The Force is strong with the city of Orlando. In April, Star Wars Celebration returns to O-town to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Star Wars film. The event is held in the Orange County Convention Center from April 13-16, 2017. Disney has plenty of accompanying Star Wars activities planned in Walt Disney World, of course, as the company has owned Lucasfilm since 2012.
Star Wars Celebration: What to Expect?
The largest and only official Star Wars convention, Celebration always brings in the biggest stars from the Star Wars universe. Bring the 40th anniversary of the franchise, you can expect anybody who is anybody in that galaxy far, far away to put in an appearance. This year is no different, with everyone from Rian Johnson (the director of the upcoming Star Wars Episode VIII – The Last Jedi), Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok, Willow) and Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy being confirmed. Surprise guest appearances happen often at these sorts of things, so be prepared for Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) or Daisy Ridley (Rey) to unexpectedly drop by.
When will we see the trailer for The Last Jedi?
I think it’s a pretty safe bet that with Rian Johnson being in attendance and this being the 40th anniversary of Star Wars, that we’ll see at least a teaser trailer for Episode VIII at Celebration.
The Title of the Han Solo Prequel Movie?
Another almost certainty is the official title of the upcoming Han Solo prequel finally being released. I’m personally hoping for something that sounds Indiana Jones-y, like Han Solo and the Kessel Run.
Details of Star Wars Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studio and Disneyland
Another given. Expect to see more sneak peaks of the upcoming Star Wars Land in Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Remembering Carrie Fisher
It’s impossible to think that this Celebration won’t spend time remembering one of its biggest stars, the late Carrie Fisher who played Princess Leia. Fisher’s passing will certainly cast a bit of a shadow over this year’s celebration as she’s still a huge part of the franchise and reportedly has a larger role in the upcoming The Last Jedi than she did in The Force Awakens. Expect many tears in addition to the cheers.
Meanwhile, at Walt Disney World…
Of course Disney will capitalize on the influx of Star Wars fans into Orlando, and has a few special events lined up in addition to the classic Star Tours and Star Wars Launch Bay attractions.
Star Wars Galactic Nights is a special ticketed event on April 14, 2017 that adds even more Star Wars to Hollywood Studios. The event includes celebrity signings, a parade, and costumes are encouraged. You can read more about it here.
The Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side takes place a few days after Celebration and is the only Star Wars themed Disney marathon on the East Coast this year. Disney travel agents who specialize in runDisney are offering package deals that make the marathon part of a Star Wars themed Disney World vacation. It might be a great way to burn off all those Darth Vader cupcakes!
Star Wars Land
While young padawans await the 2019 completion of Star Wars Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are plenty of Star Wars activities to take in this year. It’s a good year to be a fan. May the Force be with you.
- More information on booking a Star Wars themed Walt Disney World vacation package [Click Here]
- More information on Star Wars Celebration [The Official Site]
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