Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[yulilin3]

I should add that there are stroller parking areas next to reach attraction so you can leave them there, make the line and after riding an attraction get the stroller again

 

[kpd6901]

They don't allow strollers in the line to sign up for JTA. That's it.
I mean, strollers are not allowed in most attraction lines at WDW but you can use them when walking from place to place.

Okay, that's reasonable. Thanks!

 

[hultrain]

So, how bad are the lines for Vader/Chewie at RD? I was hoping to get both in before my FP+ window for Star Tours closes at 9:40. And, assuming I can get to ST by 9:40, will I be able to ride it and still have time to get a decent spot for the Motorcade?

And, what's the best route to get to Vader/Chewie at RD?

 

[yulilin3]

Be at the park no later than 7:30 as soon as the stormtroopers let you in walk straight forward the stage, make a left heading toward abc commissary and you'll find the Chewie line. After You meet him, walk down streets of America and make a right toward the old Backlot Tour and you'll find Vader. If you're there at rope drop you'll be able see both before 9:40am
As far as a spot for the motorcade that's hard to predict. By 10 all the shady spots will be taken

 

[lovethattink]

OK, I know this is a ridiculous question, because duh it's Florida it's hot, but I know that Yulilin and ITinkso live in the area. We are coming from CT and it has be barely grazing the 60's on a warm day here lately. I checked the forecast for Orlando and it said 90s already? Is this what I should expect in 2 weeks? When we were there in November, I packed shorts for everyone and then it was 40s. This time, I'm packing "spring" attire, but I'm thinking of swapping out for some tank tops? Thoughts?

(Itinkso lives in CA...lovethattink lives in FL)

I don't live in FL, but you will be too hot in CT spring attire in Florida in May. It will be full-on summer, with a lot of humidity. The locals will probably say May isn't that bad...THEY'RE CRAZY! It's bad! LOL.

Our first SWW was in 2013 (first weekend in June). We were having a cool spring here in MN and wore jeans on the plane. We arrived at 10:30 p.m. and I swear I had never been that hot before in my life. I wanted to die. And it was night!

I've been melting here! We went from Winter to summer with no spring. On Tuesday we went to mk and it felt hotter than a May Day at SWW. We only made it a few hours at the park because of the heat.

On Thursday and Friday nights we went to Epcot around 7pm and it was comfortable and no jacket or jeans needed.

I'm going to bring a jacket, but keep it in the car. I'm packing rain ponchos in my backpack. Also bringing freezer bags for storing my camera and cell phone. My water resistant bag leaked recently when it rained and everything got damp inside. I'm also packing an umbrella for make shift shade in queue. As for clothing shirts and shorts. All ds' Disney bounding will be light weight shorts and shirts.

 

[hultrain]

Be at the park no later than 7:30 as soon as the stormtroopers let you in walk straight forward the stage, make a left heading toward abc commissary and you'll find the Chewie line. After You meet him, walk down streets of America and make a right toward the old Backlot Tour and you'll find Vader. If you're there at rope drop you'll be able see both before 9:40am
As far as a spot for the motorcade that's hard to predict. By 10 all the shady spots will be taken

Thanks. I'm guessing I won't be able to get a shady spot, but I'm hoping to get a spot that would allow my 9 year old a chance to see it.

 

[yulilin3]

Thanks. I'm guessing I won't be able to get a shady spot, but I'm hoping to get a spot that would allow my 9 year old a chance to see it.

What day are you coming?

 

[Cluelyss]

Thanks! I bet I can go to Party City and get trinkets for birthday goodie bags. Or the Target dollar spot too. I got this cute little bag to carry them in.

Oh, my, where did you find that!!?!

 

[coluk003]

And speaking of CM, another reminder:
Cast Members that work at DHS usually get to park in the first lot there but during SWW they are asked to park at Epcot and have to bus over to the Studios to work, they need to add an extra hour to their commute in and out.
Please be kind to them. Thank them for everything, even if it's their job to pull down on the harness, or direct you to a line, or receive your food order. Not that you shouldn't thank them all the time, but they are sacrificing two extra hours of their day just to bring the magic to you.
It's not their fault if an attraction broke down, or if the food is taking longer to come out, or if it's raining.

Of anyone going PLEASE remember this. Working in hospitality either by choice or skills is a hard job. Most people I know and we'll don't know lol wouldn't be able to stand 8 hours in the hot kitchen where it gets up to 110 in there with no ac or fans. These people work hard I should know I was a chef for 20 years. The stuff you see on TV is NOT real life lol. That person running the show doesn't cut or prep their own stuff, they come on flash a smile and pit things in a pan only to grab the finished product that someone else cooked out of the oven.

Sorry I'm just slightly bitter lol

 

[coluk003]

Speaking of parking, and my description might not be great but I have a few questions, I plan on getting there around 645 ish. Now when parking is there anyone at the booths at that time or is it hey just drive in lol. I'm assuming no tram correct? And I noticed on Google earth a small parking are right near the gates, is that only handicapped parking or is it a free for all?

 

[drlaurafsu]

I think I am bringing my sparkle skirts. I use them for running /walking but I think the fast dry, skirt over shorts with built in pockets will be useful. Not what I would usually do but I'm used to coming from Atlanta where I get exposed to warmer weather. This year in IL it's barely been even slightly warm...we had lows back in the 30s last week...ugh.

 

[AngiTN]

Oh, my, where did you find that!!?!

I belong to tons of groups on facebook that make custom outfits for kids, mostly for Disney. DGD wears a Disney custom every day of our trips, usually 2 a day. I tend to like so many I over buy
This particular seller's name is in the photo, Gorgeous Girls Boutique
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gorgeous-Girls-Boutique/210534112294257

 

[DisneyLove2015]

I should add that there are stroller parking areas next to reach attraction so you can leave them there, make the line and after riding an attraction get the stroller again

Are strollers OK in open character lines? Such as Chewie or Darth Maul?
Thanks!

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

maybe that's why this thread has never been on the top 10 threads of the month

I've thought of that before, I have no idea how this thread isn't the most popular!

I know I am lining up to buy him as soon as he comes out this fall... they mentioned at SWC that their would be one for purchase.

Ever wonder what the tech toy is that Bob Igner got involved with Star Wars to make BB-8.... check out this link below.

http://www.gosphero.com/

My bf is an engineer and has been looking into making a bb8, which would be awesome.

 

[BobaFettFan]

Most of the people on the podcast aren't sw fans, so even though I enjoy the podcast their opinion on bb8 holds no value with me

So let em laugh, bb8 will be rolling all the way to the bank.

<rant> I was listening to a podcast and "SWW" came up as the topic. It was like they were slowing turning a screw into my brain. "And there are many actors coming. Like Ian MAC. MAC.... why do I get the hard names?? MAc DIAAAREDMUD is coming. And the most popular character is Darth Maul of course. Along with other characters like BOBO FETT."


BOBO FETT!?!?!?!?!?!!?!!?!!??!

It made me question the validity of everything else they were talking about. If they're just winging this and doing a real ****ty job of "selling it", then what else are they wrong on? One of the speakers then spoke up though and started giving the straight talk on the weekends as she had been there previously. How on paper, it looks like it'll be huge crowds and crazy, but everyone is pretty chill and everyone wants each other to have a good time. </rant>

 

[MakiraMarlena]

So I modified my existing reservation to add the dining plan, and my total cost went up $800. That's weird, right? The dining plan for my reservation should either be free, or over $1200. Are they just really glitchy right now? Will I get the free dining since I modified the reservation? I thought this would all be easier. I know my existing reservation qualifies for the offer...6 nights, park hopper, etc and we are staying at a deluxe resort. I have tried calling all morning to no avail.

After just a cursory look, is Free Dining solely for new reservations during a certain time period? I think I saw that it is Aug-Sept (hurricane season). Or is it something that would/could be applicable to our already-booked upcoming June trip? This whole first-time-booking-a-family-disney-vacation thing can get your head spinning when you hear about things for the first time...even after you thought you heard/read/researched it all already.

No free dining in June. It applies only to certain types of reservations during certain periods.

 

[lovethattink]

Speaking of parking, and my description might not be great but I have a few questions, I plan on getting there around 645 ish. Now when parking is there anyone at the booths at that time or is it hey just drive in lol. I'm assuming no tram correct? And I noticed on Google earth a small parking are right near the gates, is that only handicapped parking or is it a free for all?

Last year, the first weekend there was nobody at the gate and no parking attendants early. But the following weekends, they were around 5-ish. My husband said he was either directed to park where cm would have parked or on the other side which is usually for medical overflow. No tram. The small parking near tram circle is disability only. Each has a sign about a fine for parking without a placard or plate.

Are strollers OK in open character lines? Such as Chewie or Darth Maul?
Thanks!

Most queues did not allow strollers. Often when my son used his w/c they checked for the red stroller as w/c sticker. Definitely no strollers allowed in Darth's Mall. It was very difficult for w/c and ECV to move in there. Stroller parking is right outside Darth's Mall, and around the corner from Chewie.

 

[yulilin3]

Speaking of parking, and my description might not be great but I have a few questions, I plan on getting there around 645 ish. Now when parking is there anyone at the booths at that time or is it hey just drive in lol. I'm assuming no tram correct? And I noticed on Google earth a small parking are right near the gates, is that only handicapped parking or is it a free for all?

I see that @lovethattink already answered, just to add. They start running the trams around 7am but it's not really needed, DHS has the smallest parking lot and it's a very easy walk to the entrance

Are strollers OK in open character lines? Such as Chewie or Darth Maul?
Thanks!

I looked and looked at youtube videos and I found that the open lines, Chewie, Darth Maul The Fetts allowed strollers, didn't see any in Vader's line

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I do remember some strollers with itty bitty babies in them in the Vader line in 2013, but generally, that line is more constrained/less open than others (and has some tight turns) so CMs were encouraging you to park the stroller if they were more for convenience for older kids. NOT THAT ITTY BITTY BABIES ARE MORE ENTITLED TO STROLLERS. But you know what I mean.

 

[hultrain]

What day are you coming?

Friday of Weekend III (May 29)