Star Wars Weekends
Disney's Hollywood Studios

STAR WARS WEEKENDS -- Since 1997, Walt Disney World has sponsored a series of special Star Wars Weekends in the Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. Activities normally include celebrity appearances, as well as trivia contests and prize give-aways, Star Tours "ride-a-thons," and a Star Wars Cantina street party, complete with a live disc jockey.

During Star Wars Weekends, celebrities from all the Star Wars films are on hand for motorcades and star conversations, as well as autograph sessions. Actors featured over the years include Jake Lloyd (young Anakin Skywalker), David Prowse (Darth Vader), Kenny Baker (R2D2), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Anthony Daniels (C3PO) among others. Lots of costumed characters, from Luke Skywalker and Queen Amidala to Ewoks and Jawas, can also be found milling about the park, with plenty of opportunities for Star Wars fans to meet and greet them.

2013 STAR WARS WEEKENDS

James Arnold Taylor, who provides the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi for the animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, will serve as the Official Celebrity Host of Star Wars Weekends 2013, when the event returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios this May. Ashley Eckstein, the voice of The Clone Wars' Ahsoka Tano, will act as Celebrity Host of "Behind the Force," a show that gives fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse at Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Both Taylor and Eckstein have served in similar roles for previous Star Wars Weekends. Other celebrity appearances:

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

Weekend II (May 24-26)
Ray Park (Darth Maul - Episode I The Phantom Menace)
Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok - Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Jim Cummings (voice of Hondo Ohnaka - Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend III (May 31 - June 2)
Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok - Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar - Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Sam Witwer (voice of Darth Maul - Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend IV (June 7 - 9)
Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian - Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca - Episode IV A New Hope; Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; Episode VI Return of the Jedi; Episode III Revenge of the Sith)
Tom Kane (voice of Yoda - Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

NEW FOR 2013!

• 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 our park for Star Wars Weekends.
• 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.

Weekend Highlights

• Jedi Training Academy (Star Tours Stage): Each young Padawan who is chosen will learn a lightsaber combination as they prepare to face the dark side. Check Times Guide for show times, but show times for May 17-19 are as follows:
  
  8:45am; 9:20am; 10:05am; 10:35am; 12:00pm; 12:30pm; 1:00pm; 1:30pm; 2:00pm; 2:30pm; 3:00pm; 3:30pm; 4:00pm; 4:30pm; 5:00pm; 5:30pm; 6:30pm; 7:00pm; 7:30pm
• Legends of the Force Motorcade and Celebrity Welcome: Marvel at a grand motorcade featuring a galaxy of your favorite Star Wars characters and five 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. Motorcade begins near Main Entrance 11 a.m. Celebrity Welcome at Star Wars Weekends Event Stage 11:15 a.m.
• Hyperspace Hoopla: This high-energy, one-of-a-kind show is a chance to see some of the famed Star Wars characters performing like never before. It will take place on a stage in front of the Sorcerer Mickey hat on Hollywood Blvd., and is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. each event evening.
• Autograph Opportunities: As always, there is no additional charge for the celebrity autograph sessions at Star Wars Weekends. The autograph lines will once again be handled via a FASTPASS-type system. An extremely limited number of FASTPASS tickets are distributed on a first-come, first served basis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios main entrance, to the right of the turnstiles. Distribution may begin prior to Park opening based on demand. You must have a FASTPASS ticket to receive an autograph. To receive a FASTPASS ticket:

1. Join the line of the celebrity you would most like to meet. You may not save a place in line for other party members.
2. While in line, you will receive a wristband. Your Theme Park admission media and wristband allow you to receive one FASTPASS ticket. Only one autograph FASTPASS ticket per Guest. Each Guest must be present to receive a FASTPASS ticket. You may not get FASTPASS tickets for other members of your party.
3. After receiving your 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.
4. 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.

   May 17-19 Autograph Sessions
   
   Ashley Eckstein : 4:30 and 5:45 p.m.
   
   James Arnold Taylor: 9:45 a.m.
   
   Dee Bradley Baker: 9:45 a.m., 3, 4:30 p.m.
   
   Jeremy Bulloch: 9:45 a.m., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.
   
   Ray Park: 1:45 p.m.

• Behind the Force: Star Wars Voices: At the Premier Theater. Listen closely as host Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, along with two very special Clone Wars co-stars reveal the fascinating art of voice acting utilized throughout the Star Wars saga and beyond. . Showtimes: noon & 1:45 p.m.
• Stars of the Saga: At the Premier Theater. 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 two Star Wars celebrities. Showtime: 3:30 p.m.
• Visit to the Maul starring Ray Park: At the Premier Theater. 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. Showtime: 5 p.m.
• Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor: At the Premier Theater. Feel the force flowing as 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. Showtime: 6:30 p.m.
• Padawan Mind Challenge: Star Wars Weekends Event Stage. Join a pair of wacky intergalactic hosts, and a few other Star Wars surprises, as they provide two 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. The Challenge begins at 2:10 and 4:30 p.m. Signup begins at Park open in front of ABC Sound Studio. Space is limited.
• Darth's Mall: Blast into Star Wars Weekends 2013 with limited edition pins, artwork and collectibles, plus limited release apparel for the entire family! Authentic Star Wars Weekends collectibles, must-have merchandise, and special artist signings and book signings can be found at Darth’s Mall located in the courtyard between Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror .

• The Star Wars – D-Tech Me experience returns for Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios 2013. The experience will be located inside Darth's Mall, the themed merchandise destination located in the courtyard adjacent to Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. This year, Disney is bringing back the popular "cast yourself in Carbonite" option that was inspired by a scene from Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. A new option features the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire, the Stormtroopers. The 10-minute experience uses the world's highest-resolution, single-shot 3D face scanner created by 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 will arrive within 4-6 weeks after the experience if shipping domestically (it takes a little longer if shipping internationally). Guests will 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. To book your experience, call 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324) to ask about availability. The experience will only be offered during Star Wars Weekends 2013. Please note: Separate theme park admission required for Disney's Hollywood Studios. No discounts apply unless otherwise noted. Guests must be at least 3 years old to participate. A valid accepted credit card number is required at time of booking. No-shows or in the event a reservation is cancelled within 48 hours of scheduled experience will result in such credit card being charged a $25 cancellation fee. The experience, due to its personalized nature, is non-refundable and not eligible for an exchange. Children must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older during the entire experience. Certain restrictions may apply. All prices, components and information are subject to change without notice.

TOURING TIPS

KIDS AND CHARACTERS

Many costumed characters circulate throughout Disney's Hollywood Studios during Star Wars Weekends, presenting lots of great photo opportunities.

This is a listing of characters that may appear during Star Wars Weekends:

Ahsoka Anakin Skywalker Aurra Sing Boba Fett Cantina Band Chewbacca Clone Troopers Darth Maul Darth Vader Ewoks Gamorrean Guard Jango Fett Jawas

Jedi Mickey Kit Fisto Leia Minnie Mace Windu Princess Leia Luke Skywalker Queen Amidala R2-D2 Shaak Ti Stormtroopers Stormtrooper Donald Tusken Raiders Vader Goofy Zam Wesell

Check your daily Guide Map for the best times and locations to meet these characters.

If you have comments or tips to share with others about Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios, please email me. Thank you.