Star Wars Weekend Tips 2012

[Scouter88]

We just returned from our very first trip to Disney and the SWW weekends. I feel like it was a successful trip. Here are a few of my notes.

We went to the studios on Thursday when it was less crowded and enjoyed Star Tours, TSM, the Animation Academy drawing class, Jedi Training, etc. There were hardly any lines and it was a great day. We also scoped out where we thought characters may be.

We skipped Friday and went back to the studio on Saturday and Sunday for SWW. We arrived at 7:30 both days because we didn't want any celeb autographs. On Saturday there was nobody collecting money at the parking lot entrance, so we parked for free. On Sunday there was.

The park was open when we arrived and I took the kids straight to the Jedi Training to get signed-up (they wanted to do it again.) We got a 10:45 show time. My husband went and got fast passes for TSM while we were in line for the training. He tried to sign the boys up for the mind challenge after getting the passes, but was told the boys needed to be with him.

After riding star tours a couple of times, we got in the line for Chewy. This was around 8:30. They said he would be out at 9:00, but didn't come out until 9:30. This was our best decision. Later in the day, his line was 3 hours long at one point. Because of his costume, he only stays out for a short time before needing a break.

The Fab 4 start autographs at 9. Darth starts at 9:30, and the others (Anakin, Kit Fisto, etc.) started at 9:45. Lines were shortest in the morning. After 11:30, they seemed to be incredibly busy. That is besides Bobo and Janga Fett. There line actually seemed to be shorter in the late afternoon.

My son was asked to be in the parade. We were walking near the Animation Academy around 10am and a nice women stopped him. She had a blue/white striped shirt on. The parade didn't start until 12:40, but the kids had to be there by 12:10. One parent walked with him and the other was given a ticket for a reserved area to watch the parade. (If you get to go to the reserved area, get there early-- it's right next to the hat stage on the left side if you're facing the entrance.) No cameras were allowed backstage while waiting for the parade. The kids are at the beginning of the parade and then have a front row seat (on the ground) in front of the stage to finish watching it. The characters seemed to give them a lot of attention.

Characters stopped signing around 11:30 to get ready for the parade. Some didn't start signing again until 2:45. Darth starts right after the parade. If you don't care about the parade, wait in his line during the parade and you will get him quickly.

Sunday seemed much more crowded than Saturday.

This is so helpful! Your plans sound very similar to ours, so its great to see how it worked and what you were able to get done. Thanks!!

 

[cerberus]

The photopass website will have about 3-4 different Star Wars Weekend borders though that I've used. If you don't have a photopass account and are curious, look in the photopass store on HS main street to check them out.

Thanks Karpkg, we are using photopass!

We just returned from our very first trip to Disney and the SWW weekends. I feel like it was a successful trip. Here are a few of my notes.

We went to the studios on Thursday when it was less crowded and enjoyed Star Tours, TSM, the Animation Academy drawing class, Jedi Training, etc. There were hardly any lines and it was a great day. We also scoped out where we thought characters may be.

We skipped Friday and went back to the studio on Saturday and Sunday for SWW. We arrived at 7:30 both days because we didn't want any celeb autographs. On Saturday there was nobody collecting money at the parking lot entrance, so we parked for free. On Sunday there was.

The park was open when we arrived and I took the kids straight to the Jedi Training to get signed-up (they wanted to do it again.) We got a 10:45 show time. My husband went and got fast passes for TSM while we were in line for the training. He tried to sign the boys up for the mind challenge after getting the passes, but was told the boys needed to be with him.

After riding star tours a couple of times, we got in the line for Chewy. This was around 8:30. They said he would be out at 9:00, but didn't come out until 9:30. This was our best decision. Later in the day, his line was 3 hours long at one point. Because of his costume, he only stays out for a short time before needing a break.

The Fab 4 start autographs at 9. Darth starts at 9:30, and the others (Anakin, Kit Fisto, etc.) started at 9:45. Lines were shortest in the morning. After 11:30, they seemed to be incredibly busy. That is besides Bobo and Janga Fett. There line actually seemed to be shorter in the late afternoon.

My son was asked to be in the parade. We were walking near the Animation Academy around 10am and a nice women stopped him. She had a blue/white striped shirt on. The parade didn't start until 12:40, but the kids had to be there by 12:10. One parent walked with him and the other was given a ticket for a reserved area to watch the parade. (If you get to go to the reserved area, get there early-- it's right next to the hat stage on the left side if you're facing the entrance.) No cameras were allowed backstage while waiting for the parade. The kids are at the beginning of the parade and then have a front row seat (on the ground) in front of the stage to finish watching it. The characters seemed to give them a lot of attention.

Characters stopped signing around 11:30 to get ready for the parade. Some didn't start signing again until 2:45. Darth starts right after the parade. If you don't care about the parade, wait in his line during the parade and you will get him quickly.

Sunday seemed much more crowded than Saturday.

Thanks for posting!


How far is Darths line from th eparade route? I might wait in line while DH watches the parade with our girls!

 

[Plucker001]

Hi all. I've read through most of this thread but haven't seen anyone mention any AP freebies. Last year, we got free lanyards with Star Wars on them at the merchandise tent with our AP. Are they doing anything like that this year?

Thanks!

 

[emokid9963]

Ok last question. This is a weird one lol. The item I want Ray Park to sign is black, does he have like a silver colored sharpie or should I purchase one. I would think he would be stocked with things, but you never know.

 

[CentralFloridian99]

Ok last question. This is a weird one lol. The item I want Ray Park to sign is black, does he have like a silver colored sharpie or should I purchase one. I would think he would be stocked with things, but you never know.

I believe he has silver too.

 

[CentralFloridian99]

HEADS UP ON STARS OF THE SAGA THIS WEEKEND: With the announcement of G.I. Joe 2 being delayed until March 29, 2013, the section where Ray is telling a little of what to expect will not be in this weekends show. We don't know if the show will be shorter or something else will take its spot.

 

[juliemouse]

We just returned from our very first trip to Disney and the SWW weekends. I feel like it was a successful trip. Here are a few of my notes.

We went to the studios on Thursday when it was less crowded and enjoyed Star Tours, TSM, the Animation Academy drawing class, Jedi Training, etc. There were hardly any lines and it was a great day. We also scoped out where we thought characters may be.

We skipped Friday and went back to the studio on Saturday and Sunday for SWW. We arrived at 7:30 both days because we didn't want any celeb autographs. On Saturday there was nobody collecting money at the parking lot entrance, so we parked for free. On Sunday there was.The park was open when we arrived and I took the kids straight to the Jedi Training to get signed-up (they wanted to do it again.) We got a 10:45 show time. My husband went and got fast passes for TSM while we were in line for the training. He tried to sign the boys up for the mind challenge after getting the passes, but was told the boys needed to be with him.

After riding star tours a couple of times, we got in the line for Chewy. This was around 8:30. They said he would be out at 9:00, but didn't come out until 9:30. This was our best decision. Later in the day, his line was 3 hours long at one point. Because of his costume, he only stays out for a short time before needing a break.

The Fab 4 start autographs at 9. Darth starts at 9:30, and the others (Anakin, Kit Fisto, etc.) started at 9:45. Lines were shortest in the morning. After 11:30, they seemed to be incredibly busy. That is besides Bobo and Janga Fett. There line actually seemed to be shorter in the late afternoon.

My son was asked to be in the parade. We were walking near the Animation Academy around 10am and a nice women stopped him. She had a blue/white striped shirt on. The parade didn't start until 12:40, but the kids had to be there by 12:10. One parent walked with him and the other was given a ticket for a reserved area to watch the parade. (If you get to go to the reserved area, get there early-- it's right next to the hat stage on the left side if you're facing the entrance.) No cameras were allowed backstage while waiting for the parade. The kids are at the beginning of the parade and then have a front row seat (on the ground) in front of the stage to finish watching it. The characters seemed to give them a lot of attention.

Characters stopped signing around 11:30 to get ready for the parade. Some didn't start signing again until 2:45. Darth starts right after the parade. If you don't care about the parade, wait in his line during the parade and you will get him quickly.

Sunday seemed much more crowded than Saturday.

Thanks for all the info! We're staying at CBR and I've been debating taking the buses (which is what we normally do) or driving our car. I know the car will be quicker but I was concerned that the parking lots wouldn't be open that early. To clarify, even if the parking lot attendants aren't there, you can still get in to park?
Thanks again for taking the time to share your experiences.

 

[Karpkg]

Updated List:

I won't be posting much tomorrow since I'll be on the road. If you've stated a specific weekend you'll be there, I've placed you. Any changes now would be the time to let me know. 2nd SWWnders, here we come!

2nd Wknd May 25-27
AppleSister1 5/25
aiminator 5/27
BigDaddyWill
Brit Jude
csmommy 5/25
delmar411 5/25, 5/26
Denamac 5/26
Desiree 5/25
d-r 5/25, 5/26, 5/27
emokid9963 5/25
evcollins 5/26
feistyblue
GadgetRick
goofyredraider 5/27
Hollywoodhaha(working at Darth Mall, say hi to Holly!)
jar 5/26
jthornton94 5/26
justwinnie 5/25, 5/26
Karpkg 5/25
kdzbear 5/25, 5/27
kmcdougan 5/25, 5/26 5/27
lovethattink 5/25, 5/26, 5/27
megan511 5/27
moethorne 5/25
mmtska 5/25, 5/26, 5/27
MrsPook
neffernie 5/27
PIRATEGIRL007 5/25, 5/26
PixiePoppins 5/25
redshoepaul 5/26
reginaastralis 5/25, 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
DisneyMom14 6/1, 6/3
d-r 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
emilyandethansmom
goofyredraider 6/2, 6/3
Hollywoodhaha(working at Darth Mall, say hi to Holly!)
ireland nicole
jlovesee 6/2, 6/3
jollygreengirl 6/1, 6/2
Karpkg 6/1
MeggyK(KathleensKid) 6/2, 6/3
la la 6/3
lelei
LeslieLou
lovethattink 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
MarkinMA 6/1, 6/2
megan511 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
mesaboy 6/3
mmtska 6/1
MrsPook
ocalla 6/1
pandamom 6/1, 6/2
PIRATEGIRL007 6/1, 6/2
RedM94 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
Scouter88 6/2
thej 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
tigerdragon
Toystoryfan32 6/3
vleeth 6/2
vwaller72 6/2
yankeePrincess
yulilin3 6/2, 6/3

4th Wknd June 8-10
AdamLonghorn 6/8, 6/9, 6/10
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
cookieswithangel 6/8
disneymomma76 6/8, 6/10
d-r 6/8, 6/9, 6/10
Hanover
Hollywoodhaha(working at Darth Mall, say hi to Holly!)
ireland nicole 6/8
jacksonsmom 6/8, 6/10
ladyjubilee 6/10
LeslieLou
liriel 6/10
lovethattink 6/8, 6/9, 6/10
Maavernon 6/8
mmtska 6/8
mousenyc
Music City Mama 6/8
POLY1985 6/10
Poohbug 6/8, 6/10
RalphinSC 6/10
susanrose73 6/8
texasteacher35
tigerdragon
tink70 6/9
TrixieLouMagoo 6/8
undertheseas 6/8
vwaller72 6/8
wdwfanatic80 6/9, 6/10
wdwnut61 6/8, 6/9, 6/10
yulilin3 6/9, 6/10
39CINDERELLA 6/8, 6/9, 6/10

 

[emokid9963]

I'm going to be going to Star Wars weekends this Friday. You can add me to the list

 

[Victoria3]

Thanks for all the info! We're staying at CBR and I've been debating taking the buses (which is what we normally do) or driving our car. I know the car will be quicker but I was concerned that the parking lots wouldn't be open that early. To clarify, even if the parking lot attendants aren't there, you can still get in to park?
Thanks again for taking the time to share your experiences.

DHS parking lot is open 24/7 even if no cast members are there.

 

[goofyredraider]

woohoo! We leave tomorrow!!! I cannot wait to see the look on my son's face when he realizes that we are at Star Wars Weekends....I've kept it a complete secret. We still haven't decided whether we will line up for Ray's autograph yet....I guess we will see how tired we are the day before.

 

[emokid9963]

I'm kind of worried right now. I really want to get Ray's autograph, but I'm worried I won't get their early enough. I was thinking of leaving around 4ish from my house. I would get the a little after 5. Is that too late?

 

[BobbidieBoo]

Are there different prices for the R2D2 guy? I have seen it online with drinks like milkshakes & frozen lemonade, I have also seen pictures with churros & kids meal/snacks.

2 styles
Stein (Handel and hinged top) $5.50 ish more than the drink alone.
Larger "pop corn bucket" - food items. Don't know all the options other than $12.50 w/ pop corn!

 

[AdamLonghorn]

Hey Karpkg,

I'll be there 6/8,9,10

 

[wdwnut61]

Updated List:

I won't be posting much tomorrow since I'll be on the road. If you've stated a specific weekend you'll be there, I've placed you. Any changes now would be the time to let me know. 2nd SWWnders, here we come!

2nd Wknd May 25-27
AppleSister1 5/25
aiminator 5/27
BigDaddyWill
Brit Jude
csmommy 5/25
delmar411 5/25, 5/26
Denamac 5/26
Desiree 5/25
d-r 5/25, 5/26, 5/27
evcollins 5/26
feistyblue
GadgetRick
goofyredraider 5/27
Hollywoodhaha(working at Darth Mall, say hi to Holly!)
jar 5/26
jthornton94 5/26
justwinnie 5/25, 5/26
Karpkg 5/25
kdzbear 5/25, 5/27
kmcdougan 5/25, 5/26 5/27
lovethattink 5/25, 5/26, 5/27
megan511 5/27
moethorne 5/25
mmtska 5/25, 5/26, 5/27
MrsPook
neffernie 5/27
PIRATEGIRL007 5/25, 5/26
PixiePoppins 5/25
redshoepaul 5/26
reginaastralis 5/25, 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
DisneyMom14 6/1, 6/3
d-r 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
emilyandethansmom
goofyredraider 6/2, 6/3
Hollywoodhaha(working at Darth Mall, say hi to Holly!)
ireland nicole
jlovesee 6/2, 6/3
jollygreengirl 6/1, 6/2
Karpkg 6/1
MeggyK(KathleensKid) 6/2, 6/3
la la 6/3
lelei
LeslieLou
lovethattink 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
MarkinMA 6/1, 6/2
megan511 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
mesaboy 6/3
mmtska 6/1
MrsPook
ocalla 6/1
pandamom 6/1, 6/2
PIRATEGIRL007 6/1, 6/2
RedM94 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
Scouter88 6/2
thej 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
tigerdragon
Toystoryfan32 6/3
vleeth 6/2
vwaller72 6/2
yankeePrincess
yulilin3 6/2, 6/3

4th Wknd June 8-10
AdamLonghorn
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
cookieswithangel 6/8
disneymomma76 6/8, 6/10
d-r 6/8, 6/9, 6/10
Hanover
Hollywoodhaha(working at Darth Mall, say hi to Holly!)
ireland nicole 6/8
jacksonsmom 6/8, 6/10
ladyjubilee 6/10
LeslieLou
liriel 6/10
lovethattink 6/8, 6/9, 6/10
Maavernon 6/8
mmtska 6/8
mousenyc
Music City Mama 6/8
POLY1985 6/10
Poohbug 6/8, 6/10
RalphinSC 6/10
susanrose73 6/8
texasteacher35
tigerdragon
tink70 6/9
TrixieLouMagoo 6/8
undertheseas 6/8
vwaller72 6/8
wdwfanatic80 6/9, 6/10
wdwnut61 6/8, 6/9, 6/10
yulilin3 6/9, 6/10
39CINDERELLA 6/8, 6/9, 6/10

Thanks for keeping the list

Have a great time

 

[juliemouse]

DHS parking lot is open 24/7 even if no cast members are there.

Thank you! With that helpful info, I think we'd be better off driving our car instead of waiting for the bus at CBR. We usually ride the bus everywhere but we've never wanted to be at a park so much earlier before rope drop. I'm guessing that might save us 30 minutes in the a.m.

 

[csmommy]

2 styles
Stein (Handel and hinged top) $5.50 ish more than the drink alone.
Larger "pop corn bucket" - food items. Don't know all the options other than $12.50 w/ pop corn!

Thank you. Didn't realize there were 2 size different options. The choices!!!!!

 

[lucas]

Hey Karpkg,

I'll be there 6/8,9,10

And, we'll be there 5/25-5/28.

 

[tidwelhm]

How far is Darths line from th eparade route? I might wait in line while DH watches the parade with our girls!

If you're coming from the parade, Darths line is just past the fountain next to the Studio Backlot Tour (& not to far from TSM). The parade starts at the entrance and goes to the hat. You won't be able to see the parade from Darth's line. You could position yourself on the TSM side of the hat and leave 5 min or so before the parade ends. There will still be a line for darth but it should be shorter. Also, on Saturday, they announced that the parade was beginning in 15 minutes. This really helped to clear the lines. On Sunday they didn't.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Ok, ok...so I'm usually a read the entire thread kinda person, but my family just sprung on me that they want to see SWW, and we leave Saturday morning. I'm a teacher, and it's the last week of school, so I just don't have the spare time in the next two days.

Soooo...we're really just interested in meeting some characters (costumed, not celebs), seeing the parade and grabbing some merch. What's a good plan of action?? We're going this Sunday if that makes any kind of difference. Thanks!