Star Wars Weekends Begins at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Weekends started last weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It was a chance for fans to meet 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) and Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Captain Rex – Star Wars: The Clone Wars.)
It was also a chance to check out Star Wars-inspired merchandise and try out the D-Tech Me experience. The D-Tech Me experience is located inside Darth’s Mall, the highly themed merchandise destination located in the courtyard adjacent to the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith and this year, the popular “cast yourself in Carbonite” option that was inspired by a scene from Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back is back.
A new option featuring the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire, the Stormtroopers is also available and the 10-minute experience uses the world’s highest-resolution, single-shot 3D face scanner created by the Imagineering scientists with Disney Research labs. That captured image is later sent to a high resolution 3D printer to create the figurine. The completed figurine then arrives within 7-8 weeks after the experience if shipping domestically (it takes a little longer if shipping internationally). Guests also receive either a Carbon-Freeze Me light-up band or a collector button depending upon which option they choose.The Star Wars – D-Tech Me experience is $99.95, plus shipping and applicable sales tax.
The Star Wars weekend run now through June 9, 2013 at the Walt Disney World Resort and if you wander along the Studios you’ll probably get up close with a host of characters from the Star Wars films and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Dozens of your favorites, both Jedi and Sith alike, will be scattered about Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can chat with Imperial officers, catch up with Rebel soldiers and enjoy countless unforgettable photo opportunities across the park!
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
You’ll also enjoy soaking up the spectacle as characters and actors from Star Wars perform a variety of entertaining programs. There are humorous talk shows, colorful parades and motorcades, and a chance to immerse yourself in interactive experiences guaranteed to make you feel like you’re right inside the Star Wars universe! Take a look at some of the activities…
- Stormtroopers at the Gate – Hollywood and Vine Intersection
Two Imperial Stormtroopers are ready to provide a welcome surprise from the Dark side. Their mission—to keep all “Rebel Scum” out—quickly shifts however, motivating the official opening of the park and start of the Star Wars Weekends.
- Boba Fett Patrol
Keep an eye peeled for Boba Fett as the most relentless bounty hunter in all the galaxy strolls and patrols the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage. Get up close and verbally interact with the villain… but be wary, or you could end up his next bounty!
- Stormtrooper Patrol
Be on the lookout for 2 Imperial Stormtroopers as they walk the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage, imparting Imperial info and their own unique brand of investigation. Proceed with caution or you just might become the focus of their next unique observations.
- 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
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.
Another great feature of Star Wars Weekends is the Jedi Training Academy where kids under 12 can hone their Lightsaber skills and test their wits before the Jedi Council in the Padawan Mind Challenge—and even prepare to battle Darth Vader himself! You also have the opportunity to blast across the entire Star Wars universe on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue! This is where you can hop aboard the Starspeeder 1000 as it takes you from Tatooine to Coruscant and beyond, with destinations, characters and adventures presented in brilliant digital 3D! You can enjoy the ride as you head out on a thrilling journey where a galaxy of trouble awaits. But don’t worry, the Force will be with you—always!
Remember that Disney’s Hollywood Studios admission is required for Star Wars Weekends.
