Star Wars, Geek Culture, and Power Converters
Lots of news this week! New books! New The Last Jedi details! New hair! Let’s dive right in, shall we?
Though rumored as early as December 2015, it’s now official; following the death of original Star Wars actor Kenny Baker, going forward (beginning with this December’s The Last Jedi) the adorable astromech will be portrayed by Doctor Who veteran Jimmy Vee. I guess this makes him R2-D2-2. (source)
via OhSoSmall.com
Thursday night, after our first showing of The Force Awakens, we traveled to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the big Opening Night after party. All showings at Disney Springs between 7-8 pm were included in the event, which meant DHS was as empty as I’ve ever seen it. We walked on to every ride, and it was so nice to be able to move throughout the park. Not every attraction was open, only the front part of the park, including Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n Rollercoaster, featuring Star Wars music!
Brian and I arrived at Disney Springs around 8 am for check in. After waiting a little less than an hour, we picked up our credentials and headed off to run errands and relax at home. We went back to Disney Springs in the afternoon, ate lunch and recorded a podcast at Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar, and then went back to line up. We waited another hour before finally getting inside the theatre around 4 pm and settling in for the next three hours.
Before the movie, they played a short video welcoming us to the event and explaining all the cool things we’d be able to do at DHS. I was really impressed with the event organization, and the credentials we were given. We also found out we’d get free photo downloads!
Once freaking out over TFA, we made a beeline to the park, arriving a little after 10 pm, and made another beeline to Star Tours. We took a detour once I saw that BB-8 had a photo op!
We walked on to Star Tours and had the entire shuttle to ourselves. Then we immediately went back on again. After that we went over to Tower of Terror (another walk on), and did Rock ‘n Rollercoaster. I don’t usually go on that ride, but since it was re-themed just for the event, I had to give it a try. It made me sick, but it was totally worth it. I hope they re-theme the ride permanently!
After that we got a late night snack (Darth Vader waffles and chicken) before getting in place for the premiere of the Galactic Spectacular fireworks. After a brief presentation with Phasma (YAY!), the fireworks started. They were similar to the fireworks from last year’s Star Wars Weekends, but with a few added TFA cues, and they were absolutely brilliant. I got emotional and may have teared up.
We went over to Launch Bay, took a few more photo ops, and by then it was close to 2 am and we were ready to crash. Not to mention being kicked out of the park.
It was such a great event, and I would gladly pay more money for another one after Episode VIII.
The Disney Parks blog has revealed new information about Star Wars experiences opening in December, including the Launch Bay and the new Jedi Training Academy featuring the Seventh Sister.
A new Star Tours module featuring Jakku will also debut, and will be featured on every Star Tours flight for the first several months. Check out this awesome preview of the Millennium Falcon soaring through Jakku’s starship graveyard.
Alas, with all the upcoming construction around Hollywood Studios, it was announced that Star Wars Weekends will not happen during 2016. No word on whether the annual fan-favorite event will return in upcoming years, but I’m definitely crossing my fingers. Thanks to James Arnold Taylor, Ashley Eckstein, and all the Disney Parks cast members for making Weekends such a fantastic event. We’ll miss it greatly.
We’ve been waiting to hear those three words for so long, and today at D23, the announcement became a reality.
Here’s what went down, in bullet form:
Sleeping Beauty castle might have been tiny, but it was all blinged out for the big 60th anniversary celebration.
It’s no secret that Brian and I love going to Disney World. We live about 10 minutes from the resort, have annual passes, and usually visit at least once per month — usually more. When Celebration Anaheim was announced, I knew we’d have to stay in town an extra day so I could visit Disneyland for the first time in forever. Yes, you heard that right. My Disney-loving self had never set foot in Disneyland; in fact, prior to Celebration I had never even set foot in California!
I was eager to see all the differences between the Land and the World, and did a lot of research so I could make the most out of my one-day visit. I learned which rides were different, which rides were the same, and what food to eat. I went in with the intention to compare and contrast the parks, but deep down I knew Land wouldn’t truly be able to compare to my beloved Disney World. I’m very, very biased, and I know it. Plus, Land’s castle is way too tiny.
The first thing I saw when we walked into DCA. I knew it was going to be a good day.
That said, I truly enjoyed my time at Land and am so glad I had the chance to visit after Celebration Anaheim. It was a blast running into fellow con goers, and I have to give a big shout out to Amy Ratcliffe for returning the favor from when she visited Food and Wine Festival and being our tour guide and helping make the most of my trip. It’s always fun to do Disney with people who understand the magic.