Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[Wendybird55]

Hi, I've been away from this thread for a bit and just read the updates and such. This will be our first SWW - going weekend of May 22. I booked the VIP tour and just read offerings of premium package. I know VIP includes 2 meals, FP to certain attractions, M&G with Dark Side character and I believe Jedi Training session for my son if he wants. What I'm a bit confused with are the shows....Looks like with premium package you get seating for all shows, what about VIP tour....It mentions the one show in the description, but what about the others like Obi Wan and Ewok...I aleady have ADRS for Galactic Breakfast and H&V character dinner (other days) so the meals of VIP aren't very the most important nor are FP as we can ride those rides any trip. My biggest concern is experiencing the special shows / events of SWW without major confusion as I am new to this event and don't have as much time for this trip to plan tactics for doing it on my own so I want the help of one of the packages...which do you think is best? Should I stay with VIP or try Premium? Our VIP is for Sunday 5/24 as we want to enjoy the 24 hour event on Friday and figured we'd need some rest Saturday morning...so Saturday afternoon and evening are now free to do what we want so we can do some SWW events and such then on our own. Thanks!

 

[yulilin3]

Hi, I've been away from this thread for a bit and just read the updates and such. This will be our first SWW - going weekend of May 22. I booked the VIP tour and just read offerings of premium package. I know VIP includes 2 meals, FP to certain attractions, M&G with Dark Side character and I believe Jedi Training session for my son if he wants. What I'm a bit confused with are the shows....Looks like with premium package you get seating for all shows, what about VIP tour....It mentions the one show in the description, but what about the others like Obi Wan and Ewok...I aleady have ADRS for Galactic Breakfast and H&V character dinner (other days) so the meals of VIP aren't very the most important nor are FP as we can ride those rides any trip. My biggest concern is experiencing the special shows / events of SWW without major confusion as I am new to this event and don't have as much time for this trip to plan tactics for doing it on my own so I want the help of one of the packages...which do you think is best? Should I stay with VIP or try Premium? Our VIP is for Sunday 5/24 as we want to enjoy the 24 hour event on Friday and figured we'd need some rest Saturday morning...so Saturday afternoon and evening are now free to do what we want so we can do some SWW events and such then on our own. Thanks!

again, personal decision. But if you can do without the 2 meals offered and the direct access to the rides then you could switch to the Deluxe Premium and save some money. I believe that VIP will have access to all the shows presented that day at SWW. I really don't think they would leave you guys hanging and not offer them all. You can call the VIP and have them check to make sure.
With the Deluxe Premium you do get guaranteed seats to all the shows at SWW that day. So like I said, you don't mind having those other goodies from the VIP I would switch. Word of caution though the DPP is selling out quickly so make your decision fast and book it first before cancelling VIP

 

[tinkerpea]

Argh I don't know what to do, I desperately would like the starwars dooney bag, I don't really like all the regular disney dooney, the only one I got was the ice cream cart pattern,
All the others that I've loved have been the limited ed patterns like the tink marathon one,and the villain etc.
So I was determined to get this bag, thought all hope was lost then blagged the deluxe package with entry to the mall! For the first day!

Now this is where my plan come unstuck,dh is wanting to see motorcade and walk behind etc, I want that bag!!! I'm guessing I won't be able to have fp entry to the mall until we sign up? Which means front row for parade will be out, and my husband will never forgive me!

 

[yulilin3]

So is every questions on the DPB from a Disser? I posted 2 yesterday and one just now. We will see if she answers

 

[yulilin3]

Argh I don't know what to do, I desperately would like the starwars dooney bag, I don't really like all the regular disney dooney, the only one I got was the ice cream cart pattern,
All the others that I've loved have been the limited ed patterns like the tink marathon one,and the villain etc.
So I was determined to get this bag, thought all hope was lost then blagged the deluxe package with entry to the mall! For the first day!

Now this is where my plan come unstuck,dh is wanting to see motorcade and walk behind etc, I want that bag!!! I'm guessing I won't be able to have fp entry to the mall until we sign up? Which means front row for parade will be out, and my husband will never forgive me!

you could get your credential at 10am, your husband holds spot for parade and you run to the mall? Which weekend are you coming?

 

[lovethattink]

Argh I don't know what to do, I desperately would like the starwars dooney bag, I don't really like all the regular disney dooney, the only one I got was the ice cream cart pattern,
All the others that I've loved have been the limited ed patterns like the tink marathon one,and the villain etc.
So I was determined to get this bag, thought all hope was lost then blagged the deluxe package with entry to the mall! For the first day!

Now this is where my plan come unstuck,dh is wanting to see motorcade and walk behind etc, I want that bag!!! I'm guessing I won't be able to have fp entry to the mall until we sign up? Which means front row for parade will be out, and my husband will never forgive me!

Split up after check in? He goes to grab a parade spot for both of you and you go get the bag? My only concern is that check out lines for merchandise have at times been over an hour long. What is your date?

 

[lovethattink]

you could get your credential at 10am, your husband holds spot for parade and you run to the mall? Which weekend are you coming?

Great minds think alike

 

[yulilin3]

@lovethattink it's like your inside my mind

 

[Mimsy Borogove]

I feel like I'm the only one NOT buying a package.

We aren't either! For the first time in forever (see what I did there?) We aren't staying any SWWs and will be daytripping it as a game time decision. Because of that, we won't even be able to see the fireworks this year, so no ftf package. I'm so sad but holding on to looking forward to Galactic Breakfast. Hopefully next year we'll be back to SWW in full...force!

 

[yulilin3]

SWW was still completely enjoyable before fp+ and premium packages and VIP tours. Just have a good plan and you'll be able to get all of your priorities done
I wouldn't be doing it every weekend for the past 11 years if it wasn't fun
@Mimsy Borogove we've also been ap holders mostly since 1997

 

[lovethattink]

We aren't either! For the first time in forever (see what I did there?) We aren't staying any SWWs and will be daytripping it as a game time decision. Because of that, we won't even be able to see the fireworks this year, so no ftf package. I'm so sad but holding on to looking forward to Galactic Breakfast. Hopefully next year we'll be back to SWW in full...force!

We day tripped most of the sww. It was only since 2012 that we stayed overnight. We always had fun with whatever we ended up doing.

I'm sure you'll enjoy your breakfast!

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I feel like I'm the only one NOT buying a package.

I dropped ours, so we're not doing one, either. It just doesn't work well for us.

 

[slaveone]

I am not doing package and it's not just because of the Mickey bars.

 

[OZMom]

I haven't dropped it yet, but DH is less than impressed with the package. I'm going to try to upgrade to the deluxe, which apparently I should have booked in the first place, but if I can't, we won't be doing a package either.

Quick Question though: Do the lightsaber / death stars come in the drinks at the party, or only the ones at the pop up bars?

 

[lovethattink]

Here's my biggest question about not doing a package. It sounds like there might be 3 reserved sections for the motorcade. Plus there's usually 2 wheelchair areas reserved. Will parade viewing end up more competitive than other years?

 

[yulilin3]

I haven't dropped it yet, but DH is less than impressed with the package. I'm going to try to upgrade to the deluxe, which apparently I should have booked in the first place, but if I can't, we won't be doing a package either.

Quick Question though: Do the lightsaber / death stars come in the drinks at the party, or only the ones at the pop up bars?

The lightsaber and death star glow cubes were available from the pop up bars all day, they opened around 1pm if I'm not mistaken. There was two on either side of the event stage, one by Brown Derby and Starring Rolls, one by 50s Prime Time and H&V and one by Mama Melrose. Also one inside Darth's Mall.

Here's my biggest question about not doing a package. It sounds like there might be 3 reserved sections for the motorcade. Plus there's usually 2 wheelchair areas reserved. Will parade viewing end up more competitive than other years?

remember that with the removal of the Hat the stage can be placed further down, closer to GMR. The Hat took a lot of space so this will open it more for people to have spots for the parade.

 

[slaveone]

Here's my biggest question about not doing a package. It sounds like there might be 3 reserved sections for the motorcade. Plus there's usually 2 wheelchair areas reserved. Will parade viewing end up more competitive than other years?

I think it might. At least for photo perfect spots.

 

[keishashadow]

I was going to ask but figured others had it covered! Fingers crossed for answers in the morning! If not we'll have to trust the weekend 1 guinea pigs!

we shall carry y'all forward!

somebody mentioned thinking the dessert parties would be separate but FW viewing for all in the hub. Has that question been answered "officially"? imo vague at best based upon Disney's descriptions:

Deluxe: A reserved viewing location for the nightly Symphony in the Stars fireworks show, paired with…A Star Wars-themed dessert party with specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Premium: Guest check-in for the fireworks and for the dessert party is located across from the Brown Derby entrance on Hollywood Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The fireworks viewing location and dessert party is at the hub of Disney’s Hollywood Studios—on the right side approaching the Great Movie ride.

Yuellin mentioned the stage could be moved closer to the GMR, sounds like she's right on as usual!

 

[Mizzoufan]

So I was able to get a premium feel the force package but dang it so high for what you get. A seat for the parades and the fireworks and a dessert. Is it really worth it?

 

[alayne]

Forgive me if this has already been said but I would think that with My Disney Experience you would be able to get something attached to your Magic Band and be able to select the extra FP for the show once you signed up for one the the packages instead of having to spend your time getting in a line at 10:00 to receive your FP. To me your spending money for this package but losing valuable time that you could be meeting SW Characters. Am I missing something?