Star Wars Weekends

As I enter my third year of serving the Webmaster in offering my Star Wars Weekends related opinions and thoughts, I realized this year feels very different to me from the last few.  Sure the economic news and such are vastly different then they were on my first trip to weekends, but as the dates were announced (early for a change, I might add) one question came to mind.  Why should I go to Weekends 2009?  As someone who has been in attendance for years as both fan and father of a fan, there is always the danger of feeling like you've been there and done that.  My daughter is getting older and even some of her interests are changing some.  So why should I go?

In considering this I realized that my question is similar to those who have never attended before.  Maybe those who have read about it, or heard about it from a friend, but for some reason or another couldn't/wouldn't do it.  What is it that makes this worth doing first or "next" time?  While the news of dates came timely, the other tidbits on who, what, where and when will come out slowly over the next few months.  What we do know is that this is the ten year anniversary of the release of Episode I, The Phantom Menace.  Whether that factors in at all is anyone's guess.  We are also just completing a very successful year with the release of the Clone Wars animated TV series.  Adults may be missing out on this (myself excluded), but the kids have been watching, and the animation is fantastic.  So the Star Wars Universe is still in motion, adding more content everyday for those interested.

Even if they choose not to focus on either of these things, there is always something more to consider.  The live action TV series is readying for production in the next year or so (although remember, always in motion the future is).  There are upcoming video games, possible 3D releases of the movies and more on the way. 

So why go?  Well as I think about it, the event is one of the best opportunities for fans both casual and fanatical to enjoy!  No one does it like Disney, bringing together things for both the young and the young at heart.  If you child is a Jedi in making, this should be something you get them out to experience.  Be it the Parade, the Celebrities, the Jedi Training Academy or just mingling with the characters as they wonder the park, the kids love it! 

That I guess also answered my question for me.  I'm a big kid at heart.  While I don't get to participate in the Jedi Trainging Academy (although don't rule me out!) I love the atmosphere that takes of Disney's Hollywood Studios each year.  The marvalous music from John Williams playing throughout the park, meeting the actors and people invovled with the film making process.  Listening to the stories on how it was done and the stories of what is being done in the future.  For a brief period of time, by yourself or with family you can immerse youself in this world with some of the best fans in the world.  The beauty is that there is something there for everyone.  And if you still aren't sure, then I guess I should admit the one last hook that is digging at me.  It gives me and excuse to go back to Disney World!  Star Wars, Disney and fun, yep that will work for me!