**Official** Star Wars at DHS, Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party/Galactic Nights/Launch Bay/JT

[lovethattink]

I am not sure if this has already been asked, but does anyone know if Seasons of the Force is for this year only? Or will it be an annual thing?

A cm told me it is going to be a new seasonal event. My take is annual.

 

[HopperFan]

Am I the only one confused as to how the Disney VISA M&G is special in any way when Vader will be at another M&G? Is my brain just fried from all the disappointment?

I was surprised when they announced Darth at Launch because earlier discussion made it seem like he was in Jedi Training and the Visa Meet & Greet. The perk will be much shorter lines and probably the free photo print.

No where does it state that the Visa Meet will be in the Launch and for logistics it would make more sense to have it elsewhere. Given that SW stuff is going to be spread all over for now, it doesn't matter where it is. Imagining Darth, Vader, models, props, movie stuff ................. Launch Bay is going to be a mob scene and packed all the time. That area is going to become a madhouse. Too bad it is right between two "youngster" areas.

 

[soniam]

Well, I just broke the news to my son about cancelling SWW, and he is very disappointed. First and foremost I would like to thank @yulilin3 for all of your hard work in keeping us updated and posted on SWW news over the years.

My son and I have met many amazing people during the past five years. Too many in fact to list them all, but we enjoyed meeting everyone. Will still keep in contact with several people from around the country.

I just priced out a long Harry Potter weekend for my son an I to replace SWW. I was surprised at how affordable it is. All that is left to do is cancel my DVC reservation, bank my points, and book Cabana Bay.

Be sure to check out Orbitz/Cheap Tickets for good deals on Universal hotels. Also, their AP is really reasonable and often times, maybe not during HP celebration, has good discounts. The AP or staying a Deluxe hotel (Hardrock, Royal Pacific, or Portofino) has some really good benefits, like early entry and free express pass. Definitely ask away on the Universal forum; they are great and very knowledgeable. I don't think we can go to Orlando anymore without going to Universal. Staying there is really great, and there deluxes, especially with the benefits, are amazingly affordable compared to what I have paid at Disney. Hope you have a great trip! Don't forget to try the butter beer

 

[HopperFan]

What does "Resort" mean there? Will it be at DHS?

It was a combo announcement for both WDW and DL, and they call them each in their entirety "resorts" - I just deleted the part about DL.

"...location at Walt Disney World® Resort starting early 2016 and the Disneyland® Resort starting Fall 2015..."

 

[mouseguy77]

I'm really bummed about this. I discovered SWW a few years ago and have been fortunate enough to go to the last two. What great trips those were! I'm sure SotF and Launch Bay will be good, but they won't hold a candle to the spectacle that was SWW. The shows, parade and overall atmosphere made it one of Disney's true must-do events. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to go next year due to conflicts at work, but if I did I was going to take my son because he would finally have been old enough. I think that's what bums me out the most, not being able to create and share those special memories with him.

 

[only hope]

Add me to the list of bitter and dissapointed people. I was all set to splurge next year on the character breakfast. SotF comes nowhere near to being as good as SWW. SWW is immersive, and most importantly, includes the people who helped make the films. That was always the best part; where else can you go and meet celebrities for free? Yes, I know you have to pay admission, but we are passholders and have been for ages; so for us, it's "free." At the SW Celebrations and Comic Con conventions, you pay a ton to get in and then even more to meet anybody. I spent a ton of time making an Ewok hood too, thinking I'd be able to wear it for many years to come. I feel really bad for those who aren't locals and booked flights etc specifically for SWW. Construction is a pitiful excuse to not hold this. Even a full SW land is not a replacement for SWW. I doubt they'll have even half as many characters to meet, nor will there be SW taking over half the park, down to the music and rope drop. I am actually considering dropping our passes in December until next September, before they raise the prices again for the new fiscal year. Without SWW, I can go that long without a visit and that would mean we could get Universal passes and attend the HP celebration.

 

[gismo1554]

The only thing I'm glad about was that last year we paid for the Magicband photopass thing for the family so we have some great photos of the event including special "force" ones. So disappointing and now we have to convince DF that another family trip to Disney is a good idea as we always manage to sway him with the "but its Star Wars" arguement.

 

[yulilin3]

Thank you so much @yulilin3 you're information is vital and so so helpful. I'll keep an eye on this thread to see any updates. Our family is extremely grateful for all of your knowledge and advice.

you are very welcome, happy to help. I'll keep this thread updated with any and all Star Wars related news

I am not sure if this has already been asked, but does anyone know if Seasons of the Force is for this year only? Or will it be an annual thing?

As of right now no one knows, they haven't really given any additional details other than what was announced during D23. It would sound like an annual thing but we just don'y know

I was surprised when they announced Darth at Launch because earlier discussion made it seem like he was in Jedi Training and the Visa Meet & Greet. The perk will be much shorter lines and probably the free photo print.

No where does it state that the Visa Meet will be in the Launch and for logistics it would make more sense to have it elsewhere. Given that SW stuff is going to be spread all over for now, it doesn't matter where it is. Imagining Darth, Vader, models, props, movie stuff ................. Launch Bay is going to be a mob scene and packed all the time. That area is going to become a madhouse. Too bad it is right between two "youngster" areas.

Of course I can't find it now, but I read somewhere that it said Animation Courtyard for the visa Vader meet. Launch Bay will be mobbed but we don't know how much of the building they have redesigned, I've been told rooms were added to accommodate the character meets.
The only other place they could put the Vader Visa meet would be at the old Prop Shop building, the one they used this year to have the limited edition merchandise for SWW. Other than that I don't see anywhere else they could put him

 

[poison ivy]

I had a feeling this might happen. I'm guessing they plan to eliminate SWW altogether with the addition of the new Land at the Studios. Good News is we won't have to cram our fix into a 5 wk end schedule. But I'm concerned about what this means for the parade and celebrity appearances moving forward.

 

[elmoandzoey]

Okay, I need to vent a little. We have booked an overseas trip for May because of SWW (we're from Europe). My little one is finally old enough so I can bring her along. It will break my older sons' hearts if I have to tell them now there will be no SWW! It has been literally all they have been talking about - we're going to Disney for Star Wars! It was all they talked about when we last went - meet Darth Vader. I couldn't get them into the Jedi Training Academy because they speak no English so hearing that they could get all the SW perks at SWW and language won't be a barrier sent them over the moon!

What gets to me even more - and I hope I just misunderstood this, please tell me I misunderstood this! - is that the SW character meets are only gonna happen if you are a Disney visa member. Now I can't even take my kids to SW character meets because as a non US citizen, I cannot get a Disney visa card, hence we're shut out of the M&G!

We already had to take HP out of the trip because I need to cover the unexpected cost of an ECV for me and staying onsite instead of offsite and now this!

Well, at least my little one will be happy with all the Frozen stuff

 

[gismo1554]

I read somewhere SoF was ending the end of March but I can't see where I read this however.

 

[yulilin3]

Okay, I need to vent a little. We have booked an overseas trip for May because of SWW (we're from Europe). My little one is finally old enough so I can bring her along. It will break my older sons' hearts if I have to tell them now there will be no SWW! It has been literally all they have been talking about - we're going to Disney for Star Wars! It was all they talked about when we last went - meet Darth Vader. I couldn't get them into the Jedi Training Academy because they speak no English so hearing that they could get all the SW perks at SWW and language won't be a barrier sent them over the moon!

What gets to me even more - and I hope I just misunderstood this, please tell me I misunderstood this! - is that the SW character meets are only gonna happen if you are a Disney visa member. Now I can't even take my kids to SW character meets because as a non US citizen, I cannot get a Disney visa card, hence we're shut out of the M&G!

We already had to take HP out of the trip because I need to cover the unexpected cost of an ECV for me and staying onsite instead of offsite and now this!

Well, at least my little one will be happy with all the Frozen stuff

No, Darth Vader and Chewbacca will be available to meet for everyone not just visa cardmembers.

 

[yulilin3]

I read somewhere SoF was ending the end of March but I can't see where I read this however.

when Disney accidentally leaked the dates for SotF through the ap calendar it was from January to March, but remember, SotF and Launch Bay are 2 separate things. As far as we know and what was announced SotF would only include weekend SW fireworks, launch bay should be open all the time with no closing date in sight

 

[lovethattink]

Okay, I need to vent a little. We have booked an overseas trip for May because of SWW (we're from Europe). My little one is finally old enough so I can bring her along. It will break my older sons' hearts if I have to tell them now there will be no SWW! It has been literally all they have been talking about - we're going to Disney for Star Wars! It was all they talked about when we last went - meet Darth Vader. I couldn't get them into the Jedi Training Academy because they speak no English so hearing that they could get all the SW perks at SWW and language won't be a barrier sent them over the moon!

What gets to me even more - and I hope I just misunderstood this, please tell me I misunderstood this! - is that the SW character meets are only gonna happen if you are a Disney visa member. Now I can't even take my kids to SW character meets because as a non US citizen, I cannot get a Disney visa card, hence we're shut out of the M&G!

We already had to take HP out of the trip because I need to cover the unexpected cost of an ECV for me and staying onsite instead of offsite and now this!

Well, at least my little one will be happy with all the Frozen stuff

Unfortunately, we have no idea how long the Launch Bay and Season of the Force will run. My guess is that Launch Bay will be a permanent fixture. On the AP site, for a short time there were dates for SotF running early January to late March. If the Launch Bay remains open, the character opportunities are for everyone, though I'd expect long lines. People were willing to wait an hour or two during SWW in the heat, I'm sure more people would line up for them in the airconditioning.

 

[elmoandzoey]

No, Darth Vader and Chewbacca will be available to meet for everyone not just visa cardmembers.

Unfortunately, we have no idea how long the Launch Bay and Season of the Force will run. My guess is that Launch Bay will be a permanent fixture. On the AP site, for a short time there were dates for SotF running early January to late March. If the Launch Bay remains open, the character opportunities are for everyone, though I'd expect long lines. People were willing to wait an hour or two during SWW in the heat, I'm sure more people would line up for them in the airconditioning.

Thanks! I was reading through this thread and people were talking about the visa card M&G so I though that it was only for them. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll still be there in May. I don't mind waiting in line if it gets the kids happy. The question remains though if they will want to wait that long. But if the option is there at least, they have a choice.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

launch bay should be open all the time with no closing date in sight

My kids and I were talking about this yesterday. Any chance they'd be closing it by May because of construction??

 

[yulilin3]

My kids and I were talking about this yesterday. Any chance they'd be closing it by May because of construction??

that area of the park should stay unaffected. Areas that should go behind walls is the entire area where Backlot Tour used to be, so I'm guessing Pixar lane will end right after the second TSMM track.
I'm also thinking that maybe Premiere theater will be taken down (not sure about that) but SWLand seems to be taking over what's behind ST and all that backstage area which is why they can't have the parade.
There are some heavy rumors that Streets of America will remain mostly untouched but who knows

 

[HopperFan]

Of course I can't find it now, but I read somewhere that it said Animation Courtyard for the visa Vader meet. Launch Bay will be mobbed but we don't know how much of the building they have redesigned, I've been told rooms were added to accommodate the character meets.

The only other place they could put the Vader Visa meet would be at the old Prop Shop building, the one they used this year to have the limited edition merchandise for SWW. Other than that I don't see anywhere else they could put him

Epcot has their Visa Greet in a different building. And honestly no one knows what is going to be walled up, closed down and space available. Given that Launch is on the completely opposite side of park from Star Tours, I could see this meet apart if nothing else to not deal with aggravation of guests without Visas wanting to get in the line.

I still think the Launch is going to be packed, and causing huge congestion unless they somehow are creating a new entry area. Just going to Animation was a pain with the sea of strollers filling the whole courtyard with the young families at Playhouse and Little Mermaid - and I don't think Animation was that known or crowded.

 

[yulilin3]

Epcot has their Visa Greet in a different building. And honestly no one knows what is going to be walled up, closed down and space available. Given that Launch is on the completely opposite side of park from Star Tours, I could see this meet apart if nothing else to not deal with aggravation of guests without Visas wanting to get in the line.

I still think the Launch is going to be packed, and causing huge congestion unless they somehow are creating a new entry area. Just going to Animation was a pain with the sea of strollers filling the whole courtyard with the young families at Playhouse and Little Mermaid - and I don't think Animation was that known or crowded.

Another spot they could use would be the old AIE audition rooms for the Visa meet.
I agree, Launch Bay and that area is going to be a mess

 

[HopperFan]

Another spot they could use would be the old AIE audition rooms for the Visa meet.
I agree, Launch Bay and that area is going to be a mess

That would be a good spot logistically and closer to Star Tours area. Do you remember when Sully & Mike used to meet next to that area? It worked out well regarding not being in a busy corridor. And IF they close down Streets there will likely be less traffic.