Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[Kaschper]

Hi there - how do I download the app to pre-order for Backlot?

Thanks.

As per how it usually goes with Disney's IT, I went to the Iphone App Store and the app is not showing up any longer, also the company that made the app Venuenext is also not showing the app (it recognize the company but says they have no apps available). As a work around I found http://appsliced.co/app?n=express-order&l=home

 

[Tltorrez]

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.

It's just a test. If they keep it, it will get integrated.

I also saw that in order to order in F! You have to be inside the amphitheater. Except it's really wonky and can't tell the correct location. And from F! There's a $3 deliver charge.

 

[Tltorrez]

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. Just make sure Backlot is open when you order.

 

[Tltorrez]

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.

You can order as you're walking I over to backlot. It's not an advance thing.

Also, it's a limited menu at F! Not sure about Backlot.

 

[Kaschper]

While looking into the fact the express order app was not showing in the apple App Store, I noted a couple of things.

1. The app is not disneys, the company venuenext runs several apps for venue ordering (like stadiums). That is probaly why it does not recognize the closing time of Backlot. It is not integrated with the Disney systems, it's a beta test by Disney.

2. If you look at all the legal info in the menu the app uses a ping of your phone to find you at the venue. There are serveral privacy settings on your phone that might not allow that info to be given out and may be why food was not delivered.

 

[Tltorrez]

While looking into the fact the express order app was not showing in the apple App Store, I noted a couple of things.

1. The app is not disneys, the company venuenext runs several apps for venue ordering (like stadiums). That is probaly why it does not recognize the closing time of Backlot. It is not integrated with the Disney systems, it's a beta test by Disney.

2. If you look at all the legal info in the menu the app uses a ping of your phone to find you at the venue. There are serveral privacy settings on your phone that might not allow that info to be given out and may be why food was not delivered.

Makes sense. But also makes it a pretty poor beta test. As with everything else, it seems like they might've skipped most of the rest of the QC process.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I think I went a bit overboard this year lol

 

[HCinKC]

exactly - I signed up for it via the computer and then went to his site and signed in on our ipad so I can access the info via computer or ipad (hint not hauling the computer around SWW! but it's great for at home reference). I've used his site for a long time so I'm a fan Saw him in the Darth Maul line last year but didn't have the guts to go say hi!

I did the same but also added an icon to my home screen. Super easy and basically makes it like an app.

I think I went a bit overboard this year lol

Lies. It is just right.

Unrelated to SWW, but this thread is so nice lol. What kind of cups does the free icewater come in? Trying to decide if I want to bring a water bottle per person or just a couple, grabbing a cup if needed. Only would do that if I can recycle the cup though. Go earth!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I was able to download the Express Order app with no problem.

I can view regular Backlot menu items (not RH) and F! ones.

 

[slaveone]

Those are awesome Jedi robes. I was just informed that I need to start building myself armor or costuming. Again.

 

[slaveone]

I did the same but also added an icon to my home screen. Super easy and basically makes it like an app.


Lies. It is just right.

Unrelated to SWW, but this thread is so nice lol. What kind of cups does the free icewater come in? Trying to decide if I want to bring a water bottle per person or just a couple, grabbing a cup if needed. Only would do that if I can recycle the cup though. Go earth!

Depends on the spot. Some are kids size some regular soda size. If you have a water bottle you can just fill with ice and water at backlot express on your own.

 

[Tltorrez]

I was able to download the Express Order app with no problem.

I can view regular Backlot menu items (not RH) and F! ones.

I got the email too. Not staying onsite but I do have FP+ and RH for the 15th.

 

[Cynister]

I just got my VIP confirmation email. It contains different information than the emails posted earlier so I thought I'd share.

Jedi’s, Padawans, Rebels & the XXX 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 – XX, XX

·Allergies or Special Dietary Restrictions/Concerns? – None

·Will anyone in your party be traveling in a wheelchair or electronic convenience vehicle? - No

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

·Will you be arriving at 6:45am at Disney’s Hollywood Studios - Guest Relations Window OR at 8:15am for Breakfast at the Hollywood Brown Derby? 6:45am

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 8:45pm you’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:

Tip

Before you arrive download the FREE Aurasma app on your smart phone. You’ll have a variety of opportunities to enhance your Star Wars Weekends digital experience! See the link .

Itinerary with your Walt Disney World VIP Tour Guides

6:30am Meet outside Disney’s Hollywood Studios - Guest Relations Window

7:15am 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 for Legends of the Force: Star Wars™ Celebrity Motorcade

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

1:45pm VIP Seating for the Star Wars™ Rebels Show

3:15pm VIP Seating for the Stars 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 - Must RSVP via e-mail by Saturday, May X, 2015

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 in The 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 at 407 913-1388 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? If so, please reply no later than Saturday, May X, 2015

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


Please reply via e-mail with any information that we need to add or correct. If you have questions or need to clarify any of this information you may reply to this message or call our office at 407 934-7973 and leave a message. Your calls will be returned as soon as time allows.

 

[Cluelyss]

I was able to download the Express Order app with no problem.

I can view regular Backlot menu items (not RH) and F! ones.

I downloaded the app a few nights ago, and now it won't load Was looking forward to popcorn and beer delivery during F!

 

[Cluelyss]

I think I went a bit overboard this year lol

LOVE!!!!!

So if Mickey is the photo character, are the Chipwoks inside, or gone this year???

 

[jennab113]

I just downloaded the Express Order app and looked through it. I don't like that it doesn't give you a text description of the items. And it doesn't allow for customization, so I wouldn't be able to order from it anyway.

 

[msmama]

Ok, I've read all the ways people keep cool. My gut tells my 7 year old with sensory issues isn't going to like the menthol cooling things (though I might). For you native floridians - what is the best cooling gadget? Misting fan? Frog togs? Another brand?

My son sometimes fights drinking water when he gets too overheated (completely counterintuitive but whatever) so I need to keep him cool in order to keep him hydrated. @lovethattink could you weigh in?

 

[RedM94]

I just got my VIP confirmation email. It contains different information than the emails posted earlier so I thought I'd share.

Jedi’s, Padawans, Rebels & the XXX 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 – XX, XX

·Allergies or Special Dietary Restrictions/Concerns? – None

·Will anyone in your party be traveling in a wheelchair or electronic convenience vehicle? - No

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

·Will you be arriving at 6:45am at Disney’s Hollywood Studios - Guest Relations Window OR at 8:15am for Breakfast at the Hollywood Brown Derby? 6:45am

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 8:45pm you’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:

Tip

Before you arrive download the FREE Aurasma app on your smart phone. You’ll have a variety of opportunities to enhance your Star Wars Weekends digital experience! See the link .

Itinerary with your Walt Disney World VIP Tour Guides

6:30am Meet outside Disney’s Hollywood Studios - Guest Relations Window

7:15am 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 for Legends of the Force: Star Wars™ Celebrity Motorcade

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

1:45pm VIP Seating for the Star Wars™ Rebels Show

3:15pm VIP Seating for the Stars 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 - Must RSVP via e-mail by Saturday, May X, 2015

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 in The 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 at 407 913-1388 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? If so, please reply no later than Saturday, May X, 2015

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


Please reply via e-mail with any information that we need to add or correct. If you have questions or need to clarify any of this information you may reply to this message or call our office at 407 934-7973 and leave a message. Your calls will be returned as soon as time allows.

@Cynister

Thank you for posting. What weekend will you be attending?

 

[CampbellzSoup]

LOVE!!!!!

So if Mickey is the photo character, are the Chipwoks inside, or gone this year???

They're there but it's odd they come separate I'd like them to come together but they come!

I think Mickey should have been the photo character to begin with I will cherish that photo forever!

 

[slaveone]

Frog togs and if heat is going to be really bad I buy the break and twist ice packs you use for sports. Electrolyte powders help the water.