Official Star Wars Weekends 2013 Tips and Tricks

[PrincessMom4]

See we've never been but want to get in all the good stuff. See the storm troopers march down Hollywood Blvd and meet some of the characters. Is there anything else that happens? This will be our first time going.

 

[lovethattink]

Can someone point me to Kenny's guide?

See we've never been but want to get in all the good stuff. See the storm troopers march down Hollywood Blvd and meet some of the characters. Is there anything else that happens? This will be our first time going.

Here is Kennythepirate's guide from last year. I'm sure he will update with this year's info once he gets it.

http://kennythepirate.com/category/star-wars-weekends/

 

[CentralFloridian99]

If anyone is visiting when they have Gay Days going on, it's best to avoid the park they go to. Since Friday the 31st is DHS, your better off going Saturday or Sunday.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

See we've never been but want to get in all the good stuff. See the storm troopers march down Hollywood Blvd and meet some of the characters. Is there anything else that happens? This will be our first time going.

Here is Kennythepirate's guide from last year. I'm sure he will update with this year's info once he gets it.

http://kennythepirate.com/category/star-wars-weekends/

And try the link that I posted from KTP, too. It has the maps and show and character greeting schedule from 2012. It won't be accurate for this year until after the first SWW.

I've heard the best line of defense for SWW is to know the map.

There are character M&G as well as talent M&G from the Star Wars franchise. The talent lines are FP only and you'd better be in line at 6a if you want a chance to get one.

We don't follow the Clone Wars series (just don't have the time) so we have no interest in the talent autos.

I do know that we want some Limited Editions pins from the weekend, I just hope there are some available when we get there. Darth Mall will be one or our first stops on 5/26. I showed DH Hyperspace Hoopla last night and in the beginning he ignored it. As the show went on, he got more in to it. I can't wait to see it in person!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

If anyone is visiting when they have Gay Days going on, it's best to avoid the park they go to. Since Friday the 31st is DHS, your better off going Saturday or Sunday.

That's what I figured.

I think Google said the event brought over 140K people to the Orlando area last year. Even if a fraction of that showed up at DHS...

We may go to EP on our departure day (because thanks to SWW needing two days for us, we only have 1 EP right now). That day's park for Gay Days is EP. Since EP is the most tolerant of crowds, I think we may be okay. We'd just want a few last rides on Soarin', TT, and SE. It's becoming tradition to end our trips with a spin on SE. I'd hate to miss that this time.

 

[lovethattink]

I'm going to play devils's advocate here. We found the SWW "stuff" to be less crowded last year on gay days. Granted the attraction lines and food lines were longer though.

 

[CentralFloridian99]

And try the link that I posted from KTP, too. It has the maps and show and character greeting schedule from 2012. It won't be accurate for this year until after the first SWW.

I've heard the best line of defense for SWW is to know the map.

There are character M&G as well as talent M&G from the Star Wars franchise. The talent lines are FP only and you'd better be in line at 6a if you want a chance to get one.

We don't follow the Clone Wars series (just don't have the time) so we have no interest in the talent autos.

I do know that we want some Limited Editions pins from the weekend, I just hope there are some available when we get there. Darth Mall will be one or our first stops on 5/26. I showed DH Hyperspace Hoopla last night and in the beginning he ignored it. As the show went on, he got more in to it. I can't wait to see it in person!

Darth's Mall (or whatever they call it next year) will want to be your first stop in case any merch runs out.

 

[bigbabyblues]

We'll be there the last weekend for SWW this year. Does it really make a difference if we go on Friday, Saturday or Sunday? Maily looking for character pics and the parade, and shopping for tshirt for DS12 .

 

[CentralFloridian99]

We'll be there the last weekend for SWW this year. Does it really make a difference if we go on Friday, Saturday or Sunday? Maily looking for character pics and the parade, and shopping for tshirt for DS12 .

Friday is your best bet, followed by Snday then Saturday.

 

[lovethattink]

For those who watch Clone Wars, the 100th episode is tomorrow! That's quite a milestone. I read that for next season they are switching networks to Disney XD

 

[Cinderumbrella]

For those who watch Clone Wars, the 100th episode is tomorrow! That's quite a milestone. I read that for next season they are switching networks to Disney XD

I wondered if that would happen after Disney bought the rights to Star Wars...

 

[Cinderumbrella]

We'll be there the last weekend for SWW this year. Does it really make a difference if we go on Friday, Saturday or Sunday? Maily looking for character pics and the parade, and shopping for tshirt for DS12 .

All SWW days are crowded. They say Saturdays are always the busiest, but crowded is crowded and I have never seen a noticeable difference between the actual days.

The good news about the last weekend is that the "dated" merchandise will be on sale (I think last year it was 30% off). That would be the items that specifically say Star Wars Weekend 2013, such a T-shirts, hats, mugs, pint glasses, shot glasses, blankets etc.

 

[mastermind307]

I am hoping some experts that have gone to SWW can help me a little. I have a trip planned for June 1-8 and my DD6 is excited that SWW is going on then. I am trying to plan our day at HS so that we can do the Star Wars stuff and do the other attractions too.

We will be going to SWW on Sunday June 2. It will be me, DD, and my mom. We will be staying at BWV, so we do plan to go to the resort for a break. We will be there at rope drop and stay until our lunch ADR at 50's PT. We can return later in the evening to finish up anything we didn't get done in the morning, and to maybe see Hyperspace Hoopla and Fanstamic.

Here's what we want to do:
Meet Darth Vader (very high on DD list)
Meet Luke Skywalker (very high on DD list)
Meet other characters - Chewy, R2D2, C3PO, Princess Leia (DD would like to meet, but if we don't see all then that is fine)
Star Wars Parade
Star Tours
TSM - I will go get PF for TSM while DD waits in line w/grandma for Darth
Voyage of the Little Mermaid - if we have time
Beauty and the Beast - if we have time
Lunch at 50's Prime Time
Hyperspace Hoopla - if DD wants to see it
Fantastmic - we've never seen it, and would like to, but not a big deal if we don't

Will we be able to do everything in one day?

 

[danicaca]

It is doubtful. The characters can take an hour each. We will be there the same day, and we are only there that day for SWW, and I do not think we will get to do everything we want! We did not schedule any ADR's that day, and don't plan on doing F! that night. We also have another full day planned at HS though. Tink can probably give you a better idea though!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I am hoping some experts that have gone to SWW can help me a little. I have a trip planned for June 1-8 and my DD6 is excited that SWW is going on then. I am trying to plan our day at HS so that we can do the Star Wars stuff and do the other attractions too.

We will be going to SWW on Sunday June 2. It will be me, DD, and my mom. We will be staying at BWV, so we do plan to go to the resort for a break. We will be there at rope drop and stay until our lunch ADR at 50's PT. We can return later in the evening to finish up anything we didn't get done in the morning, and to maybe see Hyperspace Hoopla and Fanstamic.

Here's what we want to do:
Meet Darth Vader (very high on DD list)
Meet Luke Skywalker (very high on DD list)
Meet other characters - Chewy, R2D2, C3PO, Princess Leia (DD would like to meet, but if we don't see all then that is fine)
Star Wars Parade
Star Tours
TSM - I will go get PF for TSM while DD waits in line w/grandma for Darth
Voyage of the Little Mermaid - if we have time
Beauty and the Beast - if we have time
Lunch at 50's Prime Time
Hyperspace Hoopla - if DD wants to see it
Fantastmic - we've never seen it, and would like to, but not a big deal if we don't

Will we be able to do everything in one day?

Unfortunately, the odds of you seeing all of those characters in one day (even without a resort break) isn't very good. Darth Vader and Chewbacca alone will have waits of 60-90 minutes each. For the past 2 years C3-P0, R2-D2, Luke and Leia were all in the same rotating character line and do not meet together (except the rare time when they are rotating out). To see all 4 you will probably be that line 3 hours+

As for the parade, it is a very short route, therefore not enough room for everyone who wants to see it to do so. People will literally sit down for a curbside spot when the park opens. If you want to see it, you will need to reserve about 90 minutes to see it from the third or fourth row of folks on the curb (1 hour before and then the 20 minutes or so it takes to watch it).

Then there's the Hoopla. To view on stage, the front row spots will go about 2 hours before it begins. Even if you are 10-15 feet back, the amount of people who will plop kids up on their shoulders, thus blocking any view you might have, is insane.

Luckily, the past 2 years they have also been broadcasting it on the AI screen, just to the left of the stage. It is much more "civilized" over there No standing, no kids on shoulders. Walk on over and claim a seat on the ground about 20-30 minutes before it starts.


I know, it is isn't very encouraging. Truly, it is a fun event but if you want to do that much you are going to need to dedicate at least 2 days to do it.

HTH!

 

[jennyjinx3]

Unfortunately, the odds of you seeing all of those characters in one day (even without a resort break) isn't very good. Darth Vader and Chewbacca alone will have waits of 60-90 minutes each. For the past 2 years C3-P0, R2-D2, Luke and Leia were all in the same rotating character line and do not meet together (except the rare time when they are rotating out). To see all 4 you will probably be that line 3 hours+

As for the parade, it is a very short route, therefore not enough room for everyone who wants to see it to do so. People will literally sit down for a curbside spot when the park opens. If you want to see it, you will need to reserve about 90 minutes to see it from the third or fourth row of folks on the curb (1 hour before and then the 20 minutes or so it takes to watch it).

Then there's the Hoopla. To view on stage, the front row spots will go about 2 hours before it begins. Even if you are 10-15 feet back, the amount of people who will plop kids up on their shoulders, thus blocking any view you might have, is insane.

Luckily, the past 2 years they have also been broadcasting it on the AI screen, just to the left of the stage. It is much more "civilized" over there No standing, no kids on shoulders. Walk on over and claim a seat on the ground about 20-30 minutes before it starts.


I know, it is isn't very encouraging. Truly, it is a fun event but if you want to do that much you are going to need to dedicate at least 2 days to do it.

HTH!

Yikes, this doesn't sound very fun!! We will be hitting the Sunday on the first weekend, and hopefully can see the parade at least! Oh well, at least we can cross SWW off the bucket list.

 

[mastermind307]

Unfortunately, the odds of you seeing all of those characters in one day (even without a resort break) isn't very good. Darth Vader and Chewbacca alone will have waits of 60-90 minutes each. For the past 2 years C3-P0, R2-D2, Luke and Leia were all in the same rotating character line and do not meet together (except the rare time when they are rotating out). To see all 4 you will probably be that line 3 hours+

As for the parade, it is a very short route, therefore not enough room for everyone who wants to see it to do so. People will literally sit down for a curbside spot when the park opens. If you want to see it, you will need to reserve about 90 minutes to see it from the third or fourth row of folks on the curb (1 hour before and then the 20 minutes or so it takes to watch it).

Then there's the Hoopla. To view on stage, the front row spots will go about 2 hours before it begins. Even if you are 10-15 feet back, the amount of people who will plop kids up on their shoulders, thus blocking any view you might have, is insane.

Luckily, the past 2 years they have also been broadcasting it on the AI screen, just to the left of the stage. It is much more "civilized" over there No standing, no kids on shoulders. Walk on over and claim a seat on the ground about 20-30 minutes before it starts.


I know, it is isn't very encouraging. Truly, it is a fun event but if you want to do that much you are going to need to dedicate at least 2 days to do it.

HTH!

Thanks! This will be our 3rd trip to the world, but first time for SWW so I'm am lost at how to plan for it.

We will probably skip the parade and just watch the Hyperspace Hoopla on the AI screen. We are not ones to have to get line to see things hours ahead of time.
DD will be happy if she gets to meet Darth and Luke. Darth has his own line so at least she'll get to meet him even it takes awhile. Is there a way to plan to meet Luke since he will be rotating with other characters? I know DD will be happy to meet any of them, but she's really wants to meet Luke. Looks like we will plan to meet those 2 first and then see what else we can get done.
Do you think we'd be able to meet Luke and Darth, ride TSM, and Star Tours in one day? Those are the most importants things we want to do. Everything else is just extra stuff we wouldn't mind doing, but isn't necessary.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Thanks! This will be our 3rd trip to the world, but first time for SWW so I'm am lost at how to plan for it.

We will probably skip the parade and just watch the Hyperspace Hoopla on the AI screen. We are not ones to have to get line to see things hours ahead of time.
DD will be happy if she gets to meet Darth and Luke. Darth has his own line so at least she'll get to meet him even it takes awhile. Is there a way to plan to meet Luke since he will be rotating with other characters? I know DD will be happy to meet any of them, but she's really wants to meet Luke. Looks like we will plan to meet those 2 first and then see what else we can get done.
Do you think we'd be able to meet Luke and Darth, ride TSM, and Star Tours in one day? Those are the most importants things we want to do. Everything else is just extra stuff we wouldn't mind doing, but isn't necessary.

What I would do is get to the park for opening and ride TSM first (grab a FP if you want to ride twice) and then get in the Darth Line. After you are out, use the TSM FP, grab another one for Star Tours and then get in the Luke line. You may have to let some people cut in front of you as you near the front of the line if he isn't out yet. There isn't a good way to time that one (YET... last year kennythepirate put together a very comprehensive list of the characters and the times they were out. It is not published externally and took a lot of research on his part to assemble it.... Kenny, if you are reading THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT LIST!!!!!)

After Luke, use the Star Tours FP (which hopefully hasn't expired yet) and check Hollywood Blvd to see if there is anyplace you can still stand and see some of the parade.

Then you have the rest of the day to either see more characters or take your break and come back for the Hoopla.

 

[TDC Nala]

Last year Luke was meeting in the Darth Mall, which was across the park from the area where Star Tours and Darth Vader are. The Darth Mall is set up behind the Rockin' Roller coaster.

 

[lovethattink]

Yikes, this doesn't sound very fun!! We will be hitting the Sunday on the first weekend, and hopefully can see the parade at least! Oh well, at least we can cross SWW off the bucket list.

Don't worry, not all of SWW is that crowded. My son visited with Queen Amidala countless times because there was never a long line. Ventress rarely had a line either. In fact, people who wanted to see Cody or Rex got out of line when Ventress arrived making the line even shorter! The line for Luke/Leia/R2-D2/C3PO is air conditioned so that's a pleasant wait, even downright chilly at some places.

What I would do is get to the park for opening and ride TSM first (grab a FP if you want to ride twice) and then get in the Darth Line. After you are out, use the TSM FP, grab another one for Star Tours and then get in the Luke line. You may have to let some people cut in front of you as you near the front of the line if he isn't out yet. There isn't a good way to time that one (YET... last year kennythepirate put together a very comprehensive list of the characters and the times they were out. It is not published externally and took a lot of research on his part to assemble it.... Kenny, if you are reading THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT LIST!!!!!)

After Luke, use the Star Tours FP (which hopefully hasn't expired yet) and check Hollywood Blvd to see if there is anyplace you can still stand and see some of the parade.

Then you have the rest of the day to either see more characters or take your break and come back for the Hoopla.

That's alot of back and forth walking for a 6 year old though.

mastermind307, how is your dd's endurance?

Vader's M&G is not too far from TSM. Luke's M&G is up past Rock n Roller, so Beauty and the Beast would be close to this. Star Tours is near Chewy's M&G. The parade would be near 50'sPTC.

These might be good to keep in mind if your dd can't go back and forth through the park. If she can, then touring as cinderumbrella suggested would be a good bet.