Official Star Wars Weekends 2013 Tips and Tricks

[mattsdragon]

Can we get a recap of exactly what time the park opened on Friday, Saturday and Sunday?

We were there at 0743 (I checked my watch when we went through security), the park was already open (scheduled time was 0800). Through conversations with others in line, we found out it was open around 0715ish.

 

[PrincessKida]

We were there at 0743 (I checked my watch when we went through security), the park was already open (scheduled time was 0800). Through conversations with others in line, we found out it was open around 0715ish.

That's around what it usually is, hopefully some more people can chime in and confirm it. When I went in 2011 it was about 7am but I think that was because that year everyone was running to ride Star Tours 2.0 at that time and they wanted to keep that moving.

 

[Momtomouselover]

Clarify where do you go to sign up for JTA? I mean if you get there at 7:15 isn't that before RD? Do you wait at the normal entry turnstiles and then what? Thanks...Just don't want to be in the wrong line.

 

[RedM94]

I a quick rant. No need to reply but want to clear my head so I can enjoy the rest of my evening. My son who is autistic loves Star Wars. We get up at 4:00 to get in line for our autograph FP's. I always give him my wrist band so he can get autographs.

Today was the first time in three years that the CM would not let us. No problem rules are the rules. My son said Dad, you get the autograph and I will take your picture. Then the cast member went on and on about my request the guest in front of us. For the next several minutes. You would have swore I committed a capital crime.

Well my son felt awful about what the CM was saying and began pacing and flapping his arms. There was no way he was taking a picture.

When it was my turn for JAT, he remembered me from last year and saw my son pacing. He had one of the security CM's escort my son to see him and we both had our picture taken with him. He is just so awesome! Calmed my son down with a few voices.

Thank you JAT! You are the best.

There, now I feel better.
Thanks for listening.

 

[yulilin3]

Clarify where do you go to sign up for JTA? I mean if you get there at 7:15 isn't that before RD? Do you wait at the normal entry turnstiles and then what? Thanks...Just don't want to be in the wrong line.

The park is scheduled to open at 8 but during sww it opens earlier...be at the turnstiles by 7:15 at the latest... you go to the Indiana Jones theater to sign up
Friday it opened at 7:45
Saturday it opened at 7:20
Today I don't know

 

[AquaDame]

I did not know Jawas trade, that is great/funny! Since they are opening the park so early, sounds like I might just take a cab to make sure I am in line before 7.... I dont want to trust that the bus will get there in time if they don't start until 6:45 at the earliest, right? Do they take cards or will I have to pay in cash...?

Since the show is inside during 'rope drop' when exactly IS the funny storm trooper show? Do you have to go back to the main entrance area at 8 or 9 to see it? Do they just do it when the park opens early? This was on my must do, but now its all different...

 

[lovethattink]

The part of the trooper show we saw was right at the rope. I don't want to give away spoilers though. You can pm me for details if you want spoilers.

 

[yulilin3]

In line for visit to the maul.

 

[TDC Nala]

The first 2 shows had only 1 villian, Vader. But when we walked by around 11:45 we saw both Vader and Ahsoka.

Ahsoka's not a villain. Sometimes they have her up there assisting the padawans. for the extra Sith they will usually have either Darth Maul or Asajj Ventress.

From what I am reading you can now see the stormtroopers inside the park near the tip board, not on the roof at the turnstiles.

 

[SEC71]

Where are Jedi Mickey and Donald storm trooper meet n greet?

 

[yulilin3]

They open the park but there's a rope at Hollywood and Vine, they do the opening show there. After that the Stormtroopers come on the hat stage a couple of times and talk between each other. Until about 9:45

 

[yulilin3]

Where are Jedi Mickey and Donald storm trooper meet n greet?

They meet near the exit of great movie ride

 

[DisneyBoyz]

Spent a ridiculous amount of money on 2 Jedi Training robes, but my boys love them.

Just curious how much they were? I made one out of polyester for my 5yo DS, cost me about $12 including the pattern and material. My 8yo DS is wearing a chewie satchel.

 

[Nole95]

We are back at the room taking a break. Here are some of my thoughts on rope drop, JTA, and celebrity autographs and planning in general.

1. Make sure you see the rope drop "ceremony" INSIDE the park once, if you can.

2. As for JTA at rope drop, some people are cut throat and rude. And then there's the rogue people who ran up the steps at Hollywood and Vine to cut in front with those who are in the front. The cm escorting everyone makes an announcement just before rope drop not to get in front of him/her, but some people who ran up after the announcement tried. One parent per child is allowed to enter the queue for sign ups.
The queue was long and winding and there were 3 cm signing kids up. You may pick your time for any of the times that are still available. You get a receipt with your child's name that tells you when and where to return for JTA.
Today there were technical difficulties so the 1st show started late. The 2nd show in turn started a little late, but was pretty much back to back with the 1st show to get back on schedule.
The first 2 shows had only 1 villian, Vader. But when we walked by around 11:45 we saw both Vader and Ahsoka.

3. Chip and Dale Ewoks came out at 8:30am today. Chewie came out a few minutes after them.

4. Yesterday the queue for the Rancor, Luke, Leia, R2D2, C3PO M&G was outdoors and indoors since it was so long; we skipped it. Today when we went, it was just indoors. For the Rancor they don't want you to step over the chain on the ground. The air-conditioning feels so good. Those air vents are super strong as you wait for the M&G. We waited 45 minutes and ended up seeing Leia. It was perfect for cooling down.

5. We discovered that even Jedi's have to do dishes at 50's PTC!

6. The jawas are trading for anything, but people are trading some awesome stuff. My son traded Star Wars Trading cards and got a toy from the one jawa and a valid fast pass for Star Tours for the 2nd.

At least for SWW I am surprised that Disney has not tried to figure out how to give fastpasses prior to opening for JTA. Basically, you get in a line similar to the autograph lines and you then get a fastpass for the next available time for the number of children that are physically there with you.

Seems like that might cut down on some of the crazy stuff going on at park opening and would not be that hard in theory to do.

 

[Twingle]

Had no idea the jawa's traded-how fun! Can you share what you brought to trade? Thanks for any help!!

 

[visegrip72]

My phots say 7:30 started trooper stuff. Besides comments about rope drop, many jokes were repeated during the day on stage.

 

[lovethattink]

At least for SWW I am surprised that Disney has not tried to figure out how to give fastpasses prior to opening for JTA. Basically, you get in a line similar to the autograph lines and you then get a fastpass for the next available time for the number of children that are physically there with you.

Seems like that might cut down on some of the crazy stuff going on at park opening and would not be that hard in theory to do.

You never know. They did it for the shopping with a queue and numbered the wristbands as they handed then out. They could do that for jta too. Or fast pass? Maybe next year?

Had no idea the jawa's traded-how fun! Can you share what you brought to trade? Thanks for any help!!

He traded Star Wars trading cards from years ago. I saw people trading bead necklace, pictures of the celebrities, pins, stickers, etc.

ETA: I wouldn't trade anything of great value to you. If it's free or inexpensive and cool, it would be great. Jawas like junk.

 

[RedM94]

I a quick rant. No need to reply but want to clear my head so I can enjoy the rest of my evening. My son who is autistic loves Star Wars. We get up at 4:00 to get in line for our autograph FP's. I always give him my wrist band so he can get autographs.

Today was the first time in three years that the CM would not let us. No problem rules are the rules. My son said Dad, you get the autograph and I will take your picture. Then the cast member went on and on about my request the guest in front of us. For the next several minutes. You would have swore I committed a capital crime.

Well my son felt awful about what the CM was saying and began pacing and flapping his arms. There was no way he was taking a picture.

When it was my turn for JAT, he remembered me from last year and saw my son pacing. He had one of the security CM's escort my son to see him and we both had our picture taken with him. He is just so awesome! Calmed my son down with a few voices.

Thank you JAT! You are the best.

There, now I feel better.
Thanks for listening.

Well, we were in line to get Ashley's autograph. Love her as she always remembers my son.

As we were in line a female guest in a very flirtatious manner asked the same CM if she could give her band to her son. Without hesitation "Yes of course you can!" just ranting

 

[bizeemom4]

Headed over to try to get a pic with the Rankor. What time does his line close?

 

[doconeill]

I a quick rant. No need to reply but want to clear my head so I can enjoy the rest of my evening. My son who is autistic loves Star Wars. We get up at 4:00 to get in line for our autograph FP's. I always give him my wrist band so he can get autographs.

Today was the first time in three years that the CM would not let us. No problem rules are the rules. My son said Dad, you get the autograph and I will take your picture. Then the cast member went on and on about my request the guest in front of us. For the next several minutes. You would have swore I committed a capital crime.

Well my son felt awful about what the CM was saying and began pacing and flapping his arms. There was no way he was taking a picture.

When it was my turn for JAT, he remembered me from last year and saw my son pacing. He had one of the security CM's escort my son to see him and we both had our picture taken with him. He is just so awesome! Calmed my son down with a few voices.

Thank you JAT! You are the best.

There, now I feel better.
Thanks for listening.

JAT's awesome....Ashley is too. I've met her a few times elsewhere and she's called my daughter on the phone and recorded videos for my soccer team.

Got a question though...this year will be the first time we are planning on autographs.

Did you not get wristbands for all of you? Or did you split lines, with the expectation that you could hand over the band? There are four of us, and there are two definite targets we want to hit (Ashley and Warwick Davis), but it's always sounded like you chances are pretty small at doing more than one given that you have to get up at 4am from the sounds of it.

What is the line for Ashley like? I wonder with her being there every weekend if they might be shorter...