Star Wars Celebration Orlando Recap!
- mattsanders8
- Apr 19, 2017
- 4 min read
Last week I was able to do something I have been looking forward to doing for a VERY long time... Going to my first Star Wars Celebration! I was so excited to attend since it was right in my backyard AND it was the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope. Seemed like it was created JUST FOR ME!
I will say right now, that it was a bit overwhelming and that I will likely forget a few things, but I did want to recap my experience with a few, seemingly unrelated bullet points...
1. I regret not spending the night leading into Thursday's 40th Anniversary Panel. Going into my first Celebration, I made it very clear that I had no intentions of sleeping on the floor of the Orange County Convention Center. I knew that there was a chance that Kathy Kennedy would buy me pizza. I knew that there was a chance that some celebrities from the films would come by to say hello. However, I valued my sleep and the comfort of my own bed more... especially because I knew I could watch the panels via the live stream. BUT... looking back... I would have slept outside for that panel! Not only was "The Maker," George Lucas in the house... Harrison Ford AND John Williams were too! A rough night of sleep and morning without a shower would have been worth sacrificing to see John Williams orchestrate the Star Wars soundtrack live.
2. I loved getting to meet so many of the actors who brought Star Wars to life! While I have not been to other Celebrations, I have seen the past line ups. And, to me, this was the best celebrity line up in the Autograph Hall that has ever been assembled for a Star Wars Celebration! My goal was to meet as many of the cast members from the Original Trilogy as possible. Fortunately, everyone I wanted to meet, I did. Over the next several weeks I will post photos and stories from each celebrity interaction! Stay tuned...
Angus MacInnes signing my Topps trading card.
3. I was tired of waiting in line! Haha... This was the biggest Star Wars Celebration ever! Reports say that over 70,000 people were in attendance. So, I understand that lines are a necessary evil. However, I was done with lines by the end of Celebration experience! A line to get in the convention center... A line for a panel bracelet... A line to get into the show floor... A line to get autograph tickets... A line to get your 8x10 photos to get signed... A line to meet the celebrity... So on and so forth...
Me in line for the show floor.
4. Next time I will make more time for panels. There are some really great panels at Star Wars Celebration! I was able to watch the Last Jedi Panel live from the StarWars.com Live Stage and see Mark Hamill's tribute to Carrie Fisher. But there are SO many more! I'd love to attend their collector panels and go to the Cantina panels. So, next time I will build my schedule around that.
5. I have hope in Topps. One of the big, controversial changes this year was Topps Authentics taking over the Autograph Hall. I have heard and read a lot of negative feedback from others about their experience. All I will say is that I got all of the autographs I wanted and was greatly encouraged to see changes made throughout the day Thursday and leading into Friday. (I was only there Thursday & Friday) They changed their policy about getting new tickets printed for the next day if you couldn't get them fulfilled the day prior. They offered refunds to those who wanted them. They changed their queue lines throughout the con. So, while there were a lot of scheduling issues, I am encouraged that they were aware of a lot of issues, changed what they could on the spot, and I believe they will be better next time.
I was also a fan of their authentication. The stickers were nice and can give collectors/buyers peace of mind for the future. Nice addition!
6. It was so nice meeting people! Like you, I am part of a couple of great Star Wars fan groups on Facebook... Star Wars Autograph Universe and Star Wars Autograph News. I loved getting to meet people that I interact with regularly in the groups, in person.
In line with my buddies Tony and Dave.
7. I missed having my son on Friday. I took my son with me on Thursday, but not on Friday. It was so much more fun being able to experience it all through the eyes of a passionate, 8-year-old Star Wars fan! Plus, we made memories and had experiences that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. My little dude will be with me from now on!
My son and I with a life size Tie Fighter!
8. There is nothing like seeing a new trailer with thousands of ravenous fans! Seeing the teaser trailer for The Last Jedi was so much better with a crowd of fans cheering and reacting to every scene! It made it more exciting and emotional!
My view of The Last Jedi panel from behind the Rancor! Haha...
So there you have it... some of my thoughts, feelings and regrets in regards to Star Wars Celebration Orlando 2017! I'd love to hear your takeaways from SWCO as well! Please let them below. AND... stay tuned for my recap with the celebrities from Star Wars!
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