Category: Star Wars

New Details Revealed About Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – X-Wing Fleet

New details about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge were revealed during last night’s discussion panel at Star Wars: Galactic Nights and it has fans over Endor about it. From the Millennium Falcon ride to a fleet of X-wings, Disney Imagineers are really starting to bring Batuu to life.

They discussed the Millennium Falcon Ride which Disney teased earlier in the week on their twitter feed. “We’ve all seen her on screen, but until you climb through that hatch, walk through her hallways, sit inside the cockpit, power her up and actually FLY her yourself, it’s not quite the same.” Here is a photo of the inside of the ship!

The team’s progress includes the building of a fleet of full-size X-wing starfighters. One tap on the metal side of these ships tells you that they are real, and ready for action!

They also discussed the depth of storytelling you can find in this remote outpost. Imagineers researched the exotic markets of Istanbul and Marrakech which were a great source of inspiration for the marketplace in the village where you can explore a rich collection of shops and merchant stalls. Here is a piece of concept art for what that toy stall will look like.

And inside, you’ll be able to discover all kinds of fun and cool toys straight out of the Star Wars galaxy. Exclusive to this outpost, all these offerings look hand-crafted by local artisans. They’re going to be really fun, unique, and completely in-story.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge won’t arrive to Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disneyland until 2019

December 17, 2017
Star Wars: The Last Jedi Opening Day Box Office Earnings

Disney-Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” brought in more than $104 million on Friday already making it the second biggest opening day total behind only Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($119M).

The Thursday preview brought in $45 million making it the second largest Thursday night preview total ever, behind again “Star Wars: The Force Awakens’” which totaled of $57 million in 2015.

As far as totals for opening weekend, it is expected to bring in at least another 100 million on Saturday and Sunday easily giving it more than $200 million for the weekend. Those numbers will make it the fourth film in domestic box office history to hit that mark in its opening weekend. “The Force Awakens” will maintain the number one slot with $248 million, but with “Jurassic World” at $208 million, and 2012’s “The Avengers” at $207 million, we will have to wait and see where it ends up ranking for the weekend. It will at least be in the top four, but more than likely it will surpass them and end up 2nd here too.

UPDATE: “The Last Jedi” Surpasses $220 Million making it the 2nd highest opening weekend.

The film may not be hitting “Force awakens numbers, but “The Last Jedi” will finish significantly above Star Wars spinoff “Rogue One,” which opened with $155 million on the same weekend a year ago.

So if any thinks that interest in Star Wars is on the decline “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” While The Last Jedi is below The Force Awakens totals it’s still far ahead of Rogue One numbers.

Directed by Rian Johnson, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” picks up where “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” left off. It stars returning cast members Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Andy Serkis. New stars include Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern, and Benicio del Toro. The film has an A CinemaScore and a 93% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

December 16, 2017
Star Wars: Galactic Nights Blast Off Tonight
Star Wars then there is only one part of the galaxy you want to be tonight as Star Wars: Galactic Nights returns at Hollywood Studios.

Following a sold-out event last April, this gala evening will be filled with out-of-this-world entertainment celebrating the entire Star Wars saga, including special guest appearances by Star Wars celebrities. Favorite film moments, special effects and, of course, the epic Star Wars cinematic score will fill the park all evening long. So get your tickets online while you still can.

Among the many thrills in store, guests will be treated to a red-carpet arrival, iconic attractions with little to no wait time, amazing fireworks and projections, and experts sharing details about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an entirely new land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019. Below you can find some of what to expect or check out our complete guide to the event.

Hyperdrive powers the night with:
- The Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will both be enhanced with special elements from the entire saga. In between, a DJ will keep things spinning at Center Stage for a Star Wars dance party.
- The Epic Theater plays host to a special, celebrity-led panel discussion about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Experts from Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm will share some of the excitement coming to the 14-acre Star Wars-inspired expansion opening in 2019 at Disneyland Park in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. Panelists will be joined by Warwick Davis, beloved by Star Wars fans since appearing as Wicket the Ewok in “Return of the Jedi” among many Lucasfilm roles. Actor David Collins will host the special insider’s look.
- Park-wide, guests will step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations, including a new backdrop inspired by Star Wars Rebels.
- Star Wars: Galactic Nights features encounters with Star Wars characters like Ewoks, AWR Troopers and roaming droids; Jedi Knights teaching younglings in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple; rocketing to the stars aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; and stunning projection effects on park icons such as the Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Tower, whose façade will transform to showcase stunning locations from across the galaxy. At Star Wars Launch Bay, the theme park’s home base for Star Wars fandom, guests will meet denizens from the light and dark side of The Force.
- Darth Vader and a battalion of Imperial Stormtroopers will march menacingly down Hollywood Boulevard.
- Star Wars-themed food and beverage and merchandise will be available.
- Select park attractions will be open to all guests. At embarkation points to Star Tours – The Adventures Continues, guests may come face-to-face with Stormtroopers on the lookout for a Rebel spy.
- Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their finest Star Wars costumes, however, masks may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older. Arriving park guests will walk a red carpet that runs the length of Hollywood Boulevard. The street itself will be dressed in all the trappings of a Tinseltown premiere.
December 16, 2017
First Look: Disney Parks’ Millennium Falcon Ride

And there it is… She’s the fastest ship in the fleet! You know, the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs! Disney took to their twitter feed today to give small glimpse of the inside of the Millennium Falcon flight simulator ride coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

“We’re home.” #starwars #galaxysedge – Learn more this Saturday at Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. pic.twitter.com/wGe1rUzpwH

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) December 13, 2017

Construction on both lands at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are well under way, but we are still a good two years away from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening.

Going by the tweet we should learn more this Saturday at Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Until then take a look at this fly-through video of a model of the new land.

December 13, 2017
All New Star Wars Day at Sea Experiences Revealed
This is the cruise you are looking for. Brand new experiences featuring the Dark Side, the Resistance, the droids and more are coming to the Disney Fantasy when Star Wars Day at Sea returns on 15 special sailings this January through April. Check out some of the new out-of-this-galaxy experiences that are setting sail:

The Dark Side
- To kick off Star Wars Day at Sea celebrations, in a one-time experience the night before the event, Darth Vader and Stormtroopers will march into the ship’s atrium for an Imperial takeover.
- Kylo Ren will appear in “Jedi Training Academy,” where young Jedi-in-training summon their courage and the Force to face off against Darth Vader and Kylo Ren.
The Resistance
- Rey will take the stage in the “Summon the Force” nighttime deck show that celebrates great moments from across the Star Wars galaxy including iconic characters and new favorites, complete with an epic fireworks finale accompanied by John Williams’ iconic music.
- In “Porgs Onboard! Scavenger Hunt,” Chewbacca needs your help to track the Porgs that have been wreaking havoc throughout the ship. You’ll find and decode secret messages to solve a ship-wide quest and be greeted by everyone’s favorite Wookiee at the end of your adventure.
- In the days leading up to the epic celebration, check out all of the Star Wars feature films in the Buena Vista Theatre, culminating in a showing of the newest film, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”
Fun for the whole family
- New in 2018, you are guaranteed a time to meet and take photographs with C-3PO and R2-D2, Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Before you even step onboard, you have the chance to reserve these character encounters.
- Guests can step into the saga and pose with a life-size replica of Han Solo frozen in Carbonite, as well as other cool Star Wars-themed backdrops.
- In Star Wars Drawing Academy, guests can learn to draw some of their favorite Star Warscharacters and a new character from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Is it a Porg? You’ll just have to wait and see!
- Star Wars-themed interactive games, trivia and activities for the whole family will be hosted by your Disney cruise staff on the pool deck and in the D Lounge.
These are the droids you’re looking for
- C-3PO will make an appearance in Star Wars: Command Post in Disney’s Oceaneer Club. During a special activity, children train to be members of the Resistance and fend off the First Order. C-3PO pays a visit to check on their training and further human-cyborg relations.
- Droid Racing is a fast-paced activity that the whole family will enjoy where guests can race BB-Unit droids around a course in the ship’s atrium.
- In a hands-on activity for families, everyone tests their skills to become master droid builders and create an intergalactic droid.
All of these cool new experiences are included in a Star Wars Day at Sea cruise, and just some of the ways you can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Warsgalaxy.

Star Wars Day at Sea returns to the Disney Fantasy from January to April 2018. If you need help booking this epic day on your family’s Caribbean cruise vacation, contact Travel Time with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!
December 12, 2017
Tickets Are Now On Sale for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire Immersive Hyper-Reality Experience

Tickets are now available for a new hyper-reality experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID, an offering that will debut at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort December 16, and at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort, January 5, 2018.

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will transport guests deep into the Star Wars universe, walking freely and untethered throughout the multisensory experience with friends and family. In groups of four, teams will go undercover as stormtroopers to capture Imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival.

“We are so excited about this magical collaboration between three boundary-pushing companies in the burgeoning out-of-home VR entertainment sector,” says Curtis Hickman, co-founder and chief creative officer at The VOID. “We can’t wait to share the experience of hyper-reality with everyone.”

Guests can experience the excitement of hyper-reality today with this first look at Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire below.

“People have longed for a chance to step into the Star Wars universe and this incredible new hyper-reality experience will allow them to do just that in a totally unique way,” notes Vicki Dobbs Beck, executive in charge, ILMxLAB. “It’s a group experience that evokes the senses in bold new ways.

About The VOID
By combining physical sets with real-time interactive effects, The VOID allows guests to step beyond reality, engaging all senses in new and unimaginable hyper-realistic worlds. In July 2016, The VOID opened its first public experience at Madame Tussauds New York. In 2017, The VOID expanded with locations at The Rec Room in Toronto, The Beach in Dubai, and at the company’s headquarters in the greater Salt Lake City area. The VOID was also chosen to participate in the acclaimed Disney Accelerator program during the summer of 2017.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.thevoid.com.

About ILMxLAB
Founded in 2015, ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s Immersive Entertainment division, combines compelling storytelling, technological innovation and world-class production to create truly impactful, immersive entertainment experiences. ILMxLAB develops experiences for virtual reality, augmented/mixed reality, real-time cinema, theme park entertainment and narrative-based experiences for future platforms.

December 12, 2017
‘That’s No Moon’ It’s a Tree Topper

For a Star Wars fan, the only thing cooler than a regular Star Wars ornament might be one that lights up. And maybe has sound effects. And wouldn’t it be amazing if this dream Star Wars ornament could was actually available?

Well, our Star Wars tree-decorating dreams are coming true. This classic Hallmark Keepsake is available at ThinkGeek.com for only $79.99. It’s on sale right now and that’s a good twenty dollars less than even The Hallmark Website.

The Star Wars Death Star Tree Topper features the iconic Imperial battle station as a tree topper. With the included remote you can have the Death Star itself light up blue or red with a green laser dish. Spice up your traditional holiday classic carols with the Imperial March or the classic Star Wars theme. Connect to the included universal adapter for continuous lighting effects. For safety, keep at a safe distance from Alderaan. Click Here to get yours while you still can.

Product Specifications

Star Wars Death Star Tree Topper
Officially-licensed Star Wars merchandise
Includes a remote control featuring the iconic Imperial crest
Lights up blue or red with green in the laser dish
Plays the Star Wars main theme and the Imperial March
Materials: Plastic
Batteries: 3 LR44 button-cell batteries (included)
Plugs into a standard 120V wall outlet or requires Hallmark’s Magic Cord power source (sold separately)
Dimensions: 6 1/2″ sphere
Weight: 14 1/5 oz.
Includes: Death Star tree topper, remote control, and Hallmark universal adapter

December 12, 2017
AERIAL PHOTOS: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Construction Update at Hollywood Studios

Construction is forcefully underway on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in the Back Lot area of Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. The now demolished area that used to make up the Streets of America, the Back Lot Tour, and the Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt show which was closed to make way for Star Wars.

Most of the construction can’t be seen by guests, so aerial pics really give some perspective on what progress is being made on the transformation of Batuu, a planet on the edge of the Star Wars galaxy.

Rock work at Millennium Falcon. Flag (and tree) is a construction tradition, a topping off when the highest point of a project is reached. Note scaffolding. 3rd arrow notes workers for scale. pic.twitter.com/EwibCsvma4

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 9, 2017

Cast members were excited to see the new land coming to life recently celebrated a major construction milestone with the signing of a support beam that’ll top out the new land. The beam that’ll eventually be part of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a 14-acre remote outpost that will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away.

Photo: @bioreconstruct

Here we can see some rock forms at the new hillside isolating Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Note also dirt piled up and inside the section next to the concrete of the Grand Avenue tunnel.

Photo: @bioreconstruct

Here is the current state of the separation and tunnel between Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Grand Avenue. At right, note that construction walls are down at the new backstage gate.

Photo: @bioreconstruct

Peering into the Millennium Falcon ride. There are two more turntables under the roof at left.

The land will be split into two sections; one for the First Order and one for the Resistance/Rebels. The First Order side is the side closest to the newly renamed Grand Avenue area that many believe will be used as a holding area for those waiting to enter Galaxy’s Edge.

After crossing through a tunnel into the new land guests will encounter the more urban decay style First Order area with a large, possibly multi-level restaurant, in the middle of it. The central feature of the First Order area will be a massive trackless ride, currently known as “Battle Escape.”

Coming out of the merchant’s alley area guests enter into the Rebel side of the land. This more lushly landscaped area will feature the 100-foot wide Millennium Falcon that will be near the entrance of the Millennium Falcon ride where groups of six guests can pilot the Falcon in a simulator experience.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland park in 2019. The new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is just one element of the multi-year transformation of the park, which also includes Toy Story Land, set to open in the summer of 2018.

December 10, 2017
Star Wars Themed Resort Coming to Walt Disney World

At Disney the resort experience is out of this world, but they now have plans for a resort that comes from a galaxy far far way. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced to fans at D23 Expo last summer that a “Star Wars” hotel will be coming to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

According to Bob, this revolutionary new vacation experience will be a living adventure that allows guests to immerse themselves in an entirely new form of Disney storytelling.

“It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Bob said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”

Chapek didn’t reveal a date for the opening of the “Star Wars” hotel, but with the new themed land coming to Disney World in 2018, it probably can’t be too far behind.

December 8, 2017
Star Wars: Galactic Nights Complete Guide
Star Wars: Galactic Nights is back and guest are going to love the new additions. Held after park hours on December 16th from 7 p.m. to midnight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the event immerses guests in a Star Experience like no other. Here is a rundown on what you can expect:

ENTERTAINMENT

Experiences available only during this special event:
- Star Wars: Galactic Destinations – State-of-the-art projections shoot across the Hollywood Tower Hotel to display favorite film moments from across the galaxy accompanied by the stellar Star Wars cinematic score. Star Wars: Galactic Destinations will run continuously beginning at 7 p.m
- Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Epic Stunt Theater – 8:10 p.m., 9:10 p.m., 10:10 p.m. and 11:10 p.m.) – During this one-night-only panel discussion, hosted by David Collins, expert panel of team members from Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm will give Guests an inside look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
- Galactic Nights Epilogue (Rebel Base – 11:40 p.m.) – Prior to Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, Guests are invited to join event hosts as they marvel at a spotlight of Star Wars: Galactic Nights event highlights straight from the fans themselves! To be a part of the Galactic Nights Epilogue, Guests should tag their photos with #GalacticNights when sharing on social media.
- DJ Dance Party (Rebel Base – Intermittently 7 p.m. to midnight) – Guests can dance the night away in a galaxy far, far away!
- Imperial March (Park entrance to Rebel Base – 7:05 p.m., 8:05 p.m., 9:05 p.m., 9:55 p.m.) – Join a battalion of Stormtroopers on a dramatic march down Hollywood Blvd to the Event Stage, where Darth Vader will meet his troops.
- Droidbuilders (Animation Courtyard – 7 p.m. to midnight) – Encourage Guests to keep an eye out for roaming R2 Builders droids! R2 Builders is an international community of Star Wars fans who build their own replica robots of the recognizable droids from the Star Wars galaxy.
Star Wars experiences also available during the event:
- Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away (Rebel Base – 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10:20 p.m.) – Guest are able to experience a live stage show of high energy film clips that bring together action-filled character moments on stage, including Rey, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and many more.
- Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (Rebel Base – 11:45 p.m.) – The skies will come alive with the power of the Force, as the park’s popular Star Wars-themed nighttime spectacular lights up the night.
- Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (Near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – 6:10 p.m., 6:40 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 9:45 p.m., 10:15 p.m.) – Guests can witness the future of the Force, as younglings face their fears at the sacred Jedi Temple. Guests can visit Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost to reserve a spot in the training for young Guests ages 4-12. Space is first-come, first-serve and limited.
ATTRACTIONS

The following daily attractions have been enhanced by the Force for Star Wars: Galactic Nights:
- Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
- Star Wars: Launch Bay
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Star Wars edition
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Muppet Vision 3D
- Toy Story Mania
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Walt Disney Presents
CHARACTERS

Meet all your favorite Star Wars characters at various locations around the park:
- Star Wars: Launch Bay – Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, BB-8 and Rey
- Sunset Showcase Courtyard – Seventh Sister
- Cantina inside Star Wars: Launch Bay – Jawas
- Inside Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Imperial Storm Troopers
- Animation Courtyard – AWR Trooper
- Commissary Lane – Mickey & Minnie Mouse
- Echo Lake – Olaf
- Pixar Place – Buzz Lightyear and Woody
- Walt Disney Presents – Star Lord and Groot
PHOTO BACKDROPS

There are eight different dimensional photo background for guests.

Backdrop locations:
- Ahch-to: Luke’s Hut – Near Rebel Base
- Death Star: Emperor’s Throne Room – Near Hyperion Theater
- Batuu – Grand Avenue
- Jedha: U-wing and K-2SO – Grand Avenue
- Malachor: Sith Temple – Sunset Showcase Courtyard (featuring appearances by the Seventh Sister)
- Hoth: Wampa Cave – Sunset Showcase Courtyard
- Jakku: Luggabeast – Inside Sunset Showcase
- Tatooine: Rancor – Inside Sunset Showcase
MERCHANDISE

Pick up your favorite Star Wars gear.

Special event merchandise is available at:
- Mickey’s of Hollywood
- Celebrity 5 & 10
- Once Upon a Time
- Stage 1 Company Store (open during event mix-in from 5-7 p.m.)
PREMIUM OFFERINGS, PACKAGES, AND MORE

This year, event Guests can choose a variety of options to enhance their galactic experience:
1. Galactic Tasting & Viewing Package – Guests are able to enhance their Star Wars: Galactic Nights experience with a Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package. Tasting-sized sips and bites inspired by the stories and characters of Star Wars will be available at various locations throughout the park. With the Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package, Guests can enjoy up to five food & beverage items as well as reserved seating for the 9:10 p.m. or 10:10 p.m. Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge panel. The Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package is available for purchase for $30 (plus tax) near Rebel Base and Sunshine Day Café. Food and beverage items included in this package are marked in the event passport as well as at each food & beverage location.
2. Jedi Recruitment Package – Guests are able to equip their youngling with the necessary tools and tips to defeat the Dark Side at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Check-in for the Jedi Recruitment package is located at Ewok Village (external queue of Star Tours).
3. Galactic Character Couture Packages – Disney Senses Spa will be onsite at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering Guests hair, makeup and nails transformations with stylish designs inspired by Star Wars characters. Located inside Legends of Hollywood, appointments are available via walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis.
December 8, 2017