Do you have a Star Wars fanatic in your family?
Are you excited about the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens? Then you
need to catch Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios which runs from
May 15 through June 14. Oh, and if you're not a Star Wars fanatic, well
don't fret. It's still fun just walking around and soaking in the
atmosphere too!
Star Wars Weekends take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Activities
that take place during Star Wars Weekends include character meals, a fireworks
spectacular, a parade, meet and greets with both Disney and Star Wars
characters, plus celebrity meeting opportunities, stage presentations, and so
much more! Oh and the best part? All these activities are included in your
park admission!
So, here we go, let's dive in to the Complete Guide to Star Wars Weekends at
Disney's Hollywood Studios.
What's New?
 |
| ©Disney |
- A special Jabba the Hutt
cupcake will be introduced this year.
- This year's celebrity talk shows will take place at the Theater of the Stars, where Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage is performed.
- The Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience will have guests
entering a space that serves as a rest stop and hangout for cosmic
travelers of all kinds. At the lounge, Guests will be able to enjoy
great Star Wars-inspired food and beverage offerings.
- A special event called the Galactic Gathering will take place on May 14 where guests can pre-purchase merchandise at Darth's Mall and get other special goodies.
- The D-Tech Me
Experience returns with new options of Jedi Knight and a TIE-Fighter Pilot. Using state-of-the-art imaging technology, your likeness will be
scanned and cast as a three-dimensional figurine.
- Star Wars Rebels: The Ultimate Guide will allow Guests to relive the exciting adventures of the crew of the Ghost as seen in Star Wars Rebels Season 1 at ABC Sound Studio from 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Celebrity Meet and Greets
The celebrity meet and greet
opportunities are one of the big highlights of Star Wars Weekends. It's
always exciting to see which celebrities will make their appearance!
Each weekend also includes
celebrity hosts, who keep the party rocking and host special events throughout
the days.
Celebrity Hosts Appearing All
Five Weekends:
- James Arnold Taylor
- the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
Weekly Celebrity Guests:
Weekend I (May 15 – 17)
- Ian McDiarmid:
Senator/Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star
Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star
Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Amy Allen:
Aayla Secura (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars:
Revenge of the Sith)
- Tiya Sircar:
Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels)
- Ashley Eckstein
- the voice of Ahsoka Tano, in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
Weekend II (May 22 – 24)
- Warwick Davis:
Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star
Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Silas Carson:
Ki-Adi-Mundi, Nute Gunray (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star
Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
- Vanessa Marshall:
Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels)
- Ashley Eckstein
- the voice of Ahsoka Tano, in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
Weekend III (May 29 – 31)
- Warwick Davis:
Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star
Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Daniel Logan:
Boba Fett (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones)
- Steve Blum:
Zeb Orrelios (Star Wars Rebels)
- Ashley Eckstein
- the voice of Ahsoka Tano, in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
Weekend IV (June 5 – 7)
- Ray Park:
Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
- Jeremy Bulloch:
Boba Fett (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return
of the Jedi)
- Ashley Eckstein:
Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend V (June 12 – 14)
- Frank Oz:
Yoda (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the
Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The
Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi; Star
Wars Rebels)
- Ray Park:
Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
- Peter Mayhew:
Chewbacca (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: A New Hope;
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the
Jedi)
- Taylor Gray:
Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)
- Ashley Eckstein
- the voice of Ahsoka Tano, in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
Do keep in
mind that schedules are subject to change without notice.
Celebrity Photo and Autograph
Opportunities
 |
| ©Disney |
If you want to meet some of your favorite Star War celebrities each weekend
during the event, you'll need to line up well ahead of time. The
autograph lines will once again be handled via a FASTPASS-like system. Here's
how it works:
Guests will need to line up outside Disney’s Hollywood Studios' front gate
entrance before the park opens. Those wishing to obtain celebrity autographs
should use the bag check line to the far right. For the extremely popular
celebrities, the queue usually starts between 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. For less popular
stars, plan to arrive by 6:30 a.m. Keep in mind that there will be different
lines for each of the different celebrities, so in the beginning, make sure you
join the line of the celebrity that is your number one priority to meet.
When you get to the front of the line, you will receive a wristband. Your
theme park admission and this wristband will allow you to receive one FASTPASS
ticket. Only one FASTPASS ticket will be given out per guest. Guests may
not get a FASTPASS for other members of their party, nor may they save a place
in any of the FASTPASS lines for other members of your party . Each guest must
be present to receive their FASTPASS ticket, which will contain a designated
autograph return time.
Once you receive a ticket, you will need to continue to wear your wristband,
since it will be necessary in order to obtain an autograph. FASTPASS ticket
quantities are extremely limited and are only issued on a first-come,
first-served basis.
Once you receive your FASTPASS ticket, go enjoy other Star Wars Weekends
activities. When your designated return time approaches, head over to the
celebrity autograph location found at Echo Lake. Simply show your
wristband and present your FASTPASS ticket.
Often all the FASTPASS tickets for visiting celebrities will be
distributed. At that time, Disney may issue stand-by tickets, however,
the stand-by tickets do not guarantee that you will get to meet the celebrity.
Also of note: one autograph (signed photo or memorabilia) per Guest.
If you don't have an item to be signed, a small photo card will be available at
the autograph table. As always, there is no additional charge for the celebrity
autograph sessions at Star Wars Weekends. Do keep in mind that not all
celebrities announced for Star Wars Weekends will be signing autographs and
meeting guests.
New this year, the celebrities will be meeting in an indoor location! This
is a nice perk, since before, Guests would always have to meet the celebrities
outdoors. The new location is on Commissary Lane near Star Tours.
Special Star Wars Weekends Events
There are a lot of fun activities that take place over Star Wars Weekends that are exclusive to the event. These include things like Disney and Star Wars character meet and greets, a special parade, a fireworks spectacular, and more. Here is what you can expect that will be exclusive to the event's weekends.
The Stormtrooper Welcome - Hollywood
and Vine Intersection
Encounter troublesome
Imperial Stormtroopers while they ready a welcome surprise from the Dark Side
as they attempt to keep all “Rebel Scum” out in this cute, little show that
takes place around 7:30 am. During the show, the Stormtroopers interact
with both each other, as well as the Guests entering the park for the day.
Characters
This event is known for its character meet and greets. Guests can meet
Star Wars characters old and new. In addition, many Disney characters
dressed as Star Wars characters can also be found. Here is where you will
likely see your favorites.
Rebel Star Wars Character Encounters
 |
| ©Disney |
Character
|
Location
|
Lukc/Leia
|
Commissary Lane
|
Chewbacca, Ewoks, Ewok Chip and
Dale
|
Star Tours
|
Clone Troopers
|
Streets of America
|
C-3PO and R2-D2
|
Darth's Mall
|
Queen Amidala
|
ABC Sound Studio
|
Jedi Mickey, Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy,
and Stormtrooper Donald
|
Darth's Mall
|
 |
| ©Disney |
Character
|
Location
|
Bounty Hunters
|
Near Studios Backlot Tour
|
Darth Maul
|
Near Studios Backlot Tour
|
Darth Vader
|
Streets of America
|
Legends of the Force Parade
Star Wars celebrities take part in the gala "Legends of the Force"
parade, alongside Star Wars characters and Disney characters. The motorcade
begins at the front of the park and travels up to the Center Stage,
concluding with a grand celebrity welcome. It takes place daily during Star
Wars Weekends at 11:00 a.m.
The Star Wars Weekends Event Stage
- Celebrity
Welcome - Star Wars Weekends host James Arnold
Taylor, along with that week's visiting celebrities, highlight the day’s
events. Takes place at the Sorcerer Hat Stage immediately following the parade.
- Stormtrooper
Patrol - Be on the lookout for Imperial
Stormtroopers as they walk the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage imparting
Imperial info and their own unique brand of investigation.
- Boba
Fett Patrol - Keep an eye peeled for Boba Fett
as strolls and patrols the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage.
Padawan Mind Challenge
Kids ages 11 and under can test their Star War knowledge before the Jedi
Council. Registration for the events begins at the Event Information Table near
ABC Sound Studio starting at Park opening. Both parent (or adult over 18) and
child must be present when signing up. Sign up early as spots go fast. The
event takes place on the Center Stage at 1:00 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m.,
6:30 p.m.
Celebrity Talk Shows
Experience the fascinating life and movie making adventures of visiting
celebrities at Disney's Hollywood Studio's Theater of the Stars. Shows
include:
- Star Wars Rebels at Theater of the Stars at 1:45 p.m. This show will reveal the fascinating art of voice acting from James Arnold Taylor and a special guest from Star Wars Rebels voice cast.
- Stars of the Saga at Theater of the Stars begins with a Stormtrooper pre-show at 3:15 p.m. This Star Wars –themed celebrity talk show is hosted by James Arnold Taylor.
- Obi-Wan and Beyond will be held at Theater of the Stars at 7 p.m.
This one-man show stars James Arnold Taylor and a galaxy of
iconic characters as he takes his audience on a journey into the world
of voice acting.
Guests can make FastPass reservations for these shows and since these shows are unique, FastPass+ reservations will likely go fast.
If you want to make sure to see one of these shows, make your reservations as
soon as possible.
For those who are not able to make FastPass+ reservations, or would like to see
more than one show, standby options will be available.
Fireworks
DJ Lobot will be spinning favorite tunes beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Center Stage. To finish off the evening, the Symphony in the Stars fireworks celebration will occur at 9:45 p.m. and will feature a few of your favorite Star Wars characters, as well as a frenzy of fireworks set to that infamous score.
Feel the Force Premium Packages
The Feel the Force Premium Package will have guests get reserved viewing for the Legends of the Force Star Wars
Celebrity Motorcade, complete with soft drinks, water, and snacks.
Guests also get to take part in ONE of the Celebrity Talk Shows in
Theater of the Stars. Your show time will be selected at check-in.
Finally, to end the evening, guests get to experience the “Symphony in
the Stars” Fireworks Dessert Party, where guests will enjoy Star
Wars-themed desserts (like the delicious Darth Vader cupcake), as well
as a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a great view
of the evening’s fireworks. The cost of the Feel the Force Premium
Package is $69 per adult (ages 10 and up) and $39 per child (ages 3-9).
Tax and gratuity are included.
The Feel the Force Deluxe Premium Package will allow Guests to experience
the reserved viewing area for the Legends of the Force Star Wars
Celebrity Motorcade, but after the parade they will have the opportunity
to follow behind the motorcade, too! In addition, they get reserved
seating for ALL the Celebrity Talk Shows that take place in the Theater
of the Stars. Deluxe Premium Package purchasers will also receive all day
priority access to Darth’s Mall and a ceremonial lanyard. Finally, they get to watch the “Symphony in the Stars”
fireworks while enjoying a special dessert party. The cost for this
package is $99 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $64 for children (ages
3-9) Tax and gratuity are included.
Special Star Wars Merchandise
Opportunities
There are lots of special Star Wars
merchandise opportunities for guests to take advantage of. From
customizable merchandise, limited edition items, and more. Here's what
you can expect to see:
Darth's Mall
Located off the Streets of America, Darth's Mall is the place to go
if you want to purchase special Star Wars Weekends merchandise. Star Wars
Weekends always includes a multitude of limited edition pins, artwork and
collectibles. Darth’s Mall is open from park open – 7:30 p.m. It includes:
- Prop Shop (Prop shop is open 7 days/week)
- Event Merchandise
- Star Wars Merchandise
- Lego Free Build Activity (only available on Star Wars Weekend event dates)
- Watto’s Grotto
- Event Merchandise
- Build Your Own LIghtsaber
- Build Your Own Droid
- Name Tags
- Ashley Eckstein Her Universe
- Annual Passholder Items
- X-Wing Collectibles
- X-Wing Collectibles
- Limited Edition/Release Pins
- Dooney & Bourke
- Vinylmation
- MagicBands
- Character Figurines
- Annual Passholder Items
Galactic Gathering Event
A special event that will take place
on May 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. which gives guests access to Darth's
Mall and Star Wars Weekend merchandise one day before Star Wars Weekends
debuts.
Packages for this event are $250 per
person and include:
- A Rebel or Empire MagicBand (Guests choose their side when registering online. Only available to Galactic Gathering guests.)
- Commemorative trading pin (Only available to Galactic Gathering guests.)
- Darth’s Mall Light Speed Pass, giving expedited entry into Darth’s
Mall for all five weekends. (Only available to Galactic Gathering
guests.)
- First opportunity to pre-purchase select merchandise including
personalized Aurebesh nametags, D-Tech phone cases, Dooney & Bourke
handbags, Galactic Gathering Disney Gift card, retail MagicBands,
limited edition pins and Vinylmation.
- First opportunity to purchase the new designs of Star Wars-themed Disney Gift Cards.
- Han Solo-inspired popcorn bucket with popcorn.
In addition, guests of the Galactic Gathering will also get to meet
Disney characters, Disney Design Group Artists and Ashley Eckstein who
will be on hand again this year with merchandise from her Her Universe
line.
D-Tech Me Experience
 |
| ©Disney |
 |
| ©Disney |
 |
| ©Disney |
One of the more popular activities
for Star Wars Weekends is returning again this year. The D-Tech Me experience
is where guests can have their faces cast on a mold of a Star Wars figurine.
This year, there will be four
exciting options to choose from. They include the previous two versions: the
Carbon-Freeze Me mold (similar to what happens to Han Solo in Star Wars V:
The Empire Strikes Back) the Alderaan Princess, the X-Wing Pilot and the Stormtrooper mold. New for this year
are molds of the Jedi Knight and a TIE-Fighter Pilot.
The process works as follows: Guests
take part in a 3D face scan, which will be sent to a 3D printer. Once created,
the figurine will be mailed to guests approximately 7-8 weeks later.
Guests can purchase either a 7-inch
figurine for $119.95 (plus tax and shipping) or a new 16-inch figurine for
$999.95 (plus tax and shipping.)
Guests who have completed the
process last year will also be able to take the previous face scan and add it
to a different figurine, if they choose.
To book your experience, call (407) WDW-TECH.
A credit card number will be required to hold the reservation, and cancellation
fees may apply.
The D-Tech Experience is located
inside Darth's Mall.
Star Wars Weekends Character Meals
During the event are two Star Wars
Character Meals. The meals will take place daily (not just during Star Wars
Weekends) from May 4 - June 14. Make sure to book your reservation for
these meals by calling (407) WDW-DINE.
Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
This meal will take place from
8:00 a.m. to noon. Guests may meet Stormtroopers, Jawa, Greedo, Boba
Fett, and Darth Vader. Best of all, it appears that instead of showing classic
sci-fi movie clips, the theater will show Star Wars clips, including
trailers, music, and other clips! Pricing is $47.99 for adults ages 10 and up
and $29.99 for children ages 3-9. The Disney Dining Plan is available and it
will cost two table service credits. This meal also includes a digital
photo of your party with Darth Vader on a commemorative PhotoPass card.
The Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine -
Hollywood and Vine
This dinner will have guests meeting Disney characters dressed as their
favorite Star Wars character. Guests will get to meet Jedi Mickey,
Princess Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy, Stormtrooper Donald, and Ewoks Chip &
Dale. Dinner starts at 4:15pm and lasts until park close. Prices are $55.99 for
adults ages 10 and up (or $59.99 with Fantasmic! Dinner Package), and $33.99
for children ages 3-9 (or $36.99 with Fantasmic! Dinner Package). For guests on
the Disney Dining Plan, this meal will use two table service credits.
Guests will receive a digital download copy of their photograph with Ewok Chip
and Dale on a commemorative PhotoPass card.
Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience
The Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience will have guests
entering a space that serves as a rest stop and hangout for cosmic
travelers of all kinds. It will open daily at 4:00 p.m. At the lounge, Guests will be able to enjoy
great Star Wars-inspired food and beverage offerings including:
- Pilot’s Pomme Frites – these are tossed with parmesan cheese, garlic and parsley with a garlic aioli for dipping
- Ensalada Naboo – seared chicken breast, bibb lettuce, grape tomatoes,
watermelon radish, almond frica, and a parmesan-peppercorn ranch
dressing
- Lightsaber Bites – hand-dipped corn-battered knockwurst sausages with house-made chips and mustard dipping sauce
 |
| ©Disney |
- The Dark Fried – Chicken and Darth Vader waffles served with maple syrup and sweet barbecue sauce
- Trio of Thermal Detonators – spicy pork wings topped with spicy piquillo-pepper sauce and slaw
- Slider Sampler featuring “The Sith” barbecue-braised brisket with cole
slaw and “The Jedi” with barbecued pulled chicken with arugula
- Fruit and Cheese “Sabers” featuring Tillamook cheddar, Brie, goat
cheese, pickled vegetables, crostini, cheddar crackers, blueberries,
raspberries, honeydew melon, strawberry, olives and gherkins
- Chips & Sith – hummus with red pepper coulis, black sesame dust, and corn tortilla chips
- Yoda Key Lime Cake
- Trio of Star Wars mini cupcakes, including Mini Darth Vader
(chocolate-peanut butter), Mini Yoda (chocolate-hazelnut), and Mini
Jabba the Hutt (salted caramel latte) served in the Han Solo Carbonite
Souvenir Box
Fun Star Wars Treats
Yummy treats are always a part of
Star Wars Weekends, with specialty items being offered featuring characters
like R2-D2, Yoda, and Darth Vader. Take your pick and choose your
side.
- Look for Star Wars-themed treats throughout the park,
which are offered in souvenir Star Wars snack buckets. This year
I've seen Stormtrooper mugs and Darth Vader buckets.
- Also be on the lookout for The Darth Vader cupcake. A
rich chocolate cupcake with peanut butter icing and chocolate ganache with
Darth Vader made from chocolate topping the delight. You’ll find the treat
at Darth's Mall, Backlot Express, ABC Commissary, Studio Catering Co,
Pizza Planet, and Starting Rolls.You can also pick up a Yoda cupcake or a Jabba the Hutt cupcake too.
- Kids Power Packs in R2-D2 buckets are typically
available at Sunset Ranch Market, Pizza Planet, Backlot Express, Studio
Catering Company and ABC Commissary.
Other Star Wars Weekends Fun
These events happen all the time,
however, they are extra special to experience during Star Wars Weekends.
Keep in mind that because it is Star Wars Weekends, these experiences do tend
to see more action.
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Experience out-of-this-world destinations, all in 3D. You never know which
journey you'll get!
Jedi Training Academy
This event started as only a Star Wars Weekends event, but became so popular,
that it now takes place daily. However, there is something special about
seeing it during Star Wars Weekends. During this stage show, Jedi
hopefuls (children ages 4-12) learn the ways of the Force before coming face to
face with Darth Vader to test their skills with a lightsaber.
Guests must sign up ahead of time at
the sign up location in front of Indiana Jones Epic Theater. In order to
get a chance to appear on stage, sign up at park opening to secure your spot.
Spots go quickly. Both parent (or adult over 18) and child must be
present when signing up. Availability is limited and on a first-com basis.
The Jedi Training Academy takes place on the Star Tours Stage, found right next
to Star Tours.
Miscellaneous
Here are some additional fun tidbits
to keep in mind for this year's Star Wars Weekends:
Dress up! Both children and adults
are frequently seen in Star Wars costumes during this event. If you don't have
your own Star Wars gear, pick up Star Wars custom items which are available for
purchase at the event. In addition, there is also usually a face painting
station that offers Star Wars designs located in the Star Tours area.
Also, be on the look out for Star
Wars themed gift cards available, featuring Disney characters as Star Wars
characters.
Star Wars Weekends is always a great experience. There
parks have a fun, party atmosphere almost. The air feels
electric!
What do you look forward to with Star Wars Weekends? Let me know in the
comments or on the Facebook page.
If you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!
Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pinterest, hit up the Google
+ emblem...just let others know about us here! Also, make sure to LIKE
our Facebook page
