#Star Wars Celebration Orlando

[moncuries]

efficient baby holding

[bedlamsbard]

why am I still giving off “talk to me about Star Wars” vibes. why is this always happening to me. what god did I piss off. also WHY does it always happen with the most generic SW shirt possible, it’s happened like four times with this one t-shirt alone.

(normally I know better than to wear a SW shirt out of the house because FOR SOME REASON I attract Men Who Want To Talk About Star Wars, but I wasn’t expecting to go anywhere today. also no I didn’t destash all my SW shirts, this is like 3/4 of my t-shirt collection and no one wants old t-shirts.)

[theoriginalsinner28]

So I saw Hayden Christensen at the tampa bay comic con friday and I was sooo shy. First off, I thought he was going to be out in the celebrity row area where you can see him giving people autographs. I was really hoping to walk by and lose my shit before I actually met him for the picture. But I guess not! He was in a different room where we had to line up and there were different sessions. So I get in the line and instant shaking. And this couple was talking to me and they said he's super sweet they saw him before. So then It comes to be the girls turn in front of me and I peek my head around the wall to see him and oh my God he's even more beautiful in person! So I covered my mouth with my hand and squealed a little. Then it was my turn and he shook my hand and I told him my name and asked if we could hug and he smiled and hugged me for the pic!!!!! I died because we r literally holding each other in the pic!! When I went to go get the pic, the couple I saw in line was trying to tell me how to get my digital download and I told them they r gonna have to repeat that because my head was in a whirl and I was dying! My hands were shaking sooo bad! Then I was trying to decide for an hour if I wanted to do the autograph and I decided to do it. It was worth every penny! So when I went back for the autograph, I was less nervous but still nervous. The first thing he did was pick up the picture and he said "this is a really good picture!" And I died even more! Ahhhh! I Then said yes it was great! I asked him if he rode horses since he has a farm in Canada and he said he doesn't have any on his property right now but he does ride. I asked if he rode western or English and he said western and I smiled and told him I did both but I grew up on a small farm. I started to get red and he didn't respond but looked in my eyes then at my cheeks because I was turning red and then smiled a sort of shy smile and I thanked him and left. Omg I can't believe I was so shy and tried to hide it. I'm sure he saw through it and idk if he thought I was wierd or was caught off guard cuz I asked him something that wasn't star wars related or what he was feeling so im currently going coo coo. Lol! I think he was just being shy but idk! I just can't believe we were holding each other and I got to talk to him for a second! They best time of my life! That morning of the con I literally woke up at 4 am and couldn't go back to sleep. I've never been more excited for something in my life! I'm so happy and thankful I got this experience and it was worth every penny! Once in a lifetime! I have tickets for all 4 days of megacon in orlando in February and I will deff be cosplaying then for the first time and I will not be shy! I really wanted to tell him how special his character is to me but I was sooo shy. Next time! I worked out all month and ate super healthy just to prepare for this and I drove 2 hours to see him. I'm super into fitness anyways but this just motivated me even further. I love him so much and I'm beyond thankful that I got to have this experience. My dream come true! ❤️

[gffa]

"Gioconda Amidala," Erik Maell | Star Wars Celebration 2023

"This piece completes an ambitious triptych which I began at Celebration Orlando in 2012, when I debuted my artwork of Queen Padmé Amidala in her full royal regalia from Episode I. For Celebration Anaheim in 2015, I followed up with an Episode II version of a similarly posed Padmé (now a Senator in the Galactic Republic) wearing her Naboo picnic dress. The circle is now complete, with the new Episode III version revealing Padmé in a very private moment at her home on Coruscant, and it is the most unguarded and intimate portrait yet of this strong and courageous leader.

"All three of these illustrations have portrayed Padmé in poses reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci's classic Renaissance portrait, Mona Lisa, or, as it is known in Italian, La Gioconda ("the smiling woman"). For centuries, civilizations have pondered the mystery behind the cryptic smile of Mona Lisa. Likewise, Padmé's subtle and enigmatic facial expression belies the hidden secrets of her forbidden marriage to Jedi Anakin Skywalker and the pregnancy that would ultimately lead to the birth of Luke and Leia, and provide new hope for the entire galaxy."

[horny-and-dead-inside]

Who i write for

MARVEL:

-Bucky Barns

-Loki

-Natasha Romanoff

-Tony Stark

-Clint Barton

-Robbie Reyes

-Jack Thompson

THE MAZE RUNNER

-Minho

-Newt

THE MORTAL INSTURMENTS

-Jace Waylend

STAR WARS

-Poe Dameron

-Obi Wan Kenobi

-Kylo Ren

-Han Solo

NARNIA

-Edmund Pevensie

-Prince caspian

THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN

-Peter Parker

-Harry Osborn

HARRY POTTER

-Mattheo Riddle

-Draco Malfoy

CELEBRITIES

-Will Poulter

-Orlando Bloom

-Timothee Chalamet

feel free to send me any requests for any of these characters and i do write smut.

I also do mood boards so feel free to request this as well

[gloriousgwendolinechristie]

MegaCon Orlando adds Gwendoline Christie to celebrity lineup

Star of “Game of Thrones,” “Wednesday,” Star Wars films

ORLANDO, Fla. – MegaCon Orlando continues to add major names to its guest list for the pop culture convention next month.

On Wednesday, convention organizers announced the Gwendoline Christie, of “Game of Thrones,” “Wednesday,” “Sandman” and the Star Wars franchise would be appearing on Saturday, April 1.

Christie joins other Stars Wars actors like Hayden Christensen, Rosario Dawson, Giancarlo Esposito, Carl Weathers and Katee Sackoff.

Other actors coming to the convention include James McAvoy, Chevy Chase, Charlie Hunnam, Zachary Levi, Vincent D’Onofrio, Henry Winkler, Christina Ricci and more.

MegaCon is one of the largest pop culture conventions in the southeastern United States. It’s a four-day event covering sci-fi, fantasy, comic books, animation, film, TV, games and more.

MegaCon runs March 30 to April 2 at the Orange County Convention Center. Tickets are on sale on the MegaCon website.

ClickOrlando.com

[cinematicsstuff]

Hayden is doing a Convention tour this year ! 😯

It seems to me he has never participated in so many in such a short time...

For now, his tour is composed as follows:

- Middle East Film & Comic Con, March 3 - 5, 2023

- Megacon Orlando, March 30 - April 2, 2023

- Star Wars Celebration, London, April 7 - 10, 2023

- Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo, April 27 - 30, 2023

- FAN EXPO Philadelphia, June 2 - 4, 2023

- FAN EXPO Dallas, June 9 - 11, 2023

- FAN EXPO Denver, June 30 - July 2, 2023

...And I bet other dates will be added later.

Why do you think Hayden is so booked this year?

Could this mean big Star Wars projects are coming for him ?🤞

[culturevulture73]

I'm late, but here's the pic Mark Hamill tweeted for Harrison Ford's birthday yesterday. (I'm sure you know this if you've seen the pic a bunch of times, but it was taken at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando back in 2017.)

And Mark's accompanying caption was:

"For Harrison [Birthday cake Emoji]

Lucky to know him.

Lucky to have worked with him.

Lucky to be his pal."

[Heart Emoji]

Thank you! I love that Mark does this every year. I believe that one day, Harrison will get on social media just to make a snarky response.

hmmm....I should go see if Jonathan Frakes posted this year...

[trendspostneel]

Disney World Parks in Orlando A Magical Family Adventure

Orlando, Florida, is synonymous with magical experiences, and at the heart of this enchanting city lies the crown jewel of family entertainment – Disney World Parks. Comprising four distinct theme parks, each with its own unique charm and attractions, a visit to Disney World is a dream come true for families seeking an unforgettable adventure. In this article, we will delve into the magic that awaits at Disney World Parks in Orlando and explore the wonders that make it the ultimate destination for a family getaway.

Magic Kingdom: Where Dreams Come True

The iconic Cinderella Castle welcomes visitors to the Magic Kingdom, setting the stage for a day filled with enchantment and wonder. Home to classic attractions such as Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion, Magic Kingdom captures the essence of Disney magic. Families can explore themed lands like Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and Frontierland, each offering a unique blend of rides, shows, and character encounters.

Epcot: Journey into the Future and Around the World

Epcot, short for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, offers a distinctive experience with its focus on innovation, technology, and global culture. Divided into Future World and World Showcase, Epcot features attractions like Test Track and Spaceship Earth in Future World, while World Showcase takes visitors on a journey through 11 pavilions representing different countries. The annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival adds an extra layer of excitement, enticing visitors with delectable global cuisines.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Lights, Camera, Action!

Step into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This park celebrates the magic of movies, television, and popular culture. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge immerses guests in the Star Wars universe, while Toy Story Land brings beloved characters to life. Don't miss the thrilling rides like Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Hollywood Studios is a haven for film enthusiasts and those seeking an adrenaline rush.

Disney's Animal Kingdom: A Wild Expedition

For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Disney's Animal Kingdom is a paradise blending entertainment and conservation. The iconic Tree of Life stands tall in the center of the park, surrounded by attractions like Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Pandora – The World of Avatar. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the animal kingdom while enjoying thrilling rides and mesmerizing live shows that showcase the wonders of the natural world.

Park-Hopper Option: Unlimited Magic, One Ticket

To make the most of your Disney World adventure, consider the Park-Hopper option, allowing you to visit multiple parks on the same day. This flexibility enables families to customize their experience, hopping between the magic of Magic Kingdom, the innovation of Epcot, the excitement of Hollywood Studios, and the wildlife wonders of Animal Kingdom. With the Park-Hopper option, the enchantment knows no bounds.

Character Encounters: Meeting Your Favorite Disney Friends

One of the highlights of a visit to Disney World is the chance to meet beloved Disney characters. From Mickey and Minnie Mouse to Cinderella and Elsa, character encounters are scattered throughout the parks. Keep an eye out for scheduled meet-and-greet sessions, parades, and character dining experiences, creating magical moments for children and adults alike.

Dining at Disney: Culinary Delights for Every Palate

Disney World is not just a haven for attractions but also a culinary paradise. With a diverse range of dining options, from quick-service snacks to fine dining experiences, there's something to satisfy every palate. Be sure to explore the unique dining opportunities, including character dining experiences, themed restaurants, and international cuisine at Epcot's World Showcase.

Tips for a Magical Experience: From FastPasses to Parade Viewing

To ensure a seamless and enjoyable visit, consider these tips for navigating Disney World Parks. Utilize the FastPass system to skip the lines for popular attractions, plan your day with a personalized itinerary, and secure a good spot for parades and nighttime spectaculars. Additionally, staying on-site at a Disney resort can enhance your overall experience, providing convenient access to the parks and exclusive perks.

A trip to Disney World Parks in Orlando is more than a vacation; it's a magical journey that creates lasting memories for families. Whether you're soaring through the skies on Space Mountain, exploring the diverse cultures of World Showcase, or coming face-to-face with your favorite Disney characters, the enchantment of Disney World is unparalleled. Plan your adventure, embrace the magic, and embark on a family getaway filled with joy, wonder, and the promise that dreams really do come true in the heart of Orlando.

[bobafettfanclub]

Boba Fett vs. Cad Bane, years before "The Book of Boba Fett"

This pre-viz for the unfinished season of The Clone Wars (plus another minute) was shown at Star Wars Celebration Orlando in 2017

Watch the entire panel including the full animation: https://youtu.be/85Jw-63YNYI

[reasonsforhope]

Additional source with more details!:

After months of fighting for a fair contract, thousands of union Disney World employees in Orlando approved a new union contract with Walt Disney World on Wednesday [March 29, 2023] that delivers wage increases for all of the theme park’s union workers and paid child bonding leave.

Out of 12,650 workers across Disney World who participated in the single-day vote (not an easy feat to arrange), 97% voted in favor of the contract.

A group of around 200 Disney World workers — or "cast members," as they're referred to by the company — at the Wyndham Orlando Resort and Conference Center in Kissimmee Wednesday night celebrated the vote.

"When we fight, we win!" the group chanted, to applause and cheers from a room emanating with high energy after a high-stakes fight.

The new contract was negotiated by the Service Trades Council Union, a coalition of six labor unions that altogether represent about 42,000 Walt Disney World employees across the parks, ranging from workers in attractions to housekeeping, transit workers, food service workers, character performers and more.

The agreement raises Disney World’s minimum wage to $18 per hour, up from $15, by the end of the year.

Non-tipped workers in job classifications that currently earn Disney World’s minimum $15 hourly rate — such as union dishwashers, as well as some of Disney’s costuming specialists, custodial workers and laundry workers — will see a raise to $17 per hour minimum, immediately upon ratification of the contract.

They’ll also receive retroactive pay equal to $1 per hour extra (a $16 hourly rate) dating back to Oct. 1, 2022, when the unions' last contract expired.

Across the board, Disney World cast members this year will see a $3 per hour raise minimum in 2023, with some job classifications seeing more. Over the life of the contract, effective through October 2026, workers will see a wage increase of between $5.50 to $8.40, with that range varying by position.

That means, by the end of the contract, Disney World will have a minimum wage that's more than double what it was a decade ago, when the minimum hourly rate for cast members was less than $10.

"It's a historic amount of money," Nicolle Mischer, a cook at EPCOT Festival Kitchens and Unite Here Local 737 union member, told Orlando Weekly of the new raise. "It's been a long hard fight, but it's so rewarding to know at the end, that we continued the fight and we continued to push the company to do the right thing as far as, you know, making sure their cast members are taken care of," she said.

Personally, as a mother who will see her pay rise $4.10 upon the contract's ratification, Mischer's looking forward to not having to work as much overtime. She has sometimes worked upward of 60 hours per week just to pay the bills.

She's looking forward to having more time to spend with her musically inclined 15-year-old, who's in marching band, symphonic band and jazz band — and to have the time to perhaps volunteer to go on their trips as they travel to play.

The raise offered in the new contract, Mischer said, will give her a chance to breathe, "not having that heavy weight of working all those extra hours."

Another new addition to the contract — not offered in prior contracts — is eight weeks of paid child bonding leave (family leave) for full-time workers, employed for at least one year, who either give birth to a child, become a parent, or adopt or foster a new child under the age of 18.

This was something Sean Hopper, an employee at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Disney's Hollywood Studios and a Unite Here Local 362 shop steward, previously told Orlando Weekly was especially important to him...

Tiara Moton, a cook of 15 years, said that as the mother of a 3-year-old, that paid child bonding time is an amazing achievement for the unions, joking that for her, the pandemic was her "child bonding time."

"We deserve this. We worked hard for it," she said.

Pictured: Tiara Moton (middle) surrounded by Disney World workers in union shirts in Central Florida on March 29, 2023.

When we organize, we win

This vote of approval on this new contract, considered a victory by union leaders, comes nearly two months after thousands of workers stood together and rejected a worse offer from Disney that would have offered just a $1 raise in the first year of the contract for many, albeit with a similar $5 increase over the life of the contract.

Although some union workers, such as culinary staff, would have seen a higher raise under that agreement, workers almost unanimously rejected it in solidarity with those who wouldn’t.

Out of 14,263 workers who voted on that last agreement, 13,650 — or 96% — shot it down.

A couple weeks after, Disney came back with a worse offer that would have offered a higher raise upfront — a $17 minimum hourly rate for those making $15 — but would have decreased the amount of retroactive pay workers would have received, earning backlash from union leaders.

The new agreement, approved by workers Wednesday, restores that back pay.

Union organizers and other union leaders in the parks have been organizing behind the scenes of the Most Magical Place on Earth to negotiate a new contract for union workers since August, ahead of their last contract’s expiration on Oct. 1...

With their new deal, Disney's cast members in Orlando hope they'll be able to spur change across the tourism and hospitality sector, which makes up roughly one-fifth of the Central Florida region's workforce.

Universal Orlando (which is non-unionized) recently announced a $17 minimum wage for its own workforce this year, and some smaller companies have also moved to offer workers something closer to a living wage.

Food service workers at the Orange County Convention Center, represented by Unite Here Local 737, also won their own historic contract earlier this year, winning an $18 minimum wage this year, up from $13.

When the STCU won a $15 minimum wage at Disney during the last contract cycle, back in 2018, that prompted other employers (including Universal) to follow suit, eventually, with their own raises.

Mischer, the cook at EPCOT, said this agreement opens the door not just in Central Florida, but across the state, and potentially across the country,  with Disney widely considered an industry leader. "I believe that other companies will see and take the lead that Disney has, you know — the steps that Disney has taken to make sure their cast members have taken care of."

"When we come together, when we unionize and organize, this is what we can do," said Henry, speaking to his fellow workers. "We are changing the future of the Central Florida. The state of Florida right now. Tonight. Don't ever forget what you've done tonight."

-via Orlando Weekly, 3/29/23

Source

Let’s go!

[laresearchette]

Saturday, November 23, 2024 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: THREE WISER MEN AND A BOY (W Network) 8:00pm CHRISTMAS IN THE SPOTLIGHT (CTV Life) 8:00pm

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

AMAZON PRIME CANADA DIDI

NETFLIX CANADA ARCANE (Season 2 Act III) US

NHL HOCKEY (SN) 1:00pm: Chicago vs. Flyers (SNWest) 4:00pm: Wild vs. Flames (SN) 4:00pm: Kraken vs. Kings (CBC/SN1/SNPacific) 7:00pm: Canucks vs. Sens (CityTV/SNEast/SNOntario) 7:00pm: Knights vs. Habs (SN1) 7:00pm: Sens vs. Hurricanes (SNWest/SN360) 7:00pm: Jets vs. Predators (CBC/SN) 10:00pm: Rangers vs. Oilers

NBA BASKETBALL (TSN/TSN5) 5:00pm: Knicks vs. Jazz (SN Now) 8:00pm: Hornets vs. Bucks (TSN/TSN5) 8:30pm: Warriors vs. Spurs

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (CTV) 7:00pm: Finn and Poe lead the Resistance to put a stop to the First Order's plans to form a new Empire, while Rey anticipates her inevitable confrontation with Kylo Ren. Warning: Some flashing-lights scenes in this film may affect photosensitive viewers.

NWSL SOCCER (TSN3/TSN4) 8:00pm: Championship - Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit

A MODEL MURDER (Lifetime Canada) 8:00pm: Model Kara Woods seeks help from a security influencer after she starts to get disturbing messages from one of her fans. Things seem fine for a while -- until her stalker begins to show up in person.

THE UNABRIDGED MRS. VERA'S DAYBOOK (Out TV) 9:00pm: The work of San Francisco artists David Faulk and Michael Johnstone tells a story of activism, art and love. Bringing joy to a broken community, they confront a new pandemic and celebrate 25 years of art together.

THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 (Crave) 9:00pm: After their car breaks down in an eerie small town, a young couple is forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motive.

THE GIRL LOCKED UPSTAIRS: THE TANYA KACH STORY (Super Channel Fuse) 9:00pm: Feeling isolated and lonely, 14-year-old Tanya Kach befriends Tom Hose, a school security guard who lures her to his home. Held captive and abused for 10 years, Tanya eventually finds the courage to take a dangerous step toward freedom.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE FOXES (CTV Life) 10:00pm: Rebecca Fox attends her family's annual Christmas party to find her dad is seeing a new woman, not even a year after her mother's death. In her comical efforts to derail the romance, she finds her own love affair.

MARK MCKINNEY NEEDS A HOBBY (CTV) 10:30pm: Mark teaches comedians Debra DiGiovanni and Margaret Cho the basics of how to bake bread; the pair take on an Italian cooking club, where they learn how to make pasta; Margaret and Mark witness what it takes to put together an Italian feast.

THE BLIND (Crave) 10:35pm: In 1960s Louisiana, future "Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson falls in love and starts a family, but his demons soon threaten to tear everyone apart. As he seeks to conquer the shame of his past, he ultimately finds redemption in an unlikely place.

HORRIBLE BOSSES (CTV) 12:30am: Three oppressed workers (Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis) devise a complex and seemingly foolproof plan to rid themselves of their intolerable employers.

[bedlamsbard]

periodically I randomly turn up bits of All Along the Watchtower prep, including another "crawl" -- I think this one is from 2017, since it was sandwiched in between some Backbone stuff. (I think I may have actually written it while I was at Star Wars Celebration Orlando? Which means it predates the last thing I found by at least a year. I really did spend years intending to write this fic.)

transcript:

ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER

Fifteen years after the assassination of Chancellor Palpatine and the fall of the Republic, the war rages on. Striking from their Hidden Temple, the Jedi Order strives towards their near-impossible goal of destroying Dooku's Sith Knights and restoring the Republic.

Hampered by the limited resources of the Galactic Remnant, the Jedi have been forced to turn to a new source for the accouterments of war. Two Knights, Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee, have been dispatched to an arms auction hosted by Jabba the Hutt. But the Jedi are not the only ones interested in these weapons...

For as great as the evil on Coruscant is, something else has been lurking in the shadows of the galaxy Outer Rim, growing in power as the war consumes the galaxy. Soon it will reveal the time will be right for it to reveal itself, sparking the one thing that may consume both light and dark sides of the Force: war between the Sith.

[britesparc]

Weekend Top Ten #652

Top Ten Orlando Theme Park Rides, circa 1994

When I kid, pretty much the most exotic place I could think of was America. This was because I lived in boring old Middlesbrough, where nothing ever happened and no major motions pictures were set. Meanwhile, America? Everything from Gremlins to E.T. to The Racoons took place over there. I'm not saying that I thought if I ever went to New York I’d bump into Peter Venkman; but I’m also not not saying that. Even when a film was set in space, half the cast had American accents. It seemed to be the place to be.

So you can imagine how excited I was when I finally got to go to Orlando, Florida, when I was about twelve years old, and visit both Disney World and Universal Studios. Short of being personally invited by Steven Spielberg to tour the sets and locations of Jurassic Park, this was as close as I thought it possible to get to finally “being there”. And it did not disappoint.

I think if you visit these places as a child – even a kid on the cusp of their teens – and you already have a mindset that just absorbs and adores this stuff, it’s like a kind of paradise; it’s basically the island from Pinocchio minus the booze and the donkey-boys. I also think – and I can’t confirm this, just based on conversations with people and my decades-old knowledge – that maybe going in the nineties is different to going now. The parks are even bigger, the queues can get even longer, and the prices are comparatively much higher. I’ve heard Americans say that taking the family to Disneyland for a day out was an affordable holiday for the majority in the eighties and nineties; nowadays it’s something most people can probably only do once or twice a lifetime. So things are different.

My memories, though; they remain as vivid. The greatest thing for me was the sense of walking around an artfully constructed world, one which made me feel like I'd stepped inside my favourite films. This manifested in myriad ways: the queues for Star Tours or E.T. that made you feel like you were walking in those worlds; the presence of huge AT-ATs or other pieces of film architecture; the way a shop selling Disney film memorabilia was stylised to look exactly like the warehouse from Roger Rabbit, including a bag of portable holes that had spilled over. And this was before I went on any actual rides!

Anyway, I wanted to celebrate these memories, with the knowledge that it’s been thirty actual years since I was last there. Almost everything will have changed, I’m sure; I wonder if I’d feel the same going around the same place nowadays. But looking back, trying to be objective, trying also to be true to what I think I thought at the time – that's the purpose of this list. To celebrate a fantastic holiday and also reflect on the euphoria it generated in a twelve-year-old boy who was just so outrageously excited that the baby strollers were designed to look like the jeeps from Jurassic Park. Here, then, to the best of my ability, is my ranking of the best rides from Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios in Florida... er, thirty years ago.

Back to the Future: The Ride: a fantastic simulator ride that does a tremendous job of feeling of a piece with the movie. Filmed appearances by Christpher Lloyd and Thomas F. Wilson really sell it, making you feel part of the story; the illusion is practically seamless. The motion of the simulator and the vast screens are truly immersive, and overall it’s just a thrilling experience. Pretty much my favourite ride I've ever been on.

Star Tours: without a doubt the most impressive queue I’ve seen, and once again a ride that does a brilliant job of making everything feel natural and “in-universe”. You’re waiting to take a tour ride through the Star Wars galaxy; other ships are being worked on by droids. Even Artoo and Threepio are there, arguing as usual. It just sells the experience so well; and then the ride itself is really exciting as you jump from one Star Wars moment to the next.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!: okay, not technically a ride, but still one of the most impressive shows I’ve seen – and not just at a theme park. Taking you through recreations of some of the more impressive stunts in (mostly) Raiders of the Lost Ark, we get boulder chases, exploding trucks, fight scenes and more – and, impressively, a nice examination of how they are achieved and a celebration of the stunt workers involved in delivering them.

Kongfrontation: another ride with a fantastic presence, as you queue in a recreation of the New York subway (I remember them telling us that it was sufficiently accurate that they had all the same advertisements). The ride itself – you're in a cable car that’s attacked by King Kong – is a suitably tense thrill as you sway crazily on the cables, avoiding water and flame, and get to marvel at a big monkey head.

Earthquake: The Big One: similar, I guess, to the above, as you’re in another situation where chaos and disaster is inflicted upon you – in a controlled manner, of course. The train shakes, rattles about, things explode, the ceiling caves in, and a huge flood surges towards you. Featured in the film Beverly Hills Cop 3. Also a quick shout out to the “backstage tour” ride at Disney’s “MGM Studios”, which was – for the most part – a genuine tour of the park, but which does get “stuck” in a film production and feature a mini-disaster halfway through.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: it’s amusing to consider how, in the nineties, they were still tying all these rides in to very old properties. Tower of Terror was brand new back then; I believe we may have attended it during a soft launch before its official opening. Anyway, the spooky Twilight Zone stuff was all well and good, but the freefall drop – albeit short – was what sold it. Apparently in Florida it’s Guardians of the Galaxy-themed now; not sure how that works.

Splash Mountain: another one that was pretty new thirty years ago, this is a really fun log flume with a huge drop at the end – I think it might have been either the longest or the steepest back then. It was really well designed and exciting, but hit controversy due to being based around Song of the South. They’ve since re-themed it around The Princess and the Frog, which feels like an elegant solution.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: I don’t really remember Disney World or Universal being big “roller coaster parks” - it was the other attractions that took pride of place. But Thunder Mountain was great fun: an old-school wooden roller coaster, soaked in classic Western imagery, a mainstay of the park. There's something about the mix of Americana, production design, and a coaster that’s not too thrilling, that makes it feel quintessentially Disney.

E.T. Adventure: one of the rides that cast a big shadow in the UK; who wouldn’t want to ride with E.T.? Again, the whole queue is styled around scenes from the film – you wind through the forest – and there’s a nice sense of altitude as you “take off” on bikes, journeying into E.T.’s spaceship. A magical travelogue, really, full of style.

Space Mountain: this one was a proper roller coaster; but cunningly disguised! A thrilling “dark ride” that took you on all sorts of spacey twists and turns, with a stunning light show effect of planets and stars whizzing by, I didn’t realise till years later that it was an inverse coaster, flinging me upside down with gay abandon.

Just bubbling under: Jaws, which is an iconic, fantastic ride with brilliant detailing. Also some of the other shows - there was a Beetlejuice/Universal Monsters one, and another one about special effects. Great stuff.

Anyway, there you go – my fantastic, timely travelogue of theme parks in Orlando. If you’re visiting in 1994, you know exactly what to hit first. You’re welcome.

[sewgeekmama]

10 Tips for Taking Little Kids to Comic Cons

If you are taking your child to a comic con type event, whether it be the big one like San Diego Comic Con or a little local event, there are a few things you should know to help your day go more smoothly. My son attended his very first comic con at 6 weeks old, and I got a crash course in “cosplaying while parenting.” We also took him to MegaCon Orlando and Star Wars Celebration, all before the…