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.
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
