Star Wars Weekend 2014 - A Newbie Retrospective

Last year we had the good fortune of being at Disney during the Limited Time Magic, May the 4th Be With You. It was amazing. The characters, the dance party, the fireworks. It psyched us up so much we naturally thought, "we need to be there for the real deal". So we planned on a weekend in 2014 to visit during Star Wars weekend.

Let me begin by saying that it was fun. We all enjoyed ourselves-- I mean how can you not? But it was different from the Limited Time Magic and I can't figure out if the unexpected spontaneity of the May The 4th weekend has some extra pixie dust, or Disney needs to adjust a few things. Here are my thoughts on what worked (and what didn't) as a Star Wars weekend newbie. 

WORKED - The excitement. It's hard to describe the nerdy tingles that run through your body when you hear the Cantina theme song playing as you walk into the park. While Hollywood Studios could still be enjoyed by those not into Star Wars during Star Wars Weekend, it would take some serious Force to ignore the movie theme at every turn.

just try to ignore the Storm Troopers on pedestals 

Storm Troopers take over the main stage

Oh Han. 

DID NOT WORK - Crowds.  I know, I know. Disney gets crowded. But Hollywood Studios is already on the small side. Couple that with a parade route the length of my kitchen and eager 40 year old nerds (I am married to one, so I can say this without pause) trying to catch a glimpse of one of the celebs in the motorcade-- well, your kids aren't going to see much. We tried to watch the parade and maybe caught a glimpse of the top of Mickey Mouse's ears-- maybe. We still aren't sure. I'm just not into throwing elbows to wave to the guy who played Jar Jar. I have no photo proof of the crowds as I think I went and bought a cocktail. Or some popcorn. Or maybe both. 

WORKED - Happy accidents. Here's a tip for next year. Skip the parade and head to the back of the Mouse hat. When the parade ends the characters have to go somewhere and if you position it right, you will have an AMAZING vantage point for all your favs. We just pulled over to tie some shoes, and then the pictures below happened.

Not planned at all

An unplanned side-eye

Glamour Droid Shot!

Slow down Boba Fett!

There were more photos, but as you can see from the above, it was just us watching the characters walk by. No crowds, and an impromptu parade of sorts. Even the droids spun around and beeped for us for a bit. Way more fun than standing in a line of people 10 deep waiting for a parade you never get to see.

WORKED, and at the same time DID NOT WORK - VIP access. So there is this new trend at Disney where if you would like to pay a boat load of money you can get pretty much whatever you want. I say this is new because in all my years of traveling to Disney I have not seen the have and have nots divided so blatantly. 

Let me explain.

I knew from blog posts and the like that getting character autographs Star Wars weekend was a lesson in patience and sometimes futility. So when I saw that Disney was offering a dining option with the characters I was all in. There were two choices. One was with the Disney characters dressed up like Star Wars characters. The other was the Star Wars characters themselves. We opted for straight up Star Wars characters. It was breakfast and we got to see Darth Vadar, Boba Fett, Storm Troopers, Greedo, and Jawas. I'm not even going to go into how much my French Toast cost me. It was slightly ridiculous at $49 per adult and $29 per child, but hey-- nobody was forcing me to do this. I was considering this an investment in time saving. It was fast, but good. We had some themed breakfast items:

C3PO breakfast pastry anyone?

Enjoy Yoda yogurt parfait you will

 And we got to meet all the mentioned characters:

We traded Jawas some JetBlue pins for gold coins. 

set your blasters to "look at the wrong camera"

Greedo swagger

my husband is the side-eye master

Breakfast was at the Sci-Fi Drive In, so we sat in a car and watched clips of the various Star Wars movies as we ate our overpriced meals. Overall, a really good time. One could argue that we were paying to get to the front of the character line. True. But at least we got some pastries in the process. What I didn't expect, were all the people who paid to get to the front on every line. All day. And also into the evening.

Disney also offered front of the line options for the parade, the fireworks, and around Star Wars weekend in general. It felt like one velvet rope add on after another. When my 6-year old asked me to hold him up so he could get a glimpse of James Arnold Taylor at the end of the day finale,  at first I was like "who?" and then I held him up as high as I could and glared at the ropes that separated the audience into various categories.

VIP offerings are a slippery slope. One thing that was always nice about Disney is that we all have pretty much the same access and definitely the same treatment. Sure, the celebs skip the lines-- but you kind of expect that and it happened quietly. What I don't love is this new trend of creating visible class systems that make me feel like my price of admission is somehow worth less. Shouldn't we all have a shot at the best parade route spot or fireworks view? The fact I'm pretty good about carving out good spots and that my family just didn't have a chance made me feel a little bleh. And who wants to be at Disney and feel bleh? My advice, if there is something you know to be a priority for your upcoming trip, check and see if Disney offers an upgrade experience.  Even if you decide not to go that route, at the very least you will know/understand the situation when you see the ropes that divide. . 

WORKED - Shopping. I heard horror stories about lines for days at Darths Mall. Apparently that was just the first weekend. The weekend we went was pretty quiet and totally manageable. It was like the Christmas Tree Shop for Star Wars stuff. Those of your from the New England area will totally get that reference. Everything you think you want but have no idea where to put it when you get home.

It's a trap! Don't buy it. 

Refer to photo caption above

Here's a fun fact. I asked the cashier at Darth's Mall what the hot items were. He paused, thought about it and said, "well, whatever they were, they were long gone the first weekend." And there you have it.

Would we do it again? Probably. Yes we made some newbie mistakes, but all-in-all we had a great time and I really can't complain. I mean, I can. I can always find something to complain about, but Star Wars Weekend is a tough, hard core nerd-out weekend and so long as you go prepared, the entire experience is out of this world (pun intended). 

Do you have some tips for navigating this inter-galactic weekend? We would love to hear them. Feel free to comment and let us know what we should have done differently. 

May the force be with you. Always.

~Davina

Seeing Spots on The Red Eye

Sometimes you just have to do it. Buy that last minute item in the airport before getting stuck on a plane for 9,000 hours.

I'm about to board the red eye from Portland to Boston. So I bought a neck pillow and I'm pretty sure I picked it because it reminds me of Minnie Mouse.

You be the judge.

Talk to you in a gazillion hours.

~Davina

Splash Mountain - Closed for Maintenance in January FAIL

What the what Splash Mountain? Am I not supposed to go on you ever again? Last year you were closed for refurbishment. And guess what, this year you are as well.

Here is the official reason why:

Splash Mountain will be closing for refurbishment in early 2011 from January 3 2011 to January 31 2011. This refurbishment may see the installation of the lap bars that have been in design for some time now.

Is it me? Or is it that the only times I get to ride the mother of all flumes is when Karen and I are in attendance together? Lap bars are for suckers.

Fingers crossed for next year. Boo.

Epic Ride Photo

Hemingway and Talbots go to Paris.

News on the fashion front is that Talbots is running a contest for the less verbose. In 6 words (or less if you are so inclined) submit a story about your fav pair of jeans. If you win, you and three friends will head off to Paris with some Talbots outfits in your carry-on.

Hemingway inspired the clothing store's contest (which I am sure is what he meant to do when he wrote Old Man and the Sea). Apparently he felt that any story could be told in six words. Not sure if he thought denim would ever be the topic, but hey I am sure even Ernest could appreciate a good boot cut.

So put on your thinking caps and start composing. Just keep it simple and short and you'll be fine.

If you win, you must take me. (damn, that's 7 words)
Take me if you win sucker.  (much better)

Enter the contest here oui oui (I can't stop)

~Davina

Miami - A Mini City Review From a Conference Room Window

Recently I have been letting Karen do all the blog heavy lifting. Back from maternity leave and it's just been non-stop-- but nothing fun to blog about.

Until last week.

Last week I was in Miami for work. South Beach to be more accurate. Normally I show up at a fun location ready to check out all the spots, shops, and beaches. Sadly I was inside a conference room for the majority of the week in my business casual attire. The let us out at night-- but I truly just followed the herd and had no idea where I was at until after the fact.

Here is my review of Miami from a "I should have paid attention" perspective:

HOTEL

Loews South Beach

Who doesn't love a nice hotel? This was a good one-- nice pool (not that I went in it), nice rooms, gorgeous views of the ocean.

Two things I should have paid more attention to:

1. The presidential suite. My company always gets a kick-ass suite as a part of the conference package for staff to meet up and re-group. This years suite was beyond words. However, after my initial "wow" wore off I forgot about being impressed. I will probably never be in a room quite so nice ever again (*note* the dog in the photo was not a part of the suite but that is about where I sat on the couch each night).

2. Emeril's Miami Beach Restaurant. Located in the Loews lobby and extra yum! Or at least that's what I think I would say had I eaten there. Turns out, my expense report could have handled it. Because it's the "off season" for Miami, some restaurants are participating in a three course dinner tasting for $35 - (see Miami Spice info).

Note to self-- next time look for the bargains. Even Miami has them.

OUT ON THE TOWN:

1. The Clevlander. I was told numerous times during the course of the week that the Kardashian sisters own a boutique (Dash) in Miami. There was a Kardashian spotting contest. Do I care really? No. But I was surprised to find that the store they own happens to be in the Clevlander-- the same place we were at Tuesday night. Instead of sucking down my 8th moito, I could have been shopping for jeggings and gladiator sandals. It's a shame I missed that.

2. Plunge. Plunge is a roof deck pool for the beautiful people in the Gansevoort Hotel.  If you want to feel bad about yourself, go here. If you want to see an amazing view of the ocean, go here. If you want to have some tasty drinks and listen to some DJ's, go here early. The velvet rope goes up early and the bouncers at the elevator make you feel you should not even try it-- but trust me, if you have the money in your pocket, they will let you in.

Fun Plunge fact: Kayne West had a private party here not so long ago and Samatha Ronson has been known to DJ here. Neither were in attendance the night I showed up.

3. STK. Also in the Gansevoort this Steak House is dark, dark, dark. They had to hold a flashlight for me to see the food (not kidding). Don't eat steak? Don't worry, they have plenty of other options. I loved the ahi tuna with watermelon and cucumber. The goat cheese salad was a hit. And my meat peeps raved about the kobe sliders. Expensive, but fun. They also have some pool tables upstairs if you are so inclined.

THE MORBID TOURIST:

Remember when Versace was shot?

I had no clue how accessible his house was. Walk down South Beach a few blocks from the Loews and ta da... the infamous steps where he was gunned down. You can stand on them. Get your photo taken. It's creepy, but oddly interesting.




BEACH BUM:

Most days are sunny and the beach beckons. Sadly, I did not get to go in. Had I the chance to lounge on the beach I would have done the following:

• Rent a beach chair and umbrella. I think it's about $45 for the day-- but wait, they come and mist you from time to time. They also will bring you drinks (for a price) and towels and food (for a price).
• Taken a long early morning walk on the boardwalk. They have a great walk that goes for what seems like miles between the hotels and the beach. Some creepy peeps lurk so keep an eye out-- but overall it seems pretty safe and the hotels are always on the look-out

FASHION:

Miami fashion is not Boston fashion. The theme seems to be "tighter and shorter are better".  Tight and short makes me shudder but there were a couple things I liked:

Fedora hats - co cute on men and women. Seems like every woman in the Miami airport had one on. I bought one and wore it home. I took it off immediately upon arrival in Boston since it seems to not translate in the northeast.

Gladiator Sandals: EVERYONE had these. Flip flop, who? I enjoyed them... on other people. I think I just need to find the right pair. Maybe next summer I will make this look work.


~Davina

At Least the Engines Work - Disney Dream Takes Shape

Our three day cruise on the Disney Dream is almost 8 months away. Seem far away until I hear things like, "they tested the engines and they work" and "the maiden voyage is only 180 days away".

When I see the announcement that they added water to the pools, I will feel more secure.

Here's what my ship looks like today:

Who Wants to Live at Disney?

Got 8 million dollars? How about 1.5?

For a few million Disney fans can literally own a piece of Disney with their very own custom build mansion on Disney property.

Based on the map, it looks like these homes are going up on the other side of Bay Lake (it's the big tree icon near the Magic Kingdom). Families who plunk down cash to live near Mickey and friends will have access to a private clubhouse, concierge service, a planned Four Seasons resort, a full service spa, a golf course and more.

For that kind of coin I would expect the monorail to stop outside my door.

The details can be found here: http://disneygoldenoak.disney.go.com/

~Davina

Harry Potter Grand Opening Online - Like Being There Without the Humidity

Wish you could attend the opening of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Me too.

So maybe I can't actually be there but I am marking my calendar for the super-nerdy online opening where I can watch from the comfort of my own home. Muggle t-shirt optional.

Maybe it's not as "cool" as being there, but at least there are no lines.

*******************
WHEN:
Celebrity Preview* -- Wednesday, June 16 from 9:30 - 10:00 PM EDT
Official Public Grand Opening -- Friday, June 18 from 9:00 - 9:30 AM EDT

NOTES: Go to www.UniversalOrlando.com/HarryPotterNews and click on the LIVE FEED button at the top left of the home page (next to the RSS feeds button)

Live updates from the grand opening events will also be shared on Universal Orlando Resort's Twitter page - www.twitter.com/UORnews.

~Davina

Walt Disney World in 5

My girl Melissa wrote a great piece for FoxNews.com about some tips and tricks to navigate the house of mouse (see link below). Love the Epcot "back door" tip - that's been my choice entrance for years.  Karen and I stumbled upon this much overlooked entrance on our first girls trip. Now it's like our own VIP access.

http://www.foxnews.com/slideshow/leisure/2010/06/03/walt-disney-world/#slide=1


~Davina

Go Go Kidz TravelMate Review

There was a time in my life when I would check out another woman's pocketbook or shoes. So imagine my surprise when I found myself ignoring the Louis Vuitton carry on bag and instead checking out another woman's infant car seat hand roller. I watched with admiration as a mother pulled her two children through the airport. Both kids snugly attached in their car seat, this super-mom rolled them easily through the check-in line at Orlando's airport. "I must have that", I thought to myself.

Knowing an airline trip was coming up with a car seat required at our destination, I started my research. All signs pointed to a giant headache manually carrying car seat, stroller, baby, and luggage. So what was the magical device this woman used to transport her children?

Turns out, she was using a Go Go Kidz TravelMate.

What is is: A piece of plastic with two wheels that attaches to your car seat. The buckle that holds the Go Go Kidz and the car seat together is pretty simple. If you have ever ratcheted ski boots, this will seem strikingly similar.


What it is not: Useful in any other capacity than pulling (or pushing) through airports and train stations.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the equivalent of the invention of the disposable diaper), I would give it around a 5. It does the job it is supposed to do and it freed up our hands for wrangling everything else. Mission complete. However, there were some things I would love to see the 2.0 version do.

• It cannot roll onto the plane. Not really their fault as the plane aisles are small. You just need to know that there will be some disassembling and reassembling on your journey.
• It cannot be attached to the car seat while on the plane. I would love a version of this product that could somehow transform itself into plane seat compatible so no overhead space is needed.
• It does not like to lean against walls. When not attached to you car seat the product is in the way... all the time. something that prevents it from rolling so you can lean it against a wall would be nice.
• It does not fit every car seat ever made. A tall order, I know.
• There are x-ray machines that this product will not fit through. We had to have it hand checked by security at Logan. It went through fine in Maui... go figure.

All in all, I was thankful I had this with me. Until they make a car seat that can convert into a roll-on (now there's an idea) I say go for it if you have the extra $70. It saved some headaches, it was easy to hook up and take off (for the most part) and I received a few envious glances myself as I rolled with ease through the airport.

Some notes on where to buy: I bought my version through Amazon. I tried the Go Go Kidz website and found the check-out process clunky. I trust Amazon and they delivered the product within a week.

Happy Travels!

~Davina