Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[Skywise]

What was the package price last year, anyone remember?

 

[yulilin3]

What was the package price last year, anyone remember?

$54 adults $32 kids

 

[lvstitch]

I just called guest relations to ask them if the VIP and the Premium Deluxe were all in the same areas for the parades and dessert party and he said he believed they are. He also said the VIP will be able the access the rides via a back entrance and that we would have a VIP Tour Guide with us the whole time...still now sure it's worth $300 more.

 

[mamadragona]

Do you have a fp right now for SotS?

No, I don't, because I assumed I'd be the only one interested and didn't want to take away from my current FP selections that the kids would probably enjoy more (Frozen, TSMM, ST).

 

[yulilin3]

No, I don't, because I assumed I'd be the only one interested and didn't want to take away from my current FP selections that the kids would probably enjoy more (Frozen, TSMM, ST).

If it fits what you already have planned, taking into consideration fp times you already have booked i would try for SotS since you really want to watch it. Obi Wan and beyond will be easier to get into without a fp

 

[HCinKC]

I'll be there first Friday doing characters all day so no parade for us that day. But I am going the night before the first Friday to check out where all the characters will be located. And I will post constantly on this thread, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (I apologize in advance for grammatical errors)
And once SWW starts please be sure to share your experiences for future planning.

How are you checking out locations on Thursday? That is our day to get all the regular HS studios stuff done. Is there a chance I will be able to snag a SWW map that evening!?!

UPDATE on Marching:

We will be Marching Weekend 1 Saturday May 16th

We'll be watching the parade that day! You'll have to let us DISers know who to look for...so we can wave at the non-waving Five-oh-First.

Well, hopefully they let my son in with me because we'll be split up from my wife and daughter, who are not into SW stuff. I imagine if it's just me showing up with the kid (who is not old enough to wait outside for me by himself), they'll have to let him in rather than making me miss my reservation.

I can't imagine it would be a problem. My son has to have an adult with him for his D-Tech, so I don't see why the reverse wouldn't be true. The CM that booked told me two people scheduled per time slot. I don't know if that means 3+ could go in, but obviously up to 2 can be accommodated.

If this is how it ends up playing out, then we'll likely cancel the package. There is no way I'm lining up 90 minutes before the parade for the reserved area which should, in theory, allow us to skip having to wait for long periods of time. Luckily, we're not going until Weekend IV, and if we see reports of shows really being "sold out" unless people line up that early before the checkin, then we'll just cancel. For FSF I refused to wait in the line and strolled up, no line, at about 10:00 and was able to get the singalong I wanted. Hopefully that will be the case for FtF as well.

I think what Yuli was saying is that to get the show you want, regular Premium people need to be in line for check-in at 9:30. They would presumably be towards the front to pick their desired show before first-come, first-served fell into play. They would get credentials at 10 and go on their way. I don't think she meant line up for parade viewing at 9:30.

 

[yulilin3]

How are you checking out locations on Thursday? That is our day to get all the regular HS studios stuff done. Is there a chance I will be able to snag a SWW map that evening!?!
.

You can try and ask for a map but in the past they don't release those until the first Friday.
What I meant about the characters is that all the SWW characters that have a dedicated line (not the roaming ones) have some sort of backdrop. They place those days before the first SWW. So I'm going to walk around and look at the backdrops to figure out where each character will be to help out everyone going that first Friday so they know where to go for sure.

 

[Seltzer76]

Question about Darth's Maul...if I have a D Tech Me reservation, does that mean I can shop at the Maul without waiting in line?

 

[pookadoo77]

the CM I spoke with put me on hold several times to check stuff and seemed to know a lot too and said that both packages are only 1 show fp and same reserved for parade spot?? so confused.....

 

[slaveone]

Ross has Star Wars shirts. Dark side, Vader playing card, and rasta Vader. Under $10 each which is awesome and Walmart boba fett is as nice as hot topic one for $7.50.

 

[HCinKC]

You can try and ask for a map but in the past they don't release those until the first Friday.
What I meant about the characters is that all the SWW characters that have a dedicated line (not the roaming ones) have some sort of backdrop. They place those days before the first SWW. So I'm going to walk around and look at the backdrops to figure out where each character will be to help out everyone going that first Friday so they know where to go for sure.

Oh nice. That will even help! At the very least, I can mark them on a regular map. We are doing MK through lunch on Friday, and I wanted to peruse the SWW map while DS did stuff. I was contemplating leaving early, grabbing a SWW map, and meeting the family at MK. I think I will drop that idea now.

 

[slaveone]

Question about Darth's Maul...if I have a D Tech Me reservation, does that mean I can shop at the Maul without waiting in line?

After you do d tech me you could last year.

 

[alayne]

Ok I need some help please - we will be at SWW the third weekend. We are scheduled for the VIP Tour on Sunday. It looks like there are 4 show the weekend we are there. 1. Behind the Force Rebels 2. Stars of the Saga 3. Ewok Tale My Short Store 4. Obi Wan and Beyond

Since I have the VIP Tour on Sunday #1 and #2 are included with the tour and I receive a FP for #4 RIGHT?
Then I have to use my own FP for #3 RIGHT? I booked #3 for Friday using my FP
Is the Behind the Force Rebels the same thing as Star Wars: Rebels on FP selection? If so then I don't need this FP for Saturday because I will see it on Sunday with the VIP Package RIGHT?

I just want to make sure we see ALL the shows that are included in the 3rd Weekend without standing in stand by.

Thanks!
Allison

 

[yulilin3]

the CM I spoke with put me on hold several times to check stuff and seemed to know a lot too and said that both packages are only 1 show fp and same reserved for parade spot?? so confused.....

and it doesn't look like they will announce anything today...

 

[mamadragona]

If it fits what you already have planned, taking into consideration fp times you already have booked i would try for SotS since you really want to watch it. Obi Wan and beyond will be easier to get into without a fp

It doesn't really fit quite perfectly because of my current ST FP+. Not sure if I should really move everything around to accommodate a maybe SoTS reservation. Here is what I have in the afternoon:

FP+ Arrive 1:15 - 1:30, show until 2ish PM Frozen Sing-along
Honey I shrunk the kids
Phineas and Ferb M & G
FP+ 2:55 - 3:55 Star Tours
4 PM Show Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular or ?Ian McDiarmid 3:00 - 4 PM?
Dinner - Jedi Mickey/Minnie 5:10 PM Hollywood and Vine
?7 PM ObiWan? or DJ dance party?
8:30 PM Dessert Party - Bill and Mins 8:30
9:45 PM Summon the force pre-show and Symphony in the Stars

If I did go early to check-in for the parade, can I check in to get the FP choice for all 4 of us, or do I need to have the hubby and kids wait in line with me? The attraction of the parade FP was specifically so that they wouldn't have to wait around so much. They are not very patient kids.

 

[yulilin3]

Ok I need some help please - we will be at SWW the third weekend. We are scheduled for the VIP Tour on Sunday. It looks like there are 4 show the weekend we are there. 1. Behind the Force Rebels 2. Stars of the Saga 3. Ewok Tale My Short Store 4. Obi Wan and Beyond

Since I have the VIP Tour on Sunday #1 and #2 are included with the tour and I receive a FP for #4 RIGHT?
Then I have to use my own FP for #3 RIGHT? I booked #3 for Friday using my FP
Is the Behind the Force Rebels the same thing as Star Wars: Rebels on FP selection? If so then I don't need this FP for Saturday because I will see it on Sunday with the VIP Package RIGHT?

I just want to make sure we see ALL the shows that are included in the 3rd Weekend without standing in stand by.

Thanks!
Allison

I would call VIP services just to be sure but that's what has been told to other people
Behind The Force Rebels is the same as SW Rebels.

 

[Tltorrez]

So I had to re-work my plans somewhat this morning. I had a concussion in December and everything has been fine until last week. Apparently extensive "note taking" (i.e., concentrating and the angle of the neck while writing) plus lack of sleep at the conference all week triggered a relapse. So I'm recovering again, but I had to remove all the intense rides from my plan. I took out Space and RnR. Still not entirely sure what else has to go. And I'm a little nervous about the whole "lack of sleep" component.

But it is what it is. In the mean time, I hopped on here to share my plans but got sidetracked by pages and pages of premium packages. Hope everyone got what they wanted. I can only get on the computer for short bursts, so I'll try to keep up. ;-)

Anyway, this is my plan. Let me know if this seems do-able.

Friday, May 15:

• Arrive by 7am
• Gates Open 7:30am
• Stormin the Park 7:45am
• Chewie 8:00am (head there right from RD)
• Star Tours FP+
• Line up at 9:00am for Celebrity Motorcade Parade 11am
• Leave the Park for lunch (11:30 - 2:00pm) - Crew's Cup Lounge (Yacht Club)
• Line up by 2:15 for SotS (3:15pm - 4:00pm) - Ian McDiarmid
• Great Movie Ride FP+ 4:00pm
• Get 4th FP for Fantasmic! (old TSMM FP area)
• Mickey/Minnie & Donald/Goofy
• Snack 6pm - Fairfax Fare
• Line up at 6:30 for Obi-Wan and Beyond (JAT) 7:00pm
• Shopping 7:30
• Roaming Characters
• Dinner 9:00 pm - seats near Echo Lake (across from 50s Prime Time)
• Symphony in the Stars Fireworks (9:45pm)
• Fantasmic FP+ (10:30pm) - See the second show

If I do manage to get FP+ for SotS I'll just skip GMR.

Sunday, May 17:

This is my last trip day so we'll likely be too tired to Rope Drop. I'm just planning to do some rides and characters. Other than the Chipwoks and the Frozen show, I don't have any particular priorities.

• Arrive between 10 and noon.
• Chip N Dale (Meet 9:05-5:30)
• Frozen Singalong FP+ 1:40pm
• TSMM FP+
• Voyage of the LM FP+
• Leave the Park for Dinner (5:30 - 8:00pm) - Trattoria al Forno
• Symphony in the Stars Fireworks (9:45pm)

I do have to make some time to trade with the Jawas. My son is already providing me a stash.

 

[kmcdougan]

Wait, WHAT?!

Going to have to figure that out... good thing we are doing the FtF on Friday prior to marching so that we can watch how that works... and they will know if it works right...

Not totally sure what this means. But, for my part, marching in the parade sure beats any VIP or special seating for it. At least in my book. Your mileage may varry.

UPDATE on Marching:

We will be Marching Weekend 1 Saturday May 16th

AND

Weekend 2 Friday May 22nd

Originally we were going to only do one day, but my paranoid brain said oh no what if it rains then your dreams of marching just went down the drain! So my BF and I decided to cover our bases and sign up for two times, and if it doesn't rain, more marching YEAH! I keep hearing from my other 501st buddies that we will love it, and they say we will not be disappointed marching twice even if it's in the same costume.

Nest year we will be bringing our Stormtroopers

I can tell you from experience, it does not matter what costume you are wearing, just being able to be IN Star Wars for Disney is pretty much living the dream for me. Ever since I was 6, I wanted to be in Star Wars. Marching in the parade with the Legion, doing it officially for Disney, is me living my 6 year old self's dream. I will wear the same costume as long as it is in shape to march every year I go. I don't care. There is no feeling in the world like the opening of that gate, hearing the IMperial March, and hearing the announcer stating, "Here to maintain peace and order in the galaxy are members of the 501st LEgion......" I get chills typing it. It is hard not to tear up hearing it live.

You will have fun.

Ash

 

[Felipe4]

I'm gone for a weekend and I miss 20 pages. Dear Sith Lord.

 

[yulilin3]

It doesn't really fit quite perfectly because of my current ST FP+. Not sure if I should really move everything around to accommodate a maybe SoTS reservation. Here is what I have in the afternoon:

FP+ Arrive 1:15 - 1:30, show until 2ish PM Frozen Sing-along
Honey I shrunk the kids
Phineas and Ferb M & G
FP+ 2:55 - 3:55 Star Tours
4 PM Show Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular or ?Ian McDiarmid 3:00 - 4 PM?
Dinner - Jedi Mickey/Minnie 5:10 PM Hollywood and Vine
?7 PM ObiWan? or DJ dance party?
8:30 PM Dessert Party - Bill and Mins 8:30
9:45 PM Summon the force pre-show and Symphony in the Stars

If I did go early to check-in for the parade, can I check in to get the FP choice for all 4 of us, or do I need to have the hubby and kids wait in line with me? The attraction of the parade FP was specifically so that they wouldn't have to wait around so much. They are not very patient kids.

You can pick the credentials for everyone in your party.