Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[yulilin3]

This is very helpful. For those that have gone this year. I have some questions for the FtF package:

1: what time to sign in?
2: is the parade are in the shade?
3: I already have FP for the Stars of the Saga, should I change my FP and sign up for this with the package or would I risk getting a seat if I change my FP?

I'll comment and 2 and 3
2.- most of the area is shaded. The more to the right of the area you go the better shade
3.- I would keep SotS fp if it's important to watch the show. There's no guarantee that you will get it from the package. You can get a fp for another SWW show. As of right now all the shows during SWW are booked up for fp, a couple of Rebel shows are still available but that's it

 

[lovethattink]

got home late last night - missing SWW and Disney already but it was nice to sleep in our own beds!

Got up bright and early this morning to take DH to work and for DD and I to pick up the animals (3 cats, 2 dogs) from my parent's house. 2 cats hid (typical they don't like riding in their crates) - so took one home and the dogs will go back for the other 2 later today (they'll be hungry by then...)

Anyway get the cat home and let him out of his carrier; unload the dogs, dog crate, toys, food etc. from the car - then I went upstairs to start some laundry (always a priority)....I hear the cat making this kind of yowling noise - like nothing I've ever heard before. I find him on the floor in obvious distress. Grab the credit card, pick up the cat - put him back in the carrier and call the vet to let them know we are coming in for an emergency visit....cat died on the way to the vet.....I know not what you all wanted to read but I had to get it out. Vet says he probably threw a clot. Poor kitty (his name was Bullseye after the horse in Toy Story) - he was the one that had the abcess ($$$$) right before our trip. So glad we got him from my parents house but SO sad.

I have to catch up on posts at some point - I miss you all and hope that everyone going this weekend has a great time.

I did talk to a manager type person at DHS regarding the SWW rotating character line situation and he seemed to understand my points. I'm also going to send in an e-mail when I get it together.

So sorry to hear about the loss of your fur baby.

I'm glad you said something to a manager. Probably a good idea to write something too.

It was nice meeting you and your wonderful family.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Keep your Stars of the Saga. If you don't get there to check in early enough, you won't get it for the package. Especially if you have a larger party. If you do manage to get it for the package you can release your fastpasses. There probably won't be much available to replace them with though.

I was there just after 9 AM and could pick up my credential and choose a show at that time. I do not know how many spaces there were for each show or how many were left or how many guests had checked in ahead of me. There were a couple folks parked on a bench to start the entry line.

 

[39CINDERELLA]

@Good Morning Dewdrop
sorry about Bullseye

 

[boiledpeanut]

Alright. I have moved my reservations around and we are doing SWW on FRIDAY!! I have a Sci Fi reservation at 10:50 but I totally forgot about the parade. Thought we could try walk up at opening.

We are also going to try and get the kids signed up for JTA. Which they have never done.
Suggestions on how to go about splitting up at opening? Can we do that if my husband goes over to Sci-Fi about a reservation? Worried about signing up at the same time and ending up with a conlict. FP's I could always re-arrange if I needed to.

Also, is there Fantasmic AND the SW fireworks show those nights????

Thanks y'all. Off to drive across town and try to find some SW tshirts we can wear. This last minute stuff is killing me!

 

[Wendydagny]

What time did they open the line into the parade viewing?

I just snagged an 8:20 Star Wars dine in breakfast, thinking it would be fine to go from there to package check in. But now I'm worried that I will be too late and dd won't have a spot where she can see from her wheelchair, and it's not a realistic option to have her move to the ground in the kids section.

Am I just letting trip jitters get the better of me? Is this timing realistic?

 

[tigger1972]

Does anyone know if they are honoring the Disney Visa Card discount for Jedi Mickey's at H&V?

I do not believe that they are offering any discounts for SWW special meals. We tried TiW at Jedi Mickey and Rebel Hangar Lounge and were told these meals are "Popups" where the discount unfortunately is not offered. I can only assume this applies to other discounts as well.

 

[coluk003]

Something I thought of as I read the review from the other page. Looking at my ftf package my name is the only one they have listed, and actually now that I try to remember, it was the only name they took, will that be a problem for someone in my group to pick up? I'm assuming knowing my name and confirmation number would work. After my job interview this afternoon I'll call and ask but curious if anyone sees all the members names on the mdx site

 

[yulilin3]

Alright. I have moved my reservations around and we are doing SWW on FRIDAY!! I have a Sci Fi reservation at 10:50 but I totally forgot about the parade. Thought we could try walk up at opening.

We are also going to try and get the kids signed up for JTA. Which they have never done.
Suggestions on how to go about splitting up at opening? Can we do that if my husband goes over to Sci-Fi about a reservation? Worried about signing up at the same time and ending up with a conlict. FP's I could always re-arrange if I needed to.

Also, is there Fantasmic AND the SW fireworks show those nights????

Thanks y'all. Off to drive across town and try to find some SW tshirts we can wear. This last minute stuff is killing me!

Split up. An adult with JTA kids go to sign up and the other goes to Sci Fi and try and get a walk up. Be at the entrance to DHS no later than 7am and stay on the left side of the street for JTA sign ups
F! is presented 2 times each night of SWW. If you want to do both watch the fireworks and then go to the second F! (10:30pm) you'll have enough time to make it, the second show never fills up completely

 

[yulilin3]

I do not believe that they are offering any discounts for SWW special meals. We tried TiW at Jedi Mickey and Rebel Hangar Lounge and were told these meals are "Popups" where the discount unfortunately is not offered. I can only assume this applies to other discounts as well.

TiW is not allowed but the Disney Visa card is at H&V, I posted the wording from the site a couple of pages back. Same thing happened last year

 

[yulilin3]

What time did they open the line into the parade viewing?

I just snagged an 8:20 Star Wars dine in breakfast, thinking it would be fine to go from there to package check in. But now I'm worried that I will be too late and dd won't have a spot where she can see from her wheelchair, and it's not a realistic option to have her move to the ground in the kids section.

Am I just letting trip jitters get the better of me? Is this timing realistic?

they open the area to go inside at 10am. Breakfast will last about an hour, try and check in earlier

 

[CheshireCrazy]

Just one person from the group can pick the credentials for the Premium, right?

 

[tigger1972]

TiW is not allowed but the Disney Visa card is at H&V

Oh well. I guess we'll remember that for next year. How much is the Disney Visa card discount?

 

[yulilin3]

Oh well. I guess we'll remember that for next year. How much is the Disney Visa card discount?

10%

 

[yulilin3]

It's item 8 on here https://disneyrewards.com/vacation-perks/
Disney’s Hollywood Studios®: The Hollywood Brown Derby (see restrictions) and Hollywood & Vine (see restrictions); and Epcot®: Biergarten Restaurant (see restrictions). For locations where it is noted to see restrictions, the discount does not apply to the following dates: 11/27/14, 12/24/14, 12/25/14, 12/31/14, 1/1/15, 2/14/15, 4/5/15, 5/10/15 and 7/4/15. Subject to restaurant operating hours and closures. Offer and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations, are subject to availability and additional restrictions, and may change or be canceled without notice. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts or promotions. Separate admission may be required. Discount is for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

@MickeyMinnieMom Thank you so much for the detailed report, I'm sure it'll help others make a more informed decision in the future

I also should have said to feel free to link to it in your first post IF you think that would be useful at all.

 

[yulilin3]

I also should have said to feel free to link to it in your first post IF you think that would be useful at all.

I forgot to ask for permission...sort of already did

 

[tigger1972]

Alright. I have moved my reservations around and we are doing SWW on FRIDAY!!

How exciting! I don't have answers to all of your questions but...

Is there Fantasmic AND the SW fireworks show those nights????

... it does appear that there are 9pm and 10:30pm Fantasmic showings every night of SWW. For us, there was a fairly steady rush for Fantasmic right after the SW fireworks. I did notice that 95% of people were flowing through the FP side for the 10:30 Fantasmic. We got seats in the center Mickey section Sunday night, and I'd say the entire place was 60% full tops. Overall one of the most pleasant Fantasmic experiences we've ever had!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I forgot to ask for permission...sort of already did

LOL!! Awesome - good!!

ETA: I feel like I'm famous now...

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

@Good Morning Dewdrop Sorry about Bullseye.