Star Wars Day At Disneyland

This is what we want...

©Disney

...but so far not what we've gotten.

We know scores of people that go each and every year to Walt Disney World for what can only be described as a "Star Wars Bonanza". In fact, one of Chad's best friends went last year and that's how we have a copy of the map from Disney's Hollywood Studios about the event.  One year we hope, really hope, to go for ourselves.  And we know that there's a lot of back and forth all the time between Disneyland people and Disney World people about which Parks get which attractions, shows, events and what-not.  It can get downright crazy sometimes!  But we've never really gotten too involved in things like that.  We figure if they want to hold it in Orlando, that's fine.  Just one more reason for us to get there one summer so that we can experience it for ourselves.

But did you know that The Park, our Park, has its very own "Star Wars" event of sorts?  Okay, so it's not officially endorsed by The Parks, and it's in much the same vein as "Bats Day In The Park" (which if you've never seen you simply must!), but it's nonetheless a lot of fun and a great way to connect with other "Star Wars" fans from all over southern California.  It started out as a "protest" of sorts to Star Wars Weekends being only in Orlando, but is now a big get-together of like-minded geeks with a hankering for Jawas and droids, and is now in its fifth year and has a lot of people coming out each and every year. 

Last year's was a really fun event for us as it was our first time attending, at the behest of the same friend who went to Star Wars Weekends in Orlando last year (and all we got was a crummy map - bazinga!).  Since it is an "unofficial" day that The Park really has nothing to do with (other than having a photographer take our picture but more on that in a minute), it's basically just a free-for-all to do whatever you want to do as the day goes on.  We basically just strolled around and rode attractions all day long, meeting other Fanboys all over The Park and getting into all kinds of interesting conversations and debates.  And of course, riding Star Tours.  This year's should be extra special because of the re-opening of the attraction, and we'll hopefully get to ride with a lot of our fellow fans (men and women) this year as well.

Also, even though it is officially "unofficial", there are a couple of events that are "scheduled" (enjoy the way we're putting darn near everything in quotation marks?) every year.  "Star Wars" Fan Clubs such as Fan Force, The 501st and Rebel Legion meet annually at Redd Rockett's Pizza Port in Tomorrowland for lunch at noon (anyone who wishes to come is invited to attend), and there is also a large group photo taken in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at 2 o'clock, which is probably the big "event" of the day.  We are in fact in last year's photo in the back row.  Extra points to anyone who can spot us!

Photo courtesy of Star Wars Day At Disneyland

So there you have it. It might not be an "official" extravaganza the likes of which (at least to this point) only Disney's Hollywood Studios has seen, but it is a great way for a whole lot of "Star Wars" fans to hang out, ride some attractions, debate and argue, enjoy a meal, take a picture, and ride Star Tours together.  We're thankful for the opportunity to go again this year and happy that others cared so much as to start this whole thing in the first place.  It's a lot of fun and we can't wait!

This year's Star Wars Day At Disneyland will be held on Sunday, June 26th.  You can find out more information on the Star Wars Day At Disneyland website.

So what do you think?  Did you know about this Day At The Park?  Planning on attending this year?  Let us know, we'd love to meet and hang out with you.  We'll be there with our Fanboy shirts on and our blasters at the ready.  Hope to see you out there!