TIPS: Star Wars Weekends 2011

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

anyone else who has already been checked their photopass pictures Why is there only 2 borders no date or reference to SWW or Disney I was really disappointed

I agree. I was also hoping for some bonus SWW content

Overall though, I am loving my SW photos. So cool!

 

[thecapells]

Head up...just saw the schedule for weekend 3 and Ray Park's show Visit to the Maul is at 4:45pm. Here's the link: http://sww.studioscentral.com/main/files/sww-060311.pdf

We're going for Weekend 4 but I appreciate the heads up.
I will make sure to doublecheck the time before we go (if you get an advance copy, I'd love to hear about it).
How early do you need to get to the shows to get a seat?
And where is Ray Park's show this year?

 

[yulilin3]

I have been thinking some time to try to understand what your point is.

I do not believe that his was some individual offer for a one time only situation. I thought that this was the standard rule that applied to everyone. Actually, I continue to believe so, but I edited my original post to remove the name and to clarify that this may not be the case. However, of course, your post still does name this person.

Now, as to what is "cool." What would not be cool would be for a "rule" to apply to one person and not to apply to another person. Frankly, I do not believe that is the case, and I believe that those cast members you are referring to would not be that unprofessional. For that reason, I am quite confident and comfortable in believing that I was told I could do would apply to every single other person who bought a ticket to go to the studios.

In other words, that IS the rule, that's why you and I were told the same thing. It wasn't a personal favor.

My point, if you will review, was that one did not need to be "sneaky" and take off wrist bands if they are giving them to their children. Rather, they can look a cast member in the eye and explain exactly what they are doing.

The "sneaky" comes from people taking off the wrist bands either because they do not think they can or because they are trying to go back through the line again without waiting two hours. There is no point in being "sneaky" in taking off the wrist bands if you are on the up and up, just say what you are doing and do it.

Now I will say this - and it completely negates the whole point. I had a stand by for a celebrity two weeks ago and got tired of waiting. As I was getting ready to leave there was a park guest who was asking about how to get in the line because his son really wanted an autograph. The cast member was explaining about the fast passes, and basically that this guy was shut out because he didn't know in advance to come early in the morning. So as I was going out I said here, you can have my standby. But the cm said, no, the wristbands. So I said "well can I forfeit him my wristband?" and the cm said no, not your child. So that, to me, is exactly opposite of the goal of trying to get more people a fast pass.

Ok I'll clarify my point: I'm not saying that what you did (taking off the wristband and giving it to somenone else is wrong after you asked the CM) what I'm saying is that you can't say: this is what happened to me last week so you can do it again this week. You have to ask the CM in charge that same day you plan on doing thos. Why do I think you shouldn't post names of CM? Simply because that said CM might be in charge of the autograph lines but that CM answers to other coordinators/managers. If they change the rule about being able to forfeit your wristband,, you do it and then tell whoever is in the autograph session that said CM told you it was Ok...it would put that CM in a situation with the CM superiors that nobody wants.
So all I'm saying is ask that same day, the rules might stay the same but they might change and that same day if xx CM tells you it's Ok you can use that CM name but not for future reference.
Specially this years SWW has seen a fair share of debate and back and forth on managers/coordinators/CM that work the event some people in the upper areas are new to SWW and they want to change how it's been done, with those who have worked it for a long time telling them what's best.It's the same problems that face any bussines, that's why I don't think that referring to a specific person for future days is a good idea. I hope I made my point clear and just know that I wasn't attacking you or any other person in any way, it's just my opinion.

We're going for Weekend 4 but I appreciate the heads up.
I will make sure to doublecheck the time before we go (if you get an advance copy, I'd love to hear about it).
How early do you need to get to the shows to get a seat?
And where is Ray Park's show this year?

The times for weekend 4 should remain the same as weekend 3, since Ray Park is here both weekends and doing his show. You can get a spot in line for his show about 45min, they usually let you in about 15 min before show time. His show is at the Premiere Theater, next to Mama Melrose Restaurante Italiano (Muppets area)

 

[MelissathePooh]

Yul - DR didn't take his band off and give it to anyone. I was allowed to "forfeit" my wristband to my son. We did not know about the changes on Sat of the first week (as no one else did and things were different the day before). When told we could only get one pass/band we asked about swapping so that our child could use it as he was the one we were there for in the first place. That is when we were told that it was allowed to do so for your child and given the specific names of the two ladies in charge of the celebrity m&g's if there was any question when we arrived.

It was specifically for our own child. We have to have at least one adult with him. This year our daughter (who is a fan in her own right) also wants the autographs and standing outside the ropes did not cut it at Daniel Logan in the same manner our son was really bummed that she was able to meet Ashley Eckstein and he had to watch from the rope. Thus we have been bringing them out in the morning and all waiting in the same line. Theorectically one of us could wait with the kids and the other get in another line, but then the kids would miss out on that person and they really enjoy getting to meet the celebrities.

As to forfeiting our wristbands - we were told it was only to our kids and again if it is the rule for one it should be the rule for all otherwise I would complain to a higher up. It was never allowed or told it would be allowed to forfeit to anyone else - and if was refused with our standby's since the man was not part of our group.

I understand the purpose of being so strict in the mornings with the pass/band limit, but I don't understand what difference it makes if you want to give it to someone else later in the day. You're not going back to get an additional pass. No one gets in without the pass and the band so they aren't bringing an entire group in with them. I get it the initial point, but I also think there is room for some improvement.

 

[yulilin3]

Yul - DR didn't take his band off and give it to anyone. I was allowed to "forfeit" my wristband to my son. We did not know about the changes on Sat of the first week (as no one else did and things were different the day before). When told we could only get one pass/band we asked about swapping so that our child could use it as he was the one we were there for in the first place. That is when we were told that it was allowed to do so for your child and given the specific names of the two ladies in charge of the celebrity m&g's if there was any question when we arrived.

It was specifically for our own child. We have to have at least one adult with him. This year our daughter (who is a fan in her own right) also wants the autographs and standing outside the ropes did not cut it at Daniel Logan in the same manner our son was really bummed that she was able to meet Ashley Eckstein and he had to watch from the rope. Thus we have been bringing them out in the morning and all waiting in the same line. Theorectically one of us could wait with the kids and the other get in another line, but then the kids would miss out on that person and they really enjoy getting to meet the celebrities.

As to forfeiting our wristbands - we were told it was only to our kids and again if it is the rule for one it should be the rule for all otherwise I would complain to a higher up. It was never allowed or told it would be allowed to forfeit to anyone else - and if was refused with our standby's since the man was not part of our group.

I understand the purpose of being so strict in the mornings with the pass/band limit, but I don't understand what difference it makes if you want to give it to someone else later in the day. You're not going back to get an additional pass. No one gets in without the pass and the band so they aren't bringing an entire group in with them. I get it the initial point, but I also think there is room for some improvement.

I know he or you didn't do anything wrong...it has been Ok to forfeit your wristband and give it to your child, I did this as well with my daughter. What I'm saying is that this rule of forfeit to your child doesn't neccesarily apply to all weekends, they can change the rule, so you have to ask each time you plan on doing it. I understand the point that it should be the same rule for every weekend. It would make it easier for everyone, but management sometimes decide to change the rules, for whatever reason, so it's a good idea to ask each time. That's all I'm saying.
And the fact that you can't give out your wristband/fp to someone else if you're leaving and not using it is ridiculous in my opinion. What do they care? it would still be one person getting a signature...but. as you can see after so many years at this it's still a work in progress for them. You don't know how frustrated some of the CM that have been doing this for years now are with management, trying to fix what isn't broken. Change the opening times everyday, even changing the time for Hoopla or the fact that they didn't show Hoopla on AIE screen the first weekend and now they do is getting them tons of complaints.
My point is: don't assume because something worked one weekend it will work the next. Just ask a CM that day.
I feel we need this

 

[Cinderumbrella]

When we went to the Lasr Flight to Endor party we were standing quite far away from the stage and could see just fine. We're going to show up about 30 minutes early and see how it goes.

OK, let me know what you think. We aren't attempting to video tape it this year, so I don't care about being "close" for that. But there's no way can I hold DS up in the air for 25 minutes so he can see it.

(I know I am being crazy paranoid about this, especially to those of you who have already seen it on the hat stage I am just having a hard time wrapping my head around being able to see, 100 yards back since that was definitely NOT the case when it was at the JTA stage. I spent the past 2 years, camped out 90 + minutes to make sure we got a front row spot so DS could see. I have seen some VERY ugly behavior from adults in regards to this show and I don't want to be a part of that any more.)

 

[Havana]

When the park has been opening earlier than the posted time, are the Stormtroopers still coming out before they open to do their skit? We haven't told our boys we are going to SWW and plan on suprising them then w/the Stormtrooper skit. Unless the older one figures it out by seeing the big SWW sign out front. We have been telling them we are going to miss it and figure I could get away w/telling them they hadn't taken the sign down yet. But we wouldn't be able to fool them when the Stormtroopers some out. I can't wait! They are going to be so excited and DH and I will finally be glad to stop talking in code.

We got there last Sunday at 8:30. The park was opened at 8am unannounced.
The Storm troopers were on the top of the entry gates doing their skit when we walked in.

 

[d-r]

I feel we need this

Don't worry I'm sure we'll all commiserate early Friday morning, trying to figure out if they've changed the rules again and complaining about the cheetahs.

 

[woodinvilleguy]

Can someone confirm that you only need your child with you this year when signing them up for JTA not their ticket? Our plan is for me to walk my son to the JTA signup as the park opens and my wife to get us fastpasses for TSM.

 

[yulilin3]

Can someone confirm that you only need your child with you this year when signing them up for JTA not their ticket? Our plan is for me to walk my son to the JTA signup as the park opens and my wife to get us fastpasses for TSM.

You are correct, only your child with you, sounds like a popular plan grabbing the TSM Fp

 

[yulilin3]

If anyone is going tomorrow (Friday) for celeb autograph can you post at what time you got there, who were you getting(Matt, Ashley, James, Jeremy or Ray) and what session/standby did you get.
Trying to plan my arrival time for Saturday and how to maximize on sleep as much as possible since husband works until 7:45pm and I don't want to drag him over there so early if not neccesary (we only have one car)
Thanks In Advance

 

[randomiam79]

You are correct, only your child with you, sounds like a popular plan grabbing the TSM Fp

We wnt last weekend...I had to have my son with me. TSMM fastpasses was the longest line I saw all day ha

 

[delmar411]

OK, let me know what you think. We aren't attempting to video tape it this year, so I don't care about being "close" for that. But there's no way can I hold DS up in the air for 25 minutes so he can see it.

(I know I am being crazy paranoid about this, especially to those of you who have already seen it on the hat stage I am just having a hard time wrapping my head around being able to see, 100 yards back since that was definitely NOT the case when it was at the JTA stage. I spent the past 2 years, camped out 90 + minutes to make sure we got a front row spot so DS could see. I have seen some VERY ugly behavior from adults in regards to this show and I don't want to be a part of that any more.)

We've only watched 1 show, last friday but we had our front row spots as soon as the last Disney Rocks show ended...so around 5:30pm? The entire front 'row' filled then and by 6:30 when the mind challenge was going on, there was a large crowd already there. When the show started I looked back once and the entire area was filled with ppl. No one was pushy though and we didn't have to work to hold our space or anything. A few people pushed their kids up closer but there was enough space so it wasn't a big deal at all. I did feel badly that I might be blocking views since I'm just shy of 6ft tall but we were there since around 5pm and I wanted to actually see and enjoy the show.

 

[RickinPA]

My son and I will be doing our first SWW during the fourth week. Thank you to everyone for all of your tips.

I'm posting to subscribe to the post.

 

[randomiam79]

Ok new question, and I PROMISE I am not trying to stir up trouble. This weekend is 'gay days' in Orlando and Friday the designated park for that event is DHS. Would this change any of your plans for SWW? I was going to bring my family up tomorrow to see some more of the SW characters then maybe hit MK in the evening.
Anyone been to SWW during gay days before and have input on the crowds, etc?

Clarifying, main question is about the crowds, not about anyones opinions about gay days

 

[tchrrx]

Please check this plan for tomorrow for me.

1. Arrive by 8.
2. Head to location by Abc Commisary to meet Mickey. (where exactly? Mickey is our main goal. Any hints/tips?)
3. FP RnR while DH heads to Jabbas Hut. Join him there only to get AP special lanyard. (Do I go throug regular checkout line and just ask, or is there a specific place to get this?)
4. Continue the day with rides (mainly RnR and ToT. We did ST 4 today, so not really a priority now.)

Thank you!

 

[Disneymomma41304]

My son and I will be doing our first SWW during the fourth week. Thank you to everyone for all of your tips.

I'm posting to subscribe to the post.

Welcome!!!! We will be there for the 4th week-end too!! ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

 

[undertheseas]

Count us in for weekend #4 too!

 

[All American]

Another Week 4-er checking in! I was at Target the other day and saw these wall stickers. I didn't have a countdown set up but figured it's never too late to start one, so with 6--now five--days to go I put this one up as a surprise for my husband and daughter. They are Team Star Wars so much so that I am pretty sure we will go to Star Wars Weekends all three days as well as a quick stop to Hollywood Studios on our first full day, the 8th, just to ride Star Tours. Yay! for Park Hoppers.

 

[Karpkg]

Currently it's 4:24AM and am reading and catching up before getting ready to get get the family up and out of here. Last SWW day. I'll post out of iphone again after this and let everyone know when gates open. We're wearing matching brown SW shirts with the Star Tours logo on the back of our shirts and our names, front and back. Stop us and say hi! Gonna try for 2 Matt's and 2 Park's autographs. Will split the group for this.

Sidenote: Was at Typhoon Lagoon yesterday and shoulda stopped and said hi to Cheshire Figment. They pointed him out to us at far end of turnstile but I figured I'd catch him at the end of the day but he was already gone by then. Darn! Anyways, at least I know how he looks like.