[mickey]

I received this Star Wars weekend information, and I thought that I would pass it along.

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.

[mickaholic4077]

So none of the really big stars of the movie are scheduled to appear,like Natalie Portman,Ewan McGregor,and Hayden Christenson?

[DisneyAnne]

As a passive fan of Star Wars, I am not looking forward to the crowds. I was hoping we had picked a weekend with no events going on. Hopefully, this will mainly impact MGM and not the other parks... I know....call me selfish!:(

[Angie]

I feel the same way. I mean I like star wars and everything but I picked Mid May because I was hoping to avoid big crowds. I hope this doesn't effect the other parks also. We won't be in MGM on the weekend but I hope it doesn't effect the attendance elsewhere during the week before.:(

[goofygal1975]

I don't plan on being at MGM during the weekends, so I"m figuring this won't affect me. I'm guessing/hoping that anybody that is going to be down for the Star Wars, will fully plan at being at MGM for the weekend! So I don't think it should have that much affect on the crowds at the other parks!! Let's keep our fingers crossed!

[buzzsmommy]

My little guys are BIG Stars Wars fans (even though they've never seen any of the movies - mom thinks they're too young yet!). It must be genetic because Mom lived and breathed Star Wars as a teen many, many lightyears ago (yes, I was first in line for Empire AND Return in Philadelphia) but, alas, having given birth at the release of Episode I and again, right around Episode II, I have yet to see the latest installments (yes, I know they are both on video!!) My teenage heart is breaking but my mom ability to go to the movies or stay-up once the kids go to bed is much weaker than the force!!!

The boys and I are looking forward to catching a glimpse of a storm-trooper or Ewok. And can't wait to ride Star Tours over and over again. May the Force Be With All of You!! (I even have that line printed under my pic in my hs yearbook -- I was such a Nerd!!)!!

[cksgranny]

As some may have read in other posts, we're taking our 2 grandsons (our daughter's sons) to WDW June 13-20. Ever since we made the decision, our son has been so envious.

If you've seen the older commercial where the adult son is talking to his parents on the telephone and can't understand how they could go to WDW without him - that describes how our son feels exactly.

He's also a TREMENDOUS Star Wars nut! So, now I'm here today and read mickey's post about the Star Wars weekends. I just couldn't help but call him and let him know. He knew about the weekends, just not the dates. Now, guess who's going to try and figure a way to go? I hope he can - we'll see. :)

[geeman]

It's really not as scary as it sounds- the Star Wars people will be involved in the Star Wars events-meaning that other aspects of the park are available. The long lines are mostly for the Star Wars related events. AND the action basically stays here, since the events go on all day - little chance of the other parks being crowded because of it. They're crowded anyway!. Also judge by the stars- first weekend might be busy - but it's not the major stars, so it should be rather quaint. Besides - not everyone who is a fan can make it there (like me!). So don't fear- just go about your business. IN fact- planning your day AROUND the Star Wars events would be even better. But quite frankly, we've all had to deal with the crowded parks, Star Wars or not, so don't blame it on the Wookiee. Just have fun.
It's actually a pretty controlled event. And again- the longest lines will be for autographs and such. Not the rides. I remember being able to ride Star Tours SEVERAL times in my previous SW Weekend visits.

[Travelitis]

I was excited that our trip would coincide with Star Wars weekends, however, that doesn't mean we're spending all weekend at MGM. We'll be there on a Saturday only, hoping the kids will get selected for Jedi training. Does anyone know how that works?