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 16, 2003, at the Disney-MGM Studios.
Inspired by the Star Wars saga -- Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace and the most recent box-office smash, Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones -- Star Wars Weekends bring guests face to face with their favorite characters, from the cuddly Ewoks to the evil Darth Maul.
With the park’s famous Star Tours thrill ride serving as the centerpiece of the celebration, Star Wars Weekends fills the 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 two Star Wars actors take part in meet-and-greet sessions, star conversations and Hollywood-style motorcades.
Star Wars legends and actors scheduled to appear throughout the event include:
May 16, 17, 18: Anthony Daniels (“C-3PO”) and Billy Dee Williams (“Lando Calrissian”).
May 23, 24, 25: Andy Secombe (“Watto”) and Warwick Davis (“Wicket the Ewok”).
May 30 & 31, June 1: Silas Carson (“Nute Gunray”) and Joel Edgerton (“Young Owen Lars”).
June 6, 7, 8: Jeremy Bulloch (“Boba Fett”) and Peter Mayhew (“Chewbacca”).
June 13, 14, 15: Temuera Morrison (“Jango Fett”) and Michonne Bourriague (“Aurra Sing”).
Also featured at the five-week fan-fest:
•Wookiees, Jawas and Ewoks, Oh My! -- One of the largest gatherings anywhere of characters from the Star Wars films -- from Queen Amidala and Darth Vader to Chewbacca and Greedo -- will roam the Disney-MGM Studios greeting guests, signing autographs and posing for photographs. New this year: special appearances by characters from Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones, including galactic bounty hunters Zam Wesell and Jango Fett.
•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, lightspeed 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 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.
Star Wars Weekends launch into orbit May 16 and will be held five consecutive weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) through June 15. Activities are included with regular Disney-MGM Studios admission.
“Out of this world” ticket deals for Florida residents -- Florida residents can enjoy this unforgettable event with “un-4-gettable” savings with Disney’s Play 4 Days, the newest ticket offer for Star Wars fans living in the Sunshine State.
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