Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[SalmonPink]

It just occurred to me that after the new movie comes out we are going to have an "Old" Han as well as a "Young" Han... sort of like old Elvis and Young Elvis!
The same could be said about Luke and Leia... and of course we would have R2D2 and C3PO with the young years and the "rusty" years...

~NM
PS> I'm not allowed to buy anymore T-shirts thanks to this thread.

Well, technically we have an "Old" and "Young" Anakin already, since you can meet both Vader and Clone Wars-era Anakin at SWW!

There's also the possibility of either "Old" or "Young" Obi-Wan as a M&G, but I don't know if it would ever happen. I still remember the ban on facial hair being lifted for Disney CMs, but would they ever go as far as using a fully-bearded character? And would it need to be a fake beard, if they did, so the CM could still be a 'friend of' other non-bearded characters? These are the questions that keep me up at night.

 

[Florida Girl]

All I'll say in response to this is that during SWW, nearly all of the character lines are very open, and generally, guests are friendly and understanding of one another. If you consider a family saving spots for each other to be "line cutting" or something that's going to get your feathers ruffled, then maybe SWW isn't for you. The lines are long, many/most are in the blazing sun, and with so many kids there, breaks really are needed. I've never witnessed a big group of adults line jumping, but the lines do tend to be much more loose and free than a typical ride queue, so keep that in mind. It's easy to leave the lines because most of them are wide open and only denoted with temporary ropes that are put up just for the M&Gs. I myself have saved spots for total strangers I just met in the line because it's the friendly polite thing to do and I'd want someone to do it for me. Bathroom breaks aren't always convenient and sometimes you need something to eat or drink, and people aren't always jumping in and out of line just to be jerks.

Well to all that I'd say bathroom breaks are one thing but food and drink another....furthermore holding spots so little Jimmy or Susie don't have to wait or so they can do something else is flat out wrong. So maybe SWW isn't the best place for people including children that aren't prepared and/or willing to wait for what they want. But hey that's just my opinion
***goes to look for flame retardant suit***

 

[lovethattink]

i know im going to get major heat for this, but ill say it anyways Even though its not frowned upon at Disney this is line cutting, now ill also say i dont mind it as long as its 1AD and the children but it gets me in the side when it becomes 5ad and 1kid doing this. I look at it this way, because ill be honest this would have never happened with my parents, i would have had to learn to stand in line and be patient. Which i know i did when i was a young kid, and back in those days we didnt have FP, we were lucky to have horse and buggy lol.

I would ask that you just as the people behind you and just not assume they are ok with it. Maybe its me being the grumpy old man but this at times bothers me, sometimes more then it should but its more the little things that get me going rather then the BIG , OMG im going to "die" things in life

All I'll say in response to this is that during SWW, nearly all of the character lines are very open, and generally, guests are friendly and understanding of one another. If you consider a family saving spots for each other to be "line cutting" or something that's going to get your feathers ruffled, then maybe SWW isn't for you. The lines are long, many/most are in the blazing sun, and with so many kids there, breaks really are needed. I've never witnessed a big group of adults line jumping, but the lines do tend to be much more loose and free than a typical ride queue, so keep that in mind. It's easy to leave the lines because most of them are wide open and only denoted with temporary ropes that are put up just for the M&Gs. I myself have saved spots for total strangers I just met in the line because it's the friendly polite thing to do and I'd want someone to do it for me. Bathroom breaks aren't always convenient and sometimes you need something to eat or drink, and people aren't always jumping in and out of line just to be jerks.

I think people are generally understanding of human survival breaks and "my kid is going to kill everyone if he has to wait in line any longer" breaks. I think what people generally don't like is when there's 1 person saving a spot for a large group, especially if that group then has to weave its way through a defined queue to get back in I probably wouldn't let such a group in. I'm small, but I can take up a lot of space and be really stubborn.

In March, we got in line behind a woman at the turnstile for RD at Epcot. She was the first in line. Later, a man shows up, and I didn't really think anything of it. Then, his family (a wife and 2 kids) show up. Finally, the woman's husband and 2 kids show up. So now, there are 8 people in front of us, when we only thought there was 1, maybe 2. I guess we should have asked. If we had known, we would have chosen a different queue. I wasn't angry, just a little annoyed at the apparent selfishness. She could have also said something to us. What really made it worse, is that none of them had been to the parks with their MBs, and they all had to do the initial finger scan. They were also having a lot of problems using their bands In the end, it wasn't the end of the world, and probably didn't affect us. However, it just seemed inconsiderate. So many people just don't seem to think or care about others.

Since ds can't control his body temp, you'll see one of us in line holding the place for the other two, unless the line is small. If he's using his wheelchair, it's too hard to wiggle through a queue, so he'll enter the exit once the placeholder gets to the character.

We've had it where we got in a line because it was short. Then someone in front of us let in 12 people. No kidding! By the time everyone in front of us got done with their individual and group shots ds was melting.

This is why I'm concerned about the new venue for the SW shows. If we show up last minute with a FP, will we still get a seat? The shows are going to be a challenge. You'll see us with our bags of ice and umbrellas up for ds.

Thanks for the clarification! So Chewie and Vader are the only ones who have historically met before 9?

The Chipwoks came out early too.

 

[MinnieMouse100]

Working on my plan today since our FP window opens tomorrow we are planning on hitting SWW FRi, sat & Sun but with 2 kids we will not pull full days. We are shooting to open the park one day and close the park one day. On SAt we have a breakfast at Sci Fi at 8:05, is it reasonable to expect that we would be able to see the opening show and still get to our res on time, or will we need 2 early mornings

 

[mamadragona]

Well to all that I'd say bathroom breaks are one thing but food and drink another....furthermore holding spots so little Jimmy or Susie don't have to wait or so they can do something else is flat out wrong. So maybe SWW isn't the best place for people including children that aren't prepared and/or willing to wait for what they want. But hey that's just my opinion
***goes to look for flame retardant suit***

I was talking about the Baymax and Hero line, whose waiting time may be independent of SWW. I will take your opinion seriously though, because I really try to be neighborly. Which is why I'm asking seriously. I think my kids can make it about an hour without food right after parade snacks, but a quick break to walk about or food really does help temper down the crazies - I think it is a low blood sugar thing. I am blessed with two "warrior" children .

I am hoping the line is a mere 45 min. Or that my kids, when given the option, decide to just chill out instead over a slow lunch. If it doesn't work out, well, I guess that is why people make more than one trip.

Besides, I'm still working on trying to figure out what the kids want. Plans are still evolving. It does help to talk it out. Thanks y'all.

 

[lovethattink]

I was talking about the Baymax and Hero line, whose waiting time may be independent of SWW. I will take your opinion seriously though, because I really try to be neighborly. Which is why I'm asking seriously. I think my kids can make it about an hour without food right after parade snacks, but a quick break to walk about or food really does help temper down the crazies - I think it is a low blood sugar thing. I am blessed with two "warrior" children .

I am hoping the line is a mere 45 min. Or that my kids, when given the option, decide to just chill out instead over a slow lunch. If it doesn't work out, well, I guess that is why people make more than one trip.

Besides, I'm still working on trying to figure out what the kids want. Plans are still evolving. It does help to talk it out. Thanks y'all.

We waited an hour both times. The good thing about Baymax and Hiro's is that it's air conditioned! There are photo - ops in the queue of the characters from the movie. So we made sure to take pictures of ds with them. People were constantly in and out of the line. Much better to take a crying, screaming child out than have everyone suffer. I bring an activity bag for ds, so he had plenty to do in line. Wifi reception was really good there too. The characters don't sign autographs so that helps the line move a little faster. You get a photopass card that includes their signature. One of the times we were in line, a cm slipped a Baymax shaped card to ds. It was a nicer version than the photopass card of their autograph. She said it was a magical moment, not many of these are handed out.

 

[pookadoo77]

how hard do you think it will be to save spots in the Chewie line? Meaning, could I stand there while my hubby did something nearby with DS to keep him occupied and then have them rejoin me easily. We are planning to do the Chewie dash at park open to minimize waits but my kiddo is pretty hyper and I am trying to find a back up plan in case he can't handle the line.

Maybe (if applicable) check out the disability board threads, probably a better place for these type of Q's and they have great suggestions and help, I have been on there myself. Not that some ppl here don't just probably more of a fit there for line issues IMO.

Thank you! I just signed up to "watch" the June cancellation board. HUGE help!

Sorry, I fell asleep early last night late FP picking did me in.... I think anyone in group can add ppl to it too if anyone else is stalking just for weekend V fp feel free to join! As soon as anyone hears of fastpasses available for weekend V please post on our group so we can know quickly! Lets just keep the chat and Q's on this thread so we know to take a group notification as death con 1, lol. I will try to post the link to it in my signature DISers Take Oz!!

 

[lovethattink]

Working on my plan today since our FP window opens tomorrow we are planning on hitting SWW FRi, sat & Sun but with 2 kids we will not pull full days. We are shooting to open the park one day and close the park one day. On SAt we have a breakfast at Sci Fi at 8:05, is it reasonable to expect that we would be able to see the opening show and still get to our res on time, or will we need 2 early mornings

I don't think you can get to breakfast until the opening show is over.

 

[mamadragona]

We waited an hour both times. The good thing about Baymax and Hiro's is that it's air conditioned! There are photo - ops in the queue of the characters from the movie. So we made sure to take pictures of ds with them. People were constantly in and out of the line. Much better to take a crying, screaming child out than have everyone suffer. I bring an activity bag for ds, so he had plenty to do in line. Wifi reception was really good there too. The characters don't sign autographs so that helps the line move a little faster. You get a photopass card that includes their signature. One of the times we were in line, a cm slipped a Baymax shaped card to ds. It was a nicer version than the photopass card of their autograph. She said it was a magical moment, not many of these are handed out.

This is all very helpful info. Thank you!!

 

[Cluelyss]

Working on my plan today since our FP window opens tomorrow we are planning on hitting SWW FRi, sat & Sun but with 2 kids we will not pull full days. We are shooting to open the park one day and close the park one day. On SAt we have a breakfast at Sci Fi at 8:05, is it reasonable to expect that we would be able to see the opening show and still get to our res on time, or will we need 2 early mornings

Yes, as the opening show will end about 7:50 and then you can be on your way

 

[rstamm]

Does anyone know why they are moving the shows from a nice air conditioned theater to a outside theater?
I don't believe it seats more and they had a nice stage with big screens.

 

[yulilin3]

Hello, everyone. First time posting, and I am so glad I found this board. First time for SWW, and we already have a HS day planned for Thurs. 6/11 to take care of non-SW things, plus both SW dining experiences, and hopefully JTA. Our middle son (6) is a huge SW fan, along with both parents. Oldest (10) son is not a SW fan, but is a huge Muppets fan, so we were ecstatic to find Frank Oz on our SWW5. We booked a PP FtF, and our D-Tech me is scheduled for 2:00 (1:45 arrival). Is the PMC worth it (is it Family edition now?), but our afternoon looks really tight with the parade, D-Tech, PMC, and 3 shows (SotS, Oz, Obi-Wan) before the dessert party. Between the FP+ (whenver that opens), the FtF check-in show of our choice, and the standby line, how should we proceed for those 3 shows? Also, if only mom and oldest see Oz, can dad and middle hold their spot in the standby for Obi-Wan? Finally (?) is there any idea when(start/finish) and where the SW characters become avail for M&G (remember, I already have dining booked for Jedi Mickey, Vader, Boba Fett, Greedo, etc.) Thank you so much!!

first of all
PMC has 2 versions now. The kids only version is the one you have to sign up for at ABC Sounds Studio (old Sounds Dangerous) and the for Family version the family gets picked at random before each show, for kids that love SW the PMC is a fun way to test their knowledge, everyone wins at the end so it's not like there's one winner only.
Your afternoon looks pretty packed so I wouldn't plan on PMC unless you could do it another SWW day.
Holding spot for Obi Wan will be fine but may not be necessary, since the show is bound to be around 7:45pm a lot of people will be grabbing spots for fireworks.
Some start at 8am, most start at 9am. Almost all end around 8 to 8:30pm. Let me try and figure out a good timetable from last year and I'll post it soon

 

[yulilin3]

Does anyone know why they are moving the shows from a nice air conditioned theater to a outside theater?
I don't believe it seats more and they had a nice stage with big screens.

The Frozen Sing Along is using Premiere Theater right now (where the shows used to be) and they are moving to the New Hyperion Theater (Old AIE) So they don't have any indoor theaters available for SWW.
The Theater of the Stars actually sits about 400 more people because it's stadium seating so they are able to get more people to scoot together. I've heard that there are planning on installing the bigs screens inside for th SWW shows

 

[yulilin3]

Well to all that I'd say bathroom breaks are one thing but food and drink another....furthermore holding spots so little Jimmy or Susie don't have to wait or so they can do something else is flat out wrong. So maybe SWW isn't the best place for people including children that aren't prepared and/or willing to wait for what they want. But hey that's just my opinion
***goes to look for flame retardant suit***

No flames from me just remember that SWW is a different kind of event where the majority of lines occur outside in 90 degree heat with 100% humidity. The same child or adult for that matter that can wait in a 1 hour line inside might lose it outside.
I agree that SWW is not for everyone but when all you are doing is taking a child out of a line for a character that's maybe not even there yet, to go grab a snack, or water or go to the bathroom is not really a big deal.
Like others have said if you were holding a spot and then 5 more people join later, now that's an issue.

 

[yulilin3]

Working on my plan today since our FP window opens tomorrow we are planning on hitting SWW FRi, sat & Sun but with 2 kids we will not pull full days. We are shooting to open the park one day and close the park one day. On SAt we have a breakfast at Sci Fi at 8:05, is it reasonable to expect that we would be able to see the opening show and still get to our res on time, or will we need 2 early mornings

You cannot get to your ressie until the Stormtrooper let us in, so you will be able to watch the opening show with them. The opening show is performed around 7:45 am

 

[keishashadow]

Re entertaining the kids in line, it's a right of passage.My youngest DS is graduating from college in a few weeks so i may be out of the loop as to PC parenting trends. However, when I take my GD who is 4 anywhere there will be a line, I always download a new game on my phone or tablet. I've gotten some snarky comments but it's nice to have it stuffed in my bag to keep her from melting down. I'd just threaten my boys with going back to the room and they knew I meant it, but have found it's different when dealing with a grand child.

I must wind up in the 'ugly' lines but the few times I've seen large groups of people (i'm not talking an adult and a kid or two, moreso extended, multi-generational family or worse, a gaggle of teens) attempt join an existing Disney line, all heck breaks loose. a CM soon appears to sort it out resulting in the newbies usually exiting the line in a huff. It is technically line jumping, in most parks you can be ejected...no idea of Disney's policy on the matter.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I'm not going to get into a line jumping debate in this thread that has been nothing but positive, so this is my last comment. I only wanted to set expectations for people: because of the openess of the SWW character lines and the fact that nearly all of them are outside, they tend to be very fluid. I just want people to be prepared for that, because it's very common and you're going to spend a lot of precious SWW time irritated if that's the type of thing that gets up your gruff. There will be some people who take advantage, but for the most part, it felt like there's more of a spirit of "we're all in this together" rather than "every man for himself."

 

[yulilin3]

these are times taken from the easywdw review that's on the front page, like anything SWW these times will probably change especially since the parade is being performed a half an hour earlier this year
Chewie. : 8am til 10:50am (for the 11:30 parade) back out at 12:20pm (after the parade) until 8:30pm By the speeder bike, exit of ST
Vader: 8am all the way until 8:50pm (he is the only character that met during the parade) By where Backlot Tour used to be (he might be using their old queue
Luke, Leia and the Droids: I'm not sure but it says that they only met after the parade until 8:35pm.. I seriuosly can't remember This year we don't know where they will be
Darth Maul: Started at 9 until 8:30 took a 2 with a break for parade. By old Backlot Tour
Boba and Jango Fett: started at 10am with parade break, out until 8:50pm By old backlot tour
Chipwoks: 9am with parade break, in at 5:30pm. By Writer's Stop
Disney characters in SW costumes: started at 9am parade break, then out until 8:35. They are moving back outside and will be between GMR exit and ABC Comisary
Amidala: 9:15am, parade break, out until 5:45pm. Next to ABC Sounds Studios
Jedi Council: 9:30am, parade break. Out until 9pm. This year they will be between One Man's Dream and TSMM
Clone Wars group: they started meeting after the parade until 8:40pm. On streets of America again this year
Cantina Band roaming characters arund ST came out after the parade until 7pm
Ewoks: it says on easywdw that they were roaming last year, also around the ST area until 8:30 (I will get a clear confirmation that first Friday on where the ewoks will be)
Aurra Sing, Stormtroopers, Gamorrean Guard, Tuscan Raiders and Zam Wessell: roaming around the old Backlot Tour after the parade until 8:45pm
Jawas and Clone Troopers: roaming after the parade around Streets of America until 8:50pm
Again these are the times from last year. The only thing to note is that Disney SW is moving outside again with no word where Luke, Leia and the droids will be. (they used to meet inside Darth's Mall so maybe they'll go inside again?)

I'm taking these times into consideration for my SWW ultimate character hunt the first Friday, so this is my plan:
Chewie
Disney SW
Chipwoks
I'm assuming by this time it'll almost be parade so I'm going to:
Vader
Maul
The Fetts
Amidala
Jedi Council
Clone Wars gang
roaming characters Dark Side
Jawas
Cantina Band
Luke, Leia and Droids hoping they are inside the Mall

 

[yulilin3]

I'm not going to get into a line jumping debate in this thread that has been nothing but positive, so this is my last comment. I only wanted to set expectations for people: because of the openess of the SWW character lines and the fact that nearly all of them are outside, they tend to be very fluid. I just want people to be prepared for that, because it's very common and you're going to spend a lot of precious SWW time irritated if that's the type of thing that gets up your gruff. There will be some people who take advantage, but for the most part, it felt like there's more of a spirit of "we're all in this together" rather than "every man for himself."

1000 AGREE

 

[pookadoo77]

Jawas..... My second oldest son is obsessed with them and wants to meet and trade over most other things. Any tips to find them or anything else Jawa greatly appreciated!! or are they always lurking? TY!!