Official Star Wars Weekends 2013 Tips and Tricks

[delmar411]

Please tell me again what the celebs are allowed to sign? Told DH tonight about Ray Park and Warwick Davis. He was thinking about getting a Duck Maul print to be signed. I don't know if we'll make seeing Warwick but I hope so. As a huge HP fan, that would be awesome! Plus DH loves Willow.

They can sign whatever you want them to except your body and anything you are currently wearing. The chewbacca guy was only signing things that had his pic or name on it but yds got him to sign his hip pack anyway(the benefits of being an adorable little boy lol ).

 

[tjmj9801]

They can sign whatever you want them to except your body and anything you are currently wearing. The chewbacca guy was only signing things that had his pic or name on it but yds got him to sign his hip pack anyway(the benefits of being an adorable little boy lol ).

Yay! Thanks!

 

[pequele]

I'm so confused! We will be there the 1st weekend and I am trying to read up on this but my head is spinning!

The FP is only for celebs? Not the regular characters like Vader, Chewie right? I don't think my 4 you will really care about meeting the guy who plays Darth Maul (I don't even think he knows who Darth Maul is he's only 4!).

I know the schedule/map isn't out yet but are the characters typically in the same place every year? Typically the same times? Where would Darth Vader, Chewie and R2D2 be and when (based on past years)? I need to take better notes through this thing but there just seems like there is just soooo much stuff here! Don't get me wrong, I'm so thankful you all post your info, I just can't keep up

 

[mesaboy2]

I'm so confused! We will be there the 1st weekend and I am trying to read up on this but my head is spinning!

The FP is only for celebs? Not the regular characters like Vader, Chewie right? I don't think my 4 you will really care about meeting the guy who plays Darth Maul (I don't even think he knows who Darth Maul is he's only 4!).

I know the schedule/map isn't out yet but are the characters typically in the same place every year? Typically the same times? Where would Darth Vader, Chewie and R2D2 be and when (based on past years)? I need to take better notes through this thing but there just seems like there is just soooo much stuff here! Don't get me wrong, I'm so thankful you all post your info, I just can't keep up

Yes.

My advice? Slow down and wait and watch as likely all of your questions will be answered over time.

 

[yulilin3]

Hi all! I am subscribing! DH and I won't be going to Disney this year for SWW, but maybe 2014 or 2015. So i am starting research now. Good thing too because I didn't realize every weekend had different guests. I was hoping to book the first SWW in hopes of catching the end of Epcot's Garden Festival too. We live in Iowa so we can only go once (per year...).

How do you all plan ahead for which weekend when they haven't even announced celebrities yet? Or do you not go by that? I know my husband isn't too excited about any of the ones that have been announced yet for this year.
Are there any other changes between the weekends or days of the weekend? I read the first post and not the rest yet so I apologize if I'm repeating common questions. I will go back and read! Thanks in advance!

The celebs are usually announced 1 month before SWW so people just don't plan around them, it's the luck of the draw I guess. Not sure I understand your question about changes between weekends. But I can tell you that all shows, parade, Hoopla, etc are on a set schedule for every weekend and it doesn't change. The only one that changes is Trip to the Maul since it's done by Ray Park and, obviously, is only done the 2 weekends he's here. Sorry if I'm making it more confusing.

Please tell me again what the celebs are allowed to sign? Told DH tonight about Ray Park and Warwick Davis. He was thinking about getting a Duck Maul print to be signed. I don't know if we'll make seeing Warwick but I hope so. As a huge HP fan, that would be awesome! Plus DH loves Willow.

The 25th anniversary of Willow is out on Blu-Ray so that would be great for Warwick to sign. Yeah, the only one that has had issues with signing things has been Anthony Daniel (C3PO) he would only sign his b&w picture provided by him, that was it...there were alot of upset fans during his visit. Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) signs only things with chewie (or him) on it. but other than that all the celebs are pretty cool about signing things.

I'm so confused! We will be there the 1st weekend and I am trying to read up on this but my head is spinning!

The FP is only for celebs? Not the regular characters like Vader, Chewie right? I don't think my 4 you will really care about meeting the guy who plays Darth Maul (I don't even think he knows who Darth Maul is he's only 4!).

I know the schedule/map isn't out yet but are the characters typically in the same place every year? Typically the same times? Where would Darth Vader, Chewie and R2D2 be and when (based on past years)? I need to take better notes through this thing but there just seems like there is just soooo much stuff here! Don't get me wrong, I'm so thankful you all post your info, I just can't keep up

From past years (and it's been pretty consistent)
characters meet from 9am to 7pm
Next to exit of Great Movie Ride: Jedi Mickey, Leia Minnie, Stormtrooper Donald and Darth Goofy (the constantly switch so you could be waiting for one and then they change)
Next To Star Tours: Chewbacca and Ewok
Roaming in this area: Friggin Dan and the Modal Nodes (cantina band)
Next to Sounds Dangerous : Queen Amidala
Next to Premiere Theater:
Clone Wars characters: Ahsoka, Ventress, Captain Rex, Cody (the switch)
Roaming: Jawas, Clone Troopers
By San Francisco Mural : Jedi Council: Anakin, Mace Windu, Shaak Tii and Kitt Fisto (switch)
In between Backlot Tour and TSM:
Darth Maul
Bobba Fett and Jango Fett (switch)
Roaming this area: Stormtroopers, Aurra Sing, Gamorrean Guard, Tusken Raiders and Zam Wessell
By exit to Backlot Tour: Darth Vader
Inside merchandise tent behind Rock n Rollercoaster: C3PO, R2D2, Leia and Luke (switch)

the longest lines are for the Disney SW characters, Darth Vader and Chewbacca. I always recommend doing the Disney SW first since their line is in the sun all day, Chewbacca has some shade and Darth Vader is under roof

 

[tjmj9801]

The 25th anniversary of Willow is out on Blu-Ray so that would be great for Warwick to sign.

Good call! DH's birthday is 5/1. I think I know what he's getting.

 

[yulilin3]

Just found this video of some of the characters you can meet and also guests dressed up, the no mask policy is in place mostly for adults but kids can wear masks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wORqsDvEAfQ
And here's Dis's own Kenny the Pirate site for SW characters with schedule http://kennythepirate.com/2012/08/08/star-wars-weekends-map-and-character-schedule/

 

[ajh88]

I just checked out...

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...d-ii-and-a-first-look-at-the-2013-event-logo/

This also anounced the offical LOGO that we have been passing around for a while now

But I quote the official Disney blog (see link about for yourselves) "Action star Ray Park, who portrayed the Sith warrior Darth Maul on the silver screen, will be one of the celebrity guests in Weekends I and II. Actor Warwick Davis, known to “Star Wars” fans as everyone’s favorite Ewok, Wicket W. Warrick, will be one of the guests during Weekends II and III."

I might need smelling salts myself, I am so damn excited cause I will get to see them both since I will be there weekends 1 and 2!!!! Just means our buns better bet at the park really early for those FP

I just read the news this morning (looks like it was announced yesterday!) - I'm so excited!! Ray Park is a biggie for us - we have never managed to meet him in previous years. We did meet Warwick Davis at Celebration III (yes, a long time ago!), so he will be a 2nd priority this trip, but we'll still try to squeeze him in.

 

[pequele]

Yes.

My advice? Slow down and wait and watch as likely all of your questions will be answered over time.

From past years (and it's been pretty consistent)
characters meet from 9am to 7pm
Next to exit of Great Movie Ride: Jedi Mickey, Leia Minnie, Stormtrooper Donald and Darth Goofy (the constantly switch so you could be waiting for one and then they change)
Next To Star Tours: Chewbacca and Ewok
Roaming in this area: Friggin Dan and the Modal Nodes (cantina band)
Next to Sounds Dangerous : Queen Amidala
Next to Premiere Theater:
Clone Wars characters: Ahsoka, Ventress, Captain Rex, Cody (the switch)
Roaming: Jawas, Clone Troopers
By San Francisco Mural : Jedi Council: Anakin, Mace Windu, Shaak Tii and Kitt Fisto (switch)
In between Backlot Tour and TSM:
Darth Maul
Bobba Fett and Jango Fett (switch)
Roaming this area: Stormtroopers, Aurra Sing, Gamorrean Guard, Tusken Raiders and Zam Wessell
By exit to Backlot Tour: Darth Vader
Inside merchandise tent behind Rock n Rollercoaster: C3PO, R2D2, Leia and Luke (switch)

the longest lines are for the Disney SW characters, Darth Vader and Chewbacca. I always recommend doing the Disney SW first since their line is in the sun all day, Chewbacca has some shade and Darth Vader is under roof

Awesome. Thank you both. I do think we will go with a fairly casual fair. Likely we will hit the first day but do you think when we are there earlier in the week (maybe even day before on the Thursday) they may have some info available so we can plan for opening day a little more?

 

[Music City Mama]

Actually, Studios Central reports Warwick Davis will be there for Weekends 3 & 4 (not 2 & 3).

http://www.studioscentral.com/board/index.php?showtopic=8853

Disney parks blog says Warwick Davis is weekend 2 and 3. Maybe is a typo by the poster on SC.

I'm thinking it probably was a typo on Studios Central -- darn. Oh well, hopefully, we'll know soon who will be there for weekend 4.

 

[mesaboy2]

Awesome. Thank you both. I do think we will go with a fairly casual fair. Likely we will hit the first day but do you think when we are there earlier in the week (maybe even day before on the Thursday) they may have some info available so we can plan for opening day a little more?

Possibly. I would expect some pretty solid info here by then also.

Between you and me? Just pretty much go with whatever yulilin3 says and you'll probably be fine. That poster knows their stuff.

 

[yulilin3]

Awesome. Thank you both. I do think we will go with a fairly casual fair. Likely we will hit the first day but do you think when we are there earlier in the week (maybe even day before on the Thursday) they may have some info available so we can plan for opening day a little more?

The show schedule should be out the day before the first sww. Be adviced that the character meets don't have a schedule out. They say just that characters are out from 9 to 7. The schedule that Kenny has was him going and researching times. Many characters Cast members won't tell you at what times the characters will rotate, some cm will tell you

 

[pequele]

Possibly. I would expect some pretty solid info here by then also.

Between you and me? Just pretty much go with whatever yulilin3 says and you'll probably be fine. That poster knows their stuff.

If I knew the code for the thumbs up guy on my phone I'd give you one now. Thanks

The show schedule should be out the day before the first sww. Be adviced that the character meets don't have a schedule out. They say just that characters are out from 9 to 7. The schedule that Kenny has was him going and researching times. Many characters Cast members won't tell you at what times the characters will rotate, some cm will tell you

Ah so for the characters it would be like a typical sheet you would see at the front of the parks like Darth Vader at back lot 9:30-11:30, 1:30-3:30. That sort of thing? Just an area where they will be and from 9-7. My son will REALLY want to see Vader. Hoping to get him signed up one of the days before SWW to "fight Darth Vader" (Jedi training) as he calls it. I don't even want to think about trying for that during SWW!

 

[yulilin3]

Possibly. I would expect some pretty solid info here by then also.

Between you and me? Just pretty much go with whatever yulilin3 says and you'll probably be fine. That poster knows their stuff.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, I try and post as much info as I can gather. I check everyday on the HUB for new info on this event and if there's anything new I post it here first.
Speaking of which, just checked and as of yesterday the only product that was showing for SWW was the Carbon Freeze Me....today it's gone, that's not to say it won't happen it's just not under the description of SWW products anymore.

 

[bjakmom]

The show schedule should be out the day before the first sww. Be adviced that the character meets don't have a schedule out. They say just that characters are out from 9 to 7. The schedule that Kenny has was him going and researching times. Many characters Cast members won't tell you at what times the characters will rotate, some cm will tell you

I hope Kenny is there on weekend 1 and does another schedule. His schedule was spot on for us last year and we were able to see everyone DGrD9 wanted to see by using it. (thanks Kenny!!)
Of course we go all 3 days - it's a total SWW geek-out immersion for us!
We are heading to the fabric store today because she wants to make herself some costumes.

 

[yulilin3]

If I knew the code for the thumbs up guy on my phone I'd give you one now. Thanks



Ah so for the characters it would be like a typical sheet you would see at the front of the parks like Darth Vader at back lot 9:30-11:30, 1:30-3:30. That sort of thing? Just an area where they will be and from 9-7. My son will REALLY want to see Vader. Hoping to get him signed up one of the days before SWW to "fight Darth Vader" (Jedi training) as he calls it. I don't even want to think about trying for that during SWW!

There's a special SWW map each weekend, where they give the times for the Shows, Parade, JTA, and for characters they just tell you where to find them and that they're out from 9 to 7. If your sons wants to meet Vader go there first thing in the morning, the line remains consistently long all day.
I always say, talk to your family and write down your priorities and go from there. Don't expect to meet all characters and do all the shows in one day...and, Drink plenty of water

 

[pequele]

There's a special SWW map each weekend, where they give the times for the Shows, Parade, JTA, and for characters they just tell you where to find them and that they're out from 9 to 7. If your sons wants to meet Vader go there first thing in the morning, the line remains consistently long all day.
I always say, talk to your family and write down your priorities and go from there. Don't expect to meet all characters and do all the shows in one day...and, Drink plenty of water

Thanks! Yeh he is only 4 and really hasn't even see SW! I know please don't call CPS! But he knows from friends and most of all SW Angry Birds and from previous trips to WDW (he LOVES ST!). So I don't have to really worry about some of the characters I believe. He is still convinced Chewie is a bear though so you see what I am up against? Now if Harrison Ford were there, my mom would be all over those FPs BWAHAHAHA.

 

[mesaboy2]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, I try and post as much info as I can gather. I check everyday on the HUB for new info on this event and if there's anything new I post it here first.
Speaking of which, just checked and as of yesterday the only product that was showing for SWW was the Carbon Freeze Me....today it's gone, that's not to say it won't happen it's just not under the description of SWW products anymore.

Thanks for the update. I don't know what I might be in the market for, and if any of it will be interesting enough to pull me away from Epcot and my group for an hour or two. But I'll know it when I see it.

I hope Kenny is there on weekend 1 and does another schedule. His schedule was spot on for us last year and we were able to see everyone DGrD9 wanted to see by using it. (thanks Kenny!!)
Of course we go all 3 days - it's a total SWW geek-out immersion for us!
We are heading to the fabric store today because she wants to make herself some costumes.

Same here. Kenny earned my undying fanboy love last year with the SW character info he shared.

 

[NightAngelX]

The celebs are usually announced 1 month before SWW so people just don't plan around them, it's the luck of the draw I guess. Not sure I understand your question about changes between weekends. But I can tell you that all shows, parade, Hoopla, etc are on a set schedule for every weekend and it doesn't change. The only one that changes is Trip to the Maul since it's done by Ray Park and, obviously, is only done the 2 weekends he's here. Sorry if I'm making it more

From past years (and it's been pretty consistent)
characters meet from 9am to 7pm
Next to exit of Great Movie Ride: Jedi Mickey, Leia Minnie, Stormtrooper Donald and Darth Goofy (the constantly switch so you could be waiting for one and then they change)
Next To Star Tours: Chewbacca and Ewok
Roaming in this area: Friggin Dan and the Modal Nodes (cantina band)
Next to Sounds Dangerous : Queen Amidala
Next to Premiere Theater:
Clone Wars characters: Ahsoka, Ventress, Captain Rex, Cody (the switch)
Roaming: Jawas, Clone Troopers
By San Francisco Mural : Jedi Council: Anakin, Mace Windu, Shaak Tii and Kitt Fisto (switch)
In between Backlot Tour and TSM:
Darth Maul
Bobba Fett and Jango Fett (switch)
Roaming this area: Stormtroopers, Aurra Sing, Gamorrean Guard, Tusken Raiders and Zam Wessell
By exit to Backlot Tour: Darth Vader
Inside merchandise tent behind Rock n Rollercoaster: C3PO, R2D2, Leia and Luke (switch)

the longest lines are for the Disney SW characters, Darth Vader and Chewbacca. I always recommend doing the Disney SW first since their line is in the sun all day, Chewbacca has some shade and Darth Vader is under roof

Thanks! Not more confusing..i just wondered if other events change and apparently not.
I wish they let adults do the jedi academy. Dh would love that. Lol we taped it last time we were there.
I saw some people dress up...dh might have to do that. Lol

 

[obx_mama]

Just wanted to chime in with a big THANK YOU!!! for all the great info! This will be our first SWW and with all of the great info on here (and Kenny's site!) I am sure we will have a blast!

We haven't told DD9 yet. Waiting to surprise her at the start of Spring Break so she has that time to calm down before going back to school!