I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim this year and had a wonderful time on Day 1. There was a painful realization about the overall lack of black Star Wars merchandise for sale but I was still happier than a pig in mud. On day 2 I was better prepared for navigating the convention center and getting to panels early. I wasn’t prepared for another painful lesson back on the exhibit floor but I learned.
For Day 2 I made sure to wake up earlier, and meet up with E-Man more efficiently, we picked up our press passes smoothly, and proceeded to press seating at The Celebration Stage ahead of time. No way were we missing out on getting good seats this time. We were seated along with the rest of the press and had a much better view of the stage this time. we were curious and excited as to what we would see from ILM as the follow up to the Lucasfilm panel the day prior.
Day 2 – Better Start With Industrial Light & Magic
Day 2 of the Star Wars Celebration was another exciting day of panels highlighted by the Industrial Light & Magic presentation on the Celebration Stage. We attended this panel featuring the appearances of Ron Howard, Dennis Muren, Phil Tippett, Lynwen Brennan, Rose Duignan, and Joe Johnston. We got awesome seats and learned about the upcoming Disney+ series highlighting the early years at Lucasfilm during the making of Star Wars and beyond. I even attended the additional Press Panel afterward where we sat with these folks in a more intimate setting. We also asked them specifically what new technologies excite them the most with filmmaking today. We were also able to see Ron Howard blush a bit when asked about the love from fans for his film Solo: A Star Wars Story. Day 2 continued to be awesome and I was able to finally meet some peers like Van Lathan, and YouTuber Cosmic Wonder. I was even able to catch a glimpse of New Rockstars’ Erik Voss. I really enjoy meeting other press as this is a unique industry with unique personalities.
I tried my luck again with the exhibition floor after a short break. E-Man and I planned to both cosplay this year on Day 3 as Jedi and I wanted to buy a Force FX Elite Jedi Lightsaber for my cosplay. I was willing to buy a Qui-Gon Green Lightsaber but what I wanted was a Purple Mace Windu lightsaber. This is how I learned my next painful lesson when shopping for Mace Windu.
Exhibition Floor – The Mace Windu Tax
The exhibit floor had a lot of items on display but I could barely find any vendors selling Force FX Elite Lightsabers. I eventually found just three vendors selling Force FX Elite Lightsabers. The first two vendors had a nice selection and prices ranging between $180 – $220 for a blue Obi-Wan Kenobi, A Green Luke Skywalker, or a Red Darth Vader Lightsaber. I decided to keep looking and gave it my best shot to get that sweet Mace Windu purple Lightsaber. The third vendor I found had a huge collection and was selling lightsabers for Luke, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and more. Then I finally saw it. They had multiple Force FX Mace Windu Lightsabers for sale. I can’t tell you how happy I was to actually find this thing after my experience the day prior… until I heard the price. The Mace Windu lightsaber was listed at a staggering price of $380 plus sales tax.
I tried to do my due diligence and immediately opened up Amazon, Target, Walmart, and other merchants to compare prices online. Then the hard truth gut-punched me with the facts. The pricing for a Mace Windu Lightsaber is significantly higher than that of a Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Rey Skywalker, or the Mandalorian’s Dark Saber with every merchant. I asked the vendor why this Lightsaber was priced higher than most and was told that the item was rare. I bought the Lightsaber since he only had three available for sale. I was thrilled to find such a cool souvenir to bring home and quickly took it back to the hotel.
Disneyland – Lights, Photos, and More Mace Windu Madness
The day still had some more good, and not so good, surprises as we also got to attend the Disneyland After Dark Star Wars event. Disneyland is within walking distance of the Anaheim Convention Center and I was equally excited to visit the resort as I was at the Star Wars Celebration. The Disneyland after Dark event is a dimly lit epic night of celebration for all Star Wars fans. The park was exclusive to event ticket holders and features a distinct layering of love for Star Wars throughout the entire park. We began our evening watching this amazing fireworks display of some of the most iconic Star Wars themes.
The night continued with me pretty much snapping up a bunch of pictures and videos of the resort. I checked out some of the merchant stores in the Disney park to look for Mace Windu, Lando Calrissian, and Finn souvenirs. Thankfully there were some products for sale in the store that I checked! These aren’t leading characters so I didn’t find many but I felt like it was a decent amount. As I was walking out of the store I saw the Mace Windu Force FX Lightsaber for sale behind the register. The Cashier stated that each Lightsaber for sale cost just $220 and they all cost the same price. I tried not to be upset about overpaying but I hate overpaying so I left and got back to enjoying Disney After Dark.
I eventually made my way to Galaxy’s Edge to try out Rise of the Resistance. On my way, I stopped by Savi’s workshop to make what I think is the ultimate Lightsaber price comparison. Savi’s Workshop Lightsabers are coveted and usually have a much higher level of regard and quality than other lightsabers. Reservations weren’t required and I asked about the cost of the experience. I was told it just was $220. I can’t help but feel dejected. Why is this character’s merchandise so difficult to find and why is this Lightsaber so expensive? I don’t understand why I need to pay more for merchandise for a character that hasn’t appeared in 17 years. If there’s such a big demand why don’t they make more? It feels more difficult to find and it costs more money to buy black Star Wars merchandise. To add more insult to injury the Rise of the Resistance ride was closed thus ending my night in more disappointment.
The End and The Way Home
I left reminding myself that Day 3 was the day that I was most prepared for. My Cosplay was complete with the Lightsaber I wanted! Sure, it costs more than if I’d gotten another Lightsaber but this was what I wanted. Right? I was dressing up in costume on Day 3 which featured The Mando+ Panel with Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni. I felt it would be cool to be seen as a Jedi at the event even though I was there as press. I love the character and I hope they bring him back in the future. I just wish it wasn’t so hard and so expensive to be a Mace Windu fan.
