Star Wars Weekend Tips 2012

[yulilin3]

We met him in 2008 and he just seemed "out of it", we started talking and he just responded with very short answers...like I've said before he could have been having a bad day, everybody is entitled to that... hopefully it'll be a great experience for those meeting him this year.
I have forgotten to mention my DD11 has had the Clone Wars actors (Ashley, Dee and Tom) so far record a message for her phone in the voice of the characters, so now she has different ringtones to use from.
Ashley said: This is Ahsoka Tano, pick up your phone
Tom: Younglin, strong with the force, you are
Dee: Commander Cody says pick up the phone
She's getting James Arnold Taylor this weekend to do it. They are all so nice

 

[lovethattink]

We met him in 2008 and he just seemed "out of it", we started talking and he just responded with very short answers...like I've said before he could have been having a bad day, everybody is entitled to that... hopefully it'll be a great experience for those meeting him this year.
I have forgotten to mention my DD11 has had the Clone Wars actors (Ashley, Dee and Tom) so far record a message for her phone in the voice of the characters, so now she has different ringtones to use from.
Ashley said: This is Ahsoka Tano, pick up your phone
Tom: Younglin, strong with the force, you are
Dee: Commander Cody says pick up the phone
She's getting James Arnold Taylor this weekend to do it. They are all so nice

What a great idea for ring tones!!

 

[mesaboy2]

I'm putting the finishing touches on my character-centric plan for this Sunday. Anyone who cares to please comment on doability of this schedule. Character meet times are by kennythepirate and are assumed to be accurate for this coming weekend--I expect minor changes only.

9:30a - Arrive (seen Stormtroopers at entrance before, no interest in celebrity autographs)
10:30a - In line for R2D2/C3PO at Darth's Mall, both meet together at 10:50a (20 minutes in queue)
11:10a - Return to same line for Leia at 11:30a (20 minutes in queue)
12:40p - In line for Vader's return immediately after parade ~1:00p (30-40 minutes in queue)
1:40p - In line for Amidala for meet at 1:55p (15 minutes in queue)
2:45p - In line for Jedi Mickey/Leia Minnie, both meet together at 3:15p (30 minutes in queue)
4:15p - If necessary, in line for R2D2/C3PO if necessary (backup plan), both meet together at 4:35p (20 minutes in queue)
5:45p - Beauty and the Beast assuming all characters above done
7:30p - Find seat at stage or AI screen for Hyperspace Hoopla at 8:00p
10:30p - Fantasmic

In between times would be spent gathering FPs for TSM, RnRC and Star Tours, finding roaming characters, riding attractions standby if possible, shopping, and eating.

The main questions I have are:

- am I leaving about the right amount of time for R2D2/C3PO and Jedi Mickey/Leia Minnie to get through the standby queue so that I'm near the front when they show?
- Or am I being too optimistic with those or any other queue times?
- And none of these queues have had issues with CMs letting you allow others to pass for timing?

It will be a long day and we will still need to check in that night at POR, but no pressing need to get up early the next morning for Epcot. We might pass on Fantasmic also and do it again on another trip.

Thanks!

 

[MaleficentRN]

I am so glad I looked at this board and didn't listen to Disney, ie: HS opening time.
We took a bus from CR at about 7:10 and arrived at HS at about 7:30. The park was already open and the stormtroopers were out. The crowd was very light.
TSM was open with a 30 minute wait. We got a FP and went to see characters.
BUT! Characters may not be out for hours when you go!
A CM had a schedual she shared with us, and it may change from day to day. The first weekend, Darth Vader started at 9, Boba Fett/ Jango at 10, Darth Maul at 11.
By the time we discovered this, the Darth Vader line was an hour wait. We opted instead to have breakfast at Starring Rolls, go to the Darth Mall, ride TSM. By then it was 9:45 so we went to see Boba Fett, (saw Jango instead after a half hour wait, but it was all good). We left at about 11 and the crowds were swarming in.

 

[cookieswithangel]

I want to thank everyone again for all their reviews, reports, and tips! We can't wait for weekend 4!
A quick question, we've read about character palooza, and that it happens almost every day, given Fantasmic is at a late time. Do they still do this at SWW? We are never at Hollywood Studios past 1 or 2 generally, but if we're there late for SWW, we are interested in attending the palooza. If anyone has any idea, I'd really appreciate it!
Thanks!

 

[mesaboy2]

I want to thank everyone again for all their reviews, reports, and tips! We can't wait for weekend 4!
A quick question, we've read about character palooza, and that it happens almost every day, given Fantasmic is at a late time. Do they still do this at SWW? We are never at Hollywood Studios past 1 or 2 generally, but if we're there late for SWW, we are interested in attending the palooza. If anyone has any idea, I'd really appreciate it!
Thanks!

According to what I've read it does still happen, though it may be with fewer characters. Still worth a look, and should start at 4:50p in the Animation Building. It will not be published anywhere, so don't pay attention to the printed schedules. I'd ask a CM in that room a few minutes before to confirm.

 

[lovethattink]

I'm putting the finishing touches on my character-centric plan for this Sunday. Anyone who cares to please comment on doability of this schedule. Character meet times are by kennythepirate and are assumed to be accurate for this coming weekend--I expect minor changes only.

9:30a - Arrive (seen Stormtroopers at entrance before, no interest in celebrity autographs)
10:30a - In line for R2D2/C3PO at Darth's Mall, both meet together at 10:50a (20 minutes in queue)
11:10a - Return to same line for Leia at 11:30a (20 minutes in queue)
12:40p - In line for Vader's return immediately after parade ~1:00p (30-40 minutes in queue)
1:40p - In line for Amidala for meet at 1:55p (15 minutes in queue)
2:45p - In line for Jedi Mickey/Leia Minnie, both meet together at 3:15p (30 minutes in queue)
4:15p - If necessary, in line for R2D2/C3PO if necessary (backup plan), both meet together at 4:35p (20 minutes in queue)
5:45p - Beauty and the Beast assuming all characters above done
7:30p - Find seat at stage or AI screen for Hyperspace Hoopla at 8:00p
10:30p - Fantasmic

In between times would be spent gathering FPs for TSM, RnRC and Star Tours, finding roaming characters, riding attractions standby if possible, shopping, and eating.

The main questions I have are:

- am I leaving about the right amount of time for R2D2/C3PO and Jedi Mickey/Leia Minnie to get through the standby queue so that I'm near the front when they show?
- Or am I being too optimistic with those or any other queue times?
- And none of these queues have had issues with CMs letting you allow others to pass for timing?

It will be a long day and we will still need to check in that night at POR, but no pressing need to get up early the next morning for Epcot. We might pass on Fantasmic also and do it again on another trip.

Thanks!

I am a very bad judge of timing things for the M&G's so I'm not going to comment on that, but rather state my observations from standing in line. When we were in line for Luke/C3PO/R2D2 the queue moved VERY SLOW. The characters took their time interacting with guests. People definately weren't rushed through. When we were in line for Minnie the queue moved quickly. When we were in line for Donald, the queue moved much slower as he interacted more with the guests.

 

[yulilin3]

I am a very bad judge of timing things for the M&G's so I'm not going to comment on that, but rather state my observations from standing in line. When we were in line for Luke/C3PO/R2D2 the queue moved VERY SLOW. The characters took their time interacting with guests. People definately weren't rushed through. When we were in line for Minnie the queue moved quickly. When we were in line for Donald, the queue moved much slower as he interacted more with the guests.

mesaboy2: I agree with lovethattink...it's hard to tell about how things should move...I was in line for Ahsoka and I had like 3 families with more than 4 family members and each got to take a picture individually with her so it took longer than I expected...the characters this year are interacting more with the guest, especially the ones that talk which is a good thing for some but when you only want a picture it takes forever...I would say to stick to your schedule but be flexible with it...I'm sure you already know that Hope you have fun this weekend!

 

[mesaboy2]

I am a very bad judge of timing things for the M&G's so I'm not going to comment on that, but rather state my observations from standing in line. When we were in line for Luke/C3PO/R2D2 the queue moved VERY SLOW. The characters took their time interacting with guests. People definately weren't rushed through. When we were in line for Minnie the queue moved quickly. When we were in line for Donald, the queue moved much slower as he interacted more with the guests.

mesaboy2: I agree with lovethattink...it's hard to tell about how things should move...I was in line for Ahsoka and I had like 3 families with more than 4 family members and each got to take a picture individually with her so it took longer than I expected...the characters this year are interacting more with the guest, especially the ones that talk which is a good thing for some but when you only want a picture it takes forever...I would say to stick to your schedule but be flexible with it...I'm sure you already know that Hope you have fun this weekend!

I am encouraged because neither of you said my plan was complete bantha poodoo! I will expect some slower queues than normal, and of course allow some flexibility. All of my character times are pretty spread out, so I could pad some minutes where necessary to allow for it. If I gotta come back next year--thems the breaks. Thanks to you both!

Karpkg, when you eventually read this I'd love your opinion too. I'd be happy to split that twenty CF99 still owes me when it arrives.

 

[yulilin3]

mesaboy2: you said poodoo you should be fine...I could be wrong, but I think Vader meets during the parade as well, but you should ask the CM that works his line, don't quote me on that

 

[audrey2580]

The kids' power pack had a drink (milk), string cheese, yogurt, I think goldfish and a few other things and was $10.00 with the R2.

Anyone know if this is covered by the dining plan?

 

[lovethattink]

Oh another thing about the characters this year vs other years, the queues are much more organized with the cut offs and times. In past years, you could be in line and then be told the characters were done for their set and you couldn't meet them. This year, they are cutting off the queues at certain times where they won't let guests into the line. So if you are in a line for a character before they cut off the line, you will still see a character.

On Sunday night a cm with the Fabs were telling guests that needed a restroom to make sure they were back in line BEFORE 6:30, because they weren't going to allow anyone to get back in line after that. Of course, my son had to be one of them cutting it close. Good thing the Idol bathroom is so close!

 

[lovethattink]

mesaboy2: you said poodoo you should be fine...I could be wrong, but I think Vader meets during the parade as well, but you should ask the CM that works his line, don't quote me on that

You are not wrong. Vader did meet during the parade on Sunday. We grabbed lunch at Studio Catering and ate it while in line during the parade to see Boba Fett. Vader walked to and from his meet and greet several times while we ate lunch.

Boba Fett came out at 1:30pm on Sunday after the parade and Darth Maul at 2:10. Storm Troopers, Tuskan raiders, Aurra Sing and Zan Wessel all came back to the streets around 2, while we were in line for Maul.

 

[kmadams]

Heading to HS this weekend for a quick trip to Star Wars weekend!! My daughter and son-in-law are joining me, and dressing up as Leia and Hans Solo. We are hoping to get pictures with Chewy, is first thing in the morning best for him?? We ran into Chewy last year as he was leaving the meet and greet, would like to get a better picture this year.

Here's the picture from last year (that's my son dressed as Luke):

 

[mesaboy2]

mesaboy2: you said poodoo you should be fine...I could be wrong, but I think Vader meets during the parade as well, but you should ask the CM that works his line, don't quote me on that

You are not wrong. Vader did meet during the parade on Sunday. We grabbed lunch at Studio Catering and ate it while in line during the parade to see Boba Fett. Vader walked to and from his meet and greet several times while we ate lunch.

Boba Fett came out at 1:30pm on Sunday after the parade and Darth Maul at 2:10. Storm Troopers, Tuskan raiders, Aurra Sing and Zan Wessel all came back to the streets around 2, while we were in line for Maul.

Interesting, thanks for clarifying. I had read another post, now pages and pages back, that said that Vader did not meet during the parade and his line was shorter during it as a result. That was why I targeted that timeframe. I shall keep that in mind.

 

[lovethattink]

Heading to HS this weekend for a quick trip to Star Wars weekend!! My daughter and son-in-law are joining me, and dressing up as Leia and Hans Solo. We are hoping to get pictures with Chewy, is first thing in the morning best for him?? We ran into Chewy last year as he was leaving the meet and greet, would like to get a better picture this year.

Here's the picture from last year (that's my son dressed as Luke):

That's a great picture!!

Hope you get your picture of them!

 

[lovethattink]

Anyone know if this is covered by the dining plan?

I've seen this asked several times. Not ignoring it, but I just don't know as we have never used the dining plan it's not something I think to ask. My total guess is that you would have to pay an additional $6.99 for the bucket, but it's a guess.

 

[NitaO]

Thanks for all the great tips for SWW. I will be taking the kids to DisneyWorld the week of 9-16 June. So of course they want to visit HS on the 10th, to get the SWW in. They are huge fans, I on the other hand ,have no clue what they are talking about.lol One question is about the parade, do they have wheelchair area for the SWW parade?

 

[ajh88]

Carbon Freeze question...my DH has an appointment Friday morning. Can DD and I go in with him, even though we are not being Frozen? Thanks!

 

[delmar411]

I've seen this asked several times. Not ignoring it, but I just don't know as we have never used the dining plan it's not something I think to ask. My total guess is that you would have to pay an additional $6.99 for the bucket, but it's a guess.

The meal is a QS (comes in a little box) but the bucket costs an additional $5.50. As in the bucket itself costs the same as the meal. It's very expensive for what it is.

Carbon Freeze question...my DH has an appointment Friday morning. Can DD and I go in with him, even though we are not being Frozen? Thanks!

Yes you can go with him.