star wars weekends

[turtlebean]

How busy is it during Star Wars Weekends? We are going on our first WDW trip 5/31-6/6 and we are very excited that it is during Star Wars Weekends. Both of my boys, DH and I are big star wars fans. Just wondering from anyone who has gone what the crowds and lines were like and if anyone has any tips for that weekend. TIA!

 

[Bob P]

Hi and to the DIS!

Star Wars weekends are a little busier than regular weekends, which are busier than weekdays. If you arrive early you should have little to no trouble.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[MouseMadness]

We went to Star Wars Weekends 2 years ago and it was a blast!!!! Yes, it is a little more crowded, but well worth it. You absolutely want to get there early...especially if you plan on getting any of the merchandise. My DH and DS (especially DS) like collecting special SW stuff for the cabinet in our office. They sell special stuff there, but beware, DH left hours before we did that year to get in line for it...and the lines were rediculous! I thought he was insane leaving so early...oddly enough he was right If that's something you're interested in, perhaps a member of your party can go later with the kids (like I did) to avoid the huge crowd of people lining up extremely early just to go get the merchandise.

Now, as far as the characters, we saw everyone there. And be sure to get a seat early for the parade...it has all the characters in it. Also, if your kids want to get into a lightsaber "dual" with Darth Vader (over by the Star Tours attraction - Jedi Training Academy), line up REALLY early for that. Last time we went (non-SW weekends) it was still busy and we had to go back 4 times before DS was picked to go on stage. However, it was the highlight of his trip. Be sure the kids line up ON the tape line they have on the ground in front of the attraction...this is where they choose the kids from...usually from the front row. Also make sure they scream and yell as loud as possible to get the attention of the "Jedi" who's doing all the picking...

You're going to have so much fun...

 

[meghanlea]

we went last year and my DD who was 4 at the time loved it. she is HUGE sw fan and calls Darth Vader her best friend. Luke and Leia were with R2D2 at the time we saw them, and when my DD went up to them she starting making robot noises like R2. Leia looked at her with great surprise and said, "you speak droid too?" that made my daugther's day. We didn't wait too long in lines, we went the first weekend. Maybe 15 min tops, the line for chewy was quite long and we knew she wouldn't last so we didn't attempt it. Vader was too, but he was back where the HSM parade was so DH stood in line and we went to watch the parade. When he was about 10 people away we joined him, no one got upset. They all loved the shirt she had on. I got it off ebay, it was a custom made of goofy dressed like vader and mickey as a jedi and they were fighting. the night before was EMH at HS so we went that night and they allready had some merchandise out so we got some things then. I would deff recommend this if you are into sw. Note that if you go I would plan an extra day jsut for HS as you will be busy finding characters all over the park and not seeing other things.

 

[turtlebean]

Thanks for all the tips!! We're planning on going to HS 2 days while we are there. We'll be at WDW the week after Memorial Day, so hopefully it won't be too busy. I can't wait!

 

[turtlebean]

Question for all of you that have been to Star Wars weekends:

I was reading that you needed fast passes for autographs. Is the fast pass just for getting the autographs of the actors or anyone?

If I see someone dressed as Darth Vadar, will they sign autographs and if so, do I need a fast pass for that?

 

[MouseMadness]

Question for all of you that have been to Star Wars weekends:

I was reading that you needed fast passes for autographs. Is the fast pass just for getting the autographs of the actors or anyone?

If I see someone dressed as Darth Vadar, will they sign autographs and if so, do I need a fast pass for that?

No, you don't need a pass for Darth Vadar or other regular characters. They are around regularly just like Mickey and Minnie...oh, and be sure to check out Jedi Mickey You'll also see alot of "regular" guests dressed up as well...some of them looking as good as the characters.

Last time we went, Jedi Mickey and Darth Vader had special areas for pictures and autographs (inside). Most of the other characters, stormtroopers, etc. are just walking around and/or in one place outside for autographs.

 

[Jitzy]

You do need a fastpass for the actors who play the characters in the movie! We went one weekend and met the actor who played Jango Fett. We met people that day that got in line around midnight to get autographs! Can you believe it?

 

[dzneelvr]

The actors autograph huts are situated around the lagoon between Hollywood and Vine and Indiana Jones. We usually check in with the CM assigned to each hut for the protocol and if there have been any changes to announced schedules.
The character photo ops are hit and miss; major characters have very long lines and there will be times when you're cut off. Just wait it out for the next time and don't get discouraged.
There are many neat "secondary" characters wandering around who are more than happy to pose quickly for you.
All of the SW activity is situated to the left of Hollywood and Vine; I don't know what is going on in the rest of the park; we save that for the other days we visit without SWW. Try to take in everything that is Star Wars. The movie shown last year was an exclusive preclude to the Clone Wars release and the year before that we saw an exclusive George Lucas commentary on the "Makings of Star Wars". Can't wait to see what will be offered this year
May the force be with you

 

[jshopper2]

This is great info!! Thanks for sharing!!

Jennifer