Star Wars Weekends 2014: May 16 – 18, 2014

Star Wars Weekends

The first Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios begins tomorrow, and with so many great things happening during this special event I thought I would summarize what you will find going on!

Admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required for Star Wars Weekends, and availability is limited for some events so get to your destination early! Also listen for updates throughout the day as events may be cancelled at any time!

Star Wars Weekends: May 16 – 18, 2014

Scheduled Celebrity Appearances

A highlight of Star Wars Weekends is having the chance to get an autograph from an actual Star Wars Celebrity around Echo Lake! Be warned though, this is not something everyone will be able to do so make sure you choose your celebrity wisely and get there extremely early!

Disney FASTPASS Ticket Required 
An extremely limited number of FASTPASS tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first served basis at the main entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, to the right of the turnstiles. Based on demand, distribution may begin prior to Park opening. Please note: You must have a FASTPASS ticket to receive an autograph.

To receive a FASTPASS ticket:

  • Join the line of the celebrity you would most like to meet. You may not save a place in line for other party members.
  • While in line, you will receive a wristband. Your wristband along with your theme park ticket or pass will entitle you to receive one autograph FASTPASS ticket. Only one autograph FASTPASS ticket will be distributed per Guest. Each Guest must be present to receive a FASTPASS ticket. You may not get FASTPASS tickets for other members of your party.

After receiving your FASTPASS ticket, continue to wear your wristband. You will need to be wearing your wristband to get an autograph.

 

Your FASTPASS ticket will have a designated autograph return time. Until that time, you may enjoy other Star Wars Weekends activities. At your designated time, proceed to the Celebrity Autograph Location at Echo Lake to show your wristband and present your FASTPASS ticket.

 

Once FASTPASS tickets for visiting celebrities are distributed, we may distribute a limited number of “stand-by” tickets with a return time. “Stand-by” tickets do not guarantee you an autograph.

 

Please note: Receiving a FASTPASS ticket for an autograph at Star Wars Weekend will not restrict you from reserving access with FastPass+ for additional attractions, entertainment and more at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Star Wars Weekends celebrities for May 16 – 18, 2014 are:

  • Ahmed Best – Jar Jar Binks – Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Clone Wars

  • Peter Mayhew – Chewbacca – Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,Star Wars: Episode IV: A New HopeStar Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes BackStar Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

  • Vanessa Marshall – Hera Syndulla – Star Wars Rebels

Character Meet and Greets

Star Wars Weekends
Photo: Disney

In addition to an awesome variety of Star Wars Characters that you can find walking throughout the Star Wars Weekends crowds, you can find special meet and greets at the following locations:

  • Meet Disney Pals as Star Wars Stars in Darth’s Mall
  • Meet the Heroes of the Clone Wars Near the Premiere Theater
  • Meet the Dark Side near Darth’s Mall
  • Meet Members of the Jedi Council near Premiere Theater
  • Meet Members of the Rebel Alliance Near Star Tours® – The Adventures Continue

Entertainment

Star Wars Weeekends

Throughout Star Wars Weekends there are some AMAZING opportunities to interact with characters, participate in great shows, and see fireworks that will blow your mind!

  • Stormtroopers at the Gate – Hollywood and Vine Intersection: Watch out for this duo, as their mission is to keep the ‘Rebel Scum’ in line.

  • Boba Fett Patrol: Boba Fett patrols the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage, and this is your chance to get up close and talk to the universe’s most relentless bounty hunter.

  • Stormtrooper Patrol: In addition to Boba Fett, you can find Stormtroopers patrolling and guarding the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage. They might ask you a few questions, so be cool!

  • Legends of the Force:  Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade: The Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade is filled with Star Wars celebrities, characters, and lots & lots of Stormtroopers! The motorcade begins at the front of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and makes its way to the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage with an awesome welcome and photo opportunity.

  • Symphony in the Stars: If you haven’t seen fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you are missing out! This year Hyperspace Hoopla (I am crying as I type this) has been replaced with this spectacular fireworks show, and if you have ‘Glow with the Show’ ears you are going to want to bring them along!

  • Padawan Mind Challenge: Younglings ages 4-11 will enjoy the Padawan Mind Challenge where your intergalactic hosts ask some fun and interactive Star Wars trivia challenges with a few surprises.

  • Jedi Training Academy: Kids under 12 can hone their lightsaber skills at the Jedi Training Academy with extra opportunities than normal during Star Wars Weekends. 

Celebrity Presentations

Star Wars Weeekends
Zoe getting ready to watch Stars of the Saga

During Star Wars Weekends, the Premiere Theater plays home to some exceptional experiences that include the celebrities visiting the celebration for the weekend.

Make sure that you check to see if there are any FastPass+ available for the following shows!

Some of the scheduled presentations include:

  • Behind the Force – Star Wars:  Rebels
    Ashley Eckstein, who is the voice behind Ahsoka Tano, and special guests give a behind-the-scenes “sneak peek” of the upcoming TV show Star Wars: Rebels.

  • Stars of the Saga
    James Arnold Taylor, the Star Wars Weekends 2014 host, and special guests share 30 minutes look into the fascinating lives and movie-making adventures with some of the stars from the Star Wars saga. It’s a talk-show format that is full of fun and surprises!

  • Stormtrooper Pre-Show
    Make sure you head to the Premiere Theater15 minutes prior to Stars of the Saga for a unique and immersive pre-show featuring several Imperial Stormtroopers on a special assignment. I always make sure to get to the Theater early to catch this!!!

  • Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor
    James Arnold Taylor, from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, gives us a glimpse into the world of voice acting. James performs over 200 popular and iconic characters, and Zoe LOVES this show!

Special Food and Beverage Options

What would a special event at Walt Disney World be without special food and beverage offerings???

httpv://youtu.be/DRiz6NSEFwk

Star Wars Weekends have some pretty awesome ones this year that are only available during event weekends!

  • Darth Vader Cupcake: Available at Sunset Ranch Market, ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, Studio Catering Company, Pizza Planet Arcade and Darth’s Mall

  • Yoda Cupcake: Available at Backlot Express, Starring Rolls and Darth’s Mall

  • Darth Vader Souvenir Popcorn Bucket with Caramel or Regular Popcorn: Available at Popcorn Carts and Darth’s Mall

  • Stormtrooper Souvenir Mug with Fountain Beverage: Available at Sunset Ranch Market, ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, Studio Catering Company, Pizza Planet Arcade

  • Admiral Ackbar’s Snackbar in Darth’s Mall featuring a variety of snacks and refreshments.

Throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios you will find additional food, beverage, and alcoholic beverage locations have been added. 

Merchandise

Star Wars Weekends event merchandise can be found in Darth’s Mall sponsored by HP which will be located between Toy Story Mania and the Studios Backlot Tour this year.

Again, be prepared for some crazy lines!!! But the treasures inside are worth the wait!

Once inside you will find limited edition pins, specialty gift cards, artwork, collectibles, and commemorative apparel for the entire family!

In addition to Star Wars Weekends logo’ed items, you will also find the Her Universe line of apparel by Ashley Eckstein.

Star Wars Weeekends
Don’t forget to wear for your favorite Star Wars shirt!!!

I know that we are all stoked about Star Wars Weekends, and can’t wait to share all of the fun! So make sure you are following our adventures on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

2013 Star Wars Weekends Overview

Star Wars Weekends

It’s that time of year again, where fans from all over the galaxy flock to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a chance to celebrate the franchise that they love so much with fellow fans at Star Wars Weekends, held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday May 17 – June 9, 2013.

During Star Wars Weekends, Hollywood Studios is full of really unique and special ways to meet some of the stars of the series, have your picture taken with some of your favorite characters, learn more behind-the-scenes details, and have a lot of fun.

Here are some things to keep in Mind if you are going to attend Star Wars Weekends!

Star Wars Weekends – Autographs

Every week you can bring in a memento or picture to be signed by an actual Star Wars!

For those wanting to get an autograph, a FASTPASS Ticket Required!

A FASTPASS ticket ensures your place in line at the celebrity autograph kiosk outside the Front Gate entrance. Grab a FASTPASS ticket before the park opens, as quantities are extremely limited and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Once FASTPASS tickets have been distributed, stand-by tickets may be issued, although stand-by tickets do not guarantee an autograph.

Please note that each Guest must be present to receive a FASTPASS ticket. Guests may not get a FASTPASS ticket for other members of their party, nor may Guests save a place in any FASTPASS line for other party members.

Here is a list of who will be appearing each weekend:

Weekend 1: May 17 to May 19, 2013

  • Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace)
  • Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett – Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
  • Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Captain Rex – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend 2: May 24 to May 26, 2013

  • Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace)
  • Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok – Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
  • Jim Cummings (voice of Hondo Ohnaka – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend 3: May 31 to June 2, 2013

  • Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok – Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
  • Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar – Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
  • Sam Witwer (voice of Darth Maul – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend 4: June 7 to June 9, 2013

  • Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian – Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
  • Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca – Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
  • Tom Kane (voice of Yoda – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Star Wars Weekends – Meeting Characters

You care sure to find your favorite characters from the Star Wars films and Star Wars: The Clone Wars throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

These character interactions are always tons of fun! But, the lines are often VERY long and specific characters aren’t always out and about.

Also, keep in mind that these character meet and greets can be canceled at any time…so happy character hunting!

Wordless Wednesday Star Wars Weekends
Wordless Wednesday takes to a Galaxy far, far away…or Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends which start this Friday!

Star Wars characters you may encounter include:

Mickey Avenue

  • Darth Vader
  • Darth Maul
  • Boba Fett
  • Jango Fett
  • Zam Wesell
  • Aurra Sing
  • Stormtroopers
  • Tusken Raiders
  • Gamorrean Guard

Streets of America

  • Anakin Skywalker
  • Commander Cody
  • Captain Rex
  • Ahsoka Tano
  • Asajj Ventress
  • Shaak Ti
  • Kit Fisto
  • Jawas
  • Clone Troopers

Star Tours Area

  • Queen Amidala
  • Chewbacca
  • Ewoks
  • Cantina Band

Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster Area

  • Leia
  • Luke
  • C-3PO
  • R2-D2

Hollywood Boulevard

  • Jedi Mickey
  • Leia Minnie
  • Stormtrooper Donald
  • Vader Goofy

Star Wars Weekends – Shows You Won’t Want To Miss

There are SO many ways to catch your favorite characters and actors during Star Wars Weekends! Laugh along with humorous interviews, parades and motorcades, and immerse yourself in interactive experiences!

Star Wars Weekends
Zoe getting ready to watch Stars of the Saga last year
  • Stormtroopers at the Gate – Hollywood and Vine Intersection
  • Boba Fett Patrol
  • Stormtrooper Patrol
  • Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade

Marvel at a grand motorcade featuring a galaxy of your favorite Star Wars characters and 5 Star Wars Celebrities. The motorcade begins at the front of the park and travels to the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage, concluding with a grand celebrity welcome.

  • Star Wars Celebrity Welcome

Immediately following the Celebrity Motorcade, Star Wars Weekends host James Arnold Taylor, the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, along with 4 visiting celebrities highlight the day’s events and give you an exclusive Star Wars Weekends photo opportunity.

  • Padawan Mind Challenge

Join a pair of wacky intergalactic hosts, and a few other Star Wars surprises, as they provide 2 fun and interactive Star Wars trivia challenges, featuring younglings ages 4 to 11. Watch as they wield their mental force alongside a popular Star Wars character.

  • Behind the Force: Star Wars Voices

Listen closely as host Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, along with 2 very special Clone Wars co-stars reveal the fascinating art of voice acting utilized throughout the Star Wars saga and beyond.

  • Stars of the Saga

Kick back with Star Wars Weekends host James Arnold Taylor as he puts on this entertaining and often surprising 30-minute, Star Wars-themed talk show. Experience the fascinating life and movie-making adventures of 2 Star Wars celebrities.

  • Stormtrooper Pre-Show

15 minutes prior to the Stars of the Saga Star Wars Celebrity Talk Show, a unique and immersive pre-show descends upon the Premiere Theater featuring 4 Imperial Stormtroopers on a special assignment. This interactive and always surprising presentation takes place in the audience and builds to an explosive conclusion.

  • Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor

Feel the force flowing as Star Wars Weekends host James Arnold Taylor takes his audience on a fun and fascinating journey into the world of voice acting. In this Star Wars Weekends exclusive, James performs over 200 popular and iconic characters.

  • Visit to the Maul starring Ray Park

Learn film and martial arts techniques from the actor who brought Darth Maul to life—the man, the Sith, the legend, Ray Park. In this unique presentation, the martial arts master performs impressive demonstrations as he reveals his journey to action-star fame. Show takes place during weekends 1 and 2 only.

  • An Ewok’s Tale – My Short Story starring Warwick Davis

Step into the fascinating world of entertainment giant, Warwick Davis. In this hilarious presentation, Warwick doesn’t just tell us about his time in the galaxy far, far away or his smorgasbord of roles leading up to the present—he reenacts his entire life! Show takes place during weekends 2 and 3 only.

  • Hyperspace Hoopla (My absolute favorite)

Star Wars Weekends shifts into hyperdrive hilarity as characters celebrate the day’s final entertainment: Snig & Oopla’s Hyperspace Hoopla! This over-the-top, end of the day celebration features the most beloved Star Wars characters performing in a number of fun and exciting musical numbers.

Star Wars Weekends
Don’t forget to wear for your favorite Star Wars shirt!!!

Remember that Disney’s Hollywood Studios admission is required for Star Wars Weekends. Availability is limited for some events, which may be cancelled at any time. Check the weekend event map for up-to-the-minute information about entertainment and appearances.

Over the duration of Star Wars Weekends, We’ll be posting about the Star Wars Weeekends merchandise, events, and more, so be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest!

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Wordless Wednesday: Star Wars Weekends Coming Soon

Wordless Wednesday – May 15, 2013

Wordless Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday takes to a Galaxy far, far away…or Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends which start this Friday!
Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Spring into Adventures

Spring is in the air. Hopefully the pollen and my allergies will clear up soon and it is heating up and starting to feel like summer here in Florida. I thought I’d take this opportunity to share some of the things I’m most looking forward to over the next couple of months instead of doing that spring cleaning that I probably should be doing. Now that I’ve found out my schedule for the rest of the spring and beginning of summer, I thought I’d start planning some weekend adventures. The parks across the area have some fantastic special events this time of year, and before the kids are out of school it is a great time to get away while the crowds are lower.

Spring in bloom at Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival
Spring in bloom at Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival

At Epcot we are already more than halfway through the International Flower & Garden Festival. I love this event each year and have been attending since 1998! I dearly miss Davy Jones of the Monkees, as his was always my go to concert for the Flower Power Concert Series. The thing I think I am most excited about (aside from the newly added food and beverage kiosks) is that my favorite HGTV celebrity, David Bromstad, is going to be hosting presentations May 17 – 19 and I’m now off that weekend!

Star Wars Weekends
Star Wars Weekends

Another of my favorite things that I will get to do for the third year in a row is Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This fabulous event has quickly become a must do for me! I still have so many things I haven’t done yet that are on my to do list. I need to get up early enough and get to the park to see the Stormtroopers on top of the entrance to the park above the turnstiles. Also, I really want to get my picture taken with as many of the characters as possible and go to some of the presentations and shows. And then, of course, there is Hyperspace Hoopla, my favorite of all! My apologies to anyone who now has that song stuck in their head (Hoooooooopla, Hyperspace Hoopla…).

Viva la Música
Viva la Música

Busch Gardens and Sea World are playing host to an awesome special event that I got to experience last year for the first time: Viva la Mύsica! This great offering is one that features Latin American food, merchandise, cuture, and of course, music. I got to go just for an hour or so to Busch Gardens after work last year and got to try to some amazing food, but was too late for the concert. This year I was hoping to catch at least one weekend at Busch Gardens and Sea World each. I was so excited when I found out that my favorite salsa band, El Gran Combo, was going to be playing at both parks. I know where I’ll be that weekend!

One of the greatest things about these three events is that they are all included in park admission. Food and beverages of course are extra, but the entertainment and most of the presentations are free of charge with your ticket. These add tremendous value to your vacation or even just a day in the park for us locals.

Water parks are definitely on my list for the next few months. I’ve lived in Florida for almost 20 years and I’ve only been to Typhoon Lagoon for a couple hours and did the lazy river and snorkled with the sharks before the park closed due to weather. This needs to be rectified. I’ve visited Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach for functions, but haven’t done a single water slide. This is a travesty! I also would love to check out some of the other area water parks like Sea World’s Aquatica and Adventure Island in Tampa.

Now we all know that sometimes with the spring come those showers that we need for those pretty flowers. What to do when it isn’t exactly park weather? Why not catch a film? Two movies I am ridiculously excited to see this spring are Marvel’s Iron Man 3 and Disney/Pixar’s Monsters University (visit this site if you haven’t already – it is hilarious!). I am a huge Avengers fan and loved the first Iron Man movie, enjoyed the second one, and adored the Avengers, so I cannot wait to see what they have in store for Tony Stark in this next installment. Monsters Inc was a great, feel good family flick and I think that this will be very entertaining to see some of Mike and Sulley’s adventures before they were best buds.

What are you looking forward to this spring? Did I miss any of your favorite spring special events? Have you been to any of these before? What are some of your favorite things to do in spring when the weather doesn’t cooperate? Hit us up and let us know.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram