Star Wars Weekend Tips 2012

[Karpkg]

What kind of impact does SWW have on Fantasmic? It is busier because the park is so crowded or does the hoopla pull away most of the crowd? We went to SWW last year but didn't stay past lunch.

If they have Fantasmic on a SWW day HH will end with enough time for people to go to Fantasmic.

I personally feel a Fantasmic Day is more crowded. People without hoppers will go to DHS for the entire day if they want to experience Fantasmic, whether or not they know anything about Star Wars. Some will have planned to take advantage of Star Wars as well, others will be forced to do DHS because they could only do it that particular day. Guaranteed there will be those who will step into that park on a SWW day and wish they could do the day over.

There will be casual observers who will wander over to the HH to see what the fuss is all about. There will be those who'll see HH and then go off to get in line for Fantasmic. I have not seen it done where both HH and Fantasmic were playing at the same time. I've seen HH finish up by 8 and Fantasmic start at 9, 9:30.

 

[goofyredraider]

If they have Fantasmic on a SWW day HH will end with enough time for people to go to Fantasmic.

I personally feel a Fantasmic Day is more crowded. People without hoppers will go to DHS for the entire day if they want to experience Fantasmic, whether or not they know anything about Star Wars. Some will have planned to take advantage of Star Wars as well, others will be forced to do DHS because they could only do it that particular day. Guaranteed there will be those who will step into that park on a SWW day and wish they could do the day over.

There will be casual observers who will wander over to the HH to see what the fuss is all about. There will be those who'll see HH and then go off to get in line for Fantasmic. I have not seen it done where both HH and Fantasmic were playing at the same time. I've seen HH finish up by 8 and Fantasmic start at 9, 9:30.

I'm curious what your thoughts on are Fantasmic with the "fantasmic dining package". Right now, I tentatively have two (possibly three) SWW days. I have the dining package for one of the days (day 1 of 3)...with the intention of skipping HH and doing Fantasmic. On day 2 of SWW (the following weekend), I had planned for HH. Do you think that's a good plan? Or, do you think trying to do both (with the fantasmic dining package) is feasible?

 

[KathleensKid]

I have a merchandise question.

I know that there is a massive merch tent. However, it will be just me and my two kiddos. My ds can spend an hour (no joke) looking at Star Wars legos at Target if I'll let him. If we go into the massive merch tent, I'll never get out of there without either losing my mind or buying massive quantities of souvenirs.

Are there smaller places to buy SWW merch? I'd love to get the kids something special - just not enough to venture into the giant tent. LOL.

 

[CentralFloridian99]

I have a merchandise question.

I know that there is a massive merch tent. However, it will be just me and my two kiddos. My ds can spend an hour (no joke) looking at Star Wars legos at Target if I'll let him. If we go into the massive merch tent, I'll never get out of there without either losing my mind or buying massive quantities of souvenirs.

Are there smaller places to buy SWW merch? I'd love to get the kids something special - just not enough to venture into the giant tent. LOL.

You can try Tatooine Traders (Star Tours gift shop), but it's not 100% garunteed to have all of the SWW merchandise (some is there). The Sorcerers Hat might have some pins, but I doubt it.

 

[Karpkg]

I'm curious what your thoughts on are Fantasmic with the "fantasmic dining package". Right now, I tentatively have two (possibly three) SWW days. I have the dining package for one of the days (day 1 of 3)...with the intention of skipping HH and doing Fantasmic. On day 2 of SWW (the following weekend), I had planned for HH. Do you think that's a good plan? Or, do you think trying to do both (with the fantasmic dining package) is feasible?

I have not done the Fantasmic dining package. We've usually done CS instead, so perhaps those who've done this can chime in here.

Literally, this will be a lot on your plate if you're contemplating an ADR, HH, and then Fantasmic. Since you have options, I would go with the thought of eating dinner and then Fantasmic, HH on another night. BUT on the offhand, if you HAPPEN to finish before HH, you can either watch HH on the AI screen and be ready for a quick getaway or stay on the outskirts and watch a little bit of HH on the stage.

But keep your expectations low and don't be disappointed if you can't do this ideally. Rain has postponed/cancelled HH before as well as Fantasmic. Dinner can run late. So, if you can squeeze it in, sure, go see HH as well. But drop it at a moments notice if it stresses you too much and just see it on your other days.

If you haven't already done so do a search on Robo and his Fantasmic map and dining package info.

 

[KathleensKid]

You can try Tatooine Traders (Star Tours gift shop), but it's not 100% garunteed to have all of the SWW merchandise (some is there). The Sorcerers Hat might have some pins, but I doubt it.

Thanks. The kids each have light sabers that they made at Tatooine Traders on previous trips and ds already has a hefty Star Wars collection so neither one of them needs more stuff. Since the purpose of my taking them to SWW is mostly to get photos w/characters and see the parade, I won't mention the specialized merch to ds. If we happen to see a special pin, that will be fine (although I'd love to be able to go into the tent to shop for me. Too bad dh can't get off from work for this trip...)

 

[Karpkg]

I have a merchandise question.

I know that there is a massive merch tent. However, it will be just me and my two kiddos. My ds can spend an hour (no joke) looking at Star Wars legos at Target if I'll let him. If we go into the massive merch tent, I'll never get out of there without either losing my mind or buying massive quantities of souvenirs.

Are there smaller places to buy SWW merch? I'd love to get the kids something special - just not enough to venture into the giant tent. LOL.

There's an open area at the backlot across from food area(the name escapes me), where Darth Vader does his m&g that sells SW merchandise; and I've seen a few SWW stuff there as well.

 

[yulilin3]

Many thanks to Karpkg, lovethattink and yulilin3! Your tips and info have been very helpful

Happy to help!!

What kind of impact does SWW have on Fantasmic? It is busier because the park is so crowded or does the hoopla pull away most of the crowd? We went to SWW last year but didn't stay past lunch.

Fantasmic is scheduled during SWW for 9pm. They already confirmed Hoopla for 8pm you wouldn't be able to see both unless they add a Fantasmic. The majority of SWW fans will leave after Hoopla simply because they've been at DHS since very early. You should sit down after Hoopla and see a massive exodus of little Jedis, Darth Vaders, Princess Leias all worn out As for the Fantasmic Pkg. we've never done it and have always got spots for Fantasmic even on high crowds days, like NYE and 4th of July.

I have a merchandise question.

I know that there is a massive merch tent. However, it will be just me and my two kiddos. My ds can spend an hour (no joke) looking at Star Wars legos at Target if I'll let him. If we go into the massive merch tent, I'll never get out of there without either losing my mind or buying massive quantities of souvenirs.

Are there smaller places to buy SWW merch? I'd love to get the kids something special - just not enough to venture into the giant tent. LOL.

The only problem with Tattoine Traders is that it's a zoo during SWW. You got everyone exiting Star Tours and people shopping, sometimes it's gotten so bad that CMs are stationed at the entrance to stop people from coming in until people come out.
The agree with the poster that talked about the store in front of Studio Catering Co. by Backlot Tour. They have some SWW merchandise there. But nothing beats the big SWW tent. If you want you could go after the festivities are over and leave the shopping for later in the day.

 

[mesaboy2]

There's an open area at the backlot across from food area(the name escapes me), where Darth Vader does his m&g that sells SW merchandise; and I've seen a few SWW stuff there as well.

Historically, does Vader meet in the same location as Mike & Sully do during non-SWW days? Sounds like maybe....

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Historically, does Vader meet in the same location as Mike & Sully do during non-SWW days? Sounds like maybe....

No, his spot is more obvious than their area. They set up a backdrop for him (and a roped off queue) in the open air shop mentioned by karpkg. You can't miss it!

ETA: It is right by the bathroom (I looked for a picture to show exactly where it is, but I don't have one that would show it)

 

[Billabongi]

Any announcements on the cool merchandise available this year? I want to say there was a pdf last year of the limited merchandise (passholder) and some of the cooler regular merchandise

 

[2goofykiddos]

We have Parkhoppers and the first friday is our MK day. DH may head over there in the morning, but I do think the kids and I would enjoy the Hoopla. If we want to get a seat, what time to we need to be there?

Thanks for all the great info!

 

[TDC Nala]

There are no seats at the Hoopla. It's standing room only and will draw a large crowd. Get there early if you want to be close to the front. At least an hour early.

 

[yulilin3]

Any announcements on the cool merchandise available this year? I want to say there was a pdf last year of the limited merchandise (passholder) and some of the cooler regular merchandise

This is the only announcement of merchandise that I know of:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...s-weekends-2012-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/

 

[CentralFloridian99]

Any announcements on the cool merchandise available this year? I want to say there was a pdf last year of the limited merchandise (passholder) and some of the cooler regular merchandise

In Februrary some Duck Maul stuff was shown (the poster, mugs, shirts, and a photo frame). In the comments of the post, Steven Miller said the passholder exclusive items would be a Darth Maul T-Shirt, a coin set, an exclusive pin, and individual coins.

 

[mesaboy2]

No, his spot is more obvious than their area. They set up a backdrop for him (and a roped off queue) in the open air shop mentioned by karpkg. You can't miss it!

ETA: It is right by the bathroom (I looked for a picture to show exactly where it is, but I don't have one that would show it)

Thank you!

 

[CentralFloridian99]

Here's a random tip. Have something you can trade with a Jawa. I've thought, what could I give that a CM could possibly like? So we've traded in the past sticks of gum, hard candy, mints... I have a really cute pic of a Jawa jumping for joy as well as my son. I think he and DD got mardi gras beads. I heard someone got fast passes to TSM.

So I could just bring pieces of paper and get something from a Jawa?

 

[mieshie75]

My hubby and i were planning to attend SWW when we are down there on May 19th. Now that i have read your posts i am not sure we want to. Is it really as bad as you all make it sound? (extremly long lines, more than 1 hour wait times for panels and parades, serrious possiblity of not meeting guests) I have been a die hard Star Wars fan since i was 11 and i am not sure i would put myself through all that, especially with no guarantees.

 

[yulilin3]

My hubby and i were planning to attend SWW when we are down there on May 19th. Now that i have read your posts i am not sure we want to. Is it really as bad as you all make it sound? (extremly long lines, more than 1 hour wait times for panels and parades, serrious possiblity of not meeting guests) I have been a die hard Star Wars fan since i was 11 and i am not sure i would put myself through all that, especially with no guarantees.

To be completely honest, it's only "bad" if you don't have a plan. Let's face it; when people come to WDW they should know that sooner or later you'll have to wait in line for something, the important thing is to plan ahead.
When you say "no guarantees" what are you refering to?
If you get there early enough (say 5:30am) you could be 99.9% sure that you'll get a guaranteed fp's for the celeb you wish to meet.
Other than that you just make lines for the shows (45min before) and the parade (1 hour before) it's not unheard of people making this sort of lines on a regular basis for regular parades and shows. Other than that you can meet characters, ride Star Tours and enjoy the atmosphere of SWW.
Hyperspace Hoopla is crowded but it's not impossible to see.
I know of several die hard fans that stay every weekend and don't go back home until Sunday night. That is, there's this woman who legally changed her name to have a famous Star Wars last name (I won't name her) she gets to DHS Thursday night to make the line for autographs and literally stays at DHS, she goes into the parks every morning and goes back in line Friday night does the same Saturday night and leaves Sunday night. Regular SWW guests and Cast Members know her, she is the sweetest person. Now I won't go to that extreme as I consider myself a SW fan as well but not to that point.
I go to the park Saturday and Sunday, I arrive at 6am if I want an autograph, if not I can get there around 8am, and be able to do alot of SWW things in one day.
Just have a plan of attack and you'll be fine.
MTFBWY

 

[Karpkg]

So I could just bring pieces of paper and get something from a Jawa?

You won't know what you'll get from a Jawa. I see people give plastic spoons, a wrapping paper off of a candy bar, but I haven't stopped to see what they give back. I wanted to give something that they could possibly enjoy, or maybe use to trade again, so I thought hard candy or gum would be nice. I believe the person who actually got something of value was Berlioz when she mentioned Fast Passes. I was kinda hoping the kids will get something like that but that would have been like winning the lottery.

In this case as you can see DS got mardi gras beads. Jawa kind of dug through its pouch and pulled those out.