Star Wars' 'Force Friday' in full force

TAMPA (FOX 13) - There was a line of Star Wars fans big and small to get into the Disney Store for Force Friday at International Plaza.

The Disney Store had events going on throughout the day and fans got a free commemorative pin with their purchase. Events were scheduled throughout the weekend at the store.

The force is awakening for Star Wars collectors at other stores around the Bay Area as film-inspired toys are being sold in a world-wide event that began at midnight.

'Force Friday', taking place ahead of the new movie release in December, includes the release of the next generation of merchandise.

PHOTOS: View the gallery of Star Wars toys

Walmarts across the Tampa Bay area held a midnight event that includes Walmart-exclusive toys and giveaways, including Galactic Connexions discs, only available on Force Friday. For more Force Friday events at Walmart, head to walmart.com/starwars.

Amazon.com is offering new products as well as deals on Star Wars items.

Disney Stores all across America are holding Star Wars-themed opening ceremonies when they open their doors for business. Giveaways include commemorative Star Wars: The Force Awakens pins and Topps vintage trading cards.

There's also free shipping on Star Wars items from Sept. 4-6 on Disneystore.com. For more information on Disney Store events, head to the website: www.DisneyStore.com/ForceFriday.

At Walt Disney World, the store in the Downtown Disney Marketplace opened to fans starting at midnight for parks-exclusive merchandise and a Force Friday logo messenger bag.

Target will also have Star Wars items available at stores across the country. Click here for Target Star Wars events. The store is inviting fans to share their Star Wars memories at sharetheforce.target.com. The store is also celebrating Share the Force Saturday on Sept. 5 at select Target stores.

Toys "R" Us stores opened at midnight with special giveaways including a LEGO Star Wars Commemorative Brick and an exclusive Star Wars poster.

If you go to any of these events, Tweet us at @fox13news or post your photos to the FOX 13 Facebook page.