yulilin3
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2007
- Messages
- 33,464
Starting this thread a month earlier than last year because several people have asked me, and let’s be honest, is it really too early to start planning for SWW? I will update this thread with any new information we get as to keep everyone updated on this awesome event that WDW puts together each year for us. A little background on myself: I'm a 41 year old mom of 2 teenagers and I love SWW. I'm an Orlando resident and an AP for the past 15 years. I've attended SWW every year for the last 11 years so I know a thing or two about it.
Here's some information about SWW:
It started back in 1997 with 5 weekends from February 21st thru March 23rd. They skipped 1998 and 1999 and then changed the weekends to all May from 2000 to 2001. Again they skipped 2002 and then the dates have stayed consistent starting in 2003, from the last 2 weekends in May and the first 2 weekends in June.
Here's the link to SWW 2014 if you want to see what and when did things happen, the first post has all that info http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3183780
2015 dates were announced and character meals opened for booking December 3 2014
Host and Fireworks announced Feb. 17 2015
Galactic Gathering merchandise event announced March 3rd 2015
D Tech Me announced March 27th 2015
VIP Tour Ultimate Day at SWW announced April 3 2015
Celebrities announced April 3 2015
Shows announced April 3 2015
FP+ went live on April 3 2015
Premium and Deluxe Premium booking started April 6 2015
Rebel Hangar opened for booking May 4th 2015
DHS official opening time is at 8am with 2 Fantasmic! shows, at 9pm and 10:30pm during SWW (unofficially it opens around 7:30am)
Great Movie Ride closes at 8:00 pm because of firework fall out
Toy Story Midway Mania closes at 8:15pm because of firework fallout
Here's a link to a comprehensive review of one day at SWW from last year http://www.easywdw.com/worth-2/star...egy-characters-hoopla-crowds-merchandise-etc/
Link to my pictures from fb:
SWW Day one, character and meeting Tiya Sircar https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10206872480876333&type=1&l=863018f2cd
Day 2 DPP package Parade and Shows https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10206872480876333&type=1&l=863018f2cd
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/...039.1073741907.1406401066&type=1&l=12d40d6445
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/...656.1073741908.1406401066&type=1&l=f887e6aae5
Day 3 Some more characters and Fireworks
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/...313.1073741909.1406401066&type=1&l=59dea91d02
Celebrities in Attendance, Parade , schedule of shows at Theater of the Stars (B&B Theater) and fireworks
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THE ESTIMATED TIMES THAT I'M GIVING ARE JUST PUT THERE AS REFERENCE FROM WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN YEARS PAST WITH CELEBRITIES. I ALWAYS LIKE TO ARRIVE EARLIER JUST TO MAKE SURE I GET THE AUTOGRAPH THAT I WANT
SWW 2015
Weekend I: May 15-17
James Arnold Taylor (not signing)
Ian McDiarmid: Senator/Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi) (not signing)
Amy Allen: Aayla Secura (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
Tiya Sircar: Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels)
Ashley Eckstein (Voice of Ahsoka Tano – Star Wars: The Clone Wars) Autograph session 12:45pm to 2:15pm
Tie for 1st would be Tiya and Amy arrive around 5:00am. Ashley around 6:30am
Legends of the Force celebrity motorcade and welcome 11am
Behind the Force Rebels 1:45pm
Stormtrooper Pre Show SotS 3:15pm
Stars of the Saga 3:30pm
Obi Wan and Beyond 7pm
Summon the Force Pre Show and Symphony in the Stars 9:45pm
Weekend II: May 22-24
James Arnold Taylor (not signing)
Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace;Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)Autograph Sessions ( 1pm and 2:15pm)
Silas Carson: Ki-Adi-Mundi, Nute Gunray (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace;Star Wars: Attack of the Clones;Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)Autograph Sessions ( 1pm, 2:15pm and *4:30pm) *Friday and Saturday only
Vanessa Marshall: Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels)Autograph Sessions ( 3pm and 5 pm)
Ashley Eckstein(Voice of Ahsoka Tano –Star Wars: The Clone Wars) Autograph session 12:45pm-2:15pm
Giving priority to Silas Carson, arrive by 5am. Second Warwick Davis since he has 2 weekends locals will split up. Arrive around 5:30am. Vanessa Marshall arrive no later than 6am. Ashley same as weekend 1
Legends of the Force celebrity motorcade and welcome 11am
Behind the Force Rebels 1:45pm
Stormtrooper Pre Show SotS 3:15pm
Stars of the Saga 3:30pm
Ewok Tale My Short Story 5:15pm
Obi Wan and Beyond 7pm
PMC kids edition 12:15pm and 4:15pm sign ups at ABC Sound Studios (kids only PMC featuring Sabine and Ezra)
2:30pm and 6:00pm no sign up required (Family Edition, picked at random, hosted BY Ashley Eckstein)
JTA 8:45 AM 9:20 AM 10:05 AM 10:35 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM
Galactic Dance Party 7 pm
Summon the Force Pre Show and Symphony in the Stars 9:30pm
Weekend III: May 29-31
James Arnold Taylor (not signing)
Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace;Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)Autograph Sessions ( 1pm and 2:15pm)
Daniel Logan Boba Fett –Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones; and the voice of Boba Fett –Star Wars: The Clone Wars Autograph Sessions (1pm, 2:15pm and 4:30pm)
Steve Blum Voice of Zeb Orrelios –Star Wars Rebels)(Star Wars Rebels)Autograph Sessions ( 3pm and 5 pm)
Ashley Eckstein(Voice of Ahsoka Tano –Star Wars: The Clone Wars) Autograph session 12:45pm-2:15pm
Giving priority to Warwick Davis arrive by 5am. Second Daniel Logan. Arrive around 5:30am. Steve Blum arrive by 6:30am. Ashley same as weekend 1
Legends of the Force celebrity motorcade and welcome 11am
Behind the Force Rebels 1:45pm
Stormtrooper Pre Show SotS 3:15pm
Stars of the Saga 3:30pm
Ewok Tale My Short Story 5:15pm
Obi Wan and Beyond 7pm
PMC kids edition 12:15pm and 4:15pm sign ups at ABC Sound Studios (kids only PMC featuring Sabine and Ezra)
2:30pm and 6:00pm no sign up required (Family Edition, picked at random, hosted BY Ashley Eckstein)
JTA 8:45 AM 9:20 AM 10:05 AM 10:35 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM
Galactic Dance Party 7 pm
Summon the Force Pre Show and Symphony in the Stars 9:30pm
Weekend IV: June 5-7
James Arnold Taylor (not signing)
Ray Park Darth Maul –Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace Autograph Sessions ( 1pm )
Jeremy Bulloch Boba Fett –Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back andStar Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi Autograph Sessions ( 1pm, 2:15pm and 4:30pm)
Ashley Eckstein(Voice of Ahsoka Tano –Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Rebels ) Autograph session 4:45pm to 5:45pm
EDIT TO ADD AFTER FRIDAY JUNE 5TH TIMES Giving priority to Ray Park, arrive by 1am. Jeremy arrive by 4am. Ashley by 5am
Legends of the Force celebrity motorcade and welcome 11am
Behind the Force Rebels 1:45pm
Stormtrooper Pre Show SotS 3:15pm
Stars of the Saga 3:30pm
Visit to the Maul 5:15pm
Obi Wan and Beyond 7pm
PMC kids edition 12:15pm and 4:15pm sign ups at ABC Sound Studios (kids only PMC featuring Sabine and Ezra)
2:30pm and 6:00pm no sign up required (Family Edition, picked at random, hosted BY Ashley Eckstein)
JTA 8:45 AM 9:20 AM 10:05 AM 10:35 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM
Galactic Dance Party 7 pm
Summon the Force Pre Show and Symphony in the Stars 9:30pm
Weekend V: June 12-14
James Arnold Taylor (not signing)
Frank Oz Voice of Yoda -Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back;andStar Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi not signing
Ray Park Darth Maul –Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace Autograph Sessions ( 1pm )
Peter Mayhew Chewbacca –Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope; Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back;andStar Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi Autograph Sessions ( 1pm, 2:15pm and 4:30pm)
Taylor Gray (Voice of Ezra –Star Wars Rebels)Autograph Sessions ( 3pm and 5 pm)
Ashley Eckstein(Voice of Ahsoka Tano –Star Wars: The Clone Wars) Autograph session 12:45pm-2:15pm
Giving priority again to Ray Park, arrive by 2am. Peter Mayhew by 4am, Taylor Gray by 6:00am. Ashley same as weekend 1
Legends of the Force celebrity motorcade and welcome 11am
Behind the Force Rebels 1:45pm
Stormtrooper Pre Show SotS 3:15pm
Stars of the Saga 3:30pm
A Conversation with Frank Oz 5:15pm
Visit to the Maul 7pm (FRIDAY ONLY)
Obi Wan and Beyond 7pm (SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ONLY)
PMC kids edition 12:15pm and 4:15pm sign ups at ABC Sound Studios (kids only PMC featuring Sabine and Ezra)
2:30pm and 6:00pm no sign up required (Family Edition, picked at random, hosted BY Ashley Eckstein)
JTA 8:45 AM 9:20 AM 10:05 AM 10:35 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM
Galactic Dance Party 7 pm
Summon the Force Pre Show and Symphony in the Stars 9:30pm
Character Meals
Galactic Breakfast https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/star-wars-dine-in-galactic-breakfast/
Jedi Mickey Dinner https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/d...jedi-mickeys-star-wars-dinner-hollywood-vine/
Rebel Hangar https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/star-wars-lounge/
Rebel Hangar detailed review with pictures http://disboards.com/threads/rebel-...terpieces-chewie.3411501/page-2#post-53687492
No discount on any of the SW meals. Only discount available is for Disney Visa cardholders at the Jedi Mickey dinner, check for blackout dates
LINK TO CHARACTER SETS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015
*Luke and Leia: spotted roaming near Star Tours in the mornings before their sets
*C3PO and R2D2 appear in the very last set with Luke and Leia. If you want to attempt to get all of them together line up at 7:15pm. The four come out to meet at 7:40pm and stay for about 20 minutes
Rebel Hangar Characters and Table Service, too!
Cantina Band
Greedo
Sabine - does not sign autographs
Ezra - does not sign autographs
Magic Shot next to smoking area by the Coke Bottle.
Chewie Run Video
Star Wars Weekends Shows
Entertainment
*Stormtroopers at the Gate - Hollywood and Vine Intersection 7:30am Welcome Show
Encounter a duo of troublesome Imperial Stormtroopers while they ready a welcome surprise from the Dark Side. Their mission—to keep all “Rebel Scum” out—quickly shifts, commemorating the official opening of the park and the start of Star Wars Weekends!
*Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade
Marvel at a grand motorcade featuring several of your favorite Star Wars characters and celebrities. The procession begins at the front of the park and travels all the way to the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage—concluding with a grand celebrity welcome. The parade is at 11:00 am
*Symphony in the Stars
Cap off your day in a galaxy far, far away with a finale celebration featuring Star Wars characters and a frenzy of fireworks, complete with Glow with the Show effects. SWW 2015 Summon the Force Character pre show at 9:30pm, fireworks at 9:45pm
*Padawan Mind Challenge
Join 2 wacky intergalactic hosts as they host for a series of fun and interactive Star Wars trivia challenges. Designed for younglings ages 4 to 11, the Padawan Mind Challenge is a perfect opportunity to watch your little ones wield their mental force alongside popular Star Wars characters—with a few other surprises tossed in too! It's weather permitting and, as opposed to the kids at JTA, they do not get to meet with Vader and Stormtroopers if it does cancel
SWW 2015 12:15pm and 4:15pm sign ups at ABC Sound Studios (kids only PMC)
2:30pm and 6:00pm no sign up required (Family Edition, picked at random, hosted BY Ashley Eckstein)
Kid edition video
*Jedi Training Academy
Train, you must—kids under 12 can hone their lightsaber skills at the Jedi Training Academy.—and even prepare to battle Darth Vader himself! Here's a video (thanks d-r) that shows what kinds of questions potential padawans are asked when you are signing them up for JTA:
Weather permitting, if it gets cancelled they kids get to meet Vader and Stormtroopers
TIP from Itinkso:
On a regular JTA day the one "chosen" child Force pushes the Troopers if the show is not bogged down and then the whole group uses the Force to overpower Vader. No Force push against Troopers during SWW because of Ahsoka and Ventress in the show with the second group of Younglins.
A non-SWW day is advised for JTA by my Padawan-source
Times for JTA during SWW. The entire experience will take about an hour, check your ADR, packages, parade times before choosing
Adventures at Theater of the Stars (Beauty and the Beast on Sunset Blvd)
Soak up the spectacle as popular Star Wars characters and actors appear at the Theater of the Stars. All SWW are 30 minutes long. (note that SotS pre-show starts at 3:15pm So in total SotS is 45 min. long) Some of the scheduled events include:
Behind the Force: Star Wars Rebels Hosted by James Arnold Taylor
Go behind the scenes and experience the newest installment in the Star Wars saga—Star Wars Rebels. SWW at 1:45pm
Stars of the Saga Hosted by James Arnold Taylor
Kick back with your Star Wars Weekends host during a 30-minute, Star Wars-themed talk show that’s as entertaining as it is surprising. Enjoy an inside look at the fascinating lives and movie-making adventures with some of the stars from the Star Wars saga. SWW at 3:30pm
Stormtrooper Pre-Show
15 minutes prior to Stars of the Saga, prepare for a unique and immersive pre-show—featuring several Imperial Stormtroopers on a special assignment. Be part of the magic as this interactive and surprising presentation takes place in the audience before building to an explosive conclusion.At 3:15pm
Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor
Feel the force flowing as James Arnold Taylor from Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes his audience on a fun and fascinating journey into the world of voice acting. Don’t miss this Star Wars Weekends exclusive as James performs over 200 popular and iconic characters! SWW at 7pm
Visit to the Maul: only happens when Ray Park is a celebrity guest. He shows his martial arts techniques and how he used them in the character of Darth Maul. You can sign your kids to go onstage with Ray Park at the ABC Sound Studio and he shows the kids a small sequence of moves on stage. SWW 5:15pm
My Short Story AN Ewoks Tale: only happens when Warwick Davis is a celebrity guest. This was a new show this year and I hope it comes back. Warwick shares his story as how he got into acting and all of his roles. He takes audience volunteers to play different people in his life. SWW at 5:15pm.
A Conversation with Frank Oz only weekend V
Don’t miss your chance to hear from a real-life icon of film and television… the one-and-only Frank Oz!
From his time behind the camera to his work as a world-famous puppeteer—including providing the soul, spirit and voice of one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars universe—Frank is sure to share all kinds of fascinating details from his long, illustrious career.
All the shows are in Tier One. From most popular to least popular:
Stars of the Saga - Visit to the Maul -My Short Story - Obi Wan and Beyond - Behind the Force
A Conversation with Frank Oz will be the priority for weekend 5
Parade
Legends of the Force Motorcade Parade: at 11:00 am the parade starts of by the entrance and ends at The Event Stage, you'll see the Disney SW characters, the 501st and Rebel Legion and a lot of Star Wars characters. Also you'll be able to see the host of the weekends and the visiting celebs. They end the parade at the Event Stage where all the characters and celebrities go up on stage and have a once in a lifetime picture opportunity and welcome you to the day's events. Keep in mind that the 501st and the Rebel Legion march on and exit thru the gates by Star Tours.
Autograph Sessions
I will try to explain the process of getting a celebrity fastpass for an autograph session
There are usually 5 actors available to meet and greet during each day of SWW. The 1 hosts, Ashley Eckstein as co host, 2 Star Wars actors and 1 Clone Wars/Rebels Cartoon actor .Outside the gates into DHS they will post signs for each actor (to the far right of the turnstiles) Ray Park is coming this year (Yay Darth Maul) he is a very popular actor to meet. You must go to DHS around 4am and get in his line. Around 6am CM will start putting on wristbands for each person that's in line (this helps with people holding spots and then showing up at 7am and getting in front of you) Each celeb has a different color wristband and you CANNOT take it off until you meet the celeb of your choice during your scheduled time slot....Alright, so you got your wristband, now around 7am they start handing the celeb fp's. This fastpass will give you a time slot, let's say from 10:10 to 10:20 for the celeb of your choice. You can only get one fp a day. you cannot jump into another celeb's line and get another fp. This fastpass is not linked to the regular fp's inside the park so don't worry.
Now let's say you overslept and got to the park at 7am. Depending on the celebs popularity you still might get a fp's or a standby ticket. A standby ticket gives you a number( let's say you got #10 for Ray Park) you have to go to the autograph sessions with your standby ticket and wait for Ray to meet all of his guaranteed fp people and then see if he still has time to meet standby. Now the CM start calling standby tickets 1,2,3...There are celebs that are very talkative and almost never get to meet standbys but there are others who are very quick, like Peter Mayhew, he signs your item, takes the picture and you're done. This year Peter met with about 50 people from the standby line. So if you REALLY want to meet someone be there early.
This year celebrities will be signing autographs inside the old AIE audition bldg, across from Sci Fi DIner
Merchandise Darth's Mall 8am- 7:30 pm
Each year SWW offers a lot of different merchandise. This includes pins, toys, shirts, glasses, mugs, magnets, works of art, electronics. Some of it is Limited Edition and there are people who go on the first Friday of the first weekend just to get their hands on as many items as possible. Galactic Gathering merchandise event for 2015 was announced March 3rd http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...-2015-at-disneys-hollywood-studios-on-may-14/
Here's the merchandise catalog for the event https://www.disneynow.com/accounts/register123/subaccount/merchandise/merchwdw/events/wdwmerchgalactic/Galactic Gathering Catalog_Final.pdf
D Tech information and booking phone number here
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...weekends-starting-may-15-2015/#comment-131490
This year they have a new Darth's Mall "Complex" Split in 3 parts all of them in the Backlot Area, entrance on the end of Streets of America close to LMA
X Wing Collectibles: SW D Tech Me, Dooney & Burke, LE MB, LE pins, Vynilmations, SMS Audio, art and collectibles and Passholder event merchandise
Watto's Grotto: General merchandise, build your own droid and lightsaber stations, Her Universe, Aurebesh nametags, Official Pix and passholder event merchandise.Also the place to find Boba Fett steins, Han Solo popcorn bucket and specialty cupcakes and drinks
Prop Shop: general SWW merchandise and build a lego station
Appearances Scheduled at Darth's Mall and other venues
http://www.disneyparksmerchandise.com/events/star-wars-weekends-2015-kicks-off-may-1/?instance_id=
General Tips
1.- Keep Cool: drink plenty of water and gatorade/powerade. We usually bring washcloths and dump them in cold water and put them around our necks. Cooling towels found at sports stores and Amazon work great. Don't wait to hydrate. I've seen plenty of people just collapse because of dehydration. Heat in Florida is no joke. Bring an umbrella and use it while waiting for characters, parade, anything outdoors. Remember that all quick service restaurants will give you, for free, a cup of ice water. You can also refill these cups or any other containers with ice water at Backlot Express for free. Great places to cool down and you don't have to make a line are One Man's Dream and the Animation Bldg.
2.- Make a plan: prioritize, what do you want most of all out of your SWW day. And work from there. It's impossible to do it all in one day so don't let that ruin your SWW experience.
3.- Be patient: there will be thousands of people going to SWW that want to do the same things you do. Be patient. Be polite. I know the heat and the waiting can get to you sometimes but take a deep breath and just listen to that Star Wars music in the background and chill.
4.- Be flexible: So you made an awesome plan and you're ready to take in the day. And, of course, it rains just as the parade is about to start. Don't let that ruin your experience, just go improvise, have a plan B...and C and D,...
5.- Know your kids: There's nothing better than a picture with your toddler and Chewbacca, but some kids get a little afraid of the big Wookie. Don't force them to meet a character or go to a show (JTA Vader, Ventress and Maul can be intimidating) The characters WON'T break character, don't expect a hug from Vader, or Aurra Sing to smile...Villains stay Villains even if your child starts crying. What I usually tell parents is to show the kids the character before waiting in line (sometimes very long lines) and ask them right then and there if they want to meet them. Or show them videos of JTA and ask them before the trip if they want to battle the Dark Side.
On the same note, know your children boiling points and don't wait for them to get to them. Again, it's really hot during SWW, and meltdowns happen even to locals. Know when your kids need a break, go inside somewhere (Animation building and One Man's Dream are perfect for a break) eat and hydrate, and you'll have more energy to tackle the rest of the day.
6.- Have Fun!! In the wise words of Master Yoda: Do or do not, there is no try....
Feel free to subscribe
Also don't be shy about asking questions, the more you know the better you'll plan and the more fun you will have during SWW. I regularly update this page with any new info so you don’t have to read the entire thread .
And as always: May The Force Be With You
Here's some information about SWW:
It started back in 1997 with 5 weekends from February 21st thru March 23rd. They skipped 1998 and 1999 and then changed the weekends to all May from 2000 to 2001. Again they skipped 2002 and then the dates have stayed consistent starting in 2003, from the last 2 weekends in May and the first 2 weekends in June.
Here's the link to SWW 2014 if you want to see what and when did things happen, the first post has all that info http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3183780
2015 dates were announced and character meals opened for booking December 3 2014
Host and Fireworks announced Feb. 17 2015
Galactic Gathering merchandise event announced March 3rd 2015
D Tech Me announced March 27th 2015
VIP Tour Ultimate Day at SWW announced April 3 2015
Celebrities announced April 3 2015
Shows announced April 3 2015
FP+ went live on April 3 2015
Premium and Deluxe Premium booking started April 6 2015
Rebel Hangar opened for booking May 4th 2015
DHS official opening time is at 8am with 2 Fantasmic! shows, at 9pm and 10:30pm during SWW (unofficially it opens around 7:30am)
Great Movie Ride closes at 8:00 pm because of firework fall out
Toy Story Midway Mania closes at 8:15pm because of firework fallout
Here's a link to a comprehensive review of one day at SWW from last year http://www.easywdw.com/worth-2/star...egy-characters-hoopla-crowds-merchandise-etc/
Link to my pictures from fb:
SWW Day one, character and meeting Tiya Sircar https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10206872480876333&type=1&l=863018f2cd
Day 2 DPP package Parade and Shows https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10206872480876333&type=1&l=863018f2cd
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/...039.1073741907.1406401066&type=1&l=12d40d6445
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/...656.1073741908.1406401066&type=1&l=f887e6aae5
Day 3 Some more characters and Fireworks
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/...313.1073741909.1406401066&type=1&l=59dea91d02
Celebrities in Attendance, Parade , schedule of shows at Theater of the Stars (B&B Theater) and fireworks
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THE ESTIMATED TIMES THAT I'M GIVING ARE JUST PUT THERE AS REFERENCE FROM WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN YEARS PAST WITH CELEBRITIES. I ALWAYS LIKE TO ARRIVE EARLIER JUST TO MAKE SURE I GET THE AUTOGRAPH THAT I WANT
SWW 2015
Weekend I: May 15-17
James Arnold Taylor (not signing)
Ian McDiarmid: Senator/Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi) (not signing)
Amy Allen: Aayla Secura (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
Tiya Sircar: Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels)
Ashley Eckstein (Voice of Ahsoka Tano – Star Wars: The Clone Wars) Autograph session 12:45pm to 2:15pm
Tie for 1st would be Tiya and Amy arrive around 5:00am. Ashley around 6:30am
Legends of the Force celebrity motorcade and welcome 11am
Behind the Force Rebels 1:45pm
Stormtrooper Pre Show SotS 3:15pm
Stars of the Saga 3:30pm
Obi Wan and Beyond 7pm
Summon the Force Pre Show and Symphony in the Stars 9:45pm
Weekend II: May 22-24
James Arnold Taylor (not signing)
Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace;Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)Autograph Sessions ( 1pm and 2:15pm)
Silas Carson: Ki-Adi-Mundi, Nute Gunray (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace;Star Wars: Attack of the Clones;Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)Autograph Sessions ( 1pm, 2:15pm and *4:30pm) *Friday and Saturday only
Vanessa Marshall: Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels)Autograph Sessions ( 3pm and 5 pm)
Ashley Eckstein(Voice of Ahsoka Tano –Star Wars: The Clone Wars) Autograph session 12:45pm-2:15pm
Giving priority to Silas Carson, arrive by 5am. Second Warwick Davis since he has 2 weekends locals will split up. Arrive around 5:30am. Vanessa Marshall arrive no later than 6am. Ashley same as weekend 1
Legends of the Force celebrity motorcade and welcome 11am
Behind the Force Rebels 1:45pm
Stormtrooper Pre Show SotS 3:15pm
Stars of the Saga 3:30pm
Ewok Tale My Short Story 5:15pm
Obi Wan and Beyond 7pm
PMC kids edition 12:15pm and 4:15pm sign ups at ABC Sound Studios (kids only PMC featuring Sabine and Ezra)
2:30pm and 6:00pm no sign up required (Family Edition, picked at random, hosted BY Ashley Eckstein)
JTA 8:45 AM 9:20 AM 10:05 AM 10:35 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM
Galactic Dance Party 7 pm
Summon the Force Pre Show and Symphony in the Stars 9:30pm
Weekend III: May 29-31
James Arnold Taylor (not signing)
Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace;Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)Autograph Sessions ( 1pm and 2:15pm)
Daniel Logan Boba Fett –Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones; and the voice of Boba Fett –Star Wars: The Clone Wars Autograph Sessions (1pm, 2:15pm and 4:30pm)
Steve Blum Voice of Zeb Orrelios –Star Wars Rebels)(Star Wars Rebels)Autograph Sessions ( 3pm and 5 pm)
Ashley Eckstein(Voice of Ahsoka Tano –Star Wars: The Clone Wars) Autograph session 12:45pm-2:15pm
Giving priority to Warwick Davis arrive by 5am. Second Daniel Logan. Arrive around 5:30am. Steve Blum arrive by 6:30am. Ashley same as weekend 1
Legends of the Force celebrity motorcade and welcome 11am
Behind the Force Rebels 1:45pm
Stormtrooper Pre Show SotS 3:15pm
Stars of the Saga 3:30pm
Ewok Tale My Short Story 5:15pm
Obi Wan and Beyond 7pm
PMC kids edition 12:15pm and 4:15pm sign ups at ABC Sound Studios (kids only PMC featuring Sabine and Ezra)
2:30pm and 6:00pm no sign up required (Family Edition, picked at random, hosted BY Ashley Eckstein)
JTA 8:45 AM 9:20 AM 10:05 AM 10:35 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM
Galactic Dance Party 7 pm
Summon the Force Pre Show and Symphony in the Stars 9:30pm
Weekend IV: June 5-7
James Arnold Taylor (not signing)
Ray Park Darth Maul –Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace Autograph Sessions ( 1pm )
Jeremy Bulloch Boba Fett –Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back andStar Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi Autograph Sessions ( 1pm, 2:15pm and 4:30pm)
Ashley Eckstein(Voice of Ahsoka Tano –Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Rebels ) Autograph session 4:45pm to 5:45pm
EDIT TO ADD AFTER FRIDAY JUNE 5TH TIMES Giving priority to Ray Park, arrive by 1am. Jeremy arrive by 4am. Ashley by 5am
Legends of the Force celebrity motorcade and welcome 11am
Behind the Force Rebels 1:45pm
Stormtrooper Pre Show SotS 3:15pm
Stars of the Saga 3:30pm
Visit to the Maul 5:15pm
Obi Wan and Beyond 7pm
PMC kids edition 12:15pm and 4:15pm sign ups at ABC Sound Studios (kids only PMC featuring Sabine and Ezra)
2:30pm and 6:00pm no sign up required (Family Edition, picked at random, hosted BY Ashley Eckstein)
JTA 8:45 AM 9:20 AM 10:05 AM 10:35 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM
Galactic Dance Party 7 pm
Summon the Force Pre Show and Symphony in the Stars 9:30pm
Weekend V: June 12-14
James Arnold Taylor (not signing)
Frank Oz Voice of Yoda -Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back;andStar Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi not signing
Ray Park Darth Maul –Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace Autograph Sessions ( 1pm )
Peter Mayhew Chewbacca –Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope; Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back;andStar Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi Autograph Sessions ( 1pm, 2:15pm and 4:30pm)
Taylor Gray (Voice of Ezra –Star Wars Rebels)Autograph Sessions ( 3pm and 5 pm)
Ashley Eckstein(Voice of Ahsoka Tano –Star Wars: The Clone Wars) Autograph session 12:45pm-2:15pm
Giving priority again to Ray Park, arrive by 2am. Peter Mayhew by 4am, Taylor Gray by 6:00am. Ashley same as weekend 1
Legends of the Force celebrity motorcade and welcome 11am
Behind the Force Rebels 1:45pm
Stormtrooper Pre Show SotS 3:15pm
Stars of the Saga 3:30pm
A Conversation with Frank Oz 5:15pm
Visit to the Maul 7pm (FRIDAY ONLY)
Obi Wan and Beyond 7pm (SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ONLY)
PMC kids edition 12:15pm and 4:15pm sign ups at ABC Sound Studios (kids only PMC featuring Sabine and Ezra)
2:30pm and 6:00pm no sign up required (Family Edition, picked at random, hosted BY Ashley Eckstein)
JTA 8:45 AM 9:20 AM 10:05 AM 10:35 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM
Galactic Dance Party 7 pm
Summon the Force Pre Show and Symphony in the Stars 9:30pm
Character Meals
Jedi Mickey Dinner https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/d...jedi-mickeys-star-wars-dinner-hollywood-vine/
Rebel Hangar https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/star-wars-lounge/
Rebel Hangar detailed review with pictures http://disboards.com/threads/rebel-...terpieces-chewie.3411501/page-2#post-53687492
No discount on any of the SW meals. Only discount available is for Disney Visa cardholders at the Jedi Mickey dinner, check for blackout dates
LINK TO CHARACTER SETS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015
*Luke and Leia: spotted roaming near Star Tours in the mornings before their sets
*C3PO and R2D2 appear in the very last set with Luke and Leia. If you want to attempt to get all of them together line up at 7:15pm. The four come out to meet at 7:40pm and stay for about 20 minutes
Rebel Hangar Characters and Table Service, too!
Cantina Band
Greedo
Sabine - does not sign autographs
Ezra - does not sign autographs
Magic Shot next to smoking area by the Coke Bottle.
Chewie Run Video
Star Wars Weekends Shows
Entertainment
*Stormtroopers at the Gate - Hollywood and Vine Intersection 7:30am Welcome Show
Encounter a duo of troublesome Imperial Stormtroopers while they ready a welcome surprise from the Dark Side. Their mission—to keep all “Rebel Scum” out—quickly shifts, commemorating the official opening of the park and the start of Star Wars Weekends!
*Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade
Marvel at a grand motorcade featuring several of your favorite Star Wars characters and celebrities. The procession begins at the front of the park and travels all the way to the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage—concluding with a grand celebrity welcome. The parade is at 11:00 am
*Symphony in the Stars
Cap off your day in a galaxy far, far away with a finale celebration featuring Star Wars characters and a frenzy of fireworks, complete with Glow with the Show effects. SWW 2015 Summon the Force Character pre show at 9:30pm, fireworks at 9:45pm
*Padawan Mind Challenge
Join 2 wacky intergalactic hosts as they host for a series of fun and interactive Star Wars trivia challenges. Designed for younglings ages 4 to 11, the Padawan Mind Challenge is a perfect opportunity to watch your little ones wield their mental force alongside popular Star Wars characters—with a few other surprises tossed in too! It's weather permitting and, as opposed to the kids at JTA, they do not get to meet with Vader and Stormtroopers if it does cancel
SWW 2015 12:15pm and 4:15pm sign ups at ABC Sound Studios (kids only PMC)
2:30pm and 6:00pm no sign up required (Family Edition, picked at random, hosted BY Ashley Eckstein)
Kid edition video
Train, you must—kids under 12 can hone their lightsaber skills at the Jedi Training Academy.—and even prepare to battle Darth Vader himself! Here's a video (thanks d-r) that shows what kinds of questions potential padawans are asked when you are signing them up for JTA:
Weather permitting, if it gets cancelled they kids get to meet Vader and Stormtroopers
TIP from Itinkso:
On a regular JTA day the one "chosen" child Force pushes the Troopers if the show is not bogged down and then the whole group uses the Force to overpower Vader. No Force push against Troopers during SWW because of Ahsoka and Ventress in the show with the second group of Younglins.
A non-SWW day is advised for JTA by my Padawan-source
Times for JTA during SWW. The entire experience will take about an hour, check your ADR, packages, parade times before choosing
- 8:45 AM
- 9:20 AM
- 10:05 AM
- 10:35 AM
- 12:00 PM
- 12:30 PM
- 1:00 PM
- 1:30 PM
- 2:00 PM
- 2:30 PM
- 3:00 PM
- 3:30 PM
- 4:00 PM
- 4:30 PM
- 5:00 PM
- 5:30 PM
- 6:30 PM
- 7:00 PM
- 7:30 PM
Adventures at Theater of the Stars (Beauty and the Beast on Sunset Blvd)
Soak up the spectacle as popular Star Wars characters and actors appear at the Theater of the Stars. All SWW are 30 minutes long. (note that SotS pre-show starts at 3:15pm So in total SotS is 45 min. long) Some of the scheduled events include:
Behind the Force: Star Wars Rebels Hosted by James Arnold Taylor
Go behind the scenes and experience the newest installment in the Star Wars saga—Star Wars Rebels. SWW at 1:45pm
Stars of the Saga Hosted by James Arnold Taylor
Kick back with your Star Wars Weekends host during a 30-minute, Star Wars-themed talk show that’s as entertaining as it is surprising. Enjoy an inside look at the fascinating lives and movie-making adventures with some of the stars from the Star Wars saga. SWW at 3:30pm
Stormtrooper Pre-Show
15 minutes prior to Stars of the Saga, prepare for a unique and immersive pre-show—featuring several Imperial Stormtroopers on a special assignment. Be part of the magic as this interactive and surprising presentation takes place in the audience before building to an explosive conclusion.At 3:15pm
Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor
Feel the force flowing as James Arnold Taylor from Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes his audience on a fun and fascinating journey into the world of voice acting. Don’t miss this Star Wars Weekends exclusive as James performs over 200 popular and iconic characters! SWW at 7pm
Visit to the Maul: only happens when Ray Park is a celebrity guest. He shows his martial arts techniques and how he used them in the character of Darth Maul. You can sign your kids to go onstage with Ray Park at the ABC Sound Studio and he shows the kids a small sequence of moves on stage. SWW 5:15pm
My Short Story AN Ewoks Tale: only happens when Warwick Davis is a celebrity guest. This was a new show this year and I hope it comes back. Warwick shares his story as how he got into acting and all of his roles. He takes audience volunteers to play different people in his life. SWW at 5:15pm.
A Conversation with Frank Oz only weekend V
Don’t miss your chance to hear from a real-life icon of film and television… the one-and-only Frank Oz!
From his time behind the camera to his work as a world-famous puppeteer—including providing the soul, spirit and voice of one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars universe—Frank is sure to share all kinds of fascinating details from his long, illustrious career.
All the shows are in Tier One. From most popular to least popular:
Stars of the Saga - Visit to the Maul -My Short Story - Obi Wan and Beyond - Behind the Force
A Conversation with Frank Oz will be the priority for weekend 5
Parade
Legends of the Force Motorcade Parade: at 11:00 am the parade starts of by the entrance and ends at The Event Stage, you'll see the Disney SW characters, the 501st and Rebel Legion and a lot of Star Wars characters. Also you'll be able to see the host of the weekends and the visiting celebs. They end the parade at the Event Stage where all the characters and celebrities go up on stage and have a once in a lifetime picture opportunity and welcome you to the day's events. Keep in mind that the 501st and the Rebel Legion march on and exit thru the gates by Star Tours.
Autograph Sessions
I will try to explain the process of getting a celebrity fastpass for an autograph session
There are usually 5 actors available to meet and greet during each day of SWW. The 1 hosts, Ashley Eckstein as co host, 2 Star Wars actors and 1 Clone Wars/Rebels Cartoon actor .Outside the gates into DHS they will post signs for each actor (to the far right of the turnstiles) Ray Park is coming this year (Yay Darth Maul) he is a very popular actor to meet. You must go to DHS around 4am and get in his line. Around 6am CM will start putting on wristbands for each person that's in line (this helps with people holding spots and then showing up at 7am and getting in front of you) Each celeb has a different color wristband and you CANNOT take it off until you meet the celeb of your choice during your scheduled time slot....Alright, so you got your wristband, now around 7am they start handing the celeb fp's. This fastpass will give you a time slot, let's say from 10:10 to 10:20 for the celeb of your choice. You can only get one fp a day. you cannot jump into another celeb's line and get another fp. This fastpass is not linked to the regular fp's inside the park so don't worry.
Now let's say you overslept and got to the park at 7am. Depending on the celebs popularity you still might get a fp's or a standby ticket. A standby ticket gives you a number( let's say you got #10 for Ray Park) you have to go to the autograph sessions with your standby ticket and wait for Ray to meet all of his guaranteed fp people and then see if he still has time to meet standby. Now the CM start calling standby tickets 1,2,3...There are celebs that are very talkative and almost never get to meet standbys but there are others who are very quick, like Peter Mayhew, he signs your item, takes the picture and you're done. This year Peter met with about 50 people from the standby line. So if you REALLY want to meet someone be there early.
This year celebrities will be signing autographs inside the old AIE audition bldg, across from Sci Fi DIner
Merchandise Darth's Mall 8am- 7:30 pm
Each year SWW offers a lot of different merchandise. This includes pins, toys, shirts, glasses, mugs, magnets, works of art, electronics. Some of it is Limited Edition and there are people who go on the first Friday of the first weekend just to get their hands on as many items as possible. Galactic Gathering merchandise event for 2015 was announced March 3rd http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...-2015-at-disneys-hollywood-studios-on-may-14/
Here's the merchandise catalog for the event https://www.disneynow.com/accounts/register123/subaccount/merchandise/merchwdw/events/wdwmerchgalactic/Galactic Gathering Catalog_Final.pdf
D Tech information and booking phone number here
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...weekends-starting-may-15-2015/#comment-131490
This year they have a new Darth's Mall "Complex" Split in 3 parts all of them in the Backlot Area, entrance on the end of Streets of America close to LMA
X Wing Collectibles: SW D Tech Me, Dooney & Burke, LE MB, LE pins, Vynilmations, SMS Audio, art and collectibles and Passholder event merchandise
Watto's Grotto: General merchandise, build your own droid and lightsaber stations, Her Universe, Aurebesh nametags, Official Pix and passholder event merchandise.Also the place to find Boba Fett steins, Han Solo popcorn bucket and specialty cupcakes and drinks
Prop Shop: general SWW merchandise and build a lego station
Appearances Scheduled at Darth's Mall and other venues
http://www.disneyparksmerchandise.com/events/star-wars-weekends-2015-kicks-off-may-1/?instance_id=
General Tips
1.- Keep Cool: drink plenty of water and gatorade/powerade. We usually bring washcloths and dump them in cold water and put them around our necks. Cooling towels found at sports stores and Amazon work great. Don't wait to hydrate. I've seen plenty of people just collapse because of dehydration. Heat in Florida is no joke. Bring an umbrella and use it while waiting for characters, parade, anything outdoors. Remember that all quick service restaurants will give you, for free, a cup of ice water. You can also refill these cups or any other containers with ice water at Backlot Express for free. Great places to cool down and you don't have to make a line are One Man's Dream and the Animation Bldg.
2.- Make a plan: prioritize, what do you want most of all out of your SWW day. And work from there. It's impossible to do it all in one day so don't let that ruin your SWW experience.
3.- Be patient: there will be thousands of people going to SWW that want to do the same things you do. Be patient. Be polite. I know the heat and the waiting can get to you sometimes but take a deep breath and just listen to that Star Wars music in the background and chill.
4.- Be flexible: So you made an awesome plan and you're ready to take in the day. And, of course, it rains just as the parade is about to start. Don't let that ruin your experience, just go improvise, have a plan B...and C and D,...
5.- Know your kids: There's nothing better than a picture with your toddler and Chewbacca, but some kids get a little afraid of the big Wookie. Don't force them to meet a character or go to a show (JTA Vader, Ventress and Maul can be intimidating) The characters WON'T break character, don't expect a hug from Vader, or Aurra Sing to smile...Villains stay Villains even if your child starts crying. What I usually tell parents is to show the kids the character before waiting in line (sometimes very long lines) and ask them right then and there if they want to meet them. Or show them videos of JTA and ask them before the trip if they want to battle the Dark Side.
On the same note, know your children boiling points and don't wait for them to get to them. Again, it's really hot during SWW, and meltdowns happen even to locals. Know when your kids need a break, go inside somewhere (Animation building and One Man's Dream are perfect for a break) eat and hydrate, and you'll have more energy to tackle the rest of the day.
6.- Have Fun!! In the wise words of Master Yoda: Do or do not, there is no try....
Feel free to subscribe
Also don't be shy about asking questions, the more you know the better you'll plan and the more fun you will have during SWW. I regularly update this page with any new info so you don’t have to read the entire thread .
And as always: May The Force Be With You
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My boyfriend and I will probably be trying to go every weekend at least 2 of the 3 days. We've got our planned days off for work as Fri/Sat so we can do those days for sure. We have also purchased Celebration VII tickets for Anaheim so if all goes well, we'll be doing that too. 
My SWW 2015 fix is now done. And no it isn't to early!
