Just back from Star Wars Weekend #1!

[ktglads]

I just came back from the first Star Wars Weekend, with a few extra days in other parks. I attended almost every single event and I think I can answer most questions, so if you need any tips, have any questions, or anything, feel free to ask!

 

[Lanshark]

We're going this weekend. We've never been to a Star Wars Weekend but DH and DS are huge fans. What types of events do they have? Is there a schedule?

 

[ears2ya]

We are going this coming weekend with my 4 year old. I have been several times but not during Star Wars w/e and was curious about the Jedi training for the kids? How do you participate?

 

[Beanie]

Sounds like alot of fun!! Glad you had a great time!

 

[ktglads]

Yes, there is a schedule. It is printed on the white times guide that is availble with the maps. The events are:

11:00 AM - Star Wars Motorcar
11:15 AM - Celebrities Introduced on Stage
11:30 AM - Who Wants to be A Millionaire- Star Wars Edition feat. Jawas
12:00 PM - first celebrity autograph session
12:30 PM - Who Wants to be a Millionaire - Star Wars Edition feat. Greedo
2:00 PM - Celebrity Talk Show - ask questions with the celebrities
3:00 PM - Second celebrity autograph session
6:00 PM - Tatooine Traders Trivia (12 + ages)
7:00 PM - Hoopla - meet and greet with characters

There is also a childrens (under 12) trivia and padawan challenges throughout the day. For the trivia, you must register at the information table. They limit the spots in the adult competition to 50 spots and 10 standbys.

There are also characters that appear between 9 and 6, signing autographs and taking pictures in designated areas in the park. There are also roaming characters that are on no particular schedule.

This weekend, since it was so hot, the characters were doing 20 minutes on and 40 minutes off per hour.

 

[ktglads]

I don't know if all the celebrities will be doing this, but Anthony Daniels had a behind the saga at 4:45. They also showed a behind the scenes movie (20 min) at random times during the day

 

[lwestwise]

I read about a wrist band for getting autographs. Can you give me some info about that. My 6 year old Grandson is a big fan.
TIA
Linda

 

[ktglads]

There are two lines outside of the entrance to Indiana Jones right by the water in front of the dinosaur ice cream stand. Basically you will choose the person whose autograph you want the most. Get in their line. They will start to hand out the wrist bands at 9:30. You could try to get into the second line to get another wristband, but you will have to be near the front since they only give out 120 definite bands for each day. You get a number and time and show up 15 minutes before your session starts. I got to the park before opening, since there is a nice little preshow with the stormtroopers on top of the gates. We were one of the first people in the parks and got bands 12-15 for the first person, first session and #60, standbys 1-3 for the second person, second session. There is no point in going over there unless you have a wrist band. They don't take all the standbys, so anyone else is out of luck. They were only signing the Disney provided pictures so bringing anything else would be a waste. Basically, you have to get there early and be prepared to wait. If you have more than one person and only need one autograph, split up into the different lines and get them that way. You can take your own pictures, but some of the actors are quite personable and others are not. It really depends on the person. Did I cover everything?

ears2ya - The Jedi training has kids selected out of the audience in front of the stage. Get there early to be in the front. These kids also get to walk in the morning parade. The kids trivia has a signup at the info table that limits the number of kids that can participate. The kids I saw for the Jedi training were all really young (less than 8 years old). Most were about 4 or 5. I think they picked 10 or so kids for each session.

 

[lwestwise]

Thank you so much for your info. I will put it to good use.
Linda

 

[onceuponadream]

Thanks ktglads! A couple of questions as we will be there June 7. Is the 11:00 Star Wars Motorcar a parade? Are the characters in the afternoon Stars and Motorcars Parade as well? We aren't interested in autographs of the "real" people but our kids would love a picture with the costumed characters. Is that possible or are they few and far between with long waits? Thanks for any help..glad you enjoyed!

 

[ktglads]

The 11:00 parade is rather short. It is like 5 minutes long with the Stormtroopers leading, followed by the Jedi, the imperial scum, and the major characters. There are then the cars for the celebrities. There are no special additions to the 5:30 stars and motorcars parade. The waits for pictures with the characters vary upon the person. Some you can walk up to or they walk up to you and others garner a very large crowd. There are lines comparable to normal characters that you can wait in to get the pics with the characters against backdrops. We got most of the characters in a matter of an hour, waiting a couple through their breaks, and meeting quite a few by hanging out by Star Tours

 

[MargaretF]

Ktglads, thanks for the schedule and all the info, it will really help. What is the cost for the Disney supplied pictures for autographing and where do you get them? DS wants to get an autograph and I want to be prepared.

 

[Piglet Fan]

There is no extra charge for the autograph/picture. I had a great time meeting Anthony Daniels (C-3P0); he is fantastic!

If you're looking for a certain character to get a picture with, you can ask any of the cast members that are near the meeting areas. They all have lists and can tell you where and when to meet the character. These are the characters we saw hanging about for pictures, etc.:

Luke & Leia
Han
Chewie
Mace Windu
Kit Fisto
Shaak Ti
Darth Maul
Queen Amidala
Jango Fett
Zam Wesell
Stormtroopers
Clonetroopers
Gamorrean Guards
Tusken Raiders
The Emperor and his guards
The Cantina Band (they are a hoot)
Greedo
Admiral Ackbar
Jawas
Ewoks

Quite a few, as you can see!

 

[ears2ya]

Thanks to all of you for the GREAT information...I am so excited!!!

 

[crusoe2]

This may be a dumb question but are the wristbands just for autographs of the 2 celebrities for that weekend or for other characters from the movies, too? TIA

 

[deirdrefitch]

How early do you have to arrive at the front gate to be able to get a wristband? I read on another post that a few people actually camped out in MGM Parking lot. Do you know if this is true? I wouldn't think Disney would allow that.

 

[Disneymaddness]

We were there last weekend and went to the millionaire show that had the star wars trivia. That was alot of fun. Seeing that guy win the cruise was cool!

 

[ktglads]

Wristbands were only needed for the celebrities. Everyone else had a line similar to a normal character that you just waited in. As for how early you should get to the park to get the wristbands....we got there about 8:30 for a 9:00 opening and just stood at an empty turnstile that had the cover taken off of it so when they opened, they opened that gate and we were one of the first people in. To get both bands, you have to be there before 9:15. To get one, be there before 10. They only give out 60 bands per person per session so they go really fast!