Official Star Wars Weekends 2013 Tips and Tricks

[lovethattink]

Maybe this is old news? I was at dtd tonight. Build a Droid is at Once Upon a Toy.

 

[kmcdougan]

Maybe this is old news? I was at dtd tonight. Build a Droid is at Once Upon a Toy.

I just saw that on the Florida Garrison boards last night and shared it earlier today. I like that.

Ash

 

[JamiLeigh]

Last month I booked a last minute trip for opening weekend of SWW. It will be myself, DH, and DS 5 and DS 2. I'm getting a little nervous. We would like to do JTA, meet a few characters (not celebrities) and a few attractions not related to Star Wars. We will be there opening day and only plan on coming to DHS one day. Will we be completely overwhelmed? I do plan on getting there early, just after reading all these posts it's making me nervous. Also, could someone direct me to the site I need to check with as the weekend gets closer to get a more detailed schedule of events.

 

[5lilfish]

Last month I booked a last minute trip for opening weekend of SWW. It will be myself, DH, and DS 5 and DS 2. I'm getting a little nervous. We would like to do JTA, meet a few characters (not celebrities) and a few attractions not related to Star Wars. We will be there opening day and only plan on coming to DHS one day. Will we be completely overwhelmed? I do plan on getting there early, just after reading all these posts it's making me nervous. Also, could someone direct me to the site I need to check with as the weekend gets closer to get a more detailed schedule of events.

I'm feeling the same way. My DH and I are hoping to surprise my son with a trip to SWW #1. It will be his 16th birthday (May 18)...just him (he is the oldest of 5 kids) and Dad. They are both Star Wars fans. We're WDW vets...so we're not cluess to how to handle the parks. I have been reading through this thread and now I am a bit nervous. Is this enjoyable or simply a mad frenzy of endless lines and little 'success?'

Jess

 

[kmcdougan]

I'm feeling the same way. My DH and I are hoping to surprise my son with a trip to SWW #1. It will be his 16th birthday (May 18)...just him (he is the oldest of 5 kids) and Dad. They are both Star Wars fans. We're WDW vets...so we're not cluess to how to handle the parks. I have been reading through this thread and now I am a bit nervous. Is this enjoyable or simply a mad frenzy of endless lines and little 'success?'

Jess

Reading this thread, and asking questions, along with paying attention to the posts from Disney and Star Wars about events and the schedule, you can do everything without it being a mad dash. You will have to figure out what you want to focus on, and build a trip plan to work to that advantage. Last year, we did all the stage shows, hit Star Tours, a couple of other rides, Darth's Mall, meals, Hoopla, and an autograph session with Ray Park. All in one day. And, we would have hit the parade, too, had we either been in line for the FP for Ray Park earlier, or had Ray signed faster. It was a great plan, but, I read here, found the schedule for the prior week, made extrapolations from the previous year and this thread, and had flexibility should it gone off that window.

This year, I am thinking of more of the characters, the merch, Star Tours, and definitely catching the parade (I will be a 501st member, so I will be cheering on my brothers and sisters on their march in the parade as only a loud New Orleanian can do). It will be a much more relaxed touring plan, but that is based upon what I aim to get done.

So, read, read, read. Plan, plan, plan. But remember, Semper Gumby.

Ash

 

[phi2012]

My family are well excited about the sww. We will be there the very last day . Just a few questions,

I know that you can dress up for it, but do lots of people? As we really want to and have some homemade costumes already (my 4 year old daughter and daddy play at star wars all the time big clone war fans! ) but don't want to look silly if it's only the 501s Dressed up, as we will defo not look as good as them (my costume making skills aren't that good ).

Also we need to get us all lightsabers (don't think daddys homemade foam ones will quite cut the biscuit ), and really want to build our own, where can we get this done, before we get to hs we will be everywhere else before going to hs. Also do they do smaller sized ones for little ones as im sure my 22month old will want one if we all have them.

think that's it, as I've already got some great info from this thread, you guys are so helpful, thank you.

 

[lovethattink]

The majority of people do not dress up, but my dh and son do. Most people wear Star Wars shirts.

 

[bizeemom4]

Pretty sure the Salacious Crumb plush is gonna be a hot seller. As well as the Jabba vinylmation, IMHO.

Nuts! That is one item that is on my MUST buy. Ok so I will have to go for the merchandise Day 1. What time should I arrive to be near the front of the Merch line? Do I remember correctly that those folks go in separately from the regular lines!

 

[yulilin3]

Good Morning Everyone

Last month I booked a last minute trip for opening weekend of SWW. It will be myself, DH, and DS 5 and DS 2. I'm getting a little nervous. We would like to do JTA, meet a few characters (not celebrities) and a few attractions not related to Star Wars. We will be there opening day and only plan on coming to DHS one day. Will we be completely overwhelmed? I do plan on getting there early, just after reading all these posts it's making me nervous. Also, could someone direct me to the site I need to check with as the weekend gets closer to get a more detailed schedule of events.

I'm feeling the same way. My DH and I are hoping to surprise my son with a trip to SWW #1. It will be his 16th birthday (May 18)...just him (he is the oldest of 5 kids) and Dad. They are both Star Wars fans. We're WDW vets...so we're not cluess to how to handle the parks. I have been reading through this thread and now I am a bit nervous. Is this enjoyable or simply a mad frenzy of endless lines and little 'success?'

Jess

For schedules and latest news check this thread, any news anyone gets we post it here. another site to look at is (and this is not a typo) sww.studioscentral.com. Like kmcdougan said the most important thing is to have a plan, have priorities, you cannot do EVERYTHING that SWW has to offer in one day. But if you sit down and see what's most important for you and your family you can accomplish a lot. Be patient, there will be a lot of people but if you just take it easy and take it in you'll enjoy it more. For people that want to do JTA be there around 7:15am to make sure you sign up for it first thing, the park tends to open earlier than 8am during SWW. Make sure you plan on taking some breaks, indoors if possible and drink plenty of water

My family are well excited about the sww. We will be there the very last day . Just a few questions,

I know that you can dress up for it, but do lots of people? As we really want to and have some homemade costumes already (my 4 year old daughter and daddy play at star wars all the time big clone war fans! ) but don't want to look silly if it's only the 501s Dressed up, as we will defo not look as good as them (my costume making skills aren't that good ).

Also we need to get us all lightsabers (don't think daddys homemade foam ones will quite cut the biscuit ), and really want to build our own, where can we get this done, before we get to hs we will be everywhere else before going to hs. Also do they do smaller sized ones for little ones as im sure my 22month old will want one if we all have them.

think that's it, as I've already got some great info from this thread, you guys are so helpful, thank you.

A lot of kids and adults dress up, make sure that the costumes are not that hot and bring extra clothes to have as an option if you decide to change. The 501st will not be in costume around the park, they are only allowed to march in the parade and then they have to change if they want to go back inside the park. There are alot of homemade costumes and that's always one of my favorite parts about SWW, looking at everyone.
There are build your own lightsaber stations at DTD in Once Upon a Toy Store (marketplace side), MK at the gift shop in Tomorrowland and at DHS inside Tattoine Traders. If you can get your lightsaber at DTD better as this will be way less crowded than the other stations. They don't offer a small size one all of them are pretty standard in size.

 

[yulilin3]

Nuts! That is one item that is on my MUST buy. Ok so I will have to go for the merchandise Day 1. What time should I arrive to be near the front of the Merch line? Do I remember correctly that those folks go in separately from the regular lines!

In the past they have a separate merchandise line that first Friday, it's on ther same side as you line up for autograph fp. Then they walk that line in first, before the park opens, slowly to the merchanside tent.

 

[yulilin3]

this is a grest site for character seekers: http://kennythepirate.com/2012/08/08/star-wars-weekends-map-and-character-schedule/

keep in mind that Kenny had to research all the set times for the characters as these are not given to the public, they just say "from 9am to 7pm"
Character attendants can give you an estimated time to a particular character (they are the CM with a blue shirt) but Kenny did a great job last year researching all the times.

 

[phi2012]

Good Morning Everyone




For schedules and latest news check this thread, any news anyone gets we post it here. another site to look at is (and this is not a typo) sww.studioscentral.com. Like kmcdougan said the most important thing is to have a plan, have priorities, you cannot do EVERYTHING that SWW has to offer in one day. But if you sit down and see what's most important for you and your family you can accomplish a lot. Be patient, there will be a lot of people but if you just take it easy and take it in you'll enjoy it more. For people that want to do JTA be there around 7:15am to make sure you sign up for it first thing, the park tends to open earlier than 8am during SWW. Make sure you plan on taking some breaks, indoors if possible and drink plenty of water



A lot of kids and adults dress up, make sure that the costumes are not that hot and bring extra clothes to have as an option if you decide to change. The 501st will not be in costume around the park, they are only allowed to march in the parade and then they have to change if they want to go back inside the park. There are alot of homemade costumes and that's always one of my favorite parts about SWW, looking at everyone.
There are build your own lightsaber stations at DTD in Once Upon a Toy Store (marketplace side), MK at the gift shop in Tomorrowland and at DHS inside Tattoine Traders. If you can get your lightsaber at DTD better as this will be way less crowded than the other stations. They don't offer a small size one all of them are pretty standard in size.

Thank you very much, it's good to know we won't look out of place . And think well do dtd for the lightsabers, we are eating there a couple of nights before we do sww so that will work out well.

Shame they don't do smaller ones for the little ones, maybe I'll just share my one with her, she is going to go as an ewok anyway,( making it light weight and not completely covered in furr to make sure she doesn't get too hot, plus will bring extra clothes for both my girls). Thanks again for the quick and helpful reply.

 

[yulilin3]

Thank you very much, it's good to know we won't look out of place . And think well do dtd for the lightsabers, we are eating there a couple of nights before we do sww so that will work out well.

Shame they don't do smaller ones for the little ones, maybe I'll just share my one with her, she is going to go as an ewok anyway,( making it light weight and not completely covered in furr to make sure she doesn't get too hot, plus will bring extra clothes for both my girls). Thanks again for the quick and helpful reply.

the bag we bring for SWW has packets of gatorade, the one you can just ask for a free cup of ice water at any Quick Service Restaurant and then you just mix the gatorade in...wipes and small washcloths so we can soak them in cold water and put around your neck, small bags of nuts and trail mix to keep the energy up. When my kids used to dress up in costume we would bring extra clothes as well. If you have little ones, something for them to entertain themselves while waiting in lines...my DD12 now dresses up in homemade costumes that are better suited for the weather. My DS16 doesn't dress up anymore, I just wear my SW shirts

 

[kmcdougan]

Good Morning Everyone

A lot of kids and adults dress up, make sure that the costumes are not that hot and bring extra clothes to have as an option if you decide to change. The 501st will not be in costume around the park, they are only allowed to march in the parade and then they have to change if they want to go back inside the park. There are alot of homemade costumes and that's always one of my favorite parts about SWW, looking at everyone.
There are build your own lightsaber stations at DTD in Once Upon a Toy Store (marketplace side), MK at the gift shop in Tomorrowland and at DHS inside Tattoine Traders. If you can get your lightsaber at DTD better as this will be way less crowded than the other stations. They don't offer a small size one all of them are pretty standard in size.

I echo those same sentiments. I am within inches of becoming a 501st member, and with this year's trip essentially being a gift from on high dropped into my lap in the process, I have been researching and asking questions of the 501st members. While those costumes are as screen accurate as we can make them, we are not allowed to be wandering around the parks in our kits. Granted, most members will have some sort of SW t-shirts or other gear/hats/shirts/lanyards/etc. that would delineate them as 501st members. Say hi to us, ask us questions. We're real friendly. We love seeing others in costume as much as we enjoy being IN costume. That, and encouraging other to dress up is part of what our hobby is about.

Ditto on the sabers. DTD is probably the best, fastest, and easiest way to get that accomplished.

Ash

 

[disneymomma76]

Last month I booked a last minute trip for opening weekend of SWW. It will be myself, DH, and DS 5 and DS 2. I'm getting a little nervous. We would like to do JTA, meet a few characters (not celebrities) and a few attractions not related to Star Wars. We will be there opening day and only plan on coming to DHS one day. Will we be completely overwhelmed? I do plan on getting there early, just after reading all these posts it's making me nervous. Also, could someone direct me to the site I need to check with as the weekend gets closer to get a more detailed schedule of events.

Last year was our very first SWW. I was completely overwhelmed at first. However, I found this thread and kept up with it even when we were at WDW. All the schedules were posted here once they were available. All the advice was AWESOME! We are Disney vets and go almost every summer and sometimes over the holidays in December as well. We are use to the crowds, but I was worried SWW would be an entirely different kind of animal. I made a list of everything we wanted to do and used this thread to organize it. We ended up having a great time and are going back for weekend 3 & 4 this year.

Here is what we did last year (from what I can remember!):
We went on the very last day, Sunday, June 10th.

7:40am - arrived at the turnstyles. My goal was to get there by 7:15-7:30, but with 3 kids (8, 4, and 2 at the time) it was not as easy as I hoped. They released a scheduled open time of 8am I believe and heard they open early. We were about 50 people deep (I'm guessing) in the line to get in, but had a perfect view of the stormtroopers. The opening show started as soon as we got in line.

After the show was over they started letting people in. I took my DS(8) and DD(4) straight to JTA sign-up. It was at Indiana Jones. There were people literally running and dragging their kids to this. CRAZY! We just walked faster than normal. There were people directing you where to go. Waiting in line and sign-up only took about 15-20 minutes. We got a morning slot right before lunch. I can't remember the exact time.

In the meantime my DH and DS(2) went to TSMM and got fastpasses. I believe they were only about 2 hours out when he got them.

Then we rode ToT and RnRc TWICE with little wait (we use rider swap since DS(2) cannot ride). I was expecting Star Tours to have huge lines so we just wanted to see what they were and when the FP return was. To our surprise posted time was only 20 minutes or so. DH, DS(8) and DD rode that as well. After we did build-a-droid, but later realized we could have waited since they kept build-a-droid as a permanent fixture. Star Tours did get extremely busy later on in the afternoon, but we had pulled fastpasses mid to late morning and rode again.

Rode TSMM using fastpasses. After this the crowds started picking up so we opted to take a snack break.

Went to JTA pre-meeting. Completed JTA. Don't forget to get your photopass from the photographer! Awesome pictures!

ADR at Mama Melrose at 12:30pm.

After that we checked out the lines for characters. Pretty long, but DS(8) wanted to meet a few so we waited......and waited. We saw Chewy near Star Tours and caught a Clone Trooper somewhere. I used Kenny the Pirate's schedule and it was right on!

Decide to check out Darth's Mall (Shopping area behind RnRc). That morning the line to get in the place was all the back to RnRc. When we went mid- to late-afternoon we walked right in. The line to pay was only about 10-20 deep at any given time. We were able to actually browse the merchandise. (Since it was the last day a lot of apparel was marked down!)

After that we went to use Star Tours fastpasses. I first went with DS(2) to wait for DH, DS(8) and DD at Tattoine Traders. BIG MISTAKE. Shoulder to shoulder people wanting to build lightsabers and droids. I had the stroller and realized it was not going to work. Decided to just wait outside in the shade.

We left soon after that because we knew we would be back to do the other attractions. It was probably close to 5-6pm when we left.

We did not do celebrity autographs, see the parade, see Hyperspace Hoopla, or see any SWW shows. With it being our first year we didn't know what to expect. This year we will be there for 2 days (Weekend 3 - Sunday, Weekend 4 - Friday) so I plan to add the parade and Hyperspace Hoopla into the mix. I need to read a little more about the SWW shows to see if my kiddos would enjoy them or if they are geared more for adults.

All in all I feel it was a success. What I noticed is that the people who were there early had a purpose.....JTA, character M&Gs, celebrity autographs, Darth's Mall, etc. The crowds started to pick up mid-morning and that's when the attractions got super busy. I also noticed that since we were there for 10 days after SWW any remaining apparel and maybe some other logo items were marked down during that time.

Hope that helps some of the newbies out there. There is a lot more we could have done! Can't wait until this year!

 

[the5wills]

Last year was our very first SWW. I was completely overwhelmed at first. However, I found this thread and kept up with it even when we were at WDW. All the schedules were posted here once they were available. All the advice was AWESOME! We are Disney vets and go almost every summer and sometimes over the holidays in December as well. We are use to the crowds, but I was worried SWW would be an entirely different kind of animal. I made a list of everything we wanted to do and used this thread to organize it. We ended up having a great time and are going back for weekend 3 & 4 this year.

Here is what we did last year (from what I can remember!):
We went on the very last day, Sunday, June 10th.

7:40am - arrived at the turnstyles. My goal was to get there by 7:15-7:30, but with 3 kids (8, 4, and 2 at the time) it was not as easy as I hoped. They released a scheduled open time of 8am I believe and heard they open early. We were about 50 people deep (I'm guessing) in the line to get in, but had a perfect view of the stormtroopers. The opening show started as soon as we got in line.

After the show was over they started letting people in. I took my DS(8) and DD(4) straight to JTA sign-up. It was at Indiana Jones. There were people literally running and dragging their kids to this. CRAZY! We just walked faster than normal. There were people directing you where to go. Waiting in line and sign-up only took about 15-20 minutes. We got a morning slot right before lunch. I can't remember the exact time.

In the meantime my DH and DS(2) went to TSMM and got fastpasses. I believe they were only about 2 hours out when he got them.

Then we rode ToT and RnRc TWICE with little wait (we use rider swap since DS(2) cannot ride). I was expecting Star Tours to have huge lines so we just wanted to see what they were and when the FP return was. To our surprise posted time was only 20 minutes or so. DH, DS(8) and DD rode that as well. After we did build-a-droid, but later realized we could have waited since they kept build-a-droid as a permanent fixture. Star Tours did get extremely busy later on in the afternoon, but we had pulled fastpasses mid to late morning and rode again.

Rode TSMM using fastpasses. After this the crowds started picking up so we opted to take a snack break.

Went to JTA pre-meeting. Completed JTA. Don't forget to get your photopass from the photographer! Awesome pictures!

ADR at Mama Melrose at 12:30pm.

After that we checked out the lines for characters. Pretty long, but DS(8) wanted to meet a few so we waited......and waited. We saw Chewy near Star Tours and caught a Clone Trooper somewhere. I used Kenny the Pirate's schedule and it was right on!

Decide to check out Darth's Mall (Shopping area behind RnRc). That morning the line to get in the place was all the back to RnRc. When we went mid- to late-afternoon we walked right in. The line to pay was only about 10-20 deep at any given time. We were able to actually browse the merchandise. (Since it was the last day a lot of apparel was marked down!)

After that we went to use Star Tours fastpasses. I first went with DS(2) to wait for DH, DS(8) and DD at Tattoine Traders. BIG MISTAKE. Shoulder to shoulder people wanting to build lightsabers and droids. I had the stroller and realized it was not going to work. Decided to just wait outside in the shade.

We left soon after that because we knew we would be back to do the other attractions. It was probably close to 5-6pm when we left.

We did not do celebrity autographs, see the parade, see Hyperspace Hoopla, or see any SWW shows. With it being our first year we didn't know what to expect. This year we will be there for 2 days (Weekend 3 - Sunday, Weekend 4 - Friday) so I plan to add the parade and Hyperspace Hoopla into the mix. I need to read a little more about the SWW shows to see if my kiddos would enjoy them or if they are geared more for adults.

All in all I feel it was a success. What I noticed is that the people who were there early had a purpose.....JTA, character M&Gs, celebrity autographs, Darth's Mall, etc. The crowds started to pick up mid-morning and that's when the attractions got super busy. I also noticed that since we were there for 10 days after SWW any remaining apparel and maybe some other logo items were marked down during that time.

Hope that helps some of the newbies out there. There is a lot more we could have done! Can't wait until this year!

Thank you Disneymomma76!! That was so helpful for all of us first-timers that are come rely overwhelmed to say the least!!

 

[the5wills]

I am so thankful to this thread. No doubt I'm still frightened by the unknown , but could not imagine going without any plan. Being our first time to go to SWW, trying to get excited and prepared!!!

 

[yulilin3]

For the people wondering what the shows are about here are some clips:

Behind the Force (all about the Clone Wars and how they do voice over acting): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlRg6qdRuzQ&list=UUarxr8vv__ZzTNGkYWPTUuw

Obi Wan and Beyond (James Arnold Taylor shows his talent in voice-over acting) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFWVYbygGFo&list=UUarxr8vv__ZzTNGkYWPTUuw&index=115

Pre-Show of Stars of the Saga (Stormtroopers entertain the guest arriving for Stars of the Saga, this is the best pre-show ever, they change it every year, it's a must do) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bzn3HMIe0w&list=UUarxr8vv__ZzTNGkYWPTUuw

Stars of the Saga (visiting celeb Q&A) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kzzm0eFJwug

Visit to the Maul (Ray Park shows his martial arts moves he used for Darth Maul, kids get picked at random) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VeGOwV5gew

Stormtrooper opening the park : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8lyOjf3MSU

 

[kmcdougan]

For the people wondering what the shows are about here are some clips:

Behind the Force (all about the Clone Wars and how they do voice over acting): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlRg6qdRuzQ&list=UUarxr8vv__ZzTNGkYWPTUuw

Obi Wan and Beyond (James Arnold Taylor shows his talent in voice-over acting) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFWVYbygGFo&list=UUarxr8vv__ZzTNGkYWPTUuw&index=115

Pre-Show of Stars of the Saga (Stormtroopers entertain the guest arriving for Stars of the Saga, this is the best pre-show ever, they change it every year, it's a must do) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bzn3HMIe0w&list=UUarxr8vv__ZzTNGkYWPTUuw

Stars of the Saga (visiting celeb Q&A) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kzzm0eFJwug

Visit to the Maul (Ray Park shows his martial arts moves he used for Darth Maul, kids get picked at random) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VeGOwV5gew

I've been re-watching the Stormtrooper pre-shows from the last two years this AM at work. Funny stuff. Oddly, now that I have spent time helping guys get INTO that armor, I'm watching the armor a little more than the antics.....

Let me just say, I have lots of respect for those who not only can build that armor but can wear it. It ain't easy. Neither is Boba Fett.

I will be drawing up a detailed report of my day(s) last year and should have that posted up later today.

Ash

 

[AquaDame]

Hope that helps some of the newbies out there. There is a lot more we could have done! Can't wait until this year!

Newbie here, and it does help! Since I am an adult I'll be basically doing what you didn't do - my priorities are the opening show, parade, hyperspace hoopla and the shows depending on what I find out about them. I only made a dinner reservation for 5:30 and a lunch at 1:30 because I am not sure which would be a better time for a break.... I was thinking I could skip the Obiwan & Beyond show since I havent seen the cartoon but it kinda sounds interesting so I'm not sure.

I do like hearing that you got so much done with three kiddos in tow! I have great hopes for the day!