Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[jtowntoflorida]

Honestly, there are so many technical issues today (everyday?) and so little training for the CMs that even if you're told it's sold out today, I'd check back at least a couple of times. Unless the premium group is going to be super small, it makes no sense that it would already be sold out with no announcement.

 

[IDreamofPoly]

I just called again after I saw this and was told the system is still down for enhancements. I said I saw someone say they weren't anymore and she said "Well, that wasn't in the last 5 minutes because we've been down for 15-20 minutes." So you should probably try back again because maybe the enhancements aren't actually done.

Thank you! I did just call back after I saw your message and now they are saying they are undergoing enhancements again. Maybe the 2 CMs that I spoke to were unaware? But thanks for the heads up...

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Thank you! I did just call back after I saw your message and now they are saying they are undergoing enhancements again. Maybe the 2 CMs that I spoke to were unaware? But thanks for the heads up...

"Undergoing enhancements" is Disney code for "the system is down." MDE has been screwed up all day long. If there's a glitch in the system, it could be that things are looking like they're sold out when they're not. Who knows...maybe Dining wasn't supposed to allow the FtF packages to be booked until a public announcement is made, so they're cutting it off?

 

[jennab113]

So I just got thru to a CM who said they were back up. But neither day I wanted has availability now - that was May 17th and May 22nd. When the system went down the CM had both available and was taking payment. Can't say I really trust any of this information though.

I just called again and was told they are still down. ***?

 

[spc67carr]

Just got a reservation 5 minutes ago for the Deluxe on the 29th. I tried to modify the premium package I got earlier today into deluxe but they weren't able to change anything cause the system was down. So I just called again and tried to book new without changing the other one and after 15 minutes on hold she got it.

 

[Cluelyss]

Try again - there've been several posters calling SEVERAL times and being told it was "sold out" only to call later and get a time.

Yes, call back. Took me 4 tries to get someone who was able to book it for me.

 

[AThrillingChase]

"Undergoing enhancements" is Disney code for "the system is down." MDE has been screwed up all day long. If there's a glitch in the system, it could be that things are looking like they're sold out when they're not. Who knows...maybe Dining wasn't supposed to allow the FtF packages to be booked until a public announcement is made, so they're cutting it off?

That would be hysterical.

 

[yulilin3]

"Undergoing enhancements" is Disney code for "the system is down." MDE has been screwed up all day long. If there's a glitch in the system, it could be that things are looking like they're sold out when they're not. Who knows...maybe Dining wasn't supposed to allow the FtF packages to be booked until a public announcement is made, so they're cutting it off?

last year I got the announcement that the FtF was open (thru the HUB ) and released that info on this thread. The DPB ended up announcing it a whole week after reservations were live

 

[cherice95403]

If you are calling and told it is sold out, make sure they are entering in the time as 10am. it makes a difference!

 

[Delilah1310]

thanks for the 2014 map earlier in this thread @yulilin3 - it has helped me tremendously understand the spacial relationship from one event area to another.

I'm gonna have to think about some of my plans with this in mind.

 

[PiperGirlInWondrland]

i have tried several times they keeps asaying their systems are down for enhancements

 

[Koh1977]

oh my goodness…I am SO behind on this thread…only 608 more posts to read…

 

[coluk003]

Since we are all SW geeks here, ill let you know what i saw the other day. VUDU which is a streaming service in partnership or owned or whatever by Walmart had a poster up in Walmart about a digital release of all 6 movie, since then its been taken down. Rumor is it will be officially announced at SWConvention

 

[prgal0715]

Everyone who listed their FTF package along with the specific date: you've been updated on the Roll Call!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3358654

If you haven't been updated, please post your FTF info with the date...there are too many names for me to hunt you down!

I will be at FTF on Friday, June 5th! Thanks for adding me to the list.

 

[Tltorrez]

Congrats all! I look forward to reading all about both packages and how they work out on May 15th. We can't afford to buy either package since this is just an extra trip to make use of our annual passes in between our regular trips. We are also staying offsite, so we can't book any fast passes yet. I'm having serious doubts that any FP's for the shows will still be available by the time we can book. Dh won't stand in line for an hour, so I have a feeling we're sunk. We are looking forward to the fireworks and just walking around to see the characters, but the shows were a big draw (particularly the Stormtrooper pre-show). Ah well, we're lucky to be able to go at all.

I'm on a strict budget and staying at my Mom's house so I'm in the same boat. Honestly, I'm not too worried about it. At first I was irritated at all the standing in line, because I usually plan well enough to avoid most of that. But it's not the first time we've done it for something we really wanted (e.g., 7 Dwarves). Once I made the mental shift, I just built the wait time into my plan -- two hours for the parade and one for SotS. My Dad can't sit on a curb for two hours (he is 70 after all) but my Mom and I will stake out the spots while he wanders around. Perhaps you can send your DH for drinks while you're in line. And, who knows, maybe we'll get lucky and snag FPs. It does happen.

Thinking positive, pixie-dusted thoughts.

 

[JonathanK]

thanks for the 2014 map earlier in this thread @yulilin3 - it has helped me tremendously understand the spacial relationship from one event area to another.

I'm gonna have to think about some of my plans with this in mind.

I think I missed where the map was in this thread. Can you show me where the map post is? I'd like to calculate everything too!

Edited - Found it!

 

[AuntieK]

Last year the dessert party was all standing room only, so I'm thinking if anything there may be seating on the right side (deluxe folks) little tables or nothing on the left (regular folks) with maybe the dessert tables in the middle to separate the areas?

When I called this AM the CM put me on hold to call guest services. Per guest services neither area will have seating. I honestly think we won't know the real answer until the first weekend.

 

[dpswift]

For all those that were told it was sold out I would still try back to be sure. I must admit that when I asked about availability my CM actually did check for dates. So maybe some are sold out. Still with all the craziness that some people are posting it could be a system glitch.

 

[yulilin3]

I'm on a strict budget and staying at my Mom's house so I'm in the same boat. Honestly, I'm not too worried about it. At first I was irritated at all the standing in line, because I usually plan well enough to avoid most of that. But it's not the first time we've done it for something we really wanted (e.g., 7 Dwarves). Once I made the mental shift, I just built the wait time into my plan -- two hours for the parade and one for SotS. My Dad can't sit on a curb for two hours (he is 70 after all) but my Mom and I will stake out the spots while he wanders around. Perhaps you can send your DH for drinks while you're in line. And, who knows, maybe we'll get lucky and snag FPs. It does happen.

Thinking positive, pixie-dusted thoughts.

Remember that t here are 2 benches along Hollywood Blvd that offer shade and a nice place to sit and people watch. If you're willing to wait 2 hours for the parade try and get one of those benches

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

yulilin3 - is the first post all there is with regards to the shows? The DPB post mentions a Star Wars Rebels show and the comment section indicates people can see it as a FP+ option yet I don't see it on your lists....