Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[JayLeeJay]

How many posts do you need to do PM?
I am interested in Jedi Mickey May 17 6pm, but could not PM.

I put you down for that reservation. Just pm when you can.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

After seeing the crowds at RD, I'm wondering what time I should try to get there to be close to the front? We are staying at BWI and I was hoping to be on the boat by 7. But that will only get us there 30 minutes before opening...should I go earlier? I may be abandoning my family...lol

We're staying at BWI sspecifically so that we can walk to DHS. We stayed at YC last year and that was an easy walk. BWI is even closer to DHS and the walk should be around 10-15 minutes at most. There is no way I'd wait around for a boat when the walk is so easy.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I was wondering if all the problems with the recent rollouts could be traced to the reported 500 IT layoffs/outsourced jobs in January of this year.

"We are restructuring our global technology organization to support future innovation and new capabilities, and will work with leading technical firms to maintain our existing systems," Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Wahler said.

The claim was these were magic band IT, but with all the problems I just have to wonder.

From my observations Disney has had IT problems for years. They took large complicated systems and complicated them even more with MDE and MB's.

 

[Kaschper]

Thank you itinkso. I really did want to thank you though

 

[Kaschper]

Thanks jayleejay is will PM Shortly.

 

[Laura C]

This is going to be such a long year+.

We booked our trip at the end of May last year to fly out on June 1st, hoping that the sww were going to keep to the same pattern! But I can't believe its now only about 3 weeks to go, it's gone super duper fast! Have fun with all the planning! Xx

 

[yulilin3]

First timers to SWW. We will be there for 2 weekends (iv & v) Staying offsite and started booking our fastpass' at midnight last night making sure that I am understanding this correctly.

Behind the Force Rebels, Visit to the Maul, and Obi Wan & Beyond - I only need to schedule once sometime during the two weekends.
Stars of the Saga - I need to schedule once on both weekends.
Conversation with Frank Oz is only weekend V and need to schedule once.

thanks!

The Rebels show has a different guest each weekend so if you want to hear from both you need to go once every weekend

 

[yulilin3]

After seeing the crowds at RD, I'm wondering what time I should try to get there to be close to the front? We are staying at BWI and I was hoping to be on the boat by 7. But that will only get us there 30 minutes before opening...should I go earlier? I may be abandoning my family...lol

I would walk it, it's not a long walk at all.be art the front entrance by 7:15 at the latest

 

[Tltorrez]

The boats won't start to run till at least 8:00 a.m. If you want to get there earlier you need to walk. There is a path from BWI to Hollywood Studios. It isn't that far and it will be the only way you will be able to get to Hollywood Studios early.

@mom2febgirls, Send me a PM to remind me and I'll dig out my map of the shortcut through the pool area. Shorter than going out the front entrance and around the whole resort.

 

[Tltorrez]

I was wondering if all the problems with the recent rollouts could be traced to the reported 500 IT layoffs/outsourced jobs in January of this year.

"We are restructuring our global technology organization to support future innovation and new capabilities, and will work with leading technical firms to maintain our existing systems," Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Wahler said.

The claim was these were magic band IT, but with all the problems I just have to wonder.

Honestly, Disney IT has always been this bad. Despite perceptions I really don't think it's gotten worse over the years, it's just visible to more people now. And these issues are not really the problem of too few developers, problems of this magnitude are a management issue. Either I.T. Management or business management or the relationship between the two. Or all of the above.

 

[yulilin3]

I just looked back and the thread jumped +400 in the month of April alone, from the 1st to the 30. That's insane

 

[nallepuh]

A guestion for those of you who will also be doing the Chewie run the first Friday - how early are you planning to be outside the park? I know it's been said here to arrive at 7 am at the latest, but are you planning to arrive even earlier? And how early will the buses start running from the resorts (we are staying at AoA)?

 

[yulilin3]

I know this might be an odd request, but anyone going first weekend able to do a video of the Chewie run so I know where I'm going or what CM I need to follow. I'm a visual person and though I'm almost positive I know what I'm doing a Chewie run for dummies would be great lol

I'm recording the first Friday run. I'll post it here Sunday night. All videos and pics from weekend one I'll try and upload by Sunday evening of week 1. If not Monday for sure

 

[yulilin3]

A guestion for those of you who will also be doing the Chewie run the first Friday - how early are you planning to be outside the park? I know it's been said here to arrive at 7 am at the latest, but are you planning to arrive even earlier? And how early will the buses start running from the resorts (we are staying at AoA)?

I believe the buses start running around 6:30am but I would check with the front desk. Weekend I I'm still not sure on arrival times because I'm waiting for weather forecast to decide when my daughter will take the Sabine costume. The day she takes it we will be meeting Tiya Sircar so that means an early morning, around 5:30am to be in her line. If we are not getting autographs we usually arrive around 6:30am

 

[yulilin3]

I was reading the first post about RH and figured it was just friday, Saturday And Sunday but noticed it said weekends only. Just wanted to see if it means Star Wars weekends which is the 3 days Or is it just Saturday and Sunday Excluding Friday? Thanks!

Star Wars Weekends, so Fri, Sat, Sun. However, it is currently available for booking all days of the week between weekends I and II. This may or may not continue in the later weeks.

Thanks for the reminder on that. I'll change the wording on the first post to say "selected days"

 

[yulilin3]

Any requests for TBT characters? parade? celebrities?

 

[RedM94]

VIP email! I haven't read it all myself, but I promised to post right away, so here it is!

-------

Jedi’s, Padawans, Rebels, & the Family,


Your Ultimate Day at Star Wars™Weekend – A Disney World VIP Tour Experience is just around the corner. To prepare you for your visit we wanted to provide you with additional information and make sure that the information we have regarding your party is correct:


· Your fellow participants –

· Allergies or Special Dietary Restrictions/Concerns? – None

· Will anyone in your party be traveling in a wheelchair or electronic convenience vehicle? - None

· Best contact number to reach you while visiting Walt Disney World?

· Will you be arriving at 6:30amat Disney’s Hollywood Studios -Guest Relations Window OR at 8:15am for Breakfast at the Hollywood Brown Derby? 6:30am


Overview of your Ultimate Day at Star Wars™ Weekends VIP Tour Experience

Your day will begin with a meet & greet with a character from the Dark Side followed by exclusive shopping time at Darth’s Mall. Afterwards, breakfast will be served at the Hollywood Brown Derby. Next you’ll enjoy some of the parks most exciting attractions before heading to your reserved location for the Legends of the Force: Star Wars™ Celebrity Motorcade. Lunch will be served at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. During the afternoon, you’ll the have best seats in the house for our most sought after Star Wars™ Weekends offerings at the Theater of the Stars. After the guided portion of your tour concludes you’ll have a break in the afternoon to enjoy the park on your own or head back to the resort for a well-deserved nap. Around 8:45pmyou’ll have access to the Feel the Force Dessert Party featuring a DJ Dance party, VIP Viewing of the Finale Show –Summon the Force and a great location to view our Symphony in the Stars Fireworks Finale. Here is a snapshot of your day:


Itinerary with your Walt Disney World VIP Tour Guides

6:15am Meet outside Disney’s Hollywood Studios - Guest Relations Window

7:30am Character Meet & Greet and Shopping at Darth’s Mall

8:15am Breakfast at The Hollywood Brown Derby

9:15am Visit some of our most popular attractions

11:00am VIP Viewing forLegends of the Force: Star Wars™ Celebrity Motorcade

11:45pm Lunch at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

1:45pm VIP Seating for theStar Wars™ Rebels Show

3:15pm VIP Seating for theStars of the Saga Show


Optional Evening Itinerary included in your Ultimate VIP Tour

7:00pm VIP Seating for Obi-Wan & Beyond Show

8:45pm Feel the Force Dessert & Dance Party Begins

9:30pm Summon the Force Finale Show on the Main Stage

9:45pm Symphony in the Stars Fireworks


Jedi Training Academy Information

If you have a Padawan between the ages of 4-12 confirmed for The Ultimate Day at Star Wars™ Weekends VIP Tour, you may pre-book them into one Jedi Training Academy Experience during your vacation stay. Here are the criteria and instructions:


· Child must have a confirmed, paid reservation to participate inThe Ultimate Day at Star Wars™Weekends VIP Tour

· You must schedule your Jedi Training Academy Experience at least 5 days in advance by calling our office at 407 934-7973

· You may schedule your Jedi Training Academy Experience anytime during your vacation stay.

· We suggest that, if possible, you participate on another day, earlier in the day. Sometimes entertainment may be canceled due to inclement weather

· Once scheduled, you will not be able to change your time.

· If you miss your show or it is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control, it cannot be rescheduled

· You must arrive at ABC Sound Studios Exit/Padawan Check In 30 minutes prior to your reservation to check in for the Jedi Training Academy Experience

· At the check in location, your child must agree to a variety of questions to confirm their interest – Are you interested in participating? Do you understand that you can’t switch to the Dark Side? etc.

· When you are ready to schedule, please call our Disney Ultimate VIP Tour line at 407 934-7973


Making it to your VIP Tour on time

You will need to drive or take a taxi in order to arrive for your tour on time. Walt Disney World Transportation begins running no earlier than one hour prior to park opening. If you are staying in the Epcot Resort Area, you can walk from most of those resorts. You may ask your concierge for your best options. If you are running late, please call our VIP Tour Coordinator at407 913-1388 so that we can make arrangements to get you to join the tour in progress.


Guest Policies for the Ultimate Day at Star Wars™ Weekends

• Theme Park admission is not included with your tour fee and is required to enter the park

• Guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult

• There is a 7 day cancelation policy, after which full price will be forfeited

• Late arrivals may not be able to join the tour promptly

• Tour occurs rain or shine with the exception of severe inclement weather

• Tour itinerary is subject to change without notice

• Food allergies must be mentioned at least 48 hours in advance

• Comfortable shoes are recommended

• Please allow up to one and half hours to travel to your destination when traveling within WDW property

• This tour is wheelchair and ECV accessible, however guest must be able to transfer in order to experience some attractions

• Photography and/or video may not be allowed during certain aspects of this tour


Do you need to respond to this message?


You do not need to respond to this message unless any of the following applies to your Party

· We have a wrong or misspelled name or names

· We don’t have the correct cell phone for your travels

· We don’t have your party’s food allergies/restrictions properly notated

· You have a child between the ages of 4-12 years that wishes to participate in the Jedi Training Academy

· You are going to start your tour with breakfast at the Hollywood Brown Derby not shopping at Darth’s Mall


If any of these statements apply to you, please call us at 407 934-7973. Leave a voice message and we will return your call as soon as time allows.


Currently, our new e-mail address cannot accept messages. If you have questions or need to clarify any of this information, please call our office at 407 934-7973.


We look forward to hosting you soon and May the Force be with you!!


The Walt Disney World Ultimate Series of VIP Tours Team – note helpful links below

Disney Special Activities | Walt Disney World’s Ultimate Series of Tours | 407 WDW-TOUR OR 407 939-8687|

Team Disney 1st Floor North 1375 Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista FL 32830

Private VIP Tour Services Main Line and Informationor call407 560-4033

Walt Disney World Ultimate Series of VIP Tour InformationGroup Reservations & Special Requests Hotline –407 934-7973

Walt Disney World Information407 824-4321

Walt Disney World Resort Reservations-407 934-7639-Walt Disney World Dining407 939-3463

Are you interested in a private event? Contact theDisney Signature Dream Teamat407 828-3200option 3

A Good Smile from theGrand Floridian Greeter!

Prior to a arrival, please register your party onMy Disney Experienceto create profile

…a whole new way to plan and share your Walt Disney World vacation.”

@MickeyMinnieMom

I just found your post regarding the VIP tour. Thank you for posting as it is much more informative than the CM's were when I booked it. I booked the VIP tour yesterday, but did not receive this email.

I called three times asking about an itinerary and all three times I was directed to the web page. Did you do the tour last year as well?

 

[The Sunrise Student]

First timers to SWW. We will be there for 2 weekends (iv & v) Staying offsite and started booking our fastpass' at midnight last night making sure that I am understanding this correctly.

Behind the Force Rebels, Visit to the Maul, and Obi Wan & Beyond - I only need to schedule once sometime during the two weekends.
Stars of the Saga - I need to schedule once on both weekends.
Conversation with Frank Oz is only weekend V and need to schedule once.

thanks!

You got it

My Fiance are there weekends one and two as well.

PS be sure to check out what @yulilin3 said she is right... Tyra (aka Sabine) is weekend one and Vanessa (aka Hera) is weekend two so the revels show changes with whose there that weekend.

 

[Willow tree]

I'm trying to decide which Star wars show to book with my FtF package for my 5 & 8 year old. I'm down between the Rebels & SotS? Any recommendations?

 

[The Sunrise Student]

The Rebels show has a different guest each weekend so if you want to hear from both you need to go once every weekend

Oh that's right Tyra (aka Sabine) is weekend one and Vanessa (aka Hera) is weekend two!