Walt Disney World guests who attended the second of four Star Wars Weekends this past weekend, an annual event held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, were surprised by an unexpected character appearance. A walking, talking C3PO interacted with guests as he moved about the theme park.
The popular droid has a regular presence at Star Wars Weekends, as an Audio-Animatronic figure seen in the queue for the Studios’ Star Tour attraction.
This C3PO, though, marks a new level of character interaction with guests. He chatted with guests, referring to them by name and making reference to other Star Wars characters in unscripted, real-time conversations.
C3PO passes remarkably for the original Lucas creation, including a good approximation of Anthony Daniels’ voice, and is not an Audio-Animatronic figure. Although he had limited walking ability, C3PO was able to pose for pictures and wave to Disney guests.
Fans immediately crowded around the character, who posed for pictures between the Star Tours entrance and gift shop. Disney cast members, including Walt Disney Imagineering representatives, escorted C3PO on- and off-stage for short character meet-and-greets that took place several times throughout the Star Wars weekend.
Star Wars Weekends attendees were abuzz on fan forums like WDW Magic with the news of the character’s appearance this weekend, particularly because C3PO had not appeared during opening weekend. There was some speculation that the talking C3PO was yet another Disney “playtest” for new character interactions, similar to the talking Mickey Mouse who appeared at Disneyland recently.
Talking C3PO at Star Wars Weekends, JeffLangeDVD
However, according to an article published by Inside the Magic, C3PO is not a Disney creation and his appearance at Star Wars Weekends is not his feature debut but. For more on C3PO’s appearance and the background on the character – including spoilers – click here.
Although official confirmation has been released, C3PO's response to questions – captured in this video by Jeff Lange, who offers high-quality Disney fan videos and DVDs at JeffLangeDVD – suggests the character will make appearances throughout the remaining Star Wars Weekends.
Inside the Magic also speculates the C3PO character may appear during Star Wars Celebration V, the Lucasfilm convention to be held in Orlando in mid-August; Walt Disney World will participate in that event with a hard-ticket party called Last Tour to Endor, held after-hours at Disney's Hollywood Studios, to mark the closing of the original Star Tours ride in preparation for a new 3-D Star Tours experience.
This article is part of the Media Monday series. You can also read other articles on Disney news, deals, and advice, or sign up for a free subscription to this Disney Travel column.
Comments
I think this is a really cool addition. I'll let you know if I "see"3PO at Celebration V or the Last Tour to Endor party. Dave
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