New Star Wars Character Action Figures Arrive in March at Disney Parks
posted on February 22nd, 2012 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
New action figures featuring Disney characters playing characters from the Star Wars universe are due to arrive at Disney Parks in March. We first showed artwork of these figures in August 2010 (good things come to those who wait!). I spoke with Cody Hampton, developer for Toys and Games, to learn about their development.
“We’ve been working on the wave five figures for more than two years,” explained Cody. “We originally wanted to release them last year at Star Wars Weekends. With so much great new development for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at that time, we pushed out [the action figures] release date to spring 2012. I’m thrilled to see these figures arriving soon as they are some of my favorites.”
Cody has been involved with development of the Disney character Star Wars action figures since series three. His favorite figure in the series is Donald Duck as the Clone Trooper, Commander Cody (how fitting!). I like Donald Duck’s nephews as Jawas (probably because I dressed like a Jawa for Halloween when I was five – still my favorite costume of all time).
Disney Design Group artist Mike Sullivan drew the first sketches for the characters in this series. Then senior character artist Casey Jones used those sketches to create the technical drawings shared with the manufacturer. Cody explained that collaboration between Disney and Lucasfilm was a key ingredient for success.
“The Lucasfilm team was great collaborative partners,” said Cody. “We first thought Stitch would be perfect to play the bounty hunter Cad Bane from ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ animated series because he had blue skin like Bane’s character. The Lucasfilm team suggested turning Goofy blue to play Bane and save Stitch for General Grievous. In the end, this worked better from a character design since Stitch has four arms like Grievous’ character.”
The figures will be released at locations in Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Unfortunately, they will not be available via the Disney Parks Online Store. If you aren’t visiting the parks soon, you can also contact Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services at 1-877-560-6477 or email merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com once they are released.
May the Force be with you!
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First Look at Merchandise for Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
posted on February 9th, 2012 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
When I saw the artwork pictured above, I knew that February 10 would be the perfect day to give a first look at some merchandise we are creating for Star Wars Weekends 2012. I couldn’t get over the dramatically awesome pose of Donald Duck playing the role of Darth Maul from “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.” I discovered that Tyler Dumas and Casey Jones from Disney Design Group were the artists behind this main merchandise poster artwork. I recently spoke with Tyler about its creation one afternoon while in his office.
“Designing the main poster artwork is a collaborative process that starts with talking to LucasFilm,” explained Tyler. “With the release of ‘Star Wars: Episode I’ in 3D, we wanted Donald Duck to play one of the coolest characters from that film – Darth Maul. We combed over a variety poses for Donald before finding the striking image that was used.”
Tyler told me that there will be two posters this year – one like the image above and one will be a smaller lenticular poster which makes Donald Duck look like he is leaping off the page. Tyler said they incorporated a key learning from Star Wars Weekends 2011 into this year’s poster design.
“The character image will be printed on a white background,” continued Tyler. “Last year, we printed on white as a way to make the image stand out. We noticed that some fans were using the poster to collect autographs. We thought that was a great idea, so we kept the white background.”
The main poster artwork served as inspiration for several new items that will be introduced this year. My Rebel spies were able to obtain samples of three items from Lindsay Voigt, Product Developer for Star Wars Weekends merchandise. One of my favorite items is a sculpted mug designed by Disney artist Brian Blackmore and features Donald Duck. The mug reminded me of a sculpted Chewbacca mug I had growing up.
These three items are only a handful of things we developed. I can’t wait to share additional looks in the coming months (three words – “Look sir, Droids!”). Star Wars Weekends will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning on May 18 and will run through June 10.
Vintage Walt Disney World: The Force Lands at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
posted on January 12th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center
The grand opening and dedication for the Star Tours attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios took place Jan. 13, 1990. Back in August 1989, the entrance and queue area for the attraction were still under construction, as seen below.
The queue area was inspired by Return of the Jedi, with Imperial forces invading the Ewok village on the forest moon of Endor. Most impressive is the towering 35-foot Imperial All-Terrain Armored Transport Walker (AT-AT) near the attraction’s entrance. (Don’t be too impressed with my Star Wars vehicle knowledge. I cheated and looked it up … and I was pronouncing it A-T A-T by mistake.)
If you haven’t had a chance to experience the new Star Tours –The Adventures Continue in 3-D, you need to make your way over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a fun adventure. Of course, if you’re going to arrive by AT-AT, just be careful while parking…
(Disclaimer: The above composite was used to promote Star Wars Weekends in 2010. Dates for the 2012 event can be found here).
25 Years Ago Today: Star Tours Debuts at Disneyland Park
posted on January 9th, 2012 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Though it may seem like something that happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, it was actually 25 years ago today at Disneyland park that the very first guests were transported to Endor on a Starspeeder.
This fun photo from 1987 says it all – the creative forces at Disney and Lucasfilm joined together to create something truly groundbreaking. Twenty five years later, that partnership continues as Disney Parks guests travel to even more amazing worlds in the Star Wars galaxy in Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.
Here’s to 25 years of out-of-this-world fun! What are your favorite Star Tours memories?
Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Dates Announced
posted on December 2nd, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
We have confirmed dates to share today for next year’s Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. The galactic fun begins on May 18 and will run through June 10. And of course the centerpiece of the experience will be our 3-D Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction that debuted this summer. Here are the weekends:
2012 Star Wars Weekend Dates
- May 18-20
- May 25-27
- June 1-3
- June 8-10
Star Wars Weekends is an annual event that celebrates the Star Wars film saga and the hit animated TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. During the celebration, we host special shows, presentations and offer some pretty cool memorabilia. Check back on the Disney Parks Blog in upcoming months for more details about this annual celebration of all-things-Star Wars.
Take a look back at Star Wars Weekends 2011:
- A Look Back at Weekend III and a Look Ahead to Weekend IV of Star Wars Weekends 2011
- Jedi, Wookiees and Sith, Oh My! Star Wars Weekends Launches at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Feel the Force at Star Wars Weekends 2011!
Disney Parks Blog Exclusive Photo: Matt Lanter of ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ Visits Disneyland Park
posted on November 21st, 2011 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
When the actor who voices Anakin Skywalker on the hit series Star Wars: The Clone Wars visits Disneyland park, you just know that he’s going to check out Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, and that is exactly where we caught up with Matt Lanter.
Here is what Matt had to say when I caught up with him inside the Star Trader, moments after exiting his Starspeeder 1000.
“Star Tours is amazing – so awesome. The 3-D is incredible! I mean you can come and experience this more than 50 times in a row and have a different experience every time. That is pretty unique from any other ride.”
I then asked Matt if he’s able to experience Star Tours as other fans do, or does being a part of the Star Wars universe make it different somehow for him?
“It’s really weird for me. I’m such a fan of Star Wars. So on one side I experienced it just like a fan – just in awe of being in these worlds that I’m such a fan of. But at the same time, because I’m part of Star Wars: The Clone Wars I felt like I was watching other people to see their reactions. Like everyone at Lucasfilm, I have such pride and passion for Star Wars, it’s so great to see people enjoy it as much as we all enjoy being a part of it.”
New Star Tours Intergalactic Destination Blasts Off on Disney.com
posted on June 30th, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
To celebrate the reopening of the Star Tours attraction at Disneyland and the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney.com has launched a new online destination that takes intergalactic travelers on an exciting adventure through hyperspace to a galaxy far, far, away! The site features exclusive videos starring Bree Starlighter, Chief Holo-Communications Officer and galactic travel liaison for Star Tours, who gives an inside look at some of the 54 destinations Star Tours guests might experience and the likely characters they’ll encounter on their excursion.
In addition to the videos, some of which are hidden for fans to find, the site features character bios, descriptions of the Star Tours planet destinations and behind-the-scenes footage from the attraction. For intergalactic fun the whole family will enjoy, fans can download exclusive Star Tours crafts, printables, recipes and more, from DisneyFamily.com.
Best of Both Worlds at Disneyland Resort
posted on June 23rd, 2011 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
I know many of you are Star Wars fans, and above all, Disney fans! So what do you get when those two things come together? Two very special Sci-Fi Academy-themed pin release and signings are taking place this summer at the Disneyland Resort.
In one of my recent posts about Disney Pins, I gave you a heads up to “mark your calendars” for July 9 and August 6. Here’s a glimpse at some of the pins that will be released at each event.
First up, A Piece of Alderaan History. What does that mean exactly? Well, any Star Wars fan will tell you, that Alderaan was once home to Princess Leia, a peaceful planet that met its untimely demise when Grand Moff Tarkin demonstrated the power of the Death Star in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. Our product development team cleverly created a pin featuring Darth Vader that contains a representation of the planet Alderaan.
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What else do we have “in store” for you for during the July release and signing with artist Casey Jones? How about Disneyland Resort attraction-themed postcard and pin sets featuring some of your favorite characters, like nutty Chip ‘n’ Dale in Rocket to the Moon or Pluto and the Flying Saucers. You can also look forward to a special limited edition set of four pins which comes complete in what is being called The New Century Compendium of the Extraordinary – Volume I.
Tip: Online wristbands for the opportunity to purchase these pins is taking place now through June 29.
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Too much PINformation, or are you ready for more? How about a quick look at some of the pins that will be released at the August event, which feature memorable quotes and images from iconic Star Wars films. Here’s a special note: We just learned that Artist and Global Creativity & Innovation Director Chris Chapman will be on hand for a special appearance and signing on August 6.
Tip: The online wristband opportunity to purchase these Star Wars quotes pins begins July 15.
So now you’re in the know for all events this summer related to pins. And if you’re looking for other fun places to trade during your visit to the Resort, Come Out and Trade takes place daily from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Westward Ho Trading Co. in Frontierland at Disneyland park. Or you can jet over to Fly ‘n’ Buy in Disney California Adventure park where there is a special area for you to trade stories and pins with fellow fans.
Disney Parks Guests Can Become Padawans at Jedi Training Academy
posted on June 22nd, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
Star Tours is now departing from Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but If you’re looking to add more Star Wars fun to your Disney Parks vacation, Jedi Training Academy is the experience you’re looking for.
Guests ages 4-12 from the show audience have the chance to become part of the class. They learn some impressive lightsaber moves from their Jedi Master and instructors, using their “training” lightsabers, of course. Cloaked in Jedi robes, the Padawans-to-be even get a chance to face off with some of the galaxy’s most feared Sith. Will they join the dark side?
Jedi Training Academy is located at the at the Tomorrowland Terrace Stage in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park and at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios Backlot. Be sure to check daily entertainment schedules at each park for show times.
A Look Back at Weekend III and a Look Ahead to Weekend IV of Star Wars Weekends 2011
posted on June 9th, 2011 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
Churros – they’re not just for eating anymore. Well at least not if you’re our favorite Star Wars Weekends roving reporter, John. While we strongly advise you not to try it at home, John learns just how skilled world-renowned martial artist and actor Ray Park is when it comes to performing the moves that made Darth Maul one of the most memorable characters in the Star Wars Saga.
With that as a tease, let’s join John for the rest of his journey through Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Weekend III of Star Wars Weekends 2011, meeting fans of all ages and also going behind-the-scenes with actor Matt Lanter. Lanter, who provides the voice of Anakin Skywalker (and several other characters, as John discovers) in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, also is known for his portrayal of bad boy “Liam Court” on the TV series “90210.”
John also takes a look ahead at the galactic fun planned for the final three days of Star Wars Weekends 2011, while taking another look at the newest centerpiece of the celebration, “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.”
Finally, if you’re planning on joining us for the final weekend June 10-12, you can get a head-start on your planning with an official event guide, available online here.
