Official Star Wars Weekends 2013 Tips and Tricks

[rocknroll]

I called 407-939-8324 12:46 Eastern Time, was told that I would be helped within 9 minutes. Unlike the first time I called this time there was actually music playing while I was on hold. The hold was really only 5 minutes.

They are taking reservations now! Woot Woot!

When I called they just started so I have an 8:30 appointment for my boyfriend and myself for Saturday May 18th.

They ask that you check in 10 minutes early. The check-in is over by where Darth Maul is set up, by Rock n’ Roller Coaster.

If you are already in the system they will have your address and information, I have reservations at the Swan BUT I was in the system already for my ADRs and other things already.

She did ask for my credit card information at this time but we will pay when we actually do the D-Tech.

She explained that you will be required to have no face gear on and very little to no makeup for the experience, so those that dress in costume for SWW or like a lot of makeup be forewarned. (Good thing I am wearing my R2 dress that day and will not be wearing a lot of makeup!)

She warned me that you will not get the item at the event that it will be shipped to your home in 4 to 6 weeks. She also stated there would be a shipping fee, cost depending on your home location.

Good luck everyone… I hope this helped

Thanks Sunrise Student! I got right through and wanted to add some info, especially for "international" guests.

First point though, might be important for those who want to take pictures before all of the crowds. I have a reservation on the 17th for 08:10 and you have to be there at least 10 minutes before your time. The CM said to provide my reservation number and time at the gate at 07:30 and I will be let in to make sure I make it. I hope this is true, so I can scope out the lay out (and hopefully get some pics).

In addition, to face and make-up rules, there are hair rules (and sorry for no additional detail, but I tuned out because I am almost bald, LOL) something to the effect that they will give you head bands, but you might want to bring your own I am thinking.

For shipping, FedEx will be used and prices start at $15. For international addresses, the costs can (missed if this is "starts") be $75 or more and do not include any customs impossed taxes or duties.

Cheers!

Roehl

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Thanks Sunrise Student! I got right through and wanted to add some info, especially for "international" guests.

First point though, might be important for those who want to take pictures before all of the crowds. I have a reservation on the 17th for 08:10 and you have to be there at least 10 minutes before your time. The CM said to provide my reservation number and time at the gate at 07:30 and I will be let in to make sure I make it. I hope this is true, so I can scope out the lay out (and hopefully get some pics).

In addition, to face and make-up rules, there are hair rules (and sorry for no additional detail, but I tuned out because I am almost bald, LOL) something to the effect that they will give you head bands, but you might want to bring your own I am thinking.

For shipping, FedEx will be used and prices start at $15. For international addresses, the costs can (missed if this is "starts") be $75 or more and do not include any customs impossed taxes or duties.

Cheers!

Roehl

AWESOME to hear about showing your reservation number to the front gate to get in early if your time for the D-Tech is an early reservation... Since mine is at 8:30, might not be as bad but still! With everyone already there waiting for FP to see celebrities I am sure the park is going to be VERY busy!

Thank you for the additional info!!!

 

[yulilin3]

The hardest to meet:
Tim Rose (I think it's his first time to SWW)
Billy Dee Williams (2nd time, first time he was extremely popular)
Ray Park (always a favorite, takes a while talking to everyone which makes him harder to meet)
for these people I would get to the park before 5:30am...for sure around 4:30am for Tim and Billy Dee


Warwick Davis (even though he's been to SWW a couple of times it's been a while since he's been back)

The easiest to meet:
Jeremy Bullock (everyone loves Bobba but he's here almost every year so the regulars to SWW will not be interested in him. A couple of years ago we were walking by his meeting area and it was empty, we approached and talked to him for about 15 min.,
Peter Mayhew (everyone loves Chewie, but the same as Jeremy, he's been here a lot, plus he's not very talkative and signs super fast so more people can get in per autograph session

The who knows:
Jim Cummings and Sam Witwer (first time at SWW, Clone Wars is not as popular as the original movies.

The ones I'm meeting again:
Dee Bradley Baker (a hoot to meet, he'll start making all kinds of different voices.
James Arnold Taylor (same as Dee Bradley, he's just awesome)
Ashley Eckstein (she's a sweet person and my daughter must see her every year)

 

[yulilin3]

I forgot to explain how Disney decides how many people can meet each celeb per autograph session.

Each autograph session is an hour (or at least has been in the past) Disney calculates how many people meet each celeb and that's the magic number per session.
So for Ray Park each session might be 40 fastpasses (because he takes time with each eprson) while Peter Mayhew's might be up to 75 fastpasses per session (he doesn't engage as much in conversation, not to say he's rude, he just signs whatever you brought, takes a picture and that's it)

 

[lovethattink]

What about Jeremy Bullock (Boba Fett)? I can't imagine he's an easy one either?

Or Billy Dee Williams?




As far as the Carbon Freeze Me or Stormtrooper, is it worth it?

Billy Dee Williams is very popular. He will draw huge crowds.

Is it worth the value? No way!!! However, it's a great experience, must do once. We did it on a Thursday with no wait. During SWW it was quite busy.

 

[rocknroll]

AWESOME to hear about showing your reservation number to the front gate to get in early if your time for the D-Tech is an early reservation... Since mine is at 8:30, might not be as bad but still! With everyone already there waiting for FP to see celebrities I am sure the park is going to be VERY busy!

Thank you for the additional info!!!

I am really hoping that the CM is right about my "early" entry.

I just texted both of my boys and they want to quit their summer jobs and come to SWW 2013 they are that jealous! LOL. I had already promised to get up early to get a FP for Darth Maul for them and hope he will give me two autographs because it is going to be ugly in my household if only one per FP.

Have fun! When I am coming out of the "experience" I will keep an eye out for the costumed Sunrise Student and try to say hi.

Cheers!

Roehl

 

[rocknroll]

I forgot to explain how Disney decides how many people can meet each celeb per autograph session.

Each autograph session is an hour (or at least has been in the past) Disney calculates how many people meet each celeb and that's the magic number per session.
So for Ray Park each session might be 40 fastpasses (because he takes time with each eprson) while Peter Mayhew's might be up to 75 fastpasses per session (he doesn't engage as much in conversation, not to say he's rude, he just signs whatever you brought, takes a picture and that's it)

Thanks very much yulilin3! You must have been adding this info when I was "complaining" about 0500 - 0600. LOL.

Do you think Ray Park would sign two autographs on two separate items?

And if I am up at that time anyway can I pick up more than one FP or do I have to get a stand by pass?

TIA!

Cheers! (For now, but definitely not at 0430 on the 17th LOL).

Roehl

 

[Diegosmom]

4:30 are you people serious!!!!!!

LOL....hmmmm was not expecting that early...when do you think they will start handing out wrist bands and the fastpass?

Also to the PP that commented on early entry (cant remember your name)...I have read a number of posts that state the gate usually opens early. Any where from 7:15-7:45 so not sure that you will be getting in earlier then the masses.

 

[yulilin3]

Thanks very much yulilin3! You must have been adding this info when I was "complaining" about 0500 - 0600. LOL.

Do you think Ray Park would sign two autographs on two separate items?

And if I am up at that time anyway can I pick up more than one FP or do I have to get a stand by pass?

TIA!

Cheers! (For now, but definitely not at 0430 on the 17th LOL).

Roehl

The rule is only one signature per person, you can always ask Ray and explain why you would like to things signed, he's very nice and he'll probably do it. You can only get one fastpass a day...
The things we do for our kids

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Billy Dee Williams is very popular. He will draw huge crowds.

Is it worth the value? No way!!! However, it's a great experience, must do once. We did it on a Thursday with no wait. During SWW it was quite busy.

I was told by CM on the phone that the D-Tech this year will only be open on Friday - Sunday of Star Wars Weekends, and not through the week at all this year.

 

[yulilin3]

4:30 are you people serious!!!!!!

LOL....hmmmm was not expecting that early...when do you think they will start handing out wrist bands and the fastpass?

Also to the PP that commented on early entry (cant remember your name)...I have read a number of posts that state the gate usually opens early. Any where from 7:15-7:45 so not sure that you will be getting in earlier then the masses.

we're kind of insane, I'll give you that
They will start handing out wristbands around 6:15 to 6:30am and fastpasses around 7am.
For Dave Prowse (Darth Vader) we got to DHS around 3:30am and we were in the second autograph session...that was a few years ago, not sure if we'll do that again for Tim Rose.

 

[JamiLeigh]

A few questions.

1. Is there a seperate line to get in the park for those wanting celebrity autographs and those not wanting them?

2. We plan on going Friday the 17th and getting there early to sign up for JTA, possibly Padawan Mind Challenge, and do any character meet n'greets we can. We may come back Sunday the 19th for those regular HS attractions we missed. We have an ADR on Friday that may conflict with the parade so if we miss it we will come back on Sunday. We have an ADR Sunday at 7:05 for breakfast so we probably will not make it to the park before opening. If we arne't interested in doing any of the SWW activities besides the parade, will this be a problem. I realize we may not get TSM fastpasses, but are hoping to do that Friday.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

The hardest to meet:
Tim Rose (I think it's his first time to SWW)
Billy Dee Williams (2nd time, first time he was extremely popular)
Ray Park (always a favorite, takes a while talking to everyone which makes him harder to meet)
for these people I would get to the park before 5:30am...for sure around 4:30am for Tim and Billy Dee


Warwick Davis (even though he's been to SWW a couple of times it's been a while since he's been back)

The easiest to meet:
Jeremy Bullock (everyone loves Bobba but he's here almost every year so the regulars to SWW will not be interested in him. A couple of years ago we were walking by his meeting area and it was empty, we approached and talked to him for about 15 min.,
Peter Mayhew (everyone loves Chewie, but the same as Jeremy, he's been here a lot, plus he's not very talkative and signs super fast so more people can get in per autograph session

The who knows:
Jim Cummings and Sam Witwer (first time at SWW, Clone Wars is not as popular as the original movies.

The ones I'm meeting again:
Dee Bradley Baker (a hoot to meet, he'll start making all kinds of different voices.
James Arnold Taylor (same as Dee Bradley, he's just awesome)
Ashley Eckstein (she's a sweet person and my daughter must see her every year)

Yulilin YOU ARE THE BEST, there is no doubt about it!

I swear I have hung on your every word and you have been a most valuable planning guide

Thank you so much for that bit of info, for us first timers trying to meet celebrities it's hard to judge!

My Boyfriend and I will be in line for Ray Parks at 5 am Saturday May 18th!

Then kick it down a notch on Sunday May 19th and come to the park about 6 am or so for Jeremy Bullock! (I'll be wearing the SWW shirt that happens to have Boba Fett on it cause when I went to WDW in June 2010 I didn't get to see the event, BUT I did snag some merch I know I am a stinker).

As for Warrick Davis on May 24th still trying to figure out what would be the best time for that one... leaning towards very early like Mr Parks just cause he hasn't been to SWW in a while. (your thoughts?)

 

[HappyHaunts999]

Will 4:00 be early enough to get Billy Dee Williams?

Thank for all the help and advice. This is our first time going and don't want to miss anything.

 

[rocknroll]

we're kind of insane, I'll give you that
They will start handing out wristbands around 6:15 to 6:30am and fastpasses around 7am.
For Dave Prowse (Darth Vader) we got to DHS around 3:30am and we were in the second autograph session...that was a few years ago, not sure if we'll do that again for Tim Rose.

Yulliln3, sorry for all of the questions, but yes, when it comes to my kids "I'm kind of insane" (especially when they are working their summers and then going to college) LOL. Anyway, did I miss a post on wristbands or is this just for us crazies who line up before the FPs are handed out? Or are the wristbands for something else I need to plan for?

And thanks to all here who have been adding information. This is one old dog that is learning new tricks and I really appreciate the DIS community.

Cheers!

Roehl

 

[Fire14]

Yulliln3, sorry for all of the questions, but yes, when it comes to my kids "I'm kind of insane" (especially when they are working their summers and then going to college) LOL. Anyway, did I miss a post on wristbands or is this just for us crazies who line up before the FPs are handed out? Or are the wristbands for something else I need to plan for?

And thanks to all here who have been adding information. This is one old dog that is learning new tricks and I really appreciate the DIS community.

Cheers!

Roehl

I believe they hand out wrist bands and than later fp come out. you NEED wristband and FP to get autograph.

 

[d-r]

HOLY COW JIM CUMMINGS! Do you know who that is?

 

[d-r]

Will 4:00 be early enough to get Billy Dee Williams?

Thank for all the help and advice. This is our first time going and don't want to miss anything.

I think we went earlier than that a couple of years ago. He was there a couple of years ago so that is the wild card, but he will have a way long line.

 

[HappyHaunts999]

What time would you suggest?

 

[rocknroll]

I believe they hand out wrist bands and than later fp come out. you NEED wristband and FP to get autograph.

Thanks Fire14!

When is sunrise on the 17th? LOL.

See all of you crazies "later", and may all of your SWW 2013 wishes come true!

Cheers!

Roehl