GGOrlando’s Guide to Star Wars Celebration VI

Well, the time has finally come…  It’s time for Star Wars Celebration VI – the biggest Star Wars convention in the world.  And, being the Star Wars geek that I am, I cannot be more excited that Orlando will be hosting Celebration once again.

With so much going on this weekend, it would take me forever to cover it all.  And by forever, I just mean…  Well that I don’t feel like doing all that.  I’ve got Star Wars stuff to get excited for!  But here’s the GGOrlando Guide to Star Wars Celebration VI.

How Much Will it Cost?

If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, well…  It’s going to be pricey. 

• 4-Day Pass:  Adult – $150 / Child – $65
• Thursday Only:  Adult – $60 / Child – $35
• Friday Only:  Adult – $60 / Child – $35
• Saturday Only:  Adult – $65 / Child – $35
• Sunday Only:  Adult – $60 / Child – $35

Also note:  Parking at the Orange County Convention Center is $13/day.

Panels

There is a ton going on around the con.  Here are some that I personally find interesting.

THURSDAY

• Fettastic (1:30-2:30p, Chapin Theater):  I think I have gone on many-a-tirade about how I don’t get Boba Fett’s appeal.  However, if you’re one of those who drool over Mandalorian armor, this panel is for you.  Actors Jeremy Bulloch and Daniel Logan and stuntman Dickey Beer – each of whom played Fett – will sit down to discuss their experiences as the character.  They will then each be thrown into a sarlaac pit.
• How to Make a Video Game with the SOE Development Team (2:30-3:30p, Star Wars University):  For all the would-be video game developers at UCF and Full Sail, this should be an interesting panel to attend.  The Sony Online Entertainment group responsible for Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures will give tips on the game development process.  Plus, if you’re a fan of the game, special perks are available.
• The Phantom Menace: Ian McDiarmid (5-6p, Chapin Theater):  What is thy bidding, my master?  Yes, by the time this weekend is over, I am quite sure actor Ian McDiarmid will be tired of hearing fanboys come up to him and say that.  But, at this panel, the actor will discuss his role as Emperor Palpatine, aka Darth Sidious.
• An Evening with Kevin Smith (7-9p, Chapin Theater – Note: This is a separately-ticketed event.):  While Smith was recently here with hetero-life mate Jason Mewes for Jay & Silent Bob Get Old, this is another opportunity to hear Smith tell some of his hysterical stories about his Hollywood life.  In this instance, he promises to have a distinctly Star Wars flavor.

FRIDAY

• Vocal Stars of Star Wars: The Clone Wars (10:30-11:30a, Chapin Theater):  The hit cartoon series Star Wars: The Clone Wars will be having a “red carpet” premier of the Season Five opener at 5pm on Friday.  However, you have a chance to hear the voice actors talk about their roles on the series at this panel.
• The Holocron 101 (10:30-11:30a, Star Wars University):  Want to know how they keep the continuity straight between all of the different Star Wars titles to tell one story?  Holocron 101 will feature Leland Chee, the person responsible for maintaining the the Star Wars lore.
• Mark Hamill (7:30-8:30p, Chapin Theater):  Yup, not much more needs to be said here.  Luke Skywalker, The Joker, Cocknocker.

SATURDAY

• Talking to Myself with James Arnold Taylor & Date with a Princess with Carrie Fisher (6-9p, Chapin Theater):  A double-header of notable Star Wars celebrities.  First, we get James Arnold Taylor, the voice actor who portrays Obi-Wan Kenobi on The Clone Wars.  Then, at 7:30, Princess Leia herself Carrie Fisher.
• From World War to Star Wars (6:30-7:30p, Star Wars University):  We all know George Lucas pulled from many different sources to form the basis of the Star Wars universe.  For the Star Wars buff who’s also a history buff, you can see the influence of World War II on the galaxy far, far away.

SUNDAY

• Why We Love the Prequels (10:30-11:30a, Behind the Scenes Stage):  Here’s a panel I’d like to go to just to punch everyone in the face.  Apparently, they’re going to try to pretend that the prequels have any redeeming societal value and aren’t just a giant tribute to one man’s ego.  Hope the guy who does the Red Letter Media reviews is in the audience.
• You Call Him Dr. Jones! (12-1p, Behind the Scenes Stage):  The Indiana Jones trilogy (Yea, trilogy…  Meaning three!) is coming to Blu-ray.  The Con is giving over some time to the other massive Lucas franchise, with people who worked on the films hosting a panel discussing their time on the movies.
• Sam Witwer: The Maul Within (1:30-2p, Digital Stage):  Witwer, who played Doomsday on Smallville as well as Aidan the Vampire on the SyFy version of Being Human, also has a background in the Star Wars Universe.  Witwer was the voice of Starkiller in the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed franchise and is now the voice of Darth Maul on Star Wars: The Clone Wars.  Here, you’ll get to hear Witwer discuss his experiences.

OUTSIDE THE CON

If you’re only spending your time on the con floor, you’re missing out on some of the special events surrounding Celebration around town.

• 501st Legion Bash (Friday – 9pm, Rosen Centre Hotel)
  
  
  Well, if you were hoping to spend Friday night with some of Darth Vader’s elite, lo seinto but the party is sold out.  Now, I’m not advocating hanging out in the hotel to see the celebrities pass by.  But…  In addition, who knows, more invites may go on-sale.  I’d recommend, if you’re interested, check out the 501st booth on the con floor.
• CVI Night at Hard Rock Live with Bonnie Piesse & Seven Years Past (Saturday – 8pm, Hard Rock Live)
  
  Aunt Beru, in the Star Wars prequels, probably said all of two lines.  So it may be surprising to know that the actress who portrayed her, Bonnie Piesse, is a singer-songwriter.  This “unofficial” after-party at Universal Orlando’s Hard Rock Live will also feature local geek band Sci-Fried.
• Skill Focus: Burlesque – Chan Shot First (Saturday – 10pm, Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Theatre)
  
  Orlando’s local nerdy burlesque troupe (for out-of-towners, they were ranked the #2 “Best Theater Company” in Orlando by readers of the Orlando Weekly), has planned a special Star Wars-themed show.

Where to Get More Information

There is so, so, so much more going on.  Luckily, Celebration is awesome at keeping attendees connected to make sure they get the most out of their convention experience.

If you have an iOS, Android, or Blackberry device download the Celebration Mobile App at www.swc-mobile.com.  The app includes a map of the show floor, schedule of panels, and a feature that will allow you to plan out your visit in advance and receive notifications to remind you of your next event.

Also, bookmark the Celebration website at www.starwarscelebration.com.  In addition, if you’re a Twitter user, follow them at @SW_Celebration where they will send tweets updating on panels and other events on the con floor.  If you’re at the show, use the hashtag #StarWarsCVI to add to the conversation.

Have a great time, everyone!  Hope to see you there!