Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[yulilin3]

Here's my TBT for today. Not really SWW photos but they are SW related. These were taken at the special event Last Tour To Endor before Star Tours closed to become ST2.0. These were taken during the one time show: Raiders of the Lost Jedi Temple of Doom

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Wow, there are a lot of us who will be doing a Universal/SWW split. We're doing Disney first because I'm afraid I won't be able to pull the kids away from Harry Potter once they experience it!

I know I'm not in charge of things at Disney, but it seems like a really, really bad idea to move celebrity-based shows to a not totally enclosed venue where shows will take place in the afternoon in the summer. In Florida. Perhaps the genius who made this decision is unfamiliar with Florida summer weather, and the inevitable afternoon rain shower that sometimes become a deluge?

 

[yulilin3]

Wow, there are a lot of us who will be doing a Universal/SWW split. We're doing Disney first because I'm afraid I won't be able to pull the kids away from Harry Potter once they experience it!

I know I'm not in charge of things at Disney, but it seems like a really, really bad idea to move celebrity-based shows to a not totally enclosed venue where shows will take place in the afternoon in the summer. In Florida. Perhaps the genius who made this decision is unfamiliar with Florida summer weather, and the inevitable afternoon rain shower that sometimes become a deluge?

The one big rumor is that the Frozen sing along will move there and that Frozen Summer Fun will come back. They don't want to have any "dark" days for the sing along so they will repurpose Superstar Theater after Magic Music Days are done in April, and hold the cast practices so that as soon as SWW is over they jump straight into Frozen Summer Fun and have the sing along there permanently.
I think it's a horrible idea to have the SWW at TotS, and again the poor CM at guest relations will have extra work with all the complaints.

 

[lovethattink]

Wow, there are a lot of us who will be doing a Universal/SWW split. We're doing Disney first because I'm afraid I won't be able to pull the kids away from Harry Potter once they experience it!

I know I'm not in charge of things at Disney, but it seems like a really, really bad idea to move celebrity-based shows to a not totally enclosed venue where shows will take place in the afternoon in the summer. In Florida. Perhaps the genius who made this decision is unfamiliar with Florida summer weather, and the inevitable afternoon rain shower that sometimes become a deluge?

I think it was @Itinkso and someone else who mentioned that maybe they need the extra capacity for a big name?? Certainly an interesting thought.

My only concern is the heat since ds can't control his body temp. I'm going to really have to figure out how I'm going to keep him cool enough in line and during the show. Before it was only in line that I had to worry about.

The one big rumor is that the Frozen sing along will move there and that Frozen Summer Fun will come back. They don't want to have any "dark" days for the sing along so they will repurpose Superstar Theater after Magic Music Days are done in April, and hold the cast practices so that as soon as SWW is over they jump straight into Frozen Summer Fun and have the sing along there permanently.
I think it's a horrible idea to have the SWW at TotS, and again the poor CM at guest relations will have extra work with all the complaints.

You know I'm hoping the FSF rumor pans out! My family had so much fun last year!

The poor nurses at First Aid will have their hands full too!

 

[lovethattink]

Let's talk magic bands for SWW. While I'm hoping there are some cool new Star Wars theme bands, I'm sitting at the computer looking at MDE and all the Magic Bands I am getting sent to us for SWW. 15 of them. 3 for each of the 5 weeks. To have some fun with it, we picked our different colors and the name I will have placed on the inside of each. I made a chart so I can keep the bands straight once they start shipping. This is overkill. However, I think we are going to attempt to decorate our own this year. Might as well have fun while we have all this time beforehand and make use of all these bands.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Universal/SWW split folks - We too are going to US/AI "aka Harry Potter" during our May trip as well... AND we have done this before.... Not just during SWW trips but also just WDW trips in the past. IF you have been to US/IA you will note that beyond Harry Potter Area there isn't much there... some might argue with me on this point, but up and until recently US/AI was dying... they just barely started revamping things with the success of the Harry Potter Area. 2 to 3 days at US/IA is really all you need, especially if you have been there before.

My BF and I have chosen to go on Monday (May 18th) and Tuesday (May 19th) to US/IA. Our focus will be the Harry Potter Areas, each morning being there at rope drop and running to the hit ride in each park (you will note even if you pay the obscene price for Universal's version of Fast Passes (Universal Express Pass which very in price depending on day (and I am not kidding)) they do NOT include the Harry Potter hot rides).

Another helpful tip, which works well with SWW do not go to US/AI on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday... those are their craziest crowd days! I would even add in Monday to that list as well sometimes because of people extending weekends or memorial day. So if you go on a Tuesday - Thursday you should make it through all the hot items on your wish list, and right now Universal just so happens to have a buy two day pass get day three free special going on, so if you need more than 2 days you have it.

If you have any other questions or want some more details tips about US/AI please feel free to message me. The only thing I can't answer is the new rides in Harry Potter that opened up within the year, however I can point you to my sources of info, which tell me to get my butt there before rope drop, know my map and walk as fast as you can to either Forbidden Journey or Escape From Gringotts.

 

[Music City Mama]

We're doing Disney first because I'm afraid I won't be able to pull the kids away from Harry Potter once they experience it!

We probably would have done Disney first like we did last time, but because of the dates of our 2015-2016 trips, I need to activate my WDW AP later in the month of June, so we'll do Universal first this time around. I like Disney more, but even being the huge planner that I am, the idea of being forced to plan has made me not want to plan as much -- so, Universal will feel more like the vacation of the two since I need to do so little planning since we're staying onsite.

The only thing I can't answer is the new rides in Harry Potter that opened up within the year, however I can point you to my sources of info, which tell me to get my butt there before rope drop, know my map and walk as fast as you can to either Forbidden Journey or Escape From Gringotts.

Yep, that's the plan! LOL

Sorry to hijack the thread, yulilin... Back to SWW talk!

 

[yulilin3]

We probably would have done Disney first like we did last time, but because of the dates of our 2015-2016 trips, I need to activate my WDW AP later in the month of June, so we'll do Universal first this time around. I like Disney more, but even being the huge planner that I am, the idea of being forced to plan has made me not want to plan as much -- so, Universal will feel more like the vacation of the two since I need to do so little planning since we're staying onsite.



Yep, that's the plan! LOL

Sorry to hijack the thread, yulilin... Back to SWW talk!

No problem, I'm a Potterhead as well. Proud Ravenclaw here

 

[disneygrandma]

I also wanted to add that we will be going to Universal, also. Every 3rd trip or so, we add on some US/IA of time. This year we wanted to experience the new HP ride. We're staying on property for 3 nts, & will take advantage of our extra hr in the am at HP. Got the special promo tkts, so will be there 2 1/2 days.

It also will feel more like a vacation, not to have to plan everything out. I'm going crazy checking this thread multiple times per day, and the WDW website a couple of times per day, for fear of missing out on FtF. There's only 1 actual day that it will work for us, so that's giving us some slim odds of being able to get it. It is the must do of this trip.

Now add in the stress of getting our 7DMT FP+ when that window opens. Plus trying to figure out, and book, all of the other FP+'s. Other than our 2 SW meals, we're not doing many other ADR's.

I just keep hoping that each time I check here, I'll find out that FtF just opened, and I'm able to book it, and then no more stress & planning! US/IA will be a piece of cake compared to this.

 

[yulilin3]

I also wanted to add that we will be going to Universal, also. Every 3rd trip or so, we add on some US/IA of time. This year we wanted to experience the new HP ride. We're staying on property for 3 nts, & will take advantage of our extra hr in the am at HP. Got the special promo tkts, so will be there 2 1/2 days.

It also will feel more like a vacation, not to have to plan everything out. I'm going crazy checking this thread multiple times per day, and the WDW website a couple of times per day, for fear of missing out on FtF. There's only 1 actual day that it will work for us, so that's giving us some slim odds of being able to get it. It is the must do of this trip.

Now add in the stress of getting our 7DMT FP+ when that window opens. Plus trying to figure out, and book, all of the other FP+'s. Other than our 2 SW meals, we're not doing many other ADR's.

I just keep hoping that each time I check here, I'll find out that FtF just opened, and I'm able to book it, and then no more stress & planning! US/IA will be a piece of cake compared to this.

we went to US/IOA last September, my son works there and got us comped tickets and I have to say it was so nice, just going wherever we wanted without anything being planned to the minute.
We went on a Sunday that they opened US at 8am, got there around 7:45am and it was so empty, did Gringotts, explored Diagon Alley, Transformers, The Mummy twice (my favorite), Terminator, Men in Black, then hopped on the train over to IOA, did Forbidden Journey, Spiderman, Dr. Doom, Hulk, then hopped back to US by train and were done by 6:30pm. I kid you not

 

[disneygrandma]

Sure wish our US/IA would be like that! However, we'll be there in June, so probably will be a lot more crowded than Sept. We're going at the end of our WDW trip, so hoping to get some relaxing park touring in, as well as pool time.

 

[Skywise]

(you will note even if you pay the obscene price for Universal's version of Fast Passes (Universal Express Pass which very in price depending on day (and I am not kidding)) they do NOT include the Harry Potter hot rides).

Ack! Really? Was thinking of paying the exorbitant fees to be able to get easy access to those rides. Oh well... might still use them to make up for any lost time spent waiting in line for the Harry Potter rides!

 

[Wendybird55]

Hi...switching topic a bit here (sorry). This will be my first SWW. I am considering the Ultimate VIP SWW tour. I called when I got my Visa newsletter and they took my name and said they will contact me. I then learned about FtF from this thread and that also sounds good and much cheaper. First..is this he first year they are offering VIP Tour for SWW? If not, has anyone experienced it in past and can you please tell me a bit more about it then what I read (how is breakfast at Derby?, where or what are your other choices for other meal?, do you get FP access to attractions / rides of your choice?, etc). Also, how is FtF? Is the preferred viewing areas like FP+ for parades..there's a section for you to watch but again you need to line up for entrance early enough to get a good spot? And it sounds like the dessert party fro fireworks is more like ice cream from Gerts? Just would like more info so I can make better decision on which to do.
Thanks so much for you help.

 

[yulilin3]

@Wendybird55 the VIP package was offered last year and I know someone on here did it but I forget who it was.
I did the FtF package, here are pictures taken from the location of the parade and also a lot of pics of the dessert party. You have to line up around 10:30am to get a front spot for the parade. Last year they made the kids sit down and the parents stood or sat behind them. During the parade portion they have ice cream from the ice cream carts, water and sodas. The spot is pretty good, you are right next to the stage. The dessert party was great. Not just ice cream but a lot of desserts, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages were offered. Again you are right next to the stage. If you have any other questions let us know
http://s283.photobucket.com/user/yulilin/library/Star Wars Weekends 2014?sort=2&page=1

 

[Monykalyn]

Thanks Sunrise for the offer on Universal tips!! We haven't been back to USF since 2004. Good to know our plan of tues/wed will work-I figure staying onsite for one night will allow us easy access to early entry (and Harry Potter!) without having to get everyone up early into a car.
I picked up a few extra days at my "regular" job (we are also independent contractors for fundraising but I am an RD at a local hospital where I usually work 3 days/week) this month and next so I think I am going to surprise family with FtF package (if I can get it) on the 12th! Our last night in Orlando...

Since it was a high of 15 degrees here today I am very happily planning vacation to dream of being warm,flip flops and tank tops. Allegiant is offering $63 each way air fare to Mesa AZ this week and I am soooo tempted right now (my parents stay there for the winter). Can we say "momma wanna get away??"

 

[msmama]

Hi...switching topic a bit here (sorry). This will be my first SWW. I am considering the Ultimate VIP SWW tour. I called when I got my Visa newsletter and they took my name and said they will contact me. I then learned about FtF from this thread and that also sounds good and much cheaper. First..is this he first year they are offering VIP Tour for SWW? If not, has anyone experienced it in past and can you please tell me a bit more about it then what I read (how is breakfast at Derby?, where or what are your other choices for other meal?, do you get FP access to attractions / rides of your choice?, etc). Also, how is FtF? Is the preferred viewing areas like FP+ for parades..there's a section for you to watch but again you need to line up for entrance early enough to get a good spot? And it sounds like the dessert party fro fireworks is more like ice cream from Gerts? Just would like more info so I can make better decision on which to do.
Thanks so much for you help.

I googled the VIP SWW package and found a bunch of reviews from last year. While it sounds cool, it doesn't sound $500/pp cool (to me personally). Also, it seemed like all/many the reviews I saw were maybe people who were paid to promote it (or got for free to promote it) so their value seemed a little off to me. I'm absolutely sure it's worth it if it's free (or heavily discounted)!!!

Even if they raise the price of FTF, it doesn't seem like you'd get an extra $400 worth of fun from the tour (from my research, your milage may vary).

 

[alayne]

My family of 3 did the VIP Star Wars Tour last year and I have to say to me it was worth it. Here is a break down of our day. (I'm not a writer so try not to fall asleep.)

We arrived early (I'm thinking 7ish but I'm not 100% sure). We meet our group. 12 of us total I believe.
We entered the park prior to opening and went to Darth Mall. We were the only people in Darth Mall and we had about 30 min to shop. Anything we purchased could be sent back to our room or to the front of the park for pick up later. At anytime that we were finished shopping we could head to the Brown Derby for breakfast. It was a good breakfast but not eggs and bacon - it was more pastries, bagels, etc.
After breakfast we headed to Toy Story Mania where we went straight to the FP line and on to the ride. When we got off he asked if we wanted to do it again. Everyone said YES so we went into the FP line and rode a second time.
Then it was on to RRC and ToT - this part was disappointing because we had to pick. One group went to one ride and another group went to the other. My son and I rode RRC and my husband rode ToT by himself. I would have liked to be able to do both and I think we had plenty of time for both.
Once this was over we went to the parade viewing - this is another disappointing part because we were treated just like the people who purchased the parade/fireworks dessert package. We did not get to go ahead of them which I felt we should have because we had paid for a bigger package. (This is just my opinion please don't hate on me.)
We were able to get a great spot. My husband and I went to the rope while my son went to get bottled water and Mickey Bars. After the parade we went to Mama Melrose for lunch. This was nice. They had a special table for our group and we got to chat with the VIP Tour Guides and other people in our group.
Our group was great. Everyone was super nice and friendly. Very polite and fun to be around.
Once lunch was over we went to see the Big Star Wars Show that starts out with the Storm Trooper show. (Sorry this was my first year going and I don't remember all the names of the shows.)
After the show we went to ride Star Tours - this was really cool because we didn't go into Star Tours via FP line we went in via a private access area that only the VIP Tour could enter. I made my son pay close attention because I thought he might never see this again.
After Star Tours they let us go on our own (no special treatment even with out tags). We had booked the Hollywood and Vine Star Wars dinner so we went straight there. After dinner I had made 3 FP selections using our allowed FP for the day. We rode the Great Movie Ride, Toy Story Mania and RRC. Then it was time to go to the Fireworks Dessert Party. Our tour guides were not there so again we had to get in the same line with everyone else who had paid for the small package. I didn't like that. However, it really wasn't a big deal because there was plenty of dessert and drinks plus all the tables had the same view.

We saw a second show but I can't for the life of me remember where it goes in the timeline of events. The second show was with Ashley. Both of the shows we entered the theater before anyone else and had front row seats. We went in a back door far from the FP and Stand By line.

I am booking this again for our trip this year. It was worth the money to me not having to stand in lines, stand in the heat, and I felt like we were able to do some of the major SWW Events. We did the tour on Saturday which allowed us to spend all our time of Friday looking for characters that we wanted to see plus ride our favorite rides with our 3 FP and still see Indian Jones Stunt Show. Then on Sunday we were able to find the last few characters we had missed, use one of our FP to see the other Star Wars Show offered that weekend which then was cancelled because the host lost his voice. I can't think of anything from the first post that we didn't do in three days and I can't think of a major character that we missed.

I will be happy to answer any questions. I have been told that the VIP Tour this year will include more. Our group provided our opinions and were contacted several times with questions from the Tour Guides after we arrived home. I told them I would love to have seen the Character Meals (at least one) included in the day and not have had all that "Free" time between the last ride and the fireworks show. I felt like we could have done a few other things - maybe meet characters, another show, more rides - something. I can't wait to book it again. My son and I have saved all our birthday, Christmas and Yard Sale money plus given up extras like desserts, coffees, etc to pay for the day again.

 

[Wendybird55]

Thanks for the pics yulilin3 - they're great. The info is very helpful..Though a VIP experience sounds great, I agree that at $500 a person - it's too much...better (an more things) to do with that money. FtF sounds like a good bet and now I guess I just need to wait for reservations to open up...I checked the other day when I was making ADRS for our Aug. trip and CM didn't know anything about it.

 

[yulilin3]

@alayne thanks for the detailed review. The show with the stormtrooper pre show is Stars of the Saga, Ashley's show is Behind the Force.

 

[OZMom]

Have they released the VIP package info for this year yet?