Tips to Create a Vacation With A Reading Purpose!

A great way to encourage reading is for your kids to earn their way to a vacation destination!  Kids love watching a movie or playing video games, and reading, unfortunately, has become the media of last resort. So, you have to find a way to turn reading or the Reading Fair into a challenge with an

Relax: Keep the Fun in Your Star Wars Weekends

Whether it’s your families first time or 7th time to attend Star Wars Weekends, you don't want to stress over what to do while you are there :  you need to make the most of your stay while having an enjoyable vacation!   So, I have put together 4 things that will keep the fun in your weekend!

1.  Participate in Jedi Training and the Padawan Mind Challenge 

Jedi Training and Padawan Mind Challenge are essential events for children ages 4-12.  For Jedi Training, your young Jedi Knight-to-be takes the Jedi Oath, grabs a lightsaber and under the careful watch of a Jedi Master, learns the skills to defeat the Dark Side.   Although Jedi Training takes place year round, SWW has some special surprises you don't want to miss!

A Chance to Battle The Dark Side!

Padawan Mind Challenge is only during SWW and is an exciting trivia game; is fun for everyone in the whole family; and is sure to bring laughter to participants and the audience alike!

The Mind Challenge is fun for Everyone!

TIPS:  Hollywood Studios usually opens 30 minutes early during SWW, so be there early!  Space is limited for both of these events and your child needs to be with you when you sign up.  

Usually, the Epic Stunt Theater is the place to go to get your name on the list for Jedi Training, and ABC Sound Studio was the place to be for the Padawan Mind Challenge.  These spots are subject to change, and I will post updates as soon as the 2015 schedule is posted.

2.  Plan Your FastPass+ Selections

Disney’s FastPass+ service is a great way to enjoy your stay at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios during SWW and is a necessity for a smooth weekend.  We simply plan your attractions for each day online before you leave home!  I really enjoy this new feature at Disney, and I am sure you will, too!

TIPS:  Disney will be phasing in 4 FastPass+ selections around the time of SWW.   Be sure to download the My Disney Experience App and check every day before you head to the park:  you just might find an extra FastPass ready to use!

Be sure and use Toy Story Mania as one of your FastPass+ choices:  this ride is a popular family stop and fills up very early each day.

3.  Plan Your Dining

Thinking about where to eat is important because of the huge fan influx during these weekends.  Places like Sci Fi Dine-In Theater, The Brown Derby and 50’s Prime Time Café are hard to get reservations.  Dining Reservations open up 180 days before arrival, and we are in that window now!  As soon as you have your resort reservations, we need to get your dining reservations scheduled. 

TIPS:  The Breakfast and Dinner with the Star Wars Stars at Sci Fi and Hollywood and Vine have been moved to the Dining Plan for 2 Dining Credits.  Be sure and book as soon as possible because these selections will go quickly.  You can also choose a Star Wars Fastasmic Dinner at Hollywood and Vine and would be a great selection for your family!

A Must See Fireworks Spectacular!

Want Character Dining?  Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club Resort is a short walk to Disney's Hollywood Studios.  They serve an awesome breakfast buffet with Mickey, Minnie and Donald, you can schedule an early breakfast, and it's on your dining plan!

Mickey, Minnie and Donald Will Stop At Your Table!

Don’t want a sit down meal?  There are family friendly quick service restaurants like the Pizza Planet that are sure to satisfy your picky eater and don’t require reservations!

Quick and Easy and a Crowd Pleaser!

4.  Find Relief From the Heat

Let’s face it:  we will be in Florida in May and June, and it will be hot!  The best way to beat the heat is to head over to Darth’s Mall during the hottest part of the day!  Darth’s Mall is only available during SWW and should be on your must do list anyway!  Limited edition toys, clothing and D-tech merchandise are available at the mall; and new in 2013 was a snack area with Darth Vader Cupcakes, sodas and adult drinks!

My Favorite SWW Treat!

TIP:  There will be special guest appearances by Star Wars Stars and photo ops with characters such as Princess Leia and R2D2 all during the day.  I will post the 2015 schedule as soon as it is available.

Talk to Your Favorite Princess!

Sometimes we get caught up in having to squeeze in everything;  but, your bottom line goal should be to enjoy the time together as a family.  A Star Wars vacation can be a great place to relax, leave work and stress behind, and just have fun! 

Need more information, contact me at kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Jedi?

It’s time you found out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Jedi Training Academy!

Jedi Training is for all young Padawans ages 4 through 12 who want to test their skills in the Force under the watchful eye of a Jedi Master! 

Head over to the stage by Star Tours and life-size AT-AT for all the excitement and action!

Your Padawans will arrive here with Jedi robes and light sabers and eager to learn! The show begins with Star Wars fanfare and a Jedi Oath preparing the younglings for training.   The Jedi Master is there to instruct your child in the ways of force by practicing life-saving defense skills.

And as the young Padawans are practicing their skilled moves, the Jedi Master senses a disturbance in the force, and suddenly Stormtroopers and Darth Vader appear!    

You can see the excitement on everyone's face as Darth Vader tries to intimidate the crowd and challenges each child in a battle of skills. 

Will your child be able to defeat the dark side and be proclaimed a true Jedi Knight?  They must be tested to know for sure… 

May the Force Be With You!

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Hi! This is Star Wars Mom, and Jedi Training is one of my favorite things to watch during Star Wars Weekends!   This show really brings the galaxy far, far away to Disney Hollywood Studios with Star Wars music, sound effects, and characters.  You even hear Master Yoda’s voice as he provides us valuable Jedi Wisdom!  If you want to be a part of this remarkable experience, follow my tips from The Force:

1.  In order to begin your training you must sign up early!  During Star Wars Weekends the Academy fills up quickly, so as soon as the rope drops and Hollywood Studios opens,  head over to the queue outside the ABC Sound Studio!  (the signup location my change: stay tuned for updates).   Be sure and have your Dining Reservations and FastPass+ schedule with you so you can pick the best time for your family.

These are the only criteria:

- be between ages of 4 and 12

- be able to follow directions

- be able to be on stage by yourself. 

And please have your children with you.  The Cast Members will not sign up a child unless he or she is present!   If all the available spots are taken, ask to be on the alternate list!

2.  Make sure to note the training time the Cast Members give you and arrive 30 minutes ahead of schedule.   If you don’t show up on time, a child from the waiting list will be substituted in your spot!

3.  The viewing area around the stage is first-come-first-serve.  If possible, split up and send one adult to the meet up area with your child, and another to stand at the stage in your perfect viewing spot.  

4.  Everyone in the Academy will get a chance to display his or her skills!  During Star Wars Weekends, additional Jedi and Sith Lords will be there to challenge your children.  You may even get the chance to meet Darth Maul, Ventress or Ahsoka Tano!

5.  Don’t worry about missing any of the excitement because Disney photographers are there to capture it for you!  These experts of Disney memories will snap every moment so that you can view them later through Memory Maker.

6.  Remember, this is an outdoor event and weather may cancel the Jedi Training at any time since the safety of your children is the most important concern.

7.  And Be sure to check the daily Entertainment Times Guide for performances the day of your visit.  Times and schedule do change, and you to make sure you attend this important event in the life of your Padawan.

Becoming a Jedi Knight is the opportunity of a lifetime!  Don't let your family fall to the Dark Side...

Contact me for more information kesselrunner77@gmail.com

What To Do At Star Wars Weekends

Star Wars Weekends comes around one a year at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  Every Friday,
Saturday and Sunday of Star Wars Weekends you will can relive your Star Wars memories with your family or make new ones to cherish for a lifetime!

But, not sure what to do during Star Wars Weekends and how do you I mix that in with my Disney Vacation?  Here are some ways to spend your SWW:


Disney's D-Tech Me at Star Wars Weekends

Feel the Force Premium Viewing Package

Capturing Memories with the Star Wars Characters

Expanded Jedi Training During Star Wars Weekends

Mixing a Disney Vacation and a Star Wars Vacation

10 Must Dos at Star Wars Weekends

If you would like more information, please let me know at kesselrunner77@gmail.com