[geeman]

Here's my official report on the Star Wars festivities, as experienced during the weekend of May 15, 16. I've tried to sprinkle it with photos were I could. For the sake of making it a little easier to digest, I've separated it into mini chapters... Enjoy.Disney+ Star Wars = Even More Fun

It's a very exciting thing to have two of the things you enjoy the most rolled up into one big celebratory event attended by thousands? Whenever Disney announces that they will be holding the seemingly annual Star Wars Weekends, I try to make it a point to visit (this was my third time attending). This year, since I had just been at the parks a month earlier, I was able to take in more of the "event" itself, and focus on Star Wars for a few hours, instead of thinking about what things at MGM I need to catch as well.

The event itself is really just a big, colorful, silly, but memorable celebration of the characters and the movies of the Star Wars universe. If you want to go to a serious, solemn, convention-like gathering, this is not it! Disney does things big, noisy, and does not try to take it self too seriously at all. To some, who revere the original trilogy of movies as their one defining moment in time, it might be off-putting. It should be known that this Disney event is specifically a celebration - and, as such, is merely meant to be merry. Characters from the movies (and expanded universe, meaning, books, comics, lore...), parade around the park, posing for pictures, signing autographs, and totally living the part...

[geeman]

Look, Luke, Light! -- Outstanding Performance by An Actor in a Costume...

I was mostly impressed with the "acting" involved on the part of the characters. These were not merely people in funny-looking suits. These folks were laboriously trained on the manners, motions, speech patterns, and behavior of the creatures and people they were meant to represent, and in this, they were highly succesful.
For example, the actor portraying Luke Skywalker at MGM has been there for a few of these events - I recognized him from my Y2K pics. He portrays Luke as a "fresh off the farm-boy" - just after his first great adventure took place in the original movie. He is bewildered, unassuming, and thus, completely believable. For example, he wanders through the park "looking" for signs of Imperial soldiers, as if on a real mission to find them. If you approach him, he bashfully states, "You're looking for me?." At one point, he caught a glimpse of this year's poster, which features Mickey Mouse wearing Luke's trademark outfit. Bemused, Luke stared up at the poster, then checked himself out, and mumbled to Princess Leia about how Mickey was wearing what he was wearing! Very cute. On a previous trip, he asked us where we were from. "New York," he stated thoughtfully in return, in a fit approximation of Mark Hamill's original voice for the role. "That's up North, isn't it?" . He wins my award for most believable Disney Character Performer in a Non-Disney Character Role.

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Give that Trooper a Medal!

Another Outstanding Performance award goes to the Stormtroopers, the Imperial Soldiers of the Empire. Considering the weather hits the high 90's during this time, it takes a lot of willpower to choose to be stuck wearing a tight black spandex suit underneath fiberglass (or plastic) armor, and wander around the park, acting as "security". These men were well trained to withstand (and ignore) derogatory comments from the (occasionally) rude guests, and marched in unison when necessary. They believably carried the illusion of having been "transported here" to perform a security job for the day. Talking labor difficulties. Making private comments about the tourists. Some synched-up audible transmission dialogues that are broadcast over loudspeakers, first upon entering the park (as they patrol the entrance gate), and then, most effectively, during the showcase held at the ABC theater, where they perform as ushers, are just brilliant. The banter between them is both completely in "Star Wars" tone (even though most of it is tongue-in-cheek and played for laughs), and perfectly synched to their movements. Soldiers from one side of the auditorium speak to those on the other, and the sound seems to eminate from the actual masked speakers themselves, not from a sound system. That was quite astonishing. "You see that new B2-16?", one of the Troopers mumbles to the other in a quiet moment, echoing a scene from the first Star Wars movie. "Are you still ON about that?", claims the other one - an in joke that every longtime fan will appreciate.

[geeman]

Jedi Knights, A Queen, and some Pawns...

It was incredible to see how many characters were pulled out for this event - Tusken Raiders (more people who deliberately choose to be wrapped up from head to to in hot swaths, despite the humid weather), Jabba's Gamorrean Guards (those ugly, slobbering pig-like soldiers, complete with still-slobbering mouths), an incredibly tall and convincing Chewbacca, incredibly short and frisky Ewoks, and those miniscule and pesky Jawas (who, true to character, would come up behind you and try to take something from your backpack). The Jedi Knights Mace Windu and Kit Fisto and another whose name I don't recall (unfortunately, as much as I love this stuff, I can't keep up with all the weird names anymore) were all convincingly portrayed, though many folks who hadn't seen Episode 2 had no idea who they were posing with.

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Aurra Who? Or "Freaky Lady Coming Through"

Every Disney character fest has to have their "Why Bother?" character (like the Mice from Cinderella, those odd characters who don't really star in the movies, but have a costumed performer in them, anyway), this even was no different: Witness the freaky looking Aurra Sing, a female bounty hunter with an evil face. This lady wins the award for the best "Lookalike Star Wars Character that Nobody Ever Heard of". Oh, yeah...Aurra was in Episode 1. For all of TWO SECONDS! I don't understand why they felt the need to have her walk around the park, aside from the fact that the actress portraying her was extremely amazing and charismatic and able to keep her freakish gaze, as if she were on some trance-like state of mind-(sounds a bit like Sarah Brightman, doesn't it. Looked like her, too. :-D ) . While I see this sort of thing all the time in the city I live in, :-) , she actually looked like a dressed up freak. Even the small children were confused as to who or what she was. Still, she looked just LIKE the photos and drawings of the character, and was able to hold that intense gaze throughout chuckles and snortles and autographs and pictures. She gets a prize.

[geeman]

An Awful Lotta Hoopla...

Less successful to me for this even were the main reasons we were there - to see the stars from the films and to participate in a party atmosphere. While I thought the "Padawan" Training was absolutely adorable (that's where young children get the chance to learn some quick Jedi lightsaber motions- more on that later...), the goofball comedians they had hosting the other events were a bit insulting to the intelligence of the fans who have some. They brought the celebration down to the level of ridiculousness. Technically, they all seemed like professional stand up comedians and hosts, but since we already get that this is meant to be a "fun" event (Wasn't Aurra Sing funny enough?), having those comedians up there, making bad, corny, dumb jokes, ("My jokes are getting a worse reception than Janet Jackson at a half-time show!", cackled a host, who was supposed to be from another planet. Wow. They watch the Superbowl in outer space?), makes the event seem like a total farce. There's no reason why they can't tone down the silliness a tad, especially since this event seemed to attract an older crowd.

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"Y-O-D-A!" (to the tune of "YMCA")

The "Hyperspace Hoopla", a party hosted by something called "Snig and Hookla" (eyes roll), for example, was a big, goofy party, highlighted by the appearance of the costumed characters, who mingle, dance, and play among the audience. Now, that part was cool. But it culminated with a Star Wars dance, made up of moves based on the famous characters. Mind you, I found this all somewhat amusing (particularly the "cool" move they used to represent Chewbacca), but it makes the movies and event seem extremely silly, rather than joyous, and in truth, has nothing to do with the movies as a whole. When the most joyous moment of the event came as the Cantina Band broke into a song by the group "Outcast", I had the distinct feeling that this show was not intended for me -- yet Disney went out of their way to convince people like ME to go and attend it. So, they need some help with this. Perhaps if they stayed within the theme of the characters being transported here for the day, and devising a show around that, it would be more entertaining. Maybe it's just me.

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The Force was with them, still...

People who are unfamiliar with the films (can there really still be any? :-) ), were completely curious about the goings-on, and could be audibly heard having a great time among the freak show denizens. It definitely revitalized interest in the Star Tours ride, yet waiting time rarely exceeded 20 minutes for the ride while I was there. The park was basically emptying out by 5 PM. Disney handled the event in such a way that it seemed like every day was Star Wars day at MGM. In a way, this helps keep the legend of the films alive, and certainly piqued the curiosity of the smallfry set (or "Younglings" as Yoda calls them), who fiercely practised their swordplay moves, and then got a chance to use them against the ultimate evil team of Darth Vader and Darth Maul ( a Star Wars impossibility - both existed in separate time periods and the demise of one caused the appearance of the other - but it was still cool to see them together being beaten by little children!). I loved the looks on the little faces, some who had even gotten their faces painted to represent a character or an alien. These little boys and girls are the ones that are touched by that same movie that touched me when I was a youngling myself.

I also enjoyed the appearance by the celebrity guests, though I do think it's time for some of the more famous people to be lured down for this event. I had already seen both of these stars in previous appearances, and since neither has anything compelling going on, it wasn't really very interesting, except to watch Jake Lloyd showing how he'd become a regular teenager. The interview was held in the comfortable ABC studios, with a start time of 1:30 pm, perfect for those who want to have breakfast and a swim at the resort then come to the park for the event (ahem).

[geeman]

Planning the Coordinates...

Disney should try to schedule the events a little bit better, and provide guests, particularly guests of their resorts, with an approximate time of the particular events.
I missed the motorcade and a couple of other things due to scheduling conflicts, which could have been avoided had I gotten a schedule ahead of time. The schedule of events was ONLY available at the parks on the day of the event. Which meant that plans for breakfast, lunch, dinner, whatever, would all hinge on what was going on when and where. Fortunately, I have an annual pass and was free to roam about and come back, but this would have stressed me out, otherwise. We made the most of our fine dining around the world, but some advance notice of what what going on would have helped heaps.

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Seeing Stars...

While I enjoyed seeing the celebrities, I had already seen these two, and would have so wanted to come down to catch Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) - had I known when he was going to appear. Instead. There was no schedule, no plan, no information other than the dates,ANYWHERE, not from Star Wars, or from Disney, for up to a MONTH before the event. When you factor in that folks need to plan their getaways, book their rooms, buy their tickets, etc., it would have been great to have that information BEFOREHAND, so that we could plan accordingly. Just my luck, the schedule of appearances was posted a week or so after I had already made my travel plans. I'm not regretting it at all, but had I known Anthony Daniels would be there memorial Day weekend, I would have been able to plan a slightly longer stay!

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Merchandising, merchandising...

While the products offered for this event were actually quite nice and varied, some of them were out- of this world expensive. "You can have this pin set for $125 dollars." Oh, really? Can I pay in Republic Credits? I'm not really a collector- most of the stuff I have was given to me as gifts and such, but one of my friends is an avid collector and HAD to have the poster. Well, he's lucky I happen to have had $30 with me to buy it for him! Don't get me wrong - it's a beauty and he will be framing it and such. But $30???? My first Star Wars poster as a boy cost me about $2.50!!!!

And ah... the elusive Jedi Mickey. Apparently, according to the official site, there was a Jedi Mickey Mouse character wandering about, too. The times guide vaguely stated, " Jedi Mickey --Mickey Avenue from 9-4". Now what was that supposed to mean if you didn't know? Oh sure he was there. Except when I was there. And who the heck knows where "Mickey Avenue" is?? And why wasn't he with the rest of the event? I'm sorry I missed him.... and I almost missed his clone likenesses, too.

[geeman]

I got to the event early, and among my goals was to find a plush "Jedi Mickey" for myself, my nephew & neice, my buddy, and two fellow Disney forum-ers, who politely asked me to pick one up if I could. Well, upon entering Tatooine Traders, I was met with the disappointed look of several other Jedi Mickey seekers, who had just been informed that the "shipment from Asia" had not come in. "We were expecting 3000 and got 75!", smiled the friendly CM. "Not sure when they are expected," she told some saddened collectors, "But we have this PIN set for $125!!".

Thankfully, the sought after plush Mickeys were there when I returned on Saturday night, and I expect my fellow forumers and family & friends are going to be smiling soon when they see them.. However.. When we returned to see more of the event on Sunday, they were all gone. I hope they get more in as the weeks go on.
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That's A Wrap...

Long story short- the supply issue should never have happened so soon. Somehow, I think having only 3000 items made of something that is sure to be a treasured collectible (hey - I don't collect anything - but how could I not own one of these?) was very shortsighted thinking. I do hope there are enough to go around for the rest of the guests to the event in the coming weeks.

So, those were my thoughts on this wildly fun and exciting couple of days that felt like a whole-week's worth of WDW stay.

I do hope this becomes an annual tradition, as it will merely add to the reasons I enjoy going to WDW so much. Maybe once the saga is indeed complete, they will be events that can be used to fondly remember the movies, rather than gently mock them.

[geeman]

More photos from the Weekend, the AKL lodge where we stayed, and my recent April trip can be found on my personal homepage: Geeman's Disney Trips '04

I've posted separately about our non-Star Wars related portion of the trip.

[cbeccaboo2]

And once again, great report and like ususal wonderful pictures!! I just love reading and looking at your reports.

Becca

[downsouthtigger]

Geeman,
I have to say, how did you miss Jedi Mickey??? Oh well for some reason I didn't see any ewoks when I was there, but what can you do? Hey I didn't see Jabba's Gammorrean guards either!
I was really shocked to hear saturday that the mickey beanies ran out on Fri. Oh and all the pins except one style were sold out as well.
I actually only bought merchandise on sat and high tailed it out of there, I wouldn't take pics until sun, the lines were more maneagable then.
My friend was with me, and he knew absoluetly nothing about star wars. He even asked me about the, "weird looking chick" all I could respond was she's a bounty hunter from ep I. He asked if I wanted a pic, I said no. Oh well I got my pics of who I wanted, the jawas were great! One tried to trade me my lanyard for a piece of gum, when I refused he searched his pockets and found a pencil, which I also refused.
Darth Maul was great, his sneers and makeup, did you get a pic?? Oh and was that Bobba or Jango that was there?? I took a pic, but I wasn't sure which costume it was supposed to be. Glad you had a great time, funny thing is, maybe we were right next to each other and never knew it.....

[downsouthtigger]

Oh I forgot one last thought I had, I did not take a pic with the Jedi knights, the ones in Make up were great, a fake Samuel Jackson is not! Of all the Jedi knights on the council there were soo many you couldve picked! I mean Ki Adi Mundi woulda been so easy! And where was Yoda?? OK I think thats all I can think of for now. A big Animatronic Jabba woulda been nice too, oh and was Greedo there?? Ok I need to stop now, I just thank God there was no Jar Jar!!!

[Dana]

Excellent report as usual. I love the way you describe your surroundings and articulate your experience. You make me want to go to Star Wars Weekend. I loved the original movies, but (no flaming please) didn't care for the newer ones that much. I love when they act as well as dress as the characters. One of my best character experiences was with the Queen of Hearts in MK. The man (obviously not a woman) who played her that day was fabulous. I love when the CM's are really into it. My Dd and I also had a great experince with the Mad Hatter this past trip...he was AWESOME and really into being the character.

[geeman]

Originally Posted by downsouthtigger

Geeman
Darth Maul was great, his sneers and makeup, did you get a pic?? Oh and was that Bobba or Jango that was there?? I took a pic, but I wasn't sure which costume it was supposed to be. Glad you had a great time, funny thing is, maybe we were right next to each other and never knew it.....

How's this?:

[downsouthtigger]

works for me! lol

[jedijson]

Awesome report! I can't wait to maybe get to go next year. I wanted to go this year, but it's just not in the cards. My jealousy is overwhelming for the people who get to go.

I still say that one of the coolest things Disney could capitalize on is if they made a Yoda Buddy, much like the Mickey version who talks to you as you walk through the various parks (plays games, etc. You know what I'm talking about!). I wouldn't care if it was $125. I'd still pay for it. Where do we go to suggest something like that? I mean, wouldn't it be cool if he even came with the blue backpack that Luke wears in ESB to carry Yoda around in? And, to "top" it all off, maybe Yoda could wear some Mickey ears, or something along those lines. You know, just to make it very Disney-ish.

[jedijson]

Oh, and, geeman, if you could describe the other Jedi Master you didn't know, maybe I could help you out. And you're right on the Aurra Sing character--she's perfect! I enjoy all the Expanded Universe stuff they put out about her. She's an amazing character that I'd like to see get more screen time.