Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[OhioStateBuckeye]

It'll be such a mess with all the tweens. We did Disney Channel Games when they were held at Wide World of Sports and I've never been so afraid in my life
My daughter did manage to meet the Jonas Bros. Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Zack and Cody, Brenda Song...but you don't know fear until you see a whole bunch of tween and teenage girls running toward you.
I'm sure it'll be better in MK since you have to buy a ticket for it. I wish they would release more info to see if we go at night or not. I'm just interested in are characters, I value my sleep too much I guess and don't want to look like a Zombie on Saturday for SWW

I'm just interested in the special characters too (if you couldn't tell me from the other thread). I will be staying far away from this parade.

 

[cinder-ellah]

OMG ! A very frustrating 45 min phone call with a very delightful CM.
Wow ! She hadn't heard of the Star Wars Weekend and events (imagine that).
I even had to tell her which park it was at.
She had a hard time finding where the FTF DP & FTFP even were.
Once she did find it listed....She said it was only for Fridays & Saturdays. (I said that's odd)
I had all the time in the world / galaxy and I know their system doesn't seem the most user friendly. So, I was patient and actually found it quite interesting (and sad) how difficult it was for her. I was actually suggesting (nicely) to her how to look.
She finally said "Since you're not staying on property the day of the event, she could not book it for me".
What ???? ! ! ! !
I'm staying May 14/15 at CBR and then thru the 19th at WBC. We have our Park tickets/ Magic Bands, multiple other ADR's, FP+ made etc. Plus 5 FTF DP already for May 16th.
I'm looking for just 1 more FTF package (DP or PP). I'd be happy with either one.
Long story short.......did I get it "1 more FTF" ?
No ... back to channeling Obi-Wan. He might be my only hope.

I knew to begin with, that it was a long shot to get the reservation.
I felt bad for the CM and her frustration. She was very, very nice. She apologized over and over.
I did appreciate her trying.

 

[delmar411]

I got that same email a week ago. We had FPs lined up for HS and F! so I assume thats why they sent it then.

There is a guy who has to stand out the backlot holding this little express order sign. I feel for them, that has to suck.

 

[delmar411]

OMG ! A very frustrating 45 min phone call with a very delightful CM.
Wow ! She hadn't heard of the Star Wars Weekend and events (imagine that).
I even had to tell her which park it was at.
She had a hard time finding where the FTF DP & FTFP even were.
Once she did find it listed....She said it was only for Fridays & Saturdays. (I said that's odd)
I had all the time in the world / galaxy and I know their system doesn't seem the most user friendly. So, I was patient and actually found it quite interesting how difficult it was for her.
She finally said "Since you're not staying on property the day of the event, she could not book it for me".
What ???? ! ! ! !
I'm staying May 14/15 at CBR and then thru the 19th at WBC. We have our Park tickets/ Magic Bands, multiple other ADR's, FP+ made etc. Plus 5 FTF DP already for May 16th.
I'm looking for just 1 more FTF package (DP or PP). I'd be happy with either one.
Long story short.......did I get it "1 more FTF" ?
No ... back to channeling Obi-Wan. He might be my only hope.

I knew to begin with, that it was a long shot to get the reservation.
I felt bad for the CM and her frustration. She was very, very nice. She apologized over and over.
I did appreciate her trying.

You may need to walk up with her and beg for mercy in person.

 

[Bugdozer]

Maybe some of them are Star Wars fans and will be around the studios that weekend too.

This makes me happy because I was a bit sad with not going to 24 hour event but I do not know any of those kids/people and I never watch those 2 channels

 

[Candleshoe]

OMG ! A very frustrating 45 min phone call with a very delightful CM.
Wow ! She hadn't heard of the Star Wars Weekend and events (imagine that).
I even had to tell her which park it was at.
She had a hard time finding where the FTF DP & FTFP even were.
Once she did find it listed....She said it was only for Fridays & Saturdays. (I said that's odd)
I had all the time in the world / galaxy and I know their system doesn't seem the most user friendly. So, I was patient and actually found it quite interesting (and sad) how difficult it was for her. I was actually suggesting (nicely) to her how to look.
She finally said "Since you're not staying on property the day of the event, she could not book it for me".
What ???? ! ! ! !
I'm staying May 14/15 at CBR and then thru the 19th at WBC. We have our Park tickets/ Magic Bands, multiple other ADR's, FP+ made etc. Plus 5 FTF DP already for May 16th.
I'm looking for just 1 more FTF package (DP or PP). I'd be happy with either one.
Long story short.......did I get it "1 more FTF" ?
No ... back to channeling Obi-Wan. He might be my only hope.

I knew to begin with, that it was a long shot to get the reservation.
I felt bad for the CM and her frustration. She was very, very nice. She apologized over and over.
I did appreciate her trying.

It's time for CM Roulette. Call back. If the next CM doesn't know the *basics* of SWW, apologize (Oh that thing fell over there, I have to go, sorry!) hang up and call back again.

 

[AThrillingChase]

I just got the same email a little bit ago. I have to say I am a little annoyed that I need to download multiple apps for all of this. Wasn't one of the touted bonuses of mde that everything was at your fingertips in one spot.

 

[Metz172]

I was just going to post this too! Downloaded the app - they'll bring you popcorn at Fantasmic. (and other things there and at Backlot Express).

Saw on a touring plans blog that there is a $3 service fee for the delivery that didn't come up until after he had ordered. Just FYI.

 

[cinder-ellah]

It's time for CM Roulette. Call back. If the next CM doesn't know the *basics* of SWW, apologize (Oh that thing fell over there, I have to go, sorry!) hang up and call back again.

LOL ! I'll try to remember that.
So, if they seem clueless, I mean "don't know the basics" ...."hang up & call back".
I'll tell you though, I always thought it might be fun booking things for people .... but after that phone call I think my laptop and iphone are much more efficient for finding things, then what their system is.
I'm so thankful for allllllll the help/education/sharing here on the Dis.

 

[CJK]

Those of you who received an email from Disney about this advanced ordering, are you staying at a Disney hotel during this time? We haven't received the email, and we're staying offsite. We do have FP's booked in DHS on the 17th though. We'd like to try it that day at Backlot Express. I assume anyone can use the app?

 

[Dugette]

Saw on a touring plans blog that there is a $3 service fee for the delivery that didn't come up until after he had ordered. Just FYI.

Good to know, thanks!

 

[AThrillingChase]

Saw on a touring plans blog that there is a $3 service fee for the delivery that didn't come up until after he had ordered. Just FYI.

ugh.

Those of you who received an email from Disney about this advanced ordering, are you staying at a Disney hotel during this time? We haven't received the email, and we're staying offsite. We do have FP's booked in DHS on the 17th though. We'd like to try it that day at Backlot Express. I assume anyone can use the app?

I am staying onsite. It may be like BOG lunch FP, it is sent to certain people but even those who didn't receive it could use the website. I can't remember if BOG had to be onsite or not though. If you're interested, may as well try it.

 

[Bugdozer]

Those of you who received an email from Disney about this advanced ordering, are you staying at a Disney hotel during this time? We haven't received the email, and we're staying offsite. We do have FP's booked in DHS on the 17th though. We'd like to try it that day at Backlot Express. I assume anyone can use the app?

Yes staying at Pop Century

 

[HCinKC]

I had found the Rebels tattoos at Party City, but I wanted regular, too. I basically looked in any store I went to over the last couple of weeks but had finally given up. I had to go to BuyBuy Baby, so I stop at a Dollar Tree I almost never go to, and what do I see? About 937859552341 packages of SW tattoos. Sigh. I bought 3 lol. Guess I am going to try decorating the MB one more time. Dang it Dollar Tree and your inconsistencies!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Those of you who received an email from Disney about this advanced ordering, are you staying at a Disney hotel during this time? We haven't received the email, and we're staying offsite. We do have FP's booked in DHS on the 17th though. We'd like to try it that day at Backlot Express. I assume anyone can use the app?

Yes - staying onsite.

I'll take a look out of curiosity, but honestly, I am NOT a fan of trying to decide today what I'll want to eat in 10 days at 4:30PM.

 

[Kaschper]

Just got off with the VIP CM to book the Jedi Training for our son. The process was to put in my requested time, then VIP CM passes that info onto Jedi Training and they send me and email with the Jedi Training confirmation info. It doesn't sound like they would turn down your requested time but they wanted to make sure that shows were not almost filled before that day started.

I had been confused by the time we were to meet for the tour (when we book told 6:45, on confirmation arrival 6:30, later in the confirmation itinerary 6:15 start time). She said; first day May 15 is expected to be very busy so they were aiming for a 6:15 start time to let everyone M&G and shop before breakfast. The rest of weekend 1 and weekend 5 were still expected to be pretty busy so they were aiming for a 6:30 start. Weekends 2,3 &4 start time is expected to be about 6:45.

She also said the VIP tour can have up to 40 people but there is a CM for each 10 guests. The group will be able to split up and reconvene baised on what rides each guest would perfer doing. So the group would start together, then split up for rides, then together for Parade etc. I assume if a large group all wanted say TSMM then several CM would go with that group.

With regards to Darth's Mall, she said we would be able to get re entry with VIP credentials.

 

[mamadragona]

The part I was interested in is that dining plans are not accepted. Nor are coupons or cash. I assume because its not integrated with Disney yet. I DLed it anyway, but probably won't use it since I'm on a dining plan. I am pretty sure if that is the case, it won't work for RH either, even though it is in the timeframe.

And the first Fantasmic, I'll be watching fireworks, right?

 

[MakiraMarlena]

My family and I were thinking of doing SWW for the first half of the 22nd and then hopping over to the 24 hour event in Magic Kingdom after Ewok's Tale. If we're driving, any idea how long it's going to take us to get past the tapstiles?

The problem with driving is that you will need to get out of DHS (might not be too bad after Ewoks Tale), drive to Mk, park in the lot (probably not close to the front), take the tram, then ride monorail or ferry to the front gates. that will take time. It could vary by a number of minutes with where you end up having to park, how long you have to wait for the tram, how long you have to wait for the monorail/ferry. I tend to think even with the driving that I would give it no less than 45 minutes and maybe an hour.

I might go back to Fantasmic if I can order a beer and some fries and have them delivered. I won't be eating at Backlot Express. Rebel Lounge yes, but not the express. This pre-order is for Backlot Express, not Rebel Lounge. Lunch is going to be either at Brown Derby or Tune Inn.

Cinder-Ellah: If you cannot book another package, then go to Guest Services first thing in the AM and ask them if you can book another package. My friend bought one last year for Mark Hamill weekend by doing just that.

 

[cinder-ellah]

Those of you who received an email from Disney about this advanced ordering, are you staying at a Disney hotel during this time? We haven't received the email, and we're staying offsite. We do have FP's booked in DHS on the 17th though. We'd like to try it that day at Backlot Express. I assume anyone can use the app?

I'm stay at CBR 1 night / 5 nights at WBC and I got the email.
Maybe we got the email because we're staying 1 night (?)

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

With regards to Darth's Mall, she said we would be able to get re entry with VIP credentials.

THIS is what I was hoping! That would be AWESOME. And seems to make sense given other offerings.