Star Wars Weekends

Photos unless otherwise stated, were submitted by Jane

During the 2003 Star Wars Weekend Jedi Mickey greeted visitors as they entered Disney MGM Studios.
-- Photo submitted by Carol Vandiver

With only 2 weekends to go, the CM's have learned a few things to help guests have a better opportunity to mingle with the Star Wars personalities and make the most of the event. Here is what they shared with me and my observations:

* Autograph Sessions: Be prepared to be in line at "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" no later than 9:00AM on Friday and Sunday. They use the FastPass system to hand out tickets. Tickets are always gone within an hour! NOTE: YOU MUST PLAN AHEAD!!! Resort guests are allowed to enter the park 1 hour early (8:00AM) on Saturday. That day the wait line is filled before the park opens for regular hours. These sessions are for the scheduled stars/actors who played rolls in the movies.

*Stars of Star Wars:
-June 4, 5, 6
Warwick Davis "Wicket the Ewok"
Mike Quinn "Nien Nunb"

-June 11, 12, 13
Daniel Logan "Young Boba Fett"
Amy Allen "Ayla Secura"

Take time to watch the "Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade to get a close up look at these stars! They are also available for a Q&A at the ABC-TV Theatre for the "Stars of the Saga" talk show. Get there early for seats...the bigger the star, the earlier you'll need to arrive!

*Star Wars Weekend Questions: There is a Star Wars Weekend information table near Star Tours specifically for the event. These CM's are the ONLY CM's in the park that have the accurate event schedules and information. Take time to stop at that table, as the rest of the park CM's do not know the current/correct infomation!

*Jedi Training Academy: Participants are selected at random, but I'd say 10-15 children are selected. A "Jedi Master" gives each child a light saber and they go over the fine points of using the weapon. The event culmintes with Darth Vader himself coming on stage and dueling individually with each young Jedi apprentice! This was not an event that was swamped, so I'd suggest making it a planned part of your day, especially if you have any aspiring young Jedi knights in your family. This event is held throughout the day during the Star Wars Weekends only. Even if you do not have a little Jedi, take time to stop and watch...it is very well done and fun for everyone!

*Costumes: Are you a huge Star Wars fan? Wear your favorite Star Wars costume! There were lots of folks attending the weekend in costume! They got lots of attention from the Star Wars characters roaming the streets!

*Photo Ops: There are various opportunities to get pictures taken with your favorite Star Wars characters (different from the autograph sessions). The area around Star Tours has lots of roped off queues where characters come to meet and greet (same as your regular Disney characters). There are Star Wars characters wandering around the park, too. Have your camera and autograph book ready! (Don't forget Jedi Mickey on Jedi Mickey Avenue all day from 9:00-6:00.)

*Pins and other Star Wars Merchandise: Star Wars Weekend LE pins (2) are issued each weekend. The pins SELL OUT by Sunday late afternoon!! Some have reportedly old out by the first thing Sunday morning. If you want the pins, make it a priority to get overand purchase them first thing! They are only sold at Tatooine Traders, Golden Age Souvenirs, Sorcerer's Hat, and the Backlot Express Cart. Other Star Wars Weekend items are sold throughout the park, but the biggest selection seems to be nearest to Star Tours. NOTE: Star Wars Weekend items are ONLY sold DURING the weekend event, not the days between the weekends. You cannot buy these exclusive items outside of MGM/Disney Studios.

May the Force be with you.....I'll see you at Star Wars Weekend.....2 more weekends to go!

If I can answer any more specific questions, don't hestitate to ask. You can email me at boilerjlj@yahoo.com . Please put MFL in the SUBJECT line.