For the second part of A DISer Guide to Star Wars Celebration, we talk about what you can do in the show itself and how to make the most out of it. This will be in a similar set up to the other part of the guide where it is in a Q and A format.
How would I get my Badge?
If you buy your Badge by March 15, 2017 and live in the US, you badge will be mailed to you. If your order after that in the US, you will need to pick up at the show. If you are international, you will be able to either have it sent to you UPS or pick up at the show.
What are the show hours going to be?
We are confirmed 10 am-7 PM Thursday, 10 AM-7 PM Friday, 10 AM-7 PM Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM Sunday for the Exhibit Hall with evening Programming until 10 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Where will everything be in the Convention Center?
To Be Determined. When we get a Map, that will be posted here.
What Programming items will be at Celebration?
This is to be decided by who the attending guests are. What you can expect to do besides shop are:
-See Panels with various creators, actors and professionals who are part of the Star Wars Universe. Expect panels on things such as Episode VIII, Han Solo Movie, Rebels, the books and much more. Really dependent on where the movies and shows are in production at the moment.
-Meet the Actor Guests and get Autographs/Pictures with them. More of that in a later question.
-See the largest Star Wars Costume Contest you may ever see.
-An active Child programming track.
-Screenings, Concerts and other TBD events.
How would I find out when/where these events are going to happen?
There will be an online schedule available between 1-3 weeks before Celebration. Link will get posted here much later.
How do I get into the Main Events area for panels?
If Celebration Europe is any indication for Celebration Orlando, it will be by Wristbands. It started at 6 AM local time, but this may change. Keep an eye on the thread for more information. Expect wristbands to be gone by 10 AM Local time.
How would I meet the Guests for an autograph or picture?
There will be areas set up in the Exhibit Hall for this. We won't know where or when they will be until much closer to the event. You will need to pay for any Actors and most creatives (TV/Film creatives espcecially) Autograph/Picture. Film/TV creatives (ex. Dave Filoni from Rebels) may or may not do any autograph/photo sessions. You can start getting autographs/photos pre-ordered at
https://www.starwarsauthentics.com/...d=21480&query=&sort=title_asc&pgmode1=catpage.
Expect between $20-200 for an autograph and $30-250 for a picture with the guest. Felicity Jones will cost $200-$250. She will cost for her autograph or picture to cost more than a WDW one day Park Hopper and combined more than the Current Seven Day Park Hopper deal on
Undercover Tourist.
You may have up to four people over three and any Children under three in a Photograph with the actor. All Autograph/Photograph vouchers are non-refundable or transferable.
For authors/comic creators who may be there (ex. Claudia Gray of Bloodline), they will probably be signing for free at their Publishers or own table. Those authors who will attend and the setup will be decided closer to the event.
How do I get into Panels/Exhibit Hall/etc?
There may be a queing process, but that is to be decided. The biggest complaint is how Celebration does lining up for events and doesn't clear there programming rooms. The biggest thing you must get into your mind about Lines at a convention is there will be alot and many of them. You can not schedule a FastPass + for a panel/autograph signing/etc. Throw that part of Disney World Out of your mind. Be prepared to spend multiple hours in lines.
What is Costuming and What are the rules for Costuming at Celebration?
Costuming is when fans wear outfits of their favorite characters from the Star Wars Saga. There will be many of them around the show. There are rules on costumes. Nudity is not allowed. Think a conservative bikini for women and at least a pair of Swimshorts level of coverage for men. The stronger rules are on Weapons and are due to creating a safe environment. Live weapons will not be allowed. Here's the weapons policy from Celelbration Europe and expect it to be similar:
http://www.starwarscelebration.com/Show-Info/Weapons-Policy/
Do I have to Costume at Celebration to enjoy it?
No, You don't have to Costume at Celebration to enjoy it. Some of the greatest joy as a fan I've ever seen is walking around a random corner and seeing an amazing C-3PO costume. Please ask the Costumer if you could please take a picture before taking it. Don't touch a Costumer or Harass any attendee.
Will there be Disabled access measures?
Yes, there will be. There will be elevators to get to the Exhibit Hall Floor for those who are disabled. You may not have to go upstairs for main events/exhibit hall because they are on Street level at the OCCC. They also offer a Medical Badge. If you are going, please read the information on the website before you apply.
http://www.starwarscelebration.com/Tickets/Medical-Badges/
Here's some practical help from
@lovethattink on the Medical Badges:
Basically you write what accommodations are needed. And based in what you write, they determine if you're eligible. The medical pass is good for the person needing it and one person to accompany them. So my son and I waited in one line and my husband and other son waited in another line. Since there's no seat saving. We often sat far apart.
What are some other tips that you would give to a first time Celebration attendee?
-Bring Cash for Autographs/Merchadise. Many guests/vendors will take Cards, but many take cash only.
-Be prepared to walk as many miles in OCCC as you do in Magic Kingdom (7-10 miles a day).
-Bring a Water Bottle. It will get hot.
-Know your limits. If you get tired, find a place to sit and relax.
-Be prepared to be in line a minimum of an hour ahead of time for a panel. Preferribly longer. Will update when we get official information from the show runners.
-Convention Center Food is nearly as expensive as WDW food with quality about as good as Pinocchio Village Haus (not very good). Bring your own food and sodas with you. As long as you hide it, You will not be told to throw it out.
Will there be a Disney Hollywood Studios after hours event?
This is now confirmed for Friday April 14th starting at 7 PM (you get in at 5 PM). Here's the full information and to get your tickets:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/hollywood-studios/star-wars-galactic-nights/. It is $129 before local tax and there is an AP discount at $119 each.
This is the end of the Q and A on what I would think be the major questions that DISer's would ask before the event. We won't know much until closer to the event, but ask away on questions I may not have thought about before hand.
