Official Star Wars Weekends 2013 Tips and Tricks

[The Sunrise Student]

Did you download the app with the RED or the BLUE icon? Message me if you have any questions, I'll be happy to help.

My icon is blue, with a red PRO down the right side. Is there a difference?

 

[RedM94]

I'll be changing my ADRs on the fly where needs be, mine are more like "Guidelines" than actual rules... Whoops wrong movie

BUT seriously Program the ADR line into your phone (407-939-3463), I have been known to make ADRs while walking around the park. Trust me when I say it's been a life saver!

I have ADR'S for dinners each of the three nights of the first weekend. My son picked Sci fi, Fifties Prime Time, and Mama Melrose dinner and a show package. I know from the past two years, that getting in for a sit down dinner for any of the three nights will be difficult. Except for maybe Brown Derby.

Here is a tip I learned from last year. My son and I had an ADR Prime time and skipped it to see the JAT show. After the shoe we were unable to get a sit down meal. We were an hour and a half past our ADR for Prime Time. With nothing to lose, we went there. I explained that we missed our ADR. I was told that because we were in the system, they will try to accommodate us. They were mobbed, but still managed to seat us in about 20 minutes.

 

[kennythepirate]

My icon is blue, with a red PRO down the right side. Is there a difference?

That's the current version. Are you having any issues?

 

[RedM94]

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms on this thread!!! Hope you have a great day!!

 

[PrincessKida]

Anyone know from experience if you call the merchandise line if you can order the non LE SWW merchandise? I really want the AP name badge!

 

[WDWChloe]

Anyone know from experience if you call the merchandise line if you can order the non LE SWW merchandise? I really want the AP name badge!

What's the AP name badge?

 

[mlsjmu]

So we have reserved a spot at D-Tech for Friday the 17th, at 11:00AM. Unfortunately, now it looks like the motorcade/parade will also be starting at 11:00. Any thoughts on if we can exit D-Tech and be anywhere near a parade viewing spot in time to see it?

 

[CentralFloridian99]

I said it yesterday but nobody answered, so I'll say it again if I get there Saturday around 6:40 or 6:50, is it possible that I could get standby for Jeremy? If not, hopefully he'll accept walk ups.

 

[PrincessKida]

I know it isn't a 100% SWW related but I recently posted my review of the May the 4th event. Thought it might get some of you guys in the mind set for this weekend. http://wdwcharacteradventures.weebly.com/1/post/2013/05/may-the-fourth-be-with-you-5413.html

 

[lovethattink]

I said it yesterday but nobody answered, so I'll say it again if I get there Saturday around 6:40 or 6:50, is it possible that I could get standby for Jeremy? If not, hopefully he'll accept walk ups.

My dh got there around 6:15ish, he was way back in line (on the outside of the bag check area, that far back). But we can't remember which time slot he got other than afternoon and it was a fp. It was a Saturday. That day, his line was the longest.

 

[JamiLeigh]

I'm really torn. The boys ate here last time and loved it. And being up so early with minimal breakfast, I figured an early lunch was ideal. well at least I have 6 days to decide, and only 4 days til we get there.

I'm torn too. Every time I think I may cancel I change my mind. We have three full days (Fri, Sat, and Sun) to do HS and MK. I guess we could always come back Sunday for the parade. I have a 2 1/2 yr old so I know he would love H&V.

 

[bahsdad]

Just wondering...HS is busy for SWW so how are the crowds in the other parks

 

[chrissydisp24]

Since there's over 100 pages of comments to go through, I figured I'd just ask my questions instead of reading and reading and reading some more...

1. This is our first time for the SWW, I read something about a show at the opening at the park around 715am? I didn't think the parks opened til later? Where can I find out more info on that?

2. Besides the autograph sessions, what else goes on during the day or where can I find out more about it? Will there be a guide you can pick up with a park map?

 

[Zooshoveller]

Since there's over 100 pages of comments to go through, I figured I'd just ask my questions instead of reading and reading and reading some more...

1. This is our first time for the SWW, I read something about a show at the opening at the park around 715am? I didn't think the parks opened til later? Where can I find out more info on that?

2. Besides the autograph sessions, what else goes on during the day or where can I find out more about it? Will there be a guide you can pick up with a park map?

1. HS opens at 8:00, but they will open earlier when the lines get long. When we went on a "regular" day, they opened at 7:45. Knowing that SWW will draw huge crowds, they will probably open early (like 7:30 or 7:15).

2. They are several different shows, activities, and a parade. I was told as soon as the times come out, someone will post it here. There are already posts on this thread of times from past years.

 

[monkyby87]

Just wondering...HS is busy for SWW so how are the crowds in the other parks

I haven't been to a SWW yet (this will be my first year), but others here have said generally those are decent parks to go to, as HS is the main draw during that time.

 

[kmcdougan]

Thanks to all the 501st legion troopers who are sharing their stories and great info I will have a whole new appreciation for you while watching the motorcade on Sat. the 18th!

You are quite welcome. Part of our mission is to share our love of Star Wars and costuming.

Ash

 

[kmcdougan]

I am really in Southern Indiana, but yup we are neighbors... Actually we were just up in Indy today doing a little shopping. I have been to GEN CON in Indy too, I use to help out at GEN CON behind the scenes!

I have checked out the Bloodfin Garrison already, but haven't made alot of contact yet. Was planning on chatting it up with them after getting back from SWW.

Their discussion boards should have access for non-501st members where you can see what's going on and such. Our had non-member access to the "future events" threads. That let folks see where we were going to be, as well as potential members havea chance to show up, ask questions, and/or wrangle while working on their costumes. It really helped me out - got me to that all important first armor party.

Ash

 

[The Sunrise Student]

I have ADR'S for dinners each of the three nights of the first weekend. My son picked Sci fi, Fifties Prime Time, and Mama Melrose dinner and a show package. I know from the past two years, that getting in for a sit down dinner for any of the three nights will be difficult. Except for maybe Brown Derby.

Here is a tip I learned from last year. My son and I had an ADR Prime time and skipped it to see the JAT show. After the shoe we were unable to get a sit down meal. We were an hour and a half past our ADR for Prime Time. With nothing to lose, we went there. I explained that we missed our ADR. I was told that because we were in the system, they will try to accommodate us. They were mobbed, but still managed to seat us in about 20 minutes.

We have 50s Prime Time (love their fired chicken, just like Mama use to make!) AND the Brown Derby ADRs, we also have made ADRs at various time over at EPCOT too... since were are going to be there for 5 days of SWW we can float around.

BUT even so I have walked into the park, got things set up with FPs before then made ADRs while walking around to make sure they didn't cross paths with FPs... if your family isn't dead set of eating times it's so much easier to do late lunches too or early dinners. With it just being my boyfriend and I we can get in pretty easy. BUT I have also brought a pack of 6 people with me and I have still been able to get ADRS when I am flexable...

PSST a hidden treasure in EPCOT is France, Chefs de France, very yummy food and for some reason forgotten, even if you go in there for a shared meal and yummy deserts is wonderful! We have been known to order a few plates share them and taste, the waiters and waitresses do not mind bringing out extra plates, it's awesome. As a matter of fact at any restaurant I would rather share a meal at a sit down than do counter service, I have done this tons of times, afraid I would be too full, and they don't mind at all! Tastier food than counter service and you get to sit down to boot!

 

[The Sunrise Student]

That's the current version. Are you having any issues?

Not that I know of, what should I be looking for?!?!

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Their discussion boards should have access for non-501st members where you can see what's going on and such. Our had non-member access to the "future events" threads. That let folks see where we were going to be, as well as potential members havea chance to show up, ask questions, and/or wrangle while working on their costumes. It really helped me out - got me to that all important first armor party.

Ash

Very kewl, will have to check and see how Bloodfin works theirs.