Now that all the plans are coming together I'm just going to remind everyone of the tips:
1.-
Keep Cool: drink plenty of water and gatorade/powerade. We usually bring washcloths and dump them in cold water and put them around our necks.
Cooling towels found at sports stores and
Amazon work great. Don't wait to hydrate. I've seen plenty of people just collapse because of dehydration. Heat in Florida is no joke. Bring an umbrella and use it while waiting for characters, parade, anything outdoors. Remember that
all quick service restaurants will give you, for free, a cup of ice water. You can also refill these cups or any other containers with ice water at Backlot Express for free. Great places to cool down and you don't have to make a line are One Man's Dream and the Animation Bldg.
2.-
Make a plan: prioritize, what do you want most of all out of your SWW day. And work from there.
It's impossible to do it all in one day so don't let that ruin your SWW experience.
3.-
Be patient: there will be thousands of people going to SWW that want to do the same things you do.
Be patient. Be polite. I know the heat and the waiting can get to you sometimes but take a deep breath and just listen to that Star Wars music in the background and chill.
4.-
Be flexible: So you made an awesome plan and you're ready to take in the day. And, of course, it rains just as the parade is about to start. Don't let that ruin your experience, just go
improvise, have a plan B...and C and D,...
5.-
Know your kids: There's nothing better than a picture with your toddler and Chewbacca, but some kids get a little afraid of the big Wookie. Don't force them to meet a character or go to a show (JTA Vader, Ventress and Maul can be intimidating) The characters WON'T break character, don't expect a hug from Vader, or Aurra Sing to smile...Villains stay Villains even if your child starts crying. What I usually tell parents is to show the kids the character before waiting in line (sometimes very long lines) and ask them right then and there if they want to meet them. Or show them videos of JTA and ask them before the trip if they want to battle the Dark Side.
On the same note,
know your children boiling points and don't wait for them to get to them. Again, it's really hot during SWW, and meltdowns happen even to locals. Know when your kids need a break, go inside somewhere (Animation building and One Man's Dream are perfect for a break) eat and hydrate, and you'll have more energy to tackle the rest of the day.
6.-
Have Fun!! In the wise words of Master Yoda:
Do or do not, there is no try....
