TIPS: Star Wars Weekends 2011

[fenrir58]

i know i have read in this post that there might not be a soft opening?? our last park day is the 19th, does anybody think that they will have any fan fare that day? also are doing the jedi training academy while it is down? is there any merchandise available for the new ride??? thanks

Last year I was at DHS a day before SWW and they had some of the sets for photo ops in place already(life-size toy package, Tantive IV, etc.). It was pretty cool and if you do not mind missing the characters-no line!

 

[Joanna71985]

i know i have read in this post that there might not be a soft opening?? our last park day is the 19th, does anybody think that they will have any fan fare that day? also are doing the jedi training academy while it is down? is there any merchandise available for the new ride??? thanks

JTA has been running the whole time Star Tours has been closed

 

[brdlyleon]

Quick question, when doing the celebrity autographs, are you allowed to take a picture with them? I've been looking for an answer but havent found one yet...ALSO, if you get there early for the celebrity FP, how does that work exactly? Is there a general line for the fp, and then it splits up for the celebrity, or do you get to the front and they ask you who you want to see? Just wondering...TIA

 

[delmar411]

Quick question, when doing the celebrity autographs, are you allowed to take a picture with them? I've been looking for an answer but havent found one yet...ALSO, if you get there early for the celebrity FP, how does that work exactly? Is there a general line for the fp, and then it splits up for the celebrity, or do you get to the front and they ask you who you want to see? Just wondering...TIA

Yes you can take pics w/ the celebs. And there is a line for each celeb so you have to pick who you want to see and get in that line. The lines are before the ticketing windows, off to the right side.

 

[butiflfeet]

Maybe this has already been answered somewhere but is the daily schedule usually released prior to the first weekend? I'm wondering when the different events like the parade are scheduled throughout the day.

 

[yulilin3]

Maybe this has already been answered somewhere but is the daily schedule usually released prior to the first weekend? I'm wondering when the different events like the parade are scheduled throughout the day.

We should have the full schedule by May 17. Just keep checking this page or sww.studioscentral.com

 

[yulilin3]

Just a reminder that the first SWW chat is tonight at 8pm http://www.studioscentral.com/chat
Is it your first tme and have questions? Do you want to share your past experiences? or do you just want to hang out with a great group of people that share your same geekyness (I mean interests)?
Join us, it'll be Fun.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Disney released photos of NBA Superstar Dwight Howard and All-Star Center for the Orlando Magic, at the soon-to-open "Star Tours -- The Adventures Continue" 3-D attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. He is posing with Star Wars character Chewbacca in front of the entrance to the attraction and wearing Mouse Ears inspired by R2-D2, the lovable droid from the Star Wars film saga. The new attraction will open May 20, 2011, the same day the 2011 edition of the Walt Disney World annual event "Star Wars Weekends" opens.

From Disney:

(MAY 6, 2011): Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard poses May 6, 2011 with "Star Wars" character Chewbacca in front of the new "Star Tours - The Adventures Continue" attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The new 3-D attraction opens May 20, 2011. Howard was just honored with his third straight NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and finished second in the NBA MVP voting this season. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

 

[yulilin3]

Ok, back from spending the weekend at DHS. As I always say this are all rumors, I'm posting for preparedness reasons:
Upper management wants to open DHS around 6am to start getting people in for the opening ceremony, the ceremony will be held at the Hat Stage (better than ST space-wise) No word if ST will open from the morning or after the ceremony at 10:15am. As of right now only 2 out of the 6 simulators are operational. No final decision on ST fp. but as of now they don't think they'll use fp for Friday 20th. No final decision if they'll distribute the celeb FP before the park opens or after. Hayden Christensen is a maybe right now (he's not confirmed yet) George Lucas is confirmed. If any soft openings happen it'll probably be after May 14th, not even the CM preview (scheduled for 13 and 14) is confirmed.
In a nutshell it'll be crazy. Really, if you have flexible plans and don't want to see the reopening ceremony I would not go to DHS on Friday. If you have decided to go just be prepared to have flexible plans. Parking will take longer so plan for that, don't expect to pull in at 5:30am and be at the turnstile by 5:35am. I know it sound crazy and it will be. But better to be prepared, imagine families that have no clue on what's going on
I'll be there

 

[Karpkg]

Ok, back from spending the weekend at DHS. As I always say this are all rumors, I'm posting for preparedness reasons:
Upper management wants to open DHS around 6am to start getting people in for the opening ceremony, the ceremony will be held at the Hat Stage (better than ST space-wise) No word if ST will open from the morning or after the ceremony at 10:15am. As of right now only 2 out of the 6 simulators are operational. No final decision on ST fp. but as of now they don't think they'll use fp for Friday 20th. No final decision if they'll distribute the celeb FP before the park opens or after. Hayden Christensen is a maybe right now (he's not confirmed yet) George Lucas is confirmed. If any soft openings happen it'll probably be after May 14th, not even the CM preview (scheduled for 13 and 14) is confirmed.
In a nutshell it'll be crazy. Really, if you have flexible plans and don't want to see the reopening ceremony I would not go to DHS on Friday. If you have decided to go just be prepared to have flexible plans. Parking will take longer so plan for that, don't expect to pull in at 5:30am and be at the turnstile by 5:35am. I know it sound crazy and it will be. But better to be prepared, imagine families that have no clue on what's going on
I'll be there

 

[tchrrx]

After the first weekend, will someone please post the location of the different special items for sale and where to find them? DH has a few things on his wish list, but it seems like they move the sale spot every year, and he wastes quite a bit of time hunting them down.

 

[yulilin3]

After the first weekend, will someone please post the location of the different special items for sale and where to find them? DH has a few things on his wish list, but it seems like they move the sale spot every year, and he wastes quite a bit of time hunting them down.

All special edition/ limited edition SWW merchandise will be at the tent behind Rock n Rollercoaster. They already started erecting the tent. Also you can find SWW merchandise inside Tattoinee Traiders but I don't recomend going there since it'll be packed with people exiting the ride.

 

[Karpkg]

Large Print: Times are taken from wdwinfo.com. These times are not set in stone and will not be until the first SWW Guide comes out. This is here just to help plan your Star Wars Day. See above link for description of events. These events can and may change. Any corrections can and will be done on the fly.


DHS (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Friday, May 20th only- (as of 5/13/2011) SWW events and Star Tours opening begin at noon, stay tuned for more info)

07:45 Possible Stormtroopers pre-opening event atop the turnstile entrance for Wknd 1 only (not confirmed)
08:00 DHS Opens(Wknd 1, subject to change)
08:45 Stormtroopers pre-opening event-atop the turnstile entrance (Wknd 2,3,4)
09:00 DHS Opens(Wknd 2,3,4), Star Wars Character Meet & Greet Open
09:15
09:30 Jedi Training Academy
09:45 Celebrity One Hour Autograph session (1 of 3)
10:00
10:15
10:20 Jedi Training Academy
10:30
10:45
11:00 Behind the Force, Padawan Mind Challenge
11:15
11:30
11:40 Motorcade Parade
11:45
12:00 Celebrity Welcome
12:15
12:30 Jedi Training Academy
12:45
1:00
1:15 Stars of the Saga Talk Show and Q&A Session
1:20 Jedi Training Academy
1:30
1:45
2:00
2:10 Jedi Training Academy
2:15
2:25 Celebrity One Hour Autograph Session (2 of 3)
2:30
2:45
3:00
3:15
3:30
3:35 Behind the Force
3:45
4:00
4:05 Celebrity One Hour Autograph Session (3 of 3)
4:15 Jedi Training Academy
4:30
4:45
5:00
5:15 Jedi Training Academy
5:30 Visit to the Maul (w/Ray Park Wknds 3 & 4 only)
5:45 Padawan Mind Challenge
6:00
6:15
6:30
6:45
7:00 Hyperspace Hoopla, Star Wars Character Meet & Greet ends

DHS Closing Hours will Vary

 

[Bugdozer]

Ok, back from spending the weekend at DHS. As I always say this are all rumors, I'm posting for preparedness reasons:
Upper management wants to open DHS around 6am to start getting people in for the opening ceremony, the ceremony will be held at the Hat Stage (better than ST space-wise) No word if ST will open from the morning or after the ceremony at 10:15am. As of right now only 2 out of the 6 simulators are operational. No final decision on ST fp. but as of now they don't think they'll use fp for Friday 20th. No final decision if they'll distribute the celeb FP before the park opens or after. Hayden Christensen is a maybe right now (he's not confirmed yet) George Lucas is confirmed. If any soft openings happen it'll probably be after May 14th, not even the CM preview (scheduled for 13 and 14) is confirmed.
In a nutshell it'll be crazy. Really, if you have flexible plans and don't want to see the reopening ceremony I would not go to DHS on Friday. If you have decided to go just be prepared to have flexible plans. Parking will take longer so plan for that, don't expect to pull in at 5:30am and be at the turnstile by 5:35am. I know it sound crazy and it will be. But better to be prepared, imagine families that have no clue on what's going on
I'll be there

We will be there also. We are attending the Star Tours Special meet up Thur night into Fri (12am-2am). Son thinks when we are done with that we are leaving park and getting right in line for the park opening. He plans on being at the re-dedication ceremony. Going to be interesting being up all night LOL. Maybe I can lay down in line before park opens and catch a nap. Going to be an INSANE crazy fun few days!!

 

[chicagoshannon]

Thanks for posting that schedule. It's very helpful!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Large Print: Times are taken from wdwinfo.com. These times are not set in stone and will not be until the first SWW Guide comes out. This is here just to help plan your Star Wars Day. See above link for description of events. These events can and may change. Any corrections can and will be done on the fly.


DHS (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
08:45 Stormtroopers pre-opening event
09:00 DHS Opens, Star Wars Character Meet & Greet Open
09:15
09:30 Jedi Training Academy
09:45 Celebrity One Hour Autograph session (1 of 3)
10:00
10:15
10:20 Jedi Training Academy
10:30
10:45
11:00 Behind the Force, Padawan Mind Challenge
11:15
11:30
11:40 Motorcade Parade
11:45
12:00 Celebrity Welcome
12:15
12:30 Jedi Training Academy
12:45
1:00
1:15 Stars of the Saga Talk Show and Q&A Session
1:20 Jedi Training Academy
1:30
1:45
2:00
2:10 Jedi Training Academy
2:15
2:25 Celebrity One Hour Autograph Session (2 of 3)
2:30
2:45
3:00
3:15
3:30
3:35 Behind the Force
3:45
4:00
4:05 Celebrity One Hour Autograph Session (3 of 3)
4:15 Jedi Training Academy
4:30
4:45
5:00
5:15 Jedi Training Academy
5:30 Visit to the Maul (w/Ray Park Wknds 3 & 4 only)
5:45 Padawan Mind Challenge
6:00
6:15
6:30
6:45
7:00 Hyperspace Hoopla, Star Wars Character Meet & Greet ends

DHS Closing Hours will Vary

Hmmm... confused about this... doesn't the park open at 8am?

 

[Victoria3]

Hmmm... confused about this... doesn't the park open at 8am?

Thoses times are from last year.

 

[Karpkg]

Hmmm... confused about this... doesn't the park open at 8am?

Thoses times are from last year.

Currently the first wknd of SWW is showing an opening for 8AM. All others are showing 9AM. There are rumors that the first weekend may open at 6AM. But for all intents and purposes, the times for the shows and parade will remain the same. Again, the schedule is obtained from wdwinfo.com and are subject to change; most aren't concrete until the actual 1st Wknd 2011 brochure is seen.

 

[Plucker001]

What time should I arrive at the gates if I only want to see the Stormtrooper preshow (with a somewhat decent view)? This would be the 3rd weekend. I'm not interested in getting FP's for characters.

Thanks!

 

[yulilin3]

What time should I arrive at the gates if I only want to see the Stormtrooper preshow (with a somewhat decent view)? This would be the 3rd weekend. I'm not interested in getting FP's for characters.

Thanks!

You can get there around 8:20 and you should have a good view. BTW: you don't need FP's for characters just for actors that play the characters.