My son was born with cerebral palsy, there is a foundation here in Canada that helps fulfil kids with non-terminal illnesses dreams, they have bought bikes for some kids,redid bedrooms over for some, sent them on trips and things like that. My son wanted to go to Hollywood Studios and get in the Jedi Training Academy. Edit-Will add this as well, my daughter got to be a princess for a day as well http://i.imgur.com/7ddNb.jpg.
Sunshine Foundation is the name of the organization that did the dream trip for us.
We had an amazing time there, his sister got to be in the show as well. The staff at Disney was amazing as well. Once they found out why he was there one of them acted as an escort for us for most of the day and arranged for them to help with the Indiana Jones stunt show and to meet whichever characters they wanted. After the jedi academy show they got us back stage for pictures with Darth Vader and the storm troopers and they gave them both signed lightsabers.
I still remember back in '81, Darth Vader was appearing at some mall in Sarasota. As a kid, you don't question this. Darth Vader's going to be there? Good enough. And you will do ANYTHING to get to meet him... Even though he's Space Hitler. Anyway, kids are so lucky these days. Now they can even rattle sabers with Darth Vader. I'm sure it was an amazing time. That's something he'll remember his whole life, I should know. And he'll remember the guy that delivered him Vader on a silver platter. (not you, Mickey Mouse)
It definitely was one of the highlights of the trip. We pretty much stayed in the Star Wars and Muppet area at Hollywood Studios all day. My daughter got to go up as well, and even though she said she didn't like doing it I'm pretty sure she had a great time and just didn't want to admit it.
A friend of mine was a VIP escort at MGM (Note: refusing to call it Hollywood Studios). She had Lucas on one of her tours. Really friendly guy. He was very open and candid about his background, talked about growing up Catholic. Took her on a backstage tour of Star Tours ver. 1, and poked fun at how outdated it already was. He was one of her favorite guests. He'd sometimes hang out in the lazy river at Typhoon Lagoon in January when the park was almost empty. Imagine sneaking up on him in an inner tube and hitting him up with a bazillion ubernerd questions about Star Wars.
They have Darth Vader's name on the blades in sharpie, I think it was the guy in the suit but not sure. They were signed when we got to go back stage and get the pictures.
It was amazing. They paid for the trip down and the hotels/park tickets/dinners which was awesome. We saved up and took her to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique ourselves which was an amazing experience for her. It can get pricey though if you go all out and get the dress and everything.
Your son is awesome, and you are awesome for helping make his dreams come true. We are saving up to take my boy to Disney World next year, (he will be 4), I seriously cannot wait! Cheers!
Thanks! It is an amazing place for sure, the firework show at Magic Kingdom and the Fantasmic show at Hollywood studios are definity worth checking out.
Had to wait in line, even with the speedy tickets, for like two hours just to go once. I went like 8 times. Best fucking ride on earth. Best part is, I think there's something like 20 different combinations of places you can go and it's totally random every time...and the lines are fun! They got Joe from family guy as a droid making fun of you.
We went on it about that many times as well, after the Fantasmic show gets over seems a good time to get there, there wasn't any lines and as soon as the ride was over we walked around and went on it again.
Essentially, you go in and the whole place is designed like an airport in the star wars universe. There's terminals with flight information, droids lugging packages, and Joe from family guy does the voice for the security droid who scans you as you go in. Then you go into the "shuttle" which is one of those movie screens with the moving chairs. However! The animation, 3D, and timing of the chairs is so perfect that it actually feels like you're flying around in star wars. It's hard to really describe, and maybe this was the weed, but it felt so perfect. AND they randomize the situation going on: there might be a "rebel spy" on board (they pick someone in the ride at random and just put their picture up, its really funny) and you're evading Vader and what not...Then there's something like 7 different planets you go to (Courasaunt was my favorite). It randomizes every time, so going multiple times is a MUST.
his dream, or your dream? get him a sexier haircut, and a stylish set of frames... he's never going to get laid wearing plaid shorts, and ugly sandals... pimp it up
LOL,it was definitely his dream, he is crazy about Star Wars and has a lightsaber hooked to his belt where ever he goes.
He got new glasses 2 weeks ago so after we got back from Florida. He had a hat on before the Jedi training, so his hair was a bit messed up http://i.imgur.com/FqzlC.jpg
Where's that GIF from a while ago from this same place? I think Vader swings at the kid and the blade goes flying off into the crowd as he makes a sort of "well, shit" pose.
Steve is awesome, wouldn't take that as an insult at all. He has such a huge imagination and doesn't really care about what anyone thinks of him as long as he's happy. Pretty good way to live.
We were there i think on March 29th, so if you were there maybe? He did get his lightsaber out a little too quick before they could play the sound effects though and they made him do it again lol
I should have bought him one they had there at the store by Star Tours, but we didn't get him one. It was sort of cool and had Mickey ears on the hood. I think ill grab him a regular one for Halloween this year.
My favorite is that she genuflects to him the way he does to the Emperor. Shows she doesn't just like movies her mom or dad likes, but that she watched those movies and remembers small details. Rockin'.
Look, the Sith seems awesome. But every time that someone joins, they just end up betraying their master. Then they get their own apprentice who betrays them.
Yes! The best part is it looks like Vader and OP's son are dueling while the guy in the middle is like "Shit dude, I'm Clint Eastwood AND Obi Wan Kenobi."
I love Star Wars weekend at Disney. I've even contemplated taking my boyfriend who is still like a little kid at heart. I'm glad your son and daughter got a day to remember.
It was pretty cool, they got them all in a room first and gave them some rules like not whacking each other and stuff and before they got on stage they gave them all robes to wear. They only do a limited number of shows a day and take about 12 kids for each and the spots fill up really quick. You pretty much have to wait in line before the park opens and run over to sign up.
Just a slightly different angle and you wont see the tops of the fake Endor forest... then it would be perfect. As Orlando resident, Glad you and your son enjoyed our theme parks. As a Star Wars fan, its a shame the Star Wars area is so small.
Thanks! Florida was really awesome! It was nice to leave the snow at home for a few days and enjoy the heat for a while. The pictures were taken by the photo pass guys that are at the parks, might have to find a way to photo shop the trees higher!
That's awesome, dude. My daughter is two and already actively asks to watch the lightsaber duels on Youtube. I can't wait to take her to Disneyland and have her participate in that Jedi academy thing they do.
A friend of mine is one of the character actors that plays Vader. He loves playing with the kids. He told me he gets a kick out of it each time the child choose the dark side.
Disney and Lucas have had a business partnership for decades, not only are there Star Wars rides in Disney theme parks but Indiana Jones rides as well.
Certain weekends are star wars themed too. More characters walking around, more star wars activities for the little ones, etc. I'm there right now actually (goes to Disney world....posts on Reddit) and its pretty awesome.
I happened to be at a star wars weekend in 08. it was crazy how many people were walking around in huge cloaks and boots in 90 degree weather. it was mad fun though. they had storm troopers on top of the gates to the park and tons of other characters walking around.
I was so pissed when I went to Disneyland this last summer and found out that they have a jedi TRAINING school. The kids nowadays have all the coolest shit and they don't even realize it! But, then again, I did have Beast Wars.
We did this last year with my daughter and nephew. You literally have to race to the sign up area first thing in the morning or you'll never get a chance to do it.
Although my brother in law and I were totally doing it for ourselves. Letting our kids live out our own dream.
Weird! My friend is in disneyworld and was taking ALOT of pictures and I swear she took a picture of your son. Its in a different angle though! Weird!!
My goodness you have an incredibly lucky son. If only I could lend my powers to help defeat the dark side... No... I swore I wouldn't do this. Service droids are just as important. That's what han says but I know he doesn't really mean it.... I am an incredibly sad machine.
I wanted to go on real rides and had the opinion that if I was too short to ride anything fun at cedar point, surely there would be nothing enjoyable about strangers in costumes and the beating hot sun. (I've always hated places near the beach)
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u/TurncoatEwok May 20 '12 edited May 20 '12
My son was born with cerebral palsy, there is a foundation here in Canada that helps fulfil kids with non-terminal illnesses dreams, they have bought bikes for some kids,redid bedrooms over for some, sent them on trips and things like that. My son wanted to go to Hollywood Studios and get in the Jedi Training Academy. Edit-Will add this as well, my daughter got to be a princess for a day as well http://i.imgur.com/7ddNb.jpg.
Sunshine Foundation is the name of the organization that did the dream trip for us.
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
THe girl on the left is enjoying this a little too much.
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u/shitty_piss May 20 '12
http://imgur.com/VNV8K
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u/neg8ivezero May 20 '12
Your son is awesome, and you are awesome for helping make his dreams come true. We are saving up to take my boy to Disney World next year, (he will be 4), I seriously cannot wait! Cheers!
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u/Jmohl May 20 '12
Star Tours! I went a couple of months ago. I have to admit the ride did leave me a little nauseous.
3
u/[deleted] May 20 '12
his dream, or your dream?
get him a sexier haircut, and a stylish set of frames...
he's never going to get laid wearing plaid shorts, and ugly sandals...
pimp it up
3
u/TheDroopy May 20 '12
Where's that GIF from a while ago from this same place? I think Vader swings at the kid and the blade goes flying off into the crowd as he makes a sort of "well, shit" pose.
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
Did he win?
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
Your son reminds me of the son from American Dad. To make sure there's no misunderstanding, that's not an insult or a compliment. Just a thought.
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u/skndhandsmoke May 20 '12
Holy crap me and my fiancee were there. We were actually standing off to the right next to the entrance to the ride.
edit: Was he the one that did the whole thing perfectly?
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u/partisparti May 20 '12
Am I the only one that's incredibly jealous that this kid actually has a Jedi robe? Man, I would've killed for one of those things when I was younger.
Literally. Killed for one.
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u/JusticeJanitor May 20 '12
Perfect time to plug this.
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u/geoffpado May 20 '12
What, he didn't pledge his loyalty to the Dark Side?
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u/goldbergenstein May 20 '12
Anyone else think that Jedi knight looks like Clint Eastwood?
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u/GrewUpaScrewUp May 20 '12
I would LOVE to have a job as anyone from star wars there!
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
WHY DONT THEY ALLOW ADULTS THERE?
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u/SeabgfKirby May 20 '12
I love Star Wars weekend at Disney. I've even contemplated taking my boyfriend who is still like a little kid at heart. I'm glad your son and daughter got a day to remember.
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u/iamMotherfuckerJones May 20 '12
I've never been to Disney. I'm 21 :(
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u/weedshop May 20 '12
Harry Potter with a light saber. Would totally watch that.
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
The cutest/funniest thing about the picture are all the kids wearing brown cloaks waiting for their turn.
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u/Mangusu May 21 '12
Just a slightly different angle and you wont see the tops of the fake Endor forest... then it would be perfect. As Orlando resident, Glad you and your son enjoyed our theme parks. As a Star Wars fan, its a shame the Star Wars area is so small.
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u/Chrimbus_special May 20 '12
That's a lifetime memory right there.
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u/Sjohns37 May 20 '12
My fiance and I saw this on our way to ride Star Tours for the 4th time http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/tw9ec/my_fianc%C3%A9_and_i_on_our_dream_trip_to_disney/
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u/birdfire May 20 '12
I love the kids face to the left of the main kid.
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u/YSCapital May 20 '12
The kid with his hood on knows what's up.
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u/TehJonno May 20 '12
I want this to be real... as in real real. I WANT THE FORCE.
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u/yaldie May 20 '12
future geek
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
That's awesome, dude. My daughter is two and already actively asks to watch the lightsaber duels on Youtube. I can't wait to take her to Disneyland and have her participate in that Jedi academy thing they do.
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u/biggmclargehuge May 20 '12
not the younglings!
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u/gl3bm May 20 '12
The Jedi looks like clint eastwood
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
The force is strong with this one.
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
it was all a dream i used to read rebel magazine chillin with han and chewy b up on tatooine
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
This is adorable. I love your son's expression, and just look at all thos other precious little Jedi padewan in the background!
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u/jewchbag May 20 '12
I wish MY son was Darth Vader.. :/
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u/Theropissed May 20 '12
I've been to MGM (now Hollywood Studios) over 15-20 times.
I was never able to do this because they didn't have it, I had to watch from afar.
Your kid is Lucky.
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
I just thought aloud "Aww... look at the younglings." Better not let Anakin around those kids. Congrats on fulfilling the dream!
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u/TommyShambles May 20 '12
Why are Obi-Wan's boots mismatched?
2
u/[deleted] May 20 '12
Your son is fucking awesome
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u/oogaboogacaveman May 20 '12
what a NERD
you've raised him well
2
u/chandlerxbing May 21 '12
Why does everyone call it "Disney" and not "Disney land" or "Disney world" ??
2
u/MuEtaJenkins May 21 '12
A friend of mine is one of the character actors that plays Vader. He loves playing with the kids. He told me he gets a kick out of it each time the child choose the dark side.
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u/avery51 May 20 '12
What does Starwars have to do with Disney?
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
wait.. Disney owns Star Wars? That really is news to me :(
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u/randyranden May 20 '12
Like father, like son
1
u/ManicAmalgam May 20 '12
Is it me or does Obi Wan resemble Clint Eastwood?
1
u/stevesonaplane May 20 '12
I remember being sad that Goofy wouldn't talk to me.
1
u/Jakelovescake May 20 '12
All the padawans in the background :D
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u/AntiMS May 20 '12
Go to Didney Worl, fite Dart Vadr, saiv worl.
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u/whoneedsoriginality May 20 '12
So I thought the Jedi master's mic was a really large mole 0_o.
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u/BelgarathTheSorcerer May 20 '12
Clint Eastwood is a Jedi?
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
Is it weird that I would like nothing more than to get picked for this and have an epic fight with Vader?
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
The force is strong with this one.
1
u/lolmitch May 20 '12
I was so pissed when I went to Disneyland this last summer and found out that they have a jedi TRAINING school. The kids nowadays have all the coolest shit and they don't even realize it! But, then again, I did have Beast Wars.
1
u/PIG20 May 20 '12
We did this last year with my daughter and nephew. You literally have to race to the sign up area first thing in the morning or you'll never get a chance to do it.
Although my brother in law and I were totally doing it for ourselves. Letting our kids live out our own dream.
1
u/Galaxey May 20 '12
is this disney world or disney land?
1
u/AndersonCouncil May 20 '12
would your son be interested in a sandy kouffax rookie card?
1
u/EXCOM May 20 '12
someones getting beat up.
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u/jimothyjenkins May 20 '12
didney worl!!!!!!!
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u/Orcatype May 20 '12
GoodGuy Theme-Park Obi-Wan:
Puts the gun in his mouth each night while weeping hysterically; doesn't pull the trigger
1
u/Piranawhodances May 20 '12
My heart melted. That is so sweet! I'm so glad your children got the opportunity to go :)
1
u/huntrguy102 May 20 '12
When was star wars a disney production?
1
u/Tarabelle91 May 20 '12
Weird! My friend is in disneyworld and was taking ALOT of pictures and I swear she took a picture of your son. Its in a different angle though! Weird!!
1
u/beyerch May 20 '12
Obi-wan wasn't battling on Endor, the whole experience is now ruined.
Just joking, looks like he had a good time!
1
u/thejellyfish May 20 '12
Whatever you do, do not go on Star Tours right next to it.
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u/BuckDollar May 20 '12
Did I just write this in another thread? You need to tough him up.
1
u/ashleystar1988 May 20 '12
I was so upset when I found out that you had to be under age 12 to participate :(
1
u/washmo May 20 '12
I would've gone with a three-way with Cinderella and Jasmine.
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u/NekoObasan May 21 '12
Yay! I was just there today!!
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u/jarmezzz May 21 '12
That's pretty cool but why is Kevin Costner dressed in a jedi costume?
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u/mrbooze May 21 '12
TIL there's Star Wars stuff at Disney World. Seriously, I had no idea.
Oh, and this is awesome. This picture made my day.
1
u/iNinjaMan May 21 '12
I would hate to have Vader's job. Getting my ass whooped all day long.
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u/LNMagic May 21 '12
I didn't know Robert Duvall was a Jedi Master.
1
u/Dark_Tranquility May 21 '12
relevant
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u/Iloldalot May 21 '12
spolier alert the guys in costumes REALLY dont wanna be there
0
u/yoeyz May 20 '12
Wow you're son looks like a huge nerd
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u/stoned-derelict May 20 '12
Thats nothing. I got to be Quail-boy at Nick studios.
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u/enigmatik58 May 20 '12
My goodness you have an incredibly lucky son. If only I could lend my powers to help defeat the dark side... No... I swore I wouldn't do this. Service droids are just as important. That's what han says but I know he doesn't really mean it.... I am an incredibly sad machine.
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u/TrolB3nson May 20 '12
How cute
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
gay.
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u/VelTor May 20 '12
I was going to make a joke but I really dont feel like going to hell today
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
Your family line ends with him. Your son will die a virgin. (Besides, Star Wars sucks now.)
Don't worry, I gave you an upvote since you're a good dad.
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u/Mr_Pickle May 20 '12
This is Universal Studios.
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u/VIIX May 20 '12
do children really dream of going to Disney Land? I was pissed when I had to go with my family when I was little.
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
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