The Force Will Be Strong at Toys “R” Us Times Square on September 4

Star Wars Millennium Falcon Spaceship from Kenner (1979)
Star Wars Millennium Falcon Spaceship from Kenner (1979), on display as part of Destination: Star Wars—The Experience

When the clock strikes 12:01 a.m. on September 4, all Toys “R” Us stores in the U.S. will open their doors, giving customers the opportunity to purchase hundreds of new Star Wars playthings, including a wide variety of merchandise not available anywhere else.

Toys “R” Us’ biggest midnight opening celebration will take place at its international flagship store in New York City, Toys “R” Us Times Square. Attendees of all ages are invited to come dressed as their favorite Star Wars character and take part in dozens of on activities designed especially for Star Wars fans.

Princess Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Chewbacca Large Size Action Figures from Kenner (1978-1979)
Princess Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Chewbacca Large Size Action Figures from Kenner (1978 to 1979), on display as part of Destination: Star Wars—The Experience

Toys “R” Us Times Square will also host a special exhibition featuring prototypes, originals, and early editions of some of the best-known Star Wars toys in the world, curated by Rancho Obi-Wan Inc., a not-for-profit museum that houses the Guinness World Records-certified largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia. Presented prominently throughout the store, Destination: Star Wars—The Experience will be on display from August 26 through September 7, and will feature notable collectibles based on all six feature films from the Star Wars Saga, including the original first four mail-away action figures from 1978, a large-sized Chewbacca figure in never publicly-released The Empire Strikes Back packaging from Kenner Products, and a rare 2003 LEGO Star Wars Cloud City building set.

More information on the items to be displayed at Destination: Star Wars—The Experience can be found at the official Toys “R” Us press release.

In addition, Toys “R” Us Times Square will be celebrating Force Friday one day early with activities throughout September 3, beginning at 9 a.m., including:

Chewbacca Stuffed Toy with Bandolier and R2D2 Stuffed Toy with Sound from Kenner (1977 to 1978)
Chewbacca Stuffed Toy with Bandolier and R2D2 Stuffed Toy with Sound from Kenner (1977 to 1978), on display as part of Destination: Star Wars—The Experience

A book signing and meet and greet with Steve Sansweet, CEO and president of Rancho Obi-Wan Inc., storied Star Wars author, and former head of fan relations and director of content management at Lucasfilm Ltd.

An art class and meet and greet with fan-favorite Star Wars and science fiction artist, Jeff Carlisle.

Star Wars product demonstrations and activations throughout the store, including Star Wars-themed 3-D action figure creation with 3D Plus Me and video gaming on Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars kiosks.

A LEGO Star Wars make and take for rebels looking to build their toy empire brick by brick.

A Light Saber Academy with members of New York Jedi, a community of cosplayers, martial artists, and teachers who share practical stage combat techniques oriented toward Light Sabers.

Movie Viewer, Movie Cassettes, Radio Contorlled R2D2 and Electronic Battle Command Game from Kenner (1978 to 1979)
Movie Viewer, Movie Cassettes, Radio Contorlled R2D2 and Electronic Battle Command Game from Kenner (1978 to 1979), on display as part of Destination: Star Wars—The Experience

Photo opportunities with costumed characters, including Furbacca, a character versioned after the Hasbro toy that makes sounds like Chewbacca, Geoffrey the Giraffe, and more.

Ice cream flavors inspired by the Star Wars Saga from Scoops “R” Us, the flagship store’s in-house ice cream shop located on the Lower Level.

Star Wars-themed cookie decorating at a Wookiee Cookie Party on Level 1.

Special giveaways for the first fans in line, including a Collector’s Edition LEGO Star Wars Commemorative Brick; an exclusive, limited edition Star Wars poster; and a Star Wars Character Flashlight giveaways from Jakks Pacific.

A panel discussion with Steve Sansweet and Jeff Carlisle for select fans, which will be livestreamed via Periscope @Toysrus on Twitter.

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About the author

Phil Guie

Phil Guie

Phil Guie is an associate editor at Adventure Publishing Group. He writes and edits articles for The Toy Book and The Licensing Book. Phil also serves as lead editor for The Toy Book Blog and The Toy Report newsletter, and manages social media for The Toy Book. But of course, Phil’s pride and joy are his weekly reviews for The Toy Insider, in which he writes about video games, movies, and other cool things. His hobbies include comics, baking, fidgeting, and traveling to off-the-beaten places and making new friends.

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