Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[yulilin3]

@HCinKC I understand that there are many celebrities that act like this but SWW is a different thing. I know for a fact that he didn't inform Disney execs in charge f SWW about this new policy he had. If he would've said that he was only signing his b&w before hand Disney would've put up a sign stating that outside the park (which they did 2nd day)
Not sure if he will be invited back, the same goes with Carrie Fisher she came during one of the first weekends years ago and she was a bit intoxicated while meeting guests. She hasn't been invited back. Maybe now she will since she has cleaned herself up.
Disney is very different from any other convention

 

[ConnieB]

Maybe he was having a really good day that day
I remember during SotS when he came out everyone started taking pictures and he just stopped walking and said "All right get all your pictures now and then turn off the flashes"

He is definitely a "set in his ways" type of person, so if you accept that as his personality it's easier to accept his quirks (since we have several dear friends who are "sweet curmudgeons" we're used to it, lol). For whatever reason he seemed besotted by the girls (yeah, they're cute and adorable and uber polite which probably helped, lol....so did the fact that their outfits had C3PO prominently in the fabric)....but as identical twins they're almost used to that, lol.

We talked with him briefly all four days of the convention, so I guess he was having a really good long weekend! But, the girls didn't ask for his autograph and they were happy to just listen to him tell stories....they did ask for that photograph and he almost gleefully agreed, but then when others asked for photos too he did say "I must be moving on"....but that made sense because the line was fairly long and he was shaking hands and talking with people the length of the line. Lots of people took photos of him, of course, but I'm not sure how many more he actually posed for. They KNOW they were fortunate. They're hoping for the same again this year, lol.

 

[mexxican]

So if my DS5 gets to do JTA w/VIP tour at SWW, would it be overkill to let him do it earlier in the week too? He's not too shy, but I want him to be comfortable with it even though he's seen youtube videos of it. Does the SWW JTA have different villains instead of Vader or along with him?

 

[yulilin3]

He is definitely a "set in his ways" type of person, so if you accept that as his personality it's easier to accept his quirks (since we have several dear friends who are "sweet curmudgeons" we're used to it, lol). For whatever reason he seemed besotted by the girls (yeah, they're cute and adorable and uber polite which probably helped, lol....so did the fact that their outfits had C3PO prominently in the fabric)....but as identical twins they're almost used to that, lol.

We talked with him briefly all four days of the convention, so I guess he was having a really good long weekend! But, the girls didn't ask for his autograph and they were happy to just listen to him tell stories....they did ask for that photograph and he almost gleefully agreed, but then when others asked for photos too he did say "I must be moving on"....but that made sense because the line was fairly long and he was shaking hands and talking with people the length of the line. Lots of people took photos of him, of course, but I'm not sure how many more he actually posed for. They KNOW they were fortunate. They're hoping for the same again this year, lol.

yes they are

 

[ConnieB]

yes they are

Awwww, thank you.

 

[yulilin3]

So if my DS5 gets to do JTA w/VIP tour at SWW, would it be overkill to let him do it earlier in the week too? He's not too shy, but I want him to be comfortable with it even though he's seen youtube videos of it. Does the SWW JTA have different villains instead of Vader or along with him?

Yes, during busy times they have Vader and Maul (2 tiers) he might see that situation during the week if it's very busy
During SWW they have Vader on stage and Maul or Ventress at the bottom. They tend to get the bigger, more confident kids at the bottom because Maul and Ventress are scarier looking I guess

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I've met AD twice. The last time he was here he created a big problem because he only wanted to sign his black and white headshot and a lot of people had camped outside to get their rhings signed. Not sure if he'll be invited back

Mr Daniels is a very picky sort of character, I have not met him personally but, some people I know who have jokingly called him "His Highness" because of his quirkiness...

Mr Daniels has even been known to deny requests to sign special items.... I am even fearful that I spent alot of money to have him be one of the many celebrities that signs my Star Wars Celebration Anaheim poster and he might not do so.

I had always heard this (and much more!) negative stuff about him. A few years back we had an "opportunity" to meet him as part of a charity function, and we opted not to. I've met really big celebs who don't have this kind of attitude. Not worth it to me. Certainly not worth waiting in line to meet him -- not for us.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

So if my DS5 gets to do JTA w/VIP tour at SWW, would it be overkill to let him do it earlier in the week too? He's not too shy, but I want him to be comfortable with it even though he's seen youtube videos of it. Does the SWW JTA have different villains instead of Vader or along with him?

During SWW, they have more kids participating in JTA, and have two villains going at once so they can get double the number of kids in. It's usually Vader on stage (with the smaller children) and Darth Maul on the ground with the bigger kids, though Ventress sometimes does some JTA sets as well. During a non-SWW it would be rare (though not unheard of if there are staffing issues) to have anyone other than Vader in JTA.

My kid has done JTA a lot, mostly during non-SWW times, and once during SWW. While the concept is basically the same during SWW, they do tend to rush the kids through more, IMO. It's a much more fun, relaxed time doing JTA during a non-SWW. I told my kids that we won't be doing JTA during SWW this year. Between the crazy signup process and the rushed feel of the show, it's just not worth it, especially since we're going back in October.

 

[HCinKC]

@HCinKC I understand that there are many celebrities that act like this but SWW is a different thing. I know for a fact that he didn't inform Disney execs in charge f SWW about this new policy he had. If he would've said that he was only signing his b&w before hand Disney would've put up a sign stating that outside the park (which they did 2nd day)
Not sure if he will be invited back, the same goes with Carrie Fisher she came during one of the first weekends years ago and she was a bit intoxicated while meeting guests. She hasn't been invited back. Maybe now she will since she has cleaned herself up.
Disney is very different from any other convention

Well that is a different story then. I agree that he should have stated that policy from the get-go. There is no excuse for not notifying them, especially since it seems to have historically been his policy rather than a last minute decision.

I can totally understand not inviting CF back if she was under the influence! While you might be able to get away with that at a rock concert m&g, Disney is certainly not the place where that is even remotely ok.

 

[Itinkso]

While the concept is basically the same during SWW, they do tend to rush the kids through more, IMO.

That is, indeed, a fact. During SWW, there will be 15 kids in each JTA group versus 12 during the weekday. With mid-day sessions running every 30 minutes during SWW, the sessions have to finish on time (20-minute length) to clear the stage for the next session.

There is less chitchat by the Jedi Master and the cute, interactive scene with the Troopers is deleted due to Maul or Ventress being with the second grouping of Younglings. And, during SWW, there is a greater chance of parents signing up 3 year-olds who end up bogging down the show or cause disruptions.

It really is more enjoyable for a child to participate on a non-SWW day. And, it really is more enjoyable to watch a session on a non-SWW day.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I can totally understand not inviting CF back if she was under the influence! While you might be able to get away with that at a rock concert m&g, Disney is certainly not the place where that is even remotely ok.

But with CF could that really have been a shock to Disney?? I love her; met her after her one woman show a few years back. One of the wittiest people EVER. Her issues have been pretty well publicized, though...

 

[yulilin3]

One year ago Mark Hamill was announced as the first guest for SWW 2014...will we see any announcements today?
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...toric-first-appearance-at-star-wars-weekends/

 

[OZMom]

One year ago Mark Hamill was announced as the first guest for SWW 2014...will we see any announcements today?
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...toric-first-appearance-at-star-wars-weekends/

Not like I had anything better to do than stalk the board and blogs today

 

[Skywise]

Guest Announcements today?

I think you overestimate our chances!

 

[yulilin3]

Guest Announcements today?

I think you overestimate our chances!

I would take anything today...

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Guest Announcements today?

I think you overestimate our chances!

But wouldn't it be a great way to welcome Spring??

 

[The Sunrise Student]

The flower festival @ epcot still humming along that weekend. I am again torn between popping in to see the topiaries vs doing SWW for both Sat or Sun. Guilty as charged: i've ditched the posies for Darth several times in the past to add a 2nd SWW day lol.

imo it is not a particularly good idea to delay the FW as it might encourage the throng to segue on over from Epcot pre illuminations & add to the crazy crowded first weekend, which is exactly what we are considering doing on Saturday to cross the FW off the to-do list for what is shaping up to be a very long day on Sunday.

My BF and I are planning to hop back and forth between SWW and EF&GF for the same reason. Weekend 1 - our Lunch Friday is at Le Cellier for that same reason.... Saturday we left wide open with no ADRs at all waiting to see if we march that day or not, and if we do and we go back to the resort for a shower after we will probably pop over to EPCOT, that is unless there is a show we wanna catch but we still plan to run all over... Sunday we have dinner at Flying Fish and plan to go over to EPCOT around that ADR as well.

 

[yulilin3]

My BF and I are planning to hop back and forth between SWW and EF&GF for the same reason. Weekend 1 - our Lunch Friday is at Le Cellier for that same reason.... Saturday we left wide open with no ADRs at all waiting to see if we march that day or not, and if we do and we go back to the resort for a shower after we will probably pop over to EPCOT, that is unless there is a show we wanna catch but we still plan to run all over... Sunday we have dinner at Flying Fish and plan to go over to EPCOT around that ADR as well.

cheddar cheese soup

 

[The Sunrise Student]

@HCinKC I understand that there are many celebrities that act like this but SWW is a different thing. I know for a fact that he didn't inform Disney execs in charge f SWW about this new policy he had. If he would've said that he was only signing his b&w before hand Disney would've put up a sign stating that outside the park (which they did 2nd day)
Not sure if he will be invited back, the same goes with Carrie Fisher she came during one of the first weekends years ago and she was a bit intoxicated while meeting guests. She hasn't been invited back. Maybe now she will since she has cleaned herself up.
Disney is very different from any other convention

I didn't meet Carrie this last weekend at Indiana Comic Con because we were just too busy at the 501st booth and I knew we were already paying to meet her at SWC. However from what I heard from those that did meet her Carrie was in rare form and glitter bombed everyone that took pictures with her!

 

[yulilin3]

I didn't meet Carrie this last weekend at Indiana Comic Con because we were just too busy at the 501st booth and I knew we were already paying to meet her at SWC. However from what I heard from those that did meet her Carrie was in rare form and glitter bombed everyone that took pictures with her!