ORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands of "Star Wars" fans are flooding into Orlando as the Star Wars Celebration kicks off at the Orange County Convention Center.
For the first time in five years, the event returns to Central Florida where more than 70,000 people are expected through the weekend.
Organizers describe the Star Wars Celebration as Lucasfilm's love letter to fans filled with costumes, exhibits, interactive shows, screenings merchandise and everything celebrating "Star Wars."
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the original film, which debuted in 1977.
One of the hottest tickets at the celebration is the 40 Years of Star Wars panel that promises actors and producers from the film franchise, as well as several surprises.
[PHOTOS: 'Star Wars' Celebration | VIDEO AT BOTTOM OF STORY SHOWS MILE-LONG LINE]
Several other panels and autograph sessions are also scheduled over the four-day event.
Fans were seen lining up as early as Tuesday night for the event.
Early Thursday, the line was seen stretching nearly a mile long outside the convention center.
The Star Wars Celebration runs from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday thru Saturday and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday.
Thousands of fans flooding into #StarWarsCelebration. Kicks off 4-day event @OCCC. pic.twitter.com/Ek38kLvkB6
— Mark Lehman (@MarkLehman6) April 13, 2017
Single-day tickets are $75 for adults and $43 for children.
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