Official Star Wars Weekends Thread Tips and Tricks 2015

[slaveone]

I am thinking Star Wars mat replace villains soirée at Halloween parties. That would be September and October.

 

[yulilin3]

@pookadoo77 that is really strange. Maybe they're trying to leave some spots for walk ups? Not sure.
@Artax that sucks!! I hope you have a better day today and it doesn't mess with your plans too much
@RedM94 If I had they VIP I would like to have the peace of mind that I'm going into all the shows. They can easily give you a badge or at the least give you paper fp (those are still around and CM have them to make magical moments or to accommodate a guest) The problem with VIP reports from weekend I will be that here are only 3 shows.

 

[yulilin3]

 

[yulilin3]

And a friendly reminder on the tips that have been posted on page 1 since September 1st 2014:
1.- Keep Cool: drink plenty of water and gatorade/powerade. We usually bring washcloths/cooling towels 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....

 

[yulilin3]

And I just want to wish a Happy and Fun Neverland 5K to my partner in crime @Itinkso she's in Disneyland right now probably getting ready to run as I type. A reminder that she won't be back to man the Roll Call thread until SWW weekend I is over so no more changing of weekend I roll call

 

[wdwalice]

I just got a Rebel T5. They're not identical, but if you figure out some settings that work, let me know.

 

[RedM94]

@pookadoo77 that is really strange. Maybe they're trying to leave some spots for walk ups? Not sure.
@Artax that sucks!! I hope you have a better day today and it doesn't mess with your plans too much
@RedM94 If I had they VIP I would like to have the peace of mind that I'm going into all the shows. They can easily give you a badge or at the least give you paper fp (those are still around and CM have them to make magical moments or to accommodate a guest) The problem with VIP reports from weekend I will be that here are only 3 shows.

@yulilin3 I agree about the fast pass for the additional shows. Time will tell. Please and thank you go a long way if you know what I mean.

 

[pookadoo77]

just saw several galactic bfasts today and tomorrow available dining online site to book.....for up to 4 ppl a few different times

 

[pookadoo77]

thru monday

 

[yulilin3]

@yulilin3 I agree about the fast pass for the additional shows. Time will tell. Please and thank you go a long way if you know what I mean.

I totally agree. With the VIP it's very easy for them to hook you up with some extra fp, or maybe extra time at Darth's Mall

 

[Monykalyn]

Rebel hangar with broken link again. So those searching for reservation don't give up hope!

 

[Brandiwlf]

Staying at AoA but also have a rental car, are we better off driving or taking the bus? I plan to leave AoA no later than 6:45 am

 

[Artax]

well that stinks, why were they delayed? Man the only time i got a voucher for airfare was my trip last year for WDW, the over booked, how they do that ill never know. They offered 400 bucks so i took it. reason for this story you might ask lol, im wondering why you were only offered 200 per ticket, where you stand by?

The plane we were supposed to get on was deverted to another airport for an emergency landing. We were told it lost cabin pressure. They were supposed to get. A new plane to get the people that got deverted and then take us. But they had other issues I guess. We were told the plan was still coming in but for some reason they were not going to be allowed to fly again last night. It's with allegiant, they are a small airline and I don't think they have a bunch of standby aircraft. As far as the $200, that pretty much covers our entire ticket price. they are also reimbersing the flight to Orlando. So really we are getting about $300 per person along with $60 in food vouchers per person. They also put us up in a hotel and are claiming they will cover out lost room cost for last night. We will see. New flight time is 1:00pm today so crossing fingers here.

 

[pookadoo77]

Rebel hangar with broken link again. So those searching for reservation don't give up hope!

It was broken still or again late last night too when I unsuccessfully tried to pass off 2 ADR's......

 

[RedM94]

Staying at AoA but also have a rental car, are we better off driving or taking the bus? I plan to leave no later than 6:45

@Brandiwlf

We have stayed at BWV and POP during previous SWW. When staying at POP with a rental car, we would drive to be at the park for 4:00 am. If we took a break in the afternoon, we would take the bus. This way my car was near the entrance for DHS when we left at night.

If you are leaving right after the fireworks, you will have one more line to wait on to board the bus.

 

[wdhinn89]

The plane we were supposed to get on was deverted to another airport for an emergency landing. We were told it lost cabin pressure. They were supposed to get. A new plane to get the people that got deverted and then take us. But they had other issues I guess. We were told the plan was still coming in but for some reason they were not going to be allowed to fly again last night. It's with allegiant, they are a small airline and I don't think they have a bunch of standby aircraft. As far as the $200, thatpretty much covers our entire ticket price. they are also reimbersing the flight to Orlando. So really we are getting about $300 per person along with $60 in food vouchers per person. They also put us up in a hotel and are claiming they will cover out lost room cost for last night. We will see. New flight time is 1:00pm today so crossing fingers here.

Good Luck!! Sending some pixie dust your way

 

[mmafan]

lol.....

 

[momofallsons]

Disne Tourist Blog has a great photography section. He writes posts about different types of situations (fireworks, dark rides, Fantasmic, etc.) and lists the exact settings, best location, recommended lens, etc. he also has general recommendations for beginners. I've been making a cheat sheet.

http://www.disneytouristblog.com/photography-camera-reviews-disney/

Awesome!! Thank you!! I have no clue how to use this thing yet (first camera with manual settings), so that will help so much!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I bet that "prize" Star Wars dessert party will be a private event and not open to the public.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I am thinking Star Wars mat replace villains soirée at Halloween parties. That would be September and October.

Obviously, our family are huge SW fans, but I do hope they don't REPLACE the soirée. We honestly LOVED it. I'm all for them ADDING a SW thing somehow...