Pre-Birthday Bash

When we took my dad to Disney in January, we purchased a three-day Florida resident pass.  I have been hearing constantly on the radio lately that if you have a three-day pass, they will no longer be good after May 24th, so I told George I would like to go for my pre-birthday.  We just couldn't waste those other two days, and besides we knew we would have a great time.

 It was a great time to go because they still had many of their flower creations--remember these are all made of growing plants!

 We had to stop in front of the Chinese pavilion since I will be leaving for China in a couple of days.

 Lady and the Tramp--my favorite!

Although we only had three hours in Epcot before they closed, we had a wonderful relaxing time (except for the half hour when it poured down rain, but we just waited in a covered area for it to stop and then went on our way).  The highlight of the evening is always the wonderful fireworks display on the lake.

The next day, Kyle, Kim, Carter and Jenna met us at Hollywood Studios (formerly known as MGM).  Brady stayed with his Grandma Patrece back at their house.  This was a special weekend because Disney had their annual Star Wars tribute.  

Jenna and Carter are always so much to be with.  They are always ready for a good time!

Not being a Star Wars follower (sorry to say that I only watched the first one), I don't know who this guy is--but evidently he is very famous in the show.  He played Darth Maul.  People had lined up since 4:00 a.m. to get his autograph and be in a picture with him.

How would you like to be in that fur all day--and the temperature was 90 degrees!

 

There were storm troopers everywhere.

A huge tent had been set up with every kind of Star Wars item you could imagine to buy.  I think the Darth Vader was $1,300 and the Chewbacha (sp?) was $850.  Amazing!

Two artists were drawing/painting scenes from Star Wars or pictures about their characters.  I really liked this cute "family" picture.

George and Kyle just chillin' before the big parade started.  They didn't want to fight the crowd, so just enjoyed seeing what they could see over the tops of all the heads. 

 Yep, there were so many people, this was the tiny slot that Jenna, Kim, and I had.  If the characters didn't turn towards us going by, there was no way to get them at all. 

Again, someone famous from the movies.  Unfortunately, they always have make-up on or some of them are just the voices, so they aren't easily recognized by an amateur like me.

With the fantastic Star Wars music going, it was hard not to be caught up in the excitement.

Cute Jenna with some of the beautiful flowers which were everywhere.

It's always so fun to watch how they filmed "Indiana Jones."

Here were the police escorting the main character guy they had there, I guess so the fans would stay back from him. 

We, also, got to see a fun Disney character parade.

 

After the parade, we went to the "American Idol" pavilion where they actually have auditions for American Idol.  We heard three people who were finalists from the day; then we got to vote, and the finalists all were going to the last night show where one person a day would be chosen by the audience.  That person got a Golden Ticket to be at the front of the real auditions when they start again.  It was really fun!  Two of the finalists this year--Holly and Skylar--both got through this way.

Yes, Grandpas can get lost, too.  George wasn't watching and all of a sudden, we couldn't see him with the group.  Jenna had to go after him.

It truly was a fantastic weekend--great places, great times with family, and just plain FUN!