We did Rebel Rendezvous last year. We had a great time, but it definitely was not worth the $250 ticket price. I agree with
@yulilin3 there is less offered this time, the option to purchase a special event Rebel name tag in Arebesh was also an event specific thing last year.
The items with an asterisk are available only for attendees. Last year they sold additional ones for attendees. But once the event was over, those items were no longer for sale.
The Han Solo popcorn bucket does not have an asterisk. That should mean that the popcorn bucket will be available for guests other days as well.
The opportunity to pre-purchase merchandise was done as an RSP and done as a lottery. We weren't looking for LE stuff. And the stuff we did order (a latex Jabba and a trooper bank) had a high number and was available the entire 5 weeks and beyond. The special gift cards have been available the last 2 years even after SWW at Tatootine Traders.
The M&G with Ashley Eckstein was the highlight of our event. We've met her many times and she knows us by name. She is very down to earth, super friendly, genuinely caring, and I could go on for a long time giving her praise. I had to laugh last year when she asked the cm to open her jewelry case so that we could touch the merchandise to see what it feels like. I'm sure I heard a gasp in there, lol. But it really did help me decide which to get and not get. I really like the R2 collection.
The characters last year were the fab 4 all together and roaming were a couple of storm troopers. There was never a line to see them and most of the time they stood there without anyone visiting. I think my son went up to meet them and play at least 4 times. He had so much fun with Goofy!