Blog Archives
Star Wars Half Marathon Event Sprinting Toward Walt Disney World Resort in 2016
This intergalactic quest through the Walt Disney World Resort blasts off April 14-17, 2016 and channels the Dark Side of the Force. Events include a 5K, 10K, kids’ races and half marathon. There will also be a Star Wars Dark Side Challenge — running the 10K and the half marathon on consecutive days – that offers each finisher a Death Star-themed medal.
Runners who join the Galactic Empire will enjoy a true Star Wars experience, including Dark Side-inspired medals and merchandise throughout the weekend.
This new race follows the debut of the popular Star Wars-themed race at Disneyland Resort, which will return in January as the “Star Wars Half Marathon – the Light Side”.
Guests who dare to experience both Star Wars races will have the chance to take on the Kessel Run Challenge — completing the Star Wars half marathon missions on both coasts. Kessel Run Challenge runners can earn a commemorative “Coast to Coast” medal inspired by the Millennium Falcon starship.
Registration for “Star Wars Half Marathon – the Dark Side” opens Sept. 22, 2015 at noon ET and remember, you can book a Magic Your Way Package for this event.
– Cody Woodbrey
Star Wars-Themed Lands Coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts
This last weekend at D23 EXPO 2015, Bob Iger announced to the world that Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort, and Disneyland Park at the Disneyland Resort will be getting Star Wars-themed lands.
With the creation of the all new Star Wars lands at both theme parks will be Disney’s largest single themed land expansions ever at 14 acres each, transporting guests to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life. You heard that right, these two lands will have an all new character experiences where you can meet the Star Wars characters all year round. Another experience guests have been asking for over the years.
“I am thrilled to announce the next chapter in the long and exciting history between Disney Parks and Star Wars,” said Iger. “We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever. These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.”
Each of these lands will include two main signature attractions. One of which will allow guests to experience and all new thrilling battle experience, The other attraction allows guests to take controls of one of the most famous ships in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, as they take on a customized secret mission.
Dates have not yet been announced as to when everything is to take place but it’s coming and that’s what everyone is looking forward to. When more information and dates are released I will be sure to announce and post them… May the Force be with you!
– Cody Woodbrey
Celebrities and Entertainment Announced for Star Wars Weekends 2015 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Once again, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is hosting this year’s Star Wars Weekends. Over the course of 5 weekends, Friday – Sunday, May 15 – June 14, guests have the opportunity to feel the power of the force with all new entertainment along with the chance to meet some of their favorite celebrities from the Star Wars films.
The universe of Star Wars comes to life for guests through having more than 60 Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greet opportunities, a Star Wars motorcade, and the “Symphony in the Stars” nighttime fireworks spectacular saluting iconic sounds of the films. The event will also feature event-exclusive merchandise at Darth’s Mall, Star Wars-inspired dining offerings where guests meet Star Wars characters, specialty food and beverages, interactive activities, and much more.
Many of the Star Wars Weekends’ favorite celebrities will be returning to this year’s event, such as: Warwick Davis – Wald and Wicket W. Warrick; Ray Park – Darth Maul; Peter Mayhew – Chewbacca; and several others. These celebrities, including the newcomers, will appear each weekend in star conversations, talk shows, autograph sessions, and motorcades.
Bringing his evil powers to Star Wars Weekends for the first time, actor Ian McDiarmid, Senator/Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars movies, will kick off Weekend I, May 15-17. And, to balance out the appearance of the dark side with a beacon of light, actor Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda in the Star Wars movies, will make his first event appearance in Weekend V, June 12-14, to finish out the event. Below is the full lineup of celebrities with the weekend they will be attending.
Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of my own experiences and excitement for attending Star Wars Weekends, so stay tuned for more information!
– Cody Woodbrey
Star Wars at Sea!
There will be 8 Select Disney sailings in 2016 on the Disney Fantasy that will have the Star Wars Day at Sea! These sailings will be a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise departing from Port Canaveral. Ports of call for these sailings are Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. The Star Wars Day at Sea is scheduled for the day after porting at Grand Cayman.
Talk about an out-of-this-world experience!! Happening one day during each of the eight sailings, guests will have a galactic experience that has never happened before on a Disney Cruise. Guests will get the opportunity to meet their favorite characters from the films, participate in galactic deck parties, watch fireworks, meet some of the actors from the films, and so much more. This is a cruise you don’t want to miss! Below is the outline of the Star Wars Day at Sea as given by Disney Cruise Line.
Star Wars Day at Sea event includes the following:
Force-filled Fun for Everyone
- Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Boba Fett, Stormtroopers and other characters from across the Star Wars galaxy will be onboard for scheduled meet and greets, as well as roaming on deck and elsewhere around the ship. You’re also are encouraged to dress up in your own stellar costumes!
- A shipboard version of the popular Jedi Training Academy experience invites young Jedi hopefuls — known as “Padawans” — to learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master. They can then use the Force and face off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader.
- Kids and families enjoy friendly competition during Star Wars trivia games, covering fun facts from the film and television sagas.
- For Younglings, Star Wars-themed arts and crafts, games and activities will be offered throughout the day in Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab youth clubs.
- In the evening, adults entering the night club will feel like they stepped into the Mos Eisley cantina scene. Characters and cantina music set the mood as Star Wars-themed specialty cocktails are served.
Film Screenings and Celebrities
- You can watch the first six Star Wars films and follow Darth Vader, Obi Wan Kenobi, Luke and Leia along their epic journey.
- Also showing will be episodes of the new Disney X D animated series, Star Wars Rebels.
- On each of the special sailings, celebrities and insiders from the Star Wars galaxy will share their experiences, meet fans and sign autographs.
Star Wars Deck Party and Fireworks
- There’s intergalactic fun when the Star Wars deck party blasts off to an exciting evening filled with music, dancing and games.
- Star Wars characters converge on the deck stage for a celebration of the Star Wars saga in a show featuring special effects and Guest participation.
- The deck party culminates in a spectacular display of themed pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects, lasers and Star Wars music.
Star Wars Day at Sea is available on these select sailings :
- January 9
- January 23
- February 6
- February 20
- March 5
- March 19
- April 2
- April 16
Contact me for more information or to book your Disney Cruise and May The Force Be With You!
– Cody Woodbrey
Disney’s Villains Unleashed Event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Full Character List
Earlier this summer Disney Events announced their newest event, “Villains Unleashed”. Where over 50 Disney Villains will be running wild throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios causing mischief and mayhem. Below is the full list of Villains attending this event. Keep in mind characters are subject to change.
Click on the link for more information on the event – Disney’s Villains Unleashed Event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
List of Disney Villains Attending
- Maleficent – Sleeping Beauty
- Jafar – Aladdin
- Evil Queen – Snow White
- The Hag (Evil Queen transformed) – Snow White
- Shenzi – Hyenas from the Lion King
- Banzai – Hyenas from the Lion King
- Ed – Hyenas from the Lion King
- Sheriff of Nottingham – Robin Hood
- Prince John – Robin Hood
- Queen of Hearts – Alice in Wonderland
- Cheshire Cat – Alice in Wonderland
- Gaston – Beauty and the Beast
- Dr. Facilier – Princess and the Frog
- Oogie Boogie – Nightmare before Christmas
- Captain Hook – Peter Pan
- Mr. Smee – Peter Pan
- Hades – Hercules
- Meg – Hercules
- Pain – Hercules
- Panic – Hercules
- Br’re Bear – Song of the South
- Br’re Fox – Song of the South
- Barbosa – Pirates of the Caribbean
- Shan Yu – Mulan
- Lady Tramaine – Cinderella
- Anastasia – Cinderella
- Drizella – Cinderella
- Big Bad Wolf – The Three Little Pigs
- Foulfellow – Pinocchio
- Gideon – Pinocchio
- Stromboli – Pinocchio
- Yzma – Emperors New Groove
- Kronk – Emperors New Groove
- Cruella De Vil – 101 Datamations
- Horace – 101 Datamations
- Jasper- 101 Datamations
- Gov. Radcliffe – Pocahontas
- Frollo – The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Bowler Hat Guy – Meet the Robisons
- Darth Vader – Star Wars
- Stormtroopers – Star Wars
- Emperor Palpatine – Star Wars
- Imperial Guard – Star Wars
- Jango Fett – Star Wars
- Boba Fett – Star Wars
- Darth Maul – Star Wars
- Zam Wensel – Star Wars
- Tusken Raider – Star Wars
- Guarian Guard – Star Wars
- Asajj Venturess – Star Wars
- Aurra Sing – Star Wars
- Jawa – Star Wars
This is one of the most anticipated events of the year and tickets are expected to sell out fairly quickly. Don’t be caught without a ticket! May your night be full of Villainous activities!
– Cody Woodbrey
Disney Villains Unleashed Event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The massively popular Disney Villains will take center stage for a special hard-ticketed event later this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Join hosts Hades and Meg at this year’s Disney Villains Unleashed event. There will be over 50 Disney Villains running wild throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios causing mischief and mayhem. Some of the exclusive entertainment is as follows: “Hades Hangout & Dance Party,” “Oogie Boogie’s Variety Show,” a Star Wars villain zone, a new “Villainy In The Skies” fireworks spectacular, and a villain-inspired pre-show to “Fantasmic!”. There will also be face painting, exclusive merchandise, food and beverages, and more. Guests are encouraged to dress up and show off their Disney villain side. Select attractions will still be open for enjoyment, including The Twilight Zone – Tower of Terror, Rock N Roller Coaster, Toy Story Mania! and Star Tours.
The event ‘Villains Unleashed’ will take place on Saturday, August 23 at 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Ticket sales begin on June 6th for Annual Pass Holders and DVC members and on June 9th for the general public. You can purchase tickets with Woodbrey Family Travel. Adult tickets cost $67 plus tax and children ages 3-9 cost $62 plus tax.
This is one of the most anticipated events of the year and tickets are expected to sell out fairly quickly. Don’t be caught without a ticket! May your night be full of Villainous activities!
– Cody Woodbrey
Here are some of the Disney Villains you will meet at the event…
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