Official Star Wars Weekends 2014 Tips and Tricks

[DizneeMommy]

I'm in the same boat with the F! package for the character meal. I wish it was more like the World of Color meal at Disneyland, you get your choice of show after dining (unless they run out of passes for the earlier show). I would rather have a decent spot for the fireworks, so I'll be doing the 10:30 show.

Like RAPstar said, I think it's better to do the 2nd F! and here's my reasoning:
The first F! willget out at 9:30pm the fireworks start at 9:45pm...they will empty the theater onto Sunset Blvd and, maybe, directly onto the entrance of the park (there's a backstage gate that opens from Sunset Blvd to the area next to the restrooms by the stroller rental on Crossroads) so you will be stuck on Sunset or you will have to basically cram yourself in the small area around crossroads (right next to the entrance of the park) it will probably not be ideal for watching the fireworks you'll have buildings and trees blocking you.
If you watch the fireworks first from Hollywood Blvd and as close to Sunset Blvd as possible the fireworks will end shortly before 10pm then you can walk to F!...most people will probably leave after the fireworks and the show 2nd show starts loading around 10pm anyways

Agree with you both. . .I'm thinking we'll do the 10:30 show as well. Can't wait!

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Our previous membership expired before SWW 2013. We decided not to renew it, then ended up eating at TS most of the days at SWW. So in August we decided to renew. Our current membership is good til then. I doubt we are going to get another membership when this one runs out. Being an AP saves $25 off TiW price. $125 for Florida Residents and $100 for Annual / Seasonal Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members

I think when we first started with TiW it was $50 and we got 2 cards. Now they charge $50 for the 2nd card, so we skip that!

Ok, yeah that is just flipin crazy compared to when I got mine 5 years ago.

 

[ConnieB]

As it has been mentioned, HerUniverse is one place to go but I also have bought items at http://www.superherostuff.com/characters/star-wars-t-shirts/star-wars-merchandise.html One of my fav places to shop online.

Just a word of caution about HerUniverse shirts......they have lowered the quality of them over the last year and half or so.....they are very thin material and do not last long. Considering the high price this is very disappointing. Do some research online for others who are complaining about the lower quality.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Did I mention I hate the new fast pass system. Nothing like toiling over times when we can't even figure out what times we will be getting celebrities to sign autographs or when the shows are!

Basically my boyfriend and I just picked what times MIGHT work and hoped we could alter things on the fly.... can you alter your FP+ times via the app on the smart phones?

 

[Reizo]

Did I mention I hate the new fast pass system. Nothing like toiling over times when we can't even figure out what times we will be getting celebrities to sign autographs or when the shows are!

Basically my boyfriend and I just picked what times MIGHT work and hoped we could alter things on the fly.... can you alter your FP+ times via the app on the smart phones?

Yes you can which is going to be a more than likely thing to do for some when they arrive as it's really hard to predict with so much going on when exactly you'll be using your FP.

In the past, I've found that it wasn't too hard to change the times via the app but you get that weird error pop up that states it couldn't fulfill the request and then yet you look at the FP itinerary again and your change has been fulfilled.

Here's hoping everything works out for all of us.

 

[2excited2sleep]

Just a word of caution about HerUniverse shirts......they have lowered the quality of them over the last year and half or so.....they are very thin material and do not last long. Considering the high price this is very disappointing. Do some research online for others who are complaining about the lower quality.

Thanks for letting me know. We found a shirt on this site that we liked..

 

[yulilin3]

Did I mention I hate the new fast pass system. Nothing like toiling over times when we can't even figure out what times we will be getting celebrities to sign autographs or when the shows are!

Basically my boyfriend and I just picked what times MIGHT work and hoped we could alter things on the fly.... can you alter your FP+ times via the app on the smart phones?

Use the times from last year for the shows and parade. And remember with a fast pass you only spend about 30 minutes for the celebrity and fp+ gives you an hour to return. I know it's an adjustment and I'm not saying it's perfect at all but after you get used to it the new system works fine (unless you want to ride the same attractions with no waits) And yes, you can change them the same day. Actually my husband was telling me how at TSMM (he works there and backlot tour) in the evenings fp+ opens up because some people just leave and don't ride it. So always check the day of and you might find better times.
I have booked fp+ for same day and found all the times that I wanted, it's just a matter of getting used to the new system. Again, I'm not saying that it's perfect.
One of my best experiences with it was a day we went to the Flower and Garden Festival. The day before I booked fp+ for Soarin, Mission Space and Spaceship Earth, all after 3pm. We got to the park around 11am (if you would've done that under the old system the fp for Soarin might have already been gone) walked to World Showcase and enjoyed the festival, with no hurry taking our time and then rode the 3 attractions at the front of the park and left
Before fp+ you would have had to be there early, grab the fp for Soarin maybe with a return time around noon so you would have to wait at Future World or just walk back and forth...But I agree with you that the tiering is the worst part of the system

 

[norjack]

We are going to be arriving at WDW after the 22nd of June. Since the last Star Wars Weekend was the previous weekend, I have a question to those that frequent the parks many weekends: Will any SWW merchandise, either shirts or pins, still be available? I know it is impossible to say for sure, but in the past....Have they lingered around for a couple weeks? Or are they gone as soon as the weekend is finished? Thanks...

 

[yulilin3]

We are going to be arriving at WDW after the 22nd of June. Since the last Star Wars Weekend was the previous weekend, I have a question to those that frequent the parks many weekends: Will any SWW merchandise, either shirts or pins, still be available? I know it is impossible to say for sure, but in the past....Have they lingered around for a couple weeks? Or are they gone as soon as the weekend is finished? Thanks...

If not sold out you can find some of the big figures and other art pieces at Art of Disney store at DHS (Animation bldg) the general toys and SW t-shirts are always available at Tattoinee Traders but anything with the SWW logo on the will be gone. You might find it, months later at the Disney outlets stores...but always check, they can change things this year

 

[vital]

Where will be the fireworks be? I don't necessarily have to be in "the perfect place", but would rather be in the least crowded. We'll be arriving May 23rd and heading to HS first to ride RNR per tradition (was able to grab a great time thanks to FP+) then head to MK for the 24hr event. I figured we'd stay for the fireworks that night since we'll be up late and won't have to worry about them the rest of the time we're there.

We can't wait!!!

 

[yulilin3]

Where will be the fireworks be? I don't necessarily have to be in "the perfect place", but would rather be in the least crowded. We'll be arriving May 23rd and heading to HS first to ride RNR per tradition (was able to grab a great time thanks to FP+) then head to MK for the 24hr event. I figured we'd stay for the fireworks that night since we'll be up late and won't have to worry about them the rest of the time we're there.

We can't wait!!!

they are launched from behind the Hat. Anywhere on Hollywood Blvd would be the centered spot but you can see them from around Echo Lake all the way down to Star Tours also from the Animation Courtyard not sure if you are on Streets of America you could see them

 

[RedM94]

Did I mention I hate the new fast pass system. Nothing like toiling over times when we can't even figure out what times we will be getting celebrities to sign autographs or when the shows are! Basically my boyfriend and I just picked what times MIGHT work and hoped we could alter things on the fly.... can you alter your FP+ times via the app on the smart phones?

My son and I made our FP+ reservations this morning. Like Yulilin mentioned, no system is perfect. We used the magic bands in September and loved FP+. We were never legacy FP users. For one, September is a slow month, and for another, we hated all the backtracking in going to get them and then going back at our scheduled time. FP+ was perfect for us.

Although I must admit, now that it is tiered it is a little more challenging. I liked being able to book any three attractions during the Beta test.

 

[hemmie]

I just canceled a 5:10pm Fantasmic Dinner Package at Mama Melrose for Friday, May 23. FYI.

 

[southernfriedmom]

I'm noticing pictures of Jedi Mickey with a droid w/ Mickey ears. We had to miss SWW last year but I don't remember it the year before. Am I forgetting it or was it new last year? I am super excited about our H&V reservations so we don't have to wait in the line all day trying to get all the Disney SW characters again but wonder if the droid that I think we missed will be there- any thoughts?

 

[CinderElsa]

I'm noticing pictures of Jedi Mickey with a droid w/ Mickey ears. We had to miss SWW last year but I don't remember it the year before. Am I forgetting it or was it new last year? I am super excited about our H&V reservations so we don't have to wait in the line all day trying to get all the Disney SW characters again but wonder if the droid that I think we missed will be there- any thoughts?

That's R2-MK. I don't think he'll be appearing at either of the character meals.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Yes you can which is going to be a more than likely thing to do for some when they arrive as it's really hard to predict with so much going on when exactly you'll be using your FP.

In the past, I've found that it wasn't too hard to change the times via the app but you get that weird error pop up that states it couldn't fulfill the request and then yet you look at the FP itinerary again and your change has been fulfilled.

Here's hoping everything works out for all of us.

Thanks for the tip and the warning about the app error!

I have just been grumbling about this new system, so much that I am sounding like a broken record... I am also really mad about the tiering crap on top of the FP limitations!!! The whole thing is just a bunch of crap, for those of us that actually knew how to use that old FP system we got in alot of fun in one day and were able to do other things around the parks as well.... Cause seriously, if I am stuck waiting in line, I am not spending my dimes... something Disney marketing should really think about!

Getting off my soap box and will stop grumbling about the FP system.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Use the times from last year for the shows and parade. And remember with a fast pass you only spend about 30 minutes for the celebrity and fp+ gives you an hour to return. I know it's an adjustment and I'm not saying it's perfect at all but after you get used to it the new system works fine (unless you want to ride the same attractions with no waits) And yes, you can change them the same day. Actually my husband was telling me how at TSMM (he works there and backlot tour) in the evenings fp+ opens up because some people just leave and don't ride it. So always check the day of and you might find better times.
I have booked fp+ for same day and found all the times that I wanted, it's just a matter of getting used to the new system. Again, I'm not saying that it's perfect.
One of my best experiences with it was a day we went to the Flower and Garden Festival. The day before I booked fp+ for Soarin, Mission Space and Spaceship Earth, all after 3pm. We got to the park around 11am (if you would've done that under the old system the fp for Soarin might have already been gone) walked to World Showcase and enjoyed the festival, with no hurry taking our time and then rode the 3 attractions at the front of the park and left
Before fp+ you would have had to be there early, grab the fp for Soarin maybe with a return time around noon so you would have to wait at Future World or just walk back and forth...But I agree with you that the tiering is the worst part of the system

You are right, with the old system if you hit the park at 11 am there is no way you would have gotten a FP for TSMM nor Soarin' So for those that like to stroll into the parks late it works out.

Me, I'll still be at the parks as early as I can, trying to beat those sleepyheads in and get in a few rides without FP while I can.

 

[figmentvinny]

I still think Disney is going to have a few more surprises in store for this years weekends. The character meals were a great addition, but I think they have something else that will please us all. Waiting to find out what that might be is the hard part. Hope I am correct...just call it Jedi Intuition.

 

[JennyMP03]

Do you all imagine the parade will be a madhouse crowd when Mark Hamill is in it? I keep debating over whether to ignore the fact that Mark will be there and go on with my trip, DESPITE MY ETERNAL LOVE FOR HIM, or to make an effort to at least see him in the parade. Would it be easier to see him in the show, or will that be just as difficult to access? I fear the crowds that are going to result that weekend because of his presence...

My cousin will have no patience for any of this, either way. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

 

[yulilin3]

Do you all imagine the parade will be a madhouse crowd when Mark Hamill is in it? I keep debating over whether to ignore the fact that Mark will be there and go on with my trip, DESPITE MY ETERNAL LOVE FOR HIM, or to make an effort to at least see him in the parade. Would it be easier to see him in the show, or will that be just as difficult to access? I fear the crowds that are going to result that weekend because of his presence...

My cousin will have no patience for any of this, either way. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

It's going to be insane to get spots for either...my plan is, basically, get there around 7:00 on Sat. park opens start making the line for the show or at least stay near the area of the Premiere Theater and jump into the line as soon as one starts forming
On Sunday arrive at 7am, park opens and grab a spot for the parade.
It'll be very, very crowded and it's a matter of choice. The crowds will be centered around the parade route and Premiere Theater so the rest of the park should be normal