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4/19/2017

Star Wars Celebration Orlando Wrap-Up

A long time ago (last week) in a galaxy far, far away (Orlando) ..
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It's time to become one with the Force and put and end to those pesky rebels, we mean our Star Wars Celebration updates. We had an epic 3 out of 4 days at this years Celebration in Orlando. If you missed any of our live updates from Day One or Day Two be sure you check them out. 



​In this update we're going to wrap up everything that went on at Celebration with the panels and other news in the Star Wars Universe and share some of our favorite pictures and moments of each day. We hope you enjoy. 

Day One

Day One kicked off with an EPIC 40 years of Star Wars panel which had some hilarious moments, some classic moments, cast from all era's of the Star Wars Saga and of course a touching tribute to our Princess. 
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Unfortunately Day One also had some issues in the morning with lines but thankfully they had them all handled by Day Two. We didn't get a chance to see any panels on Day One, but had an epic day exploring Celebration and of course with the awesome fans. 
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Speaking of epic moments, #GarthVader pretty much took Star Wars Celebration by storm, Cosplay In America picked up on our picture, found the person behind Garth Vader and here is his story. 

My buddy and I have done Wayne & Garth a few times for Halloween and some special events. I went to Star Wars Celebration in 2012 (Orlando) not in costume. I was a big fan of the cosplay mash ups! Got tickets for SWCO 2017- originally did not think about doing a costume - but then it came to me. I have Garth - just need to add Vader = Garth Vader.
I already have a great Garth Algar costume. Original thought was to get a movie quality Darth Vader suit. That didn't pan out. Plan B - What would the real Garth get for Darth costume at Halloween? So, I ordered a Deluxe Darth Vader costume from Rubies - and tossed the helmet mask. Had to order some good Vader gloves and a decent red light saber. The shoes are Star Wars Skechers - Darth Vader checkerboard.
Non stop looks, comments, and photos - from the first moment to the last.
In the lines to get in, lines to meet celebs, I think it helped keep people from thinking about the lines. I visited the 501st room - took tons of photos - great sets and props! It was so crazy, every where I went, non stop. Right up to the end of the day. We were trying to leave, getting stopped by people everywhere to take photos. My friend Greg said, "I bet 1000 people took you photo today!"
Many people (attendees, exhibitors, and crew) made positive comments all day. That made me feel great and it didn't matter that my Vader was not movie quality. One guy stopped me for photo and told me he has been to many SWC, and my Garth Vader was the best thing had ever seen. I was actually blown away by that!
There was a guy walking with this daughter. He saw me and did a double take. He asked for a photo, then had me pose with his daughter (maybe 7 years old). She had long blond hair and glasses, like Garth Algar. She told me her dad calls her little Garth - so cute! Got a big high five from her.
The best reactions were from Mark Hamill & Hayden Christensen. They both had the biggest smiles and laughed when I asked them, "Have you seen Obi Wayne Kanobi?" Mark said to me, in all the years of Star Wars Celebration he never met Garth Vader.

Day Two

Day Two once again saw huge crowds but the lines were much better managed and everybody was super excited for The Last Jedi panel. We again didn't quite get into the panel (it seemed for this celebration you pretty much had to camp out to get into any of them) but they did show the panel and trailer on the main show floor which was awesome. 
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Day Two also had some more amazing Cosplay on the show floor and some shopping in the Celebration store where Renée likely broke at least one Credit Card. =) 

Day Three

Unfortunately we didn't have anybody who could attend on Day 3 but that doesn't mean we weren't keeping an eye on all things going on at Celebration. The biggest thing, for us at least was the release of the Star Wars Battlefront II trailer. 

Gregg: I'll be the first to admit I'm a HUGE fan of the first Battlefront although I definitely see why people have issues with it. There's no story mode and some of the game modes **cough**Fighter Squadron**cough** are used WAY too much in the expansion levels. But even with that I totally love the game. 
That said, after seeing the trailer below I'm super excited for Battlefront II. Not only is there a Story mode, but it's told from the perspective on The Empire after the events of Return of the Jedi, which is AMAZING. Plus it's got the multiplayer mode included. We can't wait to get our hands on this in November. 
In addition to that awesome trailer, we also got a look at the 4th and final season of Star Wars Rebels. Seriously, if you aren't watching this show you really need to. The writing is excellent, the characters are fascinating and it's definitely not just a "Star Wars Cartoon". 

Day Four

We found ourselves back at Celebration on day four. For anybody who's ever done all four days of any convention you know that by the last day everybody is exhausted, needs to get their last minute shopping in but that's when you also find it easiest to get some amazing pictures, especially when the last day falls on a holiday. And that's just what happened. 

Some awesome pictures from Morgan of the Sunday fun at Celebration. 

I think for us, as "older" fans of Star Wars, seeing younger people get into the series now is amazing. Some awesome Cosplay here. 
So that's going to wrap it up for our Star Wars Celebration Orlando coverage. A HUGE thanks to Renee and Morgan for putting this all together, it was amazing to be able to follow along. 

We hope you all enjoyed. May the force be with you ... 

Related Updates: 
  • Disneyland - Star Wars Land Update 
  • Rivers of Light debuts at Disney's Animal Kingdom
  • Disneyland Update: Lunar New Year, Empty Park and Security Changes
  • Opening Day of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 
  • Disneyland Resort Update - Avengers Half Marathon, Star Wars Land and Tower of Terror


​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

If you have any comments, please share them below

4/14/2017

Live Star Wars Celebration Orlando Updates - Day Two 

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zWritten by Renée ​Girard
Click any of the pictures below for a larger version
​

Over the next few days we'll be bringing you all the news and fun from Star Wars Celebration Orlando. Keep track of the goings on here and on our social media. 

Day Two - Friday April 14
Joining the Dark Side this morning with my dark roast @Wawa coffee to get me started on day 2 
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​I have to say that even with the west lot full, parking in north/south lots at @OCCC with the free shuttles has been super easy.
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​It's amazing how the line situation has changed since yesterday. Today it is light years better! 
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​Current wristband availablity.
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I​t's kind of unclear which line is which.
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​Finally found the right line to get to the show floor. Getting inside @OCCC was much better than yesterday but indoor lines are worse today
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​At least we're seeing some awesome cosplay while in line. 
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​Giant Ewok! 
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​The aftermath of the overnight queue.
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Well we didn't get into the Last Jedi panel but they'll be showing it on a screen on the show floor. 
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In case you live under a rock, here is the first teaser trailer for The Last Jedi. 

After you watch it, watch it again with headphones, there are so many amazing audio cues in this trailer, which probably tells more of what's coming than the visuals do. Trust us. 
Also, some stills from the trailer courtesy of LucasFilm. 
And seriously, does it get any better than this poster? 
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Scott also created a couple of phone wallpapers of the poster, feel free to download them. 
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​I did score a Lightspeed Lane pass for the store later.
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​Josh Gad is hosting the Last Jedi panel.
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​Rian Johnson talking about Carrie Fisher.
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​Daisy Ridley takes the stage at #TheLastJedi panel. 
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​The show floor is packed with fans watching #TheLastJedi panel. 
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​BB8 has joined the others on stage.
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​John Boyega is here too! 
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​Kelly Marie Tran will play a new character in #TheLastJedi . 
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​The one and only Mark Hamill! 
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​Mark Hamill in #TheLastJedi . 
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​The Last Jedi trailer! It looks amazing! Seeing it in a room full of fans watching it for the first time was epic.
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​Great Disney storm trooper with Mickey ice cream!
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​Some more cosplay on the show floor. 
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​Missed out on the Jabba tiki set yet again. 
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​Getting the Hallmark Popminded exclusives. Blue Snaggletooth sold out already, only 250 per day. 
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​This kid is expressing how all of us are feeling here today.
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​Death Star Christmas tree topper that lights up and plays music. Awesome! 
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​Cantina band, and they actually play their own instruments.
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​Lines for the Funko exclusives are long and they're nearly sold out! 
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​Current wait time for the #StarWarsCelebration store!
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​Good thing I got a ticket this morning. Lightspeed! 
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​Some of the shirts available at the Celebration store. 
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​And more shirts.
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​Plush and things. 
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​Patches and magnet. 
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​Death Trooper costume hoodie. Pants optional.
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​Lots of room to walk around in the store. 
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​Really cool set of pint glasses. 
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​The Last Jedi shirts appear to among one of the most popular items. 
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​Also inside the store is Salacious Crumb's Bakeshop. All but one variety is sold out for today. 
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​Of course I had to get one of the cupcakes.
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​Storm Troopers need vacations too.
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​Really creative Disney/Star Wars cosplay.
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​These guys were taking photos forever! Great job! 
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​Droid racing was a lot of fun to watch. 
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​Lego storm trooper! 
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I never get tired of awesomely creative cosplay!
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​Muppets, yes!!
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​Droid parade going through the show floor.
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​I caught the Running of the Hoods at #SWCO . Hilarious! 

So some back story on this courtesy of Wookieepedia, this is apparently in tribute to Willrow Hood, a background character in The Empire Strikes Back and is a Star Wars Celebration tradition. 
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​Too funny when this Slave Leia met another one.  (What is the dude Slave Leia looking at? Lol) 
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​The variety of cosplay is amazing. You'll see a little bit of everything here. 
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​A very popular photo op spot throughout the Celebration.
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​When it comes to sleeping during #StarWarsCelebration , sometimes you just need a quick nap on the sidewalk. 
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​And so ends our day 2 coverage of #StarWarsCelebration . We'll be taking a break tomorrow but should be back for the final day. 
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Related Updates: 
  • Disneyland - Star Wars Land Update 
  • Rivers of Light debuts at Disney's Animal Kingdom
  • Disneyland Update: Lunar New Year, Empty Park and Security Changes
  • Opening Day of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 
  • Disneyland Resort Update - Avengers Half Marathon, Star Wars Land and Tower of Terror


If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

If you have any comments, please share them below

4/13/2017

Live Star Wars Celebration Orlando Updates - Day One

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Written by Renée ​Girard
Click any of the pictures below for a larger version
Over the next few days we'll be bringing you all the news and fun from Star Wars Celebration Orlando. Keep track of the goings on here and on our social media. 

Day One - Thursday April 13
Welcome to Star Wars Celebration. Lines, lines and more lines. May the Force be with you.
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Finally!! 
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​Rows and rows of queue space for those waiting for the long haul overnight.
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​Our first stop at #SWCO is Lego!
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Got the #LEGOSWCO exclusive set!
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​Think Geek has some awesome merchandise. The tiki set is very tempting. Too bad Jabba is already sold out!
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Droid racing!!!
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Yes! My favorite cosplay so far!
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​My credit card is already crying. 
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Checking out the droid builders. Perhaps these are the droids you're looking for?
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​So impressive and unique!
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​I think I found my favorite droid. 
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How great is this Cosplay?! Lots of creativity going on here.
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​The folks at 501st Legion have an amazing room to visit. 
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​So much detail in their Rose Bowl parade Lego diorama!
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​More from 501st Legion. So great!
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​Well, I won't be going in the Celebration store anytime soon. 
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​I love the shirts from TeeTurtle, and already own a few of them!
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​My face when I saw the line to get in the convention center this morning. 
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​Love seeing droids just rolling around on the show floor.
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​Currently in line for the Funko exclusives, since they're available to non-ticket holders after 2, but the shelves are looking bare.
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​Funko line is now closed. Maybe we'll try again tomorrow. 
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​Star Wars Ana Jet planes. Models have cast autographs. 
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​Seriously amazing Lego displays made by the Greater Florida Lego Users Group
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​I want this car.
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​Want some Star Wars kitchen products? Toasters, waffle makers, you name it!
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​And for more items around the home, how about this couch and coffee table?
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​Hot Wheels Star Wars Celebration show exclusives are still available. 
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​Going camping? Now you can go in Star Wars style!
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​Force Awakens characters made out of Legos.
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​You can make a little Lego at the Building Bay.
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​If you're wanting a Star Wars tattoo, this is the place to go.
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​You can watch some pretty awesome artists at work on Star Wars pieces. 
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​Incredible Force Awakens cosplay. 
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​The line for the Celebration Store is still at 2 hours. Here are the pins they have, with some already sold out. 
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Star Wars Rebels cosplay. Wow!​
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​Lines galore for autographs and photos with the celebrities.
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Something, Something Dark Side 
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​Activities going on at the stage for Star Wars Show Live.
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​Most items are sold out for the day at Funko, but here's what's left. 
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​The custom Star Wars cars around the floor are pretty sweet.
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​Garth Vader! 
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​So happy I got to meet this little guy. 
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​The calm before the storm for those lining up overnight/tomorrow. 
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​Here's the front of the line for those already waiting for tomorrow!
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​That's a wrap from day one of 2017 Star Wars Celebration in Orlando! We'll be back for more tomorrow.
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​My mileage and steps for today after Star Wars Celebration.
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​This is exactly what I needed after today. Thanks Shake Shack! 
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More live updates coming soon!! 

​Related Updates: 
  • Disneyland - Star Wars Land Update 
  • Rivers of Light debuts at Disney's Animal Kingdom
  • Disneyland Update: Lunar New Year, Empty Park and Security Changes
  • Opening Day of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 
  • Disneyland Resort Update - Avengers Half Marathon, Star Wars Land and Tower of Terror


​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

If you have any comments, please share them below
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