Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[The Sunrise Student]

So I really wish there were a way to use the FtF on multiple days (as in use it for the parade one day and the fireworks another day)

I agree. The whole day thing was too much for ds. It would be nice to have just the dessert portion or just the parade. I'd go for that!

That would be awesome... we so wanna do the FTF but not sure if we can or how we will because we don't even know what days we are marching yet

 

[lovethattink]

That would be awesome... we so wanna do the FTF but not sure if we can or how we will because we don't even know what days we are marching yet

Oh, that's right.

And this year, the packages will probably go even quicker since people know what to expect. Last year there was plenty of availability until after that first weekend when people started to report how awesome it was.

 

[Music City Mama]

Didn't see this posted yet (from another website/forum):

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/...neys-hollywood-studios-for-2015.893789/page-5

My source indicates that there have been some facility walk throughs this week and the following things are moving forward regarding SWW

1. Premiere Theatre will continue to host Frozen Sing Along until June. AIE/SSTV theatre will be the home of the Disney Performing Arts competitions during March/April. Additions to AIE/SSTV for the revamped Frozen Sing A Long will be ongoing and rehearsal will begin in earnest in May. The goal is to have ZERO dark days for the show. It will close at Premiere and open at AIE/SSTV the next day.

2. SO....all of the SWW shows that were held at Premiere will be moving to Theatre of the Stars. B&B shows will still be held each day during SWW at TOS...in the Morning. They will cease around lunchtime, when the stage will changeover for the "Behind The Force" shows & any specialty shows with that weeks' Special Guests. They are working on getting a Video Wall to run the width of the stage to create the various SWW themed backdrops.

3. There is serious talk of the Autograph tents around the Lake going away. Someone proposed moving the autograph locations indoors & management likes that idea. Current info says they will be using the old Idol Audition Rooms (3 rooms behind Idol by Commisary Lane). Those rooms would get a SWW overlay, and the prevailing thought is they would use the Queue for Idol Theatre for those waiting for Autographs. Instead of going into the theatre, guests would be led through a door at the bottom of the queue then down the hall to the autograph locations. This way people waiting in line would be in the shade and in an area with circulated air.

4. My source has not completely eliminated the idea that Darth's Maul will be a tent behind RnR, however the idea that they are moving forward with is revamping the AFI area (Oaken's 2nd home). There will be 3 "areas" for Merchandise encompassing the old AFI/Backlot Tour bldgs.
A. The open air merchandise location next to the Monster's Inc M&G will be SWW themed and have a generic overall SWW vibe to it.
B. The AFI location (Oaken's) will be gutted & remade with a Tatooine Overlay and likely have a Bounty Hunter/Empire vibe to it
C. The bldg next to it (the bldg next to the Hanna Montana Barn - Tram Load In) will also be gutted and turned into a Rebel Base Overlay.

5. As of now most of the Character M&G locations are staying in the usual spots. However with the BackLot Tour closed, the Darth Vader location will move into the old entrance to the BLT. They will try and do a slight makeover to the entrance so it has more of a Star Wars look to it. The Darth Maul M&G will move over to where the old Vader spot was.

6. Yes Fireworks are back.

7. I've heard conflicting reports on if a May the 4th event will take place. As of now the walls around the BAH aren't coming down until the end of April, so installing the Stage in time for May 4th would be extremely challenging. That being said, I wouldn't rule out the idea of at least having characters around the park...or possibly an expanded trailer of the movie being released that day

As always, things are subject to change.

 

[yulilin3]

Wow, thanks Music City Mama, a lot of interesting rumors...I'm going to wait for official Disney confirmation on any of this. I really don't see them doing the SW shows at the Theater of the Stars, being open to the elements and all and the potential possibility for it to close due to weather.

 

[Music City Mama]

I thought exactly the same thing re: Theater of the Stars. And what would they do with Premiere Theater (doesn't sound like anything) or did I miss that part?

 

[yulilin3]

I feel that they will do Magic Music Days at STT, then just move Frozen there before the start of SWW and the shows will once again be done at Premiere
I like the idea of the autograph sessions held inside the old audition area the only problem (main complaint from veterans) is that you can't just walk up to the tent and take the picture of the celeb without having a fp.
As for the merchandise I would think they would put up the big tent again, behind RnRC and then have some merchandise around the other gift shops like they always do

 

[Brandiwlf]

If we plan to sign kids up for jta would we be able to make an 8:10 reservation for the breakfast? We also have the option of 9:20 which is what I am leaning towards, only concern with that is if we will get done too late for a good spot to watch the parade. Opinions? Thanks!

 

[yulilin3]

If we plan to sign kids up for jta would we be able to make an 8:10 reservation for the breakfast? We also have the option of 9:20 which is what I am leaning towards, only concern with that is if we will get done too late for a good spot to watch the parade. Opinions? Thanks!

If you are one of the first people to sign up then yes, you'll have time for the 8:10am. The other thing you could do is one adult take the kids to JTA while the other goes to breakfast and if you are delayed the other adult can tell the person at the breakfast podium. They can hold your reservation for about 15 min. I think

 

[lovethattink]

If we plan to sign kids up for jta would we be able to make an 8:10 reservation for the breakfast? We also have the option of 9:20 which is what I am leaning towards, only concern with that is if we will get done too late for a good spot to watch the parade. Opinions? Thanks!

If you're one of the first in line for sign ups and they open earlier than stated opening time you won't have a problem.

The 9:20 seating, there was usually a wait to be seated. Then a 90 minute meal. Finding a parade spot along the route before the Chinese theater will be tough. Finding one between Idol and Star Tours might be tricky because they block off the street by Star Tours. During FSF parade they detoured people around the back of the hat, through Idol waiting area, down a ramp and out at the busts. Not sure if they'll do that for sww or not?

 

[msmama]

Are the characters out during parades or are they in the parade? Would parade time be a good time to ride headliners (shorter line at TSMM)? Would Darths Mall be emptier? I'm finally realizing that we don't have to see the parade every single day (especially since I'd probably do FtF one day).

I have a 9 something breakfast reservation and it sounds like immediately after that I'd have to line up for the parade which seems like a waste of half a day to me (though I do have 4 full SWW days).

 

[yulilin3]

Are the characters out during parades or are they in the parade? Would parade time be a good time to ride headliners (shorter line at TSMM)? Would Darths Mall be emptier? I'm finally realizing that we don't have to see the parade every single day (especially since I'd probably do FtF one day).

I have a 9 something breakfast reservation and it sounds like immediately after that I'd have to line up for the parade which seems like a waste of half a day to me (though I do have 4 full SWW days).

the only one that meets during the parade is Vader. I don't think the rides would have shorter lines but Darth's Mall might be a bit emptier.

 

[Skywise]

Saw on Easywdw that they've extended the hours in June now - DHS will be open from 8-10 on SWW days (and possibly others, I was just looking at the SWW ones)

 

[yulilin3]

Saw on Easywdw that they've extended the hours in June now - DHS will be open from 8-10 on SWW days (and possibly others, I was just looking at the SWW ones)

Yeah, Disney finally updated the June hours I believe it was this past Saturday.

 

[lovethattink]

Who else is ready to see this "Watch this space for more information as summer 2015 approaches" disappear? I want to see more information NOW, lol!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/hollywood-studios/star-wars-weekend/

 

[AuntieK]

Who else is ready to see this "Watch this space for more information as summer 2015 approaches" disappear? I want to see more information NOW, lol!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/hollywood-studios/star-wars-weekend/

Pick Me! I check the site at least once a day!

 

[lovethattink]

Pick Me! I check the site at least once a day!

Yes, check it daily. And the Disney Parks Blog. But as @yulilin3 mentioned above, there was no notice about the dining packages opening up this year. We all found out one way or the other before it made it's way to Disney's website. I found out on facebook.

 

[Monykalyn]

Is anyone else having trouble with the Disney site? I keep checking for dining and it loads a blank page. Finally added an ADR on the mobile app last night. Cannot believe I am saying the mobile app was less glitchy than the website lol.

 

[lovingeire]

Ugh, just realized that now that my friend has convinced me to do FtF I will have to cancel our Galactic "Breakfast" as it's at 10:45 so we would miss the parade. So I'll have to decide whether to rush over for our reservation on May 30th in the morning or just give it up. But I know my boys will want to do it. Of course, I can hold out for a better time as well I suppose on the 5th. I should have thought out this trip a little better when those dining reservations came out!

 

[mmafan]

Didn't see this posted yet (from another website/forum):

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/...neys-hollywood-studios-for-2015.893789/page-5

it good to follow this too more info the better.....

 

[Cluelyss]

Adding to the rumor mill, thanks to KTP:

http://www.kennythepirate.com/2015/02/11/exciting-news-for-star-wars-weekends/