Star Wars Weekends Archives

Countdown to Star Wars Weekends Continues at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

May 10, 2013 by Sunshine 7 Comments

As the Limited Time Magic “May the Fourth Be With You!” celebration fades into the galaxy, the team at t Disney’s Hollywood Studios is busy wiping out its droids’ memories and resetting them for Friday, May 17, opening day for Star Wars Weekends 2013. Actors and voice artists from the Star Wars film saga and Star Wars: The Clone Wars are ready to hop aboard Starspeeders and head to the park for the annual event. A trio of talent will appear each weekend, along with celebrity event hosts James Arnold Taylor and Ashley Eckstein.

Here’s a list of scheduled celebrities for this year’s Force-filled fan fest:

Weekend I (May 17–19)
Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Captain Rex – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

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Filed Under: Events, News, Parks & Resorts Tagged With: DHS, Disney's Hollywood Studios, James Arnold Taylor, Star Wars, Star Wars Weekends

May the 4th Be With You Recap & Star Wars Weekend Tips

May 5, 2013 by Sarah N

Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 4, 2013 were treated to a sneak peek of the theme park’s annual Star Wars Weekend festivities with a Limited Time Magic event titled, “May the 4th Be with You.” Guests were given a chance to see all of their favorite characters from the Star Wars films and even take photographs with them. The Jedi Training Academy offered a chance for adults to join their Padawans in training, and the newly reimagined Star Tours offered trips with some very special guests. The festivities ended with a Star Wars dance party hosted by DJ Lobot and a special “Symphony in the Stars” fireworks display. And of course, guests could also obtain special limited edition merchandise from the event.

Perhaps my most favorite part of the Limited Time Magic was the character interaction—from Storm Troopers patrolling, to wandering Tusken Raiders, and even Darth Vader looming through the park; it was a sight to see and created some extra magical experiences.

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Filed Under: Merchandise, Movies, Star Wars, Star Wars Weekends, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: Darth Vader, Disney Hollywood Studios, May the 4th Be With You, star tours, Star Wars Day, Star Wars Limited Time Magic, Star Wars Weekends

Billy Dee Williams Set to Appear at Star Wars Weekends 2013 at Hollywood Studios

April 9, 2013 by Sunshine 1 Comment

Today we’re pleased to announce that everyone’s favorite galactic smuggler, gambler and scoundrel will temporarily leave Cloud City and board the Millennium Falcon with a course set for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as actor Billy Dee Williams returns to Star Wars Weekends for the 2013 edition.

Williams, a fan favorite for his portrayal of Lando Calrissian in the film saga, will attend Weekend IV, June 7-9, 2013.

Lando, who is described on his official bio as having two weapons of choice — a blaster pistol and “a devastating smile” — betrayed the Rebellion when he made a deal with Darth Vader to capture his old friend, Han Solo. However, there was a storybook ending to the tale when he redeemed himself by later helping to free Captain Solo and assisting in the destruction of the second Death Star.

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Filed Under: Attractions, Characters, Do and See, Events, News, Parks & Resorts, Star Wars, Star Wars Weekends Tagged With: Billy Dee Williams, Darth Vader, Disney Hollywood Studios, Han Solo, Lando Calrissian, Millennium Falcon, Star Wars, Star Wars Weekend, Star Wars Weekends

Memorial Day Weekend at Walt Disney World

April 5, 2013 by Jodi Leave a Comment

Photo via Disney Parks Blog

Spring has sprung—although a lot of areas across the U.S. aren’t exactly feeling it yet—and while Walt Disney World Resort is smack in the middle of the Spring Break craze, we’re already looking ahead to what’s next.

Memorial Day will fall on Monday, May 27, this year. It’s a great time of year to visit the Parks, with perfectly balanced spring/summer weather. Plus, many kids across the nation are still in school, so the crowd levels haven’t yet peaked. So what kinds of Memorial holiday happenings can you expect to unofficially kick off summer fun at the Disney Parks? Well, while there are no specific Memorial Day holiday observances at Walt Disney World, the Parks will offer extended weekend hours, and some Resort events will make the holiday extra memorable.

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Filed Under: Attractions, Chip Panel, Do and See, ESPN, ESPN WWOS, Events, News, Original Articles, Parks & Resorts, Planning, Star Wars, Star Wars Weekends, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Chip and Company, disney, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Jodi Whisenhunt, Magic Kingdom, Memorial Day, Star Wars Weekends, Walt Disney World

Summer Sizzles with Disney in 2013

March 17, 2013 by Chip 4 Comments

Summer 2013 sizzles with exciting new attractions and events at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Cruise Line returns to Europe with an expanded portfolio of Mediterranean cruises, while Saratoga Springs Resort reopens the doors to a luxurious new spa. Disney’s “Limited Time Magic” hits full-stride this summer. Plus, Star Wars Weekends let guests release their inner Jedi, and there’s water park fun for the whole family. Here’s what’s in store.

Magical experiences in all shapes and sizes that appear and disappear as the next special surprise debuts will continue with a weeklong Independence Day celebration highlighting the summer season — all part of Limited Time Magic at Disney Parks.

Independence Week: It’s red, white and blue as Disney Parks salutes America with a 4^th of July Fireworks Party — for an entire week, with patriotic lighting bathing the Disney castles on both coasts. Mickey Mouse appears in his patriotic finest and guests will find special USA shirts, Ear Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs.

Guests will enjoy an extra dash of pixie dust each week in 2013 when they visit Walt Disney World whether it’s a meet and greet with rarely seen Disney characters, A Chalk Art Festival or a special salute to Father’s Day — the element of surprise enhances the experience.

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