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STAR WARS Episode IX: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER ~ A SPOILER-FREE MOVIE REVIEW BY PETER ALDEN GRIGSBY

Published December 18, 2019 by Disneyways.com

STAR WARS Episode IX: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER ~ A SPOILER-FREE MOVIE REVIEW BY PETER ALDEN GRIGSBY

The End! And so STAR WARS Episode IX: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER brings to a close the “Skywalker” storyline in the Star Wars lore! Holy Moly, what a way to add an exclamation point to a franchise! Throughout this tale, there have been many ups and downs, (Jar-Jar Binks comes readily to mind). The fan base for Star Wars is an immensely loyal group, and they have lived through these tales with the characters so closely that they were almost there themselves. They have celebrated, and mourned with many characters along the way. To find a base that is so devoted to your story and characters is something every writer and director wants. And so, this was the weight that was placed on the shoulders of J.J. Abrams! Not only to craft and incredible film in itself, but to end the saga that has become part of so many people’s lives. Now to deal with the elephant in the room, there was some ‘worry’ among the fan-base that this was not going to be possible. The offering of Rian Johnson (STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI), was at best, polarizing.

Coming almost from a mindset of ‘don’t listen to what the fans want, do your own thing’, Episode VIII was definitely a different type of story, in fact it didn’t even ‘feel’ like a Star Wars story. The original trilogy painted a universe. They made you want to see more Star Wars. The Last Jedi did the complete opposite. It killed the interest in the Star Wars universe for many, because there seemed to be nothing left to care about. The Resistance is just the Rebels. The First Order is just the Empire. No end is in sight. Rey is perfect already. Snoke is dead and no one cared enough to even explain his existence in the first place. While I certainly understand the precept of not letting a fan-base ‘dictate’ the direction of a story line, there does still need to be, at the very least, a tip of the hat to your base. They have been loyal to you, and it is incumbent upon any writers and/or directors to give them their “moments” in the presentation. This, of course, does not mean that you cannot also include your own vision. And this film does that in spades!!

I am going to do my best to deliver a “Spoiler Free” review for everyone! As Episode IX opens we learn that Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) is still alive, and planning on his final obliteration of the rebellion with his First Order. Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is still in Rey’s (Daisy Ridley) head, and attempting to bring her over to the dark side of the force for the Emperor, however, he is working on a plan of his own as well. Rey is also still searching for what happened to her parents, and who she really is. After Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) learns that there is a way to stop the fleet, Rey decides that she is the one to complete it. Her friends Finn (John Boyega) and Poe (Oscar Isaac), of course, insist on accompanying her. Fans will appreciate that Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) plays a major role as well! We also get the return of Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams). As Rey continues to search for her ‘tribe’ and deal with her inner turmoil, she turns to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), now part of the force, in a nice homage’ to the Obi-Wan Kenobi/Luke life lessons. There are also some humorous scenes with C3PO (Anthony Daniels), who has become a bit of a foil for Poe. As I write this, I am fighting the urge to tell you some of the things that will literally make you yell “YES” in this film. Suffice it to say that this is the ‘final’ showdown of the Sith verses the Jedi. There is no more “…to be continued”! It is time for the characters to ‘pick’ a side and go! That being said, J.J. Abrams brings a story that shows he is a fan, and does his best to accommodate the hard core fans of the franchise.

As a fan who cares about these movies, I am satisfied! Is it a perfect film?!?! No. Is it a fitting end to this wonderful series?!?! Yes! Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker delivers an ending that should leave fans happy and, perhaps, with tears in their eyes. If you liked Force Awakens and Return of the Jedi, you will like this movie. If you are looking for an Empire Strikes back-type feel, you will appreciate the nod to fan favorite moments.

Sit back.and brace yourself! J.J. Abrams is able to keep this film dark for the story it presents, only to let the light still shine through. The force will be with us, ALL OF US…always!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Peter Alden Grigsby is a Florida native. Pete has appeared in an episode of the Mickey Mouse club, was a Jungle Cruise Skipper, “friend” of the Rocketeer, tram driver on the backlot tour, and opening day cast member at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM). When he’s not writing movie reviews, he is performing as a singer and tribute artist all over the world and currently has a cover album of Disney songs called Kingdom Classics

Video Review! We Rode Rise of the Resistance on Opening Day!

Published December 5, 2019 by Disneyways.com

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opened to the public December 5, 2019 and my good friend Tour Guide Barbi was THERE to bring us her full review and VIDEO! You won’t believe the mix of new technology that she saw! Are you EXCITED?! I know I am!! This attraction is located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Are you ready to join the Resistance in an epic battle against the First Order?

The official description from Disney is as follows:

An Attraction on a Scale That Is Impressive, Most Impressive
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a massive attraction with multiple ride systems that is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced at Walt Disney World Resort… or anywhere else in the galaxy!

Lieutenant Bek greets Resistance recruits who survived their escape from the First Order as part of the Rise of the Resistance ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. TIM WALTERS/FLORIDA TODAY

Accept a Mission from the Resistance
The Resistance needs your help! Hidden in the forest outside Black Spire Outpost, the Resistance is gathering recruits for a secret mission.

First Order Supreme Leader Kylo Ren watches the battle as the First Order tries to wipe out the Resistance as part of the Rise of … Show more TIM WALTERS/FLORIDA TODAY

With the First Order desperate to extinguish the spark of the Resistance, the mission is bound to have unexpected twists and turns. When your transport is captured by an imposing First Order Star Destroyer filled with legions of stormtroopers—and even Kylo Ren!—you’re going to need all the help you can get. Fortunately, a covert team of Resistance fighters—including Rey and BB-8—is at the ready to give you a fighting chance to escape… and a chance for the Resistance to rise.

Prepare for a thrilling, first-of-its-kind adventure!

Guests see Poe Dameron’s X-wing starfighter, Black One (foreground), and board an Intersystem Transport Ship (background) as part of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Show less KENT PHILLIPS/COURTESY OF DISNEY

Special Thanks to Tour Guide Barbi for sending us your review!

Rise of the Resistance Review

Wow. As a Star Wars fan and a ride technology enthusiast, this ride had me in joyous tears. Beware, there be spoilers ahead!!!!The Queue….
For the grand opening, Disney implemented a virtual queue. Upon entering the park, you join your “boarding group” via the My Disney Experience App and are given a group number. When the number was called, guests were given two hours to check in for the ride. This was fantastic because it enabled us to enjoy the rest of the park (Droid Depot, anyone?) and then there was no major time pressure to access the ride on time. Once we entered the actual line, the wait was around 20 minutes until we reached the first pre show. The parts of the queue that we saw today were just as detailed as the Smuggler’s Run queue, my favorite part being the cages with the Resistance flight suits.

The first pre show…

BB-8!!!! He’s there rolling around in full BB-8 adorableness until we receive a transmission from Rey. I can NOT convey how amazing all of this looked. From this point on, you are INSIDE a Star Wars movie. Nothing has ever been as immersive.

The next pre show…

Guests are standing in a vehicle (which moves!) headed from Batuu to the other Galaxy’s Edge. Poe, Finn and several other characters make appearances with an incredibly lifelike Lt. Bek (who says the best thing, ever) driving the vehicle. But, oh no! Disaster! The First Order has found the vehicle and is taking everyone onboard as prisoners!!!!
After disembarking and being marched onto a First Order Star Destroyer, we were greeted with a breath-taking sight.

Two Stormtroopers stand watch as Resistance prisoners are moved to their holding cell inside the Rise of the Resistance ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
TIM WALTERS/FLORIDA TODAY

A horde of storm troopers, standing in formation, most of which are animatronic. This sight alone will bring the most die hard Star Wars fan to tears. Then as prisoners wait to be interrogated, they are formed into lines aboard the Star Destroyer. We waited in our designated area..: Kylo Ren made his first appearance and then… Huzzah! Escape! The Rebel Alliance has found us and has a plan!

Finally… The ACTUAL ride…

Man. I really don’t want to give too much of this away. We were transferred into a droid-operated ride vehicle which seats eight and is trackless. It’s similar to the Penguin ride at Sea World, but moves MUCH faster and in many different directions. With no track in place, it was impossible to anticipate which direction we would be going in next. And it is so smooth!!!! From here on out we encountered Kylo Ren in several different formats (hologram, animatronic) and felt as if we were in the middle of a battle. Blaster beams and canons are firing all around and we could never tell what would be happening next. Finally, we made it to safety in a simulator section with a sudden drop as we entered into space. (This is a free fall, similar to Tower of Terror, less intense.) Then we surprisingly ended outdoors!

I have not experienced so many different technologies combined with such an incredible story. The rides that come closest are probably Transformers or Forbidden Journey over at Universal. I know that I missed a TON and can’t wait to see it again. Bravo, Disney Imagineers. Job well done.

-Tour Guide Barbi
Theme Park Academy

Here’s a short overview of our experience, enjoy!

Enchanted Beauty Box Review by Guest Author Chris Frantz

Published January 17, 2016 by cfrantz323

When the team here at Disneyways offered me the chance to review the “The Force is Fierce” beauty box from Enchanted Beauty’s subscription service, it took all I had to respond in an adult fashion and not give in my baser instincts (ie, repeatedly shouting “GIMME” like a toddler…okay, fine, I may have yelled that as I typed something slightly more professional). As a lifelong Star Wars fanatic and full-time magpie (my husband jokes nothing that sparkles in a mile radius misses out on my ogling), it couldn’t be more tailored to my interests, and spoiler alert: I’m happy to say I wasn’t disappointed!

So, a little information about Enchanted Beauty: Per their website, it’s “a brand new Disney inspired monthly subscription box…to show off your Disney side, inner princess, Dark Side, theme park addict or even the villain inside of all of us!” Each month subscribers will receive “4 to 5 full-sized beauty products from well-known, popular, chic, and up-and-coming brands,” curated around each month’s specific theme. Subscribers pay $39.95 a month for their hand-picked packaged of goodies, including shipping (you’ll also receive tracking info on your package!).

Okay, now let’s get to the pretty, right? Right!

As a graphic designer I can’t help but take notes on visual presentation, and Enchanted Beauty scored high marks for starting the fun before I even opened the box with fun, poppy Star Wars tape securing the lid. Inside I found my treats cushioned in white, black, red and gold tissue – A+ color palette. My box’s theme was no doubt chosen to help celebrate the newly-released Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, but there’s no shortage of nods to the classic movies too. I got a chance to talk to Stacey, founder of Enchanted Beauty, and she let me know subscribers received either a “Light Side” or “Dark Side;” mine was a mix of both. You can see the contents in my photo, but here’s a detailed listing of what I got, with my notes:

Hard Candy eye shadow (“Make Believe,” 261). Stacey let me know it was chosen “because it looks like a moon and of course we all know the famous quote ‘that’s no moon,’” but it gives me a definite Death Star vibe too!
An adorable, handmade resin Chewie and Han necklace. It’s kind of abstract and made to look like pop art, so you can pay tribute to our favorite Star Wars BFFs in subtle style.
A star bracelet. It’d also make a great, in-theme extender if you want to rock your Han and Chewie necklace a little longer!
Hand-crafted Swarovski black crystal stud earrings. They’re from Etsy shop Sparkle & Steel and not only are they a solid everyday earring (reminiscent of the inky depths of space and a perfect pairing with your coolest Star Wars tees) but the packaging is great – they inform me that “Sparkle you must!” NO ARGUMENT HERE.
Heng Fang Cosmetics “Twist Up the Volume” waterproof mascara. A good staple, but you might be pushing your luck wearing it to your third viewing of SWVII since just the credits give you nostalgic weepies – sorry, more a note to self?
CoverGirl Star Wars Limited Edition Colorlicious Lipstick (Red #30). A very fierce color from the Dark Side collection. I own more red lipsticks than could be considered necessary (or healthy), but I’ve still had my eye on this one since its release, so I was stoked to get it!
A super cute Darth Vader keychain. It’s also a flashlight that makes lightsaber noises. LIGHTSABER NOISES. COME ON.

Overall it’s clear real thought and time was put into this collection, and I think it’s quite cool that – unlike a lot of beauty boxes – you receive accessories, too, and from small shops and makers to boot. The website notes while they’re working toward providing customers a taste profile in the coming months, they currently try to “only include items that all of [their] subscribers are able to enjoy [and] steer away from choosing any items that are age-specific or skin-tone specific,” which I think they succeeded at here. With the variety of fun stuff you’ll receive, this would be a great box for a few Disney geek pals or families with several Disney lovers of different ages in the house to split – this month’s box would provide sweet accessories for the younger geeks and on trend makeup for teens and ladies alike. (And if there isn’t a fight over the keychain by all parties – I REPEAT: LIGHTSABER SOUNDS – then we come from very different households. Even our cats want in on that one!)

If the price gives you pause, check this out: you can use the code WELCOME2016 at checkout for 25% off! There are also several options to purchase (monthly, if you’re just sweet on a given theme; three month, six month and twelve months prepay). You can find out more here on Enchanted Beauty’s site, and you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for all the latest on each month’s theme (next up is Frozen!), plus make up tips and more!

That’s all from me – thanks for the opportunity, Disneyways! (Don’t worry, readers – like the Force, the keychain will be with me. Always.)

Disclaimer: I was offered Enchanted Beauty’s subscription box for the month at no cost in exchange for my honest review. In communicating for this article I also struck up a business relationship with this business’s owner and will be creating marketing materials for them as a part of my graphic design business. This review was completed before this business relationship takes effect and does not influence my opinion in any way. All thoughts are my own.

Chris Frantz – seen here getting beauty tips from a fellow ginger – is a happily married mother of three furry “kids,” lifelong nerd and Walt Disney World fanatic. She’s also the graphic designer and owner of On A Roll Designs. She’d consider letting you play with the flashlight if you like her on Facebook and swing by her Etsy store to see how she can help you put your best aesthetic foot forward to commemorate special events and promote your blogs, shops, websites and small businesses with adventurous designs at affordable prices!

Top 5 New Characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens by Guest Author Kate Voss

Published January 13, 2016 by Disneyways.com

Photo credit StarWars.com

Top 5 New Characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens by Guest Author Kate Voss

Predictably, Star Wars fans were both excited and nervous when the new trilogy was first announced. While the beloved series was returning, it was doing so under a new director and new writers. Turns out, there was no need to worry. In addition to almost universally positive reviews, the first movie has so far broken all earning records in the United States and is on track to become one of the highest grossing movies in history worldwide. One of the most appealing aspects was the reintroduction of some classic characters, still played by their original actors. However, it’s not just nostalgia driving the movie. A new batch of characters have joined the crew and they are winning hearts as quickly as they are battles. Below are five of the best new characters from The Force Awakens.

Poe Dameron

Photo credit StarWars.com

Everyone loves a pilot. When that pilot is young, attractive, and fights for the Resistance, he is definitely guaranteed to win fans. Not only that, but Dameron shows himself to be single mindedly committed to both his cause and his comrades, making him an appealing new hero for the series. His mother’s own heroism in the previous war and his loss of her as a child just makes him easier to love.

Finn

Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Finn (John Boyega)
Ph: Film Frame
© 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Right Reserved..

FN-2187, or Finn, makes our acquaintance first as a stormtrooper. Despite this, he quickly wins hearts by helping to rescue Poe Dameron and turning traitor against the First Order. Though he has trained to be a stormtrooper from when he is a young child, his soft heart and reluctance to kill in cold blood eventually drive him away from the men and women who trained him. Though he isn’t particularly interested in joining the Resistance at first, it is again his commitment to helping his friends which cements his involvement. Well, that and some bad luck.

BB-8

Photo credit StarWars.com

Personality-filled droids are a Star Wars hallmark, and the updated series wouldn’t be complete without at least one new robot to fall in love with. Despite his cute and not particularly fierce appearance, BB-8 has been entrusted with vital Resistance information that the First Order is desperate to get their hands on. Aside from the strategic importance this lends him, the character is also essential in bringing Finn, Rey, and Dameron together, though the information he carries paints a bullseye on their backs.

Kylo Ren

Photo credit StarWars.com

Kylo Ren is one of the most interesting new characters in the Star Wars universe. Much like Darth Vader before him, his actions are extremely dark. In fact, they are objectively unforgivable, as he resorts to torture and murder to accomplish his goals. Despite this, there is a thread of good still alive in him that keeps viewers intrigued. Without giving too much away, it becomes obvious where both the light and the dark in his soul come from, though his motivations for turning away from one for the other are less clear. This character will surely reveal himself further in the next two films, and fans will just as surely be fascinated by each new revelation.

Rey

Photo credit StarWars.com

Rey is still largely a mystery herself. A fierce fighter and extremely capable, her history and parentage are not well known. What is known is that she is Force-sensitive, ensuring that her role in the next two films will likely be significant. Though she starts out as a mere scavenger at the beginning of the film, it is clear that she is much more. She is also a breath of fresh air in the traditionally male-heavy Star Wars universe, which desperately needed a little estrogen.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens..Rey (Daisy Ridley)..Ph: David James..© 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Right Reserved.

Whether a fan of villains, heroes, futuristic technology or just a good redemption story, there is something for everyone in the newest Star Wars film. Though a quick refresher course with the old films and spin offs via Google Play and Direct TV is advisable, The Force Awakens manages to stand on its own despite the weight of the previous six films resting on its shoulders. Not only that, but with its casting choices the franchise has thrown open the doors to welcome new fans in. The far far away universe that so many people have come to love continues to grow, and it feels as though the newest saga is just beginning.

Photo credit StarWars.com

About the author: Kate Voss is a writer and blogger based in the Windy City. Fuelled by coffee and chocolate, she’s an MSU alum with a passion for traveling and love of all things Disney. Her favorite Girl Scout Cookies are the Trefoils.

MAGIC IN THE DETAILS: JEDI OR NOT, HERE WE COME! Four Tantalizing Clues about Disney’s Coming Star Wars Attractions by Guest Author Adam M. Berger

Published March 18, 2015 by jpmdo

With Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios fast approaching and with Star Wars Episode VII slated to debut in theaters this December, it’s clearly a great time to be a Star Wars fan. And then there’s the expected arrival of an entire Star Wars-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (and probably Disneyland Park) sometime in the not-too-distant future.

Photo Copyright – Disney

Of course, with the powers-that-be at Disney remaining tightlipped, it’s still anyone’s guess as to what we can expect when that galaxy far, far away finally lands at Walt Disney World. And yet there are some very intriguing hints already to be found in and around Disney’s existing Star Wars attractions…if you only know what to look for. As usual, “the magic is in the details.” So here are four enticing clues about what to expect in the forthcoming Star Wars attractions.

Expect both familiar and new characters, vehicles, settings, and scenarios. Many Disney attractions adhere closely to the movies upon which they are based, replicating the original screen versions as faithfully as possible. However, this has never been the case when it comes to the Star Wars attractions and experiences, which have introduced numerous new characters, vehicles, settings, and scenarios alongside the familiar ones. It’s a good bet that this “expanded universe” approach will continue…full Force.

Photo by Adam Berger

Expect big themes. While the forthcoming Star Wars shows, rides, and environments are likely to feature new characters and other unique elements, you’ll also see a continuation of the big themes established in the cinematic Star Wars universe. Some of these themes have already carried through into the existing Star Wars attractions, including “humanity versus soulless technology,” “the struggle between goodness and evil,” and “ordinary people fulfilling their heroic potential.” Expect more of the same in future attractions.

Photo Copyright – Disney

Expect sophisticated technology in the service of storytelling. Though the Disney parks have long been known for their sophisticated ride and show systems, those technologies have always been upstaged by the attraction storylines, creating immersive, fully realized, emotional experiences. This is certainly the case with attractions like Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. You can bet that the ride and show technologies behind the experiences being planned for the new Star Wars lands will be even more advanced…and just as invisible.

Photo Copyright – Disney

Expect more variability, more spontaneity, more guest interaction, and more personalized experiences. No matter how many times you queue-up for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, you never know which one of 54 different combinations of scenes you are going to get, giving your experience a wonderful element of variability and spontaneity. You can be sure that this approach to keeping your experience fresh and surprising will go into hyperdrive in the new Star Wars attractions. At the same time, you’re certain to see more of the personalization and direct interaction that guest “younglings” are already encountering in the Jedi Training Academy show as they cross light sabers with Darth Vader—but on an even bigger and more impressive scale.

Photo by Adam Berger

The technological key to all of this will doubtlessly be the same RFID platform that powers your MagicBand. But instead of merely admitting you to the Disney Parks, your Disney hotel room, and your pre-booked FastPass+ attractions, your MagicBand will eventually endow you with Jedi-like powers, immersing you in your own personalized, customized Star Wars universe.

What are your expectations for the new Star Wars-themed sections coming to the Disney parks? Feel free to post your thoughts in the comments section, below. And May the Force be with you!

Adam M. Berger is a professional attraction show writer and design consultant, and the author of the book Every Guest is a Hero: Disney’s Theme Parks and the Magic of Mythic Storytelling—available in print and e-reader editions from Amazon.com and other fine online booksellers.

New Star Wars Weekends 2014 Details Revealed!

Published February 21, 2014 by Disneyways.com

New Star Wars Weekends 2014 Details Revealed! First, a fireworks show will be displayed every night of the event featuring Star Wars music, similar to the “Symphony in the Stars” Disney displayed for Limited Time Magic last year on May the Fourth. Disney has also revealed that a “new evening experience” on Hollywood Blvd will be part of the weekends, but didn’t specify what exactly that will be.

James Arnold Taylor will once again host the weekend, wrapping up his intergalactic adventure as the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”

More great news came in today from Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor at the Disney Parks Blog! Here’s what Gary had to say:

“As the Rebel Alliance continues its fight for freedom and democracy in the Star Wars galaxy, the phantom puppetmaster himself, Darth Sidious (aka Emperor Palpatine), has issued a new galactic decree about Star Wars Weekends 2014 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

While some of his blue-hued holographic transmission was garbled, the Emperor has ordered his Galactic Empire to create a demonstration of force and power that can be seen high above Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars Weekends 2014. This has caused much talk in the galaxy that a gala fireworks show featuringStar Wars music will be presented each evening this year.

When consulted, several protocol droids further translated the Emperor’s message. These translations reinforced the conclusions that there will be a new evening experience for Star Wars Weekends guests on Hollywood Blvd. in the Walt Disney World Resort theme park.

However, that’s not the end of this story.

When the Rebel Alliance secretly learned of the Emperor’s plans from a hidden message decoded from an astromech droid, they decided to extend the galactic gala one more weekend in 2014.

In order to convince more guests to join the Rebellion, a 5th weekend is now being added to Star WarsWeekends 2014. The new event dates are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 16-June 15, 2014. The theme for this year’s event is, appropriately, “Join the Rebellion.”

Weekend I: May 16 – 18, 2014
Weekend II: May 23 – 25, 2014
Weekend III: May 30 – June 1, 2014
Weekend IV: June 6 – 8, 2014
Weekend V: June 13 – 15, 201

In addition to offering a first-look at this year’s event logo above, we’re pleased to announce James Arnold Taylor will return to Star Wars Weekends 2014 as the event’s official celebrity host. Taylor, a Star Wars Weekends fan favorite, is the voice of hundreds of animated characters, including Obi-Wan Kenobi on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”

“Legends of The Force” Motorcade and Welcome Cavalcade 2013 Star Wars Wars Weekends

Published May 19, 2013 by Disneyways.com

This awesome parade is from the very first day of Star Wars Weekends – May 17, 2013.

The celebrity guests, character meetings, special maps, food and all the fun of Star Wars Weekends make them a can’t miss!

Once you click this link you will be able to watch the entire parade in three parts with no further action on your part.

Thank you Ramon Rodriguez of Theme Park Concierges.com for the awesome job as cameraman! In addition to everything else, during our wait, Ramon managed to get breakfast for us AND deliver a soda for a woman in an EVC. He is so considerate of others and it is always great to be in his company.

Ramon and I got our spot along the parade route nearly 2 hours early to make sure to get the best video possible for you today. We hope you will enjoy it along with all of our other great blogs about Star Wars Weekends!

And now…get ready to see all your favorite characters including Chewbacca, R2D2, the amazing parade of Stormtroopers and so much more!

2013 Star Wars Weekends Entertainment…Food…and Merch oh my! (disneyways.com)
Star Wars Weekends Guide and 2013 Weekend One Map! (kennythepirate.com)

2013 Star Wars Weekends Entertainment…Food…and Merch oh my!

Published May 17, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Check out all the Star Wars fun beginning today!!

Entertainment:
Encounter over 60 Star Wars characters from the entire saga
From Darth Maul and Anakin, to Chewbacca, you’ll find heroes and villains from throughout the galaxy
Celebrities
Autograph Sessions
Legends of the Force
A Star Wars themed motorcade
Stage Shows
Stars of the Saga
Behind the Force: Star Wars Voices
Padawan Mind Challenge
Hyperspace Hoopla
Obi-Wan and Beyond
Visit to the Maul (Weekends 1 & 2)
An Ewok’s Tale, my short story (Weekends 2 & 3)

—
Food and Beverage Featured Menu Offerings:
Darth Vader Cupcake
Available at – Sunset Ranch Market, ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, Studio Catering Company, Pizza Planet Arcade and Darth’s Mall
Only Available on Event Weekends

R2-D2 Kids’ Power Pack Bucket
Available at – Sunset Ranch Market, ABC Commissary, Backlor Express, Studios Catering Company and Pizza Planet Arcade
R2-D2 Churro Bucket with Chocolate Sauce
Available at – Churro Cart at the Great Movie Ride, Pretzel Garden and Darth’s Mall
R2-D2 Corn Dog Bucket with Chips
Available at – Herbie’s Drive-in

Additional Food and Beverage Locations on Event Days
Hot Dogs at Pixar Place
Hot Dogs on Echo Lake
Hot Dogs near Animation Courtyard
Churro Cart at Darth’s Mall

Additional Alcoholic Beverage Locations on Event Days
Outside 50’s Prime Time Café
Outside The Hollywood Brown Derby
Outside Sci-If Dine-In Theater Restaurant

—
Merchandise
Darth’s Mall
A galaxy of Star Wars themed and special event logo merchandise developed just for Star Wars Weekends 2013.
Merchandise Offerings include: Tee Shirts, Hats, Pins, Glassware, Buttons, Totes, Vinylmations, Toys, Plush, Artwork, Cell Phone Cases, and Ashley Eckstein’s clothing line: “Her Universe”
Annual Passholder Products
Name Tags, Event Pins, Poster Size Calendar, Autograph Book, Han Solo Carbonite Vinylmation, and a Baseball Cap
Product Offerings Throughout the Park
Star Wars Product Everyday and Select Event Product on the Weekends
Tatooine Traders
Superstar Shop
Mickey’s of Hollywood
Prop Shop
Villains in Vogue (Beverly Sunset)
Special Event Product Only During Event Days
Main Entrance Cart
Stage Show Cart
Sorcerer’s Hat Shop (Event Trading Pins OnlyBacklot Express Cart

Click here to see the map for week one!

2013 Star Wars Weekends Map for Week One

Published May 14, 2013 by Disneyways.com

As always, Disney reserves the right to change this information at any time, without notice.

Click to enlarge!

Photo Source KennythePirate.com

Photo source KennythePirate.com

More News on Star Wars Weekends 2013 (disneyways.com)

More News on Star Wars Weekends 2013

Published May 10, 2013 by Disneyways.com

May 4th Disney celebrated “May the 4th Be With You” as part of Limited Time Magic.

May 6th we were one of the first sites to post an unofficial list of Star Wars celebrities expected to make an appearance at Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends 2013.

Today we are happy to report Disney has finally officially released this information as well.

New this year is a photo opportunity with a “life-size” rancor. The giant beast, which was Jabba the Hutt’s prized pet in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, will be on display during the event. The handcrafted replica is 17 feet long and weighs more than 700 pounds. The reptomammal sculpture is well-traveled — it’s a popular piece at Star Wars events around the globe and will make its way to Walt Disney World for Star Wars Weekends.

(I was going to put a picture of the giant rancor here – but frankly, it frightens me a little – and it won’t go with all my pink sparkles.)

Also new – a trio of specialty “one-man shows” will be presented this year, giving guests a peek into the on- and off-screen worlds of three Star Wars celebrities — James Arnold Taylor, Ray Park and Warwick Davis.

“Obi-Wan & Beyond” (each event day) stars James Arnold Taylor. James takes audiences on a journey into his wonderful world of voice acting.
“Visit to the Maul” (Weekends I and II) features Ray Park. Guests can see a demonstration of amazing martial arts skills by the actor who portrayed Darth Maul on the silver screen.
“An Ewok’s Tale – my short story” (Weekends II and III) stars Warwick Davis. Guests get a unique look into the fascinating world of this Star Wars legend.

As you plan your visit to Star Wars Weekends, be aware that many of the behind-the-scenes shows reach capacity quickly, so arrive early. Also, you’ll want to arrive early to the park if you would like to get a celebrity autograph.