Wow, what a first meet-up. Hundreds of Star Wars fans and Disney Parks Blog readers joined us at midnight for a first experience on “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” at Walt Disney World Resort.
Meet-up attendees got the red carpet treatment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios before a galactic welcome by Bree Starlighter and other favorite Star Wars characters.
There were also a few extra-special opportunities, including a discussion and Q&A with Walt Disney Imagineers Steven Speigel and Kathy Rogers. Both answered questions about the attraction and shared behind-the-scenes details on how it was created. Senior Character Artist Casey Jones and Senior Design Manager Jonathan Bishop also signed special posters.
Sure, there were some unique experiences but it was you who really made our meet-up extra special. We made many new friends, including Adam Pitzer and Stephanie Weis, who traveled here from Jersey City. Both are getting married on Saturday and decided a Star Tours Meet-Up was the perfect way to kick off a special weekend.
Kevin and Jennifer Thomas also traveled from Illinois for the experience and during the night, their daughter Zoey learned the ways of a Jedi Knight. Of course, we met too many people to name in this post but take a look at who else joined in the party.
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Thank you to everyone for an amazing meet-up. If you attended this morning, please let us know what you thought. Did you meet someone new?
15 Comments 5 Replies
Regina on May 20th, 2011 at 3:27 pm
We had an awesome time! Thanks to Disney World and the Disney Blog for giving us this incredible opportunity. It was nice to meet you in line for the Star Tours, Thomas!
Remember: Come to the Dark Side. We have cookies!!!!
Thomas Smith on May 20th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Of course, how can I not remember those awesome shirts…everyone loved them. It was nice to meet you too, Regina. Thanks again for coming.
William on May 20th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
Looks like I really missed out on a fun time.
Harry on May 20th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
I really enjoyed it! I only wished that there had been some sort of schedule available for the evening’s events. Unfortunately, I missed out on a lot of the Q&A with Imagineers because I was on the ride. No biggie, though. Thanks for the event!
edwin from FL on May 20th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
Just got back from the park!! got to see George Lucas in the parade and opening speech, cool fireworks and a huge line for rare collectibles…I am going back on sunday and just had a lot of fun..Only hint, go early. [Extremely for autographs.]
John from CA on May 20th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
Any chance you’ll be at the Disneyland grand opening on June 3rd Mr. Smith? I read this blog every day and would love to meet you.
Thomas Smith on May 21st, 2011 at 4:36 pm
Thank you for checking us out every day, John. And yes, there’s a chance I’ll be out there. I’d enjoy saying hi.
Eddie on May 20th, 2011 at 7:29 pm
Eye spy a Lou Mongello from WDW Radio in one of those photos!
Looks like a great time was had by all.
Have s great day,
Steamboat Eddie
Janet from CA on May 20th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
EyeSpy Chewbacca in one of those photos. And he was looking mighty fine, too. But seriously, it was fun following the live Twitter feed last night. I loved all the photos & videos that everyone tweeted. I can’t wait to check out the new ride. Thanks for sharing the StarTours excitement with your fans.
Michael on May 20th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
Thank you all SO much for a fantastic event last night. My sons and I had an amazing time. Although…the whole “falling asleep in the car while driving back to St. Petersburg” was a little annoying.
Thomas Smith on May 21st, 2011 at 4:37 pm
Glad to hear you had a great time. It was great to meet everyone and make some new friends.
Patrick on May 20th, 2011 at 10:37 pm
A great event, we had a fantastic time. I hope there are more just like this for any reason. Disney always does a special event better than anyone else. Great job!
Thomas Smith on May 21st, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Thanks, Patrick. And yes, we’re planning more meet-ups in the future – keep an eye on the Blog.
Courtney on May 20th, 2011 at 10:42 pm
LOU MONGELLO!!
Judy on May 20th, 2011 at 11:01 pm
We went and had a blast! Love the Star Tours posters you gave out. They are awesome! We got Hoth and Naboo and wish you sold them so we could complete our set. I would so buy them!! Thanks!!!
Thomas Smith on May 21st, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Glad you enjoyed the meet-up and the posters. We had a great time too.
Aaron from KY on May 21st, 2011 at 7:52 pm
We had a blast! One of the coolest things I’ve ever had a chance to be a part of as WDW!
Wendy on May 21st, 2011 at 11:03 pm
I had a really fun time at the Star Tours Meet Up. I was exhausted the next day but it was totally worth it. Thanks so much for the experience and the Disney Parks Blog pin.
Brandee from FL on May 23rd, 2011 at 10:07 am
We had an absolutely incredible time! A friend and I brought our sons and rode Star Tours 6 times. It was more than the boys could have ever asked for and a true once in a lifetime experience. Trading trash with a Jawa and riding the ride with actual Star Wars characters are experiences they will remember forever. Thanks so much!
Jennifer on May 24th, 2011 at 9:53 am
Thank you so much for the opportunity! It was so great to meet you Thomas
We had a blast and my daughter is still talking about riding with Princess Leia and getting a kiss on the cheek! We made many memories this trip but this was definitely the most memorable one. We truly felt like VIP’s and our 8:30 am Princess Breakfast at Akershus was hard to stay awake at 
15 Comments