Before discussing the now-legendary Disney/Star Wars goodness that blossoms every summer in Walt Disney World for Star Wars Weekends, we thought we'd warm you up with a bit of fun Disney/Star Wars trivia cooked up by The Walt Disney World Trivia Book (Vols I and II) author Lou Mongello just for StarWars.com readers:
1. Who was the first person to ever be the celebrity host for every weekend of a Star Wars Weekends in Walt Disney World?
- David Prowse
- Kenny Baker
- Anthony Daniels
- Warwick Davis
2. Which one of these Star Wars celebrities has appeared at Star Wars Weekends?
- Mark Hamill
- Carrie Fisher
- Harrison Ford
- Hayden Christensen
3. What is your destination on Star Tours?
- Endor
- Tatooine
- Endor's moon
- You are on a training mission
4. Who provides the voice of REX, your pilot on Star Tours?
- Paul Reubens
- Robin Williams
- Mel Blanc
- Bobcat Goldthwaite
Now that we've got you in a warm and fuzzy Disney/Star Wars kinda place, we'd like to introduce Walt Disney World (WDW) expert and hardcore Star Wars fan Lou Mongello, author of the aforementioned double-volume The Walt Disney World Trivia Book, co-publisher of the WDW fan magazine Celebrations, and webmaster of WDWRadio.com, a site hosting a wealth of Walt Disney World trivia, news, articles, podcasts, video and one of the largest online communities of Disney fans with more than 32,000 registered members.
A huge fan of WDW and Star Wars, we felt there was no person better qualified to answer a few fan-related questions about the past, present and future of the Disney/Star Wars relationship at Walt Disney World, which just hosted its last 2009 Star Wars Weekend event a few days ago.
First, a bit of background about your experience of Walt Disney World. Your site says you've been a fan since 1971 (with the picture to prove it!) -- what has so captivated you about the park since then, inspiring you to write books and devote an entire website to it?
I was fortunate enough to visit Walt Disney World within a month of its opening in 1971 at the age of three. Each year, my family would visit at least once or twice, and as I grew older, I became fascinated about what it was that drew us, and millions of others, there year after year. My fascination quickly turned to curiosity, as I wanted to learn all I could about not just what was going on "backstage," but as much as possible about how the Disney "magic" was created. Over time, I began to amass a large collection of Walt Disney World memorabilia, including rare documents outlining Walt Disney's original plans for his Florida project, dozens of books and articles about the parks, maps, guides, and other audio and video materials of Walt Disney World from construction to the present day.
What I have found as my passion for Walt Disney World has evolved into so many different areas is that the more I come to experience and learn about the parks, the place, and more importantly the people that really create the "magic," I actually have come to appreciate it even more. I have also learned that my passion for a place that is so much more than simply a theme park is not unique -- in fact, there are millions of people from around the world who enjoy and appreciate what Walt Disney World represents, and like staying connected however possible to a place that clearly means so much to them on many different levels.
There seems to be a magic chemistry that exists between the Disney and Star Wars properties. Why do you think the pairing has been so successful?
The marriage between Lucas and Disney simply makes perfect sense. Everyone has a connection to Disney just as the Star Wars films have impacted people's lives in many different ways. They both embody a sense of family entertainment that spans multiple generations, and both parallel one another in many respects. Both use groundbreaking technology to be on the forefront of new ways to entertain, yet focus on a very simple formula of family fun.
Both properties -- and this is why Star Wars Weekends continues to be so popular and successful -- allow people of any age to simply be a kid again. You can go to the Disney parks and feel comfortable seeking out and taking a photo with a character, just as you can be equally as comfortable and happy dressing like a Jedi or waiting for a photo with a Wookiee. You always know that you are surrounded by like-minded people who enjoy and are as passionate about both Disney and Star Wars, and that there is instantly a common bond between everyone there.
Star Wars Weekends has introduced a new generation of fans to the original trilogy and the Star Wars universe through new releases like The Clone Wars, and serves to create a generation bond with parents and children as well. And it's important to note that all of the events, discussion panels, autograph sessions and entertainment options during Star Wars Weekends are completely free and included with park admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Doing this makes the events as accessible to as many people as possible, and allows Guests to take a slower pace and be immersed in the entire experience.
In recent years, WDW has added several events and attractions that appeal directly to Star Wars fans -- Jedi Training Academy, Build Your Own Lightsaber, Star Wars Weekends, etc. Is there enough to devote one's entire day at the park to Star Wars activities if one so chooses?
Absolutely! While the Star Tours attraction itself has remained very much the same as it was on its opening day (much to the delight of original trilogy fans like myself), Disney has enhanced the Guest experience by adding on additional elements for both kids and adults. From exiting the attraction into Tatooine Traders and being surrounded by an amazing array of merchandise and collectibles for Star Wars fans, to the opportunity to design and construct your own custom lightsaber allows the Guest an opportunity to continue the experience and enjoyment of all things Star Wars.
But it's one of the newest additions to Disney's Hollywood Studios which affords Guests a truly immersive experience. The construction of the permanent Jedi Academy stage just outside the entrance to the queue (and in the shadow of the AT-AT walker, which is still impressive...most impressive), afford young Padawans the chance to not only be taught how to use a lightsaber, but test their skills against the most feared Sith lords, Darth Vader and Darth Maul! What kid (or kid at heart) wouldn't want to experience that?!
And while the Jedi Training Academy operates all year long, it is during the four weeks in late May and early June that the Force is strongest at Walt Disney World. From its inaugural event in 1997, Star Wars Weekends transforms a large section of Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) into a mecca of all things Star Wars. Divided into the Rebel Base and Imperial Sector, it allows Guests to "join" the Alliance or the Empire (or just have fun at the many events taking place throughout the day). In fact, a Guest could easily spend more than one day during a weekend, or even over multiple weekends enjoying the events, as the celebrity appearances and shows vary from week to week. From participating in character encounters to watching celebrity talk shows or Behind the Force presentations, to gathering your favorite celebrity autographs, shopping in Wicket's Warehouse or simply meeting other Disney/Star Wars fans, there is more than enough to do to keep you immersed in the Star Wars experience. Oh, and did I mention the Hyperspace Hoopla?!
You've been able to witness first-hand the evolution of Star Wars Weekends over the last several years. How do you think it's grown since those first events staged in the late '90s?
I actually remember attending the very first Star Wars Weekends in March of 1997, when the release of the "Special Editions" of the original trilogy had re-ignited a spark of interest in Star Wars fans worldwide. That, coupled with the announcement of Episode I: The Phantom Menace, made being able to celebrate Star Wars in Walt Disney World a dream come true. From a talk show to trivia contests, there was something to enjoy for both kids and adults. Even a full-scale snowspeeder prop on the Backlot Tour was enough to help keep alive a love of Star Wars that never waned.
From 2000 and beyond, the event has changed somewhat, yet continues to grow even bigger and better. Over time, we saw Endor Vendors become Tatooine Traders, the "The Jedi Training Camp" evolve into the permanent "Jedi Training Academy," and the introduction of shows such as "Behind the Force" at the Premiere Theater, and an expanded Wicket's Warehouse merchandise location.
We've seen the introduction of Jedi Mickey as a meet and greet character, as well as Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy and Stormtrooper Donald, and in 2005, the event being extended from four to six weekends to celebrate the release of Revenge of the Sith! We've also seen representatives from Lucasfilm attend events and speak at presentations, offering a much closer, more personal look into the creation of the films. The opportunity to hear from, and then be able to get autographs and photos with celebrities like Carrie Fisher, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Anthony Daniels and so many others has afforded fans an experience like no other.
But there are many aspects of Star Wars Weekends which have become staples, and some of the most anticipated and popular events. For example, the Legends of the Force Celebrity Motorcade is not to be missed, featuring the 501st Legion of Star Wars fans who create their own realistic costumes, and finding and meeting Star Wars characters throughout the park is a big part of the fun. The playful stormtroopers at the entrance gate are legendary and one of the highlights of the day's events, and the Hyperspace Hoopla that closes out the day's events is so good that it's worth visiting the park just to see that show.
Is there any Disney/Star Wars merchandise from the present or past that really gets your geek on?
When I think of Star Wars merchandise, my thoughts immediately go to my collection of the original 12 Star Wars figures (including the Early Bird display stand and free Boba Fett minus the firing rocket pack) still mint in their boxes, tucked safely away in an undisclosed location.
But with the marriage of Disney and Star Wars, the possibilities for incredibly fun, geeky merchandise became endless. Some of my favorites include the mashup figures, both big and small that include Stitch as Yoda, and Minnie as Queen Amidala and Mickey as Anakin. Browsing through Wicket's Warehouse during Star Wars Weekends, or even Tatooine Traders all year long, there are trading pins and posters, as well as clothing (love the Jedi robes with Mickey ears!), action figures (Remember: they're "collectibles" and not toys. It's easier to explain it that way to your wife when you buy the set and leave them in the boxes) and many other items.
The Disney/Star Wars Big Figures are incredibly detailed and if only I had the space to display them, I would probably have tried to collect them all. They are large figurines that stand about 14" to 22" tall, and have been released in series of four figures during Star Wars Weekends events (although 2009 marks the last in the big fig series). From the Donald in Carbonite to the Donald Darth Maul (with glowing dual lightsaber and base, of course), Jedi Mickey and so many more, they are some of the coolest, limited edition collectibles available during Star Wars Weekends. For me, they may be the ultimate Disney/Star Wars collectible, as they are very limited in number (600 of each total) and sell out very quickly. One of the prized pieces in my collection is the Jedi Mickey (with glowing, blue lightsaber) signed and numbered by the artist, Brian Blackmore.
Oh wait...did I also mention that I love my Starspeeder 3000 toy? I mean..."collectible."
What would you like to see happen in the future as a result of the Disney Star Wars relationship?
What I had hoped would happen is taking place already -- that the relationship between Disney and Star Wars continues not just for those of us who grew up with a film that revolutionized moviemaking and defined a generation, but for those kids who may have been introduced to Star Wars through the second trilogy or the new Clone Wars series and film.
My hope is that Star Wars Weekends will continue, as it affords fans an opportunity to celebrate Star Wars with their families and other enthusiasts in a safe, fun environment. With the introduction of the Clone Wars series, the upcoming live-action television series, and the ever-expanding Star Wars universe, there will always be new experiences to enjoy, and a new generation of fans.
While I am a bit of a nostalgic, the idea of a long-rumored update to Star Tours, with the introduction of new technology (the hallmark of both Disney and Star Wars) and a new storyline, is very exciting.
Much of what many Guests enjoy about Star Wars Weekends is the fact that many experiences are not passive, but very interactive -- a trend that I hope continues. Although some of us older Padawan-wannabees can't participate in the Jedi Training Academy, imagine some other type of interactive experience in the parks where adults could wield a lightsaber in a 3D environment, or pilot an X-wing down the Death Star trench, or even dine in the Mos Eisley Cantina.
And when it comes to Disney and Lucas/Star Wars, the beauty in the marriage is that the possibilities are truly endless.
Be sure and check out Lou's WDW Radio website, and if you're in the mood for a little Star Tours trivia, turn the page for a bunch of obscure facts Lou has uncovered about the ride...
