Star Wars Weekend 2014: Making Friends with a Jawa

Derek and I were only able to attend Star Wars Weekends together one day this year but it happen to be the best weekend to go!  For those of you who don't know, Star Wars Weekends is a weekend event that takes place in Disney's Hollywood Studios usually over the late weekends of May and early June. It is the ultimate event for any Star Wars fan, as it gives guests the unique opportunity of seeing some of their favorite Star Wars celebrities and characters!

Ready for the day :)

We started our day mid morning with my personal favorite part of Star Wars Weekends, the Motorcade. I love the Motorcade because it allows you to see Mickey and the gang in their Star Wars costumes, along with the 501st Legion, and the celebrities for that weekend! 

The 501st!

My favorite Droid :)

Then it was celebrity time! 

Ashley Eckstein:

 Taylor Gray:

Ray Park:

Billy Dee Williams:

Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill:

And James Arnold Taylor:

The Motorcade makes its way to the Hat Stage where James Arnold Taylor does a little welcome, then all the celebrities get back in their cars and make their way back down the street! This allowed us to get even more pictures.

After the Motorcade, Derek and I made a little lunch stop and tried out the Brown Derby Lounge. We both got a Cobb Salad and enjoyed the peaceful break from the festivities.

 

We then checked out Darth's Mall to see what Star Wars Goodies were available. Then it was time for the big event of the day, A Conversation with Mark Hamill. Unfortunately, we were not able to get Fastpasses to see the show and decided to not spend hours waiting in line to get into the theater with him. Luckily, Disney showed the whole show live in various placed in the park. Derek and I decided to watch from inside the American Idol Theater. And even though we weren't in the theater with him, it was still a great experience and so much fun to hear Mark talk about his time with Star Wars.

We did have a fastpass for our next activity of the day, Stars of the Saga! In this show James Arnold Taylor sat down with Ray Park and Billy Dee Williams.  It was a very entertaining show and I especially loved the Storm Trooper show that happens before it. A definite must see if you ever attend SWW! 

The all dressed as Lando!

When we got out of the Stars of the Saga, I was delighted to see Jawas trading on the Streets of America! This interaction was probably my favorite moment of the day. Derek and I were just watching people trade with a Jawa, when another Jawa came up to me and started pointing at my skirt! We then decided to trade with him a Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card and received an extra large playing card in return. The Jawa went on his way, but then not two minutes later returned, pointing at the skirt again! I had to take a picture with him at this point :) 

 

Derek and I now had some time to kill before our next Star Wars Activity. I had made Fastpasses earlier in the month for a few rides so we did those. Then it was time for Obi Wan and Beyond, a highly entertaining show with James Arnold Taylor where he discusses what it is like to be a voice actor and then amazes you with his voices.  

We then ended our day at Star Wars Weekends with Symphony in the Stars, an amazing fireworks show new to the Weekends this year. We had a fabulous time at Star Wars Weekends and can't wait till next year! 

I hope you enjoy a few pictures from the fireworks:

It's in the Details #8

  In this series, we'll be looking at details that are hidden all around you at the parks. The Imagineers do a great job placing in many hidden gems and things to try that one has to take a moment to notice, or explore. Many of these are obvious and in plain sight, and some are hidden quite well, you just have to know where to look.

  

  In this It's in the Details, we'll highlight a hidden item found in out of the way places. At the Backlot Express quick service restaurant, you'll find so many amazing props and details. While it is an eatery, it's cleverly disguised as a real backlot warehouse, where many items from a studio, or workshops may be located. 

  Among the hidden items is a relic from a past attraction; head to the left half of the restaurant and look up, over the office. There you'll find a fiberglass mold, lying against some pipes. It's the original mold for the famous hoverlift from the Horizons farm scene. Other items from attractions have been found among here as well.

Missed It's in the Details #7? Check it out here!

Disney Memories #2

In this series, we'll highlight some of our memories of Disney past. We hope you enjoy reliving old attractions, shows, and experiences with us!

Andy Mation

Peter with Pluto!

Courtney's family loved visiting MGM back in the day to visit Andy Mation. Andy Mation, aka Carl Skenes,  was a balloon artist but he didn't make your typical poodle, he created Disney Characters! Andy Mation could be found over in the Animation Courtyard of MGM throughout the day. Courtney's family made many trips to see him and were lucky to take home a few of his creations. Not only would Andy make the balloon characters but he would also entertain the crowd with Disney trivia about the character he was making. For instance, what are the only two words Pluto has spoken? (answer at the end of the post) Andy Mation was a great addition to MGM and is truly missed. 

Did you ever have a chance to see Andy Mation? What character did he make you?

Missed Disney Memories #1? Check it out here!

*Pluto's two spoken words were "Kiss Me"*

The Little Things #3

Getting Drenched on the Backlot Tour

Yes, that is Derek!

Have a favorite Little Thing? Share it below or on Twitter and we will share some in a future post!

Missed The Little Things #2? Check it out here!