Star Wars Weekends

Ok, everyone has their favorites, and the Ewoks are cute, Chewy is fun and even the Jedi have that positive vibe thing going, but I have an affinity for those portrayed as the villain’s of this saga.  There is something about stepping into the realm of Imperial Rule that brings the balance necessary to make Star Wars Weekends the complete event it is.  Too often you can only explore the “good” in a particular movie or group of characters, but those who are vilified are often the same ones who give the story the air it needs to breath.  Enter the greatest group of characters ever imagined, those who shaped a galaxy and made legends.

To no ones surprise, there is one star who stands out from all the rest.  The chosen one himself, decked out in black armor, both the villain and hero of the saga –Darth Vader, the Dark Lord of the Sith.  It will be hard for you or anyone else to sense the good in him in the hot Florida sun as he rules the galaxy with supreme authority.  He is most definitely serving the Emperor to the best of his capabilities and is a MUST meet and greet for anyone visiting for SWW.  His interaction with the fans is well worth the wait you will most likely have, so make time to visit with him, and yes, he will sign autograph books and pictures.

Not to miss out on such an important event for the sake of his Empire, the Emperor himself is on hand.  Flanked on both sides by the red Royal Guard, Emperor Palpantine meets with the people of the galaxy at a designated area.  He does not sign autographs but again, this picture is well worth the effort.  He may in fact be a little more than some of the younglings will want to deal with, but the people of the Empire must remember the great physical sacrifice he has made for this government and its people.

Now roaming around the area as you might guess is the mighty 501^st Storm Trooper Legion.  They are not in any specified meet and greet areas, but rather you can snap some pictures when you come across them out and about.  They are of course looking for any Rebel scum that might be in the area and will occasionally stop passers by for inspection.  They do not speak to anyone but you won’t have any problems following their non-verbal cues.  Like the Clone Troopers, you cannot make demands on the Storm Troopers, the do after all have a job to do for the Empire.

Another meet and greet that is set up is with some very recognizable Bounty Hunters.  In what could easily be mistaken as a Fett family reunion, fans have the opportunity to meet with Jango and Boba Fett.  They do sign the autograph books for the younglings and padawans in your family, but you will have to understand if they give your favorite Jedi a hard look over.  After all, their family has been through a bad encounter or two in the past.  They are always on the look for anyone of value that they might be able to cash in on, but be careful because Boba Fett has a reputation of shooting first and asking questions later.

Two other Bounty Hunters can be found wandering through the area.  One visits the Bounty Hunter meet and greet while the other keeps her distance choosing to remain in the shadows.  Zam Wessells returns from Episode II to take prisoners and pictures.  This Changeling likes to sneak her way through the crowd and stalk her prey.  This tactic also works well for Aurra Sing.  This tall, pale white Bounty Hunter is dressed in red and can be hard to miss when she is out and about.  A former Jedi in training who left the Jedi Temple for the freedom of following her own desires, this dangerous Bounty Hunter isn’t the friendly type.  You may be able to get a photo or two, but you won’t likely get an autograph and I’d be careful about turning my back to this one.

Now a controversial, low grade Bounty Hunter is also wandering about.  Greedo, whom Han Solo meets in the Cantina on Tatooine is wandering the streets.  Traditionalists will tell you that Han quickly ended their encounter with a blaster shot, while Greedo will tell you that he did get the first shot off.  Even if he has the accuracy of the standard Episode IV Storm Trooper the truth is that all die hard fans know Han shot first.  He gets reminded about it all of the time.

Also wandering around from Tatooine are a few Tusken Raiders.  Always a little frightening, these tall sand people scour the area looking for things they can pilfer and take back to their camp.  Armed with long sniper blasters and gaffi sticks, they don’t have a meet and greet, but happily push through the crowd and take your land speeder apart.  Of course they have had a bad experience with a Jedi or two so you can excuse them for being a little nervous.

If you are looking for protection, don’t count on the Gamorean Guards to be of much help to you.  This very large, pig faced creature rumbles his way through the crowd as if acting on some instruction from Jabba the Hutt.  We have no idea what that instruction is, but it is safe to say that the majority of guests are safe from his long axe.  Still temporary detainment is a possibility.

Last and certainly not least is Darth Maul!  Now Vader may be my first choice for a meet and greet, but a visit with Darth Maul is an absolute must.  This example of pure Sith Rage has been extremely popular over the years and anyone taking the time to wait in line for this meet and greet photo opportunity will not be disappointed.  Sure your going to get looked over like you are some sort of Jedi Poodoo, but what did you expect from this rather angry Sith Lord.  Maul is available for Autographs and photos.  He is also seen at the Jedi Training Academy along with Darth Vader, but neither of them are available for Meet and Greet at that location. 

So there you have it.  Don’t fear the Darkside.  The Galactic Empire isn’t as bad as the rebels make it out to be.  Just bring your camera, maybe your autograph book and keep your eyes open for at this event you will never find “a more wretched hive of scum and villainy”.  You must be cautious!