Star Wars Weekends – Disney News Today

Disney Announces New Star Wars Experiences for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Cancels Star Wars Weekends

You heard about it first during the 2015 D23 Expo, and now Disney is sharing more details. Very soon, guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have the opportunity to experience Star Wars in the park in an all-new way – every day! New experiences will open starting Dec. 1, bringing that galaxy far, far away, a little bit closer.

Star Wars Launch Bay will take guests into the Star Wars saga and the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, special merchandise and opportunities to encounter Chewbacca and Darth Vader.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will be home to a brand new adventure inspired by the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. During the opening months, we’ll make sure that everyone who rides Star Tours will experience the new adventure. After that, it will be up to the will of the Force. Here’s a sneak peek of where the Starspeeder 1000 will be taking us.

There also is new information about “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi.” It will feature scenes from the complete Star Wars saga, also giving anyone new to the Star Wars galaxy an opportunity to get acquainted with the films.

Last, but certainly not least, is Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, which will open in early December. This reimagined Jedi Training experience will take younglings to the secret site of an ancient Jedi temple where they will face Darth Vader along with the Seventh Sister – a new villain from the Disney XD series “Star Wars Rebels.”

And work begins next year on the 14-acre Star Wars-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With construction underway, unfortunately, we won’t be able to offer Star Wars Weekends. While Star Wars Weekends has been a great way to enjoy the saga for a few days every year, now the Force will be with Disney’s Hollywood Studios every day.

With Star Wars Launch Bay, the new Jedi Training experience, “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi” and a new destination in the Star Tours attraction opening in December, you’ll be able to step into the Star Wars saga every time you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Rebel Hanger – A Star Wars Lounge Experience Coming to Star Wars Weekends

Guests attending Star Wars Weekends will be able to find shelter and sustenance in the Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience. Reports have been made that this location was once a known hangout of Rebel pilots, aliens and smugglers; with the immersive environment and stellar bites.

Reservations can be made now online. The Rebel Hangar will be located in an area of Backlot Express.

Here is a look at the menu.

Galactic Garlic/Parmesan Fries – these are tossed with parmesan cheese, garlic and parsley with a garlic aioli for dipping.

Padmé Amidala Naboo Salad – seared chicken breast, bibb lettuce, grape tomatoes, watermelon radish, almond frica, and a parmesan-peppercorn ranch dressing.

Lightsaber Bites – hand-dipped corn-battered knockwurst sausages with house-made chips and mustard dipping sauce.

Chicken and Darth Vader waffles served with maple syrup and sweet barbecue sauce.

Trio of Thermal Detonators – spicy pork wings topped with spicy piquillo-pepper sauce and slaw.

Slider Sampler featuring “The Sith” barbecue-braised brisket with cole slaw and “The Jedi” with barbecued pulled chicken with arugula.

Fruit and Cheese “Sabers” featuring Tillamook cheddar, Brie, goat cheese, pickled vegetables, crostini, cheddar crackers, blueberries, raspberries, honeydew melon, strawberry, olives and gherkins.

Darth Maul hummus with red pepper coulis, black sesame dust, and corn tortilla chips.

Yoda Key Lime Cake.

Trio of Star Wars mini cupcakes, including Darth Vader (chocolate-peanut butter), Yoda

(chocolate-hazelnut), and Jabba the Hutt (salted caramel latte) served in the Han Solo Carbonite

Souvenir Box.

A new drink menu will also be available:

Imperial Blue – Maker’s Mark Whisky, Cointreau, Blue Curacao, sweet and sour, topped with Sprite
Tatooine Sunset – Stoli vanilla, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, pineapple juice with grenadine
Rebel Red – Grey Goose vodka, Chambord, sour mix and a splash of grenadine
Dagobah Swamp Juice – Midori, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, sweet and sour, topped with lemon-lime foam
The Dark Side – Stoli vanilla vodka, Bailey’s liqueur, crème de cocoa and brownie garnish
Alderaan Ale

Reservations Now Open for Feel the Force Premium Package for Star Wars Weekends

The Star Wars Weekends ‘Feel the Force Premium Package’ is back for 2015 following its introduction last year, and new for this year is an option to make it a deluxe.

Prepare to ‘Feel the Force’ with special premium packages offered this year at Star Wars Weekends. These dining packages put you close to the action of the Legends of The Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade, the “Symphony in the Stars” fireworks and more in true intergalactic-foodie style.Enjoy your morning at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, knowing the Feel the Force Premium Package includes reserved viewing for the Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade from 11 a.m.-noon, with a selection of soft drinks, water and a snack.

The grand finale to your day at Star Wars Weekends is the “Symphony in the Stars” Fireworks Dessert Party at 9 p.m. Enjoy Star Wars-themed desserts (including the famous Yoda and Darth Vader Cupcakes above), and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages–all with an up-close view of the fireworks!

You can expand your universe of choices by upgrading to the Feel the Force Deluxe Premium Package. In addition to the benefits listed above, the Deluxe Premium Package allows guests to follow behind the Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard, provides reserved seating for all of the celebrity talk shows that day in the Theater of the Stars, and offers priority access to Darth’s Mall throughout the day of the package. It also comes with a commemorative lanyard and credential to honor your most impressive day.

The ‘Feel the Force Premium Package’ sees a price rise from last year’s $54 to $69+tax, $39+tax for ages 3-9. Reservations can be made now online. Included is:

A reserved viewing area with soft drinks and water for the Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade.
Reserved seating for one of the Celebrity Talk Shows in Theater of the Stars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Show time will be selected at check-in. There are a limited amount of seats per show and times are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
A reserved viewing location for the nightly Symphony in the Stars fireworks show, paired with…
A Star Wars-themed dessert party with specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Guest check-in for Feel the Force Premium Package ticket holders starts at 10:00 AM at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner, located on Echo Lake in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

If you want more Star Wars VIP exclusivity, you can upgrade to the ‘Feel the Force Deluxe Premium Package’ – which is $99 for adults, and $64 for ages 3-9. These cannot be booked online, only via 407 939 3463.

The Deluxe package includes all the benefits of the standard package, and more:

A reserved viewing area with soft drinks and water for Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade at the front of the park at the parade start, with the opportunity to follow the motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard!
Reserved seating for ALL of the Celebrity Talk Shows in Theater of the Stars on the day of the package!
A reserved viewing location for the Symphony in the Stars fireworks and Star Wars-themed dessert party with specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Priority access to Darth’s Mall, the Star Wars merchandise mecca (in a new location across from Studio Catering Co.) throughout the day of the package, plus…
Your own commemorative lanyard and credential to honor the special day.

Guest check-in for Deluxe ticket holders is next to the MyMagic+ service center located at the front of the park, starting at 10:00 AM. For the Deluxe Premium Package, the viewing location for the motorcade is at the front of the park at the parade start with the opportunity to follow the motorcade down Hollywood Blvd.

Guest check-in for the fireworks and for the dessert party is located across from the Brown Derby entrance on Hollywood Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The fireworks viewing location and dessert party is at the hub of Disney’s Hollywood Studios—on the right side approaching the Great Movie ride.

‘The Ultimate Day at Star War Weekends’ VIP Tour Returns for 2015 but at Lower Price

The Ultimate Day at Star War Weekends VIP tour returns for 2015 but this year it will be offering more but at a lower price. The price will decrease from last year’s $499 to $399 +tax per guest this year.

Added to the tour is a character meet and greet experience, early no-wait access to Darth’s Mall, and post-tour access to the Jedi Training Academy.

Also new for 2015 is a 15% discount for DVC Members, Annual Passholders and Disney Rewards Visa Cardholders. As before, park admission is required and not included in the price.

Here is the full line-up of what is included

Premium seating for Star Wars Weekends shows at Theater of the Stars, such as Stars of the Saga—a Star Wars-themed talk show that’s as entertaining as it is surprising
Expedited access to attractions like Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Toy Story Midway Mania! and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Reserved viewing location during the Legends of the Force Motorcade
One (1) opportunity to meet a Character from the Dark Side
Early access to Darth’s Mall—no waiting required
Private deluxe continental breakfast at The Hollywood Brown Derby
Table-service lunch at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Post-tour access to the Jedi Training Academy for your Padawans
Plus, after your guided experience comes to a close, you’ll have time to enjoy the park on your own before ending your day the Ultimate way with VIP viewing of the Summon the Force finale show and the Symphony in the Stars fireworks spectacular

The Ultimate Day at Star War Weekends VIP tour is available Friday, Saturday and Sunday—May 15 to June 14, 2015. Reservations can be made by calling (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687.

Frank Oz & Ian McDiarmid Among the Stars Announced for Star Wars Weekends

To paraphrase a certain scruffy looking nerf herder, I’ve flown from one side of the galaxy to the other, and I’ve seen a lot of cool stuff … but nothing as cool as Star Wars Weekends. This year’s event is shaping up to be among the best, with a new show, new locations for merchandise and autograph opportunities and a galaxy of stars that includes returning favorites and luminaries making their first hyperspace jump to Star Wars Weekends!

So shall we dispense with the pleasantries?
Here are the celebrities scheduled to appear for Star Wars Weekends 2015 (entertainment is subject to change):

Weekend I (May 15 – 17)

Ian McDiarmid: Senator/Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
Amy Allen: Aayla Secura (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
Tiya Sircar: Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend II (May 22 – 24)

Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
Silas Carson: Ki-Adi-Mundi, Nute Gunray (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
Vanessa Marshall: Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend III (May 29 – 31)

Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
Daniel Logan: Boba Fett (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
Steve Blum: Zeb Orrelios (Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend IV (June 5 – 7)

Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
Jeremy Bulloch: Boba Fett (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
Ashley Eckstein: Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend V (June 12 – 14)

Frank Oz: Yoda (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi; Star Wars Rebels)
Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
Peter Mayhew: Chewbacca (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: A New Hope; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)

Of course, Star Wars Weekends host James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels) will be appearing every week, and in addition to Ashley Eckstein’s Weekend IV guest spot, she will also be joining us every day of the event as host of “Padawan Mind Challenge – Family Edition.”

Details are still coming together for the event, but some of the highlights of what’s new for Star Wars Weekends 2015 include:

“Star Wars: Rebels” – Relive the adventurous twists and turns of the first exciting season of the Disney XDseries “Star Wars: Rebels,” in an all-new show with Star Wars Weekends host James Arnold Taylor and a special guest from the show’s voice cast … along with a few surprises!
Autograph Opportunities – For the first time, autograph sessions with Star Wars celebrities will be held in an indoor location, just off Commissary Lane near Star Tours – The Adventure Continues. For complete details about autograph opportunities, be sure to visit StarWarsWeekends.com prior to your visit.
Darth’s Mall – Can’t find the droids you’re looking for? Head over to this new complex of shops near Streets of America for the best selection of Star Wars merchandise in this galaxy or any other!

All this, plus dozens of Star Wars characters appearing throughout the park, yummy Star Wars-inspired treats and the spectacular fireworks finale, “Symphony in the Stars.” It just goes to show you that Star Wars Weekends is as close to the Force as you can get!

Details for ‘Galactic Gathering’ Star Wars Ticketed Merchandise Event Announced

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will once again host a special ticketed merchandise event to kick off Star Wars Weekends.

Taking place on Thursday May 14th from 10am to 3pm, ‘Galactic Gathering’ will give guests the first opportunity to purchase new products created especially for Star Wars Weekends. Guests who attend this event will also have the opportunity to meet Disney characters, Disney Design Group Artists and Ashley Eckstein from Her Universe.

Tickets to this event are $250 per guest (theme park admission is not included but required to participate in this event).

Packages for the Galactic Gathering will include the following:

‘Rebel’ or ‘Empire’ retail MagicBand (Guests can choose their side when registering online) – Exclusive to attendees.
Commemorative trading pin – Exclusive to attendees.
Darth’s Mall Light Speed Pass which gives expedited entry into Darth’s Mall for all five weekends – Exclusive to attendees.
First opportunity to pre-purchase select merchandise including personalized Aurebesh nametags, D-Tech phone cases, Dooney & Bourke handbags, Galactic Gathering Disney Gift card, retail MagicBands, limited edition pins and Vinylmation.
First opportunity to purchase the new designs of Star Wars-themed Disney Gift Cards.
Han Solo-inspired popcorn bucket with popcorn.

Registration will begin on March 4 at 1pm Eastern on http://www.DisneyParksMerchandise.com.

Disney Releases Some Details about Star Wars Weekends 2015

The Force is growing stronger here at Walt Disney World Resort as the galaxy prepares for this year’s Star WarsWeekends. If you’re as big a fan of the annual Disney’s Hollywood Studios event you’ll be excited to learn that several crowd-favorites are back in 2015, including James Arnold Taylor! Known for voicing characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” Taylor will host the Stars of the Saga talk show with everyone’s favorite stormtrooper preshow at a new, larger location in Theater of the Stars on Sunset Boulevard.

Darth’s Mall is also moving to a new and expanded complex near Streets of America, where you can find Star Wars-themed and exclusive event merchandise just for Star Wars Weekends 2015.

One of the favorite out-of-this-world experiences to catch this year is the Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine. Your day just wouldn’t be complete without dinner surrounded by your favorite Disney pals dressed in their Star Wars best!

The galaxy won’t be so far, far away when beloved and iconic Star Wars characters assemble and “Summon the Force” each night for a grand celebration, including a look back at your greatest moments throughout the day on social media. For the finale, the night sky will erupt in an interstellar frenzy of fireworks as “Symphony in the Stars” salutes the saga’s most dramatic stories and brings you as close to the Force as you can get.

Disney is still gathering all your favorite droids and scoundrels, so stay tuned for the latest updates. As we announced in December, the fun comes to our galaxy Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 15 – June 14, 2015. Check out StarWarsWeekends.com for all the must-know event details.

Walt Disney World Announces 2015 Star Wars Weekends Dates

Attention fans of The Force – get ready to plan your trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in spring 2015, because today, Disney unvieled the dates for next year’s Star Wars Weekends.

Star Wars Weekends will be held every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from May 15-June 14, 2015.

Weekend I: May 15-17, 2015
Weekend II: May 22-24, 2015
Weekend III: May 29-31, 2015
Weekend IV: June 5-7, 2015
Weekend V: June 12-14, 2015

Star Wars Weekends combines the fun and adventure of the Star Wars film franchise with the magic of Disney Parks. The event features the largest collection of official Star Wars characters found at any theme park in the world, conversations with Star Wars celebrities, a Star Wars motorcade through the park and much more.

Star Wars Magic Bands Among New Merchandise Coming to 5th Weekend of Star Wars Weekends

Here is a brief look at some new items that you will find at Darth’s Mall, our merchandise location found between Toy Story Midway Mania and Studio Backlot Tour.

New items will include fun Darth Vader shirts, and some character T-shirts, a glass mug, and a spinner pin with characters from the upcoming Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels.

Other new items include a 3-inch Vinylmation set that was originally designed for Vinylmation – Star Wars series 2 (it contains a Jawa and R5-D4), and a limited edition, D-Tech on Demand case for iPhone 5/5S featuring Goofy and Max. You can also find a new Disney Theme Park Tagalong, featuring Jedi Master Yoda.

For the first time, we will release two limited edition, retail MagicBands with pre-printed images (edition size 2,500 each). There will be a green retail MagicBand with Yoda’s image and a red retail MagicBand with Darth Vader’s image (colors were selected to match their light saber colors). Each retail MagicBand will be packaged in a decorative Star Wars Weekends box (you can use the free Aurasma app on your mobile device to make the box image come to life).

Mark Hamill Makes Star Wars Weekends Debut

Womp rats, you’ve been warned. Luke is in town.

Actor Mark Hamill, who portrayed farmboy-turned-galactic-hero Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars saga, makes his debut appearance at Star Wars Weekends today at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He is scheduled to appear today, tomorrow and Sunday.

Activities where guests can see the acclaimed actor include the “Legends of the Force” motorcade and a star conversation about his career and role in the original Star Wars trilogy. To enable more guests to see and hear this special edition talk show, entitled “A Conversation with Mark Hamill,” the Star Wars Weekends event team has made arrangements for a simulcast at various locations throughout the park. Be sure to ask a cast member when you arrive for viewing locations.

We caught up with Mark at the theme park while he was doing final walk-throughs with the Disney Parks Entertainment team. After posing for a few photos with Jedi Mickey Mouse, he spoke with us about the Star Warslegacy, his childhood visits to Disneyland and what makes Star Wars fans special to him.

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