Chapter 7 - The Chance Encounter
On the fifth day of our trip, we were enjoying our VIP tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sarah-Jane was leading us toward the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride through a private cast-member corridor to skip the two-hour line.
As we crossed the main plaza, I heard a loud, frantic argument near the main entrance.
"What do you mean the wait time is three hours?!" a familiar voice shrieked.
I stopped and looked over.
It was Jessica.
She looked completely exhausted. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun, her makeup was smudged from the humidity, and she was sweating in the hot Florida sun. She was holding three giant plastic bags, shouting at a young park worker.
Behind her stood my parents. Mom looked utterly miserable, fanning herself with a park map, while Dad was sitting on a bench holding two melting ice cream cones, looking stressed and exhausted. Jessica’s three kids were screaming at each other, and Diane’s kids were crying on the pavement because they weren't allowed to buy more expensive souvenirs.
"We bought these tickets months ago!" Jessica yelled at the staff member. "My kids deserve to get on this ride!"
"I'm sorry, ma'am," the worker replied politely. "The standby line is currently closed due to high capacity. Only VIP guides and Lightning Lane pass holders can enter."
At that exact moment, Sarah-Jane motioned for us to proceed. "Right this way, Sarah and Emma! Our private carriage is waiting!"
As Emma and I walked past the queue entrance, Jessica turned around and caught sight of us.
Her jaw literally dropped.
"Sarah?!" Jessica shrieked.
Mom and Dad snapped their heads up instantly.
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They stared at us in absolute shock. Emma was wearing a authentic Disney princess crown, wearing a custom designer outfit, holding a giant stuffed Mickey Mouse, and flanked by a personal Disney VIP tour guide holding a private tour umbrella.
"Sarah?!" Mom gasped, standing up so fast she almost knocked Dad over. "What are you doing here?!"
