Star Wars Celebration Returning to Orlando in 2017; Tiered Pricing Announced for Halloween & Christmas Parties

Star Wars Celebration Returning to Orland in 2017:

In honor of today first, "May the 4th be with you." Happy Star Wars Day! Today, Star Wars Celebration announced they will be returning to Orlando in 2017. Star Wars Celebration will take place April 13-16, 2017.

Tickets for the celebration will go on sale beginning May 25 at 12:00 p.m. PT, 3:00 p.m. ET, and 8:00 p.m. GMT. Will you be attending Star Wars Celebration in Orlando?

Tiered Pricing Announced for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party & Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:

Tickets for both Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will officially go on sale tomorrow May 5. Pricing will be different this year for the parties as tickets for the parties will go to tiered pricing. Here is the rundown:

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:

September 2, 8, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25 - Tickets will cost $72 plus tax for 10+ and $67 plus tax for children age 3-9 in advance. Tickets will cost $79 for 10+/$74 for 3-9 when purchased same day for event. 

September 23 - $85 plus tax for ages 10+ and $80 plus tax for ages 3-9. Tickets for this party can't be bought in advance. 

September 29 and 30 - Tickets will cost $79 plus tax for ages 10+ and $74 plus tax for children ages 3-9 in advance. $88/$83 for same day. 

October 2nd and 6th - Tickets will cost $86 plus tax for ages 10+ and $81 plus tax for kids ages 3-9 in advance. $95/$90 for same day.

October 4, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27 - Tickets will cost $91 plus tax for ages 10+ and $86 plus tax for ages 3-9 in advance. $95/$90 for same day. 

October 7, 14, 21, 28, 30 - $95 plus tax for ages 10+ and $90 plus tax for ages 3-9. Tickets for these parties cannot be bought in advance.

October 31 - $105 plus tax for ages 10+ and $100 plus tax for ages 3-9. Tickets for this party cannot be bought in advance. 

Passholders will get discounted rates for the party dates of 9/2, 9/8, 9/11, 9/13, 9/16, 9/18, 9/23, 9/25, 9/29, 9/30, 10/2, and 10/6. Tickets will range from $67-$80 plus tax depending on the date. DVC members have discounts on those nights plus 10/4, 10/10, 10/11, 10/13, 10/16, 10/18, and 10/20. Tickets will range from $62-$83 depending on the night.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:

November 10 and 13 - Tickets will cost $86 plus tax for ages 10+ and $81 plus tax for ages 3-9 in advance. $91/$86 for same day purchase.

November 18, 27, 29 and December 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, and 13 - $97 plus tax for ages 10+ and $92 plus tax for ages 3-9 in advance. $96/$91 for same day purchase.

November 7, 8, 11, 15 and December 1 - Tickets will cost $91 plus tax for ages 10+ and $86 plus tax for ages 3-9. Tickets for these parties cannot be bought in advance.

December 9 and 15 - Tickets will cost $96 plus tax for ages 10+ and $91 plus tax for ages 3-9. Tickets for these parties cannot be bought in advance.

December 16, 18, 22 - Tickets will cost $99 plus tax for ages 10+ and $94 plus tax for ages 3-9. Tickets for the parties cannot be purchased in advance.

Passholders will receive discounts on these dates 11/7, 11/8, 11/11, 11/15, 12/1, 12/11, and 12/13. Tickets will range from $74-$84 plus tax depending on the night. DVC members have those nights plus some additional nights: 11/10, 11/13, 11/18, 11/27, 11/29, and 12/6. Tickets will range from $74-$89 plus tax depending on the night. 

Disneyland to Celebrate Star Wars Day, runDisney Offering Virtual 5K Series, and More

Disneyland to Celebrate Star Wars Day:

Disneyland will be celebrating Star Wars Day next week with a day filled with festivities on May 4, 2016. First, guests may head over to the Tomorrowland Theater for a special screening of the "Star Wars Rebels" episode, "Shroud of Darkness." In the episode, our heroes Kanan, Ezra, and Ahsoka return to the Jedi Temple on Lothal to find out how the Inquisitors have continually been able to track them. The trio seek the advice of Yoda and while there they experience powerful visions that reveal the future, the past, and old friends long gone.

Jedi and Sith alike will also be able to collect special commemorative merchandise including all-new Star Wars collector glasses. Guests will also be able to commemorate the special day in a special-themed photo location. The party will then jump into light speed at 6 p.m. at the Galactic Grill Stage. Here Star Wars trivia and other special surprises will take place throughout the evening.

Join the party at Disneyland and of course, "May the Fourth Be With You."

runDisney Offering Virtual 5K Series:

Can't go to Disney to run one of Disney's runDisney races in the theme parks? Well good new, runDisney announced today a 5k series that runners will be able to choose their course whether it be on a treadmill, running or even walking through town, or at a race track. Runners will run the races virtually in three separate races or as a series that will earn them up to 4 specially designed finisher medals in the Running Shorts series. The timeframe for these races begin in just two weeks from May 15 through June 30, 2016. Here are the details from runDisney:

THE EVENT

ALL NEW! Virtual Running Shorts Series

Completion Timeframe: May 15 and June 30, 2016

Now you can experience a taste of a runDisney race in your own backyard! 

For the first time ever, runDisney is going virtual with the all-new Virtual Running Shorts Series, and the whole family is invited to join the Disney fun. Walk, jog, take a stroll through the neighborhood, or run your race on a treadmill. You choose the course that's right for you! Select from one of three Mickey-themed Disney 5Ks or run all three to complete the Running Shorts Series. Four specially-designed Finisher Medals celebrating Mickey Mouse add even more Disney excitement to this brand new offering! 

Whether you're a seasoned runDisney runner or a beginner ready to take the first step, the all-new Virtual Running Shorts Series is a great way to celebrate a summer filled with great Disney runs and lots of fun! Don't miss out! Register today!

runDisney Virtual Running Shorts – Yellow Shoes

Completion Timeframe: May 15 – June 1, 2016 

Put on your running shoes and take home Mickey's yellow shoes! 

Get set to bring home the all-new Mickey's Yellow Shoes Finisher Medal during the first-ever virtual runDisney Running Shorts 5K – Yellow Shoes. Themed yellow shoes in honor of Mickey's iconic footwear, this Running Shorts 5K invites you to put on your running shoes and run on whatever course you choose – through your neighborhood, on a community track, or on your gym treadmill. Run with friends, family, or head out on your own. 

Running Shorts 5K – Yellow Shoes Highlights 

• 3.1 mile run on course of runner's choosing 
• Proof of run not required 
• Share your experiences at #runDisneyShorts 

Running Shorts 5K – Yellow Shoes Race Participants Receive

• Commemorative Mickey's Yellow Shoes Finisher Medal*
• Yellow Shoes Digital Race Bib 

Dates, times, prices and inclusions subject to change. 

Disney reserves the right to refuse the entry into, and/or revoke any registration for, any race for any reason in its sole discretion with refund of any applicable registration fees being the sole remedy of any such refusal and/or revocation.

*You must register for the Virtual Running Shorts Series to receive the Running Shorts Mickey Series Medal and Mickey tumbler in addition to individual race medals. 

runDisney Virtual Running Shorts – Red Pants

Completion Timeframe: June 5 – June 18, 2016 

Mickey's Red Pants has everyone on the run!  

Inspired by Mickey's iconic red pants, the Runner Shorts 5K – Red Pants is your inspiration to complete a 3.1 mile run on the course of your choice. Make it a Disney adventure to remember and invite family and friends to join the fun. Best of all, everyone receives their very own, one-of-a-kind Mickey Red Pants Finisher Medal to commemorate the event. 

Running Shorts 5K – Red Pants Highlights 

• 3.1 mile run on course of runner's choosing 
• Proof of run not required 
• Share your experiences at #runDisneyShorts 

Running Shorts 5K-2 Red Pants Race Participants Receive

• Commemorative Mickey's Red Pants Finisher Medal*
• Red Pants Digital Race Bib 

Dates, times, prices and inclusions subject to change. 

Disney reserves the right to refuse the entry into, and/or revoke any registration for, any race for any reason in its sole discretion with refund of any applicable registration fees being the sole remedy of any such refusal and/or revocation.

*You must register for the Virtual Running Shorts Series to receive the Running Shorts Mickey Series Medal and Mickey tumbler in addition to individual race medals. 

runDisney Virtual Running Shorts – White Glove

Completion Timeframe: June 19 - June 30, 2016 

Take home Mickey's White Glove in the final run of the summer!

The final leg in our virtual Running Shorts 5K series is the Running Shorts 5K – White Glove that spotlights Mickey Mouse's legendary white gloves. This virtual race, scheduled from June 19 through June 30, 2016, invites you to run your 3.1-mile race on whatever course you choose. Participants receive a commemorative Mickey White Glove Finisher Medal. 

Running Shorts 5K-3 White Glove Highlights 

• 3.1 mile run on course of runner's choosing 
• Proof of run not required 
• Share your experiences at #runDisneyShorts 

Running Shorts 5K-3 White Glove Race Participants Receive

• Commemorative Mickey's White Glove Finisher Medal*
• White Glove Digital Race Bib 

Dates, times, prices and inclusions subject to change. 

Disney reserves the right to refuse the entry into, and/or revoke any registration for, any race for any reason in its sole discretion with refund of any applicable registration fees being the sole remedy of any such refusal and/or revocation.

*You must register for the Virtual Running Shorts Series to receive the Running Shorts Mickey Series Medal and Mickey tumbler in addition to individual race medals. 

runDisney Virtual Running Shorts Series

Completion Timeframe: May 15 – June 30, 2016

Summer's ultimate running challenge - three 5Ks, four Mickey Finisher Medals, and 9.3 miles of fun!  

Experience all the magic of runDisney's newest offering with a summer chock-full of virtual runs!  runDisney's Virtual Running Shorts Series combines all three Running Shorts 5Ks, for 9.3 miles of fun into the summer's ultimate run experience. Complete all three Running Shorts 5Ks within the scheduled dates and you'll earn the first-ever Running Shorts Mickey Series Medal and Mickey tumbler in addition to your Red Pants, Yellow Shoes and White Glove Individual Finisher Medals.

You must register for the Virtual Running Shorts Series to receive the Running Shorts Mickey Series Medal and Mickey tumbler in addition to individual race medals. 

Running Shorts Series Highlights 

• Running Shorts 5K – Yellow Shoes, 5K – Red Pants, and 5K – White Glove runs totaling 9.3 miles. 
• Proof of run not required 
• Share your experiences at #runDisneyShorts 

Virtual Running Shorts Series Participants Receive 

• Running Shorts Challenge Digital Race Bib 
• Special Mickey Series Finisher Medal and Mickey tumbler, along with Commemorative Running Shorts Yellow Shoes, Red Pants and White Glove Individual Finisher Medals. 

Dates, times, prices and inclusions subject to change. 

Disney reserves the right to refuse the entry into, and/or revoke any registration for, any race for any reason in its sole discretion with refund of any applicable registration fees being the sole remedy of any such refusal and/or revocation.

*You must register for the Virtual Running Shorts Series to receive the Running Shorts Mickey Series Medal and Mickey tumbler in addition to individual race medals.

New "Finding Dory" Short Trailer Released:

Today, Disney Pixar released a 30-second short trailer for "Finding Dory" to get us ready for the film that is due to be released on June 17. Check the teaser below:

Raise your fin if you're excited! @FindingDory swims into theatres June 17.https://t.co/bWJ3Z2DLLJ

— Disney•Pixar (@DisneyPixar) April 28, 2016

Happy Star Wars Day and May the Fourth Be With You

It is almost over but it feels like the day has just begun, Happy Star Wars Day everyone. May the Fourth be with you. The Disney Parks are celebrating the next two days with new merchandise and Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios is just around the corner. Today, of course is the official Star Wars Day with the term 'May the Fourth Be With You.' Tomorrow, the celebration continues with Revenge of the Fifth. New merchandise was released just in time for the celebrations today with t-shirts, pins, water bottles, and more are now available at the Disney Parks. The water bottles are available at Walt Disney World only.

Other merchandise released today included a new ewok plush named, Teebo, will be available on both coasts. Two open edition magic bands are being released today at Hollywood Studios. One is of Luke Skywalker the other a Stormtrooper. Both will be sold for $19.95 each and can be linked later. New Star Wars SMS headphones will be released a second edition on both coasts. The second edition themes this year consist of TIE-fighter, R2-D2, Chewbacca, and Darth Vader. 

 Also on DisneyStore.com, a limited edition 'I am your Father's Day' shirt is being sold online today through Sunday, May 10. The shirt will be available on Disney Parks Online and will be shipped in the next 3-5 weeks. 

The Disney Parks Blog also announced a new contest in honor of Star Wars Day. You can share your 'Star Wars Style' for your chance to win a grand prize trip to Walt Disney World. Entries for the contest can be entered on www.StarWarsStyle.com from May 4, 2015 until June 1, 2015.

The grand prize is a trip for two to the Walt Disney World Resort plus a Star Wars gift basket, that is exclusive to Disney Parks. Eight semifinalists will also receive special edition Star Wars gift baskets. Official rules of the contest can be seen here. 

Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios begins May 15 and will continue on weekends through June 14. Once again May the Fourth be with you. 

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Merchandise to Arrive on 'Force Friday' September 4

Normally, I would hold off this news until tomorrow, but I couldn't wait. With it being May the 4th tomorrow, officially Star Wars Day. May the Fourth be with you. StarWars.com today announced that the upcoming merchandise for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will be released at 12:01 a.m. on what is being called 'Force Friday' on September 4, 2015.

Stores around the world will open their doors at midnight to celebrate the release of all new merchandise for the new film as well as all things Star Wars. "Every lightsaber, every action figure, every LEGO set tells a story for generations of Star Wars fans, and this global event is a celebration of those stories. We're excited to be part of the countdown to this enormous movie moment," said Josh Silverman, executive vice president and global licensing of Disney Consumer Products.

Fans who are waiting for 'The Force Awakens' merchandise will be able to do so at midnight at local retailers. They are also be encouraged to use social media to document the experience with hashtags already created for the event such as #MidnightMadness and #ForceFriday. A wide-range of products will be released from toys to collectibles, books and comics, ebooks and apps, to apparel and lifestyle accessories will be available at mass retailers, Disney Store locations worldwide, as well as on DisneyStore.com.

As seen above, the packaging for the new movie merchandise was revealed showing the new mysterious villain, Kylo Ren. This new ominous and shadowy figure that wields a red lightsaber will be on "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" merchandise beginning on 'Force Friday,' September 4, 2015. Let the countdown begin Star Wars fans, we are only 4 months aways from the new merchandise. Tune into StarWars.com or It All Started With a Mouse for more info on the awaited new merchandise for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." May the force be with you my friends.