Star Wars Weekends - WDWNT Archive 2014

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

WDWNT Author on June 12, 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:

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.

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

WDWNT Author on June 9, 2014

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?

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

WDWNT Author on May 20, 2014

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

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

WDWNT Author on May 16, 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.

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.

Now we venture inside the shop…

Rebel Rendezvous RSP pick-up area

Star Wars Lightsaber Umbrellas and Lamps

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

Latez Jabba

R2-D2 Bank

Stormtrooper statues lurked over the crowd

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

Star Wars Weekend logo merchandise

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

X-Wing Pilot Mickey

Chewie Plush

Bantha Plush

New Duffy pre-dressed as Yoda visiting WDW

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

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

SWW logo tumblers and frame

Also available is the Jedi costume for Duffy

Shadowtrooper and R2 bank

Beach towel has Darth Goofy fighting Jedi Mickey

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

New this year…

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

Chick Hicks as Boba Fett

Ramone as Han Solo

Red as Chewbacca

Mater as Vader and Doc as Obi-Wan

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

Ashley Eckstein, meets with fans

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

Wampa!

Star Wars headphones for $199.95

Star Wars headphones listening stations

Star Wars car wraps

An anamatronic Admiral Ackbar drinks out of the new Stormtropper stein

This amazing custom Vinylmation sold within an hour of shop opening

There is a character meet and greet area

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

Star Wars Weekends D-Tech Me Offerings Expanded for 2014

WDWNT Author on April 12, 2014

Star Wars – D-Tech Me has been one of the most talked about merchandise offerings at Star Wars Weekends over the last several years, so it is no surprise that Disney will be adding to the line-up of offerings in 2014. This year, the D-Tech Me location will be located inside Darth’s Mall, located in Soundstage 1 between Studio Backlot Tour and Toy Story Midway Mania.

For those unfamiliar with Star Wars – D-Tech Me, this 10-minute experience uses the world’s highest-resolution, single-shot 3D face scanner created by our Imagineering scientists with Disney Research labs. The captured image is later sent to a high resolution 3D printer to create the figurine.

The existing Carbon-Freeze Me and Stormtrooper programs are returning this year, joined by two new figurines – Alderaan Princess and X-Wing Pilot. There are both male and female options offered for X-Wing pilot, Carbon-Freeze Me and Stormtrooper figurines.

For children, Alderaan Princess and Carbon-Freeze Me figurines will be available in more youthful appearances.

For the first time, a 16-inch figurine will also be available. You can see the size differences of the Stormtrooper figurines in the above image.

Disney is also promising that on May 16 on DisneyParksMerchandise.com they will let guests know how to have their image from last year added to a new figurine this year.

The Star Wars – D-Tech Me 7-inch figurines are $99.95 each, plus shipping and applicable sales tax. For the 16-inch figurines, retail is $1,499.95 each, plus shipping and applicable sales tax. All participants will receive a specially designed button. Completed figurines will arrive within 7-8 weeks after the experience if shipping domestically (it takes a little longer if shipping internationally).

To book your experience, please call 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324). Disney will only offer the experience during Star Wars Weekends 2014 (May 16 – 18, May 23 – 25, May 30 – June 1, June 6 – 8, and June 13-15).

Finally, guests attending the Rebel Rendezvous event on May 15 will be some of the first individuals to experience Star Wars – D-Tech Me this year. Registered event guests should look for an email soon that will explain how to sign up.

Star Wars Weekends 2014 Introduces Add-On VIP Package

WDWNT Author on April 11, 2014

For $499 per person, you can now add a VIP tour package to any Star Wars Weekend day:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends will introduce an ultimate day filled with the most sought after service and experiences. A team of Disney VIP tour guides will take you on your journey designed to surprise and delight the most avid Star Wars fan for $499per person, plus tax.

Includes:

-Best seats in the house for shows at the Premiere Theater including Stars of the Saga

-Expedited access to attractions including Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, Toy Story Mania, and more

-Private continental breakfast at the Hollywood Brown Derby

-Reserved location to see the Legends of the Force Motorcade

-Table-service lunch inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios

-Shopping time at Darth’s Mall

-VIP Viewing and dessert party for the new Symphony in the Stars fireworks

The Ultimate Day at Star Wars Weekends bookings open April 11th by phone at (407) 934-7973.

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

WDWNT Author on March 26, 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:

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.

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

WDWNT Author on March 4, 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:

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

WDWNT Author on March 1, 2014

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

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.

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.

In 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.

4 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:

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.

– 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?

Star Wars Weekends Discontinues Popular Hyperspace Hoopla Show

WDWNT Author on February 21, 2014

Ask anyone what their favorite part of Star Wars Weekends is at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the answer is always the same: Hyperspace Hoopla.

Well, that will be no more…

Apparently, the reason for adding the new nighttime fireworks show to the event is so Disney can axe the long-running Hyperspace Hoopla show where Star Wars characters perform in comedy bits and dancing to popular music. According to rumors, the show does not fit the vision that the company has for the Star Wars franchise. In other words, Bob Iger lacks the sense of humor of George Lucas now that Disney actually owns Star Wars.

The cutting of the show may also be for budgetary reasons, but based on the crowds the show has drawn every year, that would be doubtful. Disney has not made a public statement about the show’s cancellation yet, but the news has been broken to cast members.

Please enjoy our video of last year’s show, which in my opinion was the best of the many versions of the Hoopla that have been presented:

So, what do you think? Will you still go to Star Wars Weekends with no Hyperspace Hoopla?