Thomas Kinkade Introduces New Star Wars: The Mandalorian Collection

Via DisDining.com

Thomas Kinkade is known for his stunning art work that features iconic scenes from beloved Disney films. Now, Kinkade has added The Mandalorian to his collection and they are breathtaking.

Currently on Kinkade’s website there are four different pieces featuring The Mandalorian. These four pieces are called, “The Mandalorian- Child’s Play”, “The Mandalorian- The Escort”, “The Mandalorian-The Mudhorn” and “The Mandalorian-Turning Point”. Each of the four pieces represents a unique moment from the Disney+ series.

A sure-to-be fan favorite is “The Mandalorian- Child’s Play”. It is described at “After helping save the Sorgan™ village from raiders with an AT-ST Raider™, the Mandalorian™ takes a moment to consider the possibility of a peaceful life with them as the Child plays by a pond. Whereas the appeal of this sanctuary is tempting, deep inside Mando knows that if he and his charge are ever to be safe, they must find a way to outrun, or outsmart, the pursuers who are tracking them.”

See all the paintings and descriptions by Kinkade on the website today.

All-New “Star Wars: The High Republic” First Publishing Works Now Available

he first publishing works for Star Wars: The High Republic, an all-new epic series of books, novels, and comics, is now available! Whether you’re a core fan or new to Star Wars, young or young-at-heart, this vast, interconnected saga brings a new era never before seen in the Star Wars galaxy. Check out the details as shared below by DisneyParksBlog.

Light of the Jedi and A Test of Courage book covers
Star Wars: The High Republic book covers

In this new saga, five high-profile, fan-favorite Star Wars authors tell an epic, interconnected story – across multiple publishers and formats for different age groups – establishing a new timeline of Star Wars storytelling for generations to come. This initial release of Star Wars: The High Republic works include Light of the Jedi, an adult novel by Charles Soule; A Test of Courage, a middle grade novel by Justina Ireland, and a Marvelcomic book series and children’s picture book, both by Cavan Scott. Additional titles will come in February including Into the Dark, a YA novel by Claudia Gray, and The High Republic Adventures an IDW comic series for fans of all ages by Daniel José Older. 

The era of The High Republic takes place centuries before The Phantom Menace and the prequel trilogyduring a golden age of the Republic, when the Jedi Order are in their prime. Noble and wise, the Jedi serve as protectors in a much more peaceful and prosperous time in the galaxy.  The story begins as the Jedi face The Great Disaster, an intergalactic catastrophe that spins the galaxy in a dangerous new direction. 

You’ll be introduced to a new group of courageous heroes, as well as menacing villains. The young, diverse Padawans run the gamut of skill, devotion, and personality.  Keep a look-out for Burryaga, a Force-sensitive Wookiee who is skilled with a broadsword-like lightsaber in Light of the Jedi; Vernestra “Vern” Rwoh, a teenage Jedi Knight with a lightwhip in A Test of Courage, and even some familiar faces like Yoda. 

With new heroes comes a barrage of new villains to terrorize the galaxy including the Nihil—dangerous marauders who wreak havoc from the Outer Rim- and the menacing Drengir, a carnivorous plant-like species with tentacles and teeth!

Into the Dark, a young adult novel by Claudia Gray

In February, look for Into the Dark, a young adult novel by Claudia Gray and Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures, an all-ages comic book series by Daniel José Older.  

Lucasfilm’s Publishing and Story Group teams have carefully crafted this initiative, and these books, comics, and magazines are being published by Disney Lucasfilm Press, Del Rey, IDW Publishing, Marvel, and more. The authors of this publishing initiative also participated in a virtual launch event today, where they shared insights about what to expect, as well as some new announcements:

You can purchase the first books from Star Wars: The High Republic here, or wherever books are sold. 

New Changes to Star Wars-Rise of the Resistance Virtual Queue

Via DisneyLists.com

Calling all members of the Resistance! Disney is making a slight adjustment to the virtual queue process for one of the most popular experiences at Walt Disney World Resort, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Learn more below.

Beginning Sunday, December 20, distribution times for the virtual queue enrollment will be 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. (a change from 2:00 pm). Keep in mind, to access the 1 p.m. virtual queue opportunity guests must have a valid ticket or pass, a Disney Park Pass Reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and be inside the park. (Access to the 7:00 am queue remains the same in that you don’t have to be in the park to join). Access to a boarding group is subject to availability and not guaranteed.

As a reminder, only guests with a Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. When Park Hopper hours become available on January 1, 2021, guests visiting from another theme park will not be able to request to join the virtual queue. Disney encourages these guests to explore other areas of the park, including in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge where they may experience Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run among other offerings.

runDisney Announces End of Star Wars Themed Races

runDisney has released a statement announcing the final year of the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend and its transition to a virtual race next spring.

Here is the statement from the runDisney website:

During this unusual time, race organizers around the world continue to pause on hosting in-person race events that draw large crowds. As we look to the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend, we will convert this race to a virtual event, similar to the previous runDisney race weekends this season. In addition, we will reimagine the theming of this race weekend for 2022 and will share more information on that at a later date.

While we share our Guests’ disappointment that we will not be taking our final run in the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend together in person, we have based this decision on the unique circumstances of hosting a road race experience on this scale under the current environment.

Participants who registered through runDisney.com will have the option of receiving a full refund for the race. Those who are registered with a U.S. mailing address may convert their existing registration to the new virtual event that can be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.

In addition to the satisfaction of completing the race they’ve trained for, eligible participants in the virtual race will receive a medal for each distance they complete and the option of a race shirt. Registered participants will receive an email with instructions on how to make their registration selection before December 18, 2020.

For those who would still like to register for the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend virtual event, we will open additional registration opportunities on a limited basis Tuesday, December 15, at 10 a.m. ET. This race event may be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.

Participants who’ve booked through a charity or tour operator should reach out directly to that organization. Athletes who’ve booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company may call them at 407-939-4786 (407-939-IRUN) for available options.

2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend Refund Option

Runners registered for the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who select the refund option will receive a refund back to their original form of payment for the following. If a Guest no longer has their original form of payment used when registering, they may contact runDisney by December 18, 2020, to receive a refund via check or a Digital Disney Gift Card for the following:

  • Race registrations (Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Challenges and Kids Races)
  • Commemorative merchandise (automatic refund – no virtual option)
  • Processing fee

Additionally, any registered participant with a shipping address outside of the U.S. will automatically receive a refund back to their original form of payment. At this time, only participants with a valid U.S. shipping address are eligible for the virtual option.

Refund timing:

Refunds from runDisney can be expected to be processed within six to eight weeks. If you haven’t received your refund by then, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.

2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend Virtual Race Options

All registered participants with a valid U.S. shipping address for the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who purchased their registrations on runDisney.com will have the option to participate in a virtual race. Please note PO Boxes and APO Boxes are not considered valid shipping addresses for this purpose. Participants who select this option will receive the following based on their registration(s):

  • Race distance medal(s)
  • Option of event tech shirt(s)
  • Digital Bib and finisher certificate
  • Digital Toolkit including start/finish line and mile markers
  • Digital Goody Bag
  • Virtual playlist
  • A Digital Disney Gift Card for select races

Guests with a U.S. mailing address who already have received a refund for their registration may still register to participate in the virtual race option by registering at runDisney.com beginning December 15, 2020 at 10 a.m. ET.

Digital Disney Gift Cards for select races:

Eligible athletes registered for select events during the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will receive a Digital Disney Gift Card:

  • Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Challenge

Digital Disney Gift Card timing:

Digital Disney Gift Cards from runDisney can be expected to be processed within six to eight weeks. If you haven’t received your Digital Disney Gift Card by then, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.

Charitable donations

Donations made to Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida will not be refunded and will be delivered to that organization as originally planned.

Club runDisney Charter Membership

Guests who purchased the inaugural year of the Club runDisney membership have received a second year of membership at no charge.

Future Races:

We’re looking at every aspect of the runDisney experience and making decisions with the safety and well-being of our athletes, volunteers, Cast Members and Guests at the forefront of our planning. At this time, we have no updates regarding future runDisney events. We thank you for your continued patience and understanding.