LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine once again for Star Wars Weekends, scheduled for five consecutive weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) beginning May 14, 2004, at Disney-MGM Studios.
Inspired by the five Star Wars films -- Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace and the most recent box-office smash, Attack of the Clones -- Star Wars Weekends bring guests face to face with their favorite characters, from the cuddly Ewoks to the evil Darth Vader.
With the park's famous Star Tours thrill ride serving as the centerpiece of the celebration, Star Wars Weekends fills Disney-MGM Studios with dozens of heroes, heroines, droids and villains from the famous film saga.
Each weekend, fans are able to "star gaze," as Star Wars celebrities take part in meet-and-greet sessions, star conversations and Hollywood-style motorcades.
Star Wars legends and celebrities currently scheduled to appear (subject to change) include:
May 14-16: Jeremy Bulloch & Jake Lloyd
Bulloch played the mysterious and legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, while Lloyd took on the role of young Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace.
May 21-23: Peter Mayhew
The towering Peter Mayhew (7'3" tall) was a fan favorite as Chewbacca the Wookiee in the classic trilogy, and will again appear in Episode III. The long-anticipated Episode III film will premiere in U.S. theaters almost one year (to the day) of Mayhew's Star Wars Weekends appearance, on May 19, 2005.
May 28-30: Anthony Daniels & Andy Secombe
Fans know Anthony Daniels for his role as C-3PO throughout the Star Wars saga, joining his sidekick droid R2-D2 on adventures through the galaxy. He holds the distinction of being in every Star Wars film since the saga's debut in 1977. In Episodes I and II, Secombe provided the gruff voice for Watto, the computer-generated alien junk trader from Tatooine.
June 4-6: Warwick Davis
Davis was only 11 years old when he played Ewok hero Wicket in Return of the Jedi. In Episode I, he played multiple roles, including that of Anakin's young friend Wald.
June 11-13: Daniel Logan
Logan, who played the young Boba Fett in Attack of the Clones, will be the special guest for the final weekend of the 2004 event.
In addition to the Star Wars celebrities appearing, the park will be brimming with Star Wars activities and celebrations. Here's a complete run-down of the five-week fan-fest activities:
Wookiees, Jawas and Ewoks, Oh My! -- One of the largest gatherings anywhere of characters from all five Star Wars films -- from Queen Amidala and Darth Maul to Jango Fett and Greedo -- will roam Disney-MGM Studios greeting guests, signing autographs and posing for photographs.
High-Energy Thrill Ride -- Guests can take flight to the moon of Endor in Star Tours, an action-packed flight simulator that salutes the Star Wars series. Synchronizing a stunning film with the virtually limitless gyrations of the simulator, the attraction takes guests on a hair-raising, light-speed trip aboard a careening star speeder.
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.
Interactive, Interstellar Fun -- 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 and video games.
Obi-Wanna-Be -- Throughout the day, 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 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 Star Wars movies, the retail location is adjacent to the Ewok Village set at the Star Tours attraction.
Star Wars Weekends launch into orbit May 14 and will be held five consecutive weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) through June 13, 2004. Activities are included with regular Disney-MGM Studios
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