Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[jennab113]

What do you like to used to put on top of the temporary tattoos to make them sealed?

I haven't done one with a tattoo on it yet, but I am hoping that a clear coat over it will keep it on the band.

 

[jennab113]

I thought the parade standing area needed to be a bit bigger for non kids and non wheelchair folks, it is wide but not long enough, so sometimes it's hard to see.

I was actually going to ask about this. I'm a really short adult and can never see anything unless I am right at the front for parades, so I usually just skip them. But if I am paying for a spot, I would want to watch the parade and I'd hope I'd be able to see. Is the seated area just for kids or can adults sit too? If I can't sit, how hard is it going to be to get a spot where I can see? I'll be by myself most likely, so I won't have anyone to help block for me.

 

[Skywise]

I thought the parade standing area needed to be a bit bigger for non kids and non wheelchair folks, it is wide but not long enough, so sometimes it's hard to see. The drinks and ice cream/strawberry popsicle are always good!

The fireworks and desert party make this package however, that was truly awesome!

I too am going to take the plunge and do this again even if we risk picking a day we are marching.

I didn't think the FtF package was good for the parade so much - it DID help me get a sort of decent spot showing up at 9:45 on Mark Hamill's first day for an 11am parade but I had to hold that spot for an hour plus in the hot sun so I didn't get any ice cream except for the first bar . I got a decent space but for the cost it didn't seem as worthwhile. (And, to be honest, if it weren't for Mark Hamill I probably would've skipped the parade anyway)

Now the fireworks portion of the party was worth every penny!

 

[yulilin3]

I was actually going to ask about this. I'm a really short adult and can never see anything unless I am right at the front for parades, so I usually just skip them. But if I am paying for a spot, I would want to watch the parade and I'd hope I'd be able to see. Is the seated area just for kids or can adults sit too? If I can't sit, how hard is it going to be to get a spot where I can see? I'll be by myself most likely, so I won't have anyone to help block for me.

First thing to know with the package is that Disney tells you to be there 30 min. before the parade, don't do that. Be there an hour to ensure you get a better spot.
I'm also "travel sized" like Mushu. And we were there 1 hour before and got great spots, my daughter sat and I stood behind her. Now since you are traveling alone you are going to want to sit behind the kids and be there early. I'm thinking with the hat going away the reserved spot might be a bit larger but not by much

 

[The Sunrise Student]

I haven't done one with a tattoo on it yet, but I am hoping that a clear coat over it will keep it on the band.

Clear coat paint or nail polish, I know that some clear coat paints don't work on rubbery surfaces (unfortunately I am experience with that mistake), that's why I ask

 

[cmaee]

I was able to get a reservation at 8:40 on Friday, June 12 at the Sci-Fi breakfast. Do you think we will have enough time to see Chewbacca before breakfast? Also, do you think we will be able to finish breakfast in time to get a good spot for the parade? I'm hoping to get the Feel the Force package whenever it gets released for one of the two days we are there, so if we don't get a good spot on Friday, we have Saturday to do it.

I also thought we might try to get to the JTA signups on Friday morning first instead of trying to see Chewbacca first. I'm not sure what would be the best plan of action. Any thoughts?

On a side note, my kiddos are so excited for this. They have started planning what costumes they want to wear and keep rolling their eyes when I remind them that it is June in FL...it is going to be hot, hot, hot....so they may want to hold off on multiple layers of outfits. I have a feeling the costumes will be discarded quickly.

 

[Cluelyss]

How long of a wait can I expect for Chewie if we head right to him at RD? We have a Galactic breakfast ADR at 9:10, and trying to figure out if we'll have time to do anything else before our reservation? Also, sounds like we will need to head immediately to grab a parade spot as soon as we are done eating, with or without a FTF package, am I correct? Thx!!

 

[Itinkso]

How long of a wait can I expect for Chewie if we head right to him at RD? We have a Galactic breakfast ADR at 9:10, and trying to figure out if we'll have time to do anything else before our reservation? Also, sounds like we will need to head immediately to grab a parade spot as soon as we are done eating, with or without a FTF package, am I correct? Thx!!

We met Chewie first thing on the final day of SWW this year. As soon as the Trooper opening show ended, we walked straight to his line via Commissary Lane and were the 6th group in line. Chewie came out right at 8:00 and we were on our way by 8:15.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

FtF package.... I am trying to figure out how I am going to do the FtF package. We will not find out about our exact march dates until 30 to 60 days before hand which means the packages will all be sold out before I know if we are marching or not.

I was thinking about making a few ressies for a few different days but I feel like that is totally unfair to hog up ressies I know will not use.

Ahhhhh boggles the mind, it does!

 

[yulilin3]

I was able to get a reservation at 8:40 on Friday, June 12 at the Sci-Fi breakfast. Do you think we will have enough time to see Chewbacca before breakfast? Also, do you think we will be able to finish breakfast in time to get a good spot for the parade? I'm hoping to get the Feel the Force package whenever it gets released for one of the two days we are there, so if we don't get a good spot on Friday, we have Saturday to do it.

I also thought we might try to get to the JTA signups on Friday morning first instead of trying to see Chewbacca first. I'm not sure what would be the best plan of action. Any thoughts?

On a side note, my kiddos are so excited for this. They have started planning what costumes they want to wear and keep rolling their eyes when I remind them that it is June in FL...it is going to be hot, hot, hot....so they may want to hold off on multiple layers of outfits. I have a feeling the costumes will be discarded quickly.

Do you have more than one adult? one of you can go with the kids to sign up for JTA while the other starts the Chewie line. If Chewie comes out and your family is not back let some people go in front of you and save your spot. Everyone does this and you shouldn't encounter a problem.

How long of a wait can I expect for Chewie if we head right to him at RD? We have a Galactic breakfast ADR at 9:10, and trying to figure out if we'll have time to do anything else before our reservation? Also, sounds like we will need to head immediately to grab a parade spot as soon as we are done eating, with or without a FTF package, am I correct? Thx!!

Chewie comes out at 8am. If you're one of the first in line you'll be out fairly quickly, 10 maybe 15 minutes.
Parade viewing without the package plan to hold a spot for at least an hour and a half if you want a good, shady spot. With package be there an hour before

 

[ibela]

Getting excited about SWW! And it's still a surprise for my bf so can only share here! It was almost blown over the weekend when one of our friends, who I'm linked through for our Disney plans via the app, asked him if we were planning to go to SWW this year. He said "I don't think so" and she said she thought I had added some plans (she saw my meal bookings). So I quickly sent her a message "STOP!! It's a surprise" so she tried to say she got confused but I'm not 100% sure he bought it. Meanwhile I keep checking to see if they announced the celebs yet, we're only going weekend 3. Just popping over to say hi.

 

[yulilin3]

Getting excited about SWW! And it's still a surprise for my bf so can only share here! It was almost blown over the weekend when one of our friends, who I'm linked through for our Disney plans via the app, asked him if we were planning to go to SWW this year. He said "I don't think so" and she said she thought I had added some plans (she saw my meal bookings). So I quickly sent her a message "STOP!! It's a surprise" so she tried to say she got confused but I'm not 100% sure he bought it. Meanwhile I keep checking to see if they announced the celebs yet, we're only going weekend 3. Just popping over to say hi.

I'm sure you'll get the best gf award
the celebrities are not announced until around March, we still have a while to wait for that

 

[jennab113]

Clear coat paint or nail polish, I know that some clear coat paints don't work on rubbery surfaces (unfortunately I am experience with that mistake), that's why I ask

I've only used fingernail polish on bands, so I am assuming it will work on the tattoos. The tattoos I am doing for my friend's kids' bands will be worn in January so I will know how they hold up then.

 

[jennab113]

First thing to know with the package is that Disney tells you to be there 30 min. before the parade, don't do that. Be there an hour to ensure you get a better spot.
I'm also "travel sized" like Mushu. And we were there 1 hour before and got great spots, my daughter sat and I stood behind her. Now since you are traveling alone you are going to want to sit behind the kids and be there early. I'm thinking with the hat going away the reserved spot might be a bit larger but not by much

Thanks! I don't mind getting there early. I just really want to be able to see without having to jump.

 

[Cluelyss]

We met Chewie first thing on the final day of SWW this year. As soon as the Trooper opening show ended, we walked straight to his line via Commissary Lane and were the 6th group in line. Chewie came out right at 8:00 and we were on our way by 8:15.

Thank you! Does Darth Maul start meeting at 8 as well? Any chance we can get him in before breakfast too??

 

[yulilin3]

Thank you! Does Darth Maul start meeting at 8 as well? Any chance we can get him in before breakfast too??

This year he came out at 9am

 

[The Sunrise Student]

I've only used fingernail polish on bands, so I am assuming it will work on the tattoos. The tattoos I am doing for my friend's kids' bands will be worn in January so I will know how they hold up then.

Cool, you'll have to let us know how they turn out

 

[yulilin3]

here's KTP detailed character list, click on any character and it'll give you their set times (obviously this is from SWW 2014)
http://www.kennythepirate.com/2012/08/08/star-wars-weekends-map-and-character-schedule/

 

[poison ivy]

Thanks! I don't mind getting there early. I just really want to be able to see without having to jump.

We purchased the FtF pkg last year for the busiest weekend (SWW IV) and it was a lot of work to position for a good spot along the rope - even being among the 1st to arrive (9:05 am for the 11:30 parade) and 5th in line to get in. (what looked like 3rd place in line quickly grew to 5th when the rest of each party arrived)

There's a VIP pkg that shares this spot with the FtF and their group was let in a few seconds ahead of us.

Even with the reserved section, our standing room only crowd was easily 3 persons deep.

If being right at the front of the rope is a goal- I'd recommend making sure you are among the first in line which will require you to arrive much earlier than an hour prior.

I'll be posting a photo review of our FtF experience last year shortly to give a good visual.

I really hope they expand this parade route.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

I am VERY interested in seeing what happens with the Parade Route.

IF you are new to SWW and or the FtF package this might be something you didn't know...

What happened in years past is the parade participants started at the beginning of the park walk the entire length of Hollywood Blvd... At the hat two different things happen the 501st and Rebel Legion turn left and continue on all the way out the gate near the Star Tours Stage, HOWEVER the celebrities would just go to the hat.

IF all is as last year (and yes I know the hat should be out of the picture by then) and you are a newbie to SWW or to the FtF package listen up!

To avoid disappointment know your route and what you want to see. If you wanna see it all then make sure your view is of Hollywood Blvd, unless they change the parade route, and so far 501st haven't heard anything about a route change, once they reach the hat (and/or stage) the celebrities and Disney Characters Dressed in SW costumes do not continue on around the corner.

For the FtF package unless you only want a view of the celebrities and disney characters on the stage area make sure your view is also of Hollywood Blvd.

Last year I stood by a few people at Pirate Kenny's favorite spot under the big monitor by the old American Idol theater. And people were disappointed when they found out they had to see the celebrities and Disney Characters via the monitor and couldn't see them in person. And if you don't have a view of the monitor you will not see celebrities nor the Disney characters at all.

I do really hope they figure out something better with the Hat being removed....

Yulilin have you heard anything?