Official Star Wars Weekends 2014 Tips and Tricks

[Ali]

Why should we watch the movies in that order? 4,5,1,2,3,6

I guess I'll go google it!

I still haven't let my DS watch episode 3 but I think he's finally old enough

 

[1osfan]

I still haven't let my DS watch episode 3 but I think he's finally old enough

I haven't let my DS watch episode 3 yet either. How old is your son?

 

[alayne]

I have not received any emails about the VIP Package either. I think I'm going to call Monday and reconfirm our reservations.

 

[yulilin3]

I will miss Star Wars weekend by two weeks. Will they still have merchandise?

Anything with the SWW logo on it won't be available, they send all the leftover SWW merchandise to the Cast member only store and then some of it makes it's way to the outlet store, that takes about 4 months after SWW to get there.

 

[Music City Mama]

I still haven't let my DS watch episode 3 but I think he's finally old enough

I haven't let my DS watch episode 3 yet either. How old is your son?

Funny you all should mention this. We just let our 7 year old (turned 7 last week) watch it this weekend.

It would have been way too intense for my 11 year old at the same age, but my younger one has been exposed to more stuff being the younger sibling and he's just not as sensitive as my older DS. With that said, we made him close his eyes and ears during several scenes -- the part where Anakin goes into the Jedi temple, the hologram of that scene, and any mention by other characters of what happened there.

 

[Music City Mama]

So, I've been thinking. Since they're having character dining, a VIP package, and the FtF package, I have this feeling that they're going to offer something else. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part, but I know we've discussed the possibility of FP+ for the shows at the Premiere Theater which may or may not happen, but considering they keep offering things that cost money, do you think they'll offer anything for prime seating at those shows? This is where I think I would finally bite the bullet and fork over the cash.

 

[lovethattink]

I'm hoping for FP+!

 

[hemmie]

Can someone help me think through my options? My plan:

Thurs May 22 (me, husband, DS8 & DS10)
Morning at Blizzard Beach
Mid-day break at hotel
Late afternoon at DHS; have FP+ for RnR, ToT & Star Tours
3:35pm ADR F! Package at Hollywood Brown Derby
6:35pm ADR 50s PT
Hope to do 9pm Fantasmic if energy levels permit

Fri May 23 (me, husband, DS8 & DS10, plus my 50+ sister)
SciFi SWW breakfast
FP+ for TSMM, ToT & Star Tours
Afternoon break at hotel
5:35pm ADR 50s PT
9:45pm Symphony of the Stars

My question is which 50s PT to keep and whether H'wood Brown Derby is worth the expense? I just missed the character dinner at H&V reservation (saw it but hesitated and when I went back two minutes later, it was gone)... though the expense and terrible H&V reviews were making me hesitate anyway).

If we have no F! package nor FP+ for Fantasmic!... how early do I need to be in line for decent seats on that Thursday night? (not officially SWW but still going to be pretty crowded)

 

[Itinkso]

Can someone help me think through my options? My plan: Thurs May 22 (me, husband, DS8 & DS10) Morning at Blizzard Beach Mid-day break at hotel Late afternoon at DHS; have FP+ for RnR, ToT & Star Tours 3:35pm ADR F! Package at Hollywood Brown Derby 6:35pm ADR 50s PT Hope to do 9pm Fantasmic if energy levels permit Fri May 23 (me, husband, DS8 & DS10, plus my 50+ sister) SciFi SWW breakfast FP+ for TSMM, ToT & Star Tours Afternoon break at hotel 5:35pm ADR 50s PT 9:45pm Symphony of the Stars My question is which 50s PT to keep and whether H'wood Brown Derby is worth the expense? I just missed the character dinner at H&V reservation (saw it but hesitated and when I went back two minutes later, it was gone)... though the expense and terrible H&V reviews were making me hesitate anyway). If we have no F! package nor FP+ for Fantasmic!... how early do I need to be in line for decent seats on that Thursday night? (not officially SWW but still going to be pretty crowded)

1. Keep PT for Thursday, cancel the Fant package. The park will be crowded on Friday so just do QS so that you don't miss all the events.

2. Arrive at the amphitheater 60 minutes before showtime to sit in the Standby Area. If Standby fills, you will then wait in the entrance pathway to fill in the Fp+ Area 5 minutes before showtime.

 

[Ferrentinos]

Since we are getting to DHS nice and early on the 17th and walking-very-briskly to Chewbacca's line I'm wondering if once we are in line there is a place nearby that DH could run to grab us a bite to eat while we wait for his arrival?!? We are planning to bring snacks with us but maybe a cup of coffee? Maybe a pastry of some kind? suggestions?

 

[Itinkso]

Since we are getting to DHS nice and early on the 17th and walking-very-briskly to Chewbacca's line I'm wondering if once we are in line there is a place nearby that DH could run to grab us a bite to eat while we wait for his arrival?!? We are planning to bring snacks with us but maybe a cup of coffee? Maybe a pastry of some kind? suggestions?

Writer's Stop has both and shouldn't be too far away.

 

[hemmie]

1. Keep PT for Thursday, cancel the Fant package. The park will be crowded on Friday so just do QS so that you don't miss all the events. 2. Arrive at the amphitheater 60 minutes before showtime to sit in the Standby Area. If Standby fills, you will then wait in the entrance pathway to fill in the Fp+ Area 5 minutes before showtime.

Thank you! So can I just go 60 mins ahead or do we all have to be there together?

 

[Itinkso]

Thank you! So can I just go 60 mins ahead or do we all have to be there together?

The complete group or else some may not be able to enter the Standby area and they will be stuck in the pathway and will be seated in Fp+ right before showtime.

With the additional Fp+, you may be able to get some for that first Fant on Thursday. Or, most SWW people are going to Fant immediately after the fireworks.

 

[Ferrentinos]

Writer's Stop has both and shouldn't be too far away.

Perfect! I forgot about that location!

 

[cadale]

With all the times I've been to DHS I feel silly asking this question but: How do I get to the walkway with ABC commissary in order to get to Chewie's line? I just noticed someone said not to walk by Star Tours which is what we were going to do. Thanks.

 

[Itinkso]

With all the times I've been to DHS I feel silly asking this question but: How do I get to the walkway with ABC commissary in order to get to Chewie's line? I just noticed someone said not to walk by Star Tours which is what we were going to do. Thanks.

When you enter the park, walk towards the Hat and just after you pass American Idol turn left. The walkway will take you to Commissary Lane.

 

[juliebug1997]

We arrive late on the 23rd, as our flight lands at 10:30 and we probably won't get to Coronado Springs until midnight. We were thinking about dumping our stuff, going to MK for a while since it'll be open all night and then heading over to DHS around 4 AM.

Even if we don't do the above plan, our goal is to be there at 5 AM. Since we're doing both the character meals and the FtF, our goal is to meet Bulloch and Chewbacca. We also have a breakfast reserved at H&V that morning at 8:30. Later that morning, we also have the FtF and plan to go back to the hotel for a nice nap before coming back for our H&V dinner and the rest of FtF. So, I guess my questions are:

1. If we get in Bulloch's line, can we request an early afternoon time slot, like for after the parade?
2. Are wristbands given out for the characters, like Chewie?
3. Should we do one on Saturday and one on Sunday?

Thanks! I'm really sad that I can't be there for Ratzenburger's weekend, but we've already got all our ADRs for Memorial Day weekend, including a dinner on Sunday night close to the time for Wishes at CRT to celebrate our 5th anniversary.

 

[yulilin3]

We arrive late on the 23rd, as our flight lands at 10:30 and we probably won't get to Coronado Springs until midnight. We were thinking about dumping our stuff, going to MK for a while since it'll be open all night and then heading over to DHS around 4 AM.

Even if we don't do the above plan, our goal is to be there at 5 AM. Since we're doing both the character meals and the FtF, our goal is to meet Bulloch and Chewbacca. We also have a breakfast reserved at H&V that morning at 8:30. Later that morning, we also have the FtF and plan to go back to the hotel for a nice nap before coming back for our H&V dinner and the rest of FtF. So, I guess my questions are:

1. If we get in Bulloch's line, can we request an early afternoon time slot, like for after the parade?
2. Are wristbands given out for the characters, like Chewie?
3. Should we do one on Saturday and one on Sunday?

Thanks! I'm really sad that I can't be there for Ratzenburger's weekend, but we've already got all our ADRs for Memorial Day weekend, including a dinner on Sunday night close to the time for Wishes at CRT to celebrate our 5th anniversary.

1. they won't change the fp time for celebrities, this process of handing out the fp goes very fast, they give you the fp ticket and you have to keep walking, but you can wait around and ask people that have a later time to switch with you
2. No wristbands are given out for characters
3. 2 days planned for sww as better than one...

 

[juliebug1997]

1. they won't change the fp time for celebrities, this process of handing out the fp goes very fast, they give you the fp ticket and you have to keep walking, but you can wait around and ask people that have a later time to switch with you
2. No wristbands are given out for characters
3. 2 days planned for sww as better than one...

Will there still be FPs available for Bulloch around 6 AM, in your opinion? Just wondering if we get there a little later will help us out with that.

 

[ajh88]

We arrive late on the 23rd, as our flight lands at 10:30 and we probably won't get to Coronado Springs until midnight. We were thinking about dumping our stuff, going to MK for a while since it'll be open all night and then heading over to DHS around 4 AM.

Even if we don't do the above plan, our goal is to be there at 5 AM. Since we're doing both the character meals and the FtF, our goal is to meet Bulloch and Chewbacca. We also have a breakfast reserved at H&V that morning at 8:30. Later that morning, we also have the FtF and plan to go back to the hotel for a nice nap before coming back for our H&V dinner and the rest of FtF. So, I guess my questions are:

1. If we get in Bulloch's line, can we request an early afternoon time slot, like for after the parade?
2. Are wristbands given out for the characters, like Chewie?
3. Should we do one on Saturday and one on Sunday?

Thanks! I'm really sad that I can't be there for Ratzenburger's weekend, but we've already got all our ADRs for Memorial Day weekend, including a dinner on Sunday night close to the time for Wishes at CRT to celebrate our 5th anniversary.

1. Technically no, you can't request a time. Since the schedule isn't out yet, not sure how many or when Jeremy Bulloch's signings will be. You can always ask the CM handing out the passes if you can get the 1st vs 2nd session but ymmv. I have seen it happen with Ashley Eckstein FP, but she is far easier to get than the other visiting celebrities. You might just have to time your rest break around your FP return time.
2. No, no wristbands for characters.
3. Yes, I would try to meet Bulloch on Saturday since your breakfast ADR is smack in prime Chewie line up time. Then get in line for Chewie first thing Sunday. When we met Chewbacca 2 years ago, we found we didn't have to go straight there - we had about 20 minutes of park time before the line really started and we were about 3-4 families from the front. However, they often let people in prior to official park opening time. So, we were in line for Chewie around 8:05-8:10, but had already gotten a snack and ridden Star Tours.

All this assumes most things go like years past. Have a great time!