Our last day at Disney! We packed everything into the car, but weren't ready to leave yet. One big reason: we had reservations for another special meal. This one would be as great as the dinner with the Disney Princesses a few nights ago - only we didn't tell Madison about this one ahead of time. It would be a surprise!
We hopped in the car and drove the short distance to Hollywood Studios, which is one of Daddy's favorite parks. Our reservations weren't that far away, but we did have time to drop in on a 3D movie that Madison enjoyed: "Muppet Vision 3D." It was great watching Madison crack up in the theater at the different things - and watching her react to some of the 3D elements. When we got out, it was time to head over for lunch - and it was lunch with the Playhouse Disney characters!
You should have seen her smile when she went in the doorway to that restaurant. I know I'll never forget it - she was grinning from ear to ear, with a sparkle in her eye. She saw Leo first, and then June from the Little Einsteins. Then she saw JoJo, and also Handy Manny! While we ate, each one came to the table to say hello to Madison.
She hopped out of her chair each time - got her autographs, and gave each one a special hug. Occasionally, characters would gather around a host in the restaurant and invite all the kids to come up for a big dance routine. Madison saw June and ran to her, full steam. Only when she got there, she was pretty shy. She clasped her hands together and looked downward, but June was happy to see her, and patted her head. Madison did a twirl, just like June would do on her television show - and soon, everyone was dancing. It was a special moment, and it was wonderful to see Madison enjoying herself so much. The food was good, and plentiful - but Madison was too excited to eat that much. There was so much going on all around her!
After lunch, we made our way over to the Playhouse Disney show, which was actually very good. Daddy was taking notes, because he hopes our church can do something similar with its younger kids. It was mostly a unique puppet show, which featured characters from Handy Manny, the Little Einsteins and My Friends Tigger and Pooh. Madison was thrilled, and so were all the other kids there.
We were going to do the Toy Story ride, but no one told us how popular it was or warned us to get Fastpass tickets either. Oh, well - maybe next time. It was hot outside, so the cool air inside the Little Mermaid show made for a perfect place to chill out. We waited inside for the next performance, and then made our way inside the theater for a great show. Madison really likes Ariel, so this was a great thing to go see. It's a neat performance, using all sorts of techniques and special effects. Definitely worth seeing! Just ask Madison!
Next, we decided to wander over towards the Star Wars section, where Madison hopped right on her own speeder bike!
Here Madison is, trying out a new speeder bike. She was going to ride this one all over the park, but they said she was too young! Actually, she was too young for Star Tours too - which is a shame, because from what I understand the ride is going to be retired this year, and replaced with something new.
Still, Daddy went on the ride because the line was pretty short. Daddy was on this ride in 1989, only six years after "Return of the Jedi." It was fun then, and still fun now.
Afterwards, Daddy and Madison engaged in a most sacred right of passage: the making of your own lightsaber. Madison wanted one really bad, and used her force powers of persuasion to get Mommy and Daddy to help her.
Note the color. Yes, our daughter has chosen the dark side. Hopefully, she'll turn to good and still get to use her red lightsaber.
I'm not quite sure what the jedi rules are pertaining to good guys using red lightsabers. I'll have to consult the handbook. She's a powerful youngling, with a vicious overhand swing that will take you by surprise if you're not ready for it. We were probably not supposed to engage in lightsaber duels inside the shop, but we couldn't help ourselves. The force was strong with this one! Soon we found ourselves outside, after buying a few more souvenirs. Suddenly, the "Star Wars" theme music played and Madison suddenly grabbed her lightsaber, ready for action. It's funny how they recognize the music and know it is time for battle! She ran over to the jedi training academy, where other younglings were engaged in a rigorous training exercise.
Suddenly, Darth Vader showed up! Madison instinctively knew who he was: the bad guy! She waved her finger at him and said, "Naughty, naughty!" He pointed at her menacingly, and she scurried behind Daddy for safety. But Daddy told her it was okay, so she got back to her position in front and again waved that finger, "Naughty! Naughty!"
It was a fun show, where kids got to duel with Darth Vader. What fun! Madison will no doubt be battling him in the future. She's been practicing with Daddy ever since with that lightsaber!
But soon it was time to go. We had to get back to Ba-Ba and Nana's house before nightfall, so we made the decision to head home. We ate at Pizza Planet nearby, filling up again on pizza, salads, and deserts, and then made our way towards the exit, ready to say goodbye to Disney World.
It was a very memorable trip, filled with so many tiny details I could not list them all here. But I tried my best, and with these pictures and more, we'll always be able to look back fondly on a very good time at Disney World.
The trip back was uneventful, which was just what we needed. It was quiet, and quick. Nana and Ba-Ba greeted us warmly, and we recounted all of our adventures - and fell asleep early that night. Vacation can be exhausting!
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