Official Star Wars Weekends 2014 Tips and Tricks

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Cool re VIP package sadly a little out of my price range but enjoy all who book. Maybe I am wanting to much but continental breakfast? I might want a little more than that for $499!

 

[budafam]

Where does this Stars of the Saga show take place? How far ahead do you suggest lining up for it (assuming it's open to everyone else that doesn't purchase this VIP package).

 

[ratlenhum]

The VIP package is tempting. I hates the idea when I thought it was an all day your, but I like the fact that you get most of the afternoon/evening you yourself. We really can't afford the $1500 for the three of us, but this is a bucket list trip for my husband (NYPD 9-11 first responder just diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that has spread to bones/brain/liver). He has always wanted to do Star Wars Weekends so this year we are doing it.
I would have to change our flight and come in a day early and add a night to the hotel too since our Saturday is booked solid and Sunday we leave mid afternoon.
My husband will be thrilled just to be there with his son. But do I make all over the top and make it the best SWW ever for him? We are doing both the character breakfast and dinner, and doing D-Tech for both my husband and son. I wonder how fast dates will sell out? I can't decide what to do!

 

[denneg]

What sort of tech do you guys bring? I'm getting the MM package but I'll likely have my DSLR & iPhone too. I'm thinking I may want to video some and my iPhone battery has been wimping out on me. Could be the 3k+pix I have on it. :/ So funny. Why? I can't sync my phone b/c my HD on my computer is too full!!! Anyway, I'm thinking about buying one of those portable chargers for the trip. Just not sure what mAh to spring for. Sorry to be semi off topic. But I just want to have the right tools to capture the moments

Thanks again for all the support!!!!

I have a PoweGen, got it for a good price on Amazon. It holds 4 full charges, it's small and light. It has 2 USB plugs, so I can charge a phone and a camera battery or an iPod for my son at the same time.

 

[yulilin3]

Where does this Stars of the Saga show take place? How far ahead do you suggest lining up for it (assuming it's open to everyone else that doesn't purchase this VIP package).

Premiere Theater next to Mama Melrose. you should start lining up an hour before the show, unless it's Mark Hamill weekend

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Called again, got some more information:
VIP package:
you start early in the morning and go to Darth Mall before it opens to everyone (around 7:15am)
Continental breakfast at Brown Derby
Ride TSM, ToT, RnR you pick 2 of the three
VIP for motorcade (he said it was al 11am)
Lunch Mama Melrose
Shows at Premiere Theater
Star Wars Voices at 1:45pm
Stars of the Saga Pre show at 3:15pm show at 3:30pm
In between the 2 shows you ride ST
You're on your own until you check in for the fireworks

I asked about Ray Park and his show and he started telling me the celebs that were confirmed:
Ray Park, Billy Dee Williams, Jeremy Bullock and Warwick Davis....he quickly said that they could change. But he was sure that Ray Park would be doing his show again but didn't know which weekend he was coming

So we got some information

This would actually be a really great timesaver, because each of those things you get VIP access to (the shows, parade, and fireworks) people will likely be scoping spots hours in advance. It really sucks for the character meets, though, because you're using that prime morning time to ride rides instead, which is a little odd. I'd like to see an option added to do at least one high-priority character M&G first thing in the morning...like a pic with all the classic characters together, or a pic with the Fab 4 in their Star Wars gear before their official meets start for the day (maybe at Darth's Mall after you're doing your shopping). If that were an option, I'd probably sign up for it because that would be a huge time saver for us.

I also wonder if they'd let you do an early signup for JTA. It might be worth $500 alone to not have to deal with the stampede.

 

[yulilin3]

This would actually be a really great timesaver, because each of those things you get VIP access to (the shows, parade, and fireworks) people will likely be scoping spots hours in advance. It really sucks for the character meets, though, because you're using that prime morning time to ride rides instead, which is a little odd. I'd like to see an option added to do at least one high-priority character M&G first thing in the morning...like a pic with all the classic characters together, or a pic with the Fab 4 in their Star Wars gear before their official meets start for the day (maybe at Darth's Mall after you're doing your shopping). If that were an option, I'd probably sign up for it because that would be a huge time saver for us.

I also wonder if they'd let you do an early signup for JTA. It might be worth $500 alone to not have to deal with the stampede.

That's how the person on the phone was selling it to me "a time saver" I agree that if it's a SWW VIP package why not have at least one meet and greet.
JTA should def. be an option

 

[nfggirl5454]

Did anyone last year do the D-Tech Me experience with a younger kid? My sister is interested in doing the Stormtrooper for her 3 year old but would like to see any pictures of how it turned out with a kid that young, if you wouldn't mind sharing also, in general, how still do you have to be during the whole thing?

 

[Music City Mama]

I'm taking my 5yr old DS May 20-27. This is our 1st SWW and we are going in memory of my husband who passed, unexpectedly, in October.

but this is a bucket list trip for my husband (NYPD 9-11 first responder just diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that has spread to bones/brain/liver).

Big (((HUGS))) to both of you.

Via my Twitter feed, WDW News Today just announced an Add-On VIP Package. It costs $499...if only all these awesome things were more affordable so more people could enjoy them! Looks awesome!

http://wdwnt.com/2014/04/star-wars-weekends-2014-introduces-add-on-vip-package/

Per person? Um, no, not happening. My arm could be twisted if it was 1/2 that amount, but that's just way too expensive for this girl and her family of 4.

I asked about Ray Park and his show and he started telling me the celebs that were confirmed:
Ray Park, Billy Dee Williams, Jeremy Bullock and Warwick Davis....he quickly said that they could change. But he was sure that Ray Park would be doing his show again but didn't know which weekend he was coming

So we got some information

Thanks for the info!

 

[yulilin3]

The HUB just teased me...sorry no new info they just posted the info from last year and I got all excited

 

[Reizo]

The HUB just teased me...sorry no new info they just posted the info from last year and I got all excited

A lot of great information already though, thanks yulilin3! I get this feeling that SWW this year is going to be explosive!

 

[Linda67]

A lot of great information already though, thanks yulilin3! I get this feeling that SWW this year is going to be explosive!

Couldn't agree more - great thread, thanks yulllilin3!

 

[aym4Him]

WOW!! That's expensive but if people can afford it go for it. I wonder if the dessert party will only be for people with this ultimate package or if they will sell it as a regular fireworks dessert party, like at MK and now Epcot I have the Dis on my phone and constantly go on it to report live. If you have any questions post them here. I'm sure some of us will be able to answer on the go. My battery on my phone also runs out fast so we bought a inexpensive portable charger at Walgreens, I think it was around $20 . It's called MyCharge, it fits in my pocket and it has 1 full charge for my phone. As for JTA on Non SWW days they open the park closer to 9am so you have to go straight to sign up for that

Thanks!!

I doubt we'd get to the sign ups in time. Darn.

I truly hope it doesn't get to the point where the only ones that get a wonderful disney experience are those that can afford to pay big bucks for it. It sort of started that direction when the introduced FP+ and only resort guests could book ahead of time... They have relaxed that a little, but now they are adding this. I hope they don't go the route of buying Fast Passes. There are lots of folks who can barely, and I mean barely, afford to go to disney as it is. For many, it is a once in a lifetime trip. I would hate to think it would get to the point that unless you are willing to shell out big bucks, the only thing you can do is walk around the park and ride one or two lower tier rides.

I know. This would be great for overwhelmed parents like me but I can't justify spending that much.

My boyfriend and I both carry these mini packs, in them contains his great digital camera, both of us carry smartphones, a battery recharger for all the gear. Sunglasses case, and we fit bottle of waters in the packs too! What is kewl about this recharger you can even use the item while it's hooked to the recharger. It charged everything we brought with us. Here are links to the pack and the battery charger. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039N0JKQ/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009USAJCC/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 PS these packs are small enough even your son could carry one if he so wished. They are awesome!

Thank you!!!! I wasn't sure if 10000 mAh was overkill or not. Good to know it's a great product.

The VIP package is tempting. I hates the idea when I thought it was an all day your, but I like the fact that you get most of the afternoon/evening you yourself. We really can't afford the $1500 for the three of us, but this is a bucket list trip for my husband (NYPD 9-11 first responder just diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that has spread to bones/brain/liver). He has always wanted to do Star Wars Weekends so this year we are doing it. I would have to change our flight and come in a day early and add a night to the hotel too since our Saturday is booked solid and Sunday we leave mid afternoon. My husband will be thrilled just to be there with his son. But do I make all over the top and make it the best SWW ever for him? We are doing both the character breakfast and dinner, and doing D-Tech for both my husband and son. I wonder how fast dates will sell out? I can't decide what to do!

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband!! Bless you for wanting to make this trip so special. I hope you have lots of great memories and some Pixie Dust along the way!

I have a PoweGen, got it for a good price on Amazon. It holds 4 full charges, it's small and light. It has 2 USB plugs, so I can charge a phone and a camera battery or an iPod for my son at the same time.

Thank you!! If my DSLR batter could charge like that, I know if Spring for a dual-port.

Big (((HUGS))) to both of you. Per person? Um, no, not happening. My arm could be twisted if it was 1/2 that amount, but that's just way too expensive for this girl and her family of 4. Thanks for the info!

Thank you!!

 

[RedM94]

Sorry for the double post

 

[RedM94]

That price is CRAZY . You would think for that sort of money, you would also get a backstage autograph session with all the characters there. I can't imagine paying $499 a person for that. That is 2 grand for my family. I guess I will just stand in line.

At first glance it really did seem over the top. Compared to the $1,600 one day price tag for a VIP tour guide and compared to the price for the Rebel Rendezvous, this may not be too bad.

This will be the fourth Father son SWW for my son and I. I think about how we rushed around in years past to make all of the shows. The one thing keeping me from doing it. Well it has become a tradition to get up at 4 am and get inline for FP autographs. The early morning time spent with each other is priceless. He would be disappointed not getting all of the autographs.

Thank you to all who posted about this event. If it were not for this thread, I would not have known about it. Does anyone know if there has been an official release by Disney about this event.

 

[karabeunso]

I called earlier today and left a message and just got a call back. I haven't been on here in awhile and just scanned back a couple of pages so I apologize if I'm repeating something. I made a reservation for my dh and 10 y/o dd who is a Star Wars fanatic. They are only allowing 40
VIP packages per day and there will be 200 (inc VIP) allowed in the fireworks dessert party so that will be opened up later for the remaining 160 reservations. They are still "fine tuning" the VIP package but there will not be autographs. The VIP information had been given to cast members and it was leaked early which is why it isn't on any official Disney sites yet.

-Kara

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I called earlier today and left a message and just got a call back. I haven't been on here in awhile and just scanned back a couple of pages so I apologize if I'm repeating something. I made a reservation for my dh and 10 y/o dd who is a Star Wars fanatic. They are only allowing 40
VIP packages per day and there will be 200 (inc VIP) allowed in the fireworks dessert party so that will be opened up later for the remaining 160 reservations. They are still "fine tuning" the VIP package but there will not be autographs. The VIP information had been given to cast members and it was leaked early which is why it isn't on any official Disney sites yet.

-Kara

Is it really $499 per person, or $499 per group?

 

[Music City Mama]

Is it really $499 per person, or $499 per group?

I'm pretty sure it's per person. If it was per group, I'd be jumping on it.

 

[karabeunso]

Yes, it is $499 per person.

 

[RAPstar]

How busy are we expecting the first Friday to be? Like super duper crowded? Ironically I don't do great in really big crowds (I usually go in the fall when it's not so bad). Just starting to get anxious since I'm right at a month away. Thanks!