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We didn’t specifically plan to be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Rogue One opening day. Our park day schedule just ended up that way. Sure it was extra crowed, but it was also extra fun.

Star Tours

We got one ride in on Star Tours during the day using fast passes. Later in the evening, most of our party wanted to ride Rock-n-Roller Coaster, but Josh and I weren’t feeling it, so we decided to split from the group to ride Star Tours again.

We sat down and buckled up. The lights barely started to dim, when we heard a woman behind us cry out,

“Ay, Dios Mio!”

That was our warning.

The woman proceeded to scream bloody murder during the entire ride.  I am not exaggerating. I’m a total wuss when it comes to scary rides and I find Star Tours to be tame. This woman screamed like she was on some crazy death deifying roller coaster.

We were cracking up.

After the ride, at first we imagined what she would be like on an actual scary ride, but then it was even more hilarious to envision her having the same reaction while riding attractions like It’s a Small World. Josh did a spot on impression of the woman, and it was a source of entertainment for the rest of the trip.

Meanwhile, the rest of our party had their own story to tell. They had to be evacuated from the Rock-n-Roller Coaster queue because Rock-n-Roller Coaster caught on fire.

I love these types of moments, because they transform a trip into being our trip.

March of the First Order

This is pretty much just Captain Phasma leading Storm Troopers through the crowd while ominous music plays.

Once they are in front of the stage, they engage in military like drills.

If you are like me, and the whole time you are thinking, it’s Star Wars, look at the Storm Troopers, Yay Star Wars stuff, I think you will enjoy it. If you are thinking Star what, is that the thing with Dark Vader, it wouldn’t be a big deal if you skipped it. If anything, it’s a good chance to secure a spot closer to the stage for the show that follows.

Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away 

This show was a lot fun.

Basically your favorite characters come out and do a thing. Sometimes they talk like BB8 and R2D2/CP30. Other characters like Darth Maul show off some wicked light saber twirling moves.  The coolest part was that since it was the opening of Rogue One day, it was the very first the time the Imperial Death Troopers, that are specific to the Rogue One film, made an appearance at Disney World.

There may have been a plot, but I didn’t pay a ton of attention to that. I mostly just geeked out.

I  hope there will never come a day when the Darth Vader theme does not give me chills.

Star Wars Launch Bay

In the Launch Bay Theater, there was a short documentary being shown on Star Wars and the making of Rogue One. As we entered the line, we were handed exclusive opening day, only at the park, Rogue One buttons. To say we were excited is an understatement.

The celebrate Star Wars area housed movie memorabilia and had a fun themed area that included some photo ops, complete with interactive Jawas scampering about.

*Photos courtesy of the Pizzillo family

Ah, nothing like a tall glass of blue milk.

This was also the part of the building with the Meet  Chewbacca and Encounter Kylo Ren.

For the park clearly being filled with Star Wars fans, we were surprised that the lines weren’t crazy long.

First we “encountered” Kylo Ren. He was legitimately intimidating. He talks in his ominous voice, growling serious, stern things.

He approached Cherylin and stated to the group that he sensed the darkside in her.

She had no complaints. She was completely on board with signing up to become Kylo Ren’s apprentice.

Next we met Chewbacca, and if you know my propensity for snuggle-able things, then you’ll know how delighted I was to get a big ol’ Chewy hug.

Meeting the Star Wars characters was one of the highlights of the day. I wish there were more characters. I know they recently added in BB8.  I would love to meet Darth Vader since he’s my favorite. Hopefully there will be more meet and greets in the new Star Wars area.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

We decided to secure a spot early for the night time spectacular. It ended up being nice having a little bit of time to just sit and chill out. Shannon and I finally gave in and got the BB8 sipper cup. It was too cute to resist.

The Galactic Spectacular show was indeed spectacular.

There were lasers, projections,  fireworks, and lots of fire.

All of the music was Star Wars. I was bursting with fangirl exhilaration.

If our trip was longer, and we had the time, I probably would have gone back to watch it a second time.

A great day was had by all. I loved every bit of it. There was such an excited energy throughout the park on Rogue One opening day. All of the Star Wars activities were super fun. I can’t even fathom what it’s going to be like walking into a completely immersive Star Wars area in 2019. I might faint with excitement.

If you are looking to join a fun travel community, check out Weekend  Wanderlust 

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