Orlando may not be in a galaxy far, far away but for one weekend in August next year it will the location of Star Wars Celebration V. The event will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the fan-favorite, The Empire Strikes Back and the weekly animated television show, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. This out of this world convention is scheduled for August 12 – 15, 2010, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Combined forces of Lucasfilm Ltd. and Reed Exhibitions PopGroup are promising to produce the largest official Star Wars event E-V-E-R. The spectacular convention will feature cast and crew celebrities, fan-run events, costumes, music, live entertainment, screenings, autographs, collectibles, panels and sneak peaks into the future of Star Wars.

“We’re going to have a blast commemorating the 30th anniversary of fan-favorite The Empire Strikes Back as we welcome an entire new generation of fans watching our animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” said Steve Sansweet, Lucasfilm’s head of Fan Relations. “There’s no doubt that Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando will be the ‘must attend’ event for Star Wars fans of all ages and from all parts of the galaxy,” he added. “We’re also very excited to launch our partnership with Reed PopGroup, which has shown great expertise in running large, fun-filled events that satisfy fans, show participants, and exhibitors. We’re expecting the biggest and best Celebration to date.”

Tickets for Star Wars Celebration V go on sale Thursday, December 10 and weekend and daily admission passes will be available for sale. Visit www.starwarscelebration.com for additional information and updates. May as well make a week-long vacation out of the Stars Wars conference. Check out the rates Resort Rentals is offering on Orlando vacation accommodations and may the force be with you.

Image Credit: Star Wars Celebration V

Following a seven month refurbishment, Space Mountain, Magic Kingdom Park’s fastest ride, reopened on November 22. The upgraded ride includes a few video games along the walls so riders can pass the time while waiting in line and runs a bit smoother than before the refurbishment. Most of the ride takes place in the dark and is full of unexpected twists, turns and dips resulting in a screamingly wild ride.

Trust us when we say the waiting in line 45 minutes for the less than 2 minute ride is worth it and if you’re a screamer, bring along some throat lozenges, you’ll need them from all the screaming. Of course, when visiting Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, hit Space Mountain first as it is certainly a popular ride. Take a sneak peek of Space Mountain with this YouTube video.

New to Walt Disney World is Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee also at the Magic Kingdom Park and features characters from the new Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Princess and the Frog” movie. See Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen along with a host of other good and villainess characters. Let the good times roll and transcend to Louisiana. The party begins at Liberty Square and shimmies on down to the water’s edge where the Princess and Prince board a big white showboat with a live jazz band.

Better get on down to the Sunshine State for an Orlando vacation because Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee is running for 10 weeks through January 3, 2010.

Whimsy and humor meet acrobatics and choreography in Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, an incredible show for the eyes and mind, playing at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.  Let the imagination run alongside lovable characters who lead the audience on an unforgettable journey set to the perfect live soundtrack.

Think of La Nouba as the traditional French circus meeting 21st century fast-paced technology. The 90-minute performance features high flying acrobatics, dancers, comical clowns, a ballet in the air, and amazing synchronization all set to powerful music that it’s hard to believe it’s live and not Memorex. Not only do performances take place on the stage, but some spill into the aisles.

All acts are incredible but the one called, “Diabolos” steals the show. Four adorable girls probably no older than 6-years-old exhibit amazing precision and coordination as they toss something looking like oversized yo-yos into the air and catch them on strings. Okay, that doesn’t sound all that exciting but trust us, your jaw will drop seeing these ladies in action.

La Nouba is a feel-good show and appropriate for children of all ages. It’s a terrific complement to Central Florida’s theme parks during an Orlando vacation.

Cirque du Soleil originated as a group of 20 street performers in 1984 and today, the Quebec-based organization has more than 4,000 employees from over 40 different countries. See La Nouba Tuesday through Saturday either at 6 or 9 p.m., the show is dark Sundays and Mondays. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.

La Nouba is Located in Downtown Disney in a large, white tent. There are plenty of dining options to choose from either before or after a performance ranging from the Caribbean flavors of Gloria Estefan’s Bongos Cuban Café to taste of the Louisiana bayou of the House of Blues to the contemporary flavors of the Wolfgang Puck Cafe.