Star Wars Weekends - A Complete Guide for 2015

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?

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• 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

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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 

 

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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

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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

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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

 

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•  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.  

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