Photo Tour Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

This is the last year for the Osborne Lights, but there is still plenty of great holiday themed activities, and sights at Disney World.  Gina is a travel agent at Snapshot Getaways.  Email her at Gina@snapshotgetaways.com to plan for your holiday trip!

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

Disney World is known for its rides, food, and purely magical moments created to ensure that each traveler can claim it is the " Happiest Place on Earth".   One of the best and unique experiences I have had with my family was the Padawan training (Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple).  We really weren't sure if either of my kids (Hailey 6, Connor 5) would be interested in fighting the dark side, but since I love Stars Wars I figured we'd give it a try.  

In the morning,  after running to get on Toy Story in Hollywood Studios we walked over and signed the kids up.  Times are set up for all day so we picked a time after lunch when the lines would be long.   When we arrived the cast members were very organized and had the kids sit on circles on the floor before training began.  To get them excited they asked a few question which my kids didn't know the answers but a few kids were definitely experts.   There were kids that were a little scared or just tired and didn't feel like listening.  I found the cast members patient and understanding but also made sure all their safety procedures were followed.  The teacher in me thought that they did an outstanding job.  I don't want to give too much away but the kids are trained and then they get to fight the dark side.  My daughter was so serious we actually thought she was miserable until she was done and said it was the best part of her day.  My son, asked to go back to the hotel to watch the movies (which we didn't b/c we're in Disney World and Fantasmic was ahead).  The whole experience was an A++  the professionalism of the cast members was what you would expect and the reality and sheer enjoyment from the kids was amazing.   I hope you find this helpful and add Jedi training into your next Walt Disney World adventure!

To sign up register head over to the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost located between Indiana Jones Stunt Show and the 50s Prime Time Cafe.
  

Here are a couple images from our trip:

Kristin is a travel planner for Snapshot Getaways and she loves to watch her kids find a new favorite adventure. Contact her at her Facebook page or email at Kristin@SnapshotGetaways to plan your next family adventure. 

Link to Disney's page

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/hollywood-studios/star-wars-jedi-training/

Saying Goodbye to the Sorcerer's Hat

While everyone was fast asleep, Disney put up walls around the hat. There have been so the many of rumors that have been swirling around about the Sorcerer's Hat being removed.  On January 7th those rumors have become reality. While some are happy to see it leave, many are sad to see it go.

The Sorcerer's Hat debuted on September 28, 2001, and it quickly replaced the Earful Tower as the park's icon.  The 122 foot structure was inspired by the "Sorcerer's Apprentice" from the 1940 animated film Fantasia. The hat was a part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration. During the celebration interactive kiosks were installed underneath the Sorcerer's Hat, where guests could learn about Walt Disney's life and career. When the celebration ended in early 2003, the kiosks were removed. Since the kiosks have been removed it has been a meeting spot, pin trading shop, and the venue for opening ceremonies. The hat has been seen and used in many other types of media.

Feature Films:

Fantasia
Fantasia 2000
Mickey's House of Villains
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (after the credits)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (in the credits)

Television programs:

House of Mouse
Mickey's 60th Birthday
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Once Upon a Time

Video games

Fantasia
Bonkers
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
Where's My Water?
Disney INFINITY

The hat may leave Hollywood Studios but we will still get to see it in other media. It will live on in our memories.  Some our Disney Devoted Team would like to take a moment and share with you some of our memories of the Sorcerer's Hat.

Please feel free to share your sorcerer's hat pictures with us as we would love to see them.

Amanda is a self-proclaimed Disney nerd. She has two boys who have grown up knowing the sorcerer's hat at Hollywood Studios icon. As an agent of Snapshot Getaways, Amanda loves to help plan Disney trips for others. You can follow her on Facebook or Twitter.