Make-A-Wish Day 3: Jedi Training at Hollywood Studios

Wednesday held more excitement for us and we began the day by going horseback riding at Give Kids the World. This is what Isaac was really looking forward to, so after breakfast we headed over to the horses. 

It may not show on his face, but Isaac had a great time. He just loves horses and his farm toys are his favorite. While Jacob’s interests bounce around, Isaac has consistently loved horses and farm animals. We’ve gone horseback riding again since coming home for Isaac’s special “Make-A-Wish,” (more on that later…)

After that we were off to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the much anticipated Jedi Training where Jacob would fight Darth Vader! (In case you’re wondering, Isaac was invited to fight Darth Vader too but didn’t want to and I can’t say that I blame him!). The Jedi Training was awesome and Jacob had a great time. He was just shining on stage, which I have to say, surprised me a bit but he had waited a long time for this moment. I posted videos of the showdown with the dark side here if you haven’t seen them yet. 

I just love that part where he force-pushed the storm troopers, isn’t it great?!? He didn’t need to be prompted, he knew just what to do (we watched a few YouTube videos in preparation, so, you know, that may have helped him a bit).

After Jedi Training we rode the Star Tours ride as many times as Mom’s stomach could take it (simulator rides are not my favorite, but I have to say it is a cool ride).

3D glasses on the Star Tours ride

Next we went to see the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular show and my cute mom got to be an extra in it. It was so fun (especially just to watch her!)

We also had our first character-meeting experience at Hollywood Studios and we started out with the big mouse himself, Mickey. The kids were a little hesitant (notice that Ellie would not let go of my shirt, she was hanging on tight in case that mouse made any sudden moves…) but overall, it was a good experience and we got a pretty good picture out of it.

Next we met Winnie the Pooh and Ellie was all warmed up by this time—she loved it. Isn’t that grin just the cutest?

We also took Ellie to see the Beauty and the Beast stage show. She waited patiently throughout the entire trip while we all rode the rides she was too small for, so the least we could do was a show or two. And she really liked it.

She was such a sport this whole vacation—no regular naps, all kinds of excitement, and lots and lots of stroller time…

Zonked out in the stroller with an Indiana Jones hat

At dinnertime we went back to Give Kids the World and spent the evening riding the train, playing in the arcade and, of course, riding the carousel.

Elizabeth was well used to meeting characters by now, so when we saw “Mayor Clayton” and his wife “Miss Merry” (the Give Kids the World mascot characters) she was ecstatic. She saw them from a distance and chased them down saying, “come here rabbits, come here!” It was pretty cute.

After a fun filled day we went home to get the kids in bed and who should knock on the door but Mayor Clayton! He’d come to tuck the kids in for the night (or start a pillow fight, bounce around on the beds and get everyone nice and hyper again!)

What fun memories of another wonderful day.