Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend Announced at Disneyland in 2015

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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runDisney has just announced that it has teamed up with the Sierra Nevada Corporation to host a new event next year themed to Star Wars. May the Force be with you during the all-new Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland Resort. It’s a weekend journey to a galaxy far, far away featuring various runs, special events, Disney entertainment, your favorite Star Wars and Disney characters to cheer you along the course, and much, much more!

Choose your Destiny! There’s a run for Jedi Knights and Padawans of every age and skill level including the Star Wars Half Marathon, Star Wars 10K and Star Wars 5K, and the runDisney Kid Races. Put yourself to the ultimate test and join the Star Wars Rebel Challenge combining the Star Wars 10K and Half Marathon for an out-of-this-world running adventure. As Jedi Master Yoda says, “Do or do not. There is no try!” So DO be a part of the inaugural 2015 Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend, January 15-18, 2015.

Registration for the Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend opens at Noon EDT on June 10, 2014 over at runDisney.com.

VIDEO: Mark Hamill Recalls Memories of Playing Luke Skywalker & The Joker at Star Wars Weekends 2014

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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For one weekend only, a bit of Star Wars royalty dropped-by Star Wars Weekends 2014 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A special “Conversation with Mark Hamill” was held in the Premier Theater on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and we were lucky enough to catch the very last presentation of the show yesterday afternoon. Please enjoy our video of the entire presentation:

Pretty cool, huh?

Limited Edition Star Wars “Vanity” MagicBands To Be Released This Weekend

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

Some time ago, we told you that Disney would eventually sell “vanity”, or character/movie themed MagicBands to guests at some point in the future. Well, that point will be the final weekend of Star Wars Weekends 2014 June 13th-15th:

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The bands come in a special Star Wars Weekends box and are a limited edition of 2500 each. Yoda and Darth Vader are the two styles that will be available to guests. No retail price has been provided at this time.

The American Idol Experience Set To Close at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2015

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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Typically, some hardcore Disney World fans will make up a rumor every now and then that the American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is closing. For once, it seems the rumors are true and the attraction will close forever at the very beginning of 2015 in early January. Starting in July, the show will be decreasing the number of daily performances offered as well.

The American Idol Experience opened to mixed reviews in early 2009 amidst a tremendous amount of hype. The attraction was a first of its kind as everyday park guests could compete for a front of the line pass to any American Idol audition around the country. Many American Idol Experience golden ticket winners went on to be finalists on the actual television program, making it hard to argue that the attraction managed to find some really great talent and serve its purpose during its nearly 6 year run.

The American Idol Experience holds a special place in our hearts here at WDWNT as we were the very first website to post photos and a review of the show during the short soft-opening period in January 2009.

While Disney and Freemantle Media have quietly confirmed the closing of the attraction, there has been no word on the future of the Superstar Television Theater. Rumors indicate that somewhere down the line the building will be demolished for the long-rumored Star Wars land project, but the proximity to the center of the park and Hollywood Boulevard leads us to believe otherwise. This theater was vacant for seven years prior to the opening of the American Idol Experience, so there is always the possibility that it will remain dormant. Only time will tell…

Star Wars Episode VII Cast Announced!

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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After months of silence, Lucasfilm finally announced the main cast of the forthcoming Star Wars revival, Episode VII in a press release below.

The Star Wars team is thrilled to announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Director J.J. Abrams says, “We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud.”

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.

“May The 4th Be With You” Celebrated All Over The World, And Out Of It Too!

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Star Wars fans all over the world celebrated Star Wars Day- “May the 4th Be With You!”

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Earlier this week Lucasfilm announced the cast for episode VII of the Star Wars saga, as well as premiered a trailer for the new animated series Star Wars Rebels. The trailer was broadcast in more than 160 countries and reached over 439 million households worldwide. Talk about a Death Star-sized debut!

Star Wars literally took over the planet as Star Wars themed rugby matches were held in Australia, Star Wars 5k runs took place in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, character appearances occurred in London, fan events in Shanghai, China and an intergalactic takeover of the Roman Colosseum happened in Italy.

Star Wars Day also took to the stars as the astronauts on board the International Space Station, with a little help from R2-D2, delivered a special Star Wars Day message to Star Wars fans around the world through a special collaboration with NASA and Space Center Houston.

And Hollywood celebrities got in on the festivities with celebrities such as Simon Pegg, Charlize Theron, Tony Hawk & Robbie Williams sharing photos and wishing fans a happy Star Wars Day.

Disney Previews Star Wars Weekends 2014 Merchandise and First-Ever Star Wars Merchandise Event

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Disney was nice enough to preview several upcoming items that will be released at Star Wars Weekends in 2014 this week:

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Among the items this year will be limited edition pins including a reveal/conceal mystery collection and art cards with pins. There is also a lanyard medal that looks like the medals awarded in A New Hope after the Battle of Yavin.

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The Cars as Star Wars characters series will continue with tractors as Sandtroopers and the Disney figures will come out in some new collector sets. Also in the realm of toys will be a lenticular 1000 piece puzzle, a Jabba The Hutt latex character, and Princess Leia & Amidala fashion dolls.

SWM095534LARGEIn Vinylmation, Star Wars series #4 will be released featuring characters from the Empire Strikes Back. There will also be a limited edition 9″/3″ combo pack of the Rancor and his keeper.

SWM095535LARGE4 new character statues featuring Han Solo Donald in Carbonite, Emporer Stitch, AT-AT Pluto, and Chip & Dale as Ewoks will also be available.

Star Wars Weekends 2014 will not only offer some of the best merchandise in the galaxy, but also, the first-ever ticketed Star Wars merchandise event:

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The Alliance leaders are summoning the most loyal Rebels in the galaxy to gather at the Rebel Rendezvous on Thursday, May 15, 2014 between 10AM and 5PM at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.

Join the Rebel Alliance at this covert meeting place to gather supplies and other limited edition acquisitions in preparation for the upcoming Star Wars™ Weekends engagement. Look alert!  The Rendezvous Point is located on the Outer Rim near the known whereabouts of Bounty Hunters and an Imperial presence!

Packages for the Rebel Rendezvous are $250 per person and include the following:

– Exclusive access to Darth’s Mall one day before it opens to the public.

– Limited edition recruitment pack (includes a custom messenger bag, cadet hat, tumbler, lanyard, pin & medal set). Items are only available to Rebel Rendezvous attendees on May 15, 2014.

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– Preferential opportunity to purchase select 2014 Star Wars™ Weekends merchandise, including, but not limited to:

  • Customized Rebel Rendezvous merchandise, including D-Tech on Demand cell phone cases and Aurebesh nametags
  • Special bundle pack that includes a unique Disney Gift Card design with Rebel carrying case
  • Limited edition merchandise created for Star Wars™ Weekends 2014
  • Star Wars™ Weekends 2014 event logo apparel and souvenir items
  • New Vinylmation™ releases, including opportunities to acquire full sets

– Ashley Eckstein meet &greet and product signing, featuring the new collection of Her Universe apparel – Rebel activities, including special meet & greet and signing opportunities with characters and Disney artists

…. And more

Registration for this added event will open on March 4th at 1PM ET. A catalog with additional merchandise images will be available at that time.

So, what do you think of the merchandise and this event for Star Wars Weekends 2014?

PHOTOS: A Look at the Star Wars Weekends Rebel Rendezvous Merchandise Catalog

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Registration for Rebel Rendezvous, a Star Wars themed merchandise event, opened up earlier today. The event will take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Thursday, May 15th, the day before Star Wars Weekends 2014 begins and the ticket price is $250. Some of the merchandise is included with the ticket, some is exclusive to the event and some is available for pre-purchase before it becomes available at Star Wars Weekends. This should be interesting even to those not going to the event but going to Star Wars Weekends as it shows much of what will be available to all attendees. Here’s a look at what to expect:

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Disney’s Hollywood Studios Offering Star Wars Character Meals in May & June 2014!

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

While not officially announced by Disney yet, anyone who calls (407) WDW-DINE starting today will have the opportunity to book one of two Star Wars character meals at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in celebration of Star Wars Weekends. The meals will be offered daily May 4 to June 15, 2014:

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Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine

The Fantasmic! dinner experience at Hollywood and Vine has been transformed into a Star Wars theme where Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Chip & Dale will all be dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters (Jedi Mickey, Princess Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy, Stormtrooper Donald, and Ewoks Chip & Dale). The characters will meet and greet and interact with Guests throughout the evening. Meals are offered from 4:15pm to 8 or 8:30 pm (sometimes 9pm to 9:30 – based on park closing). The price is $59.99 with Fantasmic! Package or $55.99 without for adults, $36.99 with Fantasmic! Package or $32.99 without for children. A digital photo of the party with the Ewoks Chip & Dale on a commemorative PhotoPass card is included.

Star Wars™ Dine-In Galactic Breakfast

The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater becomes the Star Wars Dine-in Theater for this character dining experience. Characters include Stormtroopers, Jawa, Greedo, and Boba Fett and a Darth Vader Meet & Greet after check-in. Additionally, the traditional Sci-Fi clips will be replaced with Star Wars clips, trailers and music.  Meals will be offered from 8am – 12pm daily. Price for adult is $47.99, child is $29.99. A digital photo of the party on a commemorative PhotoPass card is included.

Star Wars: Episode VII Release Date Announced

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

The seventh episode in the Star Wars saga, as yet unnamed and referred to simply as Star Wars: Episode VII was revealed by The Walt Disney Studios to be released on December 18, 2015.

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“We’re very excited to share the official 2015 release date for Star Wars: Episode VII, where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture,” said Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios.

The next highly-anticipated release in Lucasfilm’s long-running franchise is already in pre-production. It will be directed by J.J. Abrams and scripted by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan. John Williams is returning to score the film.

Shooting is scheduled to begin spring 2014 at London’s Pinewood Studios.

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