we were packing up and getting ready to head out, I decided to make the kids pose for one last photo.



One of my favorite shots from the trip!



On the way out of the park, Alex asked Leslie to take a family picture in front of the Chinese theater. We realized we had almost none of the four of us together.




Why we didn’t do this at the beginning of the day when we weren’t hot and tired is beyond me.




All in all, this was an amazing day. We packed so much into our time at Hollywood Studios, and I feel like we really explored Galaxy’s Edge. Yes, we spent a lot of time in that one area, but we don’t feel like it was a waste of time. My group went on 4 attractions, met 3 characters, undertook 2 build experiences, all in 1 day.



Evie swore she didn’t fall asleep on the way home that night. She was awake the entire time.




THE ENTIRE TIME, GUYS.







Up Next: I Loved It, I Kept My Eyes Closed the Whole Time