Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[Skywise]

Can anyone tell im annoying lol. Pure speculation im sure, but ive read the viewing area for the actual fireworks with the FtF package wasn't great. With the removal of the hat does that change anything? I think we are going weekend3 (may 29) so there should be better info out once we get into may, but im of work today and get to enjoy it with you lovely people

Actually I thought the viewing area was pretty good for FTF but then... I wasn't in front of the hat. There was a perfect viewing area to the left of it (by the greenery) that was practically empty up until the fireworks started. The downside was that it was very far from the stage so I didn't get to the see the preshow very well (and I had fitted my wideangle lens on my DSLR for the fireworks so... no zooming...)

Even WITH the hat gone though, the stage will be there and that was almost as much a blocker as the hat. Not quite as high but nearly as wide. The hat's "ear" lights were pretty cool in my fireworks video too. Ahh well...

Check out this Frozen fireworks video here at YouTube for an example, this was close to the stage probably by people who had paid for the Frozen party. (fireworks starts at 6:00)

The star wars fireworks pre-show follows the same pattern, stage show leading directly into the fireworks

Here's one further back which is probably NOT from a party with preferred viewing - You see that the further back you are the more the hat came into play -

 

[Belle61513]

Just how "spectacular" and different are the SWW fireworks? Trying to decide if it makes sense to stick around for them or to head to MK (which is open until 12AM) for our last night at WDW.

 

[yulilin3]

Just how "spectacular" and different are the SWW fireworks? Trying to decide if it makes sense to stick around for them or to head to MK (which is open until 12AM) for our last night at WDW.

If you love the star wars score then you'll love the fireworks. They are the best fireworks show I've seen at Disney. Followed closely by the villains fireworks (forgot the name) that they did during the villains event in the past 2 years

 

[Skywise]

Just how "spectacular" and different are the SWW fireworks? Trying to decide if it makes sense to stick around for them or to head to MK (which is open until 12AM) for our last night at WDW.

Impressive.

Most Impressive.

I find all of the Disney fireworks shows to be "spectacular". That said the show isn't particularly unique like Wishes with tinkerbell flying around and the castle taking part in the show - just fireworks synchronized to music. As Yullin says, if you love the Star Wars score it's very stirring. If not or fireworks are just "pretty" to you but not a big deal you might get a bigger "bang" going to MK.

 

[drlaurafsu]

My favorite fireworks are the Halloween party. These are probably second. Add the SW music and it's pretty fun.

 

[lovethattink]

Just how "spectacular" and different are the SWW fireworks? Trying to decide if it makes sense to stick around for them or to head to MK (which is open until 12AM) for our last night at WDW.

In my opinion, I rank these #1! Hands down, they are my family's favorite. It's a short show minus the character pre-show, I think 5 minutes for the firework portion. But it's most impressive.

 

[OhioWDWDuo]

Hi- I just want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone on this thread! I've been a long time lurker and read every page! DH and I are not new to SWW but this thread is invaluable and everyone has been so great with posting information and answering questions. Thank you!!!

I booked the VIP package for DH and I on Friday May 15th...sooooo excited! I greatly appreciate everyone's help and heads-up and am looking forward to seeing/meeting some of you amazing SW Dis'ers during the first weekend.

 

[yulilin3]

to the sww family @OhioWDWDuo

 

[jane2073]

These are definitely my favorite fireworks!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Looking forward to seeing the SWW fireworks for the first time! I'd be very surprised if anything beat HalloWishes, though!! The several times toward the end when the entire park lights up -- looks like daytime for a few seconds -- spectacular!!

 

[yulilin3]

Looking forward to seeing the SWW fireworks for the first time! I'd be very surprised if anything beat HalloWishes, though!! The several times toward the end when the entire park lights up -- looks like daytime for a few seconds -- spectacular!!

Symphony in the Stars is amazing but I do wish they were longer

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I think someone on this thread asked about this or said they were waiting to hear about a possible 24-hr event. Just posted on Twitter by WDW:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...lest-summer-ever-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

We’re kicking off the summer with an all-night party at the Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom Park will be open to guests for 24 hours of nonstop fun from 6 a.m.-6 a.m. May 22-23. Guests are invited to dress to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, merchandise, food and beverages will be on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.

For the “Coolest Summer Ever,” we’re already planning experiences you won’t want to miss. Here’s an early look at some of the highlights:

• Frozen Fun – “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE will bring Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristof and Olaf with citizens of Arendelle appearing daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios June 17-Sept. 7.
• Cool Thrills Rides – Guests will find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney World parks. Choose from Seven Dwarfs Mine Train plus Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park; Test Track and Soarin’ at Epcot; Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Star Wars Celebrations – Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios find stars from another galaxy during Star Wars Weekends May 15 – June 14.
• New Restaurants and Shopping – Throughout the summer, new waterfront dining and boutique shops flow into the Downtown Disney shopping/dining/entertainment district as its transformation into Disney Springscontinues.
• World Showcase Entertainment – New entertainment acts will appear throughout Epcot World Showcase, which also brings a fresh summery twist on fan favorite, Voices of Liberty.
• Polynesian Village Resort – The newly reimagined Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort opens with new, first-ever overwater Disney Vacation Club bungalows, perched above the water near Magic Kingdom.
• A Splash at Water Parks – A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney’s two iconic water parks – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach.

There’s more to come, so keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future details and information about the “Coolest Summer Ever.”

Also, later this morning, Erin will be sharing a special announcement from Disneyland Resort right here on the blog.

 

[yulilin3]

I think someone on this thread asked about this or said they were waiting to hear about a possible 24-hr event. Just posted on Twitter by WDW:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...lest-summer-ever-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

We’re kicking off the summer with an all-night party at the Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom Park will be open to guests for 24 hours of nonstop fun from 6 a.m.-6 a.m. May 22-23. Guests are invited to dress to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, merchandise, food and beverages will be on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.

For the “Coolest Summer Ever,” we’re already planning experiences you won’t want to miss. Here’s an early look at some of the highlights:

• Frozen Fun – “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE will bring Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristof and Olaf with citizens of Arendelle appearing daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios June 17-Sept. 7.
• Cool Thrills Rides – Guests will find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney World parks. Choose from Seven Dwarfs Mine Train plus Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park; Test Track and Soarin’ at Epcot; Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Star Wars Celebrations – Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios find stars from another galaxy during Star Wars Weekends May 15 – June 14.
• New Restaurants and Shopping – Throughout the summer, new waterfront dining and boutique shops flow into the Downtown Disney shopping/dining/entertainment district as its transformation into Disney Springscontinues.
• World Showcase Entertainment – New entertainment acts will appear throughout Epcot World Showcase, which also brings a fresh summery twist on fan favorite, Voices of Liberty.
• Polynesian Village Resort – The newly reimagined Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort opens with new, first-ever overwater Disney Vacation Club bungalows, perched above the water near Magic Kingdom.
• A Splash at Water Parks – A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney’s two iconic water parks – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach.

There’s more to come, so keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future details and information about the “Coolest Summer Ever.”

Also, later this morning, Erin will be sharing a special announcement from Disneyland Resort right here on the blog.

only 2 days in between SWW and FSF and a whole summer of fireworks at the Studios, this is awesome for the park

 

[lovethattink]

I think someone on this thread asked about this or said they were waiting to hear about a possible 24-hr event. Just posted on Twitter by WDW:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...lest-summer-ever-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

We’re kicking off the summer with an all-night party at the Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom Park will be open to guests for 24 hours of nonstop fun from 6 a.m.-6 a.m. May 22-23. Guests are invited to dress to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, merchandise, food and beverages will be on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.

For the “Coolest Summer Ever,” we’re already planning experiences you won’t want to miss. Here’s an early look at some of the highlights:

• Frozen Fun – “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE will bring Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristof and Olaf with citizens of Arendelle appearing daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios June 17-Sept. 7.
• Cool Thrills Rides – Guests will find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney World parks. Choose from Seven Dwarfs Mine Train plus Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park; Test Track and Soarin’ at Epcot; Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Star Wars Celebrations – Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios find stars from another galaxy during Star Wars Weekends May 15 – June 14.
• New Restaurants and Shopping – Throughout the summer, new waterfront dining and boutique shops flow into the Downtown Disney shopping/dining/entertainment district as its transformation into Disney Springscontinues.
• World Showcase Entertainment – New entertainment acts will appear throughout Epcot World Showcase, which also brings a fresh summery twist on fan favorite, Voices of Liberty.
• Polynesian Village Resort – The newly reimagined Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort opens with new, first-ever overwater Disney Vacation Club bungalows, perched above the water near Magic Kingdom.
• A Splash at Water Parks – A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney’s two iconic water parks – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach.

There’s more to come, so keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future details and information about the “Coolest Summer Ever.”

Also, later this morning, Erin will be sharing a special announcement from Disneyland Resort right here on the blog.

I started a new thread like last year for Frozen Summer Fun! I'm so happy! http://www.disboards.com/threads/ne...our-mk-event-and-fsf-returns-in-june.3388731/

 

[AuntieK]

Our trip will span SWW and FSF. Looks like I need to go back and look at my itinerary, again!

 

[Brandiwlf]

Did the 24 hour event lower crowds for sww on that day (May 22)? Our is day is Friday and we go to mk on Saturday, hoping for lighter crowds both days because of this! Have too many adrs to try to reschedule plus there's no way my boys could stay up to try to make it to the 24 hour day!

 

[yulilin3]

Did the 24 hour event lower crowds for sww on that day (May 22)? Our is day is Friday and we go to mk on Saturday, hoping for lighter crowds both days because of this! Have too many adrs to try to reschedule plus there's no way my boys could stay up to try to make it to the 24 hour day!

Not really. The daytime crowds for SWW stayed the same last year during the 24 hours event.
EDITED TO ADD: daytime

 

[memakwed]

This is our first SWW. It wasn't intentional we just had to change our trip dates and it falls when we are there. We will do minimal Star wars stuff. However, I have a few questions from what I've read on the SWW thread and other sites. I booked a fantasmic dinner package with the characters for the first showing of fantasmic. Fantasmic appears to be at 9pm. My husband will love the fireworks but that appears to be at 945. Clearly we will not make it to the main str for the fireworks. Is there still a good vantage point over by TOT Fantasmic ect or should I just plan on doing these things on separate evenings? Can you see the fireworks from anywhere in the park? Is the music piped all over the park?
As for the parade my family doesn't like crowds so we would be more apt to stay away from the stage area. Is the stage part an integral part not to be missed or is the parade enjoyable enough to stand on its own and feel like we're not missing out. This is about all we will do Star wars related. We don't desire the autographs,or meet and greets. Maybe the saga of the stars....
Am I missing a must do/can't be missed for this weekend? We will be there for the June 5-7 weekend. Also I know the whole weekend will be busy but what would be the least busiest day? I thought Friday originally but maybe I'm wrong from snippets I've read.

 

[yulilin3]

This is our first SWW. It wasn't intentional we just had to change our trip dates and it falls when we are there. We will do minimal Star wars stuff. However, I have a few questions from what I've read on the SWW thread and other sites. I booked a fantasmic dinner package with the characters for the first showing of fantasmic. Fantasmic appears to be at 9pm. My husband will love the fireworks but that appears to be at 945. Clearly we will not make it to the main str for the fireworks. Is there still a good vantage point over by TOT Fantasmic ect or should I just plan on doing these things on separate evenings? Can you see the fireworks from anywhere in the park? Is the music piped all over the park?
As for the parade my family doesn't like crowds so we would be more apt to stay away from the stage area. Is the stage part an integral part not to be missed or is the parade enjoyable enough to stand on its own and feel like we're not missing out. This is about all we will do Star wars related. We don't desire the autographs,or meet and greets. Maybe the saga of the stars....
Am I missing a must do/can't be missed for this weekend? We will be there for the June 5-7 weekend. Also I know the whole weekend will be busy but what would be the least busiest day? I thought Friday originally but maybe I'm wrong from snippets I've read.

Fireworks: they don't pump the music all around the park, only on Hollywood Blvd and Around Echo Lake. If you must do the first show of F! they will probably have you exit thru a backstage gate that will put you on Hollywood Blvd by Crossroads (the main entrance) if you find a spot there stay put, if it's incredibly crowded and you have some time make your way down the street using Mickey's of Hollywood (gift shop to your left) and go to Echo Lake by Prime Time. I seriously doubt that you'll have time to get there before the fireworks start but if you're seated toward the top rows of F! and can exit quickly you might make it. I would, again, recommend doing the second F! it will not be busy and you should be able to find a seat after watching the fireworks.
For the Parade, you can grab a spot anywhere on Hollywood Blvd (the left side as you face the stage is the shady side) and you can enjoy the parade, there's sho much to see that if you need to miss the stage welcome show it won't be a big deal. I would say to watch some videos on youtube to see what the welcome show is about and then you can decide if you want to walk behind the ropes once the parade goes thru.
Least busiest is Friday but not by much.

 

[lovethattink]

Did the 24 hour event lower crowds for sww on that day (May 22)? Our is day is Friday and we go to mk on Saturday, hoping for lighter crowds both days because of this! Have too many adrs to try to reschedule plus there's no way my boys could stay up to try to make it to the 24 hour day!

It did for fireworks!