TIPS: Star Wars Weekends 2011

[buzz2400]

I just read all the posts but still have questions:

I see that the stormtroopers stand on top of building before opening. Is it still same procedure where they open the turnstiles about 15 minutes early and then just stop you down the road again and then still do that preshow opening thing or do they just open up turnstiles and park is completely opened?

I am not interested in getting autos or merchandise. So do I really have to be at the park at 7 a.m. to stand in line to get in or is 8 a.m. ok.

Someone posted it is like crowd 9. I have been to disney in july and august, is that like crowd 9.

Do they have special star wars pins like they do at mickeys christmas and holloween party.

 

[Karpkg]

Thanks to all of you for your insight on this weekend. We are planning to be there the last weekend as the kids are still in school until then. DS is the big SW fan, but he's not interested in meeting the actors who voice the characters or getting autographs. I think he'll mainly be interested in the Jedi Academy, the Star Tours ride, and probably the parade. The kids also really liked the Toy Story ride two years ago.

So, we don't have to get any Fast Passes, except for maybe the Star Tours ride? We should just to the park when it opens and head straight for Jedi Academy? Then Toy Story? Then parade?

You'll need FP's for the Jedi Academy, and that'll be the version of a TSM run. Seriously. I mean the dads will "walk" pell mell toward the Sounds Dangerous stage and then motion with their cell phones for the wives and children to catch up and get into line. If you have another adult with you I'd take your DS and head for the JTA FP line and send the other person for the other FP's- whether it's TSM or the new Star Tours.

Will the characters (Jedi Mickey, and also a human version of Darth Vader, etc.) pose for photos with the kids if you haven't stood in line for an autograph?

The line you'll be standing in will be for anything- pic, autograph, or both. I've seen people standing in just a crowd just to grab a quick pic of the character standing by itself with no one near by.

If he's not interested in meeting the actors, how is SWW different from going to DHS on a regular day and seeing Jedi Academy and Star Tours? He'd just miss out on the morning parade and characters in costume roaming the park?

If you have any liking for Star Wars it's just really neat being there on that day; not just the characters and the party-like atmosphere, but the excitement of the people around you. Like combining the love of Christmas and Disney and being in MK on Christmas Day. Or Countdown in Epcot on New Year's Eve. It's the atmosphere. The Star Wars geeks from Australia have arrived dressed from head to toe. Locals who show up every year for the past x years also dressed up.

Now, if crowds will really be a concern and Star Wars is just not it, then yes, a weekday will be better.

Thx again.

I just read all the posts but still have questions:

I see that the stormtroopers stand on top of building before opening. Is it still same procedure where they open the turnstiles about 15 minutes early and then just stop you down the road again and then still do that preshow opening thing or do they just open up turnstiles and park is completely opened?

Still the same procedure; you just have a new distraction.

I am not interested in getting autos or merchandise. So do I really have to be at the park at 7 a.m. to stand in line to get in or is 8 a.m. ok.

If you're not interested in also the new Star Tours or the JTA, then I'd say 8 AM is ok.

Someone posted it is like crowd 9. I have been to disney in july and august, is that like crowd 9.

Haven't been in July and August. But like I said in another post, there's extra bodies but the majority will have an interest elsewhere; merch, characters, SWW shows, celebrities, parade.

Do they have special star wars pins like they do at mickeys christmas and holloween party.

Yes, including SWW LE, passholder and DVC pins.

see above.

 

[yulilin3]

I have a couple of ?'s -

1 - when you say there are shows, are these live people doing routines etc. or are they movie screens set up with shows?

2 - What time is the parade typicall? If you were to make an ADR for lunch, can you eat before? If you have to wait until after, what is a good time to make it for (i.e. when does it start and how long does it last)? We are EARLY eaters.

3 - When they have FP for autographs, are these people in character? The non-FP lines, are these characters in costumes (i.e. Darth Vader, Chewbacca, etc.)

4 - Does anybody know if the newly opened ride will distribute fast passes?

5 - the million dollar question - where is the best place to actually see the parade without having to wait too long in advance?

TIA!

1.- There are 2 show inside the Premiere Theater, one is all about the Clone Wars animated series onCW. This is hosted by Ashley Eckstein the voice of Ahsoka Tano and she usually has a guest actor from the series, they show you clips and how they do voice overs. The second show is the Q&A the host this year will be James Arnold Taylor the voice of Obi Wan Kenobi in the clone wars and the 2 visiting celebs, they talk about SW and their characters, this show also show clips form various SW things depending on the celeb visiting that weekend.
2.-In the past years the parade has been at 11:40am, I would eat after just because you have to grab a spot about 45min before the parade.
3.- FP's for autographs are only for visiting celebs and the hosts, for the characters in costume you don't need a fp's
4.- I am assuming that they will, they did before when it wasn't all that popular, so with the new ride opening I think Fp will be a must.
5.- The stairs at the AIe are a good spot but you have to grab them very early, anywhere along Hollywood Blvd just remember that you might want to stay in the shade. If you want a good spot secure your space about 45min before the parade.

 

[yulilin3]

We will be there this year for the first time. We are mainly interested in the parade. Can anyone give any advice on a good location (shady) to watch from? For the usual 3 PM parade, we sit on the steps of the American Idol theater but I wonder if that area is in the sun in the AM?

Thanks!

The stairs at AIE are a good spot, just remember that they will have a large area of it roped off for family members with kids walking in the parade so you need to grab your spot early. I recommend grabing any spot early, at least 45min. before.

 

[yulilin3]

Anyone know what it will be like on Friday night (first june weekend)? Will it be crazy busy in there or will it just be a lot of people standing around for autographs? what time do the 'festivities' even every day?

SWW events end at 7pm with the hyperspace hoopla. Previous years they've done this show at the Star Tours stage, but there is a slight (keeping my fingers crossed) possibility that they might do it at the Hat Stage. After this last show you will see a large amount of people leaving, tired, sweaty but with smiles on our faces. It's s sight to see

 

[buffettgirl]

SWW events end at 7pm with the hyperspace hoopla. Previous years they've done this show at the Star Tours stage, but there is a slight (keeping my fingers crossed) possibility that they might do it at the Hat Stage. After this last show you will see a large amount of people leaving, tired, sweaty but with smiles on our faces. It's s sight to see

On the day in question there is no fantasmic and the park is only scheduled to be open until 8. (June 3) So, prior to the 7pm show, do you think people will be mulling around waiting or will be actively riding rides? Like from around 5pm or so on?

 

[yulilin3]

On the day in question there is no fantasmic and the park is only scheduled to be open until 8. (June 3) So, prior to the 7pm show, do you think people will be mulling around waiting or will be actively riding rides? Like from around 5pm or so on?

People that are at the park for SWW will probably not be riding alot of attractions apart from Star Tours 2.0; there will be people around the characters areas (Around backlot Tour, Premiere theater, and of course Star Tours)
If you don't want to deal with any crowds from SWW and your plan is flexible I would recommend going another day but after 5pm it shouldn't affect the rest of the park as much.

 

[earthfaries]

If you want to purchase merchandise, be prepared to spend a good part of your day in line. Last year the line to get into the Gift Shop area was 6 hours

​

 

[buffettgirl]

People that are at the park for SWW will probably not be riding alot of attractions apart from Star Tours 2.0; there will be people around the characters areas (Around backlot Tour, Premiere theater, and of course Star Tours)
If you don't want to deal with any crowds from SWW and your plan is flexible I would recommend going another day but after 5pm it shouldn't affect the rest of the park as much.

Thanks- we do have another day there the following week where we'll be planning on getting most of our rides and things done. I thought it might be fun though for DS (almost 11) to see some tiny bit of the SWW chaos- even though he won't want to wait for autographs etc. We're basically going for dinner and the overall atmosphere that night. (and sneaking in a few rides might be fun too)

 

[thecapells]

What time do the Stormtroopers start their "show" at the entance?

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

If you want to purchase merchandise, be prepared to spend a good part of your day in line. Last year the line to get into the Gift Shop area was 6 hours

​

Would it be THAT bad on Friday, May 27 if I get in line first thing? This is our first SWW, my oldest is 12 so it's his last JTA attempt, & I don't want to spend the whole day in line & miss all the experiences & parade I do want pins commerating the weekend we are there, passholder special pin, & pins w/Disney characters as SW characters. Is eBay after the fact an option, or are prices out of this world?

TIA

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

ALSO, HEADS UP for any one wanting to make a custom SWW autograph book, here is a how to link. Page 1 gives directions, links to autograph page DISigns (I LOVE the ones by DOM13 FWIW), page 60 post #899 has an awesome cover for the book.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=39999075&highlight=star+wars+cover#post39999075

Here is a link to many names in SW letter fills. NOTE: No request right now, but subscribe in hopes request will be taken closer to SWW. These are great for T-shirts or books.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1975685

Here is a link to SW Mickey bubbles, also cool for a T-Shirt option (post #1449 shows ours, the Star Wars bubble is also available on her 4shared files blank FWIW).

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2538276&page=97
HTH!

 

[yulilin3]

Would it be THAT bad on Friday, May 27 if I get in line first thing? This is our first SWW, my oldest is 12 so it's his last JTA attempt, & I don't want to spend the whole day in line & miss all the experiences & parade I do want pins commerating the weekend we are there, passholder special pin, & pins w/Disney characters as SW characters. Is eBay after the fact an option, or are prices out of this world?

TIA

The line for merchandise is worst on the first Friday, alot of people buy their limited editions merch that day before it sells out, that's why last year it was so long. For the rest of the weekends it shouldn't be that bad.
As for JTA, in years past the sign up has been by Sounds Dangerous, it is extremely popular, all the spots for JTA for the day are gone in about 15 min. so you need to get there before rope drop and walk fast (you're not supposed to run at Disney ) to the sign up area and get in line. After you have your child sign up you can enjoy the rest of the activities and they will tell you at what time you need to be back.

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

The line for merchandise is worst on the first Friday, alot of people buy their limited editions merch that day before it sells out, that's why last year it was so long. For the rest of the weekends it shouldn't be that bad.
As for JTA, in years past the sign up has been by Sounds Dangerous, it is extremely popular, all the spots for JTA for the day are gone in about 15 min. so you need to get there before rope drop and walk fast (you're not supposed to run at Disney ) to the sign up area and get in line. After you have your child sign up you can enjoy the rest of the activities and they will tell you at what time you need to be back.

Thanks. Since it is the 2nd Friday, I'll assess it & decide that morning. Dad has already been assigned to speed his way to JTA. I'll be on a scooter thanks to surgery on my feet so I'll definitely be bringing up the rear

This might be our only SWW, so I want the boys to really experience all it has to offer, and as much as they love their pins, I think mom watching them at JTA, watching them walking in the parade, or meeting characters would rate higher. It does for me

Thanks!

 

[Karpkg]

We were there 2nd wknd, Saturday and Sunday, and 3rd wknd Friday and Saturday. We checked out the merchandise both in the late afternoons/evenings. The lines were nonexistent in the evenings, plenty of pins and merchandise were left.

This was the Star Wars store they opened up at the backlot specifically for Star Wars, not the one next to Star Tours.

 

[sl_underwood]

Dd wants to know if she can bring her Ashoka action figure still in the box for the actress to sign. Anyone know?

 

[WizardLarz]

Most everything has been pretty well covered but want to give another opinion.

1. This is for "sl_underwood" Yes your Dd can bring here In The Box Action figure to be signed. They also usually have a presigned b&w to hand out too. If she is a big fan Mom you can grab a FastPass too then you can get a second item signed for her. Yes this means an early morning for FastPasses for Ashley Eckstien's autograph.

2. Lines for the Celebrites will start the night before. But unless it is one one lead ones (Billy Dee Williams last year) an over night stay is not needed, 6:30 even 7:00 should be ok.

3. There is also a FP line for limited eddition pins and other items. Last year the store was move to a smaller space than the previous 2 yrs, that I attended. I hope it will be moved back to the bigger space or some other larger area than what was used in 2010.

4. If you arrive at WDW with out something for the Celebrities to sign, try to make a run to DHS before SWW starts. Last year I got the SWW Logo Poster and had all the Celebities sign it. Prior years I got the Movie stills shots that can be found at the Tattoine Trader. *For a young fan in costume they may sign more than one thing.*

5. All the SWW events happen on the Left and in the Back of the Park. For the most part TSMM ,TOT and R&RRC are unaffected by SWW.

 

[sl_underwood]

Thanks for answering my question. Dd is 14 so not little but she has always loved star wars. She even belongs to a star wars fan club and someday hopes to have a costume. Her dad will go with her early to wait for fp but prolly not to early. So far Ashoka is the only one we know will be there that she wants. She would stand in line all night for anakin tho cuz she has a major crush on the movie actor. Her favorite clone wars character is ventress so if she were there dd would also want her autograph. Is showing up 1-2 hours before park opening good enough to get these fp for autographs?

 

[Karpkg]

Thanks for answering my question. Dd is 14 so not little but she has always loved star wars. She even belongs to a star wars fan club and someday hopes to have a costume. Her dad will go with her early to wait for fp but prolly not to early. So far Ashoka is the only one we know will be there that she wants. She would stand in line all night for anakin tho cuz she has a major crush on the movie actor. Her favorite clone wars character is ventress so if she were there dd would also want her autograph. Is showing up 1-2 hours before park opening good enough to get these fp for autographs?

Yep. Since she's there every day of Star Wars hosting lines don't build up. I've been able to get a FP for one celebrity then jump into her line and have gotten FP's from her as well.

My daughter loves Ms. Eckstein. She's very friendly and gives personal time to any young star wars fan, especially the girls. Not only do I like the character Ahsoka because she's feisty, independent and a strong female, I like that the actress is very warm and personable. After meeting and talking with her my daughter walked away with a huge smile on her face. That year for Halloween, yep, she asked for and got to be Ahsoka Tano.


You don't need a FP for Ventress, she's a meet and greet character. You'll just find her in the park.

 

[yulilin3]

Dd wants to know if she can bring her Ashoka action figure still in the box for the actress to sign. Anyone know?

Ashley Eckstein will sign that, she's very nice and will sign anything without a problem, remember to be early at the park to grab a FP for her autograph, you should be fine arriving around 6:30am for Ashley since she'll be there all the weekends.