Hyperdrive Hearts and the Gravity of Wonder

Something cosmic was definitely in the air that morning — you could feel it before we even made it to Batuu. Maybe it was the adrenaline of rope drop, maybe it was the Florida heat doing its usual chaotic dance, or maybe it was the little lizard we spotted right as we entered the park.

Spotted a little lizard basking in the sunshine, looking like it's ready to join us on our cosmic adventure.

Either way, the day had begun, and we were in hyperspace mode.

We beelined to Rise of the Resistance, because there was no better way to kick off our intergalactic journey than with a storytelling masterpiece. My dad had never seen Galaxy’s Edge — the last time he visited Hollywood Studios, "Star Wars Land" was just a Reddit rumor. But now? Now he stood face-to-face with the First Order, eyes wide like a seven-year-old waking up on Christmas morning.

Walking into this hall with stormtroopers lining up felt like stepping right into a scene from Star Wars, a mix of awe and a bit of galactic intimidation.

He stepped into that star destroyer hangar like Luke stepping onto the Death Star.

Standing in front of an impressive lineup of Stormtroopers, the smiles say it all — pure Star Wars geek-out mode activated.

There’s something poetic about watching someone return to their childhood fandom like that, decades later, fully immersed in something once-in-a-lifetime.

There's an excited smile with a backdrop of stormtroopers, capturing that classic Star Wars thrill.

Even if the cannons were still down for maintenance (RIP piston action), every set piece hit hard.

Looks like a classic Star Wars moment with Chewbacca as the group beams with excitement. Perfect way to capture that cosmic adventure spirit!

Smugglers Run followed. We ended up as Engineers — which, if you know, you know — meaning we spent half the ride frantically pushing buttons in the back while our pilots tried their best to fly a straight line. Let’s just say, Hondo was not impressed. But hey, it was still the freaking Millennium Falcon.

Looks like a joyful moment in front of the Millennium Falcon, with big smiles and the iconic ship in the background.

We needed a sugar boost after that (and an ego boost), so we grabbed the essentials: blue milk and those little quirky grenades that pass for Coca-Cola bottles in Batuu.

Someone's enjoying a cup of blue milk with a big smile, clearly having a great time exploring and soaking in every bit of the Star Wars vibe.

Someone's looking pretty thrilled, proudly holding up that quirky round Coca-Cola bottle, bringing a bit of Star Wars flair to the day.

A trio of those quirky, Star Wars-style soda bottles lined up, ready for action amid the otherworldly Batuu backdrop.

Now we were refueled and ready for some bounty hunting.

We stumbled upon this droid chilling in Batuu, looking all ready for its next galactic mission.

Our trip through Batuu wouldn’t be complete without some encounters with the locals.

Enjoying a delightful moment in Batuu, someone’s looking thrilled to be part of the Star Wars magic.

Someone is soaking up the intergalactic vibes, looking pretty pleased with their galactic exploration, with a backdrop that’s straight out of a Star Wars dream.

Wandering into Batuu, the anticipation is almost tangible. You can just feel the excitement of everyone heading towards the adventures ahead.

Oga’s Cantina called to us like the Mos Eisley version of Cheers. We said yes to every souvenir mug they offered. Were lockers rented? Obviously.

Someone clearly having a blast at the cantina, rocking a Star Wars cap with a grin that says it all.

Then it was time to leave the galaxy and return, somewhat reluctantly, to Earth.

Over at Runaway Railway, my train-obsessed dad was hooked from the entrance sign alone.

Looking thrilled and ready for adventure, someone is smiling widely in front of the entrance to Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. It’s the perfect kick-off to a fun day.

Hanging out with the sorcerer himself, Mickey, while sporting some big smiles and matching gear — pure Disney magic.

Someone is getting the best hug from Sorcerer Mickey, and their smile says it all.

Sharing a cheerful moment with Minnie, all smiles in her sparkling outfit.

By the afternoon, our sun-to-fun ratio was dangerously lopsided. Thankfully, nothing pairs with dehydration better than burgers and B-movies at the Sci-Fi Dine-In. Sitting in the back of a convertible under “stars” while schlocky 50s horror trailers play is my kind of weird paradise.

We then took the ultimate plunge at Tower of Terror.

Pure adrenaline captured as everyone throws their hands in the air, mid-scream, during our thrilling drop on the Tower of Terror.

Someone is smiling wide with the Tower of Terror looming in the background, capturing that classic mix of excitement and anticipation on a sunny day at the park.

Someone's all smiles in front of the Tower of Terror, casually rocking a bright tee and sunglasses. Looks like a classic summer day at the park, with everyone roaming under those iconic palm trees.

Star Tours gave us one more hyperspace hop, and a Muppet*Vision 3D run gave us one last laugh (and a few heartfelt sniffles).

But the finale — oh, the finale.

Fantasmic.

Our MagicBands+ pulsed like personal soundtracks as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice conjured water, fire, and light from the depths of that amphitheater. When the dragon breathed actual fire across the lake, my dad looked over, literally mouthing, “Wow.”

It may have taken decades, planets, and park maps to get here, but it was worth every leap in hyperspace.

And after all of that, one last miracle: we scanned into Slinky Dog Dash *after* our Lightning Lane window and got the green light.

Magic? Maybe. Luck? Possibly. Disney pixie dust combined with exhausted optimism? Most definitely.

It was the perfect nightcap.

One full day, two tired humans, countless childhood memories reawakened — and souvenirs packed into every available pocket.

Ready for round two.