2008 Jun 1 It's Hollywood Studios!

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. ... Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:6-7 & 11
It Is Disney's Hollywood Studios Now!

This Spring (2008), Disney MGM Studios was officially renamed to Disney's Hollywood Studios. This was our first visit after the change in name. And we were pleasantly surprised when we were greeted at the entrance to become Disney's Hollywood Studios' VIP!

We were ushered to a VIP room where we were greeted by Minnie, Donald, and Stitch. What a surprised! Sonya was excited having their autographs taken. Ethan was excited with the hugs and kisses, and the tickles by Stitch! We took some great pictures with Minnie, Donald and Stitch before saying goodbye. What a wonderful way to start our visit to Hollywood Studios! The weather was wonderful. We headed first towards Playhouse Disney to catch their new show (launched this Spring).
We were "intercepted" by Buzz Lightyear and Woody from the Toy Story, and Handy Manny just outside the Live Stage.







After the engaging performance at Playhouse Disney, we walked down Sunset Boulevard to watch Sonya and Ethan's favorite "Beauty And The Beast".











We returned to PIXAR later in the evening to play the new attraction at the Disney's Hollywood Studios - Toy Story's Midway Mania! It was the most exciting interactive game we have ever played. Sonya and Michele sat in one toy cart while Ethan and I shared one toy cart. We were driven through Toy Story's Midway Mania, shooting paintballs at various targets. Michele topped the game with more than 100,000 points!

It was an exhilerating day at the Disney's Hollywood Studios!

2008 May 31 "Discovery" Launch

"I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.." - John 17:20-21

"Discovery" Launch @ Cape Canaveral

Just two months ago, we were here to visit Kennedy Space Center. Today, we were here to witness the launch of the space shuttle "Discovery", which was scheduled to launch on the afternoon of 31 May 2008. We drove to Titusville (just across the water from Cape Canaveral) to witness the launch. The drive along I-10 and I-95 was clear, but became really congested once we exit I-95 towards Titusville.

We found a great spot that gave us an unobstructed view of the launch site, and we parked our minivan there. Everyone was very excited. It was a clear blue sky day. Michele tuned the radio to the Mission Control Room channel and we could clearly hear what was going on. Then, the countdown ... 10, 9, 8, 7, ...

... 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, lift off!

Boom!!! The rocket propelled the shuttle into the sky at a very high speed. Then, the main rocket canisters separated and fell off from the sky. The shuttle continued its course into the sky until it was out of sight. What an awesome sight!

2008 May 25 Flowers & Gardens

"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." - John 17:3

Epcot Center's International Flower & Garden Festival

Today, we went to the International Flower & Garden Festival 2008 at the Epcot Center to admire the thousands of brilliant and colorful blooms, in all shapes and sizes.

These were some of the most fascinating and amazing sights!

The blooms extended to the Window of the World. It was so beautiful!

We absolutely fall in love with Epcot Center.

2008 May 24 Magical Spring

"For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him." - John 17:2

Magical Spring

Spring is a wonderful time to be at Walt Disney World, and there is the International Flower & Garden Festival at the Epcot Center this period. We will be going there tomorrow. But there is always magic at the Magic Kingdom ... any time of the year! Pull harder, Sonya!

The Magic Kingdom's Disney Dreams Come True Parade is always a stunning procession of beautiful floats and charming Disney characters. We never get tired of watching the parade.

And the Magic Kingdom's SpectroMagic Parade is so dazzling and magical. We absolutely love it!

Every visit to the Magic Kingdom must always end with the spectacular Wishes fireworks - there is no firework display elsewhere comparable to this.

We shared 2 x 2-bedroom chalets since all of us (PK and Kit, Jack Sen and Michelle, Jason and Michelle, and our family) are here this weekend. The chalet was more spacious and we could play games all night.