Star Wars Weekend Tips ~ 2011 Update

[Cinderumbrella]

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

The blister pack is a life sized "toy package" that the characters pose in front of. Picture the packaging that a small SW action figure comes in, and then blow it up to life size- its actually quite creative!!

 

[maroo]

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.

Oh my gosh.

I am so, so sorry. That really is horrible. To have a 2.5 year old upset in his SLEEP?

Please, please, please write a letter to Disney. Send it certified or follow up with an email. And please put the date and approximate time you actually saw the character.

They really need some training there - there is really no excuse for making a 2 year old so upset. Really.

I saw a You Tube video of a SWW character pushing a child during a parade and really thought that would be isolate - a character treating someone like that - but "evil" or not simply does not excuse that behavior.

I really hope you write a letter.

 

[safetymom]

http://www.disunplugged.com/2010/05/24/star-wars-weekends-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

How late did the characters stay for pics? Until closing? I thought someone said they were not out at night. Looking for troopers, Vader and maybe Jedi Mickey.
Also, what time is the show-Stars of the Saga? Sorry if that isn't the right name. There was that and behind the force? How early do you need to line up for these?

 

[yulilin3]

How late did the characters stay for pics? Until closing? I thought someone said they were not out at night. Looking for troopers, Vader and maybe Jedi Mickey.
Also, what time is the show-Stars of the Saga? Sorry if that isn't the right name. There was that and behind the force? How early do you need to line up for these?

Stars of the Saga is at 1:15 and Behind the Force is at 11:00 and 3:35

 

[Victoria3]

How late did the characters stay for pics? Until closing? I thought someone said they were not out at night. Looking for troopers, Vader and maybe Jedi Mickey.
Also, what time is the show-Stars of the Saga? Sorry if that isn't the right name. There was that and behind the force? How early do you need to line up for these?

Most of the Star Wars characters go in by 6:30pm or a bit before.

 

[thorphin]

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."

While I'm really sorry you've had to endure this terrible experience, I'm sure that the CM did not intend to make your child cry and murmur things in his sleep. I'm sure that that CM is a reasonable person and would be very apologetic if he/she understood the effect that it had. It's too bad that you can't talk to that CM directly.

Do the Star Wars characters have traditional character handlers with them (I think they have yellow and white shirts with black and write drawn characters on their costumes). My approach would have been to mention something to the handler right then and there. I think you would have had more done for you then than if you wrote a letter at this point. If your trip is over, I hope you had some other really great moments to balance this one out --- if you're still vacationing, best of luck finding one!

 

[kimgg]

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.

Aww, this makes me sad. I'd of wanted to give Darth a big kick.

Now I'm gonna want to give him a dirty look when I see him on our trip this week.

 

[knieriem]

Just to let everyone know we went Sunday to Star Wars Weekend and if you want a picture with Chewbacca then go before 10:30ish or after 12:30...we got in line for Chewie and he left! I was so sad!!!!!! Oh well..good thing we live 45 minutes away because i'm going back!!!

 

[mommyintn]

We had pics with Vader on Sunday and his handler made sure to let people know when they attempted a handshake that he doesn't do that nor high fives. It's a "character" thing so prep your kids and let them know. Just by standing in line we figured it out by watching people attempt the handshake. Most everyone we saw attempt thought it was funny. Sorry it left hurt feelings.

 

[Skaught]

I'll be there this Saturday and Sunday. I won't get to see the park, though -- I'll be in the parade as a Biker Scout! Be sure to wave (but I can't wave back).

I assume you guys know that the HUGE Star Wars Celebration event is coming to Orlando in August. It's taking over the entire west building of the convention center. It'll make SWW look like a warm up.

Scott

 

[DisneyGerry]

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!

This reminds me years ago when one of my guys asked Gov Radcliffe for an autograph and he tossed the book to the ground. I kind of thought it was funny but my DS was not amused from his book getting dirty.

I was told lately that they can't do this anymore. Yes, stay in character, but just cause they are Villains they are not 'evil?'

 

[Jiddy78]

We had pics with Vader on Sunday and his handler made sure to let people know when they attempted a handshake that he doesn't do that nor high fives. It's a "character" thing so prep your kids and let them know. Just by standing in line we figured it out by watching people attempt the handshake. Most everyone we saw attempt thought it was funny. Sorry it left hurt feelings.

Like I said, it's more Star Wars Convention than Disney. Figured it out a tad too late for my kid's sake. We weren't told anything about not giving handshakes that's for sure. The cast member handling the line was busy getting people not to block the store entry/exit behind where Darth was stationed (They needed a cut in the line in so people could get in/out).

I did see Darth put his hand out for other kids. He just did that "claw" thing where he's supposedly using the force and choking them. One couple's baby girl touched his hand and he didn't go dark side on her. So that's a plus. But that's all semantics at this point. What's done is done. I sent a letter via Disney contact page stating that I disagree with the idea of having them so in-character that this type of thing occurs (Refer back to: What kind of person would care that Vader gave a small kid a high five?!?) but don't expect a response.

I'll be in the area not too long from now and am considering returning the Star Wars/Disney merchandise that is still unused/unopened that I purchased that day as a silent protest of the occasion. Drop in the bucket to them...but it'll make me feel a bit better about the deal.

In the future, I will research folks in costume beforehand...Here's looking at you Santa.

 

[Rainwater]

Okay, big time rookie here. What is a GAD FP?

 

[maroo]

Okay, big time rookie here. What is a GAD FP?

Give a Day, Get a Day. This was a promotion by Disney to volunteer a day in your community and get a free Disney ticket. But you could also choose to not get a ticket and get a set of FastPasses for free.

It is more detailed than that, but there is a whole board that talks about all of the details here.

 

[jacksg@l]

I was wondering if you had to get a fastpass to get Ryder Windham to sign his book Star Wars: The Ultimate Visual Guide?

Also, if I get a fastpass for Ray Park's autograph, does he take pics with you? Can my husband jump in on the picture if he doesn't want the autograph?

Thanks!!

 

[devores]

I'll be there this Saturday and Sunday. I won't get to see the park, though -- I'll be in the parade as a Biker Scout! Be sure to wave (but I can't wave back).

I assume you guys know that the HUGE Star Wars Celebration event is coming to Orlando in August. It's taking over the entire west building of the convention center. It'll make SWW look like a warm up.

Scott

Any of these you?

 

[golfdad]

Can any of the merchandise be purchased online? I love the Jedi Mickey fighting Boba Fett t-shirt!

 

[wendypooh]

We were there on Fri. 5/21 and 5/22 it was a BLAST - it was our first SWW and we LOVED it!!!!!! It was HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTT and crowded, but so worth it. The parade was awesome - got over 250 pics of it............... LOL Saw LOTS of characters, got lots of "stuff" and overall had a amazing time. We will DEF. go again.

I will post pics soon......... but, for the parade we got to sit on the half wall in front of the "bust" - it was the perfect spot for pics. The parade started at 11:40 - we got to the wall about 10 - and it filled up FAST - Thanks to everyone here for the tips - again, we LOVED it!!!!

 

[CJ1010]

I will post pics soon......... but, for the parade we got to sit on the half wall in front of the "bust" - it was the perfect spot for pics. The parade started at 11:40 - we got to the wall about 10 - and it filled up FAST - Thanks to everyone here for the tips - again, we LOVED it!!!!

wendypooh - do you recommend picking out a parade spot at 10A? I was planning on 11A. My kids are 3 & 6 and 1 1/2 hours of waiting...can't do it. Any good spots still left at 11?