Official Star Wars Weekends 2014 Tips and Tricks

[delmar411]

For all of you that have gone in the past I need ideas
I would like to set up a place and time to meet every weekend so we can meet as many Dissers as possible
It cannot interfere with the Parade or any of the shows including Hoopla. Unless we want a group meet to watch the parade.
I noticed that plenty of people plan to stay for Hoopla but for various reasons leave. So i'm thinking during the morning hours would be best, it could be just a quick Hello to put a face to the username
What do you veterans of sww think?

Morning hours would be best. But before the M&GS start? Maybe in the area by Jango/Boba Fett M&G? There is plenty of space there and people will pass by on their way to Darth and could take turns stopping by to say Hi while waiting in lines. Or right where Darth Maul meets since he doesn't show up until later?

Anything later might not meet with a lot of success since so many things are going on during the day.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

For all of you that have gone in the past I need ideas
I would like to set up a place and time to meet every weekend so we can meet as many Dissers as possible
It cannot interfere with the Parade or any of the shows including Hoopla. Unless we want a group meet to watch the parade.
I noticed that plenty of people plan to stay for Hoopla but for various reasons leave. So i'm thinking during the morning hours would be best, it could be just a quick Hello to put a face to the username
What do you veterans of sww think?

I LOVE THE IDEA I concur with morning hours (seems like the shows and CFP autograph sessions tend to be later in the day) and or meeting in a spot two hours before the parade so we can watch it together! Or if those don't want to wait for the parade they can come by chat and leave after.

 

[BrianL]

So, I am starting to second guess my trip for SWW now. I am a huge SW fan, but want to do other things there as well. I really do not care about exclusive merchandise nor do I care about celebrity autographs. I might be interested some of the panes depending on what they are, but not just one actor talking/taking questions. Also, I worry about how much time those would eat up.

So, while I am into the idea, I am pretty casual about what I want to see. The parades and shows sound cool, maybe a photo op or two, but other than that, I am wondering what I would really enjoy? Is it worth braving the May crowds? Is one DHS day enough? If anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

So, I am starting to second guess my trip for SWW now. I am a huge SW fan, but want to do other things there as well. I really do not care about exclusive merchandise nor do I care about celebrity autographs. I might be interested some of the panes depending on what they are, but not just one actor talking/taking questions. Also, I worry about how much time those would eat up.

So, while I am into the idea, I am pretty casual about what I want to see. The parades and shows sound cool, maybe a photo op or two, but other than that, I am wondering what I would really enjoy? Is it worth braving the May crowds? Is one DHS day enough? If anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it.

BrainL: SWW are for all levels of fans, not just us crazy over the top ones... Just like any of the other parks, if you wanna do it casual, get there early to get in, even parades at the other parks you have to get in spot early for, and enjoy the scenery... Pick a few must dos, but be casual about it. You will still have an awesome time... Even though my boyfriend and I went hog wild to the SWW geeky side we still had time to ride all the fun rides that are normally there... IN FACT you will find that say you aren't so keen on all the shows and parades, those times are the perfect time to run off and ride the normal rides... We were there for two SWW weekends 2013, so we spread things out and were able to enjoy just as many of the non SWW stuff as we did the event only things.

My advice: go, pick a few SWW event only things and just enjoy the sites! Please do not let us gun-ho SWW nutz deter you from what is an awesome sightseeing event!

 

[BrianL]

Thanks. I mean, I AM a gung-ho Star Wars nut, absolutely, I just don't really care for collecting autographs, and of the vast number of things I do collect, I just don't have room for much Star Wars stuff, and don't care if I get a specific rare toy or something.

I definitely do want to spend time doing the normal attractions. The thing is, if I don't care about autographs, merchandise, or panels, then maybe I pick a less busy time for my next trip. What SWW specific stuff WOULD I be doing exactly?

 

[jagfanjosh3252]

How crazy will weekend 2 be with it being Memorial Day weekend

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Thanks. I mean, I AM a gung-ho Star Wars nut, absolutely, I just don't really care for collecting autographs, and of the vast number of things I do collect, I just don't have room for much Star Wars stuff, and don't care if I get a specific rare toy or something.

I definitely do want to spend time doing the normal attractions. The thing is, if I don't care about autographs, merchandise, or panels, then maybe I pick a less busy time for my next trip. What SWW specific stuff WOULD I be doing exactly?

I think for you the shows, the parade/motorcade, and watching the people all dress up in SW gear (not just Disney pros, or the 501st but the visitors too) would float your boat, as you said you love Star Wars just not a collector. And that is kewl! There is a fun experience/atmosphere to be had at this event without collecting items.

Before SWW (as you can see my my past trips) I rarely went in the summer... I am a fall through January gal, cheating with the low crowds and savings during the off season... (heck I have studied all the guides on best routes through the parks to get on every ride as fast as I can!) however I am going back again for another SWW, and in the summer too! I found a little planning and just people watching was a BLAST during SWW. The kids reactions are amazing, expecailly when they see Mickey as a Jedi, or Miney as Princess Liea, and Goofy as Darth Vader is just about my favorite! (and I am a really old kid)

 

[BrianL]

Before SWW (as you can see my my past trips) I rarely went in the summer... I am a fall through January gal, cheating with the low crowds and savings during the off season... (heck I have studied all the guides on best routes through the parks to get on every ride as fast as I can!) however I am going back again for another SWW, and in the summer too! I found a little planning and just people watching was a BLAST during SWW. The kids reactions are amazing, expecailly when they see Mickey as a Jedi, or Miney as Princess Liea, and Goofy as Darth Vader is just about my favorite! (and I am a really old kid)

THIS sounds exactly like me. I am used to fall/winter crowds, but I am getting to be a frequent enough visitor that I can handle anything (I think). It does sound like I'd still have fun just being in the atmosphere, so I'm thinking it's still a go. Thanks for the advice!

 

[The Sunrise Student]

THIS sounds exactly like me. I am used to fall/winter crowds, but I am getting to be a fquent enough visitor that I can handle anything (I think). It does sound like I'd still have fun just being in the atmosphere, so I'm thinking it's still a go. Thanks for the advice!

You are most welcome

 

[lemonears6]

getting excited! i need to keep myself busy so time goes by faster.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

getting excited! i need to keep myself busy so time goes by faster.

tried that it didn't work! Mind you the distraction was rewatching Star Wars lol.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

getting excited! i need to keep myself busy so time goes by faster.

I am with you there... today at work I am in "hurry up and wait mode" where I am waiting on people before I can move forward so I am reading the boards and getting really fricken excited....

139 days and my feet will be on the ground at WDW!

Busy, must keep busy....

 

[Dreamsdocometrue9112]

Thanks. I mean, I AM a gung-ho Star Wars nut, absolutely, I just don't really care for collecting autographs, and of the vast number of things I do collect, I just don't have room for much Star Wars stuff, and don't care if I get a specific rare toy or something.

I definitely do want to spend time doing the normal attractions. The thing is, if I don't care about autographs, merchandise, or panels, then maybe I pick a less busy time for my next trip. What SWW specific stuff WOULD I be doing exactly?

Hi Brian! DH is a Star Wars nut, while I'm pretty much just there to let him enjoy (and because any excuse to disney is "go" for me!!) Anyway, we only do 1 DHS day during SWW. Since we only go for about 4 days during SWW, DH refuses of use it all at SWW...and again, he's a nut. It's the main reason we go in May, and 1 day us enough for him. All he really wants to do each time is see the parade, get exclusive merchandise, and the hoopla. He does like to meet characters in between. This has always been done within 1 day ah DHS. I hope this helps, coming from people that do the same things you are looking to do there

 

[AThrillingChase]

So, I am starting to second guess my trip for SWW now. I am a huge SW fan, but want to do other things there as well. I really do not care about exclusive merchandise nor do I care about celebrity autographs. I might be interested some of the panes depending on what they are, but not just one actor talking/taking questions. Also, I worry about how much time those would eat up.

So, while I am into the idea, I am pretty casual about what I want to see. The parades and shows sound cool, maybe a photo op or two, but other than that, I am wondering what I would really enjoy? Is it worth braving the May crowds? Is one DHS day enough? If anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it.

I went to opening day this year on a 9 day trip. In general, I did not feel that the parks were super crowded. HS was of course, but it was definitely worth it. There is a different atmosphere completely during SWW. The Hoopla and parade are a lot of fun and throughout the day they play SW music, troopers running around, themed drinks and food. At one point Darth came around a corner and stood right behind me. So its unique enough that I do recommend it! I also did not watch any of the panels or get any autographs. And I did find that I was able to ride a lot of rides as well. I will suggest stopping by the merchandise tent later in the evening when there is no line, even just to look.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

I went to opening day this year on a 9 day trip. In general, I did not feel that the parks were super crowded. HS was of course, but it was definitely worth it. There is a different atmosphere completely during SWW. The Hoopla and parade are a lot of fun and throughout the day they play SW music, troopers running around, themed drinks and food. At one point Darth came around a corner and stood right behind me. So its unique enough that I do recommend it! I also did not watch any of the panels or get any autographs. And I did find that I was able to ride a lot of rides as well. I will suggest stopping by the merchandise tent later in the evening when there is no line, even just to look.

Oh yeah the fun themed food it a hoot! (and the darkside/light side adult drinkie drinks were yummy too). I even made sure to get a R2D2 lunch/popcorn container last year! It was my snack box for while waiting for hoopla

Dreamsdocomtrue9112: I see by your tag you are staying at the BW too, but earlier in the SWW event than we are... Are you staying on the Inn side or the Villa side? Is this your first time there or have you stayed there before? and if you have stayed before I would love any tips about the resort you can give especially when dealing with SWW (this is our first time staying at the resort, we choose it cause it is so close to DHS).

 

[AThrillingChase]

Oh yeah the fun themed food it a hoot! (and the darkside/light side adult drinkie drinks were yummy too). I even made sure to get a R2D2 lunch/popcorn container last year! It was my snack box for while waiting for hoopla

I just remembered what may be the most important tip of all. The dark side and light side drinks do run out! I asked my mom to get the dark side for me while I rode TOT, so I would have it for the hoopla. The CM made us two drinks by using what tiny bit of the pre-made drink he had and mixing in other liquor. Our own personal hero So get your themed drinks early folks

 

[LovesPineappleFloats]

Thanks for posting all this info! We're headed down for Memorial Day for a long b'day weekend for my kids and we've never done SWW before so all these tips are great! I'm pretty excited about the prospect of a meet and greet with Lord Vader!

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Thanks for posting all this info! We're headed down for Memorial Day for a long b'day weekend for my kids and we've never done SWW before so all these tips are great! I'm pretty excited about the prospect of a meet and greet with Lord Vader!

Meeting Lord Vader was a real treat that day I only wore my Mara Jade T-Shirt instead of dressing up. And after we took the photo Lord Vader promptly stomped his foot and pointed fiercely for me to leave, seems he didn't like my Mara Jade Shirt

Here is the picture from our meeting

 

[BrianL]

You are all so encouraging! Thanks!

 

[The Sunrise Student]

I just remembered what may be the most important tip of all. The dark side and light side drinks do run out! I asked my mom to get the dark side for me while I rode TOT, so I would have it for the hoopla. The CM made us two drinks by using what tiny bit of the pre-made drink he had and mixing in other liquor. Our own personal hero So get your themed drinks early folks

WAIT they ran out oh nooooooo..... LOL

I got mine during the afternoon when it was hot, or while waiting in line in the merch tent for the artwork area.