Star Wars Legends of the Force Motorcade at Disney's Hollywood Studios

By Nick

This story is a cautionary tale. Some folks assume that because I write a blog and have Disney Podcast that I am an expert on all things Disney. This is absolutely not true.
I often prefer not to do research when I'm about to do something new.
Sometimes this makes for a wonderful, surprise filled experience. Other times, things don't work out as expected.

On my recent trip to Walt Disney World with 2 friends to experience the first few days of this year's Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios, we had a plan as to what we wanted to do. We had our ADRs for several dining experiences, including The Rebel Hangar Lounge, Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine, and the Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast.

We also wanted to make sure we got into Darth's Mall, the merchandise area, see the Symphony in the Stars Fireworks, and watch the Legends of the Force Motorcade.

On Friday May 15th, we got to DHS half an hour early, got in and hit a couple of the shops in Darth's Mall, rode a few rides, and at 1030am found what we thought was a good spot for the 11am Motorcade over by Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, next to Oasis Canteen.

A little after 11, several waves of Stormtroopers, Rebels, and other assorted denizens of the Star Wars Universe came walking by.

And then Cast Members came up and started removing the ropes and tape, and the crowd started to disperse.

I looked at my friends and said "That was it? Where is the Motorcade? Where are the Disney characters?"
As we walked towards the front of the park, we couldn't help but notice the commotion directed  towards the stage in front of The Chinese Theater.

The Star War legends were being introduced!

Clearly, the parade went up Hollywood Boulevard to the stage, and sure enough, this is made clear on the Star Wars Weekend Event Guide, which I had neglected to read!

Luckily, all was not lost. As we were walking out we heard an announcement that the Star Wars Legends of the Force Motorcade was coming back down Hollywood Boulevard! We hopped on the curb in front of Keystone Clothiers, and had a great vantage point.

Still, I would have liked to have seen the whole parade, and I take full responsibility for not paying closer attention, and not doing a little pre-trip prep.

If there is an event or experience you are interested in, it's great to be pleasantly surprised, but sometimes a little planning goes a long way.

This article originally posted to The Disney Exchange, home of The Disney Exchange Podcast which I co-host with Lisa Green and David Hodges.