Star Wars: The Last Jedi Press Event Experience

When I received the invitation for the Star Wars: The Last Jedi press event, I knew it was a big deal. The invite was guarded in secrecy and I couldn’t reveal my travel plans until the day I left.

The hotel, where the event took place, couldn’t be tagged in any social, for fear that it would be mobbed by Star Wars fans (which is totally understandable!).

Needless to say, this setup was bit different than any of the other press junkets that I’ve attended— So it shouldn’t have been a surprise that the press day would include more than just amazing interviews with the cast of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

After the press conference and individual interviews with Gwendoline Christie (“Captain Phasma”), Kelly Marie Tran (“Rose Tico”), Laura Dern (“Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo”) and Domhnall Gleeson (“General Hux”), we were treated to an entire floor of Star Wars: The Last Jedi fun, including a T-Shirt Making Station and exclusive photo opps.

Here are some of the highlights of the Star Wars: The Last Jedi press event experience.

Kylo Ren and Rey Costume Vignettes

T-Shirt Making Station

All the journalists were treated to a Star Wars: The Last Jedi shirt of their choice, which was made right before our eyes. I chose a tee with an adorable Porg, one of the new characters in the film.

BB-8 & BB-9E Photo Opps

One of the biggest highlights for me was an exclusive photo opp with BB-8 and BB-9E. These droids are the cutest! Though I'm still a little unsure of BB-9E. I'm convinced he's on the Dark Side - what do you think!?

X-Lab Virtual Reality Demo

I know I looked ridiculous playing the Lenovo Star Wars™: Jedi Challenges AR headset game, but it was a ton of fun (and quite a workout!). You can pick up the Headset with Lightsaber Controller and Tracking Beacon at Best Buy.

New Disney Consumer Products

And I can't forget the MERCH! There are so many cool Star Wars: The Last Jedi items coming — there really is something for everyone!

Here is just a sampling...

Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit Star Wars - Hero Droid BB-8 - Fully Interactive Droid BB-9E App-Enabled Droid with Trainer The Last Jedi: Life-Sized Interactive Action Porg Plush Funko POP! Star Wars: The Last Jedi - Porg - Collectible Figure (styles may vary)Funko POP! Star Wars: The Last Jedi - Princess Leia - Collectible Figure Funko POP! Star Wars: The Last Jedi - Luke Skywalker - Collectible Figure Star Wars: The Last Jedi Luke Skywalker (Jedi Master) Force Link Figure 3.75 Inches Star Wars: The Last Jedi Rey (Jedi Training) Force Link Figure 3.75 Inches Star Wars: The Last Jedi Poe Dameron (Resistance Pilot) Force Link Figure 3.75 Inches Star Wars: The Last Jedi Resistance Tech Rose Force Link Figure 3.75 Inches Star Wars 2017 The Black Series Elite Praetorian Guard (The Last Jedi) Action Figure 3.75 Inches

I wanted to take home all the Porg merchandise, but there was no way I could have fit it all in my suitcase. I settled for this incredible Porg mug (a gift from Disney!), which now sits on my desk. I'm in love with this little guy!

Zak Designs Star Wars Episode 8 Last Jedi Sculpted Coffee Mug - Porg