Star Wars Weekend Tips 2012

[CentralFloridian99]

Thank you, appreciate the help.

Any time!

 

[cavepig]

So, my SWW experience:

We went May 20 at around 4 maybe and did characters - saw Anakin, only about 20 minute wait, Minnie again about 20 min and Darth Maul about 15 min wait and then some of us did Star Tours with a FP while someone took the the 2 year old to see Vader and they were done with him at the same time we were done with the ride so again maybe a 20 min. wait. Also saw Tusken Raider and Clones for pics as well as Zam Wesell.

Got a bench for Hoopla about 7:40 that was back a bit but we could see it just fine and didn't have to fight with the crowd.

Then on May 25 we caught the 7:10ish am bus from POP ( I think it was the first one of the day as we were in line by 7 and there were a few poeple ahead of us)

When we got to ST we could have easily gotten FP for celbrities if we had wanted to. We headed to Rockin and it was delayed along with Tower and both didn't open until 8:10.

Did some rides than Saw Boba at 10:00 (I think this was his first time out an heard Maul didn't come out till 10:30). Did other stuff then found a parade spot at 12:15, and it was hot and crowded and people were rude, anyway it's a neat parade but such a small route it makes it tough to see, especially for kids and the heat at 12:40 is bad.

Saw Stars of the Saga - awesome, we watied 40 minutes but you could have walked up about 10 minutes before and gotten a backed seat or at the last min. and gotten a bench seat. One note here the CM was trying to make everyone who entered first seat on the side and they argued and said they had lined up early and that wasn't fair so finally she gave in and you could sit anywhere - which makes sense as we were there early waiting too and to be on the side would suck.

After that saw Ventress and some clones then line up for James Arnold's show - that is an awesome show and again you could arrive last min and get a seat.

Saw not a ton of people or kids dressed up as past years, but there were some which is neat to see.

The Maul store is best later in the day, they still had lots of stuff, but don't know on limited passholder things. The artwork in the back is awesome to look at.

Chewbacca's line always looked the longest and worst so never attempted it. Never saw gamorrean guards or jawas walking around. We did the build a droid during the week about 8:00pm and there was no line.

 

[disneymomma76]

Many, many thanks to all the dissers and your expertise!! Because of your advice, tips and tricks, we had a fantastic first-timers experience this past Saturday!! After MONTHS of trying to put a TP together for us, we accomplished just about everything and I wanted to share with you 3rd and
4th weekenders how ours went. Apolgies in advance if it's too long, but I have learned through these boards that too much information is always appreciated (at least for me)!!

Arrived 7:00am (one couple in front of us; kids stepped back to watch Stormtroopers on the roof)
Me and Kiddos - Speed walk to Jedi Training, got 9:15am
" " - Rode Star Tours while waiting for DH (it's now 8:07am)
DH - FP for TSMM
Rode Star Tours (x2)
FP for TSMM (11:30-12:30 return time)
Rode FP TSMM
Head over to Jedi Training (15 min. early)
Rode Star Tours
9:15am Jedi Training (no particular order for picking who fights who. DD8 fought Vader and about froze (lol) DS7 fought Darth Maul) received certificate
Rode Star Tours (15 min. wait)
10:15am Watched Indiana Jones Stunt Show
Meet Luke Skywalker (who sent them on mission) and Stormtrooper
11:00am Watched Lights, Motor, Action
DH and Kiddos - Rode FP TSMM
Me - FP Rock-n-Roller Coaster
12:20pm Find parade spot while DH/Kiddos on TSMM
(I did not get on Hollywood Blvd. It was packed and HOT! Looking at the hat, we were off the parade route to the left in front of the little gray cart. Some of the characters walk off to the left, main characters walk to stage and celebrity motorcade veers off in front of us. We saw everyone, so it wasn't a problem not seeing them all on stage!!)
1:20pm ADR for Sci-Fi (great in air conditioning, quiet and calm. I think everyone in there was just tired and glad to be in the dark, relaxing in A/C)
This is where DH and the boys split from me and DD. An hour and 45 minutes to kill before our FP for RNR. Boys decided to character meet. DD wanted to see Little Mermaid.
During the hour and 45 minutes, boys met Boba Fett, Darth Maul, Pig guy
(??lol), Sandpeople of Naboo, Bounty Hunter, Stormtroopers (again), Luke Skywalker (again, they were waiting for Ashoka and switched right when they came up, but he recognized them and told them their mission was complete!)
(FYI, Ashoka, Luke, Commander Cody and Captain Rex rotate)
DD and I met Queen Amidala (20 min. wait)
Watched Little Mermaid (15 min. wait)
Shopped at Star Tours gift shop and boys made their own droids. Wait wasn't long for making the droids; however, them actually making them with so many choices took forever!!)
Rode FP RnR
5:45pm Watched Beauty and the Beast
Took family picture with Photopass in front of hat and headed out!

Note, I had the TP ready to go so we knew where to head and also relax and little and follow the kiddos lead. We did not plan a mid-day break because there was so much to do and the kids were doing fine with the heat. They all carried their own mesh backpacks with their Sharpie, book, water bottle and five snacks. I carried my backpack with first-aid kit, wipes, santizer, panchos, small wallet, snacks and water bottle; camera in seperate small bag. DH carried a soft-sided cooler with 7 water bottles. Everyone did great. We weren't planning on staying for Hoopla because I knew they would be exhausted. If I felt they could have kept going, we planned on dinner at Backlot Express, rest in the Animation Building and then line up for Hoopla.

I hope this helps! We had a great time and the kids were troopers. I feel that we sat and rested just as much as we walked around. I put the kids in the shade as much as possible when standing around for M&G or in line for something. No one wanted to ride TOT so we never grabbed an FP. If so, I would have grabbed the FP before going into Little Mermaid.

Thanks again, everyone! This TP worked quite well for us. I wasn't sure if we were going to be able to do it all as I had it planned, but we accomplished everything I was hoping for and then some!!


ec

Awesome report! THANKS! We are first timers too and I have been working on our TP. I may just tweek ours using a lot of your info. We aren't interested in the celebs so your plan is perfect!

 

[buckeev]

evcollins - great mini report thanks!!

X2!
Sure hope our trip doesn't get moved to later in June!

 

[4forWDW]

Thanks for all the info on this board . I haven't made it through all the posts but I am so glad I found this thread. My DS (11) and I will head over to DHS Friday morning, June 8th while my DH and DD (14) sleep in. I plan on us being there at 6:30. Here are some of the things he wants to do:
James Arnold Taylor autograph (1st choice)
Ashley Eckstein autograph (2nd choice)
PMC - Clone Wars trivia (is the first or second session Clone wars?)
JTA
I'm confused on signing up for PMC first or JTA?
Can someone suggest what order we need to do this in?
TIA - can't wait
Amy

 

[cavepig]

1st session at 2:10 is clone wars

 

[lovethattink]

Sure this has been asked many times before but have looked thru the thread and cannot find the locations for the characters. Looking for:

Darth Vader
Darth Maul
Fab 4
Bounty Hunters

Thanks again.

Vader- To the left of the Backlot Tour
Maul- To the right of the Backlot Tour
Fab 4- To the left of The Great Movie Ride
Bounty Hunters- Roaming around Streets of America, the Fetts are right before Pixar Place

In addition to what CentralFloridian99 said, Vader, Maul, the Fetts, Aurra Sing, storm troopers, Tuskan Raiders, and Zam Wessel enter the street between Maul's M&G and TSM. Aurra Sing came into the queue while we were waiting for Maul and she greeted us all in the queue! That was some unexpected Disney magic!

I didn't get the sense that HS was overly packed at late morning/mid-afternoon. I was able to move around quite freely.

Sounds like you had a great day! I didn't think it was nearly as crowded this weekend as last weekend. We arrived just before the parade so that area was crowded, but we had no problems with crowds on Sunday at all.

Saturday was more crowded, but we only had crowd issues when we were turned away from the 6pm show, but so were hundreds of people after us. (We made it to the other side of the street, about 30 people ahead of us didn't make it either, but it was very close!!)

 

[L8ter]

thanks for all the info in this thread! I know it will save us tons of time & frustration!

sorry if these are duplicate questions, but can anyone tell me:

1. has HS opened at the same time on every day of SWW? seems like I read that it was about 7:30am at least one day.

2. is there a list of where all the character Meet & Greets are?

3. does anyone know if new limited edition SWW pins are released each weekend? or have they all already been released?

4. and last, are there SWW mystery pins again this year?

Thanks!

 

[4forWDW]

1st session at 2:10 is clone wars

Thanks, cavepig!

 

[Music City Mama]

Hello!

We attended the 2 first weekends and here are a few tips :

Everyday, the park opened at 7:30am.

Darth Mall:
We arrived on Friday May 18 at around 1pm. There was no line to get into Darth Mall BUT a 45 minute wait to get in line for the exclusive merchandise . While my DH was waiting in line for the excl. merchandise i was able to meet Luke and then got back in line and got R2D2, Princess Leia and C3PO all together!!! I wasnt aware that C3PO could talk and interact with guests! HOW COOL!

On a few other occasions, we went to Darth Maul and we never waited to get in so that was cool, it was always in the afternoon/evening.

Characters!!!!!

The only character that was out at opening (7:30am) was Darth Vader. At 7:45am we waited less than 10 minutes to meet him

The Fab 4 started their set at 9:30am and Jedi Mickey was always the first one out. Then it was Minnie, then Mickey, then Minnie then at 11:40 Donald AND Goofy came out together. I was also told that Mickey and Minnie came out together at 3pm. But you should always check with a cast member since they have a specific schedule. Everything worked out great by getting in line about 20 minutes before the scheduled appearance of the character we wanted to see. Also, alot of people would let people go by to wait for a specific character.

We found that most of the roaming characters (except for the Storm and Clone Troopers) were only found during the afternoon. One Jawa was out at 3:45 every day near Lights Motors action and we had brought some stuff to trade and it was fun. Aura Sing, the tusken raiders, Gamorrean guard were also out after 2pm. We catched the cantina band a few times throughout the day so these guys were quite easy to find.

Chewbacca is alone in the morning and WITH an ewok all afternoon! They dont rotate! They meet together! Meeting them was BY FAR the best part of the trip for me! I had a Chewy t-shirt and an ewok stuffie and both characters were SO excited!!!!!!! They closed the line at 2pm and reopened at 3pm so we got in line at 2:30 and waited less than 40 minutes. We saw 3 different ewoks (color) throughtout our stay.

There was also alot of characters rotating (a Clone wars line- Ventress, Ashoka, Capt Rex, Cody) and a Jedi line(Anakin, Kit Fisto and a girl with horns), and a line just for the Queen.

Bobba Fett started at 10am and alternated with Jango. We got in line at 9:30 and got Bobba. Then went back in line to get Jango.

SW Parade
We saw it once on weekend one and once on weekend two and the characters were QUITE different! So if you get the chance to catch it more than once you might get a nice surprise. On weekend one, we got ALOT of ewoks, snow troopers, characters from the cantina scene and on weekend two there was the HUGE wookiee with dreads (dont know his name), less ewoks, more characters from Clone wars etc. SO COOL to see that HUGE wookiee!!!!! We got a spot for the parade one hour ahead on weekend one and were in the first row and 30 minutes ahead on weekend 2 and were in the second row but the people in front were sitting so we had a perfect view. We were in the sun both times. The few shaded spots were taken like 2 hours ahead.

Rides :
Since most characters only started at 9 :30-10am, we were able to enjoy the rides in the morning. We rode Toy Story about 6 times each morning with NO wait. Then we would ride Aerosmith, ToT, Star Tours. Then we would grab a couple of fast passes for the afternoon so we were all set for the day.

Enjoy the SWW! I know we did!!! SOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!

Many, many thanks to all the dissers and your expertise!! Because of your advice, tips and tricks, we had a fantastic first-timers experience this past Saturday!! After MONTHS of trying to put a TP together for us, we accomplished just about everything and I wanted to share with you 3rd and
4th weekenders how ours went. Apolgies in advance if it's too long, but I have learned through these boards that too much information is always appreciated (at least for me)!!

Arrived 7:00am (one couple in front of us; kids stepped back to watch Stormtroopers on the roof)
Me and Kiddos - Speed walk to Jedi Training, got 9:15am
" " - Rode Star Tours while waiting for DH (it's now 8:07am)
DH - FP for TSMM
Rode Star Tours (x2)
FP for TSMM (11:30-12:30 return time)
Rode FP TSMM
Head over to Jedi Training (15 min. early)
Rode Star Tours
9:15am Jedi Training (no particular order for picking who fights who. DD8 fought Vader and about froze (lol) DS7 fought Darth Maul) received certificate
Rode Star Tours (15 min. wait)
10:15am Watched Indiana Jones Stunt Show
Meet Luke Skywalker (who sent them on mission) and Stormtrooper
11:00am Watched Lights, Motor, Action
DH and Kiddos - Rode FP TSMM
Me - FP Rock-n-Roller Coaster
12:20pm Find parade spot while DH/Kiddos on TSMM
(I did not get on Hollywood Blvd. It was packed and HOT! Looking at the hat, we were off the parade route to the left in front of the little gray cart. Some of the characters walk off to the left, main characters walk to stage and celebrity motorcade veers off in front of us. We saw everyone, so it wasn't a problem not seeing them all on stage!!)
1:20pm ADR for Sci-Fi (great in air conditioning, quiet and calm. I think everyone in there was just tired and glad to be in the dark, relaxing in A/C)
This is where DH and the boys split from me and DD. An hour and 45 minutes to kill before our FP for RNR. Boys decided to character meet. DD wanted to see Little Mermaid.
During the hour and 45 minutes, boys met Boba Fett, Darth Maul, Pig guy
(??lol), Sandpeople of Naboo, Bounty Hunter, Stormtroopers (again), Luke Skywalker (again, they were waiting for Ashoka and switched right when they came up, but he recognized them and told them their mission was complete!)
(FYI, Ashoka, Luke, Commander Cody and Captain Rex rotate)
DD and I met Queen Amidala (20 min. wait)
Watched Little Mermaid (15 min. wait)
Shopped at Star Tours gift shop and boys made their own droids. Wait wasn't long for making the droids; however, them actually making them with so many choices took forever!!)
Rode FP RnR
5:45pm Watched Beauty and the Beast
Took family picture with Photopass in front of hat and headed out!

Note, I had the TP ready to go so we knew where to head and also relax and little and follow the kiddos lead. We did not plan a mid-day break because there was so much to do and the kids were doing fine with the heat. They all carried their own mesh backpacks with their Sharpie, book, water bottle and five snacks. I carried my backpack with first-aid kit, wipes, santizer, panchos, small wallet, snacks and water bottle; camera in seperate small bag. DH carried a soft-sided cooler with 7 water bottles. Everyone did great. We weren't planning on staying for Hoopla because I knew they would be exhausted. If I felt they could have kept going, we planned on dinner at Backlot Express, rest in the Animation Building and then line up for Hoopla.

I hope this helps! We had a great time and the kids were troopers. I feel that we sat and rested just as much as we walked around. I put the kids in the shade as much as possible when standing around for M&G or in line for something. No one wanted to ride TOT so we never grabbed an FP. If so, I would have grabbed the FP before going into Little Mermaid.

Thanks again, everyone! This TP worked quite well for us. I wasn't sure if we were going to be able to do it all as I had it planned, but we accomplished everything I was hoping for and then some!!


ec

Thank you both for your reports!

 

[Kathy Jetson]

Droid Factory- They're running out of parts and the line is long as the cart can only fit 2-3 kids along with a parent and a CM to help build a droid. Mouse ears were gone when our kids did this and hats as well. Suggest doing this during the week or after SWW if you can. They said it may be replenished by start of next SWW but definitely by Sunday the best parts are gone. Just a heads up.

Black SWW polo shirt Melissa that worked Jedi Mickey/Minnie line last year was moved over to Luke/Leia line this year stopped me and . She remembered us from last year! We talked and she said they switch CM's so they don't do the same procedures at the lines; constantly changing.

While waiting for PMC on Friday at the Hat another CM called out to me (Calvin) and said I remember you! You were in the fast pass celebrity line last year! (Okay, this was getting unnerving)

Saw Mrs. Luke Skywalker a few places and she's always at the head of the line somewhere; fast pass celebrity line, turnstile entrance, Luke/Leia line

Black polo SWW(I call them Terminators when they're wearing their sunglasses) are not regular CM's; they're managers, members of the design team, higher ups, that's what one told me. They pull the strings apparently.

As I get closer maybe 5-6 families to the top I start asking people to go ahead of me explaining I'm waiting for the next character. Most of the time it works; but I'll encounter some that says I've already had that character and don't want to go ahead so it's a toss of the dice.

Thank you so much for all your info and the pics of the face painting. It looks like the most Star Wars options were at Darth Mall is that right?

 

[bjakmom]

How are they picking the Padawans to march in the parade this year? DNeph did it once about 6 years ago and it was the highlight of his trip - would love to surprise DGrD with it. Back then you had to sign up for it like you do now for JTA.

 

[CentralFloridian99]

thanks for all the info in this thread! I know it will save us tons of time & frustration!

sorry if these are duplicate questions, but can anyone tell me:

1. has HS opened at the same time on every day of SWW? seems like I read that it was about 7:30am at least one day.

2. is there a list of where all the character Meet & Greets are?

3. does anyone know if new limited edition SWW pins are released each weekend? or have they all already been released?

4. and last, are there SWW mystery pins again this year?

Thanks!

1. Any time between 7:20 and 7:35. When I went on 5/20, the stormtrooper show started at 7:20.

2. http://kennythepirate.com/star-wars-weekends/star-wars-weekends-characters/ Kenny is extremely helpful with all characters.

3. I think all are released.

4. Nope.

 

[CentralFloridian99]

How are they picking the Padawans to march in the parade this year? DNeph did it once about 6 years ago and it was the highlight of his trip - would love to surprise DGrD with it. Back then you had to sign up for it like you do now for JTA.

They find kids early in the morning around Star Tours. They pick enthusiastic kids, so be enthusiastic!

 

[TrixieLouMagoo]

Hi all -

Thank you so very much for all of the information and trip reports! It really means so much that you all are taking the time on your vacations to gather info for the rest of us!

I was super excited for this trip before this thread, and you all have just been so welcoming and supportive of Disney/Star Wars nerds that its just making me all the more excited! We leave in 8 days!!!

So, trailblazers, I have a couple of questions of my own now. I have read this thread pretty extensively, so I do sincerely apologize if any of these questions have been asked...

1. I am a big fan of the pressed penny. Are there any special Star Wars themed pressed pennies to be had at SWW?

2. What do you think the best time to meet R2D2 and C3P0 is? I know they come out around 3pm, thanks to Kenny the Pirate. Do you think the wait will be long?

3. Do you think it makes more sense to do the Fab 4 line in the morning pre-parade and RnR and TOT in the afternoon post-parade or vice versa?

4. What kinds of things do the Jawas like trade?

5.Does anyone have any good tips of things to say or do to get a good reaction out of any of the characters? (You know, like if you were to say something to Donald about Mickey being wonderful.)

Thanks so much everyone! I hope you all are having absolutely amazing times and maybe we will see you on the 8th!

MTFBWY!

-TLM

 

[lovethattink]

Is there a link to week 3's or 4's SWW map?

 

[lovethattink]

2. What do you think the best time to meet R2D2 and C3P0 is? I know they come out around 3pm, thanks to Kenny the Pirate. Do you think the wait will be long?

3. Do you think it makes more sense to do the Fab 4 line in the morning pre-parade and RnR and TOT in the afternoon post-parade or vice versa?

Twice we ended up only seeing Luke because R2D2 and C3PO don't stay out as long. The line moves MUCH slower when they are all out. They really took their time talking with the guests. When it was only Luke the line went quick.

We got to see Minnie and then Donald just after 6pm. The queue went fast for us. I think we waited 5 minutes for Minnie and about 15 for Donald. They promptly closed the line at 6:30pm. For us that was the best timing!

 

[Bonniec]

We were at SWW a few years ago right after my DD turned 1 and she was sitting in her stroller with some Cheerios on the tray. A Jawa came up to her and took one of her Cheerios and gave her a coin. She was scared of him but my DS thought it was the coolest thing ever.



I'm still curious about this too. My DS only wants to do it if they are doing something besides Clone Wars. He's seen the shows but would rather have questions about the movies.

LOL about the Jawa

I'm confused on signing up for PMC first or JTA?
Can someone suggest what order we need to do this in?
TIA - can't wait
Amy

Sign up for JTA first and get there quickly. I would get there before opening. Go into the park, past the first big building and go left. You will see cast members holding up signs showing you the way (and you will see people running, lol)

When you finish that and come out, straight across (next to the carbonite thingy) you will see a desk to sign up for the Mind Challenge.


The Mind Challenge is only based on the cartoon. I have no idea which season because we've never seen it. But my kiddo still had a good time (though you could see him pout when he didn't get the answers right). Im surprised he got a few right because I had NO idea. There was nothing from the movie. I have to take him to school but I will post up video of it in a few hours.

The Mind Challenge was cool but some of the kids didn't quite grasp the concept. When my son lost he didn't understand where he was supposed to go. Other kids didn't get how to choose a light saber. You'll see when I post up the video. But still...they got to go on the huge stage which he thought was the coolest ever. And he got the Zam Wessel figure toy after which was unexpected so he was quite the happy kiddo.

Pictures and videos in a few hours.


P.S. Anyone know if this cartoon shows before September?

 

[d-r]

They find kids early in the morning around Star Tours. They pick enthusiastic kids, so be enthusiastic!

Our kids were approached while we were inside Darth Mauls. There were 2 CM's, 1 with wristbands and 1 with a list/info. One of the other moms I was talking with in the parade was approached about 15 minutes prior to the parade as they walked out of lunch at Sci Fi.

From what I could tell backstage - its pretty random. There are CM's that wander the park and look for kids that stick out to them. I'm sure that costumes or what not make the kids stick out, but only 1 of the kids in our group was REALLY costumed up.

I'm pretty sure that in our case, MH wandering around with her face painted as Darth Maul is what got her noticed (a 3ft tall Darth Maul with blong curly hair). Holden had on a SW t-shirt, but neither were in any kind of costume or acting any particular way.

 

[L8ter]

Thanks CentralFloridian99!

Kenny's website is awesome!

I have a couple more questions:

1. Does anyone know what comes in the Kids Power Pack meal? or how much it costs?

2. Where are the FastPass machines for Indiana Jones? that is where you sign up for JTA, right?

Thanks!