Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[AngiTN]

Is there somewhere to point me to check out the types of things folks bring for trading with the Jawa?

 

[Tltorrez]

leaving a note to a CM at Guest Relations is the best way to recognize good service, this goes for any CM. And those notes do reach the CM and their team leader/coordinator. The team leader/coordinator makes a special announcement at the beginning of the day and they post them on bulletin boards in their area.
At Universal after getting 5 of these notes the team member gets a voucher for a free entree at their backstage commisary.
So please leave these notes, CM especially don't get the recognition for a job well done from management. Team Members (Universal CM) get more benefits for good service.

We usually take a stack of CM thank you cards, write out what we're thanking them for and then give them to the CM directly to turn in. Is that ok? Do they get the same credit?

 

[yulilin3]

We usually take a stack of CM thank you cards, write out what we're thanking them for and then give them to the CM directly to turn in. Is that ok? Do they get the same credit?

better to ask for their coordinator or drop it off at Guest Relations.

 

[OZMom]

It's actually myself and @lovethattink that are locals. I wish @Itinkso was local, she needs to move here
We have had temps in the 90s with heat index at 98, not kidding. It's already hot and muggy.

My mistake! Sorry Itinkso!

(Itinkso lives in CA...lovethattink lives in FL)

I don't live in FL, but you will be too hot in CT spring attire in Florida in May. It will be full-on summer, with a lot of humidity. The locals will probably say May isn't that bad...THEY'RE CRAZY! It's bad! LOL.

Our first SWW was in 2013 (first weekend in June). We were having a cool spring here in MN and wore jeans on the plane. We arrived at 10:30 p.m. and I swear I had never been that hot before in my life. I wanted to die. And it was night!

Another local here (I live 5 mins from Disney so my "forecasts" are pretty accurate) and I can attest to the fact hat yes indeed it is in the 90's right now and the afternoon showers are already starting to emerge. I would suggest as I usually packing for the summer heat and humidity but also bringing at least 1 pair of jeans and a light long sleeve shirt per person because it can cool down a bit after a long rain storm...no where chilly but cooler

Thanks so much for the heads up! I'm glad I asked because I usually wear all jeans and t-shirts. I own 1 or 2 pairs of capris, but I will apparently be heading shopping for shorts this weekend!

I do enjoy visiting - if only it weren't so humid!


Because I'm not used to humidity, I brought cotton tank tops and Dri-fit tops to wear in the parks for my recent trip. I especially like the rawthreads.com Disney-inspired shirts made from bamboo - they keep me much cooler than regular 't's. I usually wear capri's but when DD and I were doing "homeowner" chores for her new house, I bought a pair of shorts in WalMart - the best $11 purchase I made and I wore them for our park days.

So, pack what you would wear on the hottest summer day - I'm used to 100 degree summertime temps here in Central CA but it's the humidity that really gets to me in Florida.

If it gets to 100 here, we either head to the pool or park in front of the AC and don't move until it cools down. After the winter we had though, I will not complain about the heat in Florida on our trip at all!! It is usually at least upper 60s by now and we are still in the 40s and 50s this year. It's the winter that won't let go. I will, however, follow your advice and grab some shorts. Just hope I don't blind people with my glow-in-the-dark white legs

 

[yulilin3]

Is there somewhere to point me to check out the types of things folks bring for trading with the Jawa?

they love anything shiny. So it could be any plastic jewelry, glow sticks, they'll take almost anything, stickers, temporary tattoos, pins, plastic shiny toys.

 

[Cluelyss]

Figured I'd bump this up since this board has so much activity!

I will post to the general cancellation thread tomorrow if there are no takers here.

I was able to find another time that better fit our schedule, so I have a 6:15 Jedi Mickey dinner (with F!) on 5/29 for 4 that I need to cancel. Let me know if anyone is interested in coordinating.

 

[yulilin3]

My mistake! Sorry Itinkso!





Thanks so much for the heads up! I'm glad I asked because I usually wear all jeans and t-shirts. I own 1 or 2 pairs of capris, but I will apparently be heading shopping for shorts this weekend!



If it gets to 100 here, we either head to the pool or park in front of the AC and don't move until it cools down. After the winter we had though, I will not complain about the heat in Florida on our trip at all!! It is usually at least upper 60s by now and we are still in the 40s and 50s this year. It's the winter that won't let go. I will, however, follow your advice and grab some shorts. Just hope I don't blind people with my glow-in-the-dark white legs

triple dog dare you
Don't worry you'll get a nice tan/sunburn by the end of day 1.

 

[Kevin_W]

how were they restricting? I never heard of this happening last year. I always go Saturdays and SUndays

If I recall, off-duty cast members were not allowed in DHS that weekend and cast members couldn't use passes for friends/family that weekend either. Also, perhaps people in general were scared off by the anticipated crowds - it was much lighter than expected.

 

[AngiTN]

they love anything shiny. So it could be any plastic jewelry, glow sticks, they'll take almost anything, stickers, temporary tattoos, pins, plastic shiny toys.

Thanks! I bet I can go to Party City and get trinkets for birthday goodie bags. Or the Target dollar spot too. I got this cute little bag to carry them in.

 

[yulilin3]

If I recall, off-duty cast members were not allowed in DHS that weekend and cast members couldn't use passes for friends/family that weekend either. Also, perhaps people in general were scared off by the anticipated crowds - it was much lighter than expected.

yes you're right CM couldn't use their Main Entrance Pass to get family and friends in. It might've been a combination of all of the above.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

the Dis unplugged livestream is making fun of BB8...I'm slightly upset

Most of the people on the podcast aren't sw fans, so even though I enjoy the podcast their opinion on bb8 holds no value with me

So let em laugh, bb8 will be rolling all the way to the bank.

 

[yulilin3]

And speaking of CM, another reminder:
Cast Members that work at DHS usually get to park in the first lot there but during SWW they are asked to park at Epcot and have to bus over to the Studios to work, they need to add an extra hour to their commute in and out.
Please be kind to them. Thank them for everything, even if it's their job to pull down on the harness, or direct you to a line, or receive your food order. Not that you shouldn't thank them all the time, but they are sacrificing two extra hours of their day just to bring the magic to you.
It's not their fault if an attraction broke down, or if the food is taking longer to come out, or if it's raining.

 

[yulilin3]

Most of the people on the podcast aren't sw fans, so even though I enjoy the podcast their opinion on bb8 holds no value with me

So let em laugh, bb8 will be rolling all the way to the bank.

maybe that's why this thread has never been on the top 10 threads of the month

 

[HCinKC]

Just a reminder for anyone that likes comic books. This Saturday May 2nd is Free Comic Book day. Go to your local comic book store and receive a free one. I don't know if you can pick from a box or if they are just in a bag pre sorted.
Our comic book store is giving the first 25 people in line special extra goodies so we'll be there early

We are FCBDay regulars. They always have special free comics for the day, as in they say "Free Comic Book Day 2015" or whatever. They have kid an adult comics, usually several of each. In our experience, extra goodies depends on the store, but many do seem to offer them in a limited quantity. Also, a couple of years we have gone in the day after and still gotten the free comics though that would obviously depend on how busy the store was the day before. Such a great way to get kids into comics!

 

[kpd6901]

Free dining is when disney gives you the dining plan free with a room and ticket purchase. It can be a money saver for some families but room only discount can be better for others.

After just a cursory look, is Free Dining solely for new reservations during a certain time period? I think I saw that it is Aug-Sept (hurricane season). Or is it something that would/could be applicable to our already-booked upcoming June trip? This whole first-time-booking-a-family-disney-vacation thing can get your head spinning when you hear about things for the first time...even after you thought you heard/read/researched it all already.

 

[AngiTN]

After just a cursory look, is Free Dining solely for new reservations during a certain time period? I think I saw that it is Aug-Sept (hurricane season). Or is it something that would/could be applicable to our already-booked upcoming June trip? This whole first-time-booking-a-family-disney-vacation thing can get your head spinning when you hear about things for the first time...even after you thought you heard/read/researched it all already.

None of the above.
Specific dates only. And limited rooms/resorts.
Dates are shown on the promo detail page on the Disney website
Basically it's a few days in Aug, most of Sept, few days in Oct, 10 days or so in Nov and 10 days or so in Dec

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Most of the people on the podcast aren't sw fans, so even though I enjoy the podcast their opinion on bb8 holds no value with me

So let em laugh, bb8 will be rolling all the way to the bank.

I know I am lining up to buy him as soon as he comes out this fall... they mentioned at SWC that their would be one for purchase.

Ever wonder what the tech toy is that Bob Igner got involved with Star Wars to make BB-8.... check out this link below.

http://www.gosphero.com/

 

[kpd6901]

@AngiTN first she's super cute. Second, plan to be at the entrance no later than 7am. Once they let you in stay on the left side of Hollywood Blvd and as soon as the Stormtrooper lower the force field (rope) walk toward the Indiana Jones theater, you won't be alone and CM will be directing people. If you have a stroller ditch it cause it's not allowed in the line
Sign ups will not be outside

Umm...okay, again, maybe newbie fears abounding here. Is this only applicable to JTA on SWW day or for all lines on SWW day? Does this have any affect on SW events (i.e. JTA) on non-SWW days? We have a front/back double stroller for our 2 year old, and our 6 year old likes to ride along and duck out of the heat frequently. Will be at WDW with 6-day tickets from June 9 evening arrival till June 18 departure (DHS for Thurs 6/11 and Sat 6/13). I sure hope that we don't need to keep our stroller at home!?!?

 

[kpd6901]

None of the above.
Specific dates only. And limited rooms/resorts.
Dates are shown on the promo detail page on the Disney website
Basically it's a few days in Aug, most of Sept, few days in Oct, 10 days or so in Nov and 10 days or so in Dec

Thank you!

 

[yulilin3]

Umm...okay, again, maybe newbie fears abounding here. Is this only applicable to JTA on SWW day or for all lines on SWW day? Does this have any affect on SW events (i.e. JTA) on non-SWW days? We have a front/back double stroller for our 2 year old, and our 6 year old likes to ride along and duck out of the heat frequently. Will be at WDW with 6-day tickets from June 9 evening arrival till June 18 departure (DHS for Thurs 6/11 and Sat 6/13). I sure hope that we don't need to keep our stroller at home!?!?

They don't allow strollers in the line to sign up for JTA. That's it.
I mean, strollers are not allowed in most attraction lines at WDW but you can use them when walking from place to place.