Galaxy's Edge

  

Last week we attended a cast preview of Galaxy's Edge, the new Star Wars area in Hollywood Studios.

The Rise of the Resistance attraction wasn't open yet, but we rode Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run twice. It was fun, a cross between Star Tours and Mission:Space, but a little tamer than either. We weren't able to experience the cantina or the lightsaber building, but enjoyed walking around the land.

I also visited Epcot last week. Work continues at the International Gateway, expanding the turnstiles and security for the opening of the Skyliner.

Last night we attended the Annual Passholder Appreciation Night at Universal Studios. This summer Universal opened another Harry Potter attraction, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. It replaced the Dragon Challenge in the Harry Potter area of Islands of Adventure. It is a lot of fun, especially at night.

Memphis

Earlier this month we flew back to Bend and drove our camping trailer out. My truck wasn't doing a good job towing it across Wyoming so we stopped in Fort Collins Colorado and traded it in for a heavier one with a bigger engine. 

We also brought the cats out with us, so we weren't able to make too many stops.  

We did stop in Memphis, and enjoyed a meal at the Hard Rock there. This was my 26th HRC.

We walked a bit on Beale Street after dinner, and spent some time driving around downtown, then headed back to our campground outside the city. The next day we drove back to Florida, completing my thirteenth trip across the country.

July Update

I continue to enjoy going into the parks when I'm not working and checking out the construction sites. Yesterday I visited both Epcot and the Magic Kingdom. At MK, I rode the Peoplemover to see the new Tron roller coaster site.

In Epcot, work continues on the expansion of the France pavilion, and around the gondola system at the International Gateway.

Jenn is celebrating her birthday this week, so earlier today Jenn and I went to MK. Disney has started working on a swing bridge near MK. This will allow for a walkway from the park to the Grand Floridian, as the canal is used to store the Electric Water Pageant. 

Moonlight Magic at Animal Kingdom

 

Last week Jennifer got to do a behind the scenes tour of Rock N Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios. 

Last night we attended a DVC Moonlight Magic event in Animal Kingdom. We rode several rides, including an after dark Kilimanjaro Safaris. We stayed one night at Animal Kingdom Lodge. A friend of Jennifer's went with us.

We also got a free dinner and snacks, and met characters. It was a nice event.

Independence Day

Neither Jenn or I had a shift on the 4th of July, so we decided to celebrate the day in Epcot. Some of the characters were out in patriotic attire, like Chip n Dale.

Epcot has had a lot of work going on. In the front of the park work continued on the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster and the tram stop. We took a trip on the monorail to check it out.

There's also work going on between the Imagination pavilion and the Showcase Plaza.

That night there were special fireworks after Illuminations.

Friendship Boats

Last week I completed my training at the Friendship Boats. I will be operating boats between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, as well as across the World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot.

On my way home from Epcot the other day I drove around the back side of Hollywood Studios, where they are building a new Star Wars hotel. 

At the entrance to Epcot, they started removing the Leave a Legacy Monoliths that were installed as part of the Millennium Celebration.

This morning we enjoyed a similar event to one we did in Toy Story Land earlier this month. We got to enter Pandora in Animal Kingdom before the park opened for the day and ride the River Journey and Flight of Passage.

Toy Story Land

We continue to enjoy the parks when not working, and on Tuesday were able to attend a special cast event in Toy Story Land before Hollywood Studios opened for the day. We had wandered through Toy Story Land before, and even ridden Slinky Dog Dash, but it was nice to experience it without a long wait. It's a nice family coaster, pretty fast but without too many crazy curves.

Alien Swirling Saucers is similar to the Mater ride in DCA's Carsland. It's kind of fun for a spinner.

Monday I was off, so while Susan and Jenn worked I went into the Magic Kingdom and rode the Peoplemover and the Astro-orbiter. They have started adding track to the new Tron roller coaster.

Last night I worked my last shift in Adventureland, as I received a transfer to full time at the Friendship Boats. This morning I went through orientation at Epcot, and tomorrow I start training.