Star Wars Galactic Nights at Walt Disney World is Force-tastic

Star Wars Galactic Nights debuted at Walt Disney World’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park on Friday, April 14, 2017. Star Wars Galactic Nights was “one-time-only” special event timed to coincide with Star Wars Celebration Orlando that took place April 13-16 at the Orange County Convention Center. Tickets for Star Wars Galactic Nights cost $129 for adults ($124 for children 9 and under) and quickly sold out. Curious to what you received for that price? Continue reading for photos and videos of the Force-tastic night.

Stars in Cars Motorcade Parade

The evening started with a procession of Star Wars celebrities including Vanessa Marshall (voice of Hera, Star Wars Rebels), Alan Tudyk (K-2SO, Rogue One), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), and more rolled down Hollywood Blvd. But first, Captain Phasma demonstrated the power and strength of the First Order with a march of stormtroopers.

Seize the Saga Interactive Scavenger Hunt

Each guest was handed a lanyard and credential upon entering for the Seize the Saga Scavenger Hunt. At seven locations around the park, Star Wars photo backdrops were set up where guests could step into scenes from the films, including a newly created backdrop from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. At each location visitors received a sticker representing each of the eight Star Wars films to affix to your credential. These pieces came together and formed a keepsake for the event.

Inside the Saga: Celebrity Chat Show

Vanessa Marshall, the voice of Hera from Star Wars Rebels, hosted the “Inside the Saga: Celebrity Chat Show.” She welcomed guests from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story including John Knoll (visual effects supervisor, executive producer, story) and Alan Tudyk (K-2SO) and discussed the making the latest installment to the Star Wars franchise.

DJ Dance Party

Throughout the evening the Rebel Base served as Star Wars Galactic Nights hub featuring a dance party with DJ Elliot all night in the center of the Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Hollywood Studio Attractions

Disney’s Hollywood Studios took on a distinct Star Wars feel with thousands of costumed fans in addition to the roaming Disney Parks characters. There were AWR Troopers (Advanced Weapons Research, i.e. “Death” Troopers from Rogue One), roaming droids, trading Jawas, and even Ewoks cavorting in their natural habitat.

It was such a fun experience to ride Star Tours – The Adventures Continue with a transport full of crazed Star Wars fanatics. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was transformed into a Star Wars Edition for the event, with a John Williams’ soundtrack and star-field visuals throughout the ride. And Star Wars Launch Bay officially debuted its BB-8 meet & greet with the spunky droid.

There was even special Star Wars themed food and beverage offerings on tap including lightsaber churros. What better way to channel the Force than with a sweet treat, “you don’t know the SWEETness of the dark side!”

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

Star Wars Galactic Nights wrapped up at midnight with fire in the skies of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular – the park’s popular Star Wars-themed nighttime spectacular that was added for summer 2016.

Rumor has it Star Wars Galactic Nights will be a recurring event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios replacing Star Wars Weekends that ended in 2015. No dates have been released or announced, but given the popularity of Star Wars Weekends as well as Galactic Nights, it’s a pretty sure bet we haven’t seen the last of it.