Official Star Wars Weekends 2014 Tips and Tricks

[yulilin3]

I think in instances where the number of people going to meet the character, get autographs,etc. doesn't change, it shouldn't be/isn't an issue. If I'm standing in line and my DH and DS join me, it's still only one person (DS) going to meet the character, so no different if it were me or him. If I had another family come join me, and they wanted their own time with the character and their own picture, I could totally understand people being upset. But I can't understand why it would be an issue if someone holding a spot doesn't change anyone else's place in line, it's really not "cutting". Especially in some of the lines at SWW that are in the direct sun, I'd much prefer my DH wait with my two very pale sons (including a newborn) in a shaded area and join us when I'm getting close!

I agree with you. If I'm with kids I always tell them to wait in a shaded spot and join me when I'm close, not really cutting in line. Spliting up between 2 character lines is done often, especially during SWW when some lines are right next to each other (Chip and Dale Ewoks and Chewbacca- Clone Wars characters and Jedi Council- The Fetts and Darth Maul)

 

[d-r]

I agree with you. If I'm with kids I always tell them to wait in a shaded spot and join me when I'm close, not really cutting in line. Spliting up between 2 character lines is done often, especially during SWW when some lines are right next to each other (Chip and Dale Ewoks and Chewbacca- Clone Wars characters and Jedi Council- The Fetts and Darth Maul)

100% agree. No need to be uptight about it. I've seen people sneaking up and cutting and that bothers me, but people joinin their family that is what it is and no need to worry about it.

 

[lovethattink]

100% agree. No need to be uptight about it. I've seen people sneaking up and cutting and that bothers me, but people joinin their family that is what it is and no need to worry about it.

We had a ridiculous amount of people join their family while waiting for Darth Maul. In front of us were just a few groups. Then all of a sudden 12 kids joined the family directly in front of us. That was totally uncool! And we did get uptight, especially because the lady holding their spot jumped over my son's w/c to get in line in front of us. Both the jumping in line to get ahead and bringing in a large group later was very rude.

 

[denneg]

Oh, I totally agree, and would be upset! I was speaking for families like mine, where one of us will hold the spot while the other keeps the kids cool and comfortable. And we aren't all going to take our own pictures, just one set of poses! If my place in line drastically changed because of a huge number of people joining, I would be mad. My point was that in instances where your number in line doesn't change, I hope it's not considered cutting or rude!

 

[d-r]

For all of you SWW veterans, how early would you get on line to meet a celebrity like Ray Park? This is our first SWW, we are coming from Canada and my son is a HUGE Star Wars fan I just want to be really well organized, because this will probably our only time!

Thank you

2:00 or 3:00

 

[d-r]

We had a ridiculous amount of people join their family while waiting for Darth Maul. In front of us were just a few groups. Then all of a sudden 12 kids joined the family directly in front of us. That was totally uncool! And we did get uptight, especially because the lady holding their spot jumped over my son's w/c to get in line in front of us. Both the jumping in line to get ahead and bringing in a large group later was very rude.

I understand and I hate the everybkid take their own photo and sign there own book and then all the kids in family a take a picture and all the kids in family b etc. The worst is when that happens and you know that character is about to rotate out and your kids will miss.
But here's the thing. That family doesn't care they are having a great time. The only person hurt when you get frustrated is you. It took me a while to figure that out. If you think of it as cutting and get upset it is your day getting ruined. If you think of it like a virtual line and they were always there just not taking up space and shrug it off your day is more fun.

I hate the eager beavers who run people over who are too self centered to care about other people. It is rude. But your day will be happier if you shrug it off than if you fester on it. That's just me.

 

[lovethattink]

Oh, I totally agree, and would be upset! I was speaking for families like mine, where one of us will hold the spot while the other keeps the kids cool and comfortable. And we aren't all going to take our own pictures, just one set of poses! If my place in line drastically changed because of a huge number of people joining, I would be mad. My point was that in instances where your number in line doesn't change, I hope it's not considered cutting or rude!

Since accommodations for disabilities changed, we are going to have to do this too for ds. He has seizures when his body temp increases. His air conditioners last about 15 minutes outdoors because of the humidity.

2:00 or 3:00

I can't remember if it was Ray Park or Billy Dee Williams that dh got in line just after midnight for.

I understand and I hate the everybkid take their own photo and sign there own book and then all the kids in family a take a picture and all the kids in family b etc. The worst is when that happens and you know that character is about to rotate out and your kids will miss.
But here's the thing. That family doesn't care they are having a great time. The only person hurt when you get frustrated is you. It took me a while to figure that out. If you think of it as cutting and get upset it is your day getting ruined. If you think of it like a virtual line and they were always there just not taking up space and shrug it off your day is more fun.

I hate the eager beavers who run people over who are too self centered to care about other people. It is rude. But your day will be happier if you shrug it off than if you fester on it. That's just me.

We would only get in line if the line was short to minimize the time ds was in the heat. We didn't say anything to the people who cut. But I did get out of line and showed the cm ds's GAC card. That cm told us with his stamp he didn't have to wait in line for any characters.

Now that things have changed with accomodations, I think we will have to totally skip characters on the days it's just ds and I, and the days it's all 3 of us, then one will hold his place in line and the other bring him by at the last minute.

The roaming characters were the easiest for him to interact with last year. He loved the jawa trading!

 

[d-r]

Since accommodations for disabilities changed, we are going to have to do this too for ds. He has seizures when his body temp increases. His air conditioners last about 15 minutes outdoors because of the humidity.



I can't remember if it was Ray Park or Billy Dee Williams that dh got in line just after midnight for.



We would only get in line if the line was short to minimize the time ds was in the heat. We didn't say anything to the people who cut. But I did get out of line and showed the cm ds's GAC card. That cm told us with his stamp he didn't have to wait in line for any characters.

Now that things have changed with accomodations, I think we will have to totally skip characters on the days it's just ds and I, and the days it's all 3 of us, then one will hold his place in line and the other bring him by at the last minute.

The roaming characters were the easiest for him to interact with last year. He loved the jawa trading!

Well if you see us in line we'll hold a spot for you

 

[yulilin3]

If they move the merchandise to the bldg between TSM and Backlot Tour they could use the tent behind RnRC for character meet and greets...they used to use the bldg as meet and greets when it was raining and it was so nice in there, we met Queen Amidala, Darth Maul and Luke/Leia one time inside the merchandise bldg.
I can't imagine it's good for business people leaving or fainting because of the heat, and the only cool backdrop outside is Chewie with the speeder other than that it's just plastic backgrounds so they could do those inside.

 

[denneg]

If they move the merchandise to the bldg between TSM and Backlot Tour they could use the tent behind RnRC for character meet and greets...they used to use the bldg as meet and greets when it was raining and it was so nice in there, we met Queen Amidala, Darth Maul and Luke/Leia one time inside the merchandise bldg.
I can't imagine it's good for business people leaving or fainting because of the heat, and the only cool backdrop outside is Chewie with the speeder other than that it's just plastic backgrounds so they could do those inside.

Even just throwing some pop-up tents over the lines that are in direct sunlight would help, if they want to keep the characters spread out throughout the park. Mickey and Minnie and Darth Maul come to mind as the lines we were the hottest in and were in the longest, but honestly, all of them were brutally hot. DS had heat stroke by the time we left, and he was shaded in a stroller most of the time, which is why this time DH and I will take turns standing in line. If they moved them inside air conditioned tents, I'd be thrilled!

I keep forgetting to ask - when DS and I went last year, Chewie was second on our list to get after Mickey and Minnie, but when we went over, we found out he wasn't even there yet. We went over and did Chip & Dale, checked again, and still no Chewie. After meeting Darth Vader, we went back again, and not only wasn't Chewie there, but they weren't letting anyone else get in line. So with that experience in mind, do I risk getting into Chewie's line this year? We will have multiple days (there over weekends 1 and 2), so we could be in his line first thing, but I'm worried that he won't show up again. Anyone else have this experience, or was it a one day fluke?

 

[yulilin3]

Even just throwing some pop-up tents over the lines that are in direct sunlight would help, if they want to keep the characters spread out throughout the park. Mickey and Minnie and Darth Maul come to mind as the lines we were the hottest in and were in the longest, but honestly, all of them were brutally hot. DS had heat stroke by the time we left, and he was shaded in a stroller most of the time, which is why this time DH and I will take turns standing in line. If they moved them inside air conditioned tents, I'd be thrilled!

I keep forgetting to ask - when DS and I went last year, Chewie was second on our list to get after Mickey and Minnie, but when we went over, we found out he wasn't even there yet. We went over and did Chip & Dale, checked again, and still no Chewie. After meeting Darth Vader, we went back again, and not only wasn't Chewie there, but they weren't letting anyone else get in line. So with that experience in mind, do I risk getting into Chewie's line this year? We will have multiple days (there over weekends 1 and 2), so we could be in his line first thing, but I'm worried that he won't show up again. Anyone else have this experience, or was it a one day fluke?

Was this the first Friday? I remember happening because I was at the Chip and Dale line, what happened was that Chewie's "friend" was late or sick, something to that effect. I remember they h=gave fps to people that were there from park opening.
I think this was a one time thing.

 

[denneg]

Was this the first Friday? I remember happening because I was at the Chip and Dale line, what happened was that Chewie's "friend" was late or sick, something to that effect. I remember they h=gave fps to people that were there from park opening.
I think this was a one time thing.

I believe it was. We went back later in the weekend but didn't try any characters due to the heat and crowds. DS was upset to skip Chewie, so I know he will want to try this year!

 

[lovethattink]

Well if you see us in line we'll hold a spot for you

That's very sweet!

There are only a couple days where I'll be solo with ds. I figure we'll spend a lot of time at One Man's Dream cooling off. We did a scavenger hunt in there last year to keep him occupied and cool. I have lunch ADRs made each of those days, because I can't imagine pushing him, holding a tray and finding a table. I'm waiting for the SWW 1st weekend schedule to leak before I make attraction FP+, will time them so we can use them as an air conditioned break.

If they move the merchandise to the bldg between TSM and Backlot Tour they could use the tent behind RnRC for character meet and greets...they used to use the bldg as meet and greets when it was raining and it was so nice in there, we met Queen Amidala, Darth Maul and Luke/Leia one time inside the merchandise bldg.
I can't imagine it's good for business people leaving or fainting because of the heat, and the only cool backdrop outside is Chewie with the speeder other than that it's just plastic backgrounds so they could do those inside.

Now that would be the best idea!!

We were overjoyed when character greets started getting air conditioned places in the park!! Here's hoping!!

Last night we were at DHS, I took a picture of the building where it might be. It's larger than DH and I remembered.

 

[yulilin3]

That's very sweet!

There are only a couple days where I'll be solo with ds. I figure we'll spend a lot of time at One Man's Dream cooling off. We did a scavenger hunt in there last year to keep him occupied and cool. I have lunch ADRs made each of those days, because I can't imagine pushing him, holding a tray and finding a table. I'm waiting for the SWW 1st weekend schedule to leak before I make attraction FP+, will time them so we can use them as an air conditioned break.



Now that would be the best idea!!

We were overjoyed when character greets started getting air conditioned places in the park!! Here's hoping!!

Last night we were at DHS, I took a picture of the building where it might be. It's larger than DH and I remembered.

Here's a picture I found from studios central:
http://sww.studioscentral.com/pics/2008/photos/two/IMG_1846.jpg

trying to find videos from the inside, this was 2008 I think it was the last year they did the merchandise there.
Remember this building has a small room before going into the big room...I just remember kids running around and people just sleeping on the floor. It was a great area to just relax while taking in some A/C

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I keep forgetting to ask - when DS and I went last year, Chewie was second on our list to get after Mickey and Minnie, but when we went over, we found out he wasn't even there yet. We went over and did Chip & Dale, checked again, and still no Chewie. After meeting Darth Vader, we went back again, and not only wasn't Chewie there, but they weren't letting anyone else get in line. So with that experience in mind, do I risk getting into Chewie's line this year? We will have multiple days (there over weekends 1 and 2), so we could be in his line first thing, but I'm worried that he won't show up again. Anyone else have this experience, or was it a one day fluke?

So sorry that happened to you, but I think it was a fluke. We were there the last SWW of 2013 on Friday, got in line for Chewie first thing, and he even came out early (I think he was out at 9:15, and KTP was reporting he came out at 9:30). I was standing in line for my party (flame suit on!) while the kids road Star Tours once because we thought I'd be waiting for 45 minutes+. I texted my friend and told her to HURRY UP because Chewie had just come out. They were just getting into their ride vehicle, but still got to the line before our group made it to the front.

FWIW, we only took pictures in two configurations...the kids with Chewie, and then the moms + kids, so hopefully nobody was too upset about me holding the spot for 4 people. In my experience, that was pretty common during SWW and most people had no issues with it, but it also seemed like most people were pretty respectful and didn't take millions of years with the characters taking pictures in every conceivable pose. We also held spots for other guests who needed to jump out of line for whatever reason (bathroom breaks, get drinks, grab a snack, use a FP, etc.). I think it also helps that most character lines are pretty open so it's easy to jump in and out of them.

I agree that setting up some tents to shade the lines would be great, and if they were able to set up fans, even better. I did take an umbrella and we used that to shade ourselves, but I can remember how sublime it felt to walk into Darth's Mall and have those big, huge AC units just pumping out cold air. Ahhhhhhhhh...

 

[Reizo]

DW and I actually went to HS two days ago and I will say that while we were having a good time, I did make note of how warm and inviting the weather is beginning to be as Florida is transitioning from it's "winter" and all I can say is....

It's gonna be a hot summer! So I agree that tents would be great for the character lines in the sun

 

[lovethattink]

Here's a picture I found from studios central:
http://sww.studioscentral.com/pics/2008/photos/two/IMG_1846.jpg

trying to find videos from the inside, this was 2008 I think it was the last year they did the merchandise there.
Remember this building has a small room before going into the big room...I just remember kids running around and people just sleeping on the floor. It was a great area to just relax while taking in some A/C

I looked through my 2008 pictures. Only one taken inside came out lousy and it was ds against a backdrop. I don't remember anything else about the inside of the building.

I keep forgetting to ask - when DS and I went last year, Chewie was second on our list to get after Mickey and Minnie, but when we went over, we found out he wasn't even there yet. We went over and did Chip & Dale, checked again, and still no Chewie. After meeting Darth Vader, we went back again, and not only wasn't Chewie there, but they weren't letting anyone else get in line. So with that experience in mind, do I risk getting into Chewie's line this year? We will have multiple days (there over weekends 1 and 2), so we could be in his line first thing, but I'm worried that he won't show up again. Anyone else have this experience, or was it a one day fluke?

Sounds like just a fluke. Sorry that happened. Hope he gets to meet Chewie this year!

FWIW, we only took pictures in two configurations...the kids with Chewie, and then the moms + kids, so hopefully nobody was too upset about me holding the spot for 4 people. In my experience, that was pretty common during SWW and most people had no issues with it, but it also seemed like most people were pretty respectful and didn't take millions of years with the characters taking pictures in every conceivable pose. We also held spots for other guests who needed to jump out of line for whatever reason (bathroom breaks, get drinks, grab a snack, use a FP, etc.). I think it also helps that most character lines are pretty open so it's easy to jump in and out of them.

It's common to save a place in line. The example I gave above is very uncommon. And we've found most guests to be very friendly. In fact, we see many of the same faces year to year at SWW and Celebration.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Call me crazy or an overthinker, but does anyone else have a problem with Donald being Han Solo and Minnie being Leia in the "Escape from the Death Star" figurine set? I mean I guess it's an alternate universe thing, so of course Mickey and Minnie being brother and sister would make more sense? IDK, I was just looking at it and it struck me as odd. Also, I haven't slept yet so my brain is also completely gone at the moment. Sooooooo yeah.

oh thank goodness! A like minded SW fan lol. I thought the same thing but I did not have the excuse of lack of sleep lol. But then I thought hey I don't worry that a mouse can talk and is the same height as a duck lol...Pluto inside R2 D2 then large enough to have an AT AT on his back in another figurine...I need to let my mind go free lol.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

I just found out that the Mara Jade costume I am working so hard on is not being allowed to march in this years Star Wars Weekend Motorcade. It seems certain types of the EU (extended Universe) characters are not being allowed in the Motorcade and Mara is one of them...

I still am moving forward with using Mara Jade as my admission into the 501st to join the Sith Lord ranks but it breaks the heart not to be able to show it off in the parade this year...

 

[lovethattink]

Yes, I had heard Disney was trying to cut down on the expanded universe characters in the parade. And trying to keep others like jawas true to size.