Get Frozen in Carbonite at the Disney 2012 Star Wars Weekends

UPDATE MAY 8: A new D-Tech Me Carbon Freeze Me experience will debut during 2012 Star Wars Weekends and is now available to book for a limited time only. Using the latest 3D facial scanning technology, you can receive a personalized 8-inch figurine of yourself "frozen" in carbonite like Han Solo in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. The Carbon Freezing Chamber will be located adjacent to The American Idol Experience. Reservations are required for this experience and may be made now through June 16, 2012, by contacting 407-939-8324. NOTE: Same-day reservations cannot be made within two hours of a reservation time. Event Dates: May 18, 2012 through June 16, 2012. Price: $99.95 plus shipping and taxes per person (maximum of two people per reservation). You'll also receive a light-up wristband for participating. You can order additional figurines using the same image scan for $74.95 each. It will take up to four weeks for you to receive your figurine. No discounts apply unless otherwise noted. You must be at least 3 years old to participate, and children must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older during the entire experience. A valid accepted credit card number is required at time of booking. There's a $25 cancellation fee for no-shows or if a reservation is cancelled within 48 hours of scheduled experience. Due to its personalized nature, there are no refunds or exchanges.

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.

2012 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 2012, 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 1 (May 18 – 20)

• Ray Park -- Darth Maul, Star Wars: Episode I (The Phantom Menace)
• Jerome Blake - Rune Haako/Mas Amedda, Star Wars: Episode I (The Phantom Menace)
• Dee Bradley Baker - voice of Clone Captain Rex and Clone Commander Cody, Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Weekend 2 (May 25- 27)

• Andy Secombe -- Watto, Star Wars: Episode I (The Phantom Menace)
• Ray Park -- Darth Maul, Star Wars: Episode I (The Phantom Menace)
• Tom Kane -- voice of Yoda, Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Weekend 3 (June 1 -3)

• Jake Lloyd -- Anakin Skywalker, Star Wars: Episode I (The Phantom Menace)
• Silas Carson -- Nute Gunray/Ki-Adi-Mundi, Star Wars: Episode I (The Phantom Menace)
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars voice talent – currently TBD

Weekend 4 (June 8- 10)

• Michonne Bourriague -- Aurra Sing, 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
• Daniel Logan -- Boba Fett, Star Wars: Episode II (Attack of the Clones)
• Nika Futterman -- voice of Asajj Ventress, Star Wars: The Clone Wars

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. Participants selected at random. Check Times Guide for show times.
• Hyperspace Hoopla: This high-energy, one-of-a-kind show is a chance to see some of the famed Star Warscharacters 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. See "Touring Tips" below for details.
• Star-Studded Event: Keep in mind, autograph opportunities are not the only place to see the celebrities. Star Wars stars take part in fun throughout the day in Star Wars-themed talk shows, behind-the-scenes presentations, the gala “Legends of the Force” parade and more.

TOURING TIPS

Star Wars Weekends activities are included with regular Disney's Hollywood Studios admission.

If you plan on attending any of the Star Wars Weekends, be sure to arrive at the park early. Although the official park opening time is 9 a.m., you will be allowed into the park around 8:30. You will not be able to get over to the Star Tours area until the official rope drop at 9, though.

Information Desk for the event is usually located at the entrance to the event area, across fromDrew Carey: Sounds Dangerous. This will be the place to have all your event questions answered and to sign up for different Trivia contests.

If you want a celebrity autograph: A FASTPASS ensures your place in line at the celebrity autograph kiosk outside the Front Gate entrance. Grab a FASTPASS before the park opens, as quantities are extremely limited and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Once FASTPASS tickets have been distributed, stand-by tickets may be issued, although stand-by tickets do not guarantee an autograph. Please note that each guest must be present to receive a FASTPASS. Guests may not get a FASTPASS for other members of their party, nor may guests save a place in any FASTPASS line for other party members. One autograph per guest.

Two commemorative Star Wars Weekends pins are usually issued each weekend, plus there is a special event pin.

Many children, and even some adults, dress in Star Wars costumes for the event -- this might be something to consider to add to the fun.

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. 

Credit: Allears.net

Disneyland Attractions

Disneyland Attractions

The appeal of Disneyland is not just for the kids but also for adults. There are a lot of things to see and do in Disneyland, things which are sure to be enjoyed by the whole family. Apart from the rides and shows and attractions, Disneyland also offers a lot of special shows during occasions like Christmas or the Fourth of July.

One show is Fantasmic which is held every night during the peak season and on weekend during off season. Fantasmic features a lot of music and fireworks, plus a lot of characters. The show is usually held on Tom Sawyer’s island and is attended by a lot of people. If you want to make sure that you get the best seat possible, you have to purchase the tickets in advance. However, if you’re not too keen about the seating, you can still enjoy the show with the free seating available.

Another show is the Parade of Dreams which is basically a colorful parade of different characters in floats. The parade is truly a sight to see, and takes place twice a day. Three times during the whole parade, there will be a stop and the characters would do a choreographed show.

If you’re a follower of Snow White, then you can see the show in the Fantasyland Theater. It’s shown three times a day so you don’t have to worry about not being able to sit down, or reserving a seat. There is a big chance that you are going to enjoy the show at a time that’s most convenient to you.

There are a lot of other shows available in Disneyland that take place throughout the day so I suggest you plan well your day ahead. But if not, you can always come back for more. But at night, one thing you shouldn’t miss is the display of wonderful fireworks. The fireworks are held each night just before Disneyland closes. It serves as the finale of the park, something which is always spectacular.

Some people don’t get to see the fireworks anymore because they don’t stick around long enough until the park closes. Well, you don’t have to worry if you’re one of those people because the fireworks can still be viewed from a hotel window. If you’re really crazy about fireworks, come during the Fourth of July special treat, because the firework displays are so awesome.

For more information on the different shows available on your day of visit, it’s best to contact your travel agent about it. It’s also advisable to ask about any kind of special shows that may be available, and whether or not the shows require special tickets for seating or not.

It’s only proper to be clear about these things, so that once you enter Disneyland, you only have to worry about having enough energy to absorb all the spectacular shows and entertainment you’re going to have throughout the day.

Disneyland coupons can save a family up to $100 only if they know where to find them. But like many others, you may find it difficult to look for them. It is no wonder then that a lot of web sites take advantage of these people who look for coupons and discounts. My brother told me that he found a site that gives coupons but when he used it during his purchase of tickets, they didn’t work.

Where can you get coupons for Disneyland? Your best bet is to check out brochures, Sunday newspapers and travel magazines for coupons that you will cut out. This is the most reliable and this has 100% chance of being accepted. When you found coupons from these print materials, all you need to do is to present them to the ticket booth when you’re buying the ticket.

I have also received discounts in Disneyland tickets from forums dedicated to Disneyland. Once I got 3 discount codes from this lady I only met at one of the forums. She told me that she would not be able to push through with her plan of having a vacation at Disneyland because she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and needs medical attention.

Check the partner businesses of Disneyland. When you’re flying, choose an airline that gives Disneyland coupons as part of the package. Make it your consideration when you’re choosing your hotel and when you’re renting a car. Disneyland is surely in partnership with many of these companies. Always ask if they have the coupons as part of their offer.

As you can see, there are many ways of getting Disneyland coupons. The only reason why it is difficult for many is that they don’t know where to look. Sometimes it takes luck but most of the times, all they really need is some perseverance in looking for them. With the hard times, the time that you will spend in finding coupons will always be worth it. You will surely enjoy your vacation with cheap Disneyland tickets.

Vacation Spots For Children

Every child in town look forward to their vacation because they know that it’s the time they can go to their favorite theme park. Disneyland is the most famous theme park for children. It is also famous for parents because it is one of the theme parks that give reasonable ticket prices through their promo coupons. Kids enjoy the enchantment and magic Disneyland give them. Pretty sure your children couldn’t stop talking about Disneyland whenever their vacation time is approaching already. But sometimes, it’s good to explore other places aside from taking them to theme parks. In fact, kids will enjoy it if you add another destination to your itinerary.

Zoos and museums, two of the vacation spots you can add to your original itinerary. Based on the parents who frequently bring their children to zoos and museums, their kids became more intellectual and smart whenever they talk to them. When you bring your kids to the zoo, they will be able to learn many facts about animals and be educated indirectly. It’s like they are learning what the school is teaching them only in a fun and better way. Besides, there are Tulsa Zoo coupons that you can make use of. Even though you have spent for your Disneyland trip already, the expenses for Tulsa Zoo coupons won’t be a burden to your budget.

The same principle applies as you visit museums. Your children will surely be learning tons of information about history, science and other general information through visiting museums like Indianapolis Children’s Museum. And like the zoo and Disneyland, Indianapolis Children’s Museum coupon can be used for your budgeting needs. In general, you will have more options for your children’s vacation period. You can choose to go to Disneyland, zoos, museums, with the help of discount coupons.

For your out of town trips, also consider getting coupons for Hampton Inn. Surely you would need a place to stay over the nights. This will be a good tool to budget your trip at its best way. Overall, your family will have a memorable trip. Your children will certainly look forward to another vacation period with you and your family.