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The Disneyland Report > Disney News > Walt Disney World starts Star Wars Weekends Festival with Episode III: Return of the Sith release

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Walt Disney World starts Star Wars Weekends Festival with Episode III: Return of the Sith release

Celebration at Disney-MGM Studios begins after Star Wars Episode III: Return of the Sith opens

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- As the long-anticipated and newest Star Wars film -- Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith -- debuts in theaters nationwide May 19, 2005, Walt Disney World Resort will raise the curtain on its month-long celebration of the most famous saga in movie history during the annual Star Wars Weekends at the Disney-MGM Studios theme park.

Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine for the family-friendly fan-fest, scheduled for four consecutive weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) beginning May 20, 2005, at Disney's showbiz-inspired theme park.

With the park's famous Star Tours thrill ride serving as the centerpiece of the celebration, Star Wars Weekends fills Disney-MGM Studios with dozens of heroes, heroines, droids, creatures and villains from the famous films.

Meet-and-greets with famous villains and heroes from all six Star Wars films -- Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith -- bring guests face-to-face with their favorite characters. Guests never know which Star Wars character they'll find around the corner, whether it's the heroic Jedi Luke Skywalker, the poised and regal Queen Amidala, the furry and loyal Chewbacca or the evil Siths Darth Vader, Darth Sidious and Darth Maul.

Star Wars celebrities are special guests during each weekend, taking part in meet-and-greet sessions, star conversations and Hollywood-style motorcades. This year, fans will get to hear from actors and the creative forces behind the film saga.
The lineup (subject to change) of Star Wars celebrities includes:

  • May 20-22, 2005
  • Daniel Logan (Young Boba Fett)
  • John Goodson (Concept Model Maker - Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith)
  • May 27-29, 2005
  • Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca)
  • Rob Coleman (Animation Supervisor - Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith)
  • June 3-5, 2005
  • Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok)
  • Don Bies (Unit Supervisor/R2-D2 Operator - Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith)
  • June 10-12, 2005
  • Jerome Blake (Rune Haako)
  • Brian Gernand (Practical Model Supervisor - Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith)

Star Wars Weekends activities include:

* The Characters will be with You -- One of the largest gatherings anywhere of characters from every Star Wars film -- from Kit Fisto and Boba Fett to Anakin Skywalker and Greedo -- will roam Disney-MGM Studios greeting guests, signing autographs and posing for photographs. Even Mickey Mouse gets into the Star Wars spirit, posing for pictures and signing autographs in his very own Jedi costume.

* Star Wars Legends -- Visiting Star Wars celebrities take part in a talk show-style conversation inside the theme park's ABC Theatre. Guests hear directly from the actors, actresses and creative minds that have brought the popular film series to life since the Star Wars first debuted in 1977.

* To Endor... and Back? -- Guests can take flight to the moon of Endor in Star Tours, an action-packed flight simulator that salutes the Star Wars series. Synchronizing a stunning film with the virtually limitless gyrations of the simulator, the attraction takes guests on a hair-raising, light-speed trip aboard a careening star speeder. The rookie droid pilot tries his best to get the ship back to port while dodging comets and Imperial Tie Fighters.

* Who Wants to be a Jedi? -- Special editions of the popular game show attraction "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!" will be presented, with Star Wars-inspired questions and surprise appearances by film characters. The attraction's studio audience can join in the fun by answering trivia questions using keypads installed at their seats.

* Obi-Wanna-Be -- Throughout the day, lucky youngsters will be chosen to take part in the "Jedi Training Academy," giving Jedi hopefuls the chance to learn moves with a lightsaber. Following instruction by the Jedi Master, young Padawans are challenged to test their newly acquired lightsaber skills against one of the evil Siths.

* Behind the Force -- Fans can take a step behind-the-scenes of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith in a special film presentation that outlines the making of the long-anticipated summer movie.

* One-of-a-Kind Collectibles -- Star Wars collectors will find a treasure trove of special-edition merchandise each weekend. Once again, Disney and Lucasfilm Ltd. have created event-exclusive Star Wars memorabilia -- from trading pins and commemorative posters to apparel, medallions and other limited-edition items -- that will be available in Tatooine Traders. With a look inspired by scenes in the Star Wars movies, the retail location is adjacent to the Ewok Village set at the Star Tours attraction.

Star Wars Weekends will launch into orbit May 20, 2005, and will be held four consecutive weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) through June 12, 2005.

For the latest Star Wars Weekends updates, guests may visit starwars.com or disneyworld.com.

"Happiest Celebration on Earth" & Customized Vacations -- There's never been a better time than during Star Wars Weekends to visit Walt Disney World Resort. In addition to Star Wars Weekends, the entire 47-square-mile Vacation Kingdom will brim with excitement as the "Happiest Celebration on Earth" kicks off May 5, 2005.

New "E-Ticket" attractions will debut all across Walt Disney World property as 50 years of Disney theme parks are celebrated globally.

Guests attending Star Wars Weekends at Disney-MGM Studios also can be among the first to experience "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show," a high-octane stunt spectacular imported to the theme park from Walt Disney Studios Paris.

Also, a new and innovative Disney ticket pricing system, known as "Magic Your Way," was just introduced and offers the chance for guests to customize their vacations. For Florida residents, ticket discounts have been introduced to allow them to maximize their Disney theme park fun.

For more information about Walt Disney World tickets, resort accommodations and "Magic Your Way," guests may visit disneyworld.com.

Source: Press Release

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