Star Wars Weekends (May-June) Updated Info.

[Mark P.]

Hi,
Here's the latest info. that I've been able to find on the Star Wars Weekends (courtesy of MGM.org)

Also, there's some word that the weekends might not be consecutive, meaning that the event that is scheduled to begin on May 16th. weekend, will be held only on SELECTED weekends after the kickoff and into June. More info. on this at the bottom of this post.

But here's what to expect...

Events Planned:

-Star Wars trivia contests and games will be held near the Star Tours attraction to test fans' film knowledge. In addition, a special Video Starcade will feature the best in Star Wars-inspired electronic games.

-Obi-Wanna-Be -- Throughout the day, several lucky youngsters will be chosen to take part in the "Jedi Training Academy," giving Jedi hopefuls the chance to learn moves with a lightsaber, then test their skills against Darth Vader himself.

-A Galaxy of Collectibles -- Disney and Lucasfilm Ltd. have created event-exclusive Star Wars merchandise -- from trading pins (including a special boxed set) 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 Phantom Menace, the retail location is adjacent to the Ewok Village set at the Star Tours attraction.

-Galactic Game Show -- Special editions of the popular game show attraction "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire--Play It!" will be presented, with a variety of 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 each seat.



Characters Scheduled to Appear:

C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) - May 16-18, 2003
Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman)
Darth Vader
Chewbacca
Greedo
Jango Fett
Ewoks
Darth Maul
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCREPANCY of DATES:
Not sure about this one, but here goes...

In the Forums section of the MGM.org site, under Rumors & News, there's a post stating that the event will begin on the weekend of May 16th.
BUT the event will be held only on SELECTED WEEKENDS, that have not been determined as of yet.
However, theStar Wars.com site says that the event will be held on 5 consecutive weekends. So, hopefully this is accurate, and it will in fact be held on all weekends.

-Mark

 

[onceuponadream]

Thanks for the update Mark . We hope to be there for at least one of the weekends (June 1-13)!

 

[doombuggy]

Thanks for the update - will be there that first weekend, credit card and stuff in hand!!!!!!!!

 

[zulaya]

My opinion (remember only opinion) is just that the info hasn't trickled down to the guest services people who reply to inquiry e-mails. It doesn't make sense to put on the kind of production that is SW weekends one weekend, then skip a weekend, then bring it back. What a pain that would be.

I *think* that what was meant is that it's selected weekends in May and June - meaning that SW weekends isn't every weekend for the whole month of May AND the whole month of June. And if you look at the scheduled dates, that fits.

Hopefully someone official with WDW will clarify that all the originally annoucned dates are true and what we have here is just a miscommunication.

 

[Mark P.]

I was thinking the same thing zulaya, as it would most likely be a logistical nightmare to skip weekends. I too think it's the way it's read.

I posted what little info. is out there, in the hopes of someone being able to confirm that they will (or will not) be consecutive weekends.

One thing's for sure, we'll be there opening day

 

[zulaya]

All I hope is that it is consecutive and that it does go on the weekend of June 6-8. DH's b-day is June 7 and I got us into BCVs for the weekend just for SW weekends. DH wants to see DS in the Obi Wannabe event - Darth Vader in lightsaber battle with our son - Vader hasn't a prayer

 

[ktglads]

According to the link off the page provided, It looks like Leanna Walsman and Temuera Morrison will be attending this year's weekends, although there are no weekends provided. That means that if they do 2 people a weekend, we can count on at least 2 weekends of stars. Does anyone know of any other sources for info???

 

[wdwlovrs]

I'll be right next to you Mark P.

 

[QuickGold]

Personally I think they'll do consecutive weekends. Logic aside, StarWars.com reports consecutive and that's about as official as they come without two big mouse ears.

Also, the last real(what I mean by real is the 2002 SWW was very limited due to the Star Wars convention in Indianapolis that year) Star Wars Weekend in 2001 had consecutive weekends throughout the month of May, so it's not out of the question for there to be all 5 weekends this year be Star Wars Weekends.

 

[followme2disney]

Hi all! We are going 5/24 - 5/30. Disney sent me planning info that said it would be going on the weekend I was there. Is this going to make MGM more crowded than it would normally be that weekend? I don't feel the need to enjoy the Star Wars stuff and I am trying to master plan around the Memorial Day Weekend crowds. Thanks everyone for continuing to make my Disney vacations huge successes.

 

[sm4987]

I'm going to go tell my DH. He is a Star Wars lover!! We will be there on two weekends so hopefully we will get in on it.

 

[Franky4fingers]

"Is this going to make MGM more crowded than it would normally be that weekend?"

I have been in years past it has been busy but that is because Memorial day rather than Star Wars. The area around Star Tours is usually more crowded. If you are planning a morning at MGM I would hit the Tower of Terror area first them make your way to that side of the park. If your a pin collector try to get over to Star Tours shop early to get the Limited Edition Pins.

 

[ktglads]

It looks like Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) will be joining Anthony Daniels on the first weekend. Has anyone heard of any other stars that are slated to attend?

 

[mmounsey]

we will be there for two weekends in a row! we are all really big star wars fans (especially ds) and can't wait!

 

[currycook]

Glad they are doing this. We always look forward to these type of special events.

 

[Praise2Him]

My 2 DS's are dying to know when Natalie Portman will be there. If anyone hears a definite date, please post it!

 

[ktglads]

StarWars.com posted this morning who is showing up for the SWW this year:

Star Wars Weekends 2003 Guest List
April 14, 2003

Star Wars Weekends are almost here, and starting next month the power of the Force and the magic of Disney will once again combine for five weekends of Star Wars fun at the Disney-MGM Studios

In addition to Star Wars costumed characters, fun activities, and the Star Tours theme park ride, celebrity guests will be in attendance for meet-and-greet sessions, star conversations, and a classic Hollywood-style motorcade.
Here is the list of celebrity guests currently scheduled to attend.


May 16, 17 & 18 -- Anthony Daniels & Billy Dee Williams

Two heroes of the Rebellion kick off the start of this year's Star Wars Weekends. Fans know Anthony Daniels for his role as C-3PO throughout the Star Wars saga. Billy Dee Williams played the dashing scoundrel Lando Calrissian in Episodes V and VI.

May 23, 24 & 25 -- Andy Secombe & Warwick Davis

In Episode I and II, Andy Secombe provided the gruff voice and memorable performance of Watto, the computer-generated alien junk trader from Tatooine. Warwick Davis was only 11 years old when he played the Ewok hero Wicket. In Episode I, he played multiple roles, including that of Anakin's young friend Wald.

May 30, 31 & June 1 -- Silas Carson & Joel Edgerton

Silas Carson has played numerous roles in the prequel trilogy so far, including the noble Jedi, Ki-Adi-Mundi and the slimy Neimoidian viceroy, Nute Gunray. Joel Edgerton played the young incarnation of Owen Lars in Episode II, a moisture farmer's son who would later grow up to be Luke Skywalker's guardian.

June 6, 7 & 8 -- Jeremy Bulloch & Peter Mayhew

Fan favorites from the classic trilogy, Jeremy Bulloch and Peter Mayhew have been to previous Star Wars Weekends. Bulloch played Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, while the towering Peter Mayhew played Chewbacca the Wookiee in the classic trilogy.
Fans attending this particular Star Wars Weekend are in for a special treat, as the Official Star Wars Fan Club will be organizing a breakfast, where members can greet Bulloch and Mayhew and receive their autographs (for more information, click here).


June 13, 14 & 15 -- Temuera Morrison & Michonne Bourriague

The actors who played a pair of dangerous bounty hunters will be the guests at this year's final Star Wars Weekend. Temuera Morrison was the man behind the helmet of Jango Fett, Episode II's armored villain. In Episode I, Michonne Bourriague played a brief but memorable part as the mysterious bounty hunter, Aurra Sing.

 

[halfway there]

WOW! Thanks ktglads for posting the guest list. I have been waiting for this. I don't see Natalie Portman anywhere, perhaps she will be a "surprise" guest? My daughter is a SW freak! We'll be there Memorial Day weekend as well.

 

[mmounsey]

Wow! Thanks for posting this!

Haven't had a chance to visit the SW site today so I'm glad you posted this! DS will be so excited to see Boba Fett! (and maybe have breakfast with him too!)

Update: In order to have breakfast, you have to be a member of the Official Star Wars Fan Club, and you can only buy two tickets max. @ 49.95 each...ouch! Guess we'll just have to hang out with them with the rest of the crowds...oh well, still exciting anyway.