Epcot Transformed Spaceship Earth into the Death Star & More Star Wars Additions

[Figment!]

At 10:25 pm EST tonight (12/5/16), Epcot will be "transforming" Spaceship Earth into the Death Star as part of a Rouge One promotion.

----Post Event Update-----

Here is the Recap of the Effect:



Prior to the presentation of the effect, several announcements were made for Disney's Hollywood studios:

• Beginning 12/16/16 new Characters will appear in the Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show
• Rouge One Replicas have been added to the Star Wars Launch Bay
• Random Destinations will return to Star Tours “Mid December” 2016
• A new Star Wars Guided Tour will begin January 2, 2017. The tour is announced to be 7 hours and include special accesses to Star Tours & other Star Wars attractions/shows, 2 Star Wars Meet & Greets, a Star Wars themed Quick Service Meal at Backlot Express, and admission to the Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party.
• From 12/16/16 - 12/31/16, the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular will be shown nightly in addition to Jingle Bell Jingle Bam.

----12/6/16 Update-----


Separate Press Release on Rouge One additions:

• Star Wars Launch Bay – a multi-sensory space celebrating all things Star Wars – is now updated with authentic replicas from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” joining other Star Wars memorabilia in the preview gallery. Making-of footage from “Rogue One” has been added to the “Meet the Makers” film featured in Star Wars Launch Bay.
• In the popular daytime stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away,” guests will get a first look at AWR Troopers from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Outfitted in their specialized Stormtrooper armor with a dark, ominous gleam, these soldiers serve as bodyguards and enforcers for Director Krennic, a highly placed officer within the Advance Weapons Research (AWR) division of the Empire. A new Troopers sequence will join the show Dec. 16. Performances daily.

Seperate Press Release with more details on the 7 hour Star Wars Tour:

For the ultimate fan comes the ultimate tour. An all-new Star Wars guided tour is a seven-hour immersion in all the park’s current Star Wars experiences. Here’s what it includes:

• A Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide
• Priority boarding for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Encounter two Star Wars characters (Chewbacca and Kylo Ren) at Star Wars Launch Bay
• An in-depth, insider’s tour around Star Wars Launch Bay
• Screening of “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi”
• Enjoy Star Wars-themed menu items during dinner at Backlot Express
• A spot in the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which includes themed sweets and specialty beverages, as well as reserved viewing for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show

Younglings ages 4-12 on the guided tour package can also train in the way of The Force in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Priced at $129 per person, tours begin Jan. 2 and will be offered on Mondays and Saturdays throughout 2017.

[MrPeetrie]

Watched it and I am very excited about both movie and our return to Walt Disney World.

[Reedy Creek Buccaneer]

I found it a little underwhelming. They should have had Darth Vader out there.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

I loved it!! I wish the "show" had lasted a bit longer though. What a great idea ... I wonder who first said hey, the "big ball" in Epcot would make a good Death Star.

[baldburke]

Looks Awesome! Disney already has four of the top five 2016 global box office spots fairly well cemented. Hopefully Rogue One will allow them to go five for five. George Lucas has already given it a thumbs up. Can't wait to see it next week!

[DizneyFreak2002]

Looks Awesome! Disney already has four of the top five 2016 global box office spots fairly well cemented. Hopefully Rogue One will allow them to go five for five. George Lucas has already given it a thumbs up. Can't wait to see it next week!

Thursday night for me!!!! Some are projecting $300 million opening weekend...

As for this Spaceship Earth thing, eh, wasn't impressed honestly... They have done much better with the projection technology... But it's Star Wars, so I'll take it LOL...

[#1donaldfan]

I get to see it Thursday night too !! I cannot wait !!! I love the Death Star idea on the ball !!

[baldburke]

We can't get in until Sunday here...no spoilers please!

[PeterPan]

Impressive.