Official Star Wars Weekends 2013 Tips and Tricks

[mesaboy2]

As far as taking pictures with the characters (i.e. Jedi Mickey or Darth Maul, etc.), is it just like normal characters in that you stand in line, or do you need a fast pass for that?

Like normal characters, no FastPasses. Be aware that some characters rotate, and often do it while you're in line. This means you may not get exactly who you expect. If Kenny the Pirate is on his game like last year though, that is the best way I know of to anticipate these rotations. CMs handling the line may or may not help you with this also.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Remember that not all of the LE merchandise sells out the first Friday...I would not over-think this. Plan what you can and, again, make priorities of what you want to accomplish during SWW. I remember last years event pin was still available the last weekend.

Ok, so that is two years of SWW that we know fo that the pin was available the last weekend, so I am pretty safe given I will be there for the first two weekends to find a time some where to get the pin without too much trouble... SHEW

Seeing as my big items are D-tech, the pin, a shirt and maybe 2 throws.

 

[bizeemom4]

As far as taking pictures with the characters (i.e. Jedi Mickey or Darth Maul, etc.), is it just like normal characters in that you stand in line, or do you need a fast pass for that?

It's just like a normal character line except that you should expect about a half hour wait each time!

 

[The Sunrise Student]

I might pee my pants...!

Ok I am with you on the might pee my pants, this year is going to be so kewl it seems like they are pulling out some major fun for the 30th anniversary of ROTJ!

 

[LoKiHB]

Two quick questions...

1. For shows like Trip to the Maul how early do you suggest we get there?

2. To get there for 7am, what is the best method of transportation from Wilderness Lodge? I'm guessing taxi, but figured I'd ask.

See everyone in a couple of weeks!

 

[shelbyf31]

From Kenny the Pirate

http://kennythepirate.com/2013/05/08/life-size-rancor-to-appear-for-star-wars-weekends/

 

[kennythepirate]

Like normal characters, no FastPasses. Be aware that some characters rotate, and often do it while you're in line. This means you may not get exactly who you expect. If Kenny the Pirate is on his game like last year though, that is the best way I know of to anticipate these rotations. CMs handling the line may or may not help you with this also.

I'll do my best!

It's just like a normal character line except that you should expect about a half hour wait each time!

OR MORE! Chewie, Vader and Maul were regularly an hour or more and Fetts were at least 45 most days. To get Mickey group, you line up well before the next set even begins.

Two quick questions...

1. For shows like Trip to the Maul how early do you suggest we get there?

2. To get there for 7am, what is the best method of transportation from Wilderness Lodge? I'm guessing taxi, but figured I'd ask.

See everyone in a couple of weeks!

1. 45-60 minutes depending on where you want to sit.
2. Taxi or personal car.

 

[kmcdougan]

Couple of observations:

1) With the projected shows for the stars, it will be interesting to see the actual schedule. As I am going week 2, I am curious as to how they will work Visit to the Maul with the Ewok show with Warwick Davis (and the regular list of shows).

2) With a projected early parade time, how will that shake out with the shows? I would expect that the schedule will work, and we may see a Hoopla set for 8.

3) Roxy the Rancor will be there. That is just too cool. SHe was at Celebration VI last year, and has been to a few other events. The work these guys did on her is fantastic, and, as I have been only able to admire it via internet picture, it will be pretty sweet to see her up close and personal.

Ash

 

[GOOFY D]

Like normal characters, no FastPasses. Be aware that some characters rotate, and often do it while you're in line. This means you may not get exactly who you expect. If Kenny the Pirate is on his game like last year though, that is the best way I know of to anticipate these rotations. CMs handling the line may or may not help you with this also.

Is Kenny the Pirate available for iphones?

 

[mesaboy2]

Is Kenny the Pirate available for iphones?

His mobile site works very well, I use it frequently on mine. I believe an iOS-based app is in the works also.

 

[GOOFY D]

His mobile site works very well, I use it frequently on mine. I believe an iOS-based app is in the works also.

Where is the mobile site?

 

[mesaboy2]

Where is the mobile site?

Same place: www.kennythepirate.com. The site will detect your device and load the appropriate content.

 

[PrincessKida]

The character rotations are very important to note and I am sure Kenny will be on his game this year

Usually the CMs will let you know who you will be seeing if you ask. They will also sometimes start seperate lines in case you get in line too early for a character. I know for Ahsoka this happened often. At the recent May the 4th event you were informed while in line wether or not you'd make Captain Rex or Commander Cody. The Chewbacca line did not work this way and there were even people who met JUST an ewok- no Chewie at all. Not fun if you waited 45 + mins for him. Don't know if the Mickey/Minnie/Donald/Goofy line CMs will help you out- all I know is I waited an hour on the May the 4th Event.

Anakin/Shaak Ti/Mace/Kit rotate, Boba/Jango alternate, Mickey, ect rotate, Ahsoka and Asajj alternate I believe. Rex and Cody are in that mix too. At SWW Chewbacca and an Ewok were constant but that was not the case at the LTM event. Hopefully they stick with those 2 being on at all times.

 

[mesaboy2]

The character rotations are very important to note and I am sure Kenny will be on his game this year

Usually the CMs will let you know who you will be seeing if you ask. They will also sometimes start seperate lines in case you get in line too early for a character. I know for Ahsoka this happened often. At the recent May the 4th event you were informed while in line wether or not you'd make Captain Rex or Commander Cody. The Chewbacca line did not work this way and there were even people who met JUST an ewok- no Chewie at all. Not fun if you waited 45 + mins for him. Don't know if the Mickey/Minnie/Donald/Goofy line CMs will help you out- all I know is I waited an hour on the May the 4th Event.

Anakin/Shaak Ti/Mace/Kit rotate, Boba/Jango alternate, Mickey, ect rotate, Ahsoka and Asajj alternate I believe. Rex and Cody are in that mix too. At SWW Chewbacca and an Ewok were constant but that was not the case at the LTM event. Hopefully they stick with those 2 being on at all times.

I will add Luke/Leia/droids also do this.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Same place: www.kennythepirate.com. The site will detect your device and load the appropriate content.

I just started to check it out... the switching character thing is crazy, I know there are alot of character but shew to switch in mid line, that would suck!

They almost need a place like they have in EPCOT where the characters are inside by Mouse Gear for this event, now that would be

 

[PrincessKida]

I will add Luke/Leia/droids also do this.

Always forget them on my list since they are in the Merch tent. I believe Luke and Leia alternate with the droids popping in on half of their sets but I am not positive. I just know Luke and Leia don't meet at once, which is kind of sad since they bounce off each other real well- I mean.. they are brother and sister! I'm also not a huge fan of that awkward Tatooine backdrop with the sandspeeder. Leia never stepped foot on Tatooine and it just doesn't work like the others in the park.

What that backdrop looks like :

Compared to behind the Star Tours fastpass machines, which I believe was there old location for many SWWs up till 3/4 years ago. While Luke and Leia never wore those outfits on Endor's moon I just think it looks better than that tarp.

At the Limited Time Magic event, Leia and Luke alternated roaming which was a TERRIBLE idea. They were both always mobbed and I saw a few kids continuously get cut off because they just weren't jumping into it. This works for clones and stormtroopers and even characters like Zam Wessell, the Cantina Band, ect. but not for Luke and Leia.

But I do like them outside much better!

I hear that Chip and Dale may take Chewie's location at the speeder bike, which means Chewie and the ewoks will be out of a location.

 

[yulilin3]

The character rotations are very important to note and I am sure Kenny will be on his game this year

Usually the CMs will let you know who you will be seeing if you ask. They will also sometimes start seperate lines in case you get in line too early for a character. I know for Ahsoka this happened often. At the recent May the 4th event you were informed while in line wether or not you'd make Captain Rex or Commander Cody. The Chewbacca line did not work this way and there were even people who met JUST an ewok- no Chewie at all. Not fun if you waited 45 + mins for him. Don't know if the Mickey/Minnie/Donald/Goofy line CMs will help you out- all I know is I waited an hour on the May the 4th Event.

Anakin/Shaak Ti/Mace/Kit rotate, Boba/Jango alternate, Mickey, ect rotate, Ahsoka and Asajj alternate I believe. Rex and Cody are in that mix too. At SWW Chewbacca and an Ewok were constant but that was not the case at the LTM event. Hopefully they stick with those 2 being on at all times.

I will add Luke/Leia/droids also do this.

For anyone going the first Friday, please be patient with the CM working this event.
On May 4th I was told by a CM that has worked SWW for about 8 years now (he usually manages the Disney SW character line) that entertainment was going to take over their job. Meaning that he, and many other seasoned SWW CM would not be working the event this year...If they have their act together it will be fine, but what often happens is that new groups of CM need a weekend to learn the ropes of the whole thing.
He did tell me that they had all of them on standby and he might be working the event in other areas.
As much as I love Disney I don't understand why the want to fix what isn't broken...just be patient...last year it took them up to weekend 3 to put some umbrellas on the line for the Disney characters...this year during the 4th event, no umbrellas . It's like they forget what works and what doesn't.

 

[PrincessKida]

For anyone going the first Friday, please be patient with the CM working this event.
On May 4th I was told by a CM that has worked SWW for about 8 years now (he usually manages the Disney SW character line) that entertainment was going to take over their job. Meaning that he, and many other seasoned SWW CM would not be working the event this year...If they have their act together it will be fine, but what often happens is that new groups of CM need a weekend to learn the ropes of the whole thing.
He did tell me that they had all of them on standby and he might be working the event in other areas.
As much as I love Disney I don't understand why the want to fix what isn't broken...just be patient...last year it took them up to weekend 3 to put some umbrellas on the line for the Disney characters...this year during the 4th event, no umbrellas . It's like they forget what works and what doesn't.

100% agree with this. I went the first day of SWW once and the CMs are discovering the things just as fast as guests do. Even the Saturday and Sunday can be shaky. I was unaware that Entertainment did not run the characters at SWW- news to me! I don't understand why Disney changes things that work but hopefully this goes well. The employees working SWW seemed so passionate- hope that still stays the same.

 

[yulilin3]

100% agree with this. I went the first day of SWW once and the CMs are discovering the things just as fast as guests do. Even the Saturday and Sunday can be shaky. I was unaware that Entertainment did not run the characters at SWW- news to me! I don't understand why Disney changes things that work but hopefully this goes well. The employees working SWW seemed so passionate- hope that still stays the same.

I'm thinking that because the cancelled the regular parade and DCR they have a lot of CM in limbo...the regular CMs that work this event (and many others) come from different areas of the Company, we have met and become friends with them over the years. Some of them work backstage in costuming, or landscaping or other parks and they grab additional shifts during SWW. So many have been there for years that they know the ins and outs and then every once in a while a new manager comes and decides he/she knows best.
It's fun to see them every year, because most of them work backstage and we don't get to see them on a regular basis.
I'm sure they'll be back to their regular spots during SWW
But, yeah, number one tip: BE PATIENT followed closely by DRINK WATER

 

[bjakmom]

Found some cool pictures of the Rancor: http://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/scifi/lifesized-rancor-unleashed-star-wars-fans.html
Wow we are going to need all 3 of our days this year - was so excited to get back to see Ray Park and his show after many years of missing his weekend - and certainly don't want to miss Warwick's show! He's a riot!! His years as host were some of my favorite Stars of the Saga shows.
Now add chip and dale - rancor photo - DGrD wants to do trivia contest this year - yep, going to need all 3 days!