Star Wars Weekend Tips 2012

[MissDaisyofTexas]

So I've been reading this thread but I guess I somehow missed it...it looks like the official opening time is now 8 a.m. for Star Wars Weekend.

http://media.disneywebcontent.com/S.../pdf/ParkHours/WDW_Operating_Calendar_may.pdf

 

[d-r]

I don't think we've ever really noticed a huge difference in the days of the weekends - but there is a difference in the weekends themselves. Not significant, but noticeable. Memorial Weekend and the first weekend in June always bring their own crowds on top of SWW festivities. The last weekend picks up with general guests starting summer vacations.

As a general rule though at WDW, crowds just steadily increase as each week passes into summer and families start their vacations. What I'm always amazed at though for SWW are the numbers of guests who just had no clue it was going on and this was just their day to go to DHS... I can't count the number of people I've heard say "What's with all the SW stuff?" Some people wait all year long and others just blissfully have no idea

Melissa

 

[Karpkg]

How many FPs do they give out for 1 session? And I've asked before but just confirming, how do I increase my chances of being in Trip to the Maul?

Wearing a Star Wars shirt will help. You'd be on stage and the shirt would be an advertisement that you definitely are a Star Wars fan. Hamming and schmoozing it up to a CM. Show you're intelligent enough to follow directions when you're up on stage, energetic enthusiastic kids are especially fantastic to watch. Waving to Ray Park by might even help...

I'll be there for the last weekend ( June 8-10) and was planning on going on the Friday b/c I thought it would be less crowded than Sat/Sun. We're not looking for autographs, just want to see the SW characters in the parade and walking around and go on some rides, maybe even a SW show. Do you think Friday is the best day for us to go?

In my experience it's the demographic of the crowds that's the key. The last 2 years for us on Fridays the crowds held more adults and who were interested in the talk shows and limited merchandise; the character lines held smaller amt of children because the local kids were in school. On Saturdays and Sundays more families with the kids are in lines for the characters. I got more character autographs on Fridays than I did on Saturdays and Sundays.

Do you think that Friday and Saturday will be the same crowd level this weekend? I am only planning on going one day and we don't want merchandise or autographs. It looks like a lot of people go on Friday of merchandise, but a lot go on Saturday because they are off work. We can only spend one day there and I really can't decide which day would be best. Thanks for any suggestions you might have.

It'd be a toss up then if you're not for merchandise and autographs. Just utilize fast passes more and strategize what you want to do. Like I mentioned above, the demographics of the crowds will differ but the number of people will probably be the same.

Do you think restaurants will take people with ADRs early if we show up before our scheduled time? I booked an ADR at Sci-Fi for 5:30pm a long time ago and now see that Ray Park is doing his demo at 6pm -- my recollection is that it was earlier last year so I figured we'd eat afterwards. If his show is the same time on the 2nd weekend, I'd like to try to show up at Sci-Fi at around 4:45 in the hope that we can be done by 6pm since that will probably be DS's favorite. I can't imagine we can re-book Sci-Fi altogether at this late date. Any thoughts? Thanks.

I had a prime lunch time reservation but it ended up being during the time we had a celebrity session, so we stopped by Sci Fi I believe 11-ish when it was a tiniest less popular and asked if we can give up our time slot for then, and they consulted quickly and agreed. It doesn't hurt to ask and in your case they would love to have your time slot for filling in a less asked for time. The earlier you can go to forewarn them and ask I would think the more flexibility they'd have and would accommodate you.

 

[RedM94]

You are right...in the map it doesn't say kids have to be present for PMC sign ups only for JTA.
PMC: (11 and under)
JTA: 4 to 12 years old

Sorry for the mis-information. You are right, it was just the Jedi Training. It was just my son and me so he was with me when we signed up for both.

 

[disneymomma76]

We will be there June 8 & 10.

We have APs, but this will be our first SWW. My DS8, DD4, and even my DS2 are all Star Wars fans. However, we are not interested in celebrity autographs. At least I'm not interested in getting my family of 5 up and going that early. Anyway, we will have 14 days at The World after SWW. My questions are.....

Is there anything special about JTA for SWW or would it be the same if we just waited until after SWW for it?

My kids will be SUPER excited to see all the characters and Star Wars "stuff". Do you suggest that we just "go with the flow" and enjoy the atmosphere if there isn't anything we just MUST DO?

Merchandise....this is probably the only MUST DO we have. What is the best time to hit the Maul?

Finally....those of you who have SWW experience, what things do you think kids ages 2 - 8 would enjoy most?

THANKS!

 

[CentralFloridian99]

this is just my personal experience and opinion:
Chattiest to least
Ashley Eckstein
Ray Park
James Arnold Taylor (you could tell he would love to stay and talk but he has alot on his plate during SWW)
Dee Bradley Baker
Jerome Blake....no idea, will find out Saturday

I've seen guys go to Her Univerese signings on You Tube. Is that permitted?

 

[d-r]

I've seen guys go to Her Univerese signings on You Tube. Is that permitted?

As long as they buy a t-shirt, You have to show the receipt to get in line.

 

[Karpkg]

We will be there June 8 & 10.

We have APs, but this will be our first SWW. My DS8, DD4, and even my DS2 are all Star Wars fans. However, we are not interested in celebrity autographs. At least I'm not interested in getting my family of 5 up and going that early. Anyway, we will have 14 days at The World after SWW. My questions are.....

Is there anything special about JTA for SWW or would it be the same if we just waited until after SWW for it?

JTA will have double the amount of kids in it than in regular sessions. The kids will be on stage fighting Darth Vader, and the same amt of kids will be on the floor fighting either Darth Maul or Ventress. Ahsoka Tano will be the Trainer for the bottom floor. In the end the child will receive in addition to the regular certificate a small Star Wars toy/action figure.

My kids will be SUPER excited to see all the characters and Star Wars "stuff". Do you suggest that we just "go with the flow" and enjoy the atmosphere if there isn't anything we just MUST DO?

There will be around 31 Characters, give or take one, that you can get autographs/pics from.(p. 44 for list of characters, post 655, character map post 934, p. 63) The Star Wars Parade. Check out any of the shows for that day that may appeal to you.

Merchandise....this is probably the only MUST DO we have. What is the best time to hit the Maul?

I suggest just after lunch and the parade. That will avoid the morning rush for Limited Edition must haves and the late crowd wanting to buy something just before they leave the park. Plus it'll be incredibly hot by afternoon and the air conditioned tent is a great place to refresh.

Finally....those of you who have SWW experience, what things do you think kids ages 2 - 8 would enjoy most?

If you want to do the JTA for the thrill of possibly fighting a different Villain ages 4-12, possibly the Padawan Mind Challenge for ages 3 and up(see p. 33 of this thread, post 483), the Trip to the Maul show(see p. 22 post 32). If you want to stay and watch the Hyperspace Hoopla, for kids I suggest sitting in front of the American Idol screen and watching that one. see p. 54, post 800.

THANKS!

You're welcome.

 

[yulilin3]

We will be there June 8 & 10.

We have APs, but this will be our first SWW. My DS8, DD4, and even my DS2 are all Star Wars fans. However, we are not interested in celebrity autographs. At least I'm not interested in getting my family of 5 up and going that early. Anyway, we will have 14 days at The World after SWW. My questions are.....

Is there anything special about JTA for SWW or would it be the same if we just waited until after SWW for it?

My kids will be SUPER excited to see all the characters and Star Wars "stuff". Do you suggest that we just "go with the flow" and enjoy the atmosphere if there isn't anything we just MUST DO?

Merchandise....this is probably the only MUST DO we have. What is the best time to hit the Maul?

Finally....those of you who have SWW experience, what things do you think kids ages 2 - 8 would enjoy most?

THANKS!

JTA during SWW has two levels, on stage kids fight Darth Vader, at the bottom kids fight Darth Maul or Ventress and kids get a small toy (action figure) at the end. This doesn't happen during non-SWW, kids only fight Darth Vader and don't get a toy
If you don't have any MUST DO's then go with the flow. Character-wise the longest limes are Darth Vader, Chewbacca and the Fab 4 with R2MK. For the shows you can show up 20 min. before and should be Ok grabbing a seat (Visit to the Maul is the exeption this show is very popular). Parade is great try and get a spot 1 hour before or if you don;t mind standing in the sun, 30 min, before. Hyperspace Hoopla you can watch from in front of the stage (keep in mind parents will get kids on their shoulders) or in front of the American Idol Experience big screen (people here tend to sit down on the floor so it's less crowded)
Darth Mall's if it's not the first Friday would be Ok to hit around 11am, anytime in the afternoon and remember that it stays open until the park closes.
Kids 2-8 would like JTA, if they are true SW fans Padawan Mind Challenge, if they watch the Clone Wars on Cartoon Network, Behind The Force. They'll like the parade, build your own lightsaber and droid at the Merchandise tent and characters. Hoopla is fun as well, if they like music and dancing and Star Wars (keep in mind Hoopla is loud and may have some special effects going on like small fireworks)

 

[Karpkg]

Went to the beginning of the thread and tried to catch any that looked like they were going to SWW:

1st Wknd May 18-20
Aerorea 5/18, 5/20
CentralFloridian99 5/20
Daisy'sMama 5/20
dancingmom328 5/20
disneydreamgirl 5/18, 5/20
disneyforus 5/18
Donald Duck888 5/18
d-r 5/20
feistyblue
GadgetRick
Hanover
heyitsmejosh 5/18, 5/19, 5/20
JenGC 5/18
jthornton94 5/20
KaterBell 5/20
kennythepirate 5/18, 5/19
kswm30b 5/18, 5/20
lcarlton99 5/18
LMO429
lovethattink 5/18, 5/19, 5/20
Marc A. 5/18
maybs607 5/18
momtotwins 5/20
momto2sweeties 5/19
Rachella76
MSUmom
tiggerpenny 5/18, 5/19
Tinker Bell Fan 5/18, 5/19, 5/20
Tink1073
vettegirl 5/18, 5/19, 5/20
wallawallakids 5/18
wendypooh 5/18, 5/19, 5/20
yulilin3 5/19, 5/20
2goofykiddos 5/18, 5/19

2nd Wknd May 25-27
aiminator 5/27
BigDaddyWill
csmommy 5/25
delmar411 5/25, 5/26
Desiree 5/25
d-r 5/25, 5/26, 5/27
evcollins 5/26
feistyblue
GadgetRick
goofyredraider 5/27
jthornton94 5/26
justwinnie 5/25, 5/26
Karpkg 5/25
kdzbear 5/25, 5/27
kmcdougan 5/26
lovethattink 5/25, 5/26, 5/27
moethorne 5/25
MrsPook
PixiePoppins 5/25
redshoepaul 5/26
wendypooh
yulilin3 5/26, 5/27

3rd Wknd June 1-3
ajh88 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
audrey2580 6/1
cerberus 6/2
delmar411 6/1, 6/2
d-r 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
goofyredraider 6/2, 6/3
ireland nicole
Karpkg 6/1
KathleensKid 6/2, 6/3
la la 6/3
lovethattink 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
MarkinMA 6/1, 6/2
megan511 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
mesaboy 6/3
MrsPook
ocalla 6/1
RedM94 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
thej 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
Toystoryfan32 6/3
vleeth 6/2
vwaller72 6/2
yulilin3 6/2, 6/3

4th Wknd June 8-10
ADisneyQueen 6/8
Atchley 6/8, 6/10
bizeemom4 6/8, 6/10
buckeev 6/10
CarolynMink 6/10
cerberus 6/8, 6/10
Cinderumbrella 6/8, 6/9
d-r 6/8, 6/9, 6/10
Hanover
ireland nicole 6/8
jacksonsmom 6/8, 6/10
ladyjubilee 6/10
liriel 6/10
lovethattink 6/8, 6/9, 6/10
Maavernon 6/8
Music City Mama 6/8
POLY1985 6/10
RalphinSC 6/10
texasteacher35
TrixieLouMagoo 6/8
undertheseas 6/8
vwaller72 6/8
wdwfanatic80 6/9, 6/10
wdwnut61 6/8
yulilin3 6/9, 6/10
39CINDERELLA 6/8, 6/9, 6/10

 

[yulilin3]

Good Morning Jedis, Padawans, Siths, Droids and Gungans...
Heading to Hollywood Studios today to walk around and see if any meet and greets are set up...will report back this evening, anything in particular you want me to look for? I'll check the dis until about 10am

 

[vettegirl]

Leave in the morning, so excited for our 3rd SWW!!

 

[Karpkg]

Good Morning Jedis, Padawans, Siths, Droids and Gungans...
Heading to Hollywood Studios today to walk around and see if any meet and greets are set up...will report back this evening, anything in particular you want me to look for? I'll check the dis until about 10am

I'm curious to know if any of the celebs will be in Sounds Dangerous.

Also just see if any changes in character locations so I can update my character map. I don't think there will be any new characters or dropped ones but it wouldn't hurt to ask around.

Last year I saw SW merch at Darth Maul tent, Backlot, Tatooine Traders. Any other out of the way places you may encounter?

I believe there are different sized R2D2 buckets?

 

[yulilin3]

I'm curious to know if any of the celebs will be in Sounds Dangerous.

Also just see if any changes in character locations so I can update my character map. I don't think there will be any new characters or dropped ones but it wouldn't hurt to ask around.

Last year I saw SW merch at Darth Maul tent, Backlot, Tatooine Traders. Any other out of the way places you may encounter?

I believe there are different sized R2D2 buckets?

Change of plans guys, I may not be able to got o DHS today after all...there's a huge storm coming our way right now.
I saw SW merchandise in the American Idol gift shop (right outside Sounds Dangerous) I'll try and still make it to DHS today.

 

[Scouter88]

Hello All!
I've been enjoying the thread and getting lots of great info, and decided it was time for me to jump in. We are headed to SWW on June 2 and are very excited!
I have 2 questions for you experts--
First, concerning PMC and JTA-We are going to try to get our kiddos in JTA on our first DHS day (Thursday, May 31) as it will likely be easier to get in and we definitely want to experience it. However, they would love to also try to get in on Saturday as a "bonus" and would also like to try for PMC. If we hit the sign ups for PMC first (upon park opening), do we have any chance of getting a spot for JTA? PMC would be our priority, since it is only available on SWW. Any thoughts, strategies?
Also, will the kids power pack lunch (in the R2D2 bucket) be a counter service credit?
Thanks everyone! This thread is awesome--thank you for all your advice and input!!

 

[Aerorea]

We fly down tomorrow! I can't wait!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hello All!
I've been enjoying the thread and getting lots of great info, and decided it was time for me to jump in. We are headed to SWW on June 2 and are very excited!
I have 2 questions for you experts--
First, concerning PMC and JTA-We are going to try to get our kiddos in JTA on our first DHS day (Thursday, May 31) as it will likely be easier to get in and we definitely want to experience it. However, they would love to also try to get in on Saturday as a "bonus" and would also like to try for PMC. If we hit the sign ups for PMC first (upon park opening), do we have any chance of getting a spot for JTA? PMC would be our priority, since it is only available on SWW. Any thoughts, strategies?
Also, will the kids power pack lunch (in the R2D2 bucket) be a counter service credit?
Thanks everyone! This thread is awesome--thank you for all your advice and input!!

Are you trying to do them both on the same day? If yes, the split up with your spouse, with 1 of you and the kids heading for JTA and the other going to PMC since PMC doesn't require the kids to be present for sign up (experts, do I have this part right or is it vice-versa?).

Also, I doubt the R2-D2 would be a CS credit but I am guessing we won't know for sure until someone tries it.

 

[lovethattink]

I've seen guys go to Her Univerese signings on You Tube. Is that permitted?

Absolutely! You just have to buy her merchandise at Darth Mall and have your receipt. She signed the merchandise to my son, spent time talking to him and posed for a picture. She signed both the shirt and the Her Universe tag for him.

 

[CentralFloridian99]

Absolutely! You just have to buy her merchandise at Darth Mall and have your receipt. She signed the merchandise to my son, spent time talking to him and posed for a picture. She signed both the shirt and the Her Universe tag for him.

Thanks for letting me know.

 

[MSUmom]

Leaving tomorrow If the park opens at 8:00 a.m. will the rides be open?