Star Wars Weekends will expand in 2011

For fans of Star Wars Weekends, there will be much to look forward to in 2011.  This annual event is set to have its largest footprint ever.

For fans of Star Wars Weekends, there will be much to look forward to in 2011.  This annual event is set to have its largest footprint ever.

We're hearing that Disney has finally approved plans to install a stage in front of the Sorcerer's Hat that would be the home for some of the more popular events such as the Hyperspace Hoopla.  The past few years has seen the Jedi Training Academy stage become overwhelmed with guests in popularity trying to see events held there.  Due to guest demand, the stage will be set up in time for Star Wars Weekends and will remain through July 5, 2011 (allowing the stage to be reused for July 4th and other events).

The Sorcerer Hat stage had been used for the Last Tour to Endor event last summer with a great deal of success.  Couple that with the expected large crowds for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue and you have a need for much more space than the Jedi Training Academy stage could ever hold.

The merchandise area, known in years past as Jabba's Hutt or Wicket's Warehouse depending on year, theme and host, will be set up in a tent in the Rock 'n Roller Coaster courtyard where the ESPN the Weekend SportsZone has been used in the past.  This means Star Wars Weekends will expand into Sunset Boulevard and will feature Star Wars characters on Sunset Boulevard as well.