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May 4

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May 4, 2018 – Remastered Star Wars Soundtracks are Released Through Walt Disney Records

“Since the release of the first Star Wars movie 40 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects and iconic musical scores composed by John Williams.”

On May 4, 2018, to honor the 40th anniversary of the Star Wars series of films, Walt Disney Records released remastered version of the soundtracks for the first six films. The score, composed by John Williams, has been awarded several Academy Award nominations, and won in 1977 for Best Original Score. Alongside the remastered score, the CDs released include new artwork and a mini-poster for collectors.

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December 16

December 16, 2017 – The Hyper-Reality Experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire Opens in Disney Springs

“The galaxy needs you!”

On December 16, 2017, the “hyper-reality” experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire opened in Disney Springs. A collaboration between Disney, ILMxLAB, and The VOID, this virtual reality experience puts guests in the world of Star Wars; guests go undercover as stormtroopers before the events of the film Rogue One, and must steal the Empire’s secret plans. There are several Star Wars Easter eggs, as well as the opportunity to make the adventure unique through a variety of actions. This experience also opened on January 5, 2018, in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney area.

December 10

December 10, 2016 – The Star Wars Film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Premieres

“The force is strong with “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” according to early reactions from the film’s premiere Saturday night in Los Angeles.” – The Daily News

On December 10, 2016, the first standalone film in the Star Wars franchise, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, had its red carpet premiere at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California. The film’s premiere took place six days before its wide release across the United States. Cast and crew form the film were on hand for the premiere, along with celebrity fans of the Star Wars franchise such as writer/director Kevin Smith, actor Terry Crews, and C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels.

June 12

June 12, 1994 – The Merchandise Store Legends of Hollywood Opens in Hollywood Studios

Star Wars fans, your shop has come in!”

On June 12, 1994, the specialty merchandise store opened in Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. Located on Sunset Boulevard, the store changes often to fit a popular theme; as of 2017, the store focuses on special merchandise from the Star Wars franchise, including kitchenware, ear hats, and “creations from top designers.”

April 17

April 17, 2016 – The Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon is Held in Walt Disney World

“Follow Your Dark Side”

On April 17, 2016, the Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon was held in Walt Disney World. The celebration weekend kicked off on April 14, with the half marathon taking place on the 17th. This event, themed after the classic Star Wars series of films, was designed to be half of a Star Wars challenge, with Disneyland hosting the “Light Side” while Walt Disney World would host the “Dark Side.”  Plenty of guests dressed up in Star Wars-themed outfits and met characters from the franchise, including Stormtroopers. Jason Ryf from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, won the race with a time of 1:13:39, while Katie McGrath from Oakdale, New York, was the female finisher with a time of 1:24:05.

December 18

December 18, 2015 – The Fireworks Show Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Premieres at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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“Conclude your day in a galaxy far, far away with an all-new nighttime spectacular bursting with memorable Star Wars moments.”

On December 18, 2015, the Star Wars­-themed fireworks show Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular premiered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. This show accompanies many changes made to the park with adding more Star Wars offerings, including the new Launch Bay and the updated attraction Star Tours. The show itself features the iconic music by John Williams, alongside lasers, pyrotechnics, and projection effects.

December 4

December 4, 2015 – The Star Wars Launch Bay Opens in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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“Clear your mind and choose wisely, as one path may lead to Darth Vader while the other leads to Chewbacca.”

On December 4, 2015, new Star Wars-themed offerings were unveiled at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the Star Wars Launch Bay. The Launch Bay is the main area where guests can see different exhibits of Star Wars props and replicas of iconic ships. Guests are also given the opportunity to pick either to follow the Dark Side or the Rebels, with the chance to meet Darth Vader or Chewbacca. There is also a large merchandise section where guests can buy authentic costumes, artwork, and models.

January 3

January 3, 2014 – Marvel Comics is Granted Exclusive Rights to Star Wars Comics

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“In 2015, the cosmic adventures of Luke, Han, Leia and Chewbacca will make the lightspeed jump back to Marvel, to begin a new age of adventures within the Star Wars universe.” – Carol Roeder, director of Lucasfilm franchise publishing, Disney Publishing Worldwide

On January 3, 2014, Marvel Comics, in partnership with Lucasfilm Ltd., was granted exclusive rights to publish Star Wars comics and graphic novels. The agreement ends the partnership with Dark Horse Comics, who had been publishing Star Wars titles since 1991; Marvel had previously owned the license to the comics from 1977 to 1987, with Star Wars #1 selling over 1 million copies in 1977. This acquisition brought Star Wars completely under the Disney banner, as Disney had acquired Marvel in 2009.

October 30

October 30, 2012 – Disney Agrees to Plans to Purchase Lucasfilm

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“Global leader in high-quality family entertainment agrees to acquire world-renowned Lucasfilm Ltd, including legendary STAR WARS franchise.”

On October 30, 2012, Disney agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. through a stock and cash transaction to owner George Lucas. The overall deal was worth $4.05 billion, with Disney acquiring all aspects of the company, including LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound. Co-Chairman Kathleen Kennedy was named as the President of Lucasfilm within its new incorporated structure, and serves as the brand manager for the Star Wars franchise. George Lucas would remain as a creative consultant for the successful film franchise. The announcement also came with the promise that the first Star Wars continuation film would be released in 2015. CEO Bob Iger also went on record to say “As far as the legacy George [Lucas] has created, we don’t take that lightly. We definitely plan to expand the presence of Star Wars in our parks which could include new parks.”

November 21

November 21, 1986 – The Souvenir Shop The Star Trader Opens in Disneyland

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On November 21, 1986, the Disneyland souvenir shop The Star Trader opened in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Formerly The Character Store, which opened in 1967, it was remodeled to be the shop for the Star Tours attraction, and boasts a large amount of Star Wars merchandise that can only be found in the Disney parks. It was remodeled in 2011, coinciding with the upgrades to the Star Tours attraction, with an addition of an X-Wing fighter, along with other special Star Wars themed surprises.