Chewbacca knows how to give great hugs

I have serious things to write about the school year, about the maker work and inclusive design. But a combination of travel, kid activities, my job and my work on the Disney Parks Moms Panel has prevented me from taking some serious time to sit down and write serious stuff.

So why not another amazing story about the time Jordan and I got to visit Walt Disney World Resort this past May? It was a chance for the two of us to spend time in one of our favorite places, stay in one of my favorite resorts (Disney’s Beach Club Resort) and watch Jordan win a very special Dream Big, Princess Innovation Award.

The trip was also a reason for Jordan to try on her very special Star Wars Rey costume for the first time. Her Uncle Jon gave it to her for her birthday and we were so excited to show it off at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Jordan wears Rey well and she feeds on the strength the character has in the movie.

We had one major goal after Jordan had a chance to say hi to Mickey and meet some of the folks attending the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration: Meet Chewbacca. We hopped on board a water taxi, entered the park and walked straight to Star Wars Launch Bay. The line wasn’t too long to meet Chewie and wow, he was so happy to see his friend Rey.

Maybe it’s because I was so excited to watch this meeting. Maybe it’s because Chewie was so so sweet. But seeing Jordan’s pure happiness with the furry guy made me tear up a little. My little Rey was suddenly in the thick of the Star Wars experience and talking to Chewbacca about going out to fly the ship. Jordan told me she knew exactly what he was trying to tell her: Wanna fly? It was so sweet and just another reason why we love Disney experiences. Everyone deserves a solid hug from Chewbacca at least once in his or her life.

By the way, these photos were taken by Disney’s PhotoPass Photographers. They did such an awesome job. None of my photos compared to the joy they captured.