VIDEO: Star Wars Fans Invited To “Find the Force” In Augmented Reality Event for Force Friday II

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

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Star Wars Fans Invited to “Find the Force” As Unprecedented Augmented Reality Event Sweeps the Globe for Force Friday II

Fans to reveal a new The Last Jedi character via social media

New product line for Star Wars: The Last Jedi launches globally at 12:01 AM September 1 

More than 20,000 retail locations worldwide will become home to 

augmented reality Star Wars characters from September 1-3

Following the global phenomenon of Force Friday in 2015, Disney and Lucasfilm today announced Find the Force, a global augmented reality (AR) event rolling out on Force Friday II (September 1) to commemorate the worldwide launch of new products inspired by Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

The pop-up AR treasure hunt aims to unite fans around the world in the battle against the dark side in a unique three-day event at over 20,000 retail locations across 30 countries. As fans turn up to take home new The Last Jedi products, they will have the opportunity to activate a unique augmented reality experience featuring Star Wars characters, including fan-favorites and new surprise additions from the film.

“Force Friday II is a major milestone in the countdown to Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Star Wars has always championed new technology, and we are excited that augmented reality will allow fans to experience the universe in a whole new way,” says Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm.

From September 1-3, retailers around the world will invite fans to Find the Force by taking part in an AR treasure hunt. Here’s how it works: first, download the Star Wars App, which is your one-stop-shop for all things Star Wars (those who already have the app will need to download the latest version). Then, visit any one of 20,000 participating retail locations to find a graphic that contains the Find the Force logo. When you scan the graphic using the Star Wars App, you’ll reveal a character, who through augmented reality, will appear in the room with you. You can then take photos, record videos, and share the experience on social media. Come back each day to reveal new characters (15 in total across the program’s three-day run). Click here for more information: www.starwars.com/findtheforce.

“Force Friday II puts fans right at the center of the action using augmented reality to bring our characters to life like never before. The technology theme continues in the Star Wars: The Last Jedi product line, which is our most innovative yet – we can’t wait for fans to see what’s in store.” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media.

Fans can download the latest version of the Star Wars App (v. 2.3 or higher) beginning Aug. 24 for an early look at the new Porg characters in AR before the AR treasure hunt goes live at retail.

By sharing photos or videos featuring the in-store AR characters on Twitter or Instagram using #FindtheForce and #Sweepstakes throughout Force Friday II weekend, fans in select global markets can participate in a sweepstakes for the chance to win the ultimate fan experience: tickets to the Star Wars: The Last Jedi premiere in December.

No Purchase Necessary. Enter sweepstakes between August 31, 2017 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time (“PT”)/3:00 p.m. British Summer Time (“BST”) and September 4, 2017 at 2:59 a.m. PT/10:59 a.m. BST. Open to legal residents in 50 U.S. + D.C., Canada (excluding Quebec), Australia, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, France, South Korea and Chile who are 18+ or the age of majority in their place of residence, whichever is older. Limit 15 entries per person. There is 1 Grand Prize available to be won (ARV: US $4,500). Grand Prize winner must travel to Los Angeles, California USA on or about December 12, 2017. Visit starwars.com/findtheforce. for Official Rules including details on how to enter, additional eligibility requirements, prize descriptions and limitations. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: The Walt Disney Company (Australia) Pty. Limited, Level 5, Chapel Street, South Yarra, Victoria 3141, Australia.

More information about Find the Force and a how-to video is available at www.starwars.com/findtheforce.  

Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens in U.S. theaters on December 15, 2017.

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New “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” Images & Characters Revealed In Entertainment Weekly’s Fall Movie Preview Issue

WDWNT on August 20, 2017

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This week’s Entertainment Weekly will focus on the up and coming movies coming out this fall but will go deep behind the scenes and the story of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. It sounds like a fascinating read and will be available on newsstands this Friday. Both Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Luke Shywalker (Mark Hamil) grace their own individual covers for Entertainment Weekly’s Fall Movie Preview Issue.

Luke Skywalker on the cover of EW

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Brand new images from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” found in this week’s Entertainment Weekly:

Finn and Rose, on a mission to Canto Bight

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
L to R: Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) and Finn (John Boyega)
Credit: David James/ILM/© 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd.

The hero theme of The Last Jedi is also a part of the Finn storyline, with John Boyega’s ex-stormtrooper seriously considering becoming an ex-good-guy, too. EW will explore how Kelly Marie Tran’s Rose Tico, a Resistance mechanic, helps pull him back from the brink.

Daisy Ridley as Rey at the ruins of the first Jedi temple.

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Rey (Daisy Ridley)

As Rey already knows, you have to search for a bit to find Luke Skywalker. We’ve got new details and images from their encounter in The Last Jedi to launch our cover story rollout …

Can Rey save Luke from his own darkness?

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
L to R: Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill)
Credit: Jonathan Olley/ILM/© 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd.

Writer-director Rian Johnson says one theme of The Last Jedi is the peril of meeting your heroes.  EW will dive into the meeting between Luke Skywalker and Rey — and their unexpected clash.

Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, retreating to Supreme Leader Snoke.

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Kylo Ren (Adam Driver)

EW is set to showcase the first images of some fearsome new protectors for the enigmatic ruler of the First Order.

Oscar Isaac as X-wing ace Poe Dameron

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac)
Credit: Jonathan Olley/ILM/© 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd.

EW has a story about the bond between the Resistance’s best fighter pilot and Carrie Fisher’s General Leia Organa.

John Boyega’s Finn, learning to fly.

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Finn (John Boyega) in a Ski Speeder on Crait

The ex-stormtrooper was not a pilot in The Force Awakens, but he picks up new skills in The Last Jedi. This morning, look for new photos in EW’s feature on his covert mission with a new character: Kelly Marie Tran’s Resistance mechanic Rose Tico.

Kylo Ren’s new starfighter

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Kylo Ren’s TIE Silencer

The TIE Silencer is a new ship, modeled on Darth Vader’s TIE Advanced X1 from the original 1977 Star Wars and the TIE Interceptors from Return of the Jedi. This image features the ship in battle, flanked by the more expendable TIE Fighters.

The Casino at Canto Bight

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Canto Bight

Finn and Rose’s mission takes them to this glamorous galactic getaway — a city of light and games, where fortunes are won and lost. EW will  have more information soon about the spike-winged little ships on the landing pad.

The masters of The Last Jedi

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
L to R: Producer Ram Bergman, Director Rian Johnson, and Producer Kathleen Kennedy on set
Credit: David James/ILM/© 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd.

(From left): Producer Ram Bergman, who worked with writer-director Rian Johnson on all of his films, including Brick and Looper, in discussion with Lucasfilm president and The Last Jedi producer Kathleen Kennedy.

Rian Johnson directing Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
L to R: Director Rian Johnson with Carrie Fisher (Leia) on set
Credit: David James/ILM/© 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd.

The Last Jedi will mark a farewell to the actress, who died unexpectedly in December. EW will shed new light on what we can expect to see in this last film featuring the princess who became a general.

Chewbacca and the porgs

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
L to R: Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and a Porg

These puffin-like creatures from the island of the first Jedi temple are cute, cuddly, and vexing to Wookiees.

The Caretakers of Ahch-To

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Caretakers on Ach-to Island

These amphibious creatures are what writer-director Rian Johnson describes as alien nuns — a religious order, faithful to the Force, who tend to the ancient Jedi structures on Ahch-To.

The Praetorian Guard

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Praetorian Guards

Modeled on the Emperor’s ceremonial watchmen from Return of the Jedi, these crimson-armored bodyguards are more like samurai.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

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Potential “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” Concept Poster Seems To Imply That Someone Has Turned To The Dark Side

WDWNT on August 20, 2017

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Potential Spoilers Ahead!

MakingStarWars.net has viewed potential theatrical posters for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. These posters below are not the actual concept art but sketches that MakingStarWars.net editor Jason Ward and Sharna put together based on the concept art that they had actually seen. MakingStarWars.Net has a very good track record, especially when it came to providing information for “The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One” before both of these movies were released. And so far it seems like everything that MakingStarWars.net has mentioned about “The Last Jedi” has been confirmed by “The Last Jedi” teaser trailer and photos that were published in Vanity Fair.

The first potential theatrical poster does not really reveal anything shocking. It shows Snoke, his guards, Kylo Ren, Luke, Rey, General Leia, Finn, Rose (that could be Poe though), R2D2 and Chewbacca, and C3PO and BB-8.

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Now this one below seems like it could be a big deal. We have all the villains present, and front and (almost) center in this poster is Luke Skywalker. The teaser trailer seems to hint that Luke is not the same Luke we knew by him saying, “I only know one truth: It is time for the Jedi to end.” Also the teaser poster shows half of Luke’s face and half of Kylo Ren’s face bathed in the color red. Red signifying The Sith and The Dark Side. In the image below we have Luke, Snoke, Kylo Ren Captain Phasma and Snoke’s guards. And if you were fortunate enough to see the image of Snoke that leaked onto the net before Disney had it pulled down, Snoke does appear to resemble Luke. The sketch below of Snoke is almost spot on when compared to the leaked official image of Snoke.

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Could Snoke be a clone of Luke? Could Luke be working with Snoke? Does Luke know that The Empire may have somehow cloned Luke to use for their own purposes? Some how Luke’s light saber was found on Bespin where he lost it. I’m sure his hand was not far behind and that could be the source that provided his DNA for cloning. And they have cloned a lot of people before in Star Wars. We’ll just have to wait and see on this one. But I’m pretty sure that we wont have to wait for Episode IX for Lucasfilm to reveal all of the good stuff. Like “The Empire Strikes Back”, “The Last Jedi” will shock Star Wars fans with huge revelations. Rumor has it that, “The Last Jedi” may even top Vader revealing that he is Luke’s father. But I doubt that one.

So what do you think? Is Luke going to give Rey and The Resistance more trouble than they were expecting? Should Rey have just left Luke alone on Ach-To? We’ll find out soon enough!

The first official “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” teaser poster revealed at this year’s Star Wars Celebration: width=

 

Source: MakingStarWars.net

New Character Posters Released For “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”

WDWNT on July 22, 2017

 

Lucasfilm has released some new character posters for Luke, Rey, Finn and General Leia Organa from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. So what is going on with the red theme? Seems like dark times are eminent for our heroes.

Update: Individual posters for Kylo Ren (or maybe Ben Solo) and Poe Dameron have also been released!

Source: Star Wars

First Teaser Poster For “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” Looks Very Menacing; Is Luke A Sith?

WDWNT on April 19, 2017

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During The Last Jedi panel at Star Wars Celebration, the first teaser trailer was released but what may be more interesting and telling is this first teaser poster.

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I think it is obvious now that the red font in the “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” logo is intentional. Similar to “The Empire Strikes Back”, this second chapter of the trilogy looks like it will be the darkest entry. In the poster we see Rey holding the lightsaber of the Jedi, but that is the only sign of the Light Side of The Force that we see in this image. Everything else is red, which represents The Dark Side and The Sith. Luke, Kylo Ren, Rey and even the stars in the sky are covered in red. And if you look closely, you will see that the blue light of Rey’s lightsaber eventually turns red. And come on, Luke really looks evil in this poster and in the trailer he says, “It’s time for The Jedi to end”!

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I really feel that this chapter of the Star Wars saga will focus on struggle. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Luke went into hiding to protect others from his powers. Luke may have realized that he was more susceptible to The Dark Side after Kylo Ren and The Knights Of Ren murdered his students. He may have been unable to control his rage from the event and felt the darkness within him was out of his control. From the scenes that we have witnessed in The Force Awakens, Kylo has struggled with with The Dark Side. He may have deep regrets from killing his father and he may be struggling with which side of The Force he should be on. We also dont know Rey’s past. Maybe she was left on Jaku for a reason. Maybe Luke fears that she too could turn to The Dark Side. Like his father and his nephew and maybe even Luke himself.

VIDEO: Mark Hamill And Daisy Ridley Announce The Newest Fundraising Event For “Star Wars: Force For Change”

WDWNT on April 19, 2017

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This morning on Good Morning America, Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley announced the newest fundraising campaign for Star Wars: Force For Change.

STAR WARS: FORCE FOR CHANGE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF STAR WARS WITH EPIC FUNDRAISING EVENT

PRIZES INCLUDE A VISIT TO A STAR WARS MOVIE SET, TICKETS TO THE PREMIERE OF STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, AN OVERNIGHT STAY AT SKYWALKER RANCH, AND MORE!

Star Wars: Force For Change in collaboration with Omaze will launch the Star Wars “Past, Present and Future” fundraising campaign to benefit UNICEF and Starlight Children’s Foundation. The campaign is themed around the timeless appeal of Star Wars, with experiences inspired by the saga’s past, present, and future. Lucky winners will receive prizes, like the chance to appear in the upcoming Han Solo movie, tickets to the world premiere of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, or, an overnight stay at the fabled Skywalker Ranch.

Over the course of four weeks between April 11th and May 11th, 2017, fans may enter at Omaze.com/StarWars for a chance to win these once-in-a-lifetime Star Wars experiences, with each week bringing a new prize to be awarded to a randomly-selected winner. Additionally, at the end of the campaign, one randomly-selected grand prize winner will be awarded all three amazing experiences.

Starlight Children’s Foundation is joining Star Wars: Force for Change as the initiative’s newest charity beneficiary in 2017. Through a $1 million grant, Star Wars: Force for Change supports the foundation’s core programs which are designed to bring comfort and joy and comfort to hospitalized kids through Starlight’s network of more than 700 children’s hospitals, clinics, camps and other partners across the US. Star Wars: Force for Change and fan donations through this campaign will also provide new Starlight programs, like fun, comfortable Star Wars-themed Starlight Brave Gowns, to tens of thousands of hospitalized children across the country.

Since 2014, Star Wars: Force for Change and UNICEF have joined together to help improve the lives of children around the world. With the support of Star Wars fans, the collaboration has raised more than $9 million to help the world’s most vulnerable children. To date, Star Wars: Force for Change has helped UNICEF save the lives of over 30,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition through the distribution of over 4 million packets of Ready to Use Therapeutic Food Packets (RUTF) around the world.

“In a year that we celebrate 40 years of the Star Wars saga, I continue to be inspired by the incredible generosity and charitable efforts of our fans,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “We are so proud of their tireless dedication to positively impact the lives of children and others around the world, and hope this year’s Force For Change campaign will offer a few of those wonderful fans an experience they will never forget.”

Star Wars “Past, Present, and Future” Winner Experiences:

  • Past – Stay at Skywalker Inn, tour of the archives & the Ranch, and a screening of Star Wars: A New Hope
  • Present – Join the cast and attend the Star Wars: The Last Jedi premiere and exclusive after party
  • Future – Visit the set, meet the directors and have the chance to appear in the untitled Han Solo movie
  • Grand Prize – One winner will receive the Past, Present AND Future prizes!

Fans are encouraged to follow the campaign at Omaze.com/StarWars for exclusive updates each week.

No purchase necessary to enter or win.  Void where prohibited.  Promotion begins 12:01 AM Pacific Time (PT) on April 11, 2017 and ends at 11:59 PM PT on May 11, 2017.  Must be at least eighteen (18) years old and a resident of an eligible domicile to enter and win prizes. Residents of of Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Malta, North Korea, Singapore, Sudan, Syria, or Thailand are not eligible to enter. Sweepstakes consists of four (4) prize drawings; odds of winning a prize depend on number of entries received for each drawing. For free entry: (i) send postcard to Sponsor at P.O. Box 866, 9942 Culver Blvd, Culver City, California 90232 and write the following statement: “I have read and agree to the Star Wars: Force For Change Official Rules” and send by applicable mail date; or (ii) visit www.omaze.com/starwars.  Prizes that include being filmed in a movie scene do not guarantee that such footage will be included in the final movie. Travel and accommodations are at Sponsor’s discretion and subject to availability and change.  Winner and guest may be required to pass a background screening or security check to receive a prize and/or reward. Visa conditions may apply. All taxes are winner’s responsibility.

Rewards are separate from sweepstakes prizes.  Some rewards are limited in quantity. Not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook®.  Residents of certain territories may be required to successfully complete a trivia question to qualify.  For full sweepstakes entry requirements, methods & entry periods, prize details, list of rewards and all limitations & restrictions, see Official rules at www.omaze.com/starwars.   Sole Sponsor: Omaze, Inc., P.O. Box 866, 9942 Culver Blvd, Culver City, California 90232.

ABOUT STAR WARS: FORCE FOR CHANGE

Star Wars: Force for Change, a charitable initiative from Lucasfilm and Disney, harnesses the strength of Star Wars to empower and improve the lives of children around the world. Born in 2014, it was inspired by Star Wars fans, and the countless hours they have dedicated to philanthropy over the past four decades. To date, over $13 million has been raised for charitable causes around the world on behalf of Star Wars: Force for Change, including

$9 million towards UNICEF’s programs to put children first. This year, Force for Change is proud to announce Starlight Children’s Foundation as its newest charitable beneficiary. As a founding sponsor of Starlight Children’s Foundation’s VR program, Force for Change will continue to empower and improve the lives of children around the world. With a bright future ahead, and new Star Wars stories to be told, Force for Change aims to continue collaborating with causes and encouraging others to be forces for change in their own community. To learn more, please visit ForceForChange.com.

ABOUT LUCASFILM LTD.

Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company’s activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

ABOUT STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

Starlight creates moments of comfort and joy and comfort for hospitalized kids and their families. For 35 years, Starlight’s programs have positively impacted more than 60 million critically, chronically and terminally ill or injured children in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK. With your help, kids and their families will enjoy Starlight VR, Starlight Brave Gowns, Starlight Fun Centers and other Starlight programs at a children’s hospital or facility near you. Support Starlight’s work by visiting www.starlight.org and by following Starlight on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

ABOUT UNICEF

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do.  Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org.  Follow UNICEF on Twitter and Facebook.

ABOUT OMAZE

Omaze is an online fundraising platform that offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences and exclusive merchandise to support nonprofits around the world. Omaze is disrupting the charitable giving space by offering creative opportunities that make it fun and easy for anyone to give. Each of our fundraising and awareness campaigns brings together influencers, nonprofits and people across the globe and enables real, lasting impact. Since launching, Omaze has impacted more than 200 charities and received donations from over 175 countries.

PHOTOS: Disney Parks First “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” Merchandise

WDWNT on April 6, 2017

Today, Disney showcased some brand new merchandise for the upcoming Star Wars film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi. This merchandise has been made to coincide with the Star Wars Force for Change fund, which is a charitable initiative from Lucasfilm and Disney that harnesses the strength of Star Wars to empower and improve the lives of children around the world.

There will be a pin that has the logo and select characters from the upcoming film, as well as shirts for both adults and kids.

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Twenty-five percent of the retail sale price from each of these products will be donated to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF in support of UNICEF Kid Power, a program that uses the world’s first WEARABLE-FOR-GOOD™ to give kids the power to get active and save lives by earning points that unlock food packets for malnourished children around the world.

These items will debut in Booth 3463 at Star Wars Celebration,  which is a Star Wars fan event coming to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from April 13-16, 2017.

Following the event, select locations at Disney Parks listed below will carry these items through the summer. These products will not be available on DisneyStore.com or the Shop Disney Parks app. These are the first retail items for the new film, and in coming months as the movie debut gets closer, more merchandise will be revealed.

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The following items above will be available at these following Disney Parks locations:

Walt Disney World Resort

  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Tatooine Traders and Star Wars Launch Bay
  • Disney Springs – Star Wars Galactic Outpost and Once Upon A Toy
  • Magic Kingdom Park – Merchants of Venus

Disneyland Resort

  • Disneyland park – The Star Trader and Star Wars Launch Bay
  • Downtown Disney District – D-Street and World of Disney

To learn more about Star Wars: Force for Change, please visit ForceForChange.com.

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF does not endorse any brand or product. No portion of the purchase price is tax-deductible.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi will hit theaters December 15, 2017.

Jedi, Hero & Princess Podcast – Ep. #22 “Peace Out Trolls”

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

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Zoe just got back from Walt Disney World and has a slew of tales to tell. Frozen, MagicBands and Food are all topics of discussion. Gondolas at WDW? Star Wars Celebration, 40th anniversary and Force Friday all give us plenty of new merchandise to talk about. And Disneyland celebrates the Summer of Heroes this year, Brendt tells us all about that and other Marvel headlines. All this, Most Embarrassing Moments and more on JHP this week.

Download the episode, Listen online, subscribe on iTunes and visit JediHeroPrincess.com