Star Wars Weekend Tips 2012

[Karpkg]

I just don't think we are going to be able to do it.I really wanted to.
My DH and I have watched several youtube videos and it seems like it is almost impossible to see if you are a kiddo.(unless someone holds you up) We have 4 so we can't hold up all of them. We are thinking that it is going to be miserable for them to wait and then not be able to see what is going on. We talked about watching it in the park on the big screen they have, but that doesn't seem real exciting.
Am I missing something here? Is this really such a bad set up. It seems like with standing up shows in other parks (MK at the castle for example) if you get far enough back you can see. Is that the case with this show, or is there not enough room?

I need some help from those of you who have done it with kids...please.

To the left of the stage is the American Idol big screen. What I didn't know at the time was that it was playing the Hyperspace Hoopla in all its glory. Kids and adults were seated cross legged on the floor looking up at it, so everyone had a perfect view. They were seated so they weren't trampled, they can hear it without it disrupting their ear drums, and because a camera was trained at the stage not one area of the stage was missed, unlike where I was craning my neck to see around parents who had kids on their shoulders. That is where I would have been had I known.

 

[feistyblue]

Thank you Karpkg and Yulilin3, much appreciated. I'm so excited!

 

[Karpkg]

Found a link and review of last year's Star Wars Weekend with pics from Josh at easywdw.com

http://www.easywdw.com/worth-2/star...overview-of-characters-events-shows-and-more/

He speaks from a view of one who's a casual observer vs being a Star Wars Fan, so it's a more impartial look. The pics help a lot in giving a visual perspective.

 

[yulilin3]

I just don't think we are going to be able to do it.I really wanted to.
My DH and I have watched several youtube videos and it seems like it is almost impossible to see if you are a kiddo.(unless someone holds you up) We have 4 so we can't hold up all of them. We are thinking that it is going to be miserable for them to wait and then not be able to see what is going on. We talked about watching it in the park on the big screen they have, but that doesn't seem real exciting.
Am I missing something here? Is this really such a bad set up. It seems like with standing up shows in other parks (MK at the castle for example) if you get far enough back you can see. Is that the case with this show, or is there not enough room?

I need some help from those of you who have done it with kids...please.

I totally agree with Karpkg; you should watch it from the big screen, the stage is very close that you can see the screen and turn around and see the stage so you'll still feel the excitement from it. I don't understand why people can sit down in front of the screen but not in front of the stage I did talk to CM's that had that area last year and they did say that there were talks of enforcing people to sit down in front of the stage and then leave an area for people that prefer to stand up. This would be ideal and Ihope they impose it this year. But try to catch Hoopla it's just really fun.

You don't have to get to the park at 5:30 to get fast passes for the autographs. We have been the past 4 years and we have only been earlier than 7:00, once - and that was for Billy Dee Williams. We got there about 6 am for Billy Dee Williams. Some people camped out. We ended up getting standby tickets for him and were able to meet him.

Last year, we got there at 7:15 and we got passes to meet Ray Park and our meet time with him was around 2pm. They opened the park at 8:00am.

If they do the passes like they did last year, you definitely won't have to get there that early. Last year, they would only let you get 1 fast pass and you had to wait 2 hours before they would let you get another one. They still had lots of fast passes left when they opened at 8am. People were really complaining about it, too. In the past, you could get your fast pass, go get back in line for another one, until they ran out. They also started requiring that you wear a band and have your fast pass to get your autograph. In the past, they didn't do the bands - some people could get in line for others and pass the tickets over.

This was the beauty of last years system. More people had the opportunity to grab a fp since the "regulars" (the one who camp out and had multiple fp's and standby) had to wait 2 hours to get another one. It's true you could get there at 7am and still get a fp but if you really want an autograph from a specific person I would get there earlier just to make sure. You can always sleep later right? catch a nap on backlot tour.

 

[yulilin3]

Similar to feistybule, I'm looking for a strategy for a SWW newbie family. We have 2 SW fans in DD15 and DS9, but DD12 not so much. In addition, I'd appreciate some tips for navigating with DD12 in a wheelchair. We are planning on going Friday of weekend 2. I'm a little concerned how hard it may be to get around in the crowds with the wheelchair, I'm envisioning crowds like the morning rush to get to Soarin...is that accurate? I'd appreciate hearing any experience on this. Also, I'm hoping they have areas reserved for viewing the hyperspace hoopla for wheelchairs...I'm guessing they do as Disney is pretty good about that for other parades and shows.

My tentative plan is to get there by 7:30. Does the park typically open earlier than the posted 9:00?

Our kids aren't interested in autographs, but we do want to get some pics with characters. Are there PhotoPass CMs taking pics like other meet and greets?

We also want to hit the parade, take a break and come back for the hoopla. Are there other shows that we should see?

With the exception of Star Tours, we'll probably save doing rides for our non-SWW days.

The last couple of posts have also been very helpful...thanks!!

The wheelchair will be hard to navigate but not impossible. You'll find the greatest crowds around Star Tours just because this area is small, other than that you'll have space to navigate.
As of last year they did have an area for wheelchairs for the parade, close to the tipboard, you still need to get there early since it's a small area and the parade route is short.
For Hoopla there wasn't a wheelchair area last year, I know this because I have a SWW friends (one that I only see during SWW) and she grabbed her spot very early to be able to see right in front of the stage. But from what you've read you can also watch Hoopla in front of the AIE screen. Maybe they'll set up a wheelchair viewing area this year.
As for shows there are 2 that are for sure coming back:
*Behind the Force : all about the CLone Wars cartoon and how they do voice over. This would be great if you have kids that love the cartoon, here's a video of the full show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzgpus5cpcI
* Stars of the Saga: visiting celebs have a Q & A show, the best thing about this one is the pre-show: here's the preshow (this is actually a video I took last year) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bzn3HMIe0w
STars of the saga video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKHRhaPxj6s&feature=relmfu
Shows that we hope are coming back:
* A Visit to the Maul, Ray Park showing his martial arts techniques: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eesw1bFCX9s
* Obi Wan and Beyond: James Arnold Taylor shows how being a voice actor he can be all these different characters (video shot by myself) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eesw1bFCX9s
this last show is amazing, this man is so talented and such a great person.

 

[TDC Nala]

If you are going to see Ray Park, his one-man show is great. there' s also the Stars of the Saga show, get there early to see the stormtrooper preshow. And if James Arnold Taylor does his voice show again, don't miss it.

 

[Karpkg]

Sorry Mesaboy2, I just noticed you had posted the same easywdw.com link I had found a few days before me.

I'm going wknd 2 and 3. I'm looking up internet info on Andy Secombe(Watto) and Silas Carson (Nute Gunray). I haven't decided yet if I'm going to get up early for these guys. Has anyone met them at another convention? Personal thoughts?

Raaayyy's baaaccckkk!!!! I knew when I saw the Darth Donald/Maul SWW poster that he's gonna come back! I'm planning now on hunting for a Darth Maul birthday card (DS' b day is June 21) and I'd like to get Ray to sign it to my son. He'll think I'm the kewlest mom.

I haven't had the opportunity to meet Jake Lloyd yet. Any personal thoughts regarding him? I would have rather gone with Wknd 4 but I'm coinciding this with the Girl Scouts 100 Year Bridging Ceremony to be held in Epcot during Wknd 2 so same time frame again this year.

 

[mesaboy2]

Sorry Mesaboy2, I just noticed you had posted the same easywdw.com link I had found a few days before me.

No worries at all! I'm not naive enough to think everyone reads every post, especially on the long threads.

But, I WAS first.

 

[girli565]

The first weekend is the only one we can get our whole group to go, I'm worried it's going to be crazy packed. We get up early and are at DHS by 6am so I'm hoping we'll be able to do a lot and get in to see Ray. I don't want to see him but my hubby and his guy friends do.

 

[Karpkg]

No worries at all! I'm not naive enough to think everyone reads every post, especially on the long threads.

But, I WAS first.

The first weekend is the only one we can get our whole group to go, I'm worried it's going to be crazy packed. We get up early and are at DHS by 6am so I'm hoping we'll be able to do a lot and get in to see Ray. I don't want to see him but my hubby and his guy friends do.

1st weekend will not be as packed as the subsequent weekends because kids are still in school. People who'll be there will be a lot of locals. We're Cherokee County, GA and we won't get out till end of May, so wknds 2 and 3 are when we can go. Even so, we're taking the kids out one day early so we can be there Friday instead of the Saturday/Sunday. Heck, that last day of school is usually reserved for just parties and only half the class is usually present.

It's great that Ray will have 2 wknds so it'll spread the people out a bit who wants to see him.

Yes, it'll be crowded because it is an event. But, just like going to a rock concert, or any event; I'd hate it to be deserted and unpopular, riiighhhttt??? Because, then Disney wouldn't hold a function like this!

But mix Disney, end of school year, Star Wars...perfect blending so we're going. I'm willing to pack up and drive 8 hours there and 8 hours back.

Magic Kingdom, Epcot...they tend to have a lot of festivals, events...I think Star Wars is perfect to put DHS in the limelight. So, I don't begrudge HS the crowds during this time.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I just don't think we are going to be able to do it.I really wanted to.
My DH and I have watched several youtube videos and it seems like it is almost impossible to see if you are a kiddo.(unless someone holds you up) We have 4 so we can't hold up all of them. We are thinking that it is going to be miserable for them to wait and then not be able to see what is going on. We talked about watching it in the park on the big screen they have, but that doesn't seem real exciting.
Am I missing something here? Is this really such a bad set up. It seems like with standing up shows in other parks (MK at the castle for example) if you get far enough back you can see. Is that the case with this show, or is there not enough room?

I need some help from those of you who have done it with kids...please.

We did it twice when it was at JTA and it was a NIGHTMARE!! Last year we didn't even attempt the hat stage, but watched by the AI screen. It was so peaceful!! Everyone sat, the view was great, hardly any one walked past the screen (although those who did didn't obscure anything since the screen is up so high). If memory serves, we sat down about 45 minutes before the Hoopla was set to begin, to ensure we would be in the front, but even if you wandered over just before it started, you would get a prime seat. (This was a Saturday of Weekend 4).

I REALLY hope they do it this way again this year!!


Also, totally random tip, but one of the best things we ever did was bring a lightsaber and had all the characters sign the "blade" with a black sharpie. We have one from each year that we have gone, hanging in DS's bedroom.

 

[yulilin3]

Sorry Mesaboy2, I just noticed you had posted the same easywdw.com link I had found a few days before me.

I'm going wknd 2 and 3. I'm looking up internet info on Andy Secombe(Watto) and Silas Carson (Nute Gunray). I haven't decided yet if I'm going to get up early for these guys. Has anyone met them at another convention? Personal thoughts?

Raaayyy's baaaccckkk!!!! I knew when I saw the Darth Donald/Maul SWW poster that he's gonna come back! I'm planning now on hunting for a Darth Maul birthday card (DS' b day is June 21) and I'd like to get Ray to sign it to my son. He'll think I'm the kewlest mom.

I haven't had the opportunity to meet Jake Lloyd yet. Any personal thoughts regarding him? I would have rather gone with Wknd 4 but I'm coinciding this with the Girl Scouts 100 Year Bridging Ceremony to be held in Epcot during Wknd 2 so same time frame again this year.

Haven't met Andy Secome or Silas Carson, so looking forward to meeting them and getting our SW calendar signed by them both.
As for Jake Lloyd we did meet him the last time he came to SWW and to be honest, it's been one of the few people that we didn't really like. Maybe he was having an off day but he seemed to be very out of it, aloof. He just signed our things and didn't even try to make small talk, we just didn't like him

 

[ocalla]

What do you think is better?

Our trip dates are May 25 - June 2

Looking at SWW on May 26th (touringplans gives it a 10 that day)
or June 1 (touringplans gives it a 7, even though its Gay Days?)

The Gay Days part does not bother us............but will the crowds end up bigger than what they are predicting?

Will we see any bit of difference in the SWW "areas" of DHS?

TIA!!!

 

[yulilin3]

What do you think is better?

Our trip dates are May 25 - June 2

Looking at SWW on May 26th (touringplans gives it a 10 that day)
or June 1 (touringplans gives it a 7, even though its Gay Days?)

The Gay Days part does not bother us............but will the crowds end up bigger than what they are predicting?

Will we see any bit of difference in the SWW "areas" of DHS?

TIA!!!

I think it's higher for the 26th because of Memorial Weekend. To be honest, I think it'll be crowded both weekends the same way. I've never really seen any impact on Gay Days for DHS. To me it's always the same amount of crowd. Keep in mind I usually go Saturday and Sunday, not Friday.

 

[Karpkg]

What do you think is better?

Our trip dates are May 25 - June 2

Looking at SWW on May 26th (touringplans gives it a 10 that day)
or June 1 (touringplans gives it a 7, even though its Gay Days?)

The Gay Days part does not bother us............but will the crowds end up bigger than what they are predicting?

Will we see any bit of difference in the SWW "areas" of DHS?

TIA!!!

You're talking about a Saturday in the middle of a 3 day wknd vs a Friday. To me gay days don't trump a 3 day wknd in terms of crowds.

 

[Disneyforus]

Also, totally random tip, but one of the best things we ever did was bring a lightsaber and had all the characters sign the "blade" with a black sharpie. We have one from each year that we have gone, hanging in DS's bedroom.

Really? That is an awesome idea. I didn't think characters would sign objects like that. I would love to do that for me two youngest boys!!!

Also, thanks for the other advice...sounds like if we stay for Hoopla we will sit and watch it at the screen.

 

[PixiePoppins]

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

 

[Karpkg]

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

You're welcome.

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.

 

[goofyredraider]

You're welcome.

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.

Oh, that's cool!

 

[undertheseas]

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.