The pop culture phenomenon that is “Star Wars” has transfixed generations of moviegoers since it hit theaters in 1977. George Lucas’s epic film series has created legions of super fans.
Nearly four decades later, “Star Wars” remains a force to be reckoned with. Super fans have taken their passion for the films from the theater to the road, flocking to “Star Wars” filming locations and destinations that pay homage to the flicks.
As we count the days until the seventh film in the saga, “Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” opening in theaters Dec. 18, 2015, we have created the ultimate travel guide for “Star Wars” super fans.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Attraction, Orlando, Florida and Anaheim, California, United States
The power of the Force and the magic of Disney collide in Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, a 3-D attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Fla. and Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif. Based on the “Star Wars” films, Star Tour takes guests to multiple “Star Wars” destinations where they interact with characters from the Saga. Revamped in 2011, the simulated, multi-sensory attraction takes guests on one of more than 50 story combinations so repeat riders enjoy a new experience each time. Experience a battle with Darth Vader and his legion of stormtroopers or a plea from Princess Leia to help her save the Rebellion. Anthony Daniels, the voice of C-3PO, and the only actor to appear in every theatrical chapter of the “Star Wars” Saga, reprises his role as the golden protocol droid on the flight. Guests never know where the Force will take them.
Rancho Obi-Wan, Pentaluma, California, United States
Located in Petaluma, Calif., about an hour north of San Francisco, Rancho Obi-Wan contains the private collection of Steve Sansweet, the writer of 17 “Star Wars” books and former head of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm for 15 years after a 30-year career as a journalist. The nonprofit museum was formed in late 2011 to enable fans from all over the world to visit and share in the galactic fun. Sansweet gives three-hour tours of the Guinness World Records-certified largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia. The collection includes approximately 500,000 items, including vintage toys, screen-used props, international items and an array of art and fan-made artifacts.
Long Room, Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland
Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College is a popular spot for people watching. The Trinity College Library is the largest library in Ireland with 5 million books including the “Book of Kells,” a ninth century copy of the four gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. The historic library’s Long Room, which houses 200,000 of the library’s oldest books, was the inspiration for the Jedi Archives in “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.”
Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C., United States
The sixth largest cathedral in the world might seem like an unlikely stop for “Star Wars” super fans. The opulent Washington National Cathedral has 112 gargoyles including one of Darth Vadar. When the west towers were under construction in the 1980s, the cathedral hosted a decorative sculpture competition. Third place winner Christopher Rader’s drawing of Darth Vader was turned into a sculpted gargoyle on the northwest tower. Super fans will need binoculars to catch a glimpse of villainous Darth Vader who sits atop the cathedral looking down on visitors below.
Finse, Norway
The icy, unspoiled and desolate Finse, a popular destination for skiing in winter and biking in summer, made the ideal setting for the icy planet of Hoth. It’s a trek to get here – there are only 10 residents in the isolated town. Located 4,000 feet above sea level, there are no roads here; visitors must come via the Bergen Railway, which offers trains daily between Oslo and Bergen. The nearby Hardangerjokulen glacier is where parts of “The Empire Strikes Back” were filmed.
Death Valley National Park, California, United States
The lake beds in Death Valley are aesthetically reminiscent of the Tunisian deserts where the majority of the first “Star Wars” movie was filmed. Death Valley is where pick-ups (scenes filmed after the main filming has concluded) of the sandcrawler that the scavenger Jawas used, the landspeeder, the Banthas and the Tusken Raiders were shot.
Sucher & Son’s Star Wars Shop, Aberdeen, Washington, United States
The family-owned Sucher & Son’s Star Wars Shop was born after Don Sucher’s two sons discovered “Star Wars” and became fans of the films. The former furniture salesman opened the shop in 1997, which specializes in “Star Wars” memorabilia. The Suchers buy and sell new and used items from the original trilogy and prequels.
Tikal National Park, Petén Province, Guatemala
The ancient Mayan ruins at Tikal National Park played a cameo role in the first installment of “Star Wars.” The historic park surrounded by lush jungle was the rebel base of Yavin 4, one of the moons that orbited Yavin.
Letterman Digital Arts Center, San Francisco, California, United States
Located in San Francisco’s Presidio National Park, the Letterman Digital Arts Center is the headquarters for Lucasfilms. While it’s not possible to explore Lucasfilms, visitors can stroll the 23-acre campus and admire the Yoda fountain at the main entrance to the four-building complex.
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Star Wars Weekends, Orlando, Florida, United States
Each year, Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosts “Star Wars” Weekends May 15 to June 14, 2015 for “Star Wars” super fans. Each weekend brings park goers as close to the Force as they can get with more than 60 “Star Wars” characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greet opportunities, a “Star Wars” motorcade, the “Symphony in the Stars” nighttime fireworks display saluting iconic sounds of the films, event-exclusive merchandise at Darth’s Mall, “Star Wars”–inspired dining offerings and interactive activities. This year’s installation introduces a new show “Star Wars: Rebels,” where guests can relive the first season of the Disney XD series with guests from the show’s voice cast, and meet several “Star Wars” luminaries like Ian McDiarmid, Senator/Emperor Palpatine in the “Star Wars” movies, and Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda who are making their first hyperspace jumps to “Star Wars” Weekends.
(Main Image: The Walt Disney Company)
