Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[jtowntoflorida]

What do you guys recommend for SWW? (Beach Club obviously) - I'm sketching out a trip with some first timers and they want to hit US too (may stay at DW and drive to US or vice versa or might do a split stay). How's value/moderate resort access to DHS during this time?

We're planning on the Boardwalk (either Inn or Villas) because it's the closest on foot to DHS. I'd consider the Swan/Dolphin as well for the same reason. The YC/BC walk is also very doable (we did it several times in August).

Honestly, if I were staying in a moderate or value, I'd rent a car for SWW. We stayed at POR in 2013, and while transportation wasn't horrible, we did miss RD one day and got there just as they were opening the park on the other because we were waiting on a bus. Also, we had to stand every single day on the way back from the park, which was just no fun. It's my understanding that's how the buses are during peak season. Knowing that, if we ever do a peak trip again and stay at a moderate, I'd rent a car.

 

[Meech Loves Mickey]

That's what I was wondering...so I looked at the dates from the past years, it seems that the latest trend is 2 weekends in May, 2 in June (from 2008-13). Now back in 2003-4 there were 5 weekends...and the dates were pretty close to the 2014 dates. This is why I am hoping this year will also have 5 with the last weekend being the 12-14th. I guess we won't know until the official announcement

My guess is that they will have 5 weekends. I can't see them only having one weekend in June. Especially with Episode 7 being released later in the year.

Like you said, we will know when the official announcement comes!!!

 

[Meech Loves Mickey]

Here's good site to look around for some SWW history
http://sww.studioscentral.com/main/content/dates

Thanks!!

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Hey Yulilin,

While you are headed out to see the lights tonight at DHS, you will have to let us know if you have seen any signs of construction...

With the removal of the hat, the close of the blacklot I imagine DHS is in turmoil.

To be honest there was a while that I was worried they would cancel SWW all together this year because an event that big, for that long would shut down progress. I am sure it's hard enough to keep things going without an event as big as SWW added to the mix.

Have you heard anything that they might be down scaling things because of construction?

 

[yulilin3]

Hey Yulilin,

While you are headed out to see the lights tonight at DHS, you will have to let us know if you have seen any signs of construction...

With the removal of the hat, the close of the blacklot I imagine DHS is in turmoil.

To be honest there was a while that I was worried they would cancel SWW all together this year because an event that big, for that long would shut down progress. I am sure it's hard enough to keep things going without an event as big as SWW added to the mix.

Have you heard anything that they might be down scaling things because of construction?

The Hat removal is actually set for early next year. But I'll keep my eyes open.
Nothing yet rumored to be scaled down. I don't think it'll affect 2015 SWW, it could be different for 2016 if the whole SWland is actually confirmed

 

[lovethattink]

We were at DHS Monday. No visible signs of construction then.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

We were at DHS Monday. No visible signs of construction then.

Roger that, I wonder if they are waiting for after the holidays when they take down the Osborne lights.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

The Hat removal is actually set for early next year. But I'll keep my eyes open.
Nothing yet rumored to be scaled down. I don't think it'll affect 2015 SWW, it could be different for 2016 if the whole SWland is actually confirmed

2016... I wondered about that...

I keep wondering if the SWland will be geared more towards the new stuff that Disney has been involved in or the classics.

I was very encouraged that Disney is attempting to combine the two when they brought the old cast back to be involved in 7.

AND it is my HOPE that they do combine the two!

I still want my Cantina bar restaurant, BAD! I even told them all about that idea when they did the interviews/questionnaires/test in 2013....

PS did anyone else out here get interviewed/questioned/tested during SWW 2013? I know I was also asked if there was a type of area I would like to see in SWland what would it be. I did say the wookie planet kashyya for that one... but I am doubting with Avatarland coming that they do the same type of feel in SWland.

 

[yulilin3]

2016... I wondered about that...

I keep wondering if the SWland will be geared more towards the new stuff that Disney has been involved in or the classics.

I was very encouraged that Disney is attempting to combine the two when they brought the old cast back to be involved in 7.

AND it is my HOPE that they do combine the two!

I still want my Cantina bar restaurant, BAD! I even told them all about that idea when they did the interviews/questionnaires/test in 2013....

PS did anyone else out here get interviewed/questioned/tested during SWW 2013? I know I was also asked if there was a type of area I would like to see in SWland what would it be. I did say the wookie planet kashyya for that one... but I am doubting with Avatarland coming that they do the same type of feel in SWland.

I always thought that Backlot Express would make a great Cantina restaurant and bar. It's right next to Star Tours and it could be converted pretty easily.
No construction walls anywhere at DHS

 

[lovethattink]

Roger that, I wonder if they are waiting for after the holidays when they take down the Osborne lights.

They could be working inside buildings and in areas where we can't see like they did the new Oaken's. It seemed like it went up overnight, but much work was done inside after AFI closed.

I always thought that Backlot Express would make a great Cantina restaurant and bar. It's right next to Star Tours and it could be converted pretty easily.
No construction walls anywhere at DHS

I want a cantina, but not sure I want to give up my air conditioning pre-parade, if it goes there.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

I always thought that Backlot Express would make a great Cantina restaurant and bar. It's right next to Star Tours and it could be converted pretty easily.
No construction walls anywhere at DHS

That would make an awesome spot for a Cantina Restaurant!

I am betting you'll see major signs of construction after the Holidays.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

They could be working inside buildings and in areas where we can't see like they did the new Oaken's. It seemed like it went up overnight, but much work was done inside after AFI closed.

This is true, and with the backlot ride being totally shut down we may not see anything, they could do alot of that construction out there where the track was too!

 

[mom2febgirls]

My DH is a huge fan of the original trilogy. I really want to get in to the Sci Fi Breakfast but I'm so worried I will miss the announcement :/

How fast did they fill up last year? Any ideas for how to be on the ball?

 

[Itinkso]

My DH is a huge fan of the original trilogy. I really want to get in to the Sci Fi Breakfast but I'm so worried I will miss the announcement :/ How fast did they fill up last year? Any ideas for how to be on the ball?

If you'll be there on a Monday - Thursday, SciFi was accepting walk-ins. On the weekends, it was difficult to get an ADR.

 

[mom2febgirls]

If you'll be there on a Monday - Thursday, SciFi was accepting walk-ins. On the weekends, it was difficult to get an ADR.

Thank you! That is reassuring since we'll be there Thursday - Tuesday

 

[yulilin3]

My DH is a huge fan of the original trilogy. I really want to get in to the Sci Fi Breakfast but I'm so worried I will miss the announcement :/

How fast did they fill up last year? Any ideas for how to be on the ball?

Make sure to subscribe to this thread and set it up so that you get an email notification of new activity each day. That way you won't miss any announcement and news.
Also keep in mind that when I get new information I update the first page so you don't have to read thru all the pages

 

[Itinkso]

On the Dining Board, it was reported that H&V, beginning on May 4, 2015, doesn't have any availability for dinners for any dates beyond that date. It looks like Disney has taken it off the Dining Reservation scheduling for now... strong possibility they have to update software to reflect SW dinners?

 

[yulilin3]

On the Dining Board, it was reported that H&V, beginning on May 4, 2015, doesn't have any availability for dinners for any dates beyond that date. It looks like Disney has taken it off the Dining Reservation scheduling for now... strong possibility they have to update software to reflect SW dinners?

Yep, just tried booking dinner for May 4 and nothing is available

 

[lovethattink]

Last SWW kicked off with Rebel Rendezvous on Thursday. We did it. Had a great time. But have decided that we won't book it for 2015 if it's offered.

The cost was $250/per person. It was great having Darth's Mall all to ourselves. There were huge lines in the morning for check out, but by afternoon, the lines were non-existent. The M&G with Ashley Eckstein was great! Definitely our highlight. She and her husband have been very inspirational and supportive to my son over the years. She even had someone get him from the back room to pose for a picture.

Storm Troopers roamed. We were lucky enough to catch them at a backdrop. DS met another DISers son and they had so much fun playing with the troopers!

The FAB 4 had a long line initially. Then they spent most of the time standing there interacting amongst themselves with absolutely no line. Every time we passed by ds would have fun with them and pose for another picture.

There was plenty of extra Rendezvous merchandise to purchase too.

It was worth the splurge once. But I'd prefer to save the money for merchandise or dining next time.

 

[LoveMyMoos]

Last SWW kicked off with Rebel Rendezvous on Thursday. We did it. Had a great time. But have decided that we won't book it for 2015 if it's offered.

The cost was $250/per person. It was great having Darth's Mall all to ourselves. There were huge lines in the morning for check out, but by afternoon, the lines were non-existent. The M&G with Ashley Eckstein was great! Definitely our highlight. She and her husband have been very inspirational and supportive to my son over the years. She even had someone get him from the back room to pose for a picture.

Storm Troopers roamed. We were lucky enough to catch them at a backdrop. DS met another DISers son and they had so much fun playing with the troopers!

The FAB 4 had a long line initially. Then they spent most of the time standing there interacting amongst themselves with absolutely no line. Every time we passed by ds would have fun with them and pose for another picture.

There was plenty of extra Rendezvous merchandise to purchase too.

It was worth the splurge once. But I'd prefer to save the money for merchandise or dining next time.

Awesome pictures! We love Ashley and David Eckstein, huge Cardinals fans here and he used to play for them. We are llooking forward to our first SWW trip next year!