To say that Star Wars fans are passionate about the universe conceived by George Lucas is an understatement. From the time the first film debuted in 1977, the movies and subsequent projects (books, TV series, comics, etc.) have amassed an amazing fanbase of people around the world.
In 1999, the fandom got together and held a Star Wars convention in Denver known as Celebration I. Eleven years later, Celebration V will take place in Orlando, Florida, from August 12 to 15, 2010.
What to Expect at Celebration V
Celebration V is an official Lucasfilm event celebrating anything and everything associated with the Star Wars universe. From the stories and characters in the six films to the expanded worlds developed around these movies, the Celebration conventions are a place for the fans to meet the creators, actors, authors and artists who have brought the saga to life.
The four-day event will feature autograph signings, photo opportunities, question and answer panels, live entertainment, a dealer room to purchase memorabilia and thousands of fans dressed up as their favorite characters.
Guests Attending Celebration V
This year's event coincides with a very important anniversary in the Star Wars universe. It is the 30th anniversary of the release of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. As such, the big guns are coming to Celebration V.
Scheduled to be in attendance will be actors Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) - yes, THE Luke and Leia! - along with Anthony Daniels (C3PO), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Ray Park (Darth Maul), Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok), Jake Lloyd (young Anakin Skywalker) and many other actors from the six Star Wars films.
There is also a long list of crew, special effects people, artists, and more in attendance.
But perhaps the biggest reason to attend Celebration V will be the Saturday morning interview session between The Daily Show's Jon Stewart and Mr. George Lucas, himself. It's rare that the creative force behind Star Wars makes a public appearance, so this is one event not to be missed!
Costs for Attending Celebration V
Unfortunately the special VIP packages were gone almost as soon as they were announced. However, general admission passes are still available.
Purchase the passes online in advance to get the best rates. Single day passes for Thursday, Friday and Sunday are $48 per adult. Saturday passes are $54 per adult. A four day pass is the best deal at $128 per adult.
For children age 6-12, pricing is $54 for the four-day pass and $27 for a single day pass.
From August 10 to the day of, prices on all of the tickets, should any remain, will be higher.
There is also a separately ticketed Star Wars party happening at Disney's Hollywood Studios August 14 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets for this are $75 per person.
How to Purchase Passes for Celebration V
All passes, as well as tickets for the Walt Disney World party, can be purchased online at the official Celebration V website. The site also has a complete list of attending guests, travel information for those arriving from outside of Orlando, and full information on the event itself.
Celebration V is already set to be a incredible event for anyone who has the slightest interest in Star Wars. Don't let it sell out. Make plans to attend today.
Michelle Snow - Michelle Snow been a freelance journalist and photographer for over twenty years, specializing in travel and entertainment. She got her ...
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