The Force Awakens premiere event at DHS

[snuggly duckling]

I searched but didn't see any threads about this...

Who else got tickets for the Star Wars premiere event at the Disney Springs AMC and the after party at DHS?

We are so excited about the event but also a little nervous because so little info has been shared beyond the original parks blog announcement. We are especially worried about how early to get to Disney Springs and how the theater seating will work (assigned, first come first served etc.) It will be me, DH, and DS8 and we all want to sit together obviously.

We plan to spend the day at Epcot and head over at least a few hours before our 8:00 pm show time, but I'm wondering if that's enough.

How are others approaching the day?

 

[yulilin3]

not a lot of information has been released but I can tell you this, if you want a good seat plan to be at Disney Springs no later than 11 am. Disney already said that they won't allow anyone to be making a line before 8 am, they know people will show up early to get good seats because they are not reserved, they are first come. Over on the Launch Bay/Symphony in the Stars thread some people are going to this event.

 

[Cynister]

We're going, but I have no idea how it is going to work. We've already decided we aren't camping out all day in line, so if that means they have no way of dealing with people who have reservations for the different movie times individually to crowd control, then that will be a nightmare. We'll see how it plays out. No info has been given.

 

[snuggly duckling]

Yeah, we aren't going to camp out either. 12/17 is actually our arrival day. We land at MCO at 8:00 am and will be at Epcot through at least 2:00 pm because of a lunch ADR.

No way my DS8 will be content to sit in line at Disney Springs all day when he could be at a park.

I don't really care about good seats but I do want 3 together.

Fingers crossed!

 

[Aerorea]

My husband and I are going to the event and are concerned with the lack of information as well.

By some miracle (or not, TBD), we got tickets for the 7pm ETX showing.

 

[btr2trvl]

not a lot of information has been released but I can tell you this, if you want a good seat plan to be at Disney Springs no later than 11 am. Disney already said that they won't allow anyone to be making a line before 8 am, they know people will show up early to get good seats because they are not reserved, they are first come. Over on the Launch Bay/Symphony in the Stars thread some people are going to this event.

''

I have tickets to the 7:15pm show on 12/17. I'm confused why we would need to be there so early. I have only been there for Fork & Screen movies before are there really bad seats in the regular theatres?

 

[hiroMYhero]

''

I have tickets to the 7:15pm show on 12/17. I'm confused why we would need to be there so early. I have only been there for Fork & Screen movies before are there really bad seats in the regular theatres?

Not that there are bad seats, but, would it bother you if everyone in your party sat separately and not even remotely close to each other? Would it bother you if you were seated in the very front row of the theater?

If you aren't bothered by these possibilities, you don't need to arrive early.

 

[kjduncan]

We aren't camping out either, but plan to get to Disney Springs sometime in the afternoon to shop and then get in line.

 

[btr2trvl]

I assume you all got the email last night on what to do...

Here’s Your Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away
We’re excited to celebrate the release of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS with you. This e-mail includes important information regarding the event check-in process and guidelines to help ensure you have the ultimate STAR WARS experience.
Locations:
AMC® Disney Springs™ 24
1500 E. Buena Vista Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
351 S. Studio Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
No Jedi May Enter Without a Ticket
Any time prior to the event, bring your online confirmation number to the AMC Disney Springs 24 box office or an automated box office kiosk during normal operating hours to print a ticket.
On event day, check-in will open at 8:00 a.m. Bring your AMC Disney Springs 24 box office ticket to the check-in location near La Nouba™ by Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs West Side. You will
receive your event credentials as well as your check-in card. This card indicates the order in which
you arrived and a designated return time. You will then line up at various locations around the West
Side and be brought into the theatre based on your check-in order. Please be aware that you will not be able to enter Disney Springs prior to 8:00 a.m.
You’ll Need Transportation to This Galaxy
Parking is complimentary in the Orange Garage and lots surrounding Disney Springs. Look for signs directing you to available parking. Please plan to provide your own transportation to/from Disney Springs and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Following the film, use the Main Auto Plaza Entrance via Interstate 4 and World Drive to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Limited bus transportation will be provided if you’re staying in a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel.
Follow the link below and respond “YES” in the confirmation info if you are staying in a Disney Resort Hotel and need transportation.

Request Resort Transportation

Does Your Outfit Stray Too Far to the Dark Side?
Make sure your costume is child-friendly and follows guidelines determined by AMC and Disney:
• Costumes should not be obstructive, offensive or violent; drag on the ground; contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest; contain any weapons or objects which resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon or toy guns.
• For this event at Disney Springs, AMC Disney Springs 24, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, masks must be carried although can be worn for photos. Use of full-face paint is not allowed.
• Guests who dress like Disney or Star Wars characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs.
All persons, bags, parcels and other items may be subject to screening/security checks at AMC Disney Springs 24 and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Hosts of the event reserve the right not to allow any bag, parcel or other item to be brought into the event venues, and to deal with any unattended object in the manner the event hosts consider appropriate.

 

[xApril]

My friends and I are planning to stop by around 8am and get our credentials and return time. We're going to hit up DHS after that and probably have a meal at Sweet Tomatoes before coming back and lining up.

If anything, could you guys stop at Disney Springs on the way to Epcot?

 

[cjparker0110]

''

I have tickets to the 7:15pm show on 12/17. I'm confused why we would need to be there so early. I have only been there for Fork & Screen movies before are there really bad seats in the regular theatres?

When the prequels came out I went to the midnight premiere showings at the 24 screen AMC back home. The movie was on 5 screens and they sold tickets one week early (a new concept back then). I went straight from my job at the mall to the AMC at about 9:30pm and there were already 400+ people in line waiting to get in (doors wouldn't be opened until 11:00).

So why would you need to be there early? It depends on where you like to sit and how big your part is. The people that get there early want to get in, get their popcorn (if they so choose) and pick their favorite spots to sit before the crowds get crazy. People who arrive late will be searching for seats. These showings are sold out to start with and if you are late you will literally be searching for an open seat even if you are just by yourself. Now think about going in with a family of 4 or a group of friends and trying to sit together.

 

[yulilin3]

I assume you all got the email last night on what to do...

Here’s Your Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away
We’re excited to celebrate the release of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS with you. This e-mail includes important information regarding the event check-in process and guidelines to help ensure you have the ultimate STAR WARS experience.
Locations:
AMC® Disney Springs™ 24
1500 E. Buena Vista Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
351 S. Studio Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
No Jedi May Enter Without a Ticket
Any time prior to the event, bring your online confirmation number to the AMC Disney Springs 24 box office or an automated box office kiosk during normal operating hours to print a ticket.
On event day, check-in will open at 8:00 a.m. Bring your AMC Disney Springs 24 box office ticket to the check-in location near La Nouba™ by Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs West Side. You will
receive your event credentials as well as your check-in card. This card indicates the order in which
you arrived and a designated return time. You will then line up at various locations around the West
Side and be brought into the theatre based on your check-in order. Please be aware that you will not be able to enter Disney Springs prior to 8:00 a.m.
You’ll Need Transportation to This Galaxy
Parking is complimentary in the Orange Garage and lots surrounding Disney Springs. Look for signs directing you to available parking. Please plan to provide your own transportation to/from Disney Springs and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Following the film, use the Main Auto Plaza Entrance via Interstate 4 and World Drive to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Limited bus transportation will be provided if you’re staying in a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel.
Follow the link below and respond “YES” in the confirmation info if you are staying in a Disney Resort Hotel and need transportation.

Request Resort Transportation

Does Your Outfit Stray Too Far to the Dark Side?
Make sure your costume is child-friendly and follows guidelines determined by AMC and Disney:
• Costumes should not be obstructive, offensive or violent; drag on the ground; contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest; contain any weapons or objects which resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon or toy guns.
• For this event at Disney Springs, AMC Disney Springs 24, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, masks must be carried although can be worn for photos. Use of full-face paint is not allowed.
• Guests who dress like Disney or Star Wars characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs.
All persons, bags, parcels and other items may be subject to screening/security checks at AMC Disney Springs 24 and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Hosts of the event reserve the right not to allow any bag, parcel or other item to be brought into the event venues, and to deal with any unattended object in the manner the event hosts consider appropriate.

thanks for posting this, so glad they are doing assigned check in time by the time you got there. I'm going to share this on the Launch Bay thread, if that's ok

 

[btr2trvl]

I went by AMC today and spoke to their GM. She told me the entire theatre is for SWTFA tomorrow and that for my 7:15pm show they will start seating at 3pm. Also Disney Springs security confirmed the parking lot will open at 5:30am (best to park in the open air lot by Cirque) but the Disney special event staff wont allow you to line up for credentials until 8am. I also confirmed one person can pick up credentials for their entire party by bringing all their tickets.

 

[nancipants]

I went by AMC today and spoke to their GM. She told me the entire theatre is for SWTFA tomorrow and that for my 7:15pm show they will start seating at 3pm. Also Disney Springs security confirmed the parking lot will open at 5:30am (best to park in the open air lot by Cirque) but the Disney special event staff wont allow you to line up for credentials until 8am. I also confirmed one person can pick up credentials for their entire party by bringing all their tickets.

Thanks. So is the return time considered 3 pm, or will we have to get to the line earlier than that?

 

[btr2trvl]

According to the GM, each showing has its own return time and then you are seated in the order you checked in. They will tell you when to return when you get your credentials.

 

[yulilin3]

INFORMATION FOR PACKAGE PEOPLE TODAY:
EVENT TIMELINE
8 a.m. -Movie ticket pick-up available at AMC Theatres -Event credentials available at Cirque du Soleil
1:30 p.m. Guest queues open (return times staggered)
2 p.m. AMC Disney Springs 24 opens to event Guests
7-8 p.m. Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie begins (start times staggered)
9:45-10:45 p.m. Movies end; Guests travel to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for after-party

ATTRACTIONS THAT WILL BE FULLY OPERATIONAL:
Star Tours
Tower of Terror
Rock n Rollercoaster
Jedi Training
Star Wars Path of the Jedi
MERCHANDISE
•Launch Bay Cargo: High end collectibles & toys, On Demand Star Wars phone cases, MagicBands •Keystone Clothiers: Vintage & boutique Star Wars apparel
•Tatooine Traders: Episode VII product, Build Your Own sabers and droids •Mickey’s of Hollywood: Star Wars Episode VII product, apparel, toys, trading
•Once Upon A Time: Star Wars Episode VII product, apparel, toys
•Glow Carts: Star Wars glow product
GIFT DISTRIBUTION
Epic Theater 10:30p-2a
Theater of the Stars 10:30p-2am
Movieland Merchandise 12a-park clear
ENTERTAINMENT
DJ Dance Party 10:30p-2a (Center Stage)
Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular 12:45a (Center Stage)
Character Greetings (Intermittently from 11p-2a)
Meet Chewbacca and encounter Darth Vader at Star Wars Launch Bay
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
•Backlot Express
•Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner
•Brown Derby Lounge (limited menu)
•Anaheim Produce •Fairfax Fare (limited menu)
•The Trolley Car Café
SPECIALITY FOOD & BEVERAGE ITEMS
•BB-8 Stein: Backlot Express, Min & Bill’s
•Chewbacca Stein: Backlot Express, Min & Bill’s, Hollywood popcorn cart
•TIE Fighter Popcorn Bucket: Backlot Express, Animation popcorn cart, Hollywood popcorn cart
•BB-8 Krispy Treat: Backlot Express, Min & Bill’s, Trolley Car Café •Darth Vader, BB-8 & Chewbacca Cupcakes: Backlot Express, Trolley Car Café, Fairfax Fare

 

[nancipants]

Thanks guys! On our way to check in right now!

 

[estherhead]

We're here too! So excited. We have 12 of us.

 

[nancipants]

Hahaha you can see my husband at 10 seconds in.

Still in line but closer to the front now.

 

[yulilin3]

Wow!! Have fun everyone and May the Patience be With You