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

[yulilin3]

Fireworks from Backlot Express/Star Tours area were fine but you miss some of the dialogue and the big fanning effects,I prefer to watch them from Echo Lake, last night I walked by "my" little ledge and there were only 4 people sitting there at 10:40 pm. Plenty of space
Also I witnessed something yesterday that left me with my mouth open.
The first order stormtroopers "patrol" the Animation courtyard, they very rarely stop for people to take pics, in fact the keep saying "move along" and have 2 guards (CM) with them.
There were these 2 teenage girls that really wanted a pic and kept walking close to them the whole time, as they were walking back from the arch to Launch Bay the girls once again tried to get a pic and one of the guards ( A CM that has been working with characters for a very long time) just screamed at them with a very serious and menacing tone "this is the second warning, stand down" everyone just stared at the CM and the girls were basically left feeling yelled at and tried to just laugh it off, but you could tell they were upset
I understand the point of keeping the story and that they are not stopping for pictures but I think that was totally unnecessary, the girls were not really blocking their way or touching them.
Also at Launch Bay I wanted to take a pic of Stephanie with Vader, the CM inside the meet and greet are very serious almost to the point of looking/acting mean. We went in, I started taking pics of Stephanie interacting with Vader and the CM told me "give me your device I'll do it" I told her that I didn't want to be in the pic, just my daughter and she said "No, Lord Vader needs me to do this and you have to be in the pic"
Again, I think they are taking this a little bit to far...just a word of warning.

 

[DekrRini]

The first order stormtroopers "patrol" the Animation courtyard, they very rarely stop for people to take pics, in fact the keep saying "move along" and have 2 guards (CM) with them.
There were these 2 teenage girls that really wanted a pic and kept walking close to them the whole time, as they were walking back from the arch to Launch Bay the girls once again tried to get a pic and one of the guards ( A CM that has been working with characters for a very long time) just screamed at them with a very serious and menacing tone "this is the second warning, stand down" everyone just stared at the CM and the girls were basically left feeling yelled at and tried to just laugh it off, but you could tell they were upset
I understand the point of keeping the story and that they are not stopping for pictures but I think that was totally unnecessary, the girls were not really blocking their way or touching them.
Also at Launch Bay I wanted to take a pic of Stephanie with Vader, the CM inside the meet and greet are very serious almost to the point of looking/acting mean. We went in, I started taking pics of Stephanie interacting with Vader and the CM told me "give me your device I'll do it" I told her that I didn't want to be in the pic, just my daughter and she said "No, Lord Vader needs me to do this and you have to be in the pic"
Again, I think they are taking this a little bit to far...just a word of warning.

When I was there a couple weeks ago, the stormtroopers were actually 'harassing' an older gentleman. It was pretty funny to watch. I got some great pictures of the stormtroopers because of that.

I think the reason they don't want you taking pictures yourself is because Disney wants you to pay for the interaction pictures, either individually or through Memory Maker. When the CM used my phone to take a picture for me, it was just the one where I was standing beside Vader looking straight ahead. If I wanted any of the interaction pictures, I had to pay for them.

 

[yulilin3]

When I was there a couple weeks ago, the stormtroopers were actually 'harassing' an older gentleman. It was pretty funny to watch. I got some great pictures of the stormtroopers because of that.

I think the reason they don't want you taking pictures yourself is because Disney wants you to pay for the interaction pictures, either individually or through Memory Maker. When the CM used my phone to take a picture for me, it was just the one where I was standing beside Vader looking straight ahead. If I wanted any of the interaction pictures, I had to pay for them.

The Stormtroopers or Vader's interaction is fine, it's the way the CM "handlers" now dressed as guards are playing it. If it was just serious that would be ok but they are sometimes mean...and I have never had the problem where I wanted to take pics of my daughter and not be in the pic, that was just strange
We're not big character people but I just wanted to give a fair warning for anyone coming

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

The Stormtroopers or Vader's interaction is fine, it's the way the CM "handlers" now dressed as guards are playing it. If it was just serious that would be ok but they are sometimes mean...and I have never had the problem where I wanted to take pics of my daughter and not be in the pic, that was just strange
We're not big character people but I just wanted to give a fair warning for anyone coming

I'll give DH the heads up - he probably won't hand over his DSLR willingly!

today is THE day for our family T- one hour before we head over to the theater. Went by yesterday and the person I spoke to suggested getting there 2 hours early so we're aiming for that......

 

[DekrRini]

The Stormtroopers or Vader's interaction is fine, it's the way the CM "handlers" now dressed as guards are playing it. If it was just serious that would be ok but they are sometimes mean...and I have never had the problem where I wanted to take pics of my daughter and not be in the pic, that was just strange
We're not big character people but I just wanted to give a fair warning for anyone coming

It was my first ever meet and greet so I didn't know what to expect. The CMs taking the pictures did seem rather serious about Lord Vader which I didn't expect. They didn't seem rude to me, but maybe I just got lucky.

 

[yulilin3]

It was my first ever meet and greet so I didn't know what to expect. The CMs taking the pictures did seem rather serious about Lord Vader which I didn't expect. They didn't seem rude to me, but maybe I just got lucky.

it's hard to explain unless you are there...we've had "scary" encounters with Maul, Ventress, Sing, but they are in character and it was awesome. But the CM "guards" I'm not sure have been properly trained in what they want to accomplish. Some of them are fine but some come off as mean.

 

[CJK]

@yulilin3 I'm sending you a PM. I have a question about the movie!

 

[Aerorea]

It's a little late, but I just wanted to post about our party experience.

As I had posted here before, I was rather worried about it to begin with, especially after all the "debuts" weren't really "debuts" anymore (1 day early for fireworks, LB open for weeks, etc.). Well, I was very pleased with the event. Other than it being a VERY long day, it was amazing. DH got up at 4, took a cab from CR to the AMC, and was in line at 5:15 for check-in. At that time, he estimated to be around 50th. He got our credentials and we were 37 & 38 for theater 1 (ETX) with a return time of 1:30pm. He hung out at DS and I joined him around 11am to wander around. We lined up inside the AMC and were led into the theater at 2pm. Once everyone was seated, we were free to come & go as long as someone saved your seats. The people around us were fantastic and we all saved seats for each other.

The movie was awesome and seeing it in that environment - with clapping and banter, was fabulous. Sure, we were sitting in a theater for hours, but those hours went by quickly making new friends and being free to leave.

After the movie, we were on the first bus for resort guests over to DHS (and fortunately, the bus was near the theater - not all the way back at Marketplace). We had to wait a bit before they'd let us in. Standing in line, we heard the music switch from Christmas to Star Wars and got excited. We were probably in the first few dozens into the park and it was just an experience to walk through a nearly empty park, with CM's waving lightsabers - all happy and smiling, asking how was the movie and welcoming. I know I had a huge grin on my face!

We went straight for RnR and had no wait. RnR is not a ride for me. When it was announced at the theater before the movie, I knew I'd have to ride it for the second time in my life. I survived. I could barely get out of the car, but I survived! The soundtrack was great and I suppose this goes to show that I'll try anything once if I love the theme, lol. DH wanted to ride again. Umm... no. We did ToT with one other couple and ST wasn't much of a line either. After that, we finally ate a late dinner.

We had heard the host say something about making sure you could see the screen for the fireworks for something special to the party, so we parked in front of it for the fireworks. Loved the intro! The fireworks were great!

After that we more or less just wandered around a bit, enjoying the atmosphere. We could have done more rides or maybe done photos, but we were just having a good time by simply being there (and we were tired). We compared it to SWW with no crowd. We left at 2am and walked to the designated bus stop for our resort area. As we walked up, we saw our bus leaving. Fortunately, we only had to wait maybe 5-10 minutes before another bus stopped for us. My guess is that they just had buses stopping whenever they saw people waiting.

Oh, and I bought a Dooney. I had seen them at Watto's Grotto earlier in the week and couldn't make a decision on which size to get, so by the time we left I didn't buy one at all - I guess that was my decision! Then during the party, we saw them in one of the shops on Hollywood Blvd and I knew it was now or never. Plus, this was the first SW design that I actually liked, so I totally caved. I got the crossbody.

In the end, we were so happy that we were able to get tickets and be there for the event. It was truly something we'll never forget. If they do it again for Rogue 1 or VIII, we'll definitely try to go again.

 

[AThrillingChase]

In the end, we were so happy that we were able to get tickets and be there for the event. It was truly something we'll never forget. If they do it again for Rogue 1 or VIII, we'll definitely try to go again.

I have already told myself I should plan a trip for May 2017!

 

[moobar25]

It's a little late, but I just wanted to post about our party experience.

As I had posted here before, I was rather worried about it to begin with, especially after all the "debuts" weren't really "debuts" anymore (1 day early for fireworks, LB open for weeks, etc.). Well, I was very pleased with the event. Other than it being a VERY long day, it was amazing. DH got up at 4, took a cab from CR to the AMC, and was in line at 5:15 for check-in. At that time, he estimated to be around 50th. He got our credentials and we were 37 & 38 for theater 1 (ETX) with a return time of 1:30pm. He hung out at DS and I joined him around 11am to wander around. We lined up inside the AMC and were led into the theater at 2pm. Once everyone was seated, we were free to come & go as long as someone saved your seats. The people around us were fantastic and we all saved seats for each other.

The movie was awesome and seeing it in that environment - with clapping and banter, was fabulous. Sure, we were sitting in a theater for hours, but those hours went by quickly making new friends and being free to leave.

After the movie, we were on the first bus for resort guests over to DHS (and fortunately, the bus was near the theater - not all the way back at Marketplace). We had to wait a bit before they'd let us in. Standing in line, we heard the music switch from Christmas to Star Wars and got excited. We were probably in the first few dozens into the park and it was just an experience to walk through a nearly empty park, with CM's waving lightsabers - all happy and smiling, asking how was the movie and welcoming. I know I had a huge grin on my face!

We went straight for RnR and had no wait. RnR is not a ride for me. When it was announced at the theater before the movie, I knew I'd have to ride it for the second time in my life. I survived. I could barely get out of the car, but I survived! The soundtrack was great and I suppose this goes to show that I'll try anything once if I love the theme, lol. DH wanted to ride again. Umm... no. We did ToT with one other couple and ST wasn't much of a line either. After that, we finally ate a late dinner.

We had heard the host say something about making sure you could see the screen for the fireworks for something special to the party, so we parked in front of it for the fireworks. Loved the intro! The fireworks were great!

After that we more or less just wandered around a bit, enjoying the atmosphere. We could have done more rides or maybe done photos, but we were just having a good time by simply being there (and we were tired). We compared it to SWW with no crowd. We left at 2am and walked to the designated bus stop for our resort area. As we walked up, we saw our bus leaving. Fortunately, we only had to wait maybe 5-10 minutes before another bus stopped for us. My guess is that they just had buses stopping whenever they saw people waiting.

Oh, and I bought a Dooney. I had seen them at Watto's Grotto earlier in the week and couldn't make a decision on which size to get, so by the time we left I didn't buy one at all - I guess that was my decision! Then during the party, we saw them in one of the shops on Hollywood Blvd and I knew it was now or never. Plus, this was the first SW design that I actually liked, so I totally caved. I got the crossbody.

In the end, we were so happy that we were able to get tickets and be there for the event. It was truly something we'll never forget. If they do it again for Rogue 1 or VIII, we'll definitely try to go again.

I totally agree with you- glad we went. It was a blast.
If all of Disney special parties were like thi I'd be there, broke, but I'd be there.

 

[Serena {LivingByDisney}]

I agree. All though I didn't pay for my tickets after having been I can say that I would have. Overall the event was handled really well? Plus, the commemorative ticket and stand they gave out will probably end up being worth more than the $100 ticket price. I all ready say one on eBay for $300.

Oh and I got in the Disney Parks Blog recap of the event. Which pretty much made my life.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...ning-of-star-wars-the-force-awakens/#photo-53

 

[Gianfootography]

I think the reason they don't want you taking pictures yourself is because Disney wants you to pay for the interaction pictures, either individually or through Memory Maker. When the CM used my phone to take a picture for me, it was just the one where I was standing beside Vader looking straight ahead. If I wanted any of the interaction pictures, I had to pay for them.[/QUOTE]

The Stormtroopers or Vader's interaction is fine, it's the way the CM "handlers" now dressed as guards are playing it. If it was just serious that would be ok but they are sometimes mean...and I have never had the problem where I wanted to take pics of my daughter and not be in the pic, that was just strange
We're not big character people but I just wanted to give a fair warning for anyone coming

I usually make sure they take the better pictures with my camera, often ignoring or looking away from the photo pass photographer. I usually have my DSLR with a blank 32gb card which can take around 1000+ photos in raw format at 18 megapixels. VS. Photo pass images I have gotten are about 2-4 megapixels jpegs that I cannot fix in post.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

saw the movie today - AWESOME! Kind of cool to see it on my birthday! Think we're going to see it again on Christmas

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

Just found this thread-- how fun!! I am super excited to go DW in Feb. and experience the Star Wars meet-and-greets, the FIREWORKS, and every other new thing HS has to offer in the Star Wars department.

We took the whole family to see the movie on Saturday. We had previously done a week long Star Wars marathon catching up on the movies. DS9 and DS7 LOVED it, but DD4 (almost 5) was very antsy and bored. We get to go again tomorrow, because DH's company has rented out a screening for the contractors they work with and their families, but we will leave DD with a friend. I can't wait to see it again, because I know there is stuff I missed, and I just want to dive deeper into the story this time. I've already listened to three hour long podcasts dedicated to the new movie and plan on listening to more this week

Oh and I just have to second this:

I now have a lady crush on Oscar Isaac.

Oscar Isaac is my new crush. I loved him in this little HBO movie this summer, but it was a VERY different type of role. He is so awesome!

 

[TISHLOVESDISNEY]

saw the movie today - AWESOME! Kind of cool to see it on my birthday! Think we're going to see it again on Christmas

Happy Birthday!!!

So did you show up 2 hours early, and was it necessary? We go Thursday, Christmas Eve, at 10 am, and I am just not sure how early to go. There is a 9am movie, our's at 10, then about every hour after.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

Happy Birthday!!!

So did you show up 2 hours early, and was it necessary? We go Thursday, Christmas Eve, at 10 am, and I am just not sure how early to go. There is a 9am movie, our's at 10, then about every hour after.

our movie was at 12:50 - so DH was itching to go get in line at 10:15 so I dropped him off. There were a few cars in the parking lot but nobody by the door (theater usually opens the box office part at 11 am). Got home and he called me to say there were earlier showings (when we bought the tickets (2nd day they were on sale) 12:50 was the first showing. Looked It up online and he was right they had added a 11:30 and 11:50. We (DD in her Jedi outfit and I) got ready quickly and hurried over to the theater. Dh asked the manager if we could see the 11:30 and she said OK. So we saw that showing with hardly any wait It was not sold out

When DH went in (we saw him go in the door) there were about a dozen people waiting to enter the theater (itself not the individual one we were going into) and a LOT of people waiting to get tickets.

I would think with showings that often you'd be OK going an hour early .....

 

[jimim]

quick question that i know we don't have the exact answers for yet, but wanted advice.

my 180 ADR's for June 24th to the 3rd are coming up quick. Am i to assume fireworks Friday Sat and Sunday with possible dessert parties at that time? Just trying to figure if I should plan on dinner over at BW or Epcot area to be near the park. What time should I shoot for for dinner if I'm planning on a possible dessert party? Dessert party at 7 if fireworks are at 8? I would say that would be the earliest possible timeframe?


Just needed some direction.

thanks!

Merry Christmas everyone!

jim

 

[hiroMYhero]

quick question that i know we don't have the exact answers for yet, but wanted advice.

my 180 ADR's for June 24th to the 3rd are coming up quick. Am i to assume fireworks Friday Sat and Sunday with possible dessert parties at that time? Just trying to figure if I should plan on dinner over at BW or Epcot area to be near the park. What time should I shoot for for dinner if I'm planning on a possible dessert party? Dessert party at 7 if fireworks are at 8? I would say that would be the earliest possible timeframe?


Just needed some direction.

thanks!

Merry Christmas everyone!

jim

With the schedule that's showing for late June, if there were to be fireworks, the earliest they would be is 8:15 with a park close of 8:30 and Fantasmic at 9:00.

The hours should get extended prior to June, but for planning purposes, you'd be fine with a dinner that allows you to enter DHS by 7:00p.

 

[AThrillingChase]

Oscar Isaac is my new crush. I loved him in this little HBO movie this summer, but it was a VERY different type of role. He is so awesome!

Kylo Ren is my new crush! Weird huh?

 

[yulilin3]

I think the reason they don't want you taking pictures yourself is because Disney wants you to pay for the interaction pictures, either individually or through Memory Maker. When the CM used my phone to take a picture for me, it was just the one where I was standing beside Vader looking straight ahead. If I wanted any of the interaction pictures, I had to pay for them.

I usually make sure they take the better pictures with my camera, often ignoring or looking away from the photo pass photographer. I usually have my DSLR with a blank 32gb card which can take around 1000+ photos in raw format at 18 megapixels. VS. Photo pass images I have gotten are about 2-4 megapixels jpegs that I cannot fix in post.[/QUOTE]
Did you just start speaking another language all of a sudden...I cannot understand it
Your pics are AMAZING