Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[yulilin3]

What do you mean if they put characters inside darth maul?


Also I have another fireworks/Fantasmic! question.
I'm considering (only considering b/c it's expensive for 8!!) getting the Feel The Force which gets us the reserved seating for the fireworks AND the Hollywood & Vine character meal with F! reserved seating. However, it's for the first showing of F! and the advice above was to watch the fireworks and do the 2nd seating of F!.

Sooo confused.

Also if it were you and you could only do one, would you do the SW Dine-in Breakfast (on a weekday), or the H&V chars?

My main concern is I like to ride rides at Rope Drop and i worry about a pre-opening breakfast and getting to TSMM at rope drop.

We've done park opening breakfasts before (CP, Tusker house) and rarely do we get out before the people start surging in. Since we'd be going with newbies I would hate to be all "hurry hurry" through breakfast.

I guess I could try for as late a morning breakfast as possible. Hmm..

I would do Sci Fi breakfast just because I like the Dark Side better and plan it for a weekday. And do the second F! no need in hurrying for that one the 2nd show rarely gets full. Now if you want the Disney characters in SW costume those can get hard to get and time consuming since like pp said they rotate. So you might be standing in line for Mickey and Minnie and when you get close they rotate out for Donald and Goofy. What do you want to get out of Feel the Force? Is it mainly for the parade or for the fireworks and dessert party? If your priority are all the characters I would do both meals and drop Feel the Force

So do they usually have 2 showings of Fantasmic! those nights? Right now it just shows 1...And what time are the fireworks? At the moment we have dinner at H & V at 7pm.

Last year F! was at 9pm and 1-:30pm weith the fireworks at 9:45pm with a special preshow of characters at 9:30pm. The first post of this thread has all the info from last year http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3183780

I know I've said this in the past, but I'm going to re-iterate my plea after stopping at Sounds Dangerous yesterday and watching a Phinneas and Ferb Christmas special. I really wish Disney would have a building set aside to show the movies, the Clone Wars, Rebels, old tv specials, etc. during SWW. It would be a great place to sit down, cool off and immerse yourself in Star Wars.

Also, after saying goodbye to the Snowground. I couldn't help but think how great they could do it up for SWW with a Hoth theme! Please Disney, bring back the snowground for SWW! That would be an amazing place to cool off!

If it's not already under some sort of construction I have a feeling they might use that space. Hoth inspired cool down room would be amazing

 

[Artax]

What do you mean if they put characters inside darth maul?

Darth's Mall has always had characters inside. It's a great way to cool down. Last year it was the fab 4. Before that, it had been Luke, Leia, R2-D2, and C3P0.

Yes sorry I meant Darth's Mall, its the large store they setup with all the merchendise. There are always characters inside like lovethattink said but my kids are young so they had no desire to meet the old crew in 2013. last year they had the fab for in SWW gear, you basically wait in line with everyone that wants merchandise to get in, as they only let a certain number of people into the store at a time. So on opening weekend it is crazy busy with people trying to get their hands on the latest merch.

 

[Artax]

On another note, I finally got some images loaded of the quilt my mother made for my son. We got all the signatures from our last SWW trip in may. I created the picture collage from our photopass pictures and had it printed out on fabric for the center panel, my mother did the rest and gave it to him for christmas. I am extremely pleased with how it turned out. What do you all think?\

IMG_4678 by artax1977, on Flickr

IMG_4685 by artax1977, on Flickr

IMG_4684 by artax1977, on Flickr

IMG_4682 by artax1977, on Flickr

I guess I forgot to load up with lower right corner. But you get the idea.

 

[yulilin3]

Artax that is sooo cool!! Awesome way to display all of your memories

 

[Candleshoe]

Darth's Mall has always had characters inside. It's a great way to cool down. Last year it was the fab 4. Before that, it had been Luke, Leia, R2-D2, and C3P0.

aaaaah.. HAHA! There's a place called Darth's Mall? That's hilarious. I love it!

I would do Sci Fi breakfast just because I like the Dark Side better and plan it for a weekday. And do the second F! no need in hurrying for that one the 2nd show rarely gets full. Now if you want the Disney characters in SW costume those can get hard to get and time consuming since like pp said they rotate. So you might be standing in line for Mickey and Minnie and when you get close they rotate out for Donald and Goofy. What do you want to get out of Feel the Force? Is it mainly for the parade or for the fireworks and dessert party? If your priority are all the characters I would do both meals and drop Feel the Force

FTF is so that I can have a place to sit for the fireworks. I can't sit curbside with my arthritis, or on the ground. I need an adult size place to perch.
However, if there's no sitting at that party AND the 2nd F! is not crowded, then there's no need for it and I'll do what you suggest with 2 meals. Or just the one breakfast (later in the week).

My daughter's a teenager and not interested in meet and greets at all! Hasn't been in a couple of trips. She will be 15. We're also taking a 21 year old niece who probably isn't interested but it's her first trip. And from another side of the family a 14 year old niece and 12 year old nephew - he is totally into SWs as is his Dad (my BIL) and my husband. But will they be interested in meet and greets? I don't know. I don't think it's a big priority. I'm not that into them myself. I think personally I'd like only one: Chewy.
I have no interest in different actors as Luke or Leia etc. So a meal would be an opportunity to have some fun pictures without waiting in line. It's my favorite way to do pictures with characters

If there is a celebrity meet and greet, now THAT we might want to do.

 

[Itinkso]

On another note, I finally got some images loaded of the quilt my mother made for my son. We got all the signatures from our last SWW trip in may.

That quilt is so cool! Artax, tell your mother she does amazing and impressive handiwork!

 

[Candleshoe]

That quilt is so cool! Artax, tell your mother she does amazing and impressive handiwork!

ABSOLUTELY! That is a beautiful quilt. How did you get signatures on the quilt squares? Did you use an embroidery hoop?

 

[Artax]

Artax that is sooo cool!! Awesome way to display all of your memories

That quilt is so cool! Artax, tell your mother she does amazing and impressive handiwork!

ABSOLUTELY! That is a beautiful quilt. How did you get signatures on the quilt squares? Did you use an embroidery hoop?

Thanks, she does some great work. She made a Minnie mouse one for our daugher from 2013. She outdid herself on this one.

Yes I brought 6" square of kona cotten and put them in embroidery hoops. I actually have a picture of Darth Vader signing his autograph with a pink hoop. Thought it was funny. If I wasnt at work I would post it.

 

[yulilin3]

aaaaah.. HAHA! There's a place called Darth's Mall? That's hilarious. I love it!



FTF is so that I can have a place to sit for the fireworks. I can't sit curbside with my arthritis, or on the ground. I need an adult size place to perch.
However, if there's no sitting at that party AND the 2nd F! is not crowded, then there's no need for it and I'll do what you suggest with 2 meals. Or just the one breakfast (later in the week).

My daughter's a teenager and not interested in meet and greets at all! Hasn't been in a couple of trips. She will be 15. We're also taking a 21 year old niece who probably isn't interested but it's her first trip. And from another side of the family a 14 year old niece and 12 year old nephew - he is totally into SWs as is his Dad (my BIL) and my husband. But will they be interested in meet and greets? I don't know. I don't think it's a big priority. I'm not that into them myself. I think personally I'd like only one: Chewy.
I have no interest in different actors as Luke or Leia etc. So a meal would be an opportunity to have some fun pictures without waiting in line. It's my favorite way to do pictures with characters

If there is a celebrity meet and greet, now THAT we might want to do.

Ok, the FtF fireworks portion has no seating at all, it's just high bar tables for you to set your dessert and drinks. If you're interested in a place to sit and have an awesome view of the fireworks then I would recommend the tables and chairs around Echo Lake (acroos from Prime Time) that's where we watch every time.
Don't underestimate the appeal of meeting SW characters even if your family isn't into meeting characters. Also there are about 10 or so characters that are roaming, meaning that you don't have to get in line, just approach and meet. Look at Kenny's site for a list of them
Now for celebrity is a different story. Read the first post about meeting celebrities and if you still have specific questions let us know

 

[Cluelyss]

So so so so so cool Artax! What a great idea!!' I am always looking for "different" ways to collect signatures.... This is amazing!

 

[Artax]

So so so so so cool Artax! What a great idea!!' I am always looking for "different" ways to collect signatures.... This is amazing!

Thanks, This kids really enjoy meeting the characters so thought it would be cool to have something for all the time we spend in line. Hopefully they appreciate them for years to come.

Here is the pillowcase I made for my son in 2013. This was just an iron on of a photopass picture. Although the photo didnt hold up that well becuase he uses it every night, He still loves it. This is also the photo of the darth vader goofy that eluded me 4 times during our first day at SWW. Had to go back a second day becuase my son wanted to meet him soo bad and we just couldnt time the meet just right. I think its still his favorite picture.

IMG_2983 by artax1977, on Flickr.

And just becuase I have talked about it here is the 2013 trip quilt my mother made for my daughter.

IMG_3021 by artax1977, on Flickr

And just to get this back on topic. Here is my favorite SWW photo I have. This is when the fab 4 were outside in 2013.

Photo0258FourBySix by artax1977, on Flickr

 

[lovethattink]

Both quilts are fabulous!

 

[Koh1977]

So so so so so cool Artax! What a great idea!!' I am always looking for "different" ways to collect signatures.... This is amazing!

Definitely a very cool way to collect sigs and have some lasting memories! My kids love the photo books we make on Shutterfly (from previous trips' pics), and my DD especially is always pulling them out to look at them.

Considering this will be our first SWW, we will have to have some blank pages in the back (with Star Wars themed backgrounds) for some of those special sigs. Speaking of signatures...Do they all sign autographs then? Any that don't? (besides R2D2 ) Also, how do Jedi Mickey, etc. sign? (I mean, different than Mickey Mouse anywhere else?)

 

[kgc07]

Now that our Christmas trip is over we are ready to start planning our SWW trip! I have the breakfast and dinner booked. I'm second guessing the dinner...we will see.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Candleshoe

Love the log in name

 

[Candleshoe]

Thanks, This kids really enjoy meeting the characters so thought it would be cool to have something for all the time we spend in line. Hopefully they appreciate them for years to come.

Here is the pillowcase I made for my son in 2013. This was just an iron on of a photopass picture. Although the photo didnt hold up that well becuase he uses it every night, He still loves it. This is also the photo of the darth vader goofy that eluded me 4 times during our first day at SWW. Had to go back a second day becuase my son wanted to meet him soo bad and we just couldnt time the meet just right. I think its still his favorite picture.

[/url]IMG_2983 by artax1977, on Flickr[/IMG].

Very talented quilter! I don't think I could do that. I could handle an iron-on though. I may try the pillowcase trick. Did you take a 5" hoop and move it around for the characters? Did you back it with anything, like maybe a clipboard?

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Long time lurker to the boards and the SWW threads, never posted. Been to Star Wars weekend for the past 2 years. Just booked another trim for May 8-16th so we will hit day one again for a full day and maybe a partial second day. Decided I should join the party and say Hi. Met a few people from here last year in line for chewy, my son and I were first in line on day one. Also meet kennythepirate in line for darth maul. We had a great time mostly meeting characters and getting autographs for a quilt for my son. He got his quilt for Christmas and it turned out great. Will post pictures when I get to 10 posts, but wanted to make an apperance and introduce myself.

Also waiting impatiently for the Feel the Force package to open. Didnt get to do it last year becuase we had a party of 10 and it sold out before we could all get in. Hopeing and crossing fingers we can get in this year.

WELCOME Very glad you are chiming in!

You'll be out there at SWW during my time frame

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Thanks for all of the helpful information! We will be driving down and will just be going to Disney. I finally decided to stay at Bonnet Creek though, and I'm really excited about it! I thought my husband was leaning more to onsite, but he finally realized he liked the idea of having two separate bedrooms and more space, especially since I am planning a non-park day at the resort, so Bonnet Creek it is. I also changed my dates, lol. Now we will be going May 16 - 23 and doing HS on the 17th. I know DH would prefer to go the first weekend, and I figured the week would be less crowded than Memorial Day week.

Since we're staying offsite, we'll be paying out of pocket for meals. I have both the Sci Fi breakfast and H&V dinner reserved and I wonder if it will be a bit overkill, also take up too much time. I definitely want to keep the breakfast, because these are the only characters DH wants to see. I'm not sure about the dinner, although I thnk my girls will like those characters. I think I read a review on some website by someone who preferred the breakfast to dinner, but I don't remember where I read this. Anyone have any opinions?

Awesome, having a car does make staying off site easy, and with having the two rooms that is a super nice plus!

On the Star Wars meals, for getting to meet characters is this the best way to do it. We did both meals last year and have booked both meals again this year. It is a major time saver, not to mention not having to wait in line is a biggie. Trust me it's not over kill it's super smart time saver, and heat/line saver! The SW H&V Dinner is also a buffet, so you can eat as much or as little as you like, tons of choices and really good ones to boot!

 

[yulilin3]

Definitely a very cool way to collect sigs and have some lasting memories! My kids love the photo books we make on Shutterfly (from previous trips' pics), and my DD especially is always pulling them out to look at them.

Considering this will be our first SWW, we will have to have some blank pages in the back (with Star Wars themed backgrounds) for some of those special sigs. Speaking of signatures...Do they all sign autographs then? Any that don't? (besides R2D2 ) Also, how do Jedi Mickey, etc. sign? (I mean, different than Mickey Mouse anywhere else?)

R2D2 and C3PO are the ones that don't sing. Jedi Mickey just signs Mickey Mouse (this was reported by someone last year) although when I got the fab 4, years and years ago they signed Leia Minnie, Jedi Mickey, Darth Goofy and Stormtrooper Donald so not sure what it'll be this year

 

[The Sunrise Student]

On another note, I finally got some images loaded of the quilt my mother made for my son. We got all the signatures from our last SWW trip in may. I created the picture collage from our photopass pictures and had it printed out on fabric for the center panel, my mother did the rest and gave it to him for christmas. I am extremely pleased with how it turned out. What do you all think?\

[/url]IMG_4678 by artax1977, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]IMG_4685 by artax1977, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]IMG_4684 by artax1977, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]IMG_4682 by artax1977, on Flickr[/IMG]

I guess I forgot to load up with lower right corner. But you get the idea.

WOW, WOW, WOW... HOLY SMOKES THAT IS SO BLESSED AWESOME! Never seen anything like it, what a wonderful gift, your Mom did super! VERY magical