How to Star Wars: What Order to Watch

How to Star Wars: What Order to Watch

by | May 4, 2018 | Disney Films, Disney Parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Lucasfilm, Pop Culture, Star Wars

Are you tired of hearing May the 4th be with you yet?

Star Wars is a cultural icon.

It’s everywhere. Solo is coming out in a few weeks, the releases of The Force Awakens, Rogue One, and The Last Jedi over the holidays for the past few years have been enormous, and an entire Star Wars land is opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios next summer. Plus there are books, animated series, clothing, and toys.

Wampa Cave on Hoth

If you don’t know anything about Star Wars but would like to, where do you start? Most people would assume they should just watch all of the films in chronological order; however, I’ve outlined a few different options below that’ll give you a better understanding of the universe, characters, and lore.

And yeah, you have to watch Clone Wars and Rebels. If you don’t, you’ll be missing out on so much important insight, especially when it comes to episodes 7, 8, and 9. Promise. Oh, and you’ll also never meet some of the franchise’s absolute best characters.

This list doesn’t include graphic novels, novels, or games.

Jedi with lightsaber in front of AT-AT

Okay, now. Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away…

 

Option 1: Order of Release (more or less).

You’re watching the movies and shows in the same order the world saw them. Some people don’t like this order because a major reveal happens in The Empire Strikes Back, so you’ll already know about this big thing within the first three movies.

The Originals:

Star Wars: A New Hope (4)

The Empire Strikes Back (5)

Return of the Jedi (6)

The Prequels:

Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Episode 2: Attack of the Clones

Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith

The Animateds:

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated film)

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated series)

Star Wars Rebels (animated series)

The Sequels:

The Force Awakens (7)

Rogue One (3.5) (Rogue One takes place prior to A New Hope; however, it was released between The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. It is not a sequel.)

The Last Jedi (8)

Episode 9 – TBD, holiday 2019

 

Option 2: Chronological Order

This is the order the films/series take place in relation to one another. There are many dedicated Star Wars, uh, gatekeepers who’ll insist this is the wrong way to do it. You decide for yourself, though. There’s so much to dig through in the prequel era, and the Clones material and timeline can be really confusing. Totally new to Star Wars? This isn’t a bad way to start.

Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Episode 2: Attack of the Clones

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated film)

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated series)

Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith

Star Wars Rebels (animated series)

Rogue One

Star Wars: A New Hope (4)

The Empire Strikes Back (5)

Return of the Jedi (6)

The Force Awakens (7)

The Last Jedi (8)

Episode 9 – TBD, holiday 2019

 

Option 3: Modified Machete Order

Machete Order was coined by Rod Hilton. You can read his exceptionally thorough 2011 blog post here. Machete Order is as follows: Star Wars: A New Hope (4), The Empire Strikes Back (5), Attack of the Clones (2), Revenge of the Sith (3), and Return of the Jedi (6). Yes, Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, is excluded.

But there’s more material in 2018 than there was in 2011, soo… If I were going to add the newer films and shows without changing Rod’s plan, my pick would be:

Rogue One

Star Wars: A New Hope (4)

The Empire Strikes Back (5)

Episode 1: The Phantom Menace (yes, I’m adding this one back, not because it’s a great film, but so you can discuss it with people)

Episode 2: Attack of the Clones

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated film)

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated series)

Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith

Star Wars Rebels (animated series)

Return of the Jedi (6)

The Force Awakens (7)

The Last Jedi (8)

Episode 9 – TBD, holiday 2019

 

Whoa. So… I might be more overwhelmed. What order should I pick?

Confusing, right? I get it. If you’re new to Star Wars and haven’t seen most of the films or animated series, pick either Option 1 or 2. You know yourself best and you can decide whether you might be confused or frustrated by timeline jumps.

Once you’ve done that, then go back and watch Rod’s original Machete Order. Next, watch the Modified Machete Order. See how many new things you notice and what perspectives change.

Happy viewing and please comment below with any questions! I can’t wait to welcome you to the big, nerdy Star Wars family.

Oh yeah, and may the force be with you. 😉

Surviving Summer in Florida

Surviving Summer in Florida

by | Jul 19, 2017 | Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Food & Beverage, Magic Kingdom, The Basics, Weather


Summertime, like many parts of the year in Florida, can be hot. Like, miserably, sweating-from-places-you-didn’t-even-know-could-sweat hot. And humid. Oh man, it’s humid. If you’re not used to it, you might feel like you’re walking around in a sauna. In hell. A really pretty, fun version of hell.
But guess what? Even though it’s hot, you can still have a totally amazing vacation by being prepared and taking care of yourself.

1. Get used to walking before you go.

I know this is not an option for some, but it’ll help. Promise. You’re gonna be dang tired if you go from 2,000 steps a day at home to 20,000 steps a day at Disney World. Going from 10,000 or more steps a day to 20,000 steps is less of a punch in the face. You’ll be less tired, less cranky, and able to get more done.

2. Hydrate.

You probably already don’t drink enough water, and you’re going to be sweating like mad in the Florida heat. There’s no need to bring in heavy bottled water or spend $4 per bottle of Dasani, either. Any quick service restaurant or counter that has fountain drinks will give you a cup of water at no charge. (Note: if the outlet/cart only has bottled beverages, they won’t be able to give you water.) My favorite method? Packing an empty water bottle to keep the weight of your park bag reasonable. I use a Bobble bottle with a filter and fill it at water fountains throughout the park.

3. Protect yourself from the sun.

The last thing you want on your vacation is a fierce sunburn, and I’m guessing you’d like to avoid damage to your skin and premature signs of aging, too. You need SPF on any exposed skin: face, lips, ears, arms, legs, even the tops of your feet. I use a tinted moisturizer with SPF 50 for my face, an SPF 15 lip balm, then a Coola spray sunscreen for the rest of my body. Also essential? A breathable hat! I have a wide-brimmed, packable, squishable safari-type hat. It helps shade from the sun and keep me a little cooler, plus I can just smoosh it up and throw it in my backpack when it gets dark. Sunglasses are another big one – I literally never make a daytime park trip without mine. And I know you know this, but… you still need to protect yourself from rays even when it’s cloudy.

4. Seek shade.

There are a bunch of good ways to do this! Meals are an awesome opportunity to get into the air conditioning. You can make Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) for a number of table service meals, or you can visit some of the larger quickservice outlets that offer ample indoor seating. Dark rides are another good one: the dim lighting and chilled air on Haunted Mansion feels pret-ty dang good on a sweltering day! Or pop into pretty much any shop for some shade. Cool off and browse the cute stuff at the same time!

5. Rest when you need to.

Seriously. Listen to your body. You don’t even have to miss out on the fun. Attractions like Philharmagic and the People Mover are perfect for getting off your feet while still enjoying the magic.

6. It’s probably gonna rain.

Acceptance helps. Daily afternoon thunderstorms are simply a part of Florida summers! Get a rain poncho. You can either bring one of these with you or purchase in-park for around $10 (they’re not on display, so you’ll have to ask at the counter). Five years on, our Disney ponchos are still going strong! It’s money well-spent if you’re able to continue throughout the park instead of hover under an overhang, too. Most park operations continue as normal during the rain, but outdoor attractions will temporarily close if there’s lightning in the area. Keep in mind: parades and outdoor shows may also be adjusted, delayed, or canceled.

7. Get plenty of sleep.

When you’re tired, it’s easier to get cranky and forget to hydrate and rest.
There you have it: hydrate, rest, and take time to cool off. It’s gonna be hot, but taking good care of yourself will go a long way in helping you have a great time.
*obviously I’m not a medical professional, so seek guidance from yours should you have any concerns 

D23 Roundup: Changes and Updates Coming to Walt Disney World

by | Jul 16, 2017 | Attractions, Coming Soon, Disney World Hotels, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Food & Beverage, Hotels, Magic Kingdom, New at Disney World, Staying on Property, The Basics

If you’re a person on the internet, chances are you’ve seen lots of chatter regarding D23’s Parks and Resorts panel. Rumors run rampant all year round (vom), but this panel is where the official announcements come from.

Disney Parks Blog has a page of updates and information here, so you’re welcome to hop on over to read the full story. Buuuut I always want to know one thing first: what’s closing. Disney Parks Blog – understandably – tends to bury that information in favor of highlighting the new and exciting. Some of the updates are related to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, too, and may not necessarily be of interest to our WDW visitors. So below, I’ll outline the changes coming to our parks at Walt Disney World.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Great Movie Ride is closing for good on August 13, 2017. I’ve heard rumors that GMR would be replaced by a Mickey-themed ride for a while, but this one was still the biggest surprise to me. While GMR was definitely dated and in need of an overhaul, it’s a Hollywood Studios icon! It’s also one more attraction that’ll be closed at Hollywood Studios while Star Wars Land (Galaxy’s Edge) and Toy Story Land are completed.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will replace the Great Movie Ride. This will be a “2.5-D” ride based on the new Mickey animated shorts. The description leaves me feeling a little underwhelmed, but I’ll try to reserve judgement until I actually experience it.

Toy Story Land, currently under construction, is set to open in the summer of 2018. Attractions will include the Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. The concept art gives me Dinorama vibes… I can’t say I’m anxiously awaiting the opening, but I’m sure it’ll be fun.

Star Wars Land, or Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as it will officially be called (does that sound super Michael Bay-ish, or is it just me?), opens in 2019. Galaxy’s Edge is evidently set in a “remote trading port” which totally screams Hondo to me. The land will offer “two major attractions” – one that involves piloting the Millennium Falcon, and the other “will make you feel like you’re on a destroyer inside a hangar bay” and “is built on a scale we’ve never done before.” The word “immersive” is used a lot, and there’s going to be a cantina.   I love Star Wars, so while I’m excited for this one, I’m going in with few expectations.

Epcot

Mission: SPACE is getting a themed restaurant! This should be fun, as eateries are less abundant in Future World than they are in the World Showcase.

Ellen’s Energy Adventure will close on August 13 and will be replaced by a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction. This has been rumored for years, so I’m surprised it’s actually happening! I was hugely pleasantly surprised by how much I loved both Guardians movies, so I’m excited for this. I’ll miss the dinosaurs and the opportunity to sit in the dark and air conditioning for 40 minutes, but it was time for a change.

The France Pavilion is also getting a Ratatouille-themed attraction that’s similar to the 4D -ride in Paris. Evidently there are food smells, so please pass my Thanksgiving pants.

Both rides are scheduled to open in 2021, in time for WDW’s 50th anniversary. No word on the Mission: SPACE restaurant yet.

Magic Kingdom

Main Street USA is getting a theatre inspired by Kansas City’s Willis Wood theatre. It’s hard to tell by the concept art exactly where this will be, but I’m thinking behind Tony’s-ish.

And the big one: Magic Kingdom is getting a TRON ride similar to (or the same as?) the TRON Lightcycle Power Run from Shanghai Disneyland. Contrary to what many clickbaity headlines shouted last week, this is not replacing the Tomorrowland Speedway. Based on the concept art, it’ll be located behind Space Mountain. Like the new Epcot attractions, this is scheduled to open in 2021 for the 50th anniversary.

Hotels

WDW is getting a Star Wars-themed resort. Yay, fun! Disney Parks Blog uses that word over and over again: immersive. Apparently it involves a view of space from every room, special attire, and an experience that will “touch every minute of your day.” Well… okay. I’m totally onboard with a Star Wars resort, but I want to be able to see daylight from my room, wear my own damn clothes, and maybe not have an experience “touch 100% of my day.”

There was also talk about the two towers going in at Caribbean Beach Resort. Evidently they’re DVC oriented.

Transportation

The Skyliner has been confirmed. Gondolas will connect Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Caribbean Beach Resorts, plus Hollywood Studios and Epcot’s International Gateway. I have a hard time imagining how efficient this might be, but I’ll prepare to be pleasantly surprised. I’m still holding my breath for a different route into/out of Magic Kingdom that allows one to skip the ferry or monorail.

WDW is also adding Minnie-themed vehicles to take you anywhere on resort property. I’m envisioning something like a Disney uber.

So there you have it. What do you think? Did any of the news surprise you? What are you most looking forward to?

And I am Here for the Food: Introducing PizzeRizzo

by | Nov 18, 2016 | Disney Dining, Disney's Hollywood Studios

PizzeRizzo is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

This location was formerly Pizza Planet, named for the restaurant from Toy Story. While there may have been a few game cabinets in Pizza Planet, it was exceptionally more boring than its namesake from the big screen. Theming was practically nonexistent in this quickservice outlet, and the food was unexciting: I remember my pizza being dry and bland. The location did not have an alien claw machine, either, which is the most disappointing aspect of all.

When Disney announced that Pizza Planet would close and be retooled to a Muppets-themed restaurant, I was not sad. When it became clear it was a Rizzo themed pizza restaurant, I was even more not sad. I love Rizzo. He is among my top two favorite muppets (the other is Big Mean Carl). I can quote all of Rizzo’s lines from The Muppet Christmas Carol. I also love food. Plus, Hollywood Studios was really in need of a non-boring, non-burger quickservice location.

img_1231

img_1227

Theming

PizzeRizzo still has the same bones as Pizza Planet, but the decor has been redone. The downstairs area where you enter and order is styled after the New York subway. The upstairs is themed like a mom-and-pop, hole-in-the-wall Italian-American restaurant complete with red and green checked tablecloths. There’s a large balcony that would be beautiful on temperate nights. My favorite space, though, has to be the Banquet Room on the 2nd floor: a pink, fabric draped ceiling; pink and gold chairs, a trellis with faux vines, a head table, moving lights, and the quintessential wedding play list. It reminds me of The Wedding Singer, and it’s the perfect representative of the late 80’s wedding reception. Truly a hilarious and unexpected touch.

img_0959

Overall, the Muppet theming is subtle. Each trash can has a Rizzo quote, but you’ll have to pay close attention to the signage and wall art to see much Muppet. It’s kind of fun this way, like there’s a whole restaurant of funny little easter eggs to discover (look for the Dr. Teeth record or the faded nod to Emmet Otter on the Banquet Room marquee).

PizzeRizzo is large and has plenty of seating. When we visited on a Monday night, the downstairs area was fairly full but there were only a few families dining upstairs.

Food

My pizza looked very similar to what was served at Pizza Planet – a personal-sized pizza – so my hopes were not high. I was pleasantly surprised, though! This pizza was much less dry and much more flavorful than what I remember from Pizza Planet. Is it the best pizza I’ve ever had? No, but it was still good. It reminded me a bit of a mini DiGiorno pizza – thick, puffy crust with a good bit of chewiness to it, plus tasty sauce (sauce is my favorite).

img_1226

I had the pepperoni pizza ($9.99) and my husband had the meat lovers ($10.69 – pepperoni and meatball). Each pizza comes with a mini caesar salad. My salad was fresh, crisp, and tasty! Other menu options include salads and a meatball sub. You can take a peek at the full menu here, if you’d like.

PizzeRizzo also has beer and a Wild Berry-Basil Limoncello Lemonade, which I’m going to have to get my paws on next time!

In all, I enjoyed my PizzeRizzo experience and will definitely visit again when we’re looking for a quickservice meal at Hollywood Studios.

Have you been to PizzeRizzo? What did you think?