Star Wars Weekend Tips 2012

Quick heads up to everyone: The sliding door Darth Vader and Darth Maul spinner pins are expected to run out this weekend. Piece of the Death Star ran out over the weekend, but the $300 full set is still plenty.
 
I am so excited.

I've had this thread bookmarked for months, but refused to read it because I didn't want to get too excited with too much time before we get to go...

Last week, I finally caved. I read every post, and now I am SO stoked to be headed to SWW tomorrow [friday] and Sunday the 10th!!

Tomorrow was supposed to be our only day, but my DBf got the short end of a crappy stick at work, and we have to leave around 3, so we made the executive decision to go another day!

Thanks to everyone that shared insider information, or their experiences this year, or advice from past years. You really make it easy for a SWW first timer to pretend like they know what they're doing!
 
Looks like we may head back down the weekend of June 8-10. I'd like to make sure we get photos with Darth Vader this time.
 
Updated List:

I know I'm missing people or schedules have changed that I haven't caught, let me know! I'll be at Blizzard Beach today so I'll update again later in the afternoon/early evening.

3rd Wknd June 1-3
ajh88 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
audrey2580 6/1
cerberus 6/2
bjakmom 6/1, 6/2, 6/3
DanniDeer 6/1, 6/3
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 or Tatooine Traders, say hi to Holly!)
ireland nicole
jar
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
Roythe13th 6/1, 6/3
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
alala
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
GadgetRick 6/8, 6/9, 6/10
Hanover
Hollywoodhaha(working at Darth Mall or Tatooine Traders, say hi to Holly!)
ireland nicole 6/8
jacksonsmom 6/8, 6/10
Kathy Jetson 6/8
kmadams
ladyjubilee 6/10
LeslieLou
liriel 6/10
lovethattink 6/8, 6/9, 6/10
love goofy 6/8
Maavernon 6/8
mmtska 6/8
mousenyc
Music City Mama 6/8
NitaO 6/10
NWT 6/8, 6/9, 6/10
POLY1985 6/10
Poohbug 6/8, 6/10
RalphinSC 6/10
susanrose73 6/8
syntigger
texasteacher35
tigerdragon
tink70 6/9
TrixieLouMagoo 6/8
undertheseas 6/8
VeganCupcake
vwaller72 6/8
wdwfanatic80 6/9, 6/10
wdwnut61 6/8, 6/9, 6/10
yulilin3 6/9, 6/10
4forWDW 6/8
39CINDERELLA 6/8, 6/9, 6/10

 

I would be hoping that these actors can show up next year:

Natalie Portman ( Not sure if Thor 2 would still be shooting )
Peter Mayhew
Jeremy Bullock ( Wouldn't worry much though, he comes every year )
Mark Hamil
Warwick Davis

Where did you hear the Hayden and Mark rumors?

I frequent the studioscentral forums but don't post. Also the starwars.com forum but don't post. I've posted a trip report the first year of SWW I went on studioscentral but not last year. Yulilin3 is a veteran of that forum as well.

Hayden was a rumor last year, Mark was just wishful thinking. It was on studioscentral we started hearing about George Lucas possibly attending the reopening of ST, but it was very hush hush till just a few days before opening. Security was pretty tight with the CM's. We wanted Hayden but that went up in smoke.
 
I would be hoping that these actors can show up next year:

Natalie Portman ( Not sure if Thor 2 would still be shooting )
Peter Mayhew
Jeremy Bullock ( Wouldn't worry much though, he comes every year )
Mark Hamil
Warwick Davis

Where did you hear the Hayden and Mark rumors?

There's no way Disney could handle Natalie Portman or Mark Hamil crowds, it would be insane...as of now they are only allowing people to camp out during the night before because the all-mighty (I say this with respect and admiration for the guy) George Lucas asked Disney to allow the fans to do so.
Peter Mayhew is in bad physical conditions, his legs are giving him alot of problems and in the last -con here in Orlando (forgot the name) he was in a wheelchair, although I do hope he can come back next year, he's an amazing person. Jeremy and Warwick are more plausible posibilities for next year.
 
Hi. I see that you're staying at YC next weekend! We will be there too celebrating our 'baby's' 13th birthday on the 8th. Maybe we will see you walking over to Studios or around the pool.

My DS's bday is on the 10th! (He turns 9 this year) Where does the time go??

[/COLOR]



2 years ago stayed at BWV and was told the buses(correction, boats) follow normal operating times and won't be open early enough for SWW. Plus they make other stops as well (Swan and Dolphin, I believe, again this was 2 years ago) So I walked.

Cut across the tennis courts; search on BWV to HS and you'll get some tips on the transportation subforum. Took me about 10-15 min.

Thanks! We were planning on walking, but I just wanted to be sure! We are at the YC, so cutting through BW doesn't really save us much time since we are closer to the Swolphin than BWI. (Although from the BC, it does save time). I know it took us about 10-15 minutes to walk it last year, and we were at a pretty good pace.


And ITA that there's no WAY Mark Hamil (or Hayden) would be at a future SWW. Their fee would be insane, and people would start sleeping there NOW to be first in line :rotfl:

I'm also willing to bet next year's theme will be Attack of the Clones related because of the 3-D theater release, and not in conjunction with the 30th Anniversary of Jedi.
 
I asked this in a separate thread, but I'll ask here too. We're going the last Friday of SWW. We have a 2nd DHS early evening + EMH (4pm on) for rides and such that we miss. With that said we aren't interested in meeting any characters (maybe a Stormtrooper :love:) but we want to experience the atmosphere of SWW. Is it still necessary to get there as early as possible (say 7am) or will we be able to head over for say 8:30-9:30am. I'm just wondering because ALL of our days are starting exceptionally early.
 
We forewent MK on Saturday and went to DHS instead, and left late. We were offsite and drove, arriving around 7:10, got to the lines around 7:16 and walked into a deserted line for Ashley and Kane. Driving is no problem for us.

And you were able to park pretty close (I'm assuming the trams aren't running yet)?
 
There's no way Disney could handle Natalie Portman or Mark Hamil crowds, it would be insane...as of now they are only allowing people to camp out during the night before because the all-mighty (I say this with respect and admiration for the guy) George Lucas asked Disney to allow the fans to do so.
Peter Mayhew is in bad physical conditions, his legs are giving him alot of problems and in the last -con here in Orlando (forgot the name) he was in a wheelchair, although I do hope he can come back next year, he's an amazing person. Jeremy and Warwick are more plausible posibilities for next year.

I can just imagine the crowds.. I know Peter is old, but I didn't know he needed a wheelchair. I am hoping next years theme is Return of the Jedi though, as Attack of the Clones is my least favorite SW movie.
 
I asked this in a separate thread, but I'll ask here too. We're going the last Friday of SWW. We have a 2nd DHS early evening + EMH (4pm on) for rides and such that we miss. With that said we aren't interested in meeting any characters (maybe a Stormtrooper :love:) but we want to experience the atmosphere of SWW. Is it still necessary to get there as early as possible (say 7am) or will we be able to head over for say 8:30-9:30am. I'm just wondering because ALL of our days are starting exceptionally early.

I've never been to a SWW, but from everything I have read on this thread for months (plus the information you provided about your particular situation), I think you'll be fine to arrive whenever you want.
 
I asked this in a separate thread, but I'll ask here too. We're going the last Friday of SWW. We have a 2nd DHS early evening + EMH (4pm on) for rides and such that we miss. With that said we aren't interested in meeting any characters (maybe a Stormtrooper :love:) but we want to experience the atmosphere of SWW. Is it still necessary to get there as early as possible (say 7am) or will we be able to head over for say 8:30-9:30am. I'm just wondering because ALL of our days are starting exceptionally early.

Arriving at 8:30 should be fine.
 
I can just imagine the crowds.. I know Peter is old, but I didn't know he needed a wheelchair. I am hoping next years theme is Return of the Jedi though, as Attack of the Clones is my least favorite SW movie.

Attack of the Clones is my least favorite movie as well. I'll rank my favorites from most to least:
#1 Empire Strikes Back
#2 A New Hope
#3 Revenge of the Sith
#4 Return of the Jedi ( if it wasn't for the Ewok part this would be #3, nothing against loveable Ewoks I just don't get them)
#5 Phantom Menace
#6 Attack of the Clones
 
I asked this in a separate thread, but I'll ask here too. We're going the last Friday of SWW. We have a 2nd DHS early evening + EMH (4pm on) for rides and such that we miss. With that said we aren't interested in meeting any characters (maybe a Stormtrooper :love:) but we want to experience the atmosphere of SWW. Is it still necessary to get there as early as possible (say 7am) or will we be able to head over for say 8:30-9:30am. I'm just wondering because ALL of our days are starting exceptionally early.

If you don't want to sign up for JTA. PMC or get autographs then you're fine arriving at 8:30am...just remember getting to the parks early give you an upper hand, not only on crowds but heat...it hit 90 degrees here at 10:30am today...it's really sticky and uncomfortable...just something to keep in mind.
 
Attack of the Clones is my least favorite movie as well. I'll rank my favorites from most to least:
#1 Empire Strikes Back
#2 A New Hope
#3 Revenge of the Sith
#4 Return of the Jedi ( if it wasn't for the Ewok part this would be #3, nothing against loveable Ewoks I just don't get them)
#5 Phantom Menace
#6 Attack of the Clones

I'm right there with you, but I would swap Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. I HATED Phantom Menace when we first saw it (but after waiting 20 years for a new SW, I don't think anything could have lived up to that kind of anticipation). The only part of Phantom Menace that I liked was the Darth Maul stuff. Attack of the Clones is only marginally better, but I will at least watch parts of that one when I stumble across it on Spike TV :rotfl:

As for the Ewoks, I was about 9 when Jedi came out, so at the time I loved it! But now that I am older, and watch with my DS, I really can't believe how terrible some of that movie is :headache:
 
If you don't want to sign up for JTA. PMC or get autographs then you're fine arriving at 8:30am...just remember getting to the parks early give you an upper hand, not only on crowds but heat...it hit 90 degrees here at 10:30am today...it's really sticky and uncomfortable...just something to keep in mind.

We arrived last Friday around 12 and Saturday at 8:45 and there is no issue with getting in. Many character lines are in direct sun and I would recommend bringing an umbrella for shade. There were several characters including storm troopers that roamed the area by the giant Coke bottle in the back of the Studios. They would sign autographs. We got in Chewbacca's line at 6:30 PM on Friday night. The line closes at 7 so he can get ready for the Hoopla. We only waited 20 minutes to see him. The nice thing about this line is that they close it off when it is closer to show time and if you are already in line, you will meet Chewbacca. However, he does come out with one of three Ewoks. The Ewoks change after each break.

As for the parade, we found great seats on the curb right where is starts. Most guests wanted to be on Hollywood Boulevard so the spots at the front of the parade were empty at 12:15 when the parade started at 12:40.

The line inside Darth's Mall were not too bad to meet Luke and Leah. They alternated. Then sometimes the droids were out too. We met Luke with R2D2 and C3PO, but then Leah was by herself. It was in the shade in air conditioning!

I hope this helps a little. :chewy:
 
Thanks everyone!! I don't mind being up by 6 everyday but my BFF isn't used to vacationing like this (she's more of a lay on the beach kind of girl), so I figured I should accommodate her a little bit lol
 
Attack of the Clones is my least favorite movie as well. I'll rank my favorites from most to least:
#1 Empire Strikes Back
#2 A New Hope
#3 Revenge of the Sith
#4 Return of the Jedi ( if it wasn't for the Ewok part this would be #3, nothing against loveable Ewoks I just don't get them)
#5 Phantom Menace
#6 Attack of the Clones

For my money, I prefer the original Star Wars to any of the sequels or prequels. However, most of that is just the pure enjoyment of the story (without any promise of additional films), the special effects (which Lucas had to do himself because no one else could do it the way he wanted), and the introduction into a greater world. And before anyone gives me grief about Star Wars - one must remember that when it opened in 1977, there was no episode umber attached to it. That only came in when it was rereleased prior to Empire coming out. THere are a finite amount of copies out there, but, they exist - the box set with the special editions of the original trilogy that had as the bonus disc the original theatrical release versions of the films - the only known releases of them on DVD.

Also, the themeing next year will likely be Attack of the Clones. I expect this due to financial and tie-in concerns. THis year was the 35th anniversary of the original release of Star Wars - the movie that started this whole thing, without which we would never have known the characters, the stories, or the rest of it. However, we got Phantom Menace the year of the 3D release, and everything pushed 3D while at SWW last weekend.
 
I can just imagine the crowds.. I know Peter is old, but I didn't know he needed a wheelchair. I am hoping next years theme is Return of the Jedi though, as Attack of the Clones is my least favorite SW movie.

he's not terribly old, he is 68. He had surgery on his legs not too long ago.
 
My ds did the carbon freeze me. They are doing it weekdays as well. We had no wait today and they took us as a walk in.
 




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