Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[mmafan]

I know we've talked about Star Wars clothes for kids, particularly little girls. It looks like Her Universe may be launching a new line. http://heruniverseofficial.tumblr.com/post/115713551969/girls-want-star-wars-dresses-too-comingsoon

the gap has some nice stuff for boys...

 

[keishashadow]

Assuming all of our assumptions are correct, I understand the difference in the parade viewing areas for regular and deluxe is beginning vs end of parade route, correct? But for the fireworks, are both areas down in front of the stage, just one is the left side and one is the right? Would seem the views would be equal from either location, or am I missing something?

the 2nd CM I spoke to when trying to decide whether to rebook the Deluxe pkg today took the time to read thru both her descriptions of the packages.

re the FW viewing:

the regular one referenced echo lake area (left as looking at stage).

The Deluxe indicated it was on the opposite side (right area with check in near The Hollywood Brown Derby). potential seating has been mentioned in this thread, but I specifically asked and the CM said there was nothing stated on her sheet that indicated it, I specifically asked lol.

I researched reviews this morning of other FW in the park, all were pre-hat removal. Many mentioned moved after the stage show to the sides for better view of the FW. Envisioning the area on the right, thinking perhaps there may be less interference of trees. Can anybody chime in here?

 

[pookadoo77]

any pics or idea of where the premium ftf parade viewing is? Thanks! Getting nervous with reading a lot of bad reviews on it. Hope still do not have to be extra early to get a good spot! Was hoping to stroll up about 20 min. before, but, we have short kiddos, and people, with us Any pics from last years spot or how crowded it was would be such a relief! Thanks again!

 

[mmafan]

this trip has officially surpassed $$$$$$$$$$ our yearly 10 day December trip and were only going for 5 days......ftf and vip.......but it will be an UNFORGETTABLE time especially for our 5yo son......

 

[Cluelyss]

any pics or idea of where the premium ftf parade viewing is? Thanks! Getting nervous with reading a lot of bad reviews on it. Hope still do not have to be extra early to get a good spot! Was hoping to stroll up about 20 min. before, but, we have short kiddos, and people, with us Any pics from last years spot or how crowded it was would be such a relief! Thanks again!

Last year they reportedly let the kids sit down in the front of the area while the adults stood in back. But it sounded like the area filled up about an hour in advance.

 

[yulilin3]

the 2nd CM I spoke to when trying to decide whether to rebook the Deluxe pkg today took the time to read thru both her descriptions of the packages.

re the FW viewing:

the regular one referenced echo lake area (left as looking at stage).

The Deluxe indicated it was on the opposite side (right area with check in near The Hollywood Brown Derby). potential seating has been mentioned in this thread, but I specifically asked and the CM said there was nothing stated on her sheet that indicated it, I specifically asked lol.

I researched reviews this morning of other FW in the park, all were pre-hat removal. Many mentioned moved after the stage show to the sides for better view of the FW. Envisioning the area on the right, thinking perhaps there may be less interference of trees. Can anybody chime in here?

I'm having a hard time envisioning this area to the right as well. Next time I go I'll make sure to double check and take pictures of where I think it could be

any pics or idea of where the premium ftf parade viewing is? Thanks! Getting nervous with reading a lot of bad reviews on it. Hope still do not have to be extra early to get a good spot! Was hoping to stroll up about 20 min. before, but, we have short kiddos, and people, with us Any pics from last years spot or how crowded it was would be such a relief! Thanks again!

Here's a review with pics from last year for the FtF (now Premium package) http://www.mousesteps.com/dining-ma...essert-party-event-at-star-wars-weekends-2014

 

[Lavaluma]

We booked the Deluxe Premium for June 12 earlier tonight. I mentioned the package to DH expecting him to say it was too expensive. Once he heard he could go to all the shows, instead of a FP+ for 1 show and stand by for others, he came up with the justification that if we got the package we could get a TSMM FP+ for the kids and wouldn't need Park Hoppers to go back an extra day. So, in the end it's not that expensive.

 

[yulilin3]

We booked the Deluxe Premium for June 12 earlier tonight. I mentioned the package to DH expecting him to say it was too expensive. Once he heard he could go to all the shows, instead of a FP+ for 1 show and stand by for others, he came up with the justification that if we got the package we could get a TSMM FP+ for the kids and wouldn't need Park Hoppers to go back an extra day. So, in the end it's not that expensive.

fun how that works out I'm glad you got it

 

[tinkerpea]

Weird, I was told there would be snacks at the Parade. ($99/Deluxe Premium)

I was also told this,I'll be pretty mad if this is not the case,as that's over $15 between us right there that we will have lost with this package, as I know I can't sit waiting and not have drinks etc.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

Well looks like Sunday May 24 for the deluxe premium is sold out. There were spaces on Saturday but we'll be attending the 24 hour party Friday so I feel we'd be very tired on Saturday for the parade. I'm kind of sad about it, that premium viewing for all the shows would have been nice.

 

[yulilin3]

I was also told this,I'll be pretty mad if this is not the case,as that's over $15 between us right there that we will have lost with this package, as I know I can't sit waiting and not have drinks etc.

Soda and water are included. Still have to wait for the official announcement

 

[keishashadow]

I'm having a hard time envisioning this area to the right as well. Next time I go I'll make sure to double check and take pictures of where I think it could be

Here's a review with pics from last year for the FtF (now Premium package) http://www.mousesteps.com/dining-mainmenu-84/dining-reviews-mainmenu-89/park-dining-mainmenu-90/1310-review-feel-the-force-motorcade-dessert-party-event-at-star-wars-weekends-2014

thanks, was hoping you'd say that!

they have that small outdoor terrace @ the restaurant, but moreso the 'wrong' direction & no way could it hold a hundred or so people.

then I thought the walkway between the entrance to the Brown Derby and the arch that goes to Little Mermaid area but there are so many trees there!

I dug up a satellite picture (below, you need to zoom in tight to get to the area) and for the first time noticed what appears to be a paved area behind the grass area where the Fantasia brooms used to be placed. No idea if it is backstage area or not but there are a few tables & umbrellas.

http://www.satellite-sightseer.com/...s/Florida/Lake_Buena_Vista/Disney_MGM_Studios

 

[DisneyLove2015]

I wonder why some of the characters didn't finish the parade route as noted in that website review? Hmmm.

 

[jennab113]

Weekend II, I would like to try for Vanessa Marshall's autograph, but I am doing the 24HR day Friday, and flying out early Sunday morning because of Memorial Day obligations at home Sunday and Monday. I really want to be in MK at the beginning and end of the 24 hours, which means I would have difficulties lining up early Friday or Saturday mornings. If I left MK at 6 and took a bus (if available) or taxi (or maybe even a rental car) to DHS, do you think it would be too late to get a FP for her?

Also, what times do they usually sign? I would like to go to the hotel and sleep then be back for the Rebels show, so the FP would be moot anyway if it is in the morning.

 

[Itinkso]

I wonder why some of the characters didn't finish the parade route as noted in that website review? Hmmm.

Because their "greenroom" areas are close to the stage/Chinese Theater area. They need to get offstage as quickly as possible so "their" meet and greets can resume.

 

[tinkerpea]

It's included in the standard package. Your CM should have read you the "must be 21+ with valid ID to drink" spiel.

I didn't get told any of that, or anything Infact when I booked lol

 

[DisneyLove2015]

Because their "greenroom" areas are close to the stage/Chinese Theater area. They need to get offstage as quickly as possible so "their" meet and greets can resume.

That makes sense.

 

[superrach]

Does the parade go any farther than The Great Movie Ride? Does it go past the old AI theater toward SW ride? The old maps make it look like it stops at the old hat.

 

[luvallprincesses]

Trying to make some decisions for FP+ for weekend 5 since we will not be purchasing the plans released today. My 60 days will be this Sunday and it's kind of difficult without show times for that weekend.

Are you thinking the "regular" shows will be the same times as the other weekends and a Conversation with Frank Oz will be sometime in between?

Can you tell me about the Padawan Challenge trivia with Ashley...does it require sign ups in the morning like JTA? I'm confused by how it is explained in the first post.

 

[stardam]

What can anyone tell me about the DTech event? I am thinking of getting one for my son and husband. Would doing it on the day I have the FtF package be a good idea, or should I wait until the following weekend to do it? Does it take very long? With the FtF package, I will have access to mall, so wondering if that factors into it at all? If you have done it, worth it? I'd do the smaller figures. Would love to see pics if you have any!

Ty, posted!

I don't know how other people's experience was in the past but last year we had a Saturday appt around 3. DS was anxious to shop so we were in the shop around 1:00 looking around & there was nobody around DTech. They started trying to sell us on it & we told them we already had a 3:00 appt & they said they could do it right then if we would like so we did. Appointments will guarantee you get in I suppose but there was plenty of opportunity for a walkup that day & it was Mark Hammil weekend so large crowds.
We got the stormtrooper & it doesn't look like him at all. We are going to try carbonate this year since that's the one the majority had the best result with.
The actual experience is a lot of fun though. They had DS do duck face & other silly expressions. That's the main reason he wants to do it again.