Disney's Hollywood Studios & Happy Birthday Gabe

Today was our DHS day and Gabe's 14th birthday. I could write a book about Gabe. I love this boy so much. He has the best heart. He is an all around awesome son, brother, and friend.

Gabe knew we were going to WDW for his birthday so he was not expecting any additional gifts. It was fun to surprise him with a completely inappropriate video game. I usually don't let the kids do violent video games, but this was The Walking Dead, so an exception was made.

On the "Mickey Bus" to DHS

Gabe and Dex sat all the way at the back by them selves. They were super tight the whole trip. 

Q sucking his thumb while he rubbed his own arm. 

We had a minor crisis when we got to DHS. Gabe forgot his ticket. Of all the parks, DHS is the MOST high stress "rope drop". There is no such thing as getting there too early. Not a good way to start the day. Gabe and Jason were going to take a cab back to the Poly to get it, but a security guard told them guest services may be able to reprint it. I normally always take a picture of the back of the tickets for just this type of thing. In fact, I had taken pics of mine and the little boys that morning but not Gabe's since he was carrying his own. Obviously, he was not carrying his own ticket.

Long story short, the fabulous guest services cast member was able to reprint his ticket. Disney Magic. 

At the new turnstyles. Disney is going to all RFID, you just put your ticket by the Mickey head, fingerprint, and you're in. This is in preparation for the new Magic Band system. We say guests who were testing it while we were there. Looks very cool. 

We normally go directly to Toy Story Mania, what is likely the most popular ride in all of Walt Disney World, but we had other plans. Quinn wanted to do the Jedi Training Academy. Basically your kid get to have a light saber fight with Darth Vader. You have to sign up first thing in the morning so we went there first while Jason and Gabe rode Rock n Rollercoaster.

We successfully signed Q up to fight the forces of evil. Dex had no interest what so ever in participating. Then we headed over to Toy Story Mania and rode stand by. Meaning we waited in line like everyone else. Boo.

It was still early enough that the line wasn't terrible.

This is ride where you wear 3-D glasses and play carnival style games all Toy Story themed. It's VERY fun. Dexter does not do 3-D glasses. 

We met up with Jason and Gabe after that and rode again. 

Next we did Legend of Jack Sparrow. Q LOVES anything Pirates of the Caribbean and we had never done this. It's kind of an interactive show. It was very cute. We all enjoyed it. 

 Quincy was chosen to play a role, he had to hold the "Skeleton Key." There was a spotlight on him at some point. 

By the way, if you are interested in Disney touring, this is NOT how you should plan your trip. We were more into doing our favorites and things we haven't made time to do in the past. If you're planning a Disney trip let me know, I'll help you with how you should REALLY do it.

Green Army Man! 

Up next we were Supposed to be doing Q's Jedi Training Academy. We reported back to the designated location and Quincy chickened out. I felt so bad for him, I know he wanted to do it. He's watched you tube videos of it over and over, but he was too scared. I didn't push it. Maybe next time. 

Instead we rode Star Tours! It's a Star Wars themed simulator ride. Very fun. Dexter wore the 3-D glasses! A big step for him. Each ride there is a "Rebel Spy" that Darth Vader is after. Quincy was the rebel spy! Of course we had to buy him the "I am the Rebel Spy" t-shirt.

Gabe's B-Day lunch was at Sci-Fi Drive in. You sit in cars and there is a huge drive in movie screen that shows old movie clips. You can't tell in this picture but its so dark in there we had to use our iPhone flash lights to read the menu!

We had some more fun after lunch then Jason took the little boys back to the room. Gabe and I rode Tower of Terror and Rock N Roller Coaster.

After that, it was back to the Poly for more sun and swimming!