Official Star Wars Weekends 2014 Tips and Tricks

[yulilin3]

That's Awesome!

I have two Mara Jade shirts as well and I will be wearing both, you can be sure of that!



I unfortunately will not risk wearing the costume in the park but once it is finished I will make sure I will post it here. Unlike the makeshift Mara Jade I wore last year, the movie quality version I am making now is a BIT pricey to chance ruining it walking around the park, let along on rides and what not.

I understand...make sure to post a pic of it then

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Forgive my ignorance but where is the event stage? Is that near the hat? Tia.

 

[Reizo]

Forgive my ignorance but where is the event stage? Is that near the hat? Tia.

Yes, the stage by the hat.

 

[Reizo]

That's Awesome!

I have two Mara Jade shirts as well and I will be wearing both, you can be sure of that!



I unfortunately will not risk wearing the costume in the park but once it is finished I will make sure I will post it here. Unlike the makeshift Mara Jade I wore last year, the movie quality version I am making now is a BIT pricey to chance ruining it walking around the park, let along on rides and what not.

Do post a pic! Can't wait to see it. Movie quality has peaked my interest even more.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

It's nice to see that some of the under-utilized buildings at DHS may get some use--for at least 5 weekends a year! Though I kinda liked that the tent was way down by RNR...it spread things out a bit. Without the tent, there won't be any SWW events down at the end of the park, which seems like an odd choice to me. Why compact all the crowds into such a small area?

Unless they're still going to do a tent, but just put the actors in there? I guess that would relieve congestion around Echo Lake.

I don't know why I'm so interested in this...we ruled out a SWW trip this year. **sad trombone**

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Yes, the stage by the hat.

thanks!

 

[The Sunrise Student]

I understand...make sure to post a pic of it then

I will, I promise!

Do post a pic! Can't wait to see it. Movie quality has peaked my interest even more.

All members of the 501st (and the Rebel Legion associated with the 501st) have to be dressed in Movie Quality costumes to be admitted as members... it's a VERY expensive hobby!

So when you see those folks march, remember Disney doesn't pay them a dime, doesn't buy their tickets for entry (nor their hotel accommodations)... they take that cost upon to themselves... (and you should see if they travel from out of state what they have to do to get their costumes there!)

It is purely a labor of love, and one I am happy to pay/do

 

[lovethattink]

We are very appreciative if the 501st. There is so much depth to the organization that we don't always see especially the philanthropies.

 

[Sundancer UK]

That's it, Kenny's plan was from last years event and he has a priority list for characters. It used to be:
Disney SW characters
Chewbacca
Darth Vader
Darth Maul
and then the others...now that the Disney characters will be inside A/C it might be smart to start with Chewie, then Darth Vader, Darth Maul and then the characters inside
Are you looking for a specific character?? let us know

Thank you - for this reply and your devotion to this thread! I have been watching closely

Not a particular character, but I think my children will rather the SW people than the Mickey gang dressed up as they will be seeing them elsewhere and outfits don't mean much to my kids!
My son has expressed wanting to meet Darth Vader, but that's probably because he doesn't know how many more there are! Last time we saw Luke, Leia, Boba and some Jawas.

We will be there for two weekends (and will do one day of each), but unfortunately the first two - I know if we missed the first one we would stand a better chance of finding tips online for the next weekend!

 

[baleeve]

Hi Everyone,

I just booked a visit over Memorial Day weekend. It will be our first time at SWW.

We aren't looking to do autographs with celebs, just photo ops with Disney characters in costume, Darth Maul, Darth Vader and Chewy. Lastly, to see the motorcade. And of course RRC, TOT and TSM.

Any advice for a newbie? We plan on going Saturday unless Sunday is better. Friday is already booked for a banquet or we'd go that day.

Thanks in advance.
Mom traveling with 2 boys. (DS9 and DS11)

 

[Reizo]

I will, I promise!



All members of the 501st (and the Rebel Legion associated with the 501st) have to be dressed in Movie Quality costumes to be admitted as members... it's a VERY expensive hobby!

So when you see those folks march, remember Disney doesn't pay them a dime, doesn't buy their tickets for entry (nor their hotel accommodations)... they take that cost upon to themselves... (and you should see if they travel from out of state what they have to do to get their costumes there!)

It is purely a labor of love, and one I am happy to pay/do

Oh i know about the 501st qualifications. A cast member asked me last year if I would consider thinking of joining the 501st and I told her that my costume IMO isn't anywhere near what I would like it to be to even consider joining.

I've always admired the groups such as the 501st and Rebel Legion because they're just fans doing it for the love of SW and many help out in fundraisers and events just because.

 

[yulilin3]

Thank you - for this reply and your devotion to this thread! I have been watching closely

Not a particular character, but I think my children will rather the SW people than the Mickey gang dressed up as they will be seeing them elsewhere and outfits don't mean much to my kids!
My son has expressed wanting to meet Darth Vader, but that's probably because he doesn't know how many more there are! Last time we saw Luke, Leia, Boba and some Jawas.

We will be there for two weekends (and will do one day of each), but unfortunately the first two - I know if we missed the first one we would stand a better chance of finding tips online for the next weekend!

That's a good plan,weekend one tends to be the least prepared (Cast member-wise) Remember those roaming characters, they are the easiest to get to.

Hi Everyone,

I just booked a visit over Memorial Day weekend. It will be our first time at SWW.

We aren't looking to do autographs with celebs, just photo ops with Disney characters in costume, Darth Maul, Darth Vader and Chewy. Lastly, to see the motorcade. And of course RRC, TOT and TSM.

Any advice for a newbie? We plan on going Saturday unless Sunday is better. Friday is already booked for a banquet or we'd go that day.

Thanks in advance.
Mom traveling with 2 boys. (DS9 and DS11)

Saturday before memorial day should be good just because they are doing the 24 hour event at MK Friday to Saturday and I expect a lot of people will be there and not want to be at DHS Saturday morning, then again, I could be wrong on that.
My biggest tip is to be there when the park opens, not sure if you'll be able to book fp+ in advance but I would book TSM and RnRC and then ride ToT on standby (is that how the ties go? I haven't been paying attention) As soon as the park opens head for Chewies line by Star Tours, then do Darth Vader, Darth Maul and grab a spot for the parade.
I would suggest getting your fp+ for the afternoon hours
Any other question let us know

 

[Reizo]

My biggest tip is to be there when the park opens, not sure if you'll be able to book fp+ in advance but I would book TSM and RnRC and then ride ToT on standby (is that how the ties go? I haven't been paying attention) As soon as the park opens head for Chewies line by Star Tours, then do Darth Vader, Darth Maul and grab a spot for the parade.
I would suggest getting your fp+ for the afternoon hours
Any other question let us know

Tier 1 Fastpass + only right now lets you choose RnRC, TSM, and Fantasmic. So you can only choose one of those 3.

Tier 2 includes ToT and Star Tours.

So that's the pickle I'm in deciding which Tier 1 ride to choose for our group since it's a mixed group of different ages. But I agree that selecting FP+ for the afternoon is going to best since the morning is all about the characters and parade.

 

[RAPstar]

Hi again. Now that my FP+ window opened, I just wanted to see if my now updated plan was any good, lol.

Get to park around 6:30
Chewbacca
Chip n Dale
Star Tours FP 10:05-11:05
Brown Derby noon
a big chunk of space here, try to meet the Darth's and shop probably round 3
RnRC 4:10-5:10
ToT 5:15-6:15
Sci-Fi 7:15
open space here until fireworks (9:45, so probably find a space an hour before?)
maybe F! at 10:30

Sci-Fi is my only worry as I just lucked out finding an ADR. Slightly worried it could take longer than planned. Keep it or change it to 50's or MM?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/opinions!

 

[yulilin3]

Hi again. Now that my FP+ window opened, I just wanted to see if my now updated plan was any good, lol.

Get to park around 6:30
Chewbacca
Chip n Dale
Star Tours FP 10:05-11:05
Brown Derby noon
a big chunk of space here, try to meet the Darth's and shop probably round 3
RnRC 4:10-5:10
ToT 5:15-6:15
Sci-Fi 7:15
open space here until fireworks (9:45, so probably find a space an hour before?)
maybe F! at 10:30

Sci-Fi is my only worry as I just lucked out finding an ADR. Slightly worried it could take longer than planned. Keep it or change it to 50's or MM?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/opinions!

Sounds good...Sci Fi is cutting it close but if you don't need to see the fireworks centered with the hat you're fine... second Fantasmic! is always easier to get to

 

[nancipants]

I wonder where they'll move Luke, Leia, and the droids. Luke is the only character I have to get every year.

 

[RAPstar]

Sounds good...Sci Fi is cutting it close but if you don't need to see the fireworks centered with the hat you're fine... second Fantasmic! is always easier to get to

Looking at the map for DHS, I agree about Sci-Fi. I went back to my original plan: 50's at 11:15 (right after Star Tours FP), and Brown Derby at 7:10, which is basically the same time as Sci-Fi, but I'll be right there to get a decent enough spot for the fireworks. Thanks!!

 

[Koh1977]

If we don't need to see the fireworks with the hat in the center, where else are some good spots? (I think I saw someone suggest Echo Lake?) And when should we stake out a spot then?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[yulilin3]

If we don't need to see the fireworks with the hat in the center, where else are some good spots? (I think I saw someone suggest Echo Lake?) And when should we stake out a spot then?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Most of the times DHS has had fireworks I've watched from Echo Lake by 50s Prime Time, it a great unobstructed view.
Another place is Echo Lake by Indiana Jones.
I'm sure that you could see (not sure about the music) the fireworks from Streets of America but I haven't done that before so on the first weekend I'll watch from there and report back.
My husband has had to work keeping everyone clear of Pixar lane from Studio Catering Co. down to the entrance of backlot tour and he sees the fireworks right above his head so I'm thinking Streets of America would be good

 

[baleeve]

In order to take advantage of both SWW and the 24 hour event...we were going to go to HS on Sunday which looks to be a very high attendance day.

Hopefully we will survive

Planning on MK on Friday with mid day break and stay till about 2 or 3 am

Then do HS on Sunday.

Thoughts?