Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[yulilin3]

Have to share with people that will understand my excitement. My DD6 and I are going weekend IV just the 2 of us because oldest DD and DH have to work now. My DH is retired military and has been unemployed for a couple years. This week he got a job offer from a small local company that makes movie props and models. The owners are also huge SW fans, perfect fit for him.
To celebrate, I have talked him in to going with DD6 and I to SWW on Sunday. We are only 2 hours away so it took all of my will power to not go last weekend. I'm wondering though, what do you think the chances are of getting RH reservations or even just walk up when they open? I desperately want to try it out but already have dinner reservations for our trip in 2 weeks.
Also, who should I stalk to try and get DD6 in the parade? She has the cutest Chewie dress and the parade is all she has talked about for days. TIA

For walk ups try at 4pm, and see what they say. Characters seem to dissapear after 7ish on SWW days
As for the parade they are signing kids up at the front where the info tent with maps are. You can ask there if you want. It really depends on the CM. Some of them will say, yeah no problem and sign them up. Some CM, if you ask will just give you the whole "They are picked at random" speech and actually not consider your child at all.

 

[missastrocat]

We were at WDW during the 1st weekend of SWW this year. It was our first time going during SWW and my DH is hooked! We arrived on Thursday, and my dh kept saying we would never go back to WDW in May, June, etc. Way too hot. By Sunday afternoon, he was already talking about planning out next year. And here I thought I wasn't going back to WDW for a few years.

When do you all start planning for the next year? I know I definitely do not want to stay at a value resort again, so I may try to rent from a dvc member as soon as possible. When do they typically announce the dates?

 

[soniam]

We were at WDW during the 1st weekend of SWW this year. It was our first time going during SWW and my DH is hooked! We arrived on Thursday, and my dh kept saying we would never go back to WDW in May, June, etc. Way too hot. By Sunday afternoon, he was already talking about planning out next year. And here I thought I wasn't going back to WDW for a few years.

When do you all start planning for the next year? I know I definitely do not want to stay at a value resort again, so I may try to rent from a dvc member as soon as possible. When do they typically announce the dates?

I started planning for next year, 2016, in April of this year However, I have mainly been doing that to ward off the Disney post-trip blues from our March trip. I probably won't start planning in earnest until about 7 months out. You might need to start about then or even a little earlier for DVC points. I have never rented DVC points before though. I don't know when SWW dates were announced last year, but the meal announcements occurred in December, and everything else followed. Some of the announcements have been as late as the beginning of May. It seems things keep getting announced earlier and earlier every year though. Hope to see you there next year

 

[yulilin3]

We were at WDW during the 1st weekend of SWW this year. It was our first time going during SWW and my DH is hooked! We arrived on Thursday, and my dh kept saying we would never go back to WDW in May, June, etc. Way too hot. By Sunday afternoon, he was already talking about planning out next year. And here I thought I wasn't going back to WDW for a few years.

When do you all start planning for the next year? I know I definitely do not want to stay at a value resort again, so I may try to rent from a dvc member as soon as possible. When do they typically announce the dates?

In my best Emperor Palpatine's voice "Good...Good
The dates for this year's SWW were announced December 3rd. Dates for SWW 2014 were announced Mid December. So it looks like first few weeks of December of the trend continues.
I know @The Sunrise Student booked hotels early, she will be able to give her experiences
Oh, and, I'm starting the SWW 2016 thread Sept. 1st

 

[RookieLady]

So, my son announces today in the car that since most work will be complete, the school will be showing him the first Star Wars on June 1 (not sure if it is Episode I or IV). He should be prepared for our June 7 SWW day. I can't get my boys into star wars. They must have switched babies on me at the hospital. At least, he is getting an education.

 

[soniam]

In my best Emperor Palpatine's voice "Good...Good
The dates for this year's SWW were announced December 3rd. Dates for SWW 2014 were announced Mid December. So it looks like first few weeks of December of the trend continues.
I know @The Sunrise Student booked hotels early, she will be able to give her experiences
Oh, and, I'm starting the SWW 2016 thread Sept. 1st

It's usually a certain relationship to Memorial Day weekend though, right? If so, what is that?

 

[jtowntoflorida]

It's usually a certain relationship to Memorial Day weekend though, right? If so, what is that?

Typically SWW starts the weekend before Memorial Day weekend.

 

[jomommy]

Any idea how early the Star Wars Dooney and Bourke handbags will sell out? Have they had them in the past?

I was planning on getting a DB bag this visit, but the SW design would be even better! However, I won't be there until the June 12. Darth's Mall is only open on SWW days, right?

 

[yulilin3]

Typically SWW starts the weekend before Memorial Day weekend.

so it should be
I: May 20th-May 22th
II May 27rh-May 29th
III June 3rd-June 5th
IV: June 10th-June 12th
V: June 17th-June 19th
Or they can go deeper into May and start May 13th-May 15th and last weekend would be June 10th-June 12th

 

[yulilin3]

Any idea how early the Star Wars Dooney and Bourke handbags will sell out? Have they had them in the past?

I was planning on getting a DB bag this visit, but the SW design would be even better! However, I won't be there until the June 12. Darth's Mall is only open on SWW days, right?

They never had them so no idea. There were a lot on Sunday

 

[CaLuCa]

I have tried to read some pages, but this is pretty overwhelming! My kids (12, 5, 5, and 2) and I are AP and come frequently, but have never been to a SWW. I'm not a super big fan (not going to dress up...don't know all the new characters' names), but I am a child of the 70s, so Star Wars is exciting to me. We are dipping our toes into this weekend along with my brother. I've read the first post but am still unsure about some things. I really want to see the parade (LOVE parades...fave was the old Stars and Motorcars at MGM), so I plan on staking out a spot around 10:15?? Is this a good idea/time? Anywhere along that street (shady, perhaps) is good?

My brother has a FP+ to the Warwick talk, but I was unsure if my kids could truly appreciate that so he will go by himself (which will probably be a welcome break after hanging with 4 kids for a couple of days). The kids and I have a garden grill ADR at 4:25, but would we be able to see the Storm trooper pre-show and then leave? Would you even recommend us doing that? My kids like shows...indiana Jones, Car Stunt Show, B&B, Philharmagic, Lion King.

Autographs is not a priority for us right now. DS5 would really like to see R2D2 but reading on here that really didn't look like an options. DD12 would like the Ewoks, so we might do that. Early is best, I imagine?

We've got FP+ for ToT, TSMM, and ST interspersed through the day trying to work around what I thought we would hit.

Lastly, good spot to see the fireworks and possibly the show? What time to guard our spot? We're good at sitting at the end of the day and not moving.

Thanks for your help! I feel like I "know" disney but this is a whole new world!

 

[yulilin3]

I have tried to read some pages, but this is pretty overwhelming! My kids (12, 5, 5, and 2) and I are AP and come frequently, but have never been to a SWW. I'm not a super big fan (not going to dress up...don't know all the new characters' names), but I am a child of the 70s, so Star Wars is exciting to me. We are dipping our toes into this weekend along with my brother. I've read the first post but am still unsure about some things. I really want to see the parade (LOVE parades...fave was the old Stars and Motorcars at MGM), so I plan on staking out a spot around 10:15?? Is this a good idea/time? Anywhere along that street (shady, perhaps) is good?

My brother has a FP+ to the Warwick talk, but I was unsure if my kids could truly appreciate that so he will go by himself (which will probably be a welcome break after hanging with 4 kids for a couple of days). The kids and I have a garden grill ADR at 4:25, but would we be able to see the Storm trooper pre-show and then leave? Would you even recommend us doing that? My kids like shows...indiana Jones, Car Stunt Show, B&B, Philharmagic, Lion King.

Autographs is not a priority for us right now. DS5 would really like to see R2D2 but reading on here that really didn't look like an options. DD12 would like the Ewoks, so we might do that. Early is best, I imagine?

We've got FP+ for ToT, TSMM, and ST interspersed through the day trying to work around what I thought we would hit.

Lastly, good spot to see the fireworks and possibly the show? What time to guard our spot? We're good at sitting at the end of the day and not moving.

Thanks for your help! I feel like I "know" disney but this is a whole new world!

PARADE; If you want a shady spot grab a spot no later than 9:30am on the left side of Hollywood Blvd as you face the stage. The parade rout is hsort and these spots go quickly. You don't want to be stuck in the sun for an hour
CHEWIE AND EWOKS: Be at the park by 7am and go straight to his line when they open. First page has a video of the route. If you can't make it that early go as soon as the parade is over but the Ewoks don't come out until 1pm. Their line stays consistently lon (1+ hours) all day. In the evening be at the line by 7:30pm to guarantee you meet them
STORMTROOPER PRESHOW: Happens before Stars of the Saga, they do it at 3:15pm and it lasts about 15 minutes. If you don't have a fp for the show the standby line will be an hour to guarantee you go in
SUMMON THE FORCE AND FIREWORKS: if you want to see them on stage grab a spot anywhere from the tip board toward the stage. If you don't mind watching the Summoning of the Force on scree grab a table at Min and Bills and watch from the jumbotron on Hyperion Theater. Both locations will be a bit to close for fireworks in my opinion, but the view is not horrible
My favorite view of the fireworks is on the ledge across from 50s Prime Time but you can't see the show from there. The fireworks view is unobstructed and they pump the music in

 

[mom2febgirls]

I'm 15 pages behind, but I just wanted to post my update from tonight. From about 5:40pm to 6:40pm tonight, we enjoyed the Rebel Hangar! We saw 3 Storm Troopers, Chewie, 2 Jawas and a guy I wasn't sure about (bald with big eyes)? I'm embarrassed to say I wasn't sure who he was? We had great photo ops with all the characters and the interaction was really fun! The drinks were delicious and the food was average. If any of you are on the fence about going or not - go for it! It was a blast!

We are home from our awesome vacation and I just wanted to comment on the SW meals. We did all 3...Galactic Breakfast, Jedi Mickey and Rebel Hangar.

The breakfast was amazing. The characters came by our table 3 times each. My dd is vegan and the chef made her an amazing breakfast. Totally worth the money
The Rebel hangar was also amazing. Greedo and the Cantina band came and sat with us and played around with my Dh (he was thrilled ) and my 3 girls.
The Jedi Mickey dinner was probably our least favorite. Jedi Mickey was great but I didn't feel we had the time to really interact with the other characters beyond a picture.

For the money I'd probably skip Jedi Mickey's dinner if we plan another SWW.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

In my best Emperor Palpatine's voice "Good...Good
The dates for this year's SWW were announced December 3rd. Dates for SWW 2014 were announced Mid December. So it looks like first few weeks of December of the trend continues.
I know @The Sunrise Student booked hotels early, she will be able to give her experiences
Oh, and, I'm starting the SWW 2016 thread Sept. 1st

so it should be
I: May 20th-May 22th
II May 27rh-May 29th
III June 3rd-June 5th
IV: June 10th-June 12th
V: June 17th-June 19th
Or they can go deeper into May and start May 13th-May 15th and last weekend would be June 10th-June 12th

1) I'll be here looking for that first SWW2016 post on Sept 1st.

2) As DVCers who can book 11 months ahead, or 7mos out at other than home resorts, I really wish they announced dates even sooner. My question... how big a gamble do you think it is to book May 20-22, 2016 and assume that WILL be a SWW? I guess what are the odds they'd start LATER than that? I'd prefer to avoid Memorial Day wknd, and our kids have Mon May 23 off which helps some.

 

[itsthatdisneygirl]

so it should be
I: May 20th-May 22th
II May 27rh-May 29th
III June 3rd-June 5th
IV: June 10th-June 12th
V: June 17th-June 19th
Or they can go deeper into May and start May 13th-May 15th and last weekend would be June 10th-June 12th

I for one am hoping they start it earlier so those of us that have to work on May the 4th can experience the awesome like what they had with Limited Time Magic.

 

[yulilin3]

We are home from our awesome vacation and I just wanted to comment on the SW meals. We did all 3...Galactic Breakfast, Jedi Mickey and Rebel Hangar.

The breakfast was amazing. The characters came by our table 3 times each. My dd is vegan and the chef made her an amazing breakfast. Totally worth the money
The Rebel hangar was also amazing. Greedo and the Cantina band came and sat with us and played around with my Dh (he was thrilled ) and my 3 girls.
The Jedi Mickey dinner was probably our least favorite. Jedi Mickey was great but I didn't feel we had the time to really interact with the other characters beyond a picture.

For the money I'd probably skip Jedi Mickey's dinner if we plan another SWW.

glad you had a great time. For the vegan breakfast did you call them ahead of time or told them that morning?

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

The Jedi Mickey dinner was probably our least favorite. Jedi Mickey was great but I didn't feel we had the time to really interact with the other characters beyond a picture.

I think that so much seems to depend on reservation time or just generally how busy they are. We had the most character interaction at the Jedi Mickey dinner (4:15pm ADR), with most of them (if not all) coming by twice. Goofy came by and started turning our kids' BLUE paper lightsabers inside out to RED. Then Minnie noticed this, came over, and started changing them back! She shook her finger at him, and eventually led him away. Then Minnie came back and gave us a thumbs up, like "I won!" Very cute.

 

[yulilin3]

1) I'll be here looking for that first SWW2016 post on Sept 1st.

2) As DVCers who can book 11 months ahead, or 7mos out at other than home resorts, I really wish they announced dates even sooner. My question... how big a gamble do you think it is to book May 20-22, 2016 and assume that WILL be a SWW? I guess what are the odds they'd start LATER than that? I'd prefer to avoid Memorial Day wknd, and our kids have Mon May 23 off which helps some.

You guys need to give me some time when I post to grab a couple of those first posts to update by category, so next year doesn't look like this years mess of first post, taking suggestions from @Cluelyss
I would think that they don't want to go to deep into summer with it. Just a guess, they will start May 13th.
Let me look, historically at what has happened and I'll get back to you

 

[lchuck]

I'd like some opinions on cameras. I normally use a Canon T1i for all photos, but I pretty much do everything on Auto. I recently purchased a Galaxy S6 phone and the camera on this thing is amazing. Does anyone think I could get by with nothing but the S6 and the Photopass package and still come home with hundreds of good photos to look through or should I bring the Canon and a good strap for it? Thanks!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I would think that they don't want to go to deep into summer with it. Just a guess, they will start May 13th.
Let me look, historically at what has happened and I'll get back to you

You are THE BEST!!