Star Wars Weekend Tips ~ 2011 Update

[Cheryl726]

We'll be there this weekend and were planning on doing SWW Sat, now I'm getting really worried about the crowds! Are the lines really long for the Disney characters dressed as Star Wars characters? I don't think my son will be interested in the celebrities, he's only 8!

 

[bgsnmky]

we are planning on using some of our GAD passes too.

Does anyone know if the Guest RElations where we need to get the FP is open early? Like beofre hte park opening so we can get those and still be ready to watch the storm troopers.

 

[JennCa]

Where do we go to have our daughter sign up/get a fastpass/ticekt or whatever for the Jedi Training Academy? When and where?

Do the tickets run out in the frist few minutes?

Jenn

 

[yulilin3]

Thanks for the help.

I saw the holographic stitch, and that is the exclusive item right? I'm fine without that, but are there other non-exclusive items that are easily available? I think I read about a Stitch Vader and Stitch Yoda.

Yes, all the other SW merchandise is available, you can go to Bobba's Bounty and tell the CM that you don't want any of the LE sstuff and they'll let you walk in. Tattoine Traders also has the SW merchandise and Dark Side Depot (Infront of Studio Catering Co). Mind you, all of these stores are busy during SWW try and go in the afternoon and it'll be better and less crowded

 

[yulilin3]

I'm having the same thought about JTA. If we can get that done on a non-SWW day, it might free up more time for character lines or other SWW specific events. It might also be a little easier to get into a JTA show on a non-SWW day.

If you can go on a SWW day. Do so. There will be less crowds and you'll probably still get Darth Vader and Ventress (or Darth Maul not sure if Ventress would come out on non SWW days)

This is our first trip to SWW and my son is desperately looking to get autographs. Aside from being in line at some ungodly hour, do I also have to plan ahead and get something for the celbrity to sign or will there be photos provided for the signatures?

The celebs have headshots of them (not their characters) that they can sign for you. But if your son has a SW book or toy or backpack they'll sign anything.

We'll be there this weekend and were planning on doing SWW Sat, now I'm getting really worried about the crowds! Are the lines really long for the Disney characters dressed as Star Wars characters? I don't think my son will be interested in the celebrities, he's only 8!

Yes the lines for all characters are long, plan ahead and decide which is of the characters is priority (Jedi Mickey with R2MK or Darth Vader or Anakin) and go to their line first. That way you'll get what you want early in the day before it gets really hot.

we are planning on using some of our GAD passes too.

Does anyone know if the Guest RElations where we need to get the FP is open early? Like beofre hte park opening so we can get those and still be ready to watch the storm troopers.

You get your GAD Fp from the will call window not Guest Relations, The will Call window is the one in the far right as you face DHS. I believe the Will Call window opens before 8am.

Where do we go to have our daughter sign up/get a fastpass/ticekt or whatever for the Jedi Training Academy? When and where?

Do the tickets run out in the frist few minutes?

Jenn

During SWW (Fri-Sat-Sun) go to SOunds Dangerous for JTA. During non SWW days go to the JTA Stage (next to Star Tours). Yes the tickets are running out in a matter of minutes, there's a cast member counting the people in line and when they're full they let you know so you don't stand there waiting.

 

[yulilin3]

Ok, weekend one is over...here are my observations from Sunday. The park did seem less crowded but the SWW character lines and JTA was the same.
As I have said answering some questions on this thread. If you have an option of going to DHS on a non SWW day. Do the JTA then, it'll be less of a crowd (still go first thing though). One thing that has not been mentioned alot is the 2 shows. Stars of the Saga and Behind the Force.
Stars of the Saga is a Q&A with the host and 2 celebs of that weekend, it's a great way to learn inside story and there's a pre-show with the stormtroopers that is hilarious, and it's INSIDE at 1:30pm (A/C feels really good)
Behind the Force is with Ashley Eckstein the voice of Ashoka and here they give you an inside look as how they make the cartoon show, they do a voice over session and then pick 3 kids to try to do voices from the Star Wars Th Clone Wars, this happens twice a day and again INSIDE and A/C.
*Parents please don't yell and scream at your kids because they're getting tired/cranky/upset/whiny...I have never seen so many parents yelling at the top of their heads to little padawans, go inside, put some fresh water on your face, let the kids get wet, have fun.
*Also the CM that work this event are really, really great people. Just because you got to the sign up desk for JTA at 9:15am and all the spots are gone don't take it out on them. It's not their fault.
Yesterday I heard a lady screaming to a CM that she didn't think that she needed to research and plan before coming to Disney...so please tell all your friends and family that they DO need to do research on Disney before coming to have a better time.
See you for weekend 2

 

[cc-atl]

Character Overivew - most is the same from last year, couple changes:

CLONE WARS:
Blister Pack
In the morning Captain Rex and Commander Cody switch out with each other.
In the afternoon Ashoka and Asajj switch out while Rex and Cody show up randomly.

REBEL ALLIANCE:
Jedi Council
The four Jedi Masters (Anakin, Ti, Windu, Fisto) overlap all day.

Premiere Theater Area
The Clone Troopers and Jawas wander around in this area, no lines or official location. For the Clone Troopers be quick and you can get a picture and autograph. For the Jawas give them something to trade, they are more likely to stop for you to do a trade.

Star Tours Queue
Luke, Leia, and R2D2 overlap all day.

Star Tours Area
The Cantina Band wander around this area.

Speeder Bike
Chewy and Wicket alternate in the morning.
Chewy and either Wicket or another Ewok meet together in the afternoon.

Sounds Dangerous
Amidala is available most of the day.

GMR Exit
Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald overlap all day.
R2-MK appears with Mickey.

EMPERIAL FORCE:
Darth Maul is available most of the day near Backlot tour.

Darth Vader is available most of the day near Backlot tour.

Backlot tour area
Sing, Wessell, Gamorrean, Raiders, and the Storm Troopers wander around this area, no lines or official location.

Bounty Hunters
Boba and Jango rotate at this location.


I think that's everyone - for pictures of everyone click this link.

Thanks for the information Berlioz70.

Can someone clarify where the Clone Wars and Jedi Council characters are located? Is the blister pack the Toy Story character area?

 

[happypooh]

Just got back from our trip to Orlando and went to SWW on friday - arrived around 815a and lined up - large lines for the merchandise and celebrity autographs so we skipped those and got in the regular lines. Saw the stormtroopers preshow which was fun and the gates opened slightly early but they kept everyone from going back with extra rope drops til 9am...made the mad dash to Toy story to get fast passes while DH went to line up for JTA..it was really crazy! Initially the way it was set up, first come first served (which we were prepared for) but you had to stay in line til the time slot you were given - which meant for us staying in line til 1230pm wasting 3 hours!!! Only one person needed to stay but still I was upset and told the cast member it wasn't right to make people stay the whole day (missing parades etc) and was told that they were sorry, there was nothing they could do...they would take it back to their managers to fix for the next day blah blah blah. By then there were several parents complaining and I'd really had enough...told them it was inadequate to make people wait all day (esp those people who had late afternoon showtimes!) and that they should give us fastpasses or tell us to return at a certain time - eventually we were heard!! Had to wait one and a half hours for them to get fast passes printed on little pieces of blue paper but we were relieved we didn't need to wait all day!! Hopefully for all of you going in future SWW days they will sort this out ahead of time. They had only ONE cast member signing people up - poor thing. You'd think with over 300 people trying to sign up they would have more than one person with a clipboard!
Managed to get photos with Queen Amidala and fastpasses for star tours before having some ice cream and waiting for the parade.
Shared the steps at AIE with an unpleasant man who'd been waiting ages (he said) and who swore (and I mean J-fing-C) really loudly when my son (5y) moved an inch onto "his " property - so when his wife came with their son I was surprised at how large a space he was holding since they weren't big people! Needless to say I sure hope he has some sublingual nitroglycerin since he's a heart attack waiting to happen!
The parade was good and we made it back to JTA - Ventress and DV were there - sure was hot and so many people that we couldn't get a good photo of our son so I was glad they had a photopass person - they sure know how to get money out of you! Each kid got a luke skywalker figurine and a certificate.
This was my son's favorite part of the day so I guess it was worth the wait!
Time for lunch so we skipped the special interviews and just took photos with characters afterwards. Lines were long as every 10 mins or so they would leave due to heat and let someone else come out. You'd think they would move it indoors when the temp goes above 94!
My son had a costume which he only put on when we were about to take photos with characters. There were a few people in costumes but not as many as thought would be there...then rode star tours.
Then decided to go to Boba's bounty - not as long a line in the late afternoon so that was good. They still had Stitch and the AP and DVC pins - to be honest I didn't like either pin! The AP one looks like Hans died and the DVC one just isn't that great. Same with the AP t shirt - it looks like a black and white version of the regular tshirt with PASSHOLDER in huge letters on the bottom. Settled for the light blue/aqua women's tshirt (it runs small so get a larger size as they are junior sized!) and a shirt for my son. Liked the throw so got that and a few other pins. The 9 set pin box was sold out.
Have to say I wonder what will end up at the outlet stores - we went to the outlet mall at exit 75 and got quite a few things - the box of star wars costumes for $12.99 (was $44!), last year's tshirt with Yoda, princess leia potato head (99c!) and a few other things..
The hoopla was crazy - way too small a space for the number of people there...glad I had a telephoto lens! If you want to see this go very very early! Had dinner at Sci-Fi -and ended the day with another ride on TSM - really wish they had the characters out at night when it was cooler - or have them indoors...the heat was that bad! So so thankful for a cast member giving us one of those water mister fans!! That was our magical moment/dream (from last year that we never got!)
All in all had a great time albeit hot! So have fun all! Hope we get to go next year!

 

[yulilin3]

http://www.studioscentral.com/column/studios-update/star-wars-weekends-2010-weekend-one
I thought I would share some pics from our studioscentral meet. That's my daugher in her blue dress, if you see us in weeks to come stop by and say Hi.

 

[december]

...

During SWW (Fri-Sat-Sun) go to SOunds Dangerous for JTA. During non SWW days go to the JTA Stage (next to Star Tours). Yes the tickets are running out in a matter of minutes, there's a cast member counting the people in line and when they're full they let you know so you don't stand there waiting.

Did anyone do this on Sat? We'll be there 1 wk from Friday, which is an emh morning. Will they start giving these out at 8am? If so, I know where I'll be heading at ropedrop! This was the high point of our DL trip-my son made a sign and got picked for JTA! I know he would love to do it again, but I wasn't going to fight the crowds trying for it. This is my 7yr old nephew's 1st trip, and he loves SWs. If we can sign up early, and not waste all day, this would be perfect!

 

[yulilin3]

Thanks for the information Berlioz70.

Can someone clarify where the Clone Wars and Jedi Council characters are located? Is the blister pack the Toy Story character area?

Jedi Council is to the right of tme Muppets exit, right next to Mama Melrose Restaurant. The Blister Pack for Clone Wars is next to the Cars meet and greet, right next to the Premiere Theater.

 

[JennCa]

Am I to get this correct for the Jedi Training?

If the park opens at 9am and it is a Star Wars day then I go straight to Sounds Dangerous and hope to be one of the first. If not, they write down the names of the first 30 and then I have to wait until when exactly for the next group of 30?

Then, do you just come back for the show time or do you have to wait there the whole time? Any idea what times those are? If we don't get the first group then how long to wait to find out about the next group? I am confused now.

Jenn

 

[happypooh]

Go straight to sounds dangerous - they form a line - take the first 30 then assign a showtime and hopefully give you a fast pass like voucher to return 20 mins prior to your assigned show. They initally were making everyone wait til their showtime at the sounds dangerous place!! But thankfully they fixed that boo boo and listened to the maddening crowds who were going crazy from their lack of forethought...they said it was their first time trying this out but the manager who thought out their plans really needs to rethink things! They will assign times to everyone in the line as soon as the park opens - don't wait til showtime to get the voucher or else you will miss out! It is different than on non SWW days...have fun but line up early if you really want to do this!

 

[clschrein]

I have some quick questions and hope someone can help. This will be our first SWW and are going this Friday. We won't be doing celebrities or the special shows (maybe Hoopla), just the parade and will try to get a few character pics. Don't know about JTA, but would probably try that on a non-SWW day.

I know Vader and Chewbacca will be long. How long is Darth Maul? How about the Bounty Hunters? If we went straight to Vader in the morning, do you think it would be maybe 30 mins or less? How long did the Jedi Mickey, etc. line get? We will hopefully be at rope drop.

Trying to plan with my 5 yr old in mind. I apologize if I missed any of these answers if they were already posted.

Thanks,
Cary

 

[Jiddy78]

After the hour-long wait in line...My 2 1/2 year old son (with much excitement and anticipation) met Darth Vader on Saturday. He walks up to him, takes a picture with him and as we're off puts up his hand. He wants to give Darth a high five (This had become habitual from encounters with the other characters he met)...Darth looks at him...Knowing my kid and what he's trying to do I say "He wants a high five" to Darth...Darth looks at him, shakes his head "no" and points to the exit.

Nonetheless, about 10 minutes of crying ensued in the aftermath cuz Darth wouldn't give him a high five and made a point of telling him to hit the road.

So I'm trying to put it together why on God's green earth this would happen. I'm saying to myself right now "Ok...Maybe they're just REALLY trying to stick to the shtick"...IE: Stay in character for the hardcore fans. But that doesn't compute...Because (a) Darth Vader was giving autographs...How the heck is that part of the "shtick?" Oh right...They sell you autograph books at the park (almighty dollar thing) and (b) What kind of human being would feel slighted because Darth Vader put out his hand for a 2 1/2 year old to slap? I mean, really? Would some hardcore Star Wars fan go home and say to him/herself "Oh man Disney really screwed the pooch by having Vader give high fives to little kids."

I guess it's more Star Wars convention and less Disney. Note to parents with fairly young children like mine who bathe with Star Wars bath toys and get excited to meet characters.

Initially I tried to shrug it off and let it go...but when I heard my kid murmur "Darth won't give me five" in his sleep...Well...That made my blood somewhat boil.

Where your Dreams come true indeed.

 

[4under4]

After the hour-long wait in line...My 2 1/2 year old son (with much excitement and anticipation) met Darth Vader on Saturday. He walks up to him, takes a picture with him and as we're off puts up his hand. He wants to give Darth a high five (This had become habitual from encounters with the other characters he met)...Darth looks at him...Knowing my kid and what he's trying to do I say "He wants a high five" to Darth...Darth looks at him, shakes his head "no" and points to the exit.

Nonetheless, about 10 minutes of crying ensued in the aftermath cuz Darth wouldn't give him a high five and made a point of telling him to hit the road.

So I'm trying to put it together why on God's green earth this would happen. I'm saying to myself right now "Ok...Maybe they're just REALLY trying to stick to the shtick"...IE: Stay in character for the hardcore fans. But that doesn't compute...Because (a) Darth Vader was giving autographs...How the heck is that part of the "shtick?" Oh right...They sell you autograph books at the park (almighty dollar thing) and (b) What kind of human being would feel slighted because Darth Vader put out his hand for a 2 1/2 year old to slap? I mean, really? Would some hardcore Star Wars fan go home and say to him/herself "Oh man Disney really screwed the pooch by having Vader give high fives to little kids."

I guess it's more Star Wars convention and less Disney. Note to parents with fairly young children like mine who bathe with Star Wars bath toys and get excited to meet characters.

Initially I tried to shrug it off and let it go...but when I heard my kid murmur "Darth won't give me five" in his sleep...Well...That made my blood somewhat boil.

Where your Dreams come true indeed.

should be ashamed! I think this deserves a letter to Disney. Nothing can be done for your little guy, but hopefully it won't happen to anyone else!

 

[amyb99]

I understand staying in character and all that, but it's hard to make too much of an argument for it when we see Vader dancing onstage to Thriller and Can't Touch This....not too much in character at that point!

I honestly think that he should have given the high-five, especially for a child so young. Yes, stay completely in character for the teens and adults, but for young children, just try to make it magical and make them happy.

 

[Aryn]

Sounds like its going to be hot and crowded! I can't wait!! My DS8 still doesn't know he is going, I can't wait to tell him.
I have a question about something I read up in the thread
Someone was talking about a blister pack? that has something to do with Character meetings and Clone Wars

I have no idea what this means, could someone give me a heads up?

Thanks

 

[kyirish25]

I'm confused about how things work on EMH mornings????

So even though HS will opens at 8am, none of the Star Wars things start until 9am? Is that correct? If so, then you basically are just standing in line an extra hour even though HS is open?

 

[webbmom]

Sounds like its going to be hot and crowded! I can't wait!! My DS8 still doesn't know he is going, I can't wait to tell him.
I have a question about something I read up in the thread
Someone was talking about a blister pack? that has something to do with Character meetings and Clone Wars

I have no idea what this means, could someone give me a heads up?

Thanks

We took our boys to SWW for the first time last year. We got them up really early had them dressed in SW shirts, drove to the park. They even missed it when the tram driver said something. While we were waiting they saw the huge sign and asked if they could go see "that ride". (This was also our first trip to DHS). It was so awesome when the Storm Troopers came out. That is when we told them.

Have fun. I too am try to figure out what this blister pack thing is though.