Star Wars Weekend Tips 2012

[yulilin3]

Karpkg, Thanks so much for the inf. one more quesitons, how does the child get pick, do they go somewhere to sign up?

The kids are picked randomly in the morning hours, anywhere from around Star Tours to Darth Mall, they look for kids that are enjoying themselves, maybe have a SW shirt or costume...

 

[yulilin3]

Has Disney made SWW merchandise available after the weekends close in the past?

All of the merchandise that says "star wars weekends 2012" will be at a discounted price this Sunday...in the past it's been up to 50% off, we always go the last day to see what good deals we can find
None of it will be in any store/gift shop after this Sunday...any leftover merchandise is taken to Cast Connection a Cast Member only store with additional discounts for them

 

[Karpkg]

Karpkg, Thanks so much for the inf. one more quesitons, how does the child get pick, do they go somewhere to sign up?

Chances are better if the kids are dressed up in any way for Star Wars, especially in costume or at least a Star Wars shirt on. Then it's almost guaranteed that the child and family came specifically for Star Wars Weekend or they know something about Star Wars and would probably enjoy being part of the parade.

It's random, we were picked near the Ray Park's celebrity tent 3 yrs ago, another mentioned near JTA, another said while they were in Darth's Mall. I approached the events info desk and asked and they said they don't choose, certain CM's are designated parade kid choosers.

 

[yulilin3]

Ashley Eckstein is the sweetest and smartest business woman...every year she also remembers my daughter's name...she calls out to her when we are watching the parade, she'll see her and say "Hi Stephanie" from her car...she also waves at her every time we are watching her show, we have favorite seats that always manage to get since we wait in line for about 45min, Ash;ley comes out looks our way and waves to Steph....what this does is that my daughter now wants all of Her Universe merchandise because Ashley is her "friend"...my daughter is even thinking of getting her ears pierced to wear the earrings
I also think Aurra Sing actress (sorry I forgot her name) will be very popular this coming weekend

 

[Karpkg]

What's the celebrity schedule for Celebration VI?

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/Whos-Coming/Guests/

I'll have to discuss it with DH on whether or not we'll attempt this. This will be during school year, and driving 8 hrs down and back within 3 days is not my cup of tea.

The guys we were in line with were mentioning Carrie Fisher(Princess Leia) was going to be there. I asked if Carrie will show up again for Disney and they confirmed that her behavior was so bad probably not. The key phrase they mentioned is that Disney decides who to invite; so we'll see.

 

[delmar411]

We lucked out last year in finding framed pics to have the celebrities sign; this year it was terrible that we couldn't find a Padme Clone War pic or anything regarding her for her to sign. But thanks to yulilin3 we borrowed her idea of recording her voice as a ringtone and now DD is thrilled to hear Senator Amidala on my phone. Gotta transfer it to the 'puter to save it now. We also have JAT's voice as Obi Wan, but we hadn't managed to do Kane's as Yoda- we hadn't known it then. Oh well, maybe he'll be back next year.

Don't worry about missing out on Tom Kane's recording because he wouldn't do one anyway. DH has been collecting the voice actor's recording and he was the only one to refuse. He told DH to drop him an email and he'd see about getting him something. It was a bit odd but no biggie.

Catherine Taber freaked out a bit over DH filming the voice recording while looking at her. So he filmed the ceiling fan instead! That's very odd behavior but at least she didn't refuse. I'm sure I can edit the voice onto a picture of Padme so at least it will make more sense. LOL

 

[jar]

Great finale today. B/c of parade rainout yesterday - in which we covered everything else - went back to HS just before 8am. DS was in his vadar costume and got picked again for the parade so around 9, we went to AK for a couple of hours - enough time to ride EE, river rapids and primeval whirl, then back to HS to use our earlier FP for TSM and do the parade -- weather was perfect this time and parade was great.

Good to hear your have a great time. we are excited about our trip, will be there next weekend. a quesiton about the parade, when your DS got pick, did he walk through the whole parade w/ the group or just a section of it.

They walk the whole parade from the start to the hat. They organize "backstage" about a half hour before the parade starts, which is an event in itself -- all of the characters are assembling and it was pretty incredible for the kids to see them all in one place (no pictures we allowed backstage). Then they march through the parade route up to the hat -- parents trailing behind -- and stand at the front of the stage for the best view as the rest of the parade goes past them. DS was one of two Darth Vadars (along with a really little boy) so they had him behind all of the padawans and he got a red light saber.

He got picked at Darth's Mall. As someone else mentioned, they have a few CM with special wristbands scattered around the park who can pick children who are either in costume (as mine was) or otherwise look like they are there especially for SWW. 50 kids are picked in total.

 

[jar]

We were at SWW yesterday, DH and I and our boys, ages 1 and 4. Our 4 yr old LOVES Star Wars. He was selected to be a Jedi in the motorcade. He had the best time! I swear he has been smiling non stop since he woke us up early yesterday to go to HS!

I was curious if anyone who went to the SWW Motorcade on June 2nd has videos/photos of the kiddo Jedis posted anywhere? I got a short video from by the stage but no real good photos. I was hoping someone here would be able to help.

DS was in that parade too -- the bigger of the two Vadars -- so I shot video walking right behind the kids. If I can figure out a way to upload somewhere (they are big files), I'll let you know and send a link. But be patient since I'm notoriously slow at getting pictures/videos from my camera transferred to my computer then circulated.

 

[mesaboy2]

Alright, ready to type up this quick report of our experience yesterday and pass along a few tips.

1. Wildly successful day for us--did everything we set out to do. Mostly went according to plan, but outside factors conspired to make us adjust, if only in a very minor way.

2. Met every character we wanted, though admittedly our list wasn't terribly aggressive. Went in wanting Vader, the two droids, the mom/daughter royalty duo, and Mickey/Minnie in SW garb. Poster kennythepirate's blog was a huge factor in this going so well. Every time for SW characters he posted, from almost two weeks ago, was still spot on. This included the rotating foursomes of Luke/Leia/R2D2/C3PO and Mickey/Minnie/Donald/Goofy. It was clockwork. Longest wait was Vader just after noon at about 45 minutes, everyone else 30 minutes or less. Not bad at all.

3. While crowded, I've seen worse. I've also seen better. But, have a plan and crowds become a non-factor.

4. Very hot, and I'm a native Floridian. Hydrate!

5. Used FPs to make rides on TSM, RnRC, and Star Tours a breeze. Also fit in GMR and BatB stage show.

6. Darth's Mall is indeed open all day. Browsed around in the morning waiting to time the droids, then came back after 9:00p to get our souvenirs. No need to cart them around all day. Tried to hunt up poster Hollywoodhaha to say "hi" as requested, and another CM thought she knew who I was talking about. Before long I started to sound like a creepy Internet stalker and abandoned the idea. Anyway--"hi" Hollywoodhaha! Sorry I missed you.

I'm truly sorry to say this but Hyperspace Hoopla--meh. We were hot and tired by the time 8:00p rolled around, so that could've been a factor. Also DD8 was not too into it so that didn't help either. DW and I both thought the dance sequences were fun, but the rest was forgettable. We thought the hosts were pretty corny and went on a little too long. I consider myself a fan, but maybe you folks will kick me out of the Order for saying so. It's all good either way.

The external factors that messed with my plans were both no big deal. One, got stuck on RnRC as we were about to pull into the unloading area and lost 20 minutes planned to time Jedi Mickey/Leia Minnie's combined M&G at 3:15p. However, we were surprisingly walked not ahead to the unload area but back through the main coaster room and back up through the launch tube. Very cool experience getting to see that thing with the lights on. Two, Leia Minnie had an unscheduled meeting with the Jedi Council and would not appear with Jedi Mickey at 3:15p anyway--their only scheduled combined M&G of the day. However she did have two later appearances that the CM offered, and they again matched kennythepirate's times. No problem working a second run through the line to see her later.

Thanks to everyone who's contributed to this thread over the past weeks and months, but especially to yulilin3 and Karpkg for fielding the questions I had.

Off to enjoy other parks the next three days, so won't be responding much during this time. But I'll be back to try and help any other Weekend 4 folks later in the week if I can.

 

[lovethattink]

All of the merchandise that says "star wars weekends 2012" will be at a discounted price this Sunday...in the past it's been up to 50% off, we always go the last day to see what good deals we can find
None of it will be in any store/gift shop after this Sunday...any leftover merchandise is taken to Cast Connection a Cast Member only store with additional discounts for them

Are the discounts all day on Sunday or do they begin later in the day?

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/Whos-Coming/Guests/

I'll have to discuss it with DH on whether or not we'll attempt this. This will be during school year, and driving 8 hrs down and back within 3 days is not my cup of tea.

The guys we were in line with were mentioning Carrie Fisher(Princess Leia) was going to be there. I asked if Carrie will show up again for Disney and they confirmed that her behavior was so bad probably not. The key phrase they mentioned is that Disney decides who to invite; so we'll see.

We are going C6!! We bought our tickets last June! After talking to people at SWW who have been to previous celebrations we are so excited!

I'm working at Darth's Mall today around 1 to closing so I will try to get some information for y'all!

We were in the tent twice. I looked for you, but didn't see any name tags with Holly on it.

What's the celebrity schedule for Celebration VI?

All the information about C6 can be found at the official site. They have discounted area hotel rooms available. We are so excited for our first celebration.

Star Wars Celebration VI link

 

[Carissa 80]

Thanks to everyone for all the great tips!!! This will be our first SWW and our boys (7 & 8) first trip to Disney. Looks like we are in for a busy and hot day. Heading out tomorrow night for the 1500 mile drive to Florida! Our day is sure to go smoother with this info!! Thanks again!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I just printed Kenny the Pirate's times list as well! (Thanks, Kenny!! ) We have been looking for that type of list for years!!

We are outta here at 6:15am tomorrow and will be at SWW Fri & Sat. Hope to see some you in the lines!
MTFBWY!

 

[CentralFloridian99]

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/Whos-Coming/Guests/

I'll have to discuss it with DH on whether or not we'll attempt this. This will be during school year, and driving 8 hrs down and back within 3 days is not my cup of tea.

The guys we were in line with were mentioning Carrie Fisher(Princess Leia) was going to be there. I asked if Carrie will show up again for Disney and they confirmed that her behavior was so bad probably not. The key phrase they mentioned is that Disney decides who to invite; so we'll see.

How was her behavior bad?

 

[DreamFlight87]

Here are some of the Character photos I took from this past weekend.

 

[kennythepirate]

I just printed Kenny the Pirate's times list as well! (Thanks, Kenny!! ) We have been looking for that type of list for years!!

We are outta here at 6:15am tomorrow and will be at SWW Fri & Sat. Hope to see some you in the lines!
MTFBWY!

You're welcome! I just started tracking character meets back in December. I'm trying to gather information on Disneyland now as well for West Coast trippers.

 

[lovethattink]

You're welcome! I just started tracking character meets back in December. I'm trying to gather information on Disneyland now as well for West Coast trippers.

I will be printing out your list for next weekend. I appreciate it very much! It's been difficult to get much done with my son's health. He still has 13 characters left to see, and that is our mission for next weekend. That and see James Arnold Taylor's show, we still haven't EVER seen his show.

 

[yulilin3]

Don't worry about missing out on Tom Kane's recording because he wouldn't do one anyway. DH has been collecting the voice actor's recording and he was the only one to refuse. He told DH to drop him an email and he'd see about getting him something. It was a bit odd but no biggie.

Catherine Taber freaked out a bit over DH filming the voice recording while looking at her. So he filmed the ceiling fan instead! That's very odd behavior but at least she didn't refuse. I'm sure I can edit the voice onto a picture of Padme so at least it will make more sense. LOL

That's odd, my DD11 is collecting the voice actors for her phone to use as ringtones and Tom Kane didn't hesitate when she asked him, he said something like: youngling, may the force be with you, always" he was very nice. So far she got Ashley, Dee, James and Tom, she didn't want to get Catherine

Alright, ready to type up this quick report of our experience yesterday and pass along a few tips.

1. Wildly successful day for us--did everything we set out to do. Mostly went according to plan, but outside factors conspired to make us adjust, if only in a very minor way.

2. Met every character we wanted, though admittedly our list wasn't terribly aggressive. Went in wanting Vader, the two droids, the mom/daughter royalty duo, and Mickey/Minnie in SW garb. Poster kennythepirate's blog was a huge factor in this going so well. Every time for SW characters he posted, from almost two weeks ago, was still spot on. This included the rotating foursomes of Luke/Leia/R2D2/C3PO and Mickey/Minnie/Donald/Goofy. It was clockwork. Longest wait was Vader just after noon at about 45 minutes, everyone else 30 minutes or less. Not bad at all.

3. While crowded, I've seen worse. I've also seen better. But, have a plan and crowds become a non-factor.

4. Very hot, and I'm a native Floridian. Hydrate!

5. Used FPs to make rides on TSM, RnRC, and Star Tours a breeze. Also fit in GMR and BatB stage show.

6. Darth's Mall is indeed open all day. Browsed around in the morning waiting to time the droids, then came back after 9:00p to get our souvenirs. No need to cart them around all day. Tried to hunt up poster Hollywoodhaha to say "hi" as requested, and another CM thought she knew who I was talking about. Before long I started to sound like a creepy Internet stalker and abandoned the idea. Anyway--"hi" Hollywoodhaha! Sorry I missed you.

I'm truly sorry to say this but Hyperspace Hoopla--meh. We were hot and tired by the time 8:00p rolled around, so that could've been a factor. Also DD8 was not too into it so that didn't help either. DW and I both thought the dance sequences were fun, but the rest was forgettable. We thought the hosts were pretty corny and went on a little too long. I consider myself a fan, but maybe you folks will kick me out of the Order for saying so. It's all good either way.

The external factors that messed with my plans were both no big deal. One, got stuck on RnRC as we were about to pull into the unloading area and lost 20 minutes planned to time Jedi Mickey/Leia Minnie's combined M&G at 3:15p. However, we were surprisingly walked not ahead to the unload area but back through the main coaster room and back up through the launch tube. Very cool experience getting to see that thing with the lights on. Two, Leia Minnie had an unscheduled meeting with the Jedi Council and would not appear with Jedi Mickey at 3:15p anyway--their only scheduled combined M&G of the day. However she did have two later appearances that the CM offered, and they again matched kennythepirate's times. No problem working a second run through the line to see her later.

Thanks to everyone who's contributed to this thread over the past weeks and months, but especially to yulilin3 and Karpkg for fielding the questions I had.

Off to enjoy other parks the next three days, so won't be responding much during this time. But I'll be back to try and help any other Weekend 4 folks later in the week if I can.

So happy to hear you did everything you wanted...about Hoopla, I sorta agree with you, there's alot more talk this year and you had to see last years to get alot of it, still fun to watch. IMHO. Enjoy the rest of your vacation

Are the discounts all day on Sunday or do they begin later in the day?



We are going C6!! We bought our tickets last June! After talking to people at SWW who have been to previous celebrations we are so excited!



We were in the tent twice. I looked for you, but didn't see any name tags with Holly on it.



All the information about C6 can be found at the official site. They have discounted area hotel rooms available. We are so excited for our first celebration.

Star Wars Celebration VI link

The discounts start on Sunday morning, although sometimes later in the day they put some more stuff for sale.

How was her behavior bad?

Rumors are (I wasn't there to witness this) but she had drinking problems while meeting guest and her behavior was very erractic

 

[Hollywoodhaha]

Hahaha! Sorry guys, they send me all over the place!
I'm there in the afternoon. Yesterday I was all over the place from register, collectibles, then eventually stock.

If you see me, you see me, you don't have to go hunting
I'm typically there 1:30 to 9:30 pm


I hope everyone enjoyed themselves!
Also, we are completely out of the donald as darth maul 2012 pin, yoda exclusive pin, and darth vador exclusive pin.

We still have plenty of annual passholder and DVC pins.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hahaha! Sorry guys, they send me all over the place!
I'm there in the afternoon. Yesterday I was all over the place from register, collectibles, then eventually stock.

If you see me, you see me, you don't have to go hunting
I'm typically there 1:30 to 9:30 pm


I hope everyone enjoyed themselves!
Also, we are completely out of the donald as darth maul 2012 pin, yoda exclusive pin, and darth vador exclusive pin.

We still have plenty of annual passholder and DVC pins.

What about Build a Droid parts and Star Wars Vinylmation?

 

[Jaime4004]

Feeling sorry for all the families that got to DHS early today to sign kids up for JTA, it's been raining non stop since around 10:30am and it doesn't look like it's going to stop...wondering if they are doing anything special for the kids?

Yep, that was us! DS4, DS6, and DD8 were all signed up for the 11:15am show. They cancelled it as the kids got up to the stage. The kids were sooooo disappointed. They had a meet and greet with Darth Vader instead, but really it was just a very quick photo, then pushed out. Only one parent allowed, even with 3 kids. I wish they would have just had a quick mini version, just let the kids battle Darth Vader for one minute indoors where they initially waited. Would have totally made their day. Then to have the parade cancelled right after! DS6 had been studying up on both of them on Youtube for weeks, so he was really disappointed.
Still braved the rain in our ponchos and had a great time. Got to meet a few characters who came out off and on with the rain. The kids were very excited to meet Anakin. They were about to cut the line off at the couple in front of us due to the rain, then the CM let my kids go as the last instead. Happy for them but felt a little guilty for the rest of the long line.
PMC at 6:30 was on and the 2 older ones were in it, had a great time. We left just after, missed Hoopla. Everyone was done by then and anxious for dry footwear..