Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[DisneySchoolyFamily]

Yes, you'll be able to find many, many unique things. There will be individual pins, pin sets, vinylmation of all sizes, prints, a lot of art work,key chains, tumblers, magnets...I could go on.
Darth's Mall tends to be busiest first thing in the morning on the first Friday, first thing in the morning on any other SWW day is a good time, many people go to character lines or rides, the line picks up a bit from 10am to 11am and then around 2pm to 5pm. The best time to go is in the evening. It stays open the same as park hours so 8am to 10pm. This year it might be closing earlier because of firework fallout and we don't know exactly where the Mall will be although it's rumored to be where the old AFI and Backlot Tour gift shop used to be. If it's there it might close early because of firework fallout

Thank you - this is super helpful! I will definitely be adding this to my list for planning.

 

[AuntieK]

The dessert party and fireworks viewing will be with the FtF people but for the parade there will be a separate space for VIP
Feel the Force will come out later this month and he said they will have enhances to the dessert party, it'll be larger space because of the Hat removal.
Alright guys, have to go for the day, will probably check the thread tonight

Thank you for the little bits of intel on this year's FtF package! Keeping my fingers and toes crossed that we'll be able to book this for the day we need.

Congrats to everyone booking the VIP experience.

 

[yulilin3]

I have a question about parade and firework viewing. My mom will be in a wheelchair for this trip. Are there any special places for wheelchair viewing of the parade and fireworks? Trying to plan out our day. Thanks!

There is a special wheelchair area for the parade, it's small so make sure to get there an hour early. I don't think there's any for the fireworks but I'm not 100% sure

 

[Itinkso]

If anyone is looking for H&V reservations for June 6 at 7:00pm, someone posted on the Restaurant Board that she canceled a reservation a few hours ago. She canceled for a total of 23 people so lots of slots are now open.

 

[Skywise]

If anyone is looking for H&V reservations for June 6 at 7:00pm, someone posted on the Restaurant Board that she canceled a reservation a few hours ago. She canceled for a total of 23 people so lots of slots are now open.

23!?!

 

[Itinkso]

23!?!

I thought I had read it wrong, too! Must be a family reunion or group vacationing.

ETA: I went to the Dining Reservation page and there are openings for H&V on June 6th at around 7:00pm.

 

[pookadoo77]

we got them at the Stride Rite outlet, ty!

That picture is adorable and you have me on amazon looking for those shoes!

 

[lovethattink]

I have a question about parade and firework viewing. My mom will be in a wheelchair for this trip. Are there any special places for wheelchair viewing of the parade and fireworks? Trying to plan out our day. Thanks!

There is a special wheelchair area for the parade, it's small so make sure to get there an hour early. I don't think there's any for the fireworks but I'm not 100% sure

In addition, there were two spots last year. As you face the Chinese theater, one is on your left just before the FTF package area. The other to the right in directly in the sun just down a bit from the sound tent across from the FTF viewing.

 

[yulilin3]

WOW!! Just caught up with 4 pages from yesterday!! Congrats on everyone booking their VIP experiences, can't wait for your reviews on the new and improved package.

Oh man guys. I just booked a SWW trip last week. I'm trying to go through all of this thread but wow am I behind!!

I've been once in 2013 and loved it, now taking some friends and big SW fans with me this time. I was hoping I could get someone to join me, so back in January I snagged some galactic breakfast ADR's for a couple of the weekends in May. Luckily 2 friends approached me about going! Unluckily, I made ADR's for every weekend except the one we ended up deciding on! Thanks to a friendly dis-er I was able to get us an ADR but I still have these if anyone wants them! PM me if you want any --

Sat May 9th at 10:35 for 2ppl
Sun May 10th at 10:25 for 3ppl
Mon May 25th at 10:50 for 3ppl

Also I am just finding out about the feel the force premium package. I don't think they had this in 2013, or at least I had no idea it was happening. It seems like a good deal for viewing areas, snacks, then desserts and drinks. But the reviews I have found are confusing...does this include 1 alcoholic drink? Or can you try them all? I remember trying to get the dark side and the force drinks and they sold out last time so that is a huge plus for me (though my mom begged the guy and he managed to pull one together from the bottom of the barrel and topped with some more vodka or whatever it was...so maybe I was actually a winner there). Thanks so much guys! I ran a search and had some trouble so I hope these aren't silly questions!

Ask as many questions as you like. It's better to ask a "silly" one than to wonder and miss an opportunity. I keep the first post updated so as soon as we get any official word from Disney I put it there so people don't have to read thru the whole thread.

I got the ok to book the VIP package at 5:01 today (yay!!). Called and left a message and will anxiously be awaiting a phone call back tomorrow. I'm hoping for Sunday the 17th (I will then have a sci fi breakfast to cancel).

Honestly this kind of changes the whole trip. I was worried about the getting everything done in our 4 SWW days and now I feel like we will get everything done in one day.

Anybody have any questions you want me to ask when they call me back?

If they haven't called you back yet can you press them on the area for the VIP package parade viewing. You'll get a lot done with this package, maybe only thing missing would be more character meet and greets but you could do those after SoTS

Not SWW related,but SW related. Met a moving beeping R2D2 today at a local comic convention , it was SO cute!! My little 4 yr old was scared of him at first but thankfully warmed up when a pilot helped!

Your son is so cute, and again I say, why can't they make cute light up shoes for adults

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

If they haven't called you back yet can you press them on the area for the VIP package parade viewing. You'll get a lot done with this package, maybe only thing missing would be more character meet and greets but you could do those after SoTS

You do get to meet Darth Vader as part of the VIP package, but I would have loved if they added Chewie, since we're already meeting Darth at the breakfast. But I'm not complaining - looking forward to it!

 

[Nhebron]

Has anyone noticed if they canceled Disney Jr. Live in the past during SWW?

I know, who cares about Disney Jr. Live during SWW! But this is a highlight for my kiddo.

 

[jesemeca]

There is a special wheelchair area for the parade, it's small so make sure to get there an hour early. I don't think there's any for the fireworks but I'm not 100% sure

In addition, there were two spots last year. As you face the Chinese theater, one is on your left just before the FTF package area. The other to the right in directly in the sun just down a bit from the sound tent across from the FTF viewing.

Thank you both for the info! I guess I will have to find a cast member that morning to ask where they will be located this year. We will be there the first Sunday! Never been the first weekend. Is it just as crowded as the rest of the weekends?

 

[pookadoo77]

WOW!! Just caught up with 4 pages from yesterday!! Congrats on everyone booking their VIP experiences, can't wait for your reviews on the new and improved package.

Ask as many questions as you like. It's better to ask a "silly" one than to wonder and miss an opportunity. I keep the first post updated so as soon as we get any official word from Disney I put it there so people don't have to read thru the whole thread.


If they haven't called you back yet can you press them on the area for the VIP package parade viewing. You'll get a lot done with this package, maybe only thing missing would be more character meet and greets but you could do those after SoTS

Your son is so cute, and again I say, why can't they make cute light up shoes for adults

ty!

 

[lovethattink]

Thank you both for the info! I guess I will have to find a cast member that morning to ask where they will be located this year. We will be there the first Sunday! Never been the first weekend. Is it just as crowded as the rest of the weekends?

Friday is usually the busiest on the first weekend. Sunday should be average. But there are a lot of people who use w/c and skooters compared to the amount of space available for the viewing. More than likely they will ask it to be limited to 1 companion and that companion may be asked to move behind all the wheelchairs.

 

[Itinkso]

Has anyone noticed if they canceled Disney Jr. Live in the past during SWW?

I know, who cares about Disney Jr. Live during SWW! But this is a highlight for my kiddo.

Disney Jr. Live runs as scheduled. That area of the park is not affected by SWW.

 

[yulilin3]

I'm updating the first post to include the info on the VIP package
Ultimate Day at SWW VIP Package call 407 934-7973 to book
7 days cancellation policy
Tour starts at 7am
Upgraded Breakfast at the Hollywood Brown Derby with hot items
Early VIP Access to Darth’s Mall
Private meet and greet with Darth Vader after shopping
Guaranteed Access to Jedi Training Academy for the little Padawan’s in your party
Private VIP Viewing of the Legends of the Force Motorcade
Table Service Lunch at a Hollywood Studios Restaurant most likely Mama Melrose
Access to some FastPass Attractions including Star Tours and Toy Story Mania during your VIP Tour
VIP Seating for Behind the Force and Stars of the Saga
FP to Obi Wan and Beyond
Access to the VIP Dessert Party
Access to semi-private location with great views for the Summon the Force grand celebration featuring the Star Wars characters and Symphony in the Stars fireworks(joining with people from Feel the Force package)
Price per person is $399 plus tax and theme park admission
Annual Pass Holders, Disney Vacation Club Members and Disney Rewards Visa Cards Holders will receive our first ever 15% discount on the Ultimate Day at Star Wars Weekends
Max people per VIP group is 40
if there's anything I'm missing please let me know

 

[msmama]

Just booked my VIP package!!

@yulilin3 I asked about the parade location and the woman on the phone said that she didn't know yet, but what she'd heard was that it would be NEXT to the FtF package people (so end of Hollywood boulevard towards the left?). It kind of makes a bit of sense since they're going to have snacks and water for everyone that they'd be close.

Also, children are guaranteed a spot at Jedi training though it'd have to be late - after 3, after the tour ended.

Otherwise I didn't get any other info that anyone else didn't have, though she did give me approxamate times for everything.

7am - meet the group at guest relations, enter park, pre-order Mama Melrose lunch
8am - shopping and meet Vader (probably also said possibly more depending on what is going on that day)
8:45am - breakfast
9ish (don't know why breakfast is so short) - rides with the guide
11:30 - parade
after parade - lunch
after lunch - 2 shows checked in by VIP guide and given FP for the last.
Tour officially ends at about 3.
(If you're doing jedi training it'd be now)
9 - dessert party and fireworks

I should have asked what happened if there were a 4th show added, but didn't.

(Also, crazy disney magic - I left my cell number when I called and left a message yesterday but they called back on my home phone. I wasn't going to answer except I recognized the 407 area code. A little creepy).

 

[yulilin3]

Just booked my VIP package!!

@yulilin3 I asked about the parade location and the woman on the phone said that she didn't know yet, but what she'd heard was that it would be NEXT to the FtF package people (so end of Hollywood boulevard towards the left?). It kind of makes a bit of sense since they're going to have snacks and water for everyone that they'd be close.

Also, children are guaranteed a spot at Jedi training though it'd have to be late - after 3, after the tour ended.

Otherwise I didn't get any other info that anyone else didn't have, though she did give me approxamate times for everything.

7am - meet the group at guest relations, enter park, pre-order Mama Melrose lunch
8am - shopping and meet Vader (probably also said possibly more depending on what is going on that day)
8:45am - breakfast
9ish (don't know why breakfast is so short) - rides with the guide
11:30 - parade
after parade - lunch
after lunch - 2 shows checked in by VIP guide and given FP for the last.
Tour officially ends at about 3.
(If you're doing jedi training it'd be now)
9 - dessert party and fireworks

I should have asked what happened if there were a 4th show added, but didn't.

(Also, crazy disney magic - I left my cell number when I called and left a message yesterday but they called back on my home phone. I wasn't going to answer except I recognized the 407 area code. A little creepy).

Disney has eyes and ears on everything Thanks for asking.

 

[disneygrandma]

I am so tempted to book the VIP pkg, even though we have a large group going. It would be a huge chunk of money, but I'm thinking it would be worth it. However, we only have 2 HS days. We're doing both meals on a Thurs, and then the SWW stuff on a Fri. I'm not sure if all of the grandkids would be interested in the shows, but I figured they could just skip the shows & go with one of the adults to do something else. Ultimately, though, it came down to seeing Chewie. It doesn't sound like the tour will give you a chance to M&G with Chewie, so we will need to do that 1st thing Fri am. If we had a 2nd SWW day, I would have called the VIP #, booked the ultimate pkg, & be done. However, now I'm left to keep checking for FtF to come out, & hope we can get that. Not to mention getting our TSMM FP+, JTA, etc. (things that are covered with the VIP) Congrats to all of you who have gotten the VIP pkg!!

 

[inkedupmomma]

Anyone else wearing these for sww?