Star Wars Weekends - what you need to know for opening weekend

May 17, 2011 in "Star Wars Weekends"

Posted: Tuesday May 17, 2011 11:!5am EDT by WDWMAGIC Staff
This year promises to be one of the biggest Star Wars Weekends ever with all the usual Star Wars festivities plus of course the grand opening of the brand new Star Tours. If you have not yet read our review of this incredible new ride, you can check it out here.

With the expected huge crowds, there are a couple of things that are different this year, so be sure to check out the guides when you get to the park, and we've got some of the early details here.

First up, Star Tours will be opening at midday on Friday May 20.

Something sure to make everyone happy is the moving of the Hyperspace Hoopla and the Celebrity Welcome to the large stage infront of the Sorcerer Hat. This will provide better views and much more capacity than in previous years where the Jedi Training stage was used.

The Legends of the Force Motorcade will not be held on Friday May 20 due to the grand opening events surrounding Star Tours. It will be back on Saturday and for the other weekends.

Jabba's Hutt merchandise (the largest merchandise store yet for Star Wars Weekends) will be located in the event area (used for EPSN The Weekend) behind Rock n Roller Coaster.

The Jedi Training Academy has doubled its number of shows for the Weekends, and for the first weekend of May 20 - 22, signups will be located in front of the Indy Stunt Show. For the remaining weekends, sign up will be on the event tables in front of Sounds Dangerous.

The celebrity hosted shows will continue to be located in the Premiere Theater near the Muppets.

The park hours are much longer than in previous years, with the first weekend opening from 8am to midnight.

For more information and photos and video from previous years, head to our Star Wars Weekend pages here.

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