The Kilcoynes: Disney Day 2

We spent the day today in Hollywood Studios - and it was out of this world!

We arrived before the gates opened and the guys got ready. They were on a mission - a mission to get the big kids a once in a lifetime experience. When we finally passed through the gates, Patrick and Finn climbed aboard Mike and Gill's backs, and with Faye and Ella in hand, they ran as fast as they could to ABC Studios. Why? So the kids could train to be Jedi's, of course! And they succeeded.

Before Jedi training began, we saw R2D2 and C3PO and rode Star Tours.

When the ride was over, Patrick and Finnegan were given another unique opportunity. Cast member, George, selected them to make the Light Sabers of the Day to be put on display in the Star Wars Shop. The boys paid close attention and worked very hard on their sabers.

When they were complete, George placed them in the glass case

and put their names and home cities on display.

George then presented them with Magical Moments Certificates

and they went on to create light sabers of their own to take home.

Then, it was time for Jedi Training to begin.

Only about 100 children a day get this experience

and we were thrilled that they got in.

Wearing Jedi attire, the kids were brought out to the ship for training

their teacher gave a demonstration...

and taught the children a routine to fight the dark side.

Then, Darth Vadar arrived, and one by one, our trainees fought him.

Before Finnegan could fight,

he told Darth Vadar "The Dark Side is gonna LOSE"

and he beat him!

Serious Patrick stood up to the Dark Lord and also succeeded.

When the training was over, and Darth Vadar defeated,

the Jedis each received a certificate.

We are so proud of our Jedis!

Next, we all went to Toy Story Mania, where everyone had a blast

Then, we headed to Hollywood and Vine for a Character Lunch.

We met Handy Manny, Special Agent Oso and Jake the Pirate.

Not only did we get to say hi to our favorite characters, but the kids were invited to dance and sing with them. So fun!

After lunch, Gill and The Rodgers went on some scary rides
while I took the boys to Disney Junior Live with our friends Jenny and Nathan.
The kids were so excited to see each other and to see the great show!

They loved seeing Mickey and Friends and dancing to their favorite tunes from the shows.

We said goodbye to Nathan and the group went to Behind the Scenes Show.

and Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area.

Finally, it was time for the big meetup -

Sully and Mike, meet Sully and Mike (the Monsters)

This was such a special meet and greet. Uncle Mike explained to the monsters that he and his Godson had the same names. Sully the monster knelt down to Sully and asked his handler to make his hair look like his. (you can see in the picture that he has a Super Spike, just like our Sully!) We spent a lot of time with the monsters, it made everyone smile.

While Patrick and Finnegan rode Star Tours again, this time with Gill, the girls got their faces painted and Sully cooled everyone off with his new water fan.