WDW Daily News

Luke Skywalker’s role in December 2015’s “Star Wars Episode VII” is subject to further speculation as fans discuss the hero’s relationship to the light and dark sides of the Force.

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Iconic costumes from “a galaxy far, far away” are presented in the Smithsonian traveling exhibition, Rebel, Jedi, Princess, Queen: Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume. The exhibition will begin a 12-city national tour at EMP Museum in Seattle where it will be on view Jan. 31 through Oct. 4, 2015.

Culled from the collection of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Rebel, Jedi, Princess, Queen: Star Wars and the Power of Costume is a partnership of the museum, the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Lucasfilm. George Lucas imagined and created a fantastical world filled with dynamic characters who told the timeless story of the hero’s journey. The costumes shaped the identities of these now famous characters, from the menacing black mask of Darth Vader and the gilded suit of C-3PO, to the lavish royal gowns of Queen Amidala and a bikini worn by Princess Leia when enslaved by Jabba the Hutt.

“Craftsmanship and artistry in costume design are valued creative components in the Star Wars saga,” said Lucas. “The detailed precision of a design can be as bold a measure of storytelling as words on a page, leading to truths at the core of a character, situation or shared history. From initial concept drawings to complex physical constructions, the costumes featured in this exhibition serve to further define crucial aspects of worlds created to move, educate and entertain us—to inspire the imagination.”

Presenting 60 of the finest hand-crafted costumes from the first six blockbuster Star Wars films, the exhibition uncovers the challenges, the intricate processes and the remarkable artistry of Lucas, the concept artists and costume designers. The costumes reflect an eclectic mix of cultural, historical and mythical sources that add rich texture to the story. Through nine presentational “chapters”—Introduction: Dressing a Galaxy; Jedi versus Sith: Form, Function and Design; Concept and Design for Royalty and Beyond; Symbolism and Military Power; Outlaws and Outsiders; All Corners of the Galaxy: The Galactic Senate; After the Throne: Padmé’s Journey; Darth Vader: Iconic Villain; and Droid™ Design: C-3PO and R2-D2—visitors will explore the creative process from Lucas’s vision through concept drawings by artists such as Ralph McQuarrie and Iain McCaig, to the final costume designs of John Mollo and Trisha Biggar, among others.

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Disney Parks Blog takes a look at 10 Things To Know About The Haunted Mansion Theme ‘Grim Grinning Ghosts’.

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Since Disneyland’s opening in 1955, and Disney World’s in 1971, a lot of attractions have come and gone. Disney likes to hold on to its successful rides, but some were too costly, or just not popular enough; others were just collateral damage for newer and more exciting rides (the fact that Disney World’s Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed still stings). These rides are lost, but not forgotten. Let us look back at the nostalgic graveyard of defunct Disney rides.

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Disney Haunts your Disney Side this week with “spook-a-licous” food & drinks. They want to see those tasty treats for a chance to win a private Midnight party at the Haunted Mansion®, followed by an overnight stay at Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World® Resort! http://di.sn/ax7

Watch more Disney Halloween videos here! http://di.sn/dsZ

NO PURCH NEC. Ends 11/4/14 at 11:59:59 PM ET. 50 US/DC/Canada (excl. QC), 18/age of majority +. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules.

If you’ve already checked every item off our normal Disney bucket list, you’re definitely a die-hard Disney fan. You need something more suited to your hard-core Disney hankerings, and have no fear: we’ve got a list just for Disneyphiles like yourself. Get ready to dive headfirst into the world of intense park-hopping, globe-trotting, and mouse-seeking, because this is the ultimate Disney bucket list.

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The Walt Disney Co. has changed the way people use its theme parks through its FastPass+ reservation system. Now the theme park giant is testing a new use of the technology that could end the concept of waiting in line for rides while also opening up a significant potential source of revenue.

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Sabrina Soto & Michael Moloney give Halloween DIY tips to “Haunt Your Disney Side” for a chance to win a private Midnight party at the Haunted Mansion® for you and 3 guests, followed by an overnight stay at Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World® Resort! Enter for your chance to win: http://di.sn/huJ

Finally releasing from the Disney Vault, Disney’s ultimate princess fairytale classic “Sleeping Beauty” will be available for the first time on Diamond Edition Blu-ray, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on October 7, 2014. Experience all of the pageantry and power of this wondrous tale on Blu-ray – and for the first time on Digital HD – with incredible high definition picture, thrilling, soaring sound, and all-new Diamond Edition special features that make this a must-own for every family’s classic collection!

All-New Magical Bonus Features Includes 3 Never Before Seen Deleted Scenes and more!

A federal judge has transferred a California autism discrimination lawsuit against the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to Orlando, after Disney argued for the transfer.

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