Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[jennab113]

Cool, thanks!

 

[bgg319]

Finally scored a Galactic Breakfast! Now, any tips on getting good pictures in the dark? I am a novice with the camera. Thanks!

 

[yulilin3]

Congrats If your camera has a setting of low light you could use that. We didn't use flash last year, just the low light and it worked fine. Many people took little hand held flashlights, or even the flashlight that some phones have now and that worked. Also the waiters have little flashlight and they helped many people using that as well.

 

[lovethattink]

We used flash.

 

[yulilin3]

Finally scored a Galactic Breakfast! Now, any tips on getting good pictures in the dark? I am a novice with the camera. Thanks!

Here's the album from the weekend we did the breakfast. I took the character pictures without flash and the food with. You can tell the difference. I don't like when things get washed out with white so that's why I chose not to use flash for the characters
http://s283.photobucket.com/user/yu...ar Wars Weekends 2014 Weekend 3?sort=3&page=2

 

[lovethattink]

All my pictures of the characters were with them facing the back of the restaurant not the screen. Tried with the screen and they didn't get as good.

 

[yulilin3]

All my pictures of the characters were with them facing the back of the restaurant not the screen. Tried with the screen and they didn't get as good.

that's a good idea, using the screen as additional light

 

[gismo1554]

OH man thats good to know, I dont like soarin, actually never been on it but the feet dangling and the screen dont make it something i want to go on, i bet i could close my eyes but then whats the point lol. so while my sisters are doing that i could do something else. Whats in the area for soarin thats worth a fp? I know here living with the land but i dont see that being worth the fp as you can go late at night and its usually empty

There isn't really anything over that side apart from Soarin you need to fastpass. Jouney into Imagination is next door but you can usually walk on to that. Captain EOs also by there and again easily walk on. To the other side you have the Living Seas with Nemo which you could FP just to use one up. Usually its fairly quiet but you never know. Everything else is further away - for example Test Track is the other side of Future world and that usually is better getting a FP

 

[bgg319]

Thanks Yulilin and lovethattink. This thread is a gold mine of info.

 

[yulilin3]

Thanks Yulilin and lovethattink. This thread is a gold mine of info.

happy to help. Have you checked into the Roll Call thread?

 

[msmama]

I bought these shorts for my son at Target today. Don't they look like R2-D2?

http://www.target.com/p/boys-french-terry-short/-/A-16707324#prodSlot=_4_1

I don't think he'd be ok with having an r2-D2 butt though, still, throwing it out there for anyone who might like one.

(Sorry, can't figure out how to insert the picture and have deleted this post several times by accident trying, lol).

 

[OZMom]

http://www.target.com/p/boys-french-terry-short/-/A-16707324#prodSlot=_4_1

Those are great for R2D2 shorts!!

 

[msmama]

I actually had a real question, too.

For those that did the VIP last year and/or asked better questions than I did this year...

1. Will we get to see the storm trooper show at park opening (I'm guessing no)?

2. Will there be a photopass photog at the private Vader meet and greet?

 

[SolaFide]

Im going to SWW for the first time with my family! Yay! I have a friend that maybe would like me to pick up any kind of Darth Goofy figurine and pin. I'm not really into merch myself and don't plan on waiting in crazy long lines at Darth's Mall. Will I be able to get this kind of stuff at the regular shops in the HS park or the Disney hotel? Or maybe even online? I think he wants limited edition stuff but I'm assuming that would only be found in places like Darth's Mall? I heard people wait hours before the park open just to get this merch. Will there be much less crowded times later in the day in the merch tents? We are going for one day only on the first day May 15. Thanks in advance!!!

I've heard Darth's Mall is usually less crowded in the afternoons and evenings (basically the later, the better). We went on the first day of the first SW weekend two years ago, and we had to wait in line for about 30-45 minutes when we went in the afternoon. We ran into another couple who got there at opening, and their wait was more like 2-3 hours. Good luck!

 

[jennab113]

For the H&V dinner, I have two less than ideal times - 6:35 and 8:25. The earlier one would mean missing the 6/6:30 show if it happens the same as last year. The later one could mean missing the fireworks. Which one would you pick? This is the first Friday, though I am doing the VIP tour the next day, so I will see all the shows and the fireworks that day.

 

[yulilin3]

I actually had a real question, too.

For those that did the VIP last year and/or asked better questions than I did this year...

1. Will we get to see the storm trooper show at park opening (I'm guessing no)?

2. Will there be a photopass photog at the private Vader meet and greet?

1.- Yes, you will miss the stormtroopers opening the park
2.- No one knows this one because there wasn't an opportunity like this during last years VIP tour. My guess would be that there will be one. I would call again and ask the VIP tour service

For the H&V dinner, I have two less than ideal times - 6:35 and 8:25. The earlier one would mean missing the 6/6:30 show if it happens the same as last year. The later one could mean missing the fireworks. Which one would you pick? This is the first Friday, though I am doing the VIP tour the next day, so I will see all the shows and the fireworks that day.

Are you talking about the Obi Wan and Beyond show at 7pm?

 

[peterb]

my son and i are june 5,6,7 (first timers at SWW). i have galatic breakfast for 1040am on friday. is this too late or will the characters stay around for more than one table visit? counting down the days...

 

[yulilin3]

my son and i are june 5,6,7 (first timers at SWW). i have galatic breakfast for 1040am on friday. is this too late or will the characters stay around for more than one table visit? counting down the days...

How exciting!! the characters usually only go once by each table.

 

[sunshine0206]

Is the dinner at Hollywood and Vine worth it for the star wars event?

Starting this thread a month earlier than last year because several people have asked me, and let’s be honest, is it really too early to start planning for SWW? I will update this thread with any new information we get as to keep everyone updated on this awesome event that WDW puts together each year for us. A little background on myself: I'm a 40 year old mom of 2 teenagers and I love SWW. I'm an Orlando resident and an AP for the past 15 years. I've attended SWW every year for the last 11 years so I know a thing or two about it.

Here's some information about SWW:
It started back in 1997 with 5 weekends from February 21st thru March 23rd. They skipped 1998 and 1999 and then changed the weekends to all May from 2000 to 2001. Again they skipped 2002 and then the dates have stayed consistent starting in 2003, from the last 2 weekends in May and the first 2 weekends in June.
Here's the link to SWW 2014 if you want to see what and when did things happen, the first post has all that info http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3183780

2015 dates were announced December 3
Weekend I: May 15-17, 2015
Weekend II: May 22-24, 2015
Weekend III: May 29-31, 2015
Weekend IV: June 5-7, 2015
Weekend V: June 12-14, 2015
Host and Fireworks announced Feb. 17 2015

DHS official opening time is at 8am with 2 Fantasmic! shows, at 9pm and 10:30pm during SWW (unofficially it opens around 7:30am)
Here's a link to a comprehensive review of one day at SWW from last year http://www.easywdw.com/worth-2/star...egy-characters-hoopla-crowds-merchandise-etc/

Celebrity in Attendance
SWW 2015

Weekend I: May 15-17
James Arnold Taylor


Weekend II: May 22-24
James Arnold Taylor



Weekend III: May 29-31
James Arnold Taylor


Weekend IV: June 5-6
James Arnold Taylor
Jeremy Bulloch ( not confirmed by Disney yet) thanks @Koh1977


Weekend V: June 12-14
James Arnold Taylor




Special Star Wars Meals: call: 407 WDW DINE for reservations Available May 4th to June 14
Links to book both character meals for 2015
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/star-wars-dine-in-galactic-breakfast/
Here's poisonivy's report on the breakfast
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=52723707&postcount=237
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/d...jedi-mickeys-star-wars-dinner-hollywood-vine/



***Feel the Force Premium Package: you get reserved spots for the motorcade at 11:30am and Symphony in the Stars.

Ultimate Day at SWW VIP Package call 407 934-7973 to book
7 days cancellation policy
Tour starts at 7am
Upgraded Breakfast at the Hollywood Brown Derby with hot items
Early VIP Access to Darth’s Mall
Private meet and greet with Darth Vader after shopping
Guaranteed Access to Jedi Training Academy for the little Padawan’s in your party
Private VIP Viewing of the Legends of the Force Motorcade
Table Service Lunch at a Hollywood Studios Restaurant most likely Mama Melrose
Access to some FastPass Attractions including Star Tours and Toy Story Mania during your VIP Tour
VIP Seating for Behind the Force and Stars of the Saga
FP to Obi Wan and Beyond
Access to the VIP Dessert Party
Access to semi-private location with great views for the Summon the Force grand celebration featuring the Star Wars characters and Symphony in the Stars fireworks(joining with people from Feel the Force package)
Price per person is $399 plus tax and theme park admission
Annual Pass Holders, Disney Vacation Club Members and Disney Rewards Visa Cards Holders will receive our first ever 15% discount on theUltimate Day at Star Wars Weekends
Max people per VIP group is 40

Star Wars Weekends Characters Meet and Greet
Here's a great link with all the info on characters, this is from 2014 it's been pretty consistent the past years, thanks to Kenny the Pirate: http://kennythepirate.com/2012/08/08/star-wars-weekends-map-and-character-schedule/


REBEL ALLIANCE (“GOOD GUYS”) 8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
LUKE & LEIA: near Commissary Lane
CHEWBACCA, EWOKS, EWOK CHIP & DALE: Star Tours
CLONE TROOPERS: Streets of America
C-3P0 & R2-D2: Darth’s Mall (limited sets)
QUEEN AMIDALA: ABC Sound Studio
MICKEY, MINNIE, GOOFY & DONALD IN STAR WARS
COSTUMES: Darth’s Mall (Pixar Place)
GALACTIC EMPIRE (“BAD GUYS”) 8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
BOUNTY HUNTERS: Near Studio Backlot Tour
DARTH MAUL: Near Studio Backlot Tour
DARTH VADER: Streets of America
Star Wars Weekends Shows

Entertainment

*Stormtroopers at the Gate - Hollywood and Vine Intersection 7:30am Welcome Show
Encounter a duo of troublesome Imperial Stormtroopers while they ready a welcome surprise from the Dark Side. Their mission—to keep all “Rebel Scum” out—quickly shifts, commemorating the official opening of the park and the start of Star Wars Weekends!

*Boba Fett Patrol
Keep an eye peeled for Boba Fett as he strolls and patrols the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage. Get up close and verbally interact with the most relentless bounty hunter in the entire universe… but be wary, or you could end up his next target!

*Stormtrooper Patrol
Beware the Empire’s finest as they impart Imperial info and put on their own unique brand of investigation. Proceed with caution as you make your way around the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage or you just might become the focus of their next interrogation!

*Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade
Marvel at a grand motorcade featuring several of your favorite Star Wars characters and celebrities. The procession begins at the front of the park and travels all the way to the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage—concluding with a grand celebrity welcome. The parade started in 2014 at 11:30am

*Symphony in the Stars
Cap off your day in a galaxy far, far away with a finale celebration featuring Star Wars characters and a frenzy of fireworks, complete with Glow with the Show effects. SWW 2015 Summon the Force Character pre show at 9:30pm, fireworks at 9:45pm

*Padawan Mind Challenge
Join Ashley Eckstein as the host for a series of fun and interactive Star Wars trivia challenges. Designed for younglings ages 4 to 11, the Padawan Mind Challenge is a perfect opportunity to watch your little ones wield their mental force alongside popular Star Wars characters—with a few other surprises tossed in too! It's weather permitting and, as opposed to the kids at JTA, they do not get to meet with Vader and Stormtroopers if it does cancel
SWW 2014 1pm and 2:15 sign ups at ABC Sound Studios
4:15pm and 6:30pm no sign up required

*Jedi Training Academy
Train, you must—kids under 12 can hone their lightsaber skills at the Jedi Training Academy.—and even prepare to battle Darth Vader himself! Here's a video (thanks d-r) that shows what kinds of questions potential padawans are asked when you are signing them up for JTA:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10103423636247334

Weather permitting, if it gets cancelled they kids get to meet Vader and Stormtroopers
TIP from Itinkso:
On a regular JTA day the one "chosen" child Force pushes the Troopers if the show is not bogged down and then the whole group uses the Force to overpower Vader. No Force push against Troopers during SWW because of Ahsoka and Ventress in the show with the second group of Younglins.
A non-SWW day is advised for JTA by my Padawan-source


*DJ Lobot Dance Party 7pm Hat Stage

Adventures at Theater of the Stars (Beauty and the Beast on Sunset Blvd)
Soak up the spectacle as popular Star Wars characters and actors appear at the Theater of the Stars. Some of the scheduled events include:

Behind the Force: Star Wars Voices Hosted by Ashley Eckstein
Go behind the scenes and experience the newest installment in the Star Wars saga—Star Wars Rebels. SWW 2014 was at 1:45pm

Stars of the Saga Hosted by James Arnold Taylor
Kick back with your Star Wars Weekends host during a 30-minute, Star Wars-themed talk show that’s as entertaining as it is surprising. Enjoy an inside look at the fascinating lives and movie-making adventures with some of the stars from the Star Wars saga. SWW 2014 at 3:30pm

Stormtrooper Pre-Show
15 minutes prior to Stars of the Saga, prepare for a unique and immersive pre-show—featuring several Imperial Stormtroopers on a special assignment. Be part of the magic as this interactive and surprising presentation takes place in the audience before building to an explosive conclusion. Last year it was at 3:15pm here's a video of this years pre show:

Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor
Feel the force flowing as James Arnold Taylor from Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes his audience on a fun and fascinating journey into the world of voice acting. Don’t miss this Star Wars Weekends exclusive as James performs over 200 popular and iconic characters! SWW 2014 was at 6:30pm if there was a 5pm show inside the theater or 6pm if there wasn't.

Visit to the Maul: only happens when Ray Park is a celebrity guest. He shows his martial arts techniques and how he used them in the character of Darth Maul. Kids get picked at random (sometimes from the same line while waiting to get inside the theater) and he shows the kids a small sequence of moves on stage. SWW 2014 at 5pm

My Short Story: only happens when Warwick Davis is a celebrity guest. This was a new show this year and I hope it comes back. Warwick shares his story as how he got into acting and all of his roles. He takes audience volunteers to play different people in his life. SWW 2014 was at 5pm. Here's a video:

Schedule for the SWW shows at Theater of the Stars by Weekend
The ability to book fp+ opened 5/5/14 for SWW 2014 All the shows are in Tier One. From most popular to least popular:
Stars of the Saga - Visit to the Maul - An Ewoks Tale - Obi Wan and Beyond - Behind the Force

SWW I:
Behind the Force
Stars of the Saga
Obi Wan

SWW II
Behind the Force
Stars of the Saga
Obi Wan

SWW III
Behind the Force
Stars of the Saga
Obi Wan

SWW IV
Behind the Force
Stars of the Saga
Obi Wan

SWW V
Behind the Force
Stars of the Saga
Obi Wan


Parade
Legends of the Force Motorcade Parade: at 11:30am the parade starts of by the entrance and ends at the Hat Stage, you'll see the Disney SW characters, the 501st and Rebel Legion and a lot of Star Wars characters. Also you'll be able to see the host of the weekends and the visiting celebs. They end the parade at the Hat Stage where all the characters and celebrities go up on stage and have a once in a lifetime picture opportunity and welcome you to the day's events. Keep in mind that the 501st and the Rebel Legion march on and exit thru the gates by Star Tours.

Autograph Sessions
I will try to explain the process of getting a celebrity fastpass for an autograph session
There are usually 5 actors available to meet and greet during each day of SWW. The 1 hosts, Ashley Eckstein as co host, 2 Star Wars actors and 1 Clone Wars/Rebels Cartoon actor .Outside the gates into DHS they will post signs for each actor (to the far right of the turnstiles) Let's say Ray Park is coming this year (Yay Darth Maul) he is a very popular actor to meet. You must go to DHS around 5am and get in his line. Around 6am CM will start putting on wristbands for each person that's in line (this helps with people holding spots and then showing up at 7am and getting in front of you) Each celeb has a different color wristband and you CANNOT take it off until you meet the celeb of your choice during your scheduled time slot....Alright, so you got your wristband, now around 7am they start handing the celeb fp's. This fastpass will give you a time slot, let's say from 10:10 to 10:20 for the celeb of your choice. You can only get one fp a day. you cannot jump into another celeb's line and get another fp. This fastpass is not linked to the regular fp's inside the park so don't worry.
Now let's say you overslept and got to the park at 7am. Depending on the celebs popularity you still might get a fp's or a standby ticket. A standby ticket gives you a number( let's say you got #10 for Ray Park) you have to go to the autograph sessions with your standby ticket and wait for Ray to meet all of his guaranteed fp people and then see if he still has time to meet standby. Now the CM start calling standby tickets 1,2,3...There are celebs that are very talkative and almost never get to meet standbys but there are others who are very quick, like Peter Mayhew, he signs your item, takes the picture and you're done. This year Peter met with about 50 people from the standby line. So if you REALLY want to meet someone be there early.
As soon as we have a list of celebs we will have a better idea on what time should you line up for each.

Merchandise
Each year SWW offers a lot of different merchandise. This includes pins, toys, shirts, glasses, mugs, magnets, works of art, electronics. Some of

 

[jennab113]

Are you talking about the Obi Wan and Beyond show at 7pm?

Yeah, the Obi Wan show. The front page lists it at 6 or 6:30 last year.

Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor
Feel the force flowing as James Arnold Taylor from Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes his audience on a fun and fascinating journey into the world of voice acting. Don’t miss this Star Wars Weekends exclusive as James performs over 200 popular and iconic characters! SWW 2014 was at 6:30pm if there was a 5pm show inside the theater or 6pm if there wasn't.