Star Wars Weekends 2014: Inside Darth’s Mall & Rebel Rendezvous Review

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

I attended today’s Rebel Rendezvous event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This hard ticketed affair gave guests the opportunity to pre-purchase limited and open edition merchandise. There were also some gifts, meet and greets and artists signings inside the event. Rebel Rendezvous also gave attendees a look inside Darth’s Mall, the Star Wars Weekends merchandise shop, one day before the general public.

Before we take a look at the photos, let’s answer the question everyone was asking me: “Was Rebel Rendezvous worth the $250?” I’d have to say no. It was great being assured all my merchandise without having to brave hours and hours of lines on Friday morning. But the price of the ticket did not seem to cover the entertainment and gifts offered. There was a meet and greet, but it was the same four characters all day… Jedi Mickey, Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy and Stormtrooper Donald. Granted, all 4 at once with no line is a treat, but I would have like more. The artist signing was great, but a presentation would have been welcome. The initial gifts were okay (great messenger bag), but no departing gift was a fail.

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In the end, I wanted a “Wow!” unexpected, unadvertised moment for my money… and I didn’t get it.

Now, take a look at all that awaits guests to Star Wars Weekends…

First, Darth’s Mall this year is located inside Sound Stage One (next to Toy Story Midway Mania). The welcome room area that guests will queue up in before entering the shop itself has some merchandise preview cases as well as some Star Wars props.

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Now we venture inside the shop…

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Rebel Rendezvous RSP pick-up area

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Star Wars Lightsaber Umbrellas and Lamps

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Although this was the Rebel Rendezvous, Stormtroopers freely roamed the halls???

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Latez Jabba

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R2-D2 Bank

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Stormtrooper statues lurked over the crowd

 

 

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As you walk in, you are greeted by plush. A new X-Wing Micky and Yoda Duffy

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Star Wars Weekend logo merchandise

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The 2014 calendar is fulled with the SWW ads over the years

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X-Wing Pilot Mickey

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Chewie Plush

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Bantha Plush

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New Duffy pre-dressed as Yoda visiting WDW

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The 2014 mug is full of detail. Raised lettering, date on handle and Rebel Mickey logo on the inside bottom

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I love the X-Wing Mickey and R2-MK logo and this shot glass is great

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SWW logo tumblers and frame

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Also available is the Jedi costume for Duffy

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Shadowtrooper and R2 bank

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Beach towel has Darth Goofy fighting Jedi Mickey

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This year, the Disney Design Group released a second series of the popular Pixar Cars as Star Wars die cast…

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New this year…

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Luigo as C-3PO and Pitties as Jawas combo pack

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Chick Hicks as Boba Fett

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Ramone as Han Solo

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Red as Chewbacca

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Mater as Vader and Doc as Obi-Wan

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Disney Store Talking 14″ poseable figures. Love these! Real movie lines recorded with clear playback

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Ashley Eckstein, meets with fans

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Trays of Star Wars series 4. And the chaser is…

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Wampa!

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Star Wars headphones for $199.95

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Star Wars headphones listening stations

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Star Wars car wraps

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An anamatronic Admiral Ackbar drinks out of the new Stormtropper stein

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This amazing custom Vinylmation sold within an hour of shop opening

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There is a character meet and greet area

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Star Wars name tags are available again this year. This one was exclusive to Rebel Rendezvous event.

VIDEO: Teaser Trailer and Poster Released for Live-Action “Cinderella”

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

A teaser trailer and poster for the live-action version of Disney’s Cinderella was released today by the Walt Disney Studios, teasing fans for the film’s March 13, 2015 release.

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The story of Cinderella follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. When Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family.

Check out the new trailer here:

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, Cinderella is a live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, and brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a dazzling spectacle for a new generation.

Cinderella will be released through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on March 13, 2015.

VIDEO: New “Maleficent” Featurette and Clip Now Available

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

The Walt Disney Studios has released a new featurette and clip for the upcoming live-action film Maleficent, which releases May 30, 2014.

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See the Light & Dark featurette below:

View the Finger Prick clip here:

Maleficent,stars Angelina Jolie and tells the untold back story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic Sleeping Beauty that drove her to curse the baby, Aurora, only to later realize that the child may hold the key to peace in the land.

Maleficent releases on May 30, 2014.

‘Frozen’ Pre-Parade Debuting at Disneyland this Summer

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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This summer, Olaf will finally find out what its like to enjoy summer in a new pre-parade float coming to Disneyland Park. Debuting in mid-June, guests will be able to enjoy a new ‘Frozen’ themed pre-parade float ahead of Mickey’s Soundsational Parade featuring Olaf, Anna, and Elsa. The float designed by Queen Elsa, will allow her friend Olaf to finally see what its like to be a snowman in summer.

The pre-parade debuts in mid-June at Disneyland Park.

Phineas and Ferb Star Wars Crossover Coming this Summer!

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

135885_kaPhineas and Ferb will return this summer for a new special featuring a Star Wars Crossover. The special episode will take our favorite characters into the familiar Episode IV: A New Hope. Enjoy the following synopsis (spoilers):

In the special, Phineas and Ferb are hanging out during a lazy summer on Tatooine. They live on the farm next to the Skywalkers’ and are pulled into the global rebellion when plans for blowing up the Death Star accidentally fall into their hands. As the duo try to get the information to the right people, they are pursued by their sister Candace, who as usual is intent on busting them.

Also on tap for the episode? Darthenshmirtz creates a Sith-inator; Agent P is frozen in carbonite; and Ferb becomes a Sith.

The crossover episode will air this summer on Disney Channel and Disney XD. The official announcement for this will be tomorrow (May 17th) at the launch of Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Note: Take a look at that new Disney Channel logo, I’ve never seen it before today.

VIDEO: New Teaser Trailer for Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” Available

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

Marvel Studios has released a new teaser trailer for their upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy. The film will release on August 1, 2014.

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See the trailer below:

A live Q&A with the cast including Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, and Director James Gunn, and the exclusive world premiere of the trailer will take place Monday, May 19th at 10:00am PT only on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardiansofthegalaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy finds space adventurer Peter Quill the object of a bounty hunt after stealing an orb coveted by a treacherous villain, but when Quill discovers the power it holds, he must find a way to rally the quartet of ragtag rivals hot on his trail to save the universe.

Magic Kingdom 24-Hour Disney Side Party To Bring Out Rare Characters & One-Time-Only Treats

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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Disney has announced more details for Friday’s Disney Side Party at the Magic Kingdom, taking place from Friday May 23rd at 6AM until Saturday May 24th at 6AM. A cast of Disney Villains will have a special place in the Magic Kingdom 24-hour celebration, including Maleficent, Cruella De Vil and such rarely spotted miscreants as the Big Bad Wolf, Stromboli from “Pinocchio,” and Bowler Hat Guy from “Meet the Robinsons.”  They will appear in locations throughout the park and also join in the “It’s Good to Be Bad” cavalcade preceding Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade.

Guests at the Magic Kingdom will enjoy nighttime dancing around Cinderella Castle and in Frontierland. The “#IncrediblesSuperDanceParty,” a nightly feature throughout the summer, will be followed during the All-Nighter by special screenings of “The Incredibles” at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland.

A number of specialty drinks and treats will be offered during the 24 hours, and after the party ends, all these goodies go away except for two: the Olaf souvenir beverage and the Mickey’s Kitchen Sink Sundae. So plan your 24 hours of fun accordingly!

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The cupcake craze is in high gear, plus there are plenty of places to order breakfast.

Here’s a list of the specialty food and rink options that will be available:

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-Poisoned Apple Waffle Sundae: waffles with stewed apple topping and whipped cream

The Lunching Pad
-Olaf souvenir cup with specialty beverage

Friar’s Nook
-Olaf souvenir cup with specialty beverage

Gaston’s Tavern
-Princess-themed cupcake

Main Street Bakery
-Maleficent Cupcake
-Frozen-themed Cupcake
-Olaf Carrot Cupcake

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Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and Plaza Restaurant
-Mickey’s Kitchen Sink Sundae

Storybook Treats
-Poisoned Apple Shortcake Sundae: ice cream, yellow cake, stewed apple topping and whipped cream.

Various Outdoor Food Locations
-Pink and blue cotton candy, themed to “Heroes and Villains.”

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BREAKFAST LOCATIONS:

Main Street, U.S.A.
•Main Street Bakery, Starbucks breakfast sandwiches
•Casey’s Corner, breakfast sandwich
•Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (5/24)

Adventureland
•Aloha Isle (5/24)
•Sunshine Tree Terrace (5/23)

Fantasyland
•Pinocchio Village Haus, breakfast flatbread pizza (5/24)
•Friar’s Nook (5/24)
•Storybook Treats (5/24)
•Cheshire Café (5/23)
•Gaston’s Tavern

Frontierland
•Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, hot breakfast sandwich (5/24)
•Westward Ho

Liberty Square
•Columbia Harbour House, French toast sticks and bacon (5/24)
•Sleepy Hollow, breakfast waffle sandwich
•Liberty Square Market (5/23)

Tomorrowland
•Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, hot breakfast sandwich (5/24)
•Auntie Gravities Galactic Goodies (5/23)
•The Lunching Pad, breakfast dog

Also, if you’ll be heading to the Magic Kingdom on Friday, you’ll want to stay tuned for a fun announcement from WDW News Today about what we’ll be doing to mark this special day!

Heroes and Villains Take Center Stage in “Rock Your Disney Side Party” Entertainment at Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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Disney has released an official list of entertainment that will be offered at the Magic Kingdom during the “Rock Your Disney Side” Party on Friday/Saturday:

  • Everything kicks off with a special edition of the Welcome Show, as heroes and villains make their way to Magic Kingdom Park.
  • The “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!” Street Party will feature Disney heroes at 10 a.m. and Disney villains at 1:30 p.m. When it comes to the 5:45 p.m. performance, though, exactly who makes an appearance will be determined by your votes throughout the day, (Disney will release more information on how you can vote will be posted on Friday morning).
  • The Magic Kingdom Park parades will each have two performances, with the “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” at 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade at 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. And don’t forget “Wishes Nighttime Spectacular” fireworks at 9 p.m. and “Celebrate the Magic” at 8:45 p.m., 9:45 p.m., and 11:45 p.m.
  • Prior to each presentation of Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade, the Disney villains roll through Magic Kingdom Park in a pre-parade, celebrating how “It’s Good to Be Bad!”
  • Starting at 11 p.m., half of Princess Fairytale Hall becomes Scary Tale Hall, the perfect place to encounter Maleficent and the Queen from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” (Don’t worry, though. The other side of the hall will still feature favorite royals Anna and Elsa.)
  • Later, around 1:45 a.m., the villains take over the rest of the park’s character greeting locations. Where Aladdin and Jasmine appear in Adventureland during the day, expect to find Jafar instead. Elsewhere, Dr. Facilier takes the place of Princess Tiana, Captain Hook subs for Peter Pan, and more!
  • In Tomorrowland, the #INCREDIBLESSuperDanceParty rocks the Rockettower Plaza Stage from 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., followed by Incredibles Movie Night with screenings of Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” from 11 p.m. – 5 a.m.
  • Disney’s “Up All Night” Dance Party at Cinderella Castle and the Frontierland Dance Party on the west side of the park will keep things festive from 2 a.m. – 5:45 a.m.
  • This grand, 24-hour extravaganza concludes with a special “Kiss Goodnight” at 5:50 a.m. at the Railroad Station in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A.

Also, don’t forget to join us at WDWNT for the Midnight Sugar Rush with free treats, fabulous prizes, and much more!

First-Ever Interactive Nighttime Show Coming to Hong Kong, Is Disneyland Park Next?

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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Disney is reportedly about to unveil its very first truly interactive nighttime show in Hong Kong according to newspaper reports. The long-rumored “Disney Paint the Night” parade will reportedly debut in October and give guests the opportunity to control light colors on floats when they purchase a special device…

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Think of it as taking the Glow with the Show technology to the next step by instead letting the guests control lights on the floats. The technology is already being tested at Disney California Adventure where guests who win the nightly Mickey’s Fun Wheel Challenge are granted a short window to control the lighting on Mickey’s Fun Wheel.

Rumors indicate a similar parade is being designed for Disneyland in California and may debut sometime in 2015 as part of the park’s 60th anniversary celebration.

VIDEO: Hyperspace Hoopla Replaced By New Stage Show & Symphony in the Stars Fireworks at Star Wars Weekends 2014

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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A few months ago, we reported that the Hyperspace Hoopla show that has annually been a part of Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would not be returning in 2014. Well, while we knew that the Symphony in the Stars fireworks would replace it, we did not know much about the short finale show that would precede the fireworks:

The show is fairly short and really isn’t much more than some pyro and some photo-ops for guests before the fireworks start. Hopefully, this will be built upon in years to come and be more of a spectacle on the scale of Hyperspace Hoopla.

Here is video of the Symphony in the Stars fireworks show, including some new pyro not seen in last year’s show:

We also have a neat video of the fireworks taken from outside of the park:

Videos by John Corigliano