Trials of Jedi Training

Planning for our family's first trip to Disney, my husband and I knew our girls loved Star Wars. So we planned as much as we could, and witnessed the "magic of Disney" tenfold!



Our last day at the parks was 'Star Wars' day and the girls were most excited about Jedi training. Sadly, and despite getting in line as soon as we could, we missed the cut off for participants.



The girls bounced back quickly from their disappointment and enjoyed the rest of the day, practicing their Jedi skills on their own.







My husband and I knew how much they were looking forward to that, and so were we! We decided to go back to Hollywood Studios, and made a quick change of plans. Our only goal ... Jedi Training! We arrived at the parks before opening and went straight in line, successfully getting two spots for a late afternoon show. Then, we waited.





It was finally almost showtime! We reported early as instructed and watched with fingers crossed as the clouds came in. Then the rain. Their slot was cancelled. Heartbroken, we wandered the park.




As the rain began to clear, we came up with a plan. Eat some food, get some balloons, then go back to Jedi Training and plead for a spot.



Happy Day!! There is still a chance! We joined a line of families who were also waiting ... hoping for a coveted slot to learn the ways of The Force. And we wait.





And for me, this is where the real magic happens. We know there are several people ahead of us in line and only a small chance of openings. We talk with the girls about what we would do if there was only one slot open. Reina, without any hesitation, tells Alana that she can have the slot if there is only one. My heart melts. So does Alana's. Reina knows how devastated her older sister was and gives freely and without question. Alana says to me as we are waiting, "I know I said I don't like having a little sister, but I was wrong." My heart melts again. We spend our time waiting, watching Alana sit with the idea that her sister would do that for her. And watch Reina retell this new narrative about herself, about how she gave her sister the last spot.
And then ... they both make it into an evening show, barely!!



Showtime!! At last!!









So, after a 10+ hour day, we headed back. Not how we thought things would go, and yet this day couldn't have been more magical. We all left beaming!

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