Where? Disney’s Hollywood Studios

When? Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 20-June 12, 2011.

Once again, Jedi Mickey and Princess Leia Minnie will be joined by some of the brightest stars from the saga. Celebrity Hosts for the event this year are James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars). Ashley (seen in the photo above with R2-MK and Jedi Mickey) will host “Clone Wars: Behind the Force,” a closer look inside the popular animated TV series. James will present another event-first: he will star in a one-man show that showcases some of the many voices he has performed throughout his career, including those from The Clone Wars.

Opening weekend will kick off the month-long event in grand fashion, as fan favorite Anthony Daniels (seen in the photo above at a filming session for the new “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” attraction), who brought C-3PO to life and is the only actor to appear in every theatrical chapter of the Star Wars saga, will make a golden return to the event. Dave Filoni, the talented artist and supervising director of The Clone Wars, also will be a special celebrity guest for Weekend I.

Star Wars Weekends II, III and IV will feature celebrities from the live-action feature films and voice artists fromThe Clone Wars. Here’s the complete event celebrity lineup (*talent subject to change) scheduled to appear:

Scheduled Celebrity Appearances

MAY 20-22

• Anthony Daniels (C-3PO)
• The Clone Wars Special Guest: Dave Filoni (Supervising Director)

MAY 27-29

• Anthony Daniels (C-3PO)
• Bruce Spence (Tion Medon)
• The Clone Wars Voice Talent Guest: Dee Bradley Baker (Captain Rex)

JUNE 3-5

• Ray Park (Darth Maul)
• Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett)
• The Clone Wars Voice Talent Guest: Matt Lanter (Anakin)

JUNE 10-12

• Ray Park (Darth Maul)
• Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca)
• The Clone Wars Voice Talent Guest: Tom Kane (Yoda)

And while the stars will shine, a galaxy-full of events, live shows, parades and activities also take place throughout the park during the month.

An event highlight for many is meeting the Star Wars characters, and this year is no exception. More than 60 Star Wars characters will be roaming the theme park, posing for pictures and signing autographs.

From the special “welcome” Guests receive at the turnstile areas from the stormtroopers and Star Wars trivia contests to Jedi Training Academy and the spectacular Hyperspace Hoopla, Star Wars Weekends 2011 will have more fun than you can shake a gaffi stick at. And of course, throughout the event Star Wars Weekends Guests will have the chance to take a ride aboard “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” when the attraction launches in 3-D on May 20.

Let us know if you plan to attend this year and what you’re looking forward to most about Star Wars Weekends 2011, or if you have a favorite memory from a past event.

via Disney Blog

1. Space Mountain

A roller-coaster in the dark. it just doesn’t get any better than that! If you’re a frequent visitor to the park, Disneyland has also been known to change the ride around every so often. For example, during Halloween time, Space Mountain takes on a eerie theme with Ghost Galaxy (HIGHLY recommended). Check out the video below:

2. Indiana Jones

As a child of the 80s, this ride was an easy chart topper on my list. Snakes, skeletons, FIRE and fast-action jeep driving. Plus, the line that leads up the ride is amazing. The entire experience is top-notch.

3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

This roller-coaster is super fun and FAST! Easily one of my favorites at Disneyland.

4. Splash Mountain

If you’re a little toasty and would like to cool off, hit up Splash Mountain. it’s a great mixture of roller-coaster and sing-a-long interaction.

Watch this Splash Mountain commercial from the 1980s – the ride still is the same!

5. Haunted Mansion

It’s a haunted mansion! Ghosts, inescapable rooms and then a relaxing ride through the dark, creepy house.

6. Pirates of the Caribbean

A favorite of mine since I was little, Pirates of the Caribbean takes you through an intricately designed experience similar to the Indiana Jones Adventure. If you’re a fan of Johnny Depp, extra points, because he’s all over this ride!

7. Mad Tea Party

Pack a couple people in a huge cup and let it spin! This thing is a blast.

Watch Alice and the Mad Hatter take a spin:

8. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

This one is great for you competitive-types. Also, once you’re done, you can email yourself (for FREE) a photo that was taken of you during the ride! very cool.

9. Autopia

Yes. I know this ride is for kids and involves little slow-moving cars. Regardless, this one is fun! Hope in with your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend or friend and have at the Autopia track. Also, dont forget to check out the CARS pre-show.

10. Matterhorn Boblsleds
It hurts flying around the Matterhorn. But, if you’re up to it, hop in a bobsled! Note: There are two sides to this ride. The right side is longer. The left side is shorter but a little more exciting (more drops).

On April 9, 1961, Walt Disney dedicated the Snow White Grotto, a tranquil spot in Disneyland park you won’t want to miss. Located at the eastern end of the moat around Sleeping Beauty Castle, its quaint wishing well has launched millions of wishes into the world. Do you know the the story behind this serene locale, and how it began with a problem of proportions?

The white, marble figurines depicting Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs arrived anonymously from Italy as a gift for Walt Disney. They were exquisite, but every statue was roughly the same height. How would Snow White, the princess, project her royal presence if she was no taller than Dopey?

Walt Disney was determined to find a way to include the figurines within Disneyland park. As the story goes, Disney designer John Hench was perplexed when Walt first gave him the figurines to display. Then he found an ingenious and elegant solution. The major elements of the scene were scaled to create the illusion of distance and height and Snow White was placed at the top of the diorama, where she stands majestically above the scene. This created a forced perspective. Viewed from the adjacent footbridge, Snow White appears perfectly proportioned in relation to her friends.

Hench did such a magical job creating the scene that three other Disney Parks have since incorporated the montage – disproportion and all – in their Castle forecourts.

The soundtrack at Snow White Grotto includes chiming bells, woodland creatures and the voice of Snow White from the original movie. In 1983, as part of the New Fantasyland opening, Adriana Castelotti recreated her performance of “I’m Wishing” from the Oscar-winning 1937 film. Snow White sings throughout the day in the Grotto and even this feature has a magical quality as listeners hear the voice of the princess float out over the waterfall, then echo back from the Wishing Well.

Throughout the years, guests have tossed pennies and small coins into the well, along with their wishes. They may not realize that making their own wish also grants a wish. For decades, the money collected in the Wishing Well has been donated to children’s charities. Inscribed on the well is the sentiment: “Your wishes will help children everywhere.”

via DisneyParks Blog

1. Doubletree Guest Suites Anaheim Resort / Convention Center

Distance from Disneyland: About a Mile Away
Shuttle to Disneyland? No, Bus (Recommended) or Walk
Average Price per Night: $113 – $188
TripAdvisor.com: #2 in Anaheim, Reviews
Website: http://doubletree.hilton.com
Amenities: Swimming Pool, 3 On-Site Restaurants and Lounges

2. Candy Cane Inn

Distance from Disneyland: 250 Yards to Main Entrance
Shuttle to Disneyland? N/A, But close enough to walk
Average Price per Night: $87 – $149
TripAdvisor.com: #3 in Anaheim, Reviews
Website: http://www.candycaneinn.net
Amenities: Swimming Pool, Complimentary Continental Breakfast, Free Wi-Fi

3. Park Vue Inn

Distance from Disneyland: Right Across the Street
Shuttle to Disneyland? N/A, Walking Distance
Average Price per Night: $106 – $174
TripAdvisor.com: #4 in Anaheim, Reviews
Website: http://www.parkvueinn.com
Amenities: Swimming Pool, Free Breakfast & Free Evening Social Hour, View of the Fireworks

4. Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel Anaheim/Disneyland Park

Distance from Disneyland: Right Across from Disneyland’s Matterhorn Mountain on Harbor Boulevard
Shuttle to Disneyland? Yes, The Anaheim Resort Transit or an 8-Minute Walk
Average Price per Night: $94 – $172
TripAdvisor.com: #5 in Anaheim, Reviews
Website: http://www.hojoanaheim.com
Amenities: Swimming Pool, Castaway Cove – A Watery Pirate Playground, Free Parking, Free Wi-Fi, Games Room, Laundromat

5. Residence Inn Anaheim Maingate

Distance from Disneyland: 0.8 miles
Shuttle to Disneyland? N/A, About a 12-Minute Walk
Average Price per Night: $139 – $245
TripAdvisor.com: #7 in Anaheim, Reviews
Website: http://www.marriott.com
Amenities: Free Parking, Free Wi-Fi, Laundromat

6. BEST WESTERN Anaheim Inn

Distance from Disneyland: 0.6 miles
Shuttle to Disneyland? N/A, Walking Distance
Average Price per Night: $103 – $149
TripAdvisor.com: #9 in Anaheim, Reviews
Website: http://www.anaheiminn.com
Amenities: Swimming Pool, Free Parking, Wi-Fi (Fee), Laundromat

7. Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort

Distance from Disneyland: 0.1 miles
Shuttle to Disneyland? N/A, Walking Distance
Average Price per Night: $135 – $580
TripAdvisor.com: #11 in Anaheim, Reviews
Website: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/
Amenities: Swimming Pool, Wi-Fi (Fee), Complimentary Breakfast, & Evening Cocktail Service, Business Center, Laundromat

8. Alpine Inn

Distance from Disneyland: 0.8 miles
Shuttle to Disneyland? N/A, About a 14-Minute Walk
Average Price per Night: $49 – $119
TripAdvisor.com: #14 in Anaheim, Reviews
Website: http://www.alpineinnanaheim.com
Amenities: Swimming Pool, Free Parking, Laundromat, Free Wi-Fi

9. Ramada Maingate – At The Park

Distance from Disneyland: Across the Street
Shuttle to Disneyland? N/A, Walking Distance
Average Price per Night: $99 – $164
TripAdvisor.com: #16 in Anaheim, Reviews
Website: http://www.ramadamaingate.com
Amenities: Swimming Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking, Free Poolside Continental Breakfast

10. BEST WESTERN Park Place Inn – Mini Suites

Distance from Disneyland: Across the Street
Shuttle to Disneyland? N/A, Walking Distance
Average Price per Night: $126 – $290
TripAdvisor.com: #17 in Anaheim, Reviews
Website: http://www.parkplaceinnandminisuites.com
Amenities: Swimming Pool, Free Continental Breakfast, Laundromat, Free Wi-Fi

Here is a list of our favorite Hidden Mickeys found at Disneyland Resort, thanks to FindingMickey.com!

1. Alice in Wonderland
The splattered paint left from painting the roses red, creates a Classic Hidden Mickey.

2. Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye
A Classic Hidden Mickey is concealed within the hieroglyphs that decorate the large stone well cover.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean
These three shells on the little hidden beach (with the treasure chest, skeletons and moving crab) create a Classic Mickey.

4. The Golden Horseshoe
There is a small Hidden Mickey located on a vent in front of the Golden Horseshoe Stage. The miniature Classic Mickey is black and hidden on a faux vent grate.
Note: Earlier versions of this Hidden Mickey were painted onto the grate. To ensure it keeps its shape, a sticker is used to create the Hidden Mickey. (Photo taken August 2010)

5. Big Thunder Ranch
There is a giant pile of used horseshoes, found just outside Frontierland’s Big Thunder Ranch House. A carefully placed horseshoe Mickey is hidden somewhere in that huge pile.

6. Splash Mountain
At the beginning of the Splash Mountain queue, disguised as a knot, there is a tiny Classic Mickey hidden on the ride warning – height requirement sign.

7. Peter Pan’s Flight
While flying over London, scan the clock tower for a Hidden Mickey. Mickey’s silhouette is visible in a window above the clock’s face.

8. Haunted Mansion
Hidden on the ballroom table are three carefully arranged plates, which create a Classic Mickey place setting.

9. Rivers of America
When cruising along the Rivers of America, there are three round river rocks that create a proportioned Hidden Mickey. The rocks can be found on the starboard side while aboard the Mark Twain or the Columbia.

10. The Many Adventures of Winnie of the Pooh
A Classic Mickey is hidden in the honey splatter spiral (posted on the wall with Heffalumps).

For more Hidden Mickeys, please visit FindingMickey.com.

What’s your favorite “Hidden Mickey?” Let us know below!

Synopsis:
Rapunzel has been grounded—forever—by evil Mother Gothel, who needs her hair’s magical properties to keep her young and beautiful. Cooped up in her tower room, Rapunzel’s blonde tresses have grown to nearly 70 feet. Come for a visit and experience this Princess’ epic tale—and ponytail!

Throughout the day the roguish thief and adventurer, Flynn Rider, will make appearances to see the golden-haired heroine.

• Fun for the little ones
• Character experience: Meet and Greet

Location:
Apunzel’s room is between Pinocchio’s Daring Journey and Village Haus in Fantasyland. Keep a look out for the tower with the long, fair locks spilling from the window.

How Busy?
Expect wait time to be 60 minutes plus until the newness wears off.

via Disneyland

Party in the streets as the sounds of The Big Easy fill the air of Universal Orlando® Resort. It’s Beads, Bands and Good Times for everyone – Only at Universal Studios® Mardi Gras.

Concert Times:
February 12 – April 9: 8:30 pm
April 16 & 23: 9:30pm

via MiceChat

That’s right, no waiting in the standby queue. Beginning this spring, you’ll get a FASTPASS specifying a one-hour window when you can return to see Mickey for hugs, photos and autographs at his new home, Town Square Theater.