Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[Cynister]

Sorry for such a noob question, I'm sure I missed it somewhere...What is the significance of the Chewie run? From what I've gathered it is being let in to the park on the 1st day of SWW? Does he do anything else or does he just head straight to the M&G area?

Separate question. If we were to go to the stormtrooper opening on Saturday & walk to the back to get in line for Toy Story, would the standby wait be reasonable or already out of control from the people who ran ahead to get to it?

 

[yulilin3]

All of this would be nice, but I have a suspicion that "roaming" really means they will walk some characters past or through a new path on their way backstage from meet and greets. I'm not expecting a ton I guess. But it does sound like they will really work on the atmosphere in there. The whole thing just sounds, forgive me, super neat!

Leaving in a week woohoo

yeah, I think they'll just walk thru as well but would add so much to the atmosphere. On Sunday I'm asking the Backlot Manager if that side of Backlot will be completely closed off or will they use it for lunch and then close it.
I hope they close it all the time that way they can really work with the theme

 

[yulilin3]

Sorry for such a noob question, I'm sure I missed it somewhere...What is the significance of the Chewie run? From what I've gathered it is being let in to the park on the 1st day of SWW? Does he do anything else or does he just head straight to the M&G area?

Separate question. If we were to go to the stormtrooper opening on Saturday & walk to the back to get in line for Toy Story, would the standby wait be reasonable or already out of control from the people who ran ahead to get to it?

we just decided to give it a name. So many of us here are doing Chewie meets first thing Friday morning that we just thing it would be cool if the majority of us are DISers, nothing really special happens.
If you're there at rope drop the line for TSMM shouldn't be more than 15 minutes. We have gone on TSMM, ToT and RnRC in the first hour of the park being open during SWW

 

[momofallsons]

Ok, still sweating the visit to the maul sign ups. Do we follow the JTA stampede then break off? Where exactly do we sign them up? Is it a good chance to get a spot if we head straight there at RD for my 3 kiddos? Is it a mob? Any advice, cant find much on youtube or googling about it. Thanks! Also, youngest will be turning 5 in Sept. 2nd, will be there on June 12th, will he be able to do it?! He is all about it, lol. Plus his older brothers 10 and 11 (turning 11 & 12 in Sept too, yeah I know) will be up there with him....

I'll be sweating the sign ups with you that day!

 

[AngiTN]

Its the first time we're doing an early ADR at DHS ever. We've done many pre-park open at MK and AK - there they allow you in 10 to 15min before your reservation time. So I was wondering if DHS does this too? Wouldn't they have to, I mean how do they expect a party to make it to Sci-fi by 8am if they aren't allowed to walk past Hollywood Blvd until 8am. Just sounds weird to me.
As for the JTA sign ups, its not even for me (friends who are joining us) - unfortunately my DD is too young to do it. But if we are allowed to go in before 8am, and miss the show and all, is it possible for most of our party to head straight to breakfast and a parent and child head to JTA sign up first. Would this cause problems with CMs there or other people? Just trying to find out what I need to tell our friend for that morning.

The difference is how they open HS. It almost always opens early. So it isn't necessary for you to get in early to make an 8 AM ADR. The gates will have already been open early, probably 7:30 or so. Even the internal ropes are dropped earlier than the posted 8 AM open time. The JTA sign ups aren't going to begin till right at 8:00. So 2 members of your party will need to be in 2 places at once.

Best suggestion is to have everyone there no later than 7:00 AM. As soon as you are let in get the 1 parent and child get in position for the JTA run. The rest go to SciFi to sign in for breakfast. Have the parent/child go to JTA as fast as they can so they are in the very front of the sign ups so hopefully they are very close to 8:00 finishing the sign ups and can high tail it to SciFi and not be terribly late. Hopefully SciFi will be ok with seating all but 2 members of your party. They should be.

 

[ArielRae]

Not sure if I asked this on here yet but does anyone know if they will be running a bus directly from the MK the morning after the 24hr event is over so we can get right to DHS for Star Wars weekend that morning? I don't plan on during the full 24hrs but will be at the MK from 2am-6am and like to go straight from there to DHS. Will I have to catch the bus from the contemporary?

 

[Ninja Mom]

I miss Hyperspace Hoopla! Here is a walk down memory lane in photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/marlton-mom/sets/72157644547863084/

and here is a backstage video that really cracked me up:

Who knew some of the characters were getting their freak on backstage during the show!

~NM

 

[yulilin3]

The difference is how they open HS. It almost always opens early. So it isn't necessary for you to get in early to make an 8 AM ADR. The gates will have already been open early, probably 7:30 or so. Even the internal ropes are dropped earlier than the posted 8 AM open time. The JTA sign ups aren't going to begin till right at 8:00. So 2 members of your party will need to be in 2 places at once.

Best suggestion is to have everyone there no later than 7:00 AM. As soon as you are let in get the 1 parent and child get in position for the JTA run. The rest go to SciFi to sign in for breakfast. Have the parent/child go to JTA as fast as they can so they are in the very front of the sign ups so hopefully they are very close to 8:00 finishing the sign ups and can high tail it to SciFi and not be terribly late. Hopefully SciFi will be ok with seating all but 2 members of your party. They should be.

the problem is that they won't seat you unless the entire party is there. Remember that the Vader/Fett picture happens before you are seated. A part of the group can go check in into Sci Fi but you have to wait for everyone to be there to go inside

 

[yulilin3]

Not sure if I asked this on here yet but does anyone know if they will be running a bus directly from the MK the morning after the 24hr event is over so we can get right to DHS for Star Wars weekend that morning? I don't plan on during the full 24hrs but will be at the MK from 2am-6am and like to go straight from there to DHS. Will I have to catch the bus from the contemporary?

no one knows if there will be a bus to DHS before 7:30am. People are planning on walking to COntemporary to catch it

 

[AngiTN]

the problem is that they won't seat you unless the entire party is there. Remember that the Vader/Fett picture happens before you are seated. A part of the group can go check in into Sci Fi but you have to wait for everyone to be there to go inside

Thanks. Wasn't sure and didn't even think about the picture. Hopefully the remaining 2 members of their party can get signed up quick. Once they check in will they get grief over having to wait for the rest of their group?

 

[soniam]

@RedM94
We have never been to SWW and don't plan to go until next year. Looking at what VIP offers and with the discount, we will most likely do it. However, I think the DPP is a little better value for the money.

With VIP, you are getting two meals, and I have read that the QS are really busy at DHS on SWW. It was so bad during Spring Break, that we ended up getting hot dogs/corndogs from a cart and a cupcake for lunch. There are no SW character lunches, so you aren't missing anything.

Like the DPP, VIP gets you the Darth's Mall access, but you get it before park opening, as well as priority during the day probably. The parade might have a better spot; it's hard to say. However, I think it will be easier to show up last minute for the VIP parade spot and still have a good view. The dessert party and fireworks appear to have the same exact benefit. The shows are probably the same too.

With the VIP, you are also getting an M&G, so one less thing to do. Also you are getting access to some rides without having to use an FP+. This could allow you to ride ST and TSMM more than once in that day, and possibly TOT and RNRC too.

Plus, there's kind of an experience factor to it. When do you get a chance like that? Usually, VIP stuff is a lot more expensive, I thought.

 

[Teamanderson]

How in the world did I miss the news about rebel hangar!!!! I just looked and there are no spots available!!! dang!

 

[RedM94]

@RedM94
We have never been to SWW and don't plan to go until next year. Looking at what VIP offers and with the discount, we will most likely do it. However, I think the DPP is a little better value for the money.

With VIP, you are getting two meals, and I have read that the QS are really busy at DHS on SWW. It was so bad during Spring Break, that we ended up getting hot dogs/corndogs from a cart and a cupcake for lunch. There are no SW character lunches, so you aren't missing anything.

Like the DPP, VIP gets you the Darth's Mall access, but you get it before park opening, as well as priority during the day probably. The parade might have a better spot; it's hard to say. However, I think it will be easier to show up last minute for the VIP parade spot and still have a good view. The dessert party and fireworks appear to have the same exact benefit. The shows are probably the same too.

With the VIP, you are also getting an M&G, so one less thing to do. Also you are getting access to some rides without having to use an FP+. This could allow you to ride ST and TSMM more than once in that day, and possibly TOT and RNRC too.

Plus, there's kind of an experience factor to it. When do you get a chance like that? Usually, VIP stuff is a lot more expensive, I thought.

Soniam,

I agree with you on the DPP being a better option. My fault for not keeping up with this thread at the time and missing out on booking.

I am not sure what you mean by getting an "M&G?" I believe the VIP price is less than last year and offers a little more. I also like the fact that they are discounting it 15%. It is pricey, but I think perfect for someone pressed for time and wants to see everything.

Thank you for your thoughts. I appreciate it!

 

[yulilin3]

Thanks. Wasn't sure and didn't even think about the picture. Hopefully the remaining 2 members of their party can get signed up quick. Once they check in will they get grief over having to wait for the rest of their group?

I don't think it's a problem is they are 15 minutes or less late

 

[Tltorrez]

@Tltorrez you're from Silver Spring? We're just over the Moco line in Adelphi. Leaving Sunday night for Universal and then our first trip to WDW for 5 days & SWW

Yes, I'm in northern Silver Spring, almost Olney.

First trip? That's exciting. I leave on Monday night. I'll be in MK Tuesday. Epcot Wednesday and Saturday. DHS/SWW Friday and Sunday.

Are you doing the Chewie Run?

On a related note, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are having SW night the weekend after we're back. The local 501st will be there. http://www.somdbluecrabs.com/event/details/38/southern-maryland-blue-crabs-vs-lancaster-barnstormers

 

[yulilin3]

I miss Hyperspace Hoopla! Here is a walk down memory lane in photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/marlton-mom/sets/72157644547863084/

and here is a backstage video that really cracked me up:

Who knew some of the characters were getting their freak on backstage during the show!

~NM

BY FAR..........my favorite Hyperspace Hoopla video...this is priceless, thanks soooo much for sharing @Itinkso your daughter would appreciate this video
Can I share this video on fb?

 

[disneydennis]

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[soniam]

Soniam,

I agree with you on the DPP being a better option. My fault for not keeping up with this thread at the time and missing out on booking.

I am not sure what you mean by getting an "M&G?" I believe the VIP price is less than last year and offers a little more. I also like the fact that they are discounting it 15%. It is pricey, but I think perfect for someone pressed for time and wants to see everything.

Thank you for your thoughts. I appreciate it!

There is supposed to be a meet and greet in Darth's Mall. I think Vader was mentioned, but other characters were alluded to as possibilities.

 

[Teamanderson]

Will there be characters at RH?

 

[Tltorrez]

"you never know who you'll find in an abandoned hangar....."
Ahhh, so many possibilities.

Maybe the Cantina Band?