Official Star Wars Weekends 2013 Tips and Tricks

[Cinderumbrella]

So then since official park opening isnt till 9 then the busses wont start running till 8? (after the park is quietly opened?)...

so what does everyon do for star wars weekend...do they just take a cab our use there own car?

The past 2 years we were at the YC, so we walked over (leaving the resort around 7:20am if my memory is right). The previous 2 years we used the bus from the CR, but at that time the park opened as scheduled. All 4 years we were there in time to see the stormtrooper "show."

My plan for this year is to read this thread (or any subsequent one that starts between now and my trip) and see if the "early" openings happen again. Fortunately, we cannot attend until weekend 4 so I have the luxury of waiting to see how this all plays out.

If a bus is not available to me from POR to make it in time for early opening, then we will indeed to a taxi for Day 1 of Weekend 4.

 

[lovethattink]

The past 2 years we were at the YC, so we walked over (leaving the resort around 7:20am if my memory is right). The previous 2 years we used the bus from the CR, but at that time the park opened as scheduled. All 4 years we were there in time to see the stormtrooper "show."

My plan for this year is to read this thread (or any subsequent one that starts between now and my trip) and see if the "early" openings happen again. Fortunately, we cannot attend until weekend 4 so I have the luxury of waiting to see how this all plays out.

If a bus is not available to me from POR to make it in time for early opening, then we will indeed to a taxi for Day 1 of Weekend 4.

I'll be there at least parts of every weekend and reporting back at night.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I'll be there at least parts of every weekend and reporting back at night.

And from all of us Weekend 3&4-ers, THANK YOU!!! Its those live reports and pay it forwards that really help us out!

 

[lovethattink]

And from all of us Weekend 3&4-ers, THANK YOU!!! Its those live reports and pay it forwards that really help us out!

I don't know if I will be there at opening, but my dh will definately be there. He planned all his summer vacation around SWW for he and ds(8).

 

[delmar411]

So then since official park opening isnt till 9 then the busses wont start running till 8? (after the park is quietly opened?)...

so what does everyon do for star wars weekend...do they just take a cab our use there own car?

we managed to arrive by bus, the very first bus from our resort, just at the end of the stormtroopers show. LOTS of people were arriving at that time.

This last year is the first time we didn't have our own car for SWW so it was rather frustrating because we are used to getting there early.

 

[yulilin3]

Hello Jedis, Dart Lords, Stormtroopers, Droids and all other intergalactic beings...
Glad to see this thread is soooo long...not gonna lie, I'm not reading thru all the pages but just wanted to subsribe, say hello and let you guys know that I'm on the lookout for any and all information on SWW on the HUB (internal Cast Member site) so as soon as I have anything new I'll post it here.
I'll be attending all Saturdays and Sundays like last year, maybe the frist Friday as well.
Glad to see so many familiar names from last years planning thread.
as always....MTFBWY

 

[lovethattink]

Hello Jedis, Dart Lords, Stormtroopers, Droids and all other intergalactic beings...
Glad to see this thread is soooo long...not gonna lie, I'm not reading thru all the pages but just wanted to subsribe, say hello and let you guys know that I'm on the lookout for any and all information on SWW on the HUB (internal Cast Member site) so as soon as I have anything new I'll post it here.
I'll be attending all Saturdays and Sundays like last year, maybe the frist Friday as well.
Glad to see so many familiar names from last years planning thread.
as always....MTFBWY

It's good to see you again. I will be looking forward to your info.

 

[mesaboy2]

Hello Jedis, Dart Lords, Stormtroopers, Droids and all other intergalactic beings...
Glad to see this thread is soooo long...not gonna lie, I'm not reading thru all the pages but just wanted to subsribe, say hello and let you guys know that I'm on the lookout for any and all information on SWW on the HUB (internal Cast Member site) so as soon as I have anything new I'll post it here.
I'll be attending all Saturdays and Sundays like last year, maybe the frist Friday as well.
Glad to see so many familiar names from last years planning thread.
as always....MTFBWY

Will I need an FP to get your autograph?

Welcome back!

 

[yulilin3]

It's good to see you again. I will be looking forward to your info.

Will I need an FP to get your autograph?

Welcome back!

thanks for the welcomes...funny mesaboy2...maybe we can meet this year...has anyone scheduled any dis meets??

 

[BensWife]

Newbie here. This may be a stupid question, but for the meet and greet of the Star Wars characters, do you get a fast pass for that too, or do you just get there early to stand in lines of the characters you want? I thought Fast Passes were just for rides, so I may be missing the mark here.

My little ones are TOTAL Star Wars fanatics, but at the same time, I don't think they will be able to stand in line for much longer than 45 minutes. If we get there early (leaving our resort at 7am), will there be long wait times to see characters already? I think they would want the Star Wars people, not the Mickey and Friends dressed in Star Wars stuff. I think it would be cool if they were able to get autographs and pictures with some of their favorites, but if the lines are too long then maybe just standing on the side and seeing them would be enough.

 

[Mouskemom]

What if I just want to see the parade? When should I get there?


We will have already had our HS day earlier in the week so We would just be going for Star Wars fun. No character autographs, just the parade and some atmosphere.

 

[mesaboy2]

What if I just want to see the parade? When should I get there?


We will have already had our HS day earlier in the week so We would just be going for Star Wars fun. No character autographs, just the parade and some atmosphere.

Parade was at 12:40p last year. Guests may be setting up in prime spots a good 90 minutes or more beforehand.

 

[lovethattink]

Newbie here. This may be a stupid question, but for the meet and greet of the Star Wars characters, do you get a fast pass for that too, or do you just get there early to stand in lines of the characters you want? I thought Fast Passes were just for rides, so I may be missing the mark here.

My little ones are TOTAL Star Wars fanatics, but at the same time, I don't think they will be able to stand in line for much longer than 45 minutes. If we get there early (leaving our resort at 7am), will there be long wait times to see characters already? I think they would want the Star Wars people, not the Mickey and Friends dressed in Star Wars stuff. I think it would be cool if they were able to get autographs and pictures with some of their favorites, but if the lines are too long then maybe just standing on the side and seeing them would be enough.

Fast passes and wristbands are used to see the celebrities. Unless things change, they won't be used for character M&Gs.

There are also roaming characters who your children will be able to see in passing.

 

[CalSea12]

Hmm... Now I gotta know is this just because its sww that the buses start running an hour before? When I went a couple years ago I got a bus from my resort at 7am to hs for a 8am breakfast. This was way before the park opened since it opened at 9. I always thought the busses started at 630a no matter which park.....

 

[bentopher]

Ok... so help me out (asking the same question yet again )..


Friday May 17th.. the first day. I see EMH are at Epcot.
So does that mean the park opens at regular time? 9am?

I really want the boys to see the Storm Trooper Show.
This is the only day/time chance they will have to see it.
Based on crowds and such, what time should we be there?

I'm staying at POP (which isn't far from HS), but I'm willing to pay for
a cab to get there without hassle.

Thanks

 

[shelbyf31]

We will be there the first weekend. I just double checked the park hours and they changed for May 17th. HS opens at 8 am.

 

[lovethattink]

We will be there the first weekend. I just double checked the park hours and they changed for May 17th. HS opens at 8 am.

and 2 Fantasmic shows 9 and 10:30pm

 

[bentopher]

We will be there the first weekend. I just double checked the park hours and they changed for May 17th. HS opens at 8 am.

Where did you see that? So I can keep my own eye out

 

[lovethattink]

Saturday the 18th also 8am and 2 Fantasmics

Sunday 19th 8am and 2 Fantasmics as well.

 

[jennyjinx3]

For the first weekend, which would be a less crowded day...Sat or Sun? We are planning to go on Sunday, but was just wondering. Thanks!!