Celebrating STAR WARS

Since my last post at the start of March the world has change. That post was one of my updated "Planning Your Trip" pieces I'd been slowly doing since the start of the year. Then Covid-19 hit. With all the uncertainty it didn't feel right to keep those posts going as if nothing had happened but I also didn't want to say Celebration wasn't happening because everything was just so uncertain and up in the air. So I unintentionally put this blog on hold. I'm sorry about that. I should have said something even if it was just my own thoughts on the situation. Now, we have an official statement from ReedPOP. This was sent out by email so I know that some people, myself included, won't have received it as for whatever reason Celebration emails can be hit and miss no matter how many times you sign up and set your spam filters. So here is the statement in full: On the surface this might seem like a bit of a none statement. Essentially just saying ...

There's no way around this, Star Wars Celebration is expensive. So unless you've got a camtono of beskar lying around you're going to need to budget. It's certainly possible to have a fantastic time at Celebration without spending anything on top of your tickets, hotel, transport, and food costs, but if you're planning on buying any of the exclusive merchandise, getting an autograph or photo with your favorite Star Wars celebrity, or even going to Disneyland then the costs can add up real quick. My best advice here is to start saving as soon as you can, even a little a month will soon add up, and the sooner you start saving, the more prepared you'll be. The Essentials There are basically four essentials for Star Wars Celebration. Your Tickets The good news is at this point, unless you're waiting on the Lyte exchange, your Celebration badges are likely bought and paid for, so that's one expense you don't have to worry about anymore....

Want to meet up with the Star Wars fans who shared their passion with you over the air waves every week? Earlier this month Coffee with Kenobi announced the Podcast Meetup for Celebration Anaheim. And the best news is - it's free! No sign up, no entry fee, no pressure. Just turn up and hang out with your favourite podcasters and fellow Star Wars fans. The event will take place on Friday, August 28th, in the Mix Lounge at the Hilton Anaheim. The meetup begins as soon as the show floor closes at 19:00 and runs "to whenever our Republic credits run out". Hanging out with fellow Star Wars fans sounds like a great way to spend an evening at Star Wars Celebration!

We have our first confirmed author! On Monday Timothy Zahn, the creator of Grand Admiral Thrawn and Mara Jade, took to Facebook to announce that he will be a guest at this year's Star Wars Celebration, writing; "I can now officially announce that I'll be attending Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim this August. I'll expect to see some of you (probably a LOT of you!) there." The author of the recent Thrawn trilogy will no doubt be discussing his upcoming Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy at a Del Rey Books panel during the four day event. Fans will also likely have the plenty of opportunities to meet the author at signings throughout the Celebration. It's a little unexpected that Zahn announced this himself via Facebook, but I expect an official announcement via StarWars.com will follow next month, matching up with when the attending authors were announced for Celebration Chicago. In addition to Timothy Zahn and the Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy, I expect ...

Have you ever seen a Stormtrooper go bowling? Me neither, but now's your chance! On Thursday August 27th, the opening day of Star Wars Celebration, the 501st Legion will be hosting a "Bowling with Buckets" Tournament to benefit Make a Wish. Whilst the tournament itself is only open to Legion members ( who can buy tickets here ) all are welcome to spectate and take part in both the social side of the event and the silent and live auctions, which both benefit Make a Wish. Taking place at Bowlmor Anaheim, just a twenty minute walk from the convention center, the tournament will consist of 31 teams of 6 competitors and, yes, costumes and buckets will be worn! Team sign is at 16:00 with bowling starting at 17:00. As the Legion says, "We will be honored if you would join us." Legion members will find more information here , and everyone can enjoy a short promotional video right here . FUNDRAISING AND SILENT/LIVE AUCTION DETAILS: Silent Auction: •Item...

We have our first Guest announcement! Dominic Pace, who played the bounty hunter Gekko in episodes one and three of The Mandalorian , will be appearing at Celebration Anaheim courtesy of the Mandalorian Mercs. Dominic made the announcement on Facebook where he confirmed he will be signing a piece of Lucasfilm approved artwork by Todd Alan Smith with a portion of proceeds going to benefit the causes supported by the Mando Mercs. Based on this announcement I'm assuming that Dominic will be signing at the Mandalorian Mercs' table rather than in the Topps autograph area. With our first guest confirmed Celebration will be here before we know it!

This is the way! The Mando Mercs announced their Star Wars Celebration dinner this week and you can join them! Taking place on Saturday, August 29th, the Mercs Dinner Bash will be hosted at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel. Entry to the event costs $100 dollars (with reduced rates for children and official, auxiliary, and supporting members of the Mercs) and includes; Admission to the event Your choice dinner with a choice of four main courses, starter salad, and dessert A cash bar A swag bag full of Mandalorian Merc goodies The option to purchase discounted tickets for Disneyland Silent Auction The festivities begin at 19:00 with doors open from 18:00 so you'll have plenty to time to head back to your room for a quick change or to drop off your merch after a day at Celebration. Those attending the event can even pick up a customized ticket at the Mando Mercs' fan table during Celebration. You can buy tickets now via the Mandalorian Mercs...