As you may know, Star Tours has been closed for an extensive refurbishment that will include new footage and story lines. There has been a lot of speculation as to exactly what will be showing up in these new Tours, and Screamscape has a few tasty rumors for us. Keep in mind, none of these are confirmed, but they are possible plot spoilers, so read with caution:

• Near the beginning of the ride, guests will have some sort of contact with Darth Vadar, who will scan the shuttle and determine that a rebel spy is among the passengers! This will, apparently, be the catalyst for the rest of the perilous journey.
• There may be multiple plot lines offering a few different versions of the ride experience, much like the two versions of The Great Movie Ride (Gangster or Western).
• There will be Pod Races in the Star Speeder (this is almost certain, as promotional footage featuring Pod Racers has been rampant).
• The Death Star will make an appearance. And perhaps we’ll see it under construction.
• Here comes the collective moan: Jar Jar Binks will be along for the ride. It seems there will be an encounter with the Gungan race on Naboo–perhaps underwater in the Gungan city,or we may experience a battle between the Droid Army and the Gunguns. But Jar Jar is gonna be there.

This could, of course, all be complete nonsense planted by mischief-makers. But I doubt it. I think these are all likely scenarios–even Jar Jar (*groan*). Regardless of the content, I’m excited to see the “new and improved” Star Tours 2 on our next visit!

Ugh! An apparent posting error has delayed today’s “Friday Photo.” I did manage to sneak it in before the day was completely over. Sorry for its lateness.

Recognize this quote? It’s located outside the Mad Tea Party in the Magic Kingdom. Can you identify its author? (Not his name, ’cause that’s on the sign…but why should you know him?)

Anyone who has taken a trip to Walt Disney World with infants, toddlers, or preschoolers understands that any such visit is really all about the kids. Yes, there are many, many attractions that the whole family can enjoy together, but there are certainly a few that the munchkins will not be able to enjoy…and sometimes that means the adults won’t get to enjoy them either. Yes, there is the Child Swap option (which essentially allows one parent to wait with the little ones while the other rides, then they switch places without having to wait in line twice), and it’s a great option. But what if Mom and Dad want to ride a few things together? Or share a calm dinner alone at, say, Le Cellier?

Which brings me to Thursday’s Tip: why not invite Grandma and Grandpa along? (Or Aunt Lucy…Cousin Fred…you get the picture, right?) Having an extra adult or two on the trip can be a godsend. What relative wouldn’t love to see Disney through the eyes of your precious little ones? And letting Grandma ride It’s a Small World a few (dozen) times with junior will allow Mom and Dad time to take on Space Mountain.

One of the most common questions I get asked by parents is if there are on-site babysitting services at WDW. Yes, some of the Deluxe Resorts do have kids clubs for that purpose. And there are a few local services, although not officially affiliated with Disney, that will come to your hotel room to watch your kids. But wouldn’t you feel better (and safer) about having someone you love and trust watching over–and enjoying their time with–your little darlings? It’s a win/win!

Grandma and Grandpa, if you’re reading, we hope you can join us for our next trip!

DisneyStore.com has their personalized fleece on sale–most at around 50% off. You can get fleece throws with a variety of Disney characters for $7.99 each (plus tax and shipping, of course). Each of my girls has their own fleece throw (with different princesses on them, so we don’t get them confused), and we always take them in the car for long trips. They also use them when snuggling on the couch. Ours have held up very well after TONS of use, so I consider $7.99 a great deal!

Also on sale are fleece nightgowns for girls ($9.99) as well as a variety of pullovers for the whole family. It’s a great time to stock up!

Today marks the maiden voyage of the Disney Dream, by far Disney’s most impressive ship yet. If you haven’t seen photos, you can hop over to the official Disney Parks Blog and check them out. The ship will be heading to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral.

In a related story, a tanker truck exploded last Friday on SR-528, a main thoroughfare that leads to Port Canaveral, claiming the lives of two people. Early reports said that this could affect traffic for several days, but guests have been reporting only minor delays and adjustments to the path. It is unlikely that this unfortunate accident had much or any affect on the maiden voyage of the Disney Dream. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those involved in the explosion.

Apparently Bambi is coming to DVD/Blu-ray on March 1…at least, if posters around Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be trusted (and I think they probably can be). So it looks like you’ll have another great Disney option to fill the kiddos’ Easter baskets this year.