Official Star Wars Weekends 2013 Tips and Tricks

[yulilin3]

Easy WDW says to go on Sunday, but Friday makes sense to me too and we will be going on the 7th. Don't know when Florida schools get out though, just hope it's not the next week!

Orange County (Orlando) last day of school is Wednesday June 5th. Any of those two days would be about the same, crowdwise

 

[tigerbelly]

Wanna hear something I think is hilarious? I think my DH found your website the DAY it launched! It is in my browser history right now. He is harping on me to get a Yoda wrap for our Toyota (or Toyoda as he likes to refer to it). Very cool products! I'm sure you will be getting some of our money in the not too distant future!

That is awesome! And a cool idea for your Toyoda. Before you place your order mention the boards in an email and we'll give you a coupon code for free shipping!

We have been watching all kinds of star wars weekend youtubes. My kids definitely want to go! So now I am browsing flights and options for May.

 

[skylizard]

We are going to there the first day (friday May 17th). How crowded is it normally on opening day? I'm hoping that since it's a friday kids will still be in school. We're hoping to get there by 7:30am. Do you think we'll be lucky and not have a bad crowd day?
I'm sure by friday afternoon it'll start to get super crowded. We plan on heading over to Epcot by lunch time.

 

[Cshel85]

This is my first year for SWW, my husband went years ago had pics on his camera and his camera was stolen and he lost everything, so he is very excited for this visit. So fastpass is distributed for meeting the Character's like Darth Vader? I know this sounds like a dumb question but is there some king of SW book that you use for autographs?

 

[mesaboy2]

This is my first year for SWW, my husband went years ago had pics on his camera and his camera was stolen and he lost everything, so he is very excited for this visit. So fastpass is distributed for meeting the Character's like Darth Vader? I know this sounds like a dumb question but is there some king of SW book that you use for autographs?

No FPs for characters, only for celebrities.

 

[RapunzelsBFF]

We are going to there the first day (friday May 17th). How crowded is it normally on opening day? I'm hoping that since it's a friday kids will still be in school. We're hoping to get there by 7:30am. Do you think we'll be lucky and not have a bad crowd day?
I'm sure by friday afternoon it'll start to get super crowded. We plan on heading over to Epcot by lunch time.

I'm going the first day as well and have the same questions as you. Last time I went two years ago I was completely unprepared so I hope the crowds aren't too crazy, and that this time goes better.

 

[yulilin3]

We are going to there the first day (friday May 17th). How crowded is it normally on opening day? I'm hoping that since it's a friday kids will still be in school. We're hoping to get there by 7:30am. Do you think we'll be lucky and not have a bad crowd day?
I'm sure by friday afternoon it'll start to get super crowded. We plan on heading over to Epcot by lunch time.

I'm going the first day as well and have the same questions as you. Last time I went two years ago I was completely unprepared so I hope the crowds aren't too crazy, and that this time goes better.

Just be prepared for crowds, first day of SWW is always crowded, especially for people wanting the LE merchandise, the merchandise tent will be packed until the afternoon hours, also alot of bloggers will be there to report on first day activities. Just mentally plan for it to be packed and enjoy

 

[tjmj9801]

Whew!!! I made it through all 50 pages!! Only took 3 days. Lol!

Thank you, thank you, thank you all SOOO much! This will be our first SWW, with 5/19 as our day and 5/23 as a back up day in case we can't do everything we want in one day. My goals are to be there by 7:15, JTA for DD6 and DD4 (If they're interested, I'll have to show them YouTube videos), Jedi Mickey, Leia Minnie, Darth Vader, Chewie, maybe the droids if we can swing it. Probably skip the parade at 12:40 to eat and catch TLM or DJL. Honestly, we may leave after that. We're actually not as big of SW fans as some but can certainly appreciate the size and intensity of the following. MAD props to those who plan to wear costumes!! You have my respect for your dedication in that heat.

 

[shelbyf31]

Going the first day, with the previous Tuesday (half of the day) for some things (JTA for example). On Friday I know we want to see the parade and maybe some characters. I hope it isn't going tone too crazy. Are the rides and shows really crowded? I am expecting long lines because of the increase of people but then again maybe most of the people are there for the Stars Wars stuff.

 

[hsmamainva]

We will also be there the first day (the 17th). We have lunch reservations so we have a guaranteed air conditioned spot to eat and we intend to split up -- dh & I with our youngest (she has special needs and no interest in Star Wars and we hope to keep her entertained with the other activities -- Playhouse Disney, etc.) and our older 3 kids will do the Star Wars events.

We will be going to HS on another day during our visit so the kids can ride the big rides without dealing with the SW crowds. And we have an extra ticket for Saturday (the 18th) if they want to go back and do SW again.

 

[shelbyf31]

We have ADRs for breakfast at H&V at 8 then dinner at Primetime. It will be nice to have a TS dinner, to relax.

 

[Diegosmom]

We have ADRs for breakfast at H&V at 8 then dinner at Primetime. It will be nice to have a TS dinner, to relax.

Are you sure you want to do H&V at 8? That is when the park opens and would be prime time to see characters and whatnot before it gets hot. I would do a later ADR, like at 10. You more then likely would have gotten in line early (right) say by 7:30 so by 10 you will be wanting a break.

 

[yulilin3]

no real "news" but I just came back from DHS and I saw some new merchandise. There's a Darth Vader soft lunchbox that you press a button and makes the DV sound. And an R2D2 soft lunchbox that has lights on the top...really cute. Also saw alot of the new Muppets/Star Wars figures.

 

[mastermind307]

This will be our first SSW and we will only have one day so I'm trying to decide if seeing the parade is worth it. I know to get good viewing spot for the parade you have to get a spot early, but then that takes time away from other things we could be doing. DD really wants to meet Darth and Luke, so those are our top two priorities . Should we try to find a spot for the parade after we meet Darth and Luke if there's time or should we continue to do other stuff? Are there any characters in the parade that you can't see otherwise? Do any of the characters continue to meet during the parade?

 

[delmar411]

This will be our first SSW and we will only have one day so I'm trying to decide if seeing the parade is worth it. I know to get good viewing spot for the parade you have to get a spot early, but then that takes time away from other things we could be doing. DD really wants to meet Darth and Luke, so those are our top two priorities . Should we try to find a spot for the parade after we meet Darth and Luke if there's time or should we continue to do other stuff? Are there any characters in the parade that you can't see otherwise? Do any of the characters continue to meet during the parade?

The parade is worth it and you don't have to get there early. We've never waited for the parade and always have excellent views.

 

[lovethattink]

no real "news" but I just came back from DHS and I saw some new merchandise. There's a Darth Vader soft lunchbox that you press a button and makes the DV sound. And an R2D2 soft lunchbox that has lights on the top...really cute. Also saw alot of the new Muppets/Star Wars figures.

Did you take any pictures?

 

[jennyjinx3]

The parade is worth it and you don't have to get there early. We've never waited for the parade and always have excellent views.

Where is a good spot??

 

[Diegosmom]

Where is a good spot??

I'd love to hear this as well. We have no intentions of waiting 1-2 hours for the parade but would love to be able to see it, even if we arent front row. Just want DS to be able to see and I dont mind holding him (even though he will be 6 he is still a peanut lol)...so any advise on last minute location would be greatly appreciated.

 

[delmar411]

Where is a good spot??

Most anywhere along the route is a good spot. We often watch it from in front of the store that's on the corner of Hollywood and sunset.

And even though I'd never ask, people always ask my kids if they want to go up front. They don't normally want to but it's really nice that people ask. I'm also nearly 6ft tall so I always let people get in front of me since I can see around them just fine.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

now if only ray park would confirm for our weekend, all would be right in my world.

amen!