Star Wars Weekends Returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 17-June 9

For four weekends each spring, Star Wars fans (and fanatics) converge on Disney's Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends. This year, the intergalactic celebration starts May 17 and continues until June 9.

While the guest list is still a work in progress we can report that Ray Park who starred as the Sith warrior Darth Maul is scheduled to appear during Weekend I and Weekend II, and Warwick Davis who portrayed Ewok Wicket W. Warwick is scheduled for Weekend III and Weekend IV.

Darth Maul Actor Ray Park

If you have never experienced Star Wars Weekends, it's an event you want to add to your Walt Disney World "must do" list! Whether you're a fan of the movies or a full-blown Star Wars geek this event has something for everyone.

The Star Wars fun begins before you even enter Hollywood Studios as there are Stormtroopers stationed overhead at the park's queue. Listen very closely and you might hear them talking about the throngs of guests arriving.

Storm Troopers Welcome Park Guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios

While celebrity autographs are available, you might also run into Stormtroopers patrolling the park - and they're often willing to sign your autograph books. For the celebrity autographs, be sure to get a Fast Pass ticket prior to park opening to guarantee your spot in line at the celebrity autograph kiosk located outside the front gate entrance. Stand-by tickets are available once FastPass tickets are distributed.

For Jedi hopefuls, kids ages 4 to 12 can test out their Lightsaber skills at the Jedi Training Academy. Guest can sign up for the Training Academy outside the queue near the ABC Sound Studio when the park opens. Twelve potential Jedi are chosen for each show and must arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled show. The Jedi Training Academy is a first come, first served activity.

Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano

And we can't forget about Star Tours - The Adventure Continues. This is a definite must-ride attraction during Star Wars Weekends! You might even be "lucky" enough to be picked as the Rebel Spy!

Other events during Star Wars Weekends include Hyperspace Hoopla and a character parade. Check the daily park schedule for exact events, times, and locations. And be sure to keep an eye out for Mickey Mouse as a Jedi Knight.

Scan The Dark Side QR Code

Want all the latest at your finger tips? Come to the Dark Side, just Scan Vader's QR Code on your smart phone for a link to the Star Tours facebook page! You can also follow the Star Wars Weekends fun on Twitter using the hashtag #StarWarsWeekends. And be sure to check back here for more updates on special guests, events and more Star Wars fun!

Thanks so much to Traci C. for gathering together all details on this stellar annual event! Is the force with you? Leave a comment below and let us know if you're looking forward to Star Wars Weekends!