Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[Artax]

I hope for the price of the galactic gathering the lightsaber ones make noise!

I'm still bummed that those won't be available for purchase outside that event. I don't like the others they've shown as being for sale this year to all.

I am with you there. I would love to have the option to buy the light saber ones. The others, not so much. I don't think they will get my money for these this year. Light saber or darth vader...YES take my money. the others are a little ho hum.

 

[Candleshoe]

Frances from NE on April 8th, 2015 at 8:44 am
For the Deluxe package, will the reserved seating for the shows be the same at FP+? Would we enter thru the regular FP+ line? Or will these reserved seats be in a separate section with a different line?

Also for the Deluxe package, it says that reserved seating is included for ALL shows. On some week-ends there will be 4 shows, and maybe even a possible 5 shows for the last week-end. I just want to confirm that this package does give reserved seating for ALL shows, no matter how many there might be on that particular day. Thanks!

PS. Also interested in what the “snack” consists of. Last year we had Mickey Bars & such.


Rachel Brent on April 8th, 2015 at 10:03 am
Hi Frances, the Feel the Force Premium Package includes reserved seating for your choice of (1) of the shows at Theater of the Stars featuring Celebrity talent (this is a new addition to the package this year), while the Feel the Force Premium Deluxe Package includes reserved seating for all of the Celebrity Talk Shows in Theater of the Stars on the day of the package.

I noticed that she really only answered the portion of the question we're all very clear on.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Maybe she doesn't yet know where the entry point will be or what the snack is. I think one of the things Disney reps are careful about is to never say "I don't know." On the blog I think they will refuse to answer rather than answer and say they don't know.

 

[yulilin3]

yeah, I'm thinking she's still trying to gather information

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I am with you there. I would love to have the option to buy the light saber ones. The others, not so much. I don't think they will get my money for these this year. Light saber or darth vader...YES take my money. the others are a little ho hum.

They look cute for kids, but even DS10 said those aren't "cool enough". He wanted Vader, and we all would have been happy with a beeping R2 or a C3PO that says "Oh my"... Or something...

 

[MakiraMarlena]

that's why I do my own magic bands. I don't know if it's cheaper based on what I spend on paint.

 

[HCinKC]

Also, unrelated but I just got these in the mail! My magic band skins. No Star Wars because I want to buy one there so it'll make sound effects

How long did it take before you got them? I have only found SW Rebels tattoos so far, so I am considering doing something like this instead. Thanks for sharing, too. They look fab!

So, I guess the 9:30 fireworks for Weekends II-V and 9:45 fireworks for just Weekend I wasn't a typo in the system after all. I wonder why it's different just for Week I?

• Symphony in the Stars Fireworks begin at 9:45 PM on the first weekend (May 15 – 17, 2015) and at 9:30 PM on all remaining weekends (May 22 – 24, May 29 – 31, June 5 – 7, June 12 – 14, 2015).

Surely, it couldn't be that Disney is...gulp...allowing extra time for any first weekend timing mishaps? So, this puts fireworks ending at about 10:15? Sigh. Super late Friday night for poor ODS followed by super early Saturday morning for RD. Fail on the planning, Mama. Fail. In my defense, that is what works best with ADRs...

Scored the last Storm trooper chocolate bunny from my Walmart at 50% Off.

Man, I love SW fans. Good times, good times.

I can't believe 5/23 and 5/24 are sold out already for the deluxe premium. So disappointing. I booked the regular package but I'm not sure if the value is worth it for me. Having all of the shows was the selling point for me.

It seems like there must be pretty limited capacity for the Deluxe. I guess that makes sense given they are guaranteeing seating for Deluxe and VIP at 3+ shows a day. I know that the theatre has a good amount of seating, but I can't imagine they'd want to tie up too much. Maybe it also makes sense if Deluxe and VIP are sharing party areas. They can only fit so many people.

I ordered some from Fantasy Bands - SW for the oldest boys.

Could you share a pic? And how long did it take to get them? Thanks!

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

We're not doing any of them, GG, VIP, or FtF. While we'll go all three days, none will be full days at HS. Plus, DH will be leaving with the baby, missing the fireworks. I want us to do the parade together, so I wouldn't get it for just ODS and me. And purchasing it then not using a portion just doesn't make sense. Plus, I don't think ODS cares about shows. I think the Deluxe would be a great choice if our situation was different though. I can definitely understand the draw and excitement.

 

[yulilin3]

LISA on April 8th, 2015 at 7:21 am
Hi,
Would you please clarify the exact specifics for each package? The dessert parties for each package are in separate areas? The firework viewing areas are in separate locations? Is there seating in the deluxe package for the dessert party? With the deluxe package how much time in advance must one show up to assured a reserved seat? Dr. Internet is awash with varying bits of information most claimed to be received from Disney cast members when booking their packages. LOL at the all the snack questions

Rachel Brent on April 8th, 2015 at 10:10 am
The reserved viewing areas for Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade and Symphony in the Stars fireworks and Star Wars-themed dessert party are the same for both Feel the Force packages. With the Feel the Force Premium Deluxe Package you get everything in the Premium Package plus access to ALL of the Celebrity Talk Shows in Theater of the Stars on the day of the package (versus reserved seating for your choice of (1) Celebrity Talk Show with the Premium Package), priority access to Darth’s Mall on the day of the package, and the commemorative lanyard and credential.

 

[yulilin3]

and now I'm more confused. I'm sure she got this wrong. PP is where feel the force was last year. DPP is at the entrance of the park. Only way you can walk behind the motorcade
This is why DPP check in is at the front and PP is by Min and Bill

 

[lovethattink]

Tink: I think you are the only one NOT buying a package and who WILL be on the Fantasy SW cruise.... countless "free" Mickey Bars through room service and as dessert at every dinner!

I love the quotation marks! Yes, I know I'm blessed to be able to do the cruise and be at SWW most of the 5 weekends.

I'm not either. I'm on a strict budget so it's out of the question. Truthfully if I had the cash, I'd rather do dinner with the Disney characters anyway.

I canceled the dinner to save the money. Thinking of canceling the breakfast, but haven't been able to bring myself to do it.

Counter services prices have gone up a bit. There's not too much difference between them and ts. Though those SW event meals cost a pretty penny.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

LISA on April 8th, 2015 at 7:21 am
Hi,
Would you please clarify the exact specifics for each package? The dessert parties for each package are in separate areas? The firework viewing areas are in separate locations? Is there seating in the deluxe package for the dessert party? With the deluxe package how much time in advance must one show up to assured a reserved seat? Dr. Internet is awash with varying bits of information most claimed to be received from Disney cast members when booking their packages. LOL at the all the snack questions

Rachel Brent on April 8th, 2015 at 10:10 am
The reserved viewing areas for Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade and Symphony in the Stars fireworks and Star Wars-themed dessert party are the same for both Feel the Force packages. With the Feel the Force Premium Deluxe Package you get everything in the Premium Package plus access to ALL of the Celebrity Talk Shows in Theater of the Stars on the day of the package (versus reserved seating for your choice of (1) Celebrity Talk Show with the Premium Package), priority access to Darth’s Mall on the day of the package, and the commemorative lanyard and credential.

I GIVE UP. Those going on May 15, using ANY of the packages or none at all, PLEASE REPORT BACK!!

LOL!

I'll be there on May 17 doing VIP and will share here.

 

[lvstitch]

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!

I've been struggling with the same thing and called VIP several times yesterday. It seems because VIP have guides with us for 8 hours, they will personally bring us to the parade and shows so no waiting is needed. It also seems that VIP has separate area for the parade. Plus we get in the park almost an hour before everyone else. At this point, I'm about 90% sure I'm doing the VIP package.

 

[rbattenfelder]

Hi Everyone,

My FP+ window opened up at 1:00am. I tried to make FP+ for Star Wars events, but there were none showing for me to pick from. Has anyone had success making a FP+ for a Star Wars event? Thanks!

 

[jtowntoflorida]

FWIW, those limited edition Star Wars bands continued to be sold after SWW as well. I know the Yoda bands were still available in at least one store in DHS when we went to Disney last August. The Vader bands did sell out more quickly.

 

[yulilin3]

Hi Everyone,

My FP+ window opened up at 1:00am. I tried to make FP+ for Star Wars events, but there were none showing for me to pick from. Has anyone had success making a FP+ for a Star Wars event? Thanks!

do you have anything blocking the times of the SWW shows booked already, maybe a meal reservation? Do you have anything booked on Tier 1? All shows are Tier 1 so you can only pick one thing from that tier

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

FWIW, those limited edition Star Wars bands continued to be sold after SWW as well. I know the Yoda bands were still available in at least one store in DHS when we went to Disney last August. The Vader bands did sell out more quickly.

I just wish that was true of the cool GG bands:


I'm sure these (available to all) will stay available longer...


Maybe I'm too down on them...!

 

[Dugette]

LISA on April 8th, 2015 at 7:21 am
Hi,
Would you please clarify the exact specifics for each package? The dessert parties for each package are in separate areas? The firework viewing areas are in separate locations? Is there seating in the deluxe package for the dessert party? With the deluxe package how much time in advance must one show up to assured a reserved seat? Dr. Internet is awash with varying bits of information most claimed to be received from Disney cast members when booking their packages. LOL at the all the snack questions

Rachel Brent on April 8th, 2015 at 10:10 am
The reserved viewing areas for Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade and Symphony in the Stars fireworks and Star Wars-themed dessert party are the same for both Feel the Force packages. With the Feel the Force Premium Deluxe Package you get everything in the Premium Package plus access to ALL of the Celebrity Talk Shows in Theater of the Stars on the day of the package (versus reserved seating for your choice of (1) Celebrity Talk Show with the Premium Package), priority access to Darth’s Mall on the day of the package, and the commemorative lanyard and credential.

Could someone please ask her if she is comfortable saying (and is willing to put in writing) that a family can get different packages (Premium vs. Deluxe Premium for those who want shows) and STILL be together for the parade viewing and fireworks/dessert party?

We're just talking me and DH here, so at least we're both adults and can be separated (but don't want to be). But what about someone who gets their older kids the non-show package or something? We're now both on DPFtF, as we don't want to split up, but I do not plan to see the shows (staying with our 2-year-old), so it feels like such a waste and I hate to take the shows from someone who wants them. If I could be ASSURED that we'd be together for the fireworks/party, I'd switch back to PFtF for me and DD, if still available. Why does this have to be so difficult?!

 

[Florida Girl]

Woot woot they approved my witchy comment where I basically called her out

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I've been struggling with the same thing and called VIP several times yesterday. It seems because VIP have guides with us for 8 hours, they will personally bring us to the parade and shows so no waiting is needed. It also seems that VIP has separate area for the parade. Plus we get in the park almost an hour before everyone else. At this point, I'm about 90% sure I'm doing the VIP package.

Are you clear on how large each tour group is; how many per guide?

 

[MakiraMarlena]

She's already said that all packages go to the same dessert party. But it appears she is wrong about the parade viewing areas, so who knows what she is correct about. I'm willing to accept it about the party, because it is logistically a real pain to set up two or three separate dessert parties.

If I were to guess I would say that you would NOT be together for the parade viewing, but you would for the dessert party.