Star Wars Weekends: A Disney Jedi's Dream!

There has recently been much talk about Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, and of the Star Wars franchise that goes with it. However, Disney's affiliation with Star Wars in fact began years ago.

Star Tours was the first Disney attraction inspired by a non-Disney film. The first Star Tours ride opened at Disneyland in January of 1987. Its success resulted in a version at the then Disney-MGM Studios just 2 years later, in December of 1989. There are also versions of the ride at Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland. An updated version named Star Tours: The Adventure Continues opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland in the spring of 2010, and is scheduled to open in Tokyo Disneyland in 2013.



The first Star Wars Weekends festival was held at the then Disney-MGM Studios in 1997. It has since been held in 2000 and 2001. The festival began its annual appearance in 2003.

The Star Wars Weekends are popular with crossover fans of Disney and Star Wars. They feature appearances by celebrities of the Star Wars franchise, parades, and Hyperspace Hoopla! (a music, comedy, and dance show featuring Star Wars characters).

Although these weekends can be crowded, careful planning can result in a fun time for all involved.

Dates have recently been released for the 2013 Star Wars Weekends. The 2013 festival will take place at Disney's Hollywood Studios every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May 17-June 9, 2013.