TIPS: Star Wars Weekends 2011

[d-r]

you won't be the only one. Knock yourself out.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

This may have already been asked but how does Disney feel about adult guests dressing up, and more importantly can i bring my lightsaber?? I just bought a new FX Force Lightsaber and I really want to bring it.

Just be aware that it will be VERY, VERY hot. I can't imagine navigating SWW in anything but a tank and shorts, but there are plenty dressed like Jedi's (young and old alike).

 

[buffettgirl]

Just be aware that it will be VERY, VERY hot. I can't imagine navigating SWW in anything but a tank and shorts, but there are plenty dressed like Jedi's (young and old alike).

even my 10 year old figured that out I said "you know, you could bring a costume if you wanted" he says "but it's going to be JUNE! That thing is hot even at halloween! "

 

[Sundancer UK]

I'm only half way through reading this thread, so sorry for jumping in with my questions when they might already be answered, but it's closing in on 1am and I have children to get to school in the morning...

We booked our holiday not realising that SWW would be on, but are delighted that it is, because we all are big fans Especially our second son (who isn't a massive fan of Disney)

We are staying for enough time to do HS more than once - I was thinking of going on a normal day before SWW, so the children can do all the non SW stuff, plus hopefully JTA. Touringplans has wed 11th as a good day for HS so hopefully then.

But I don't know what day is best for SWW!
We aren't going to want to meet actors, but would like to meet characters. We wont need JTA if we've already done it, but the parade and hoopla look unmissable.

So what day do you think?

Also - Fantasmic? Sorry I'm such a newb - what day is this and is it recommended?

Thanks in advance!

 

[discorsner]

I didn't get a chance to really read this thread so I apologize if this is a repeat...

My biggest SWW tip would be get there early. More importantly, if you want a pic and autograph with Chewbacca talk to the character people and find out when he is coming out and get in line before he is out.

He was very popular when we were there. His line was longer than Darth Vadar. One trip my boys missed getting him and the next year they made it a priority and so they go it.

Don't expect to do much in DHS the day of SWW. We had a studios day and then a Star Wars day. Star Wars took up most the day waiting for characters to sign. It was hot and tiring for me but I knew it was what the boys wanted to do.

Get a spot for the parade early. Parade is really cute. Kids really liked seeing the Storm Trooper people.

We met people standing in line who were dressed up. One guy told my husband that Disney said at the gate that it was ok to be dressed up but that this guy could not pretend to be an actual character, pose wth guests, or sign anything. Other than that they didn't care.

Be forwarned if you think you are a Star Wars fan (like my kids claimed to be) you may find that there are people who are so much more into it than you could imagine. One guy told us he was there to "practice" wearing his costume through the park and in the heat that day to make sure it worked and was practical. He was coming back the next Star Wars Weekend to actually wear it for real with his friends and do the full SWW experience.

Even my kids who were young at the time were like what do you mean he is going to wear it for real next weekend? He is wearing it for real now! LOL.



All I am saying is be prepared for anything! Have fun!

 

[yulilin3]

I'm only half way through reading this thread, so sorry for jumping in with my questions when they might already be answered, but it's closing in on 1am and I have children to get to school in the morning...

We booked our holiday not realising that SWW would be on, but are delighted that it is, because we all are big fans Especially our second son (who isn't a massive fan of Disney)

We are staying for enough time to do HS more than once - I was thinking of going on a normal day before SWW, so the children can do all the non SW stuff, plus hopefully JTA. Touringplans has wed 11th as a good day for HS so hopefully then.

But I don't know what day is best for SWW!
We aren't going to want to meet actors, but would like to meet characters. We wont need JTA if we've already done it, but the parade and hoopla look unmissable.

So what day do you think?

Also - Fantasmic? Sorry I'm such a newb - what day is this and is it recommended?

Thanks in advance!

Alot of locals (like me) go on Saturday and Sunday. So I would think it's better on Friday but not by much. If you are can do JTA during non SWW that would be a great idea. Grab a spot for the parade at least 45min before.
I love Fantasmic! it's a great show, you might want to do this during non SWW as well.
And Hoopla is truly unmissable, it's just GREAT!! Have Fun and of course...MTFBW

 

[yulilin3]

Sort of off topic Tatooine Traders, the Star Tours Gift Shop, is schedule to close for refurb from April 4 to April 17th.
Also in case some people don't know, they have a build a lightsaber station at MK inside Mickey's Star Traders in Tomorrowland. SO during the refurb you could build your lightsaber at DTD or MK.

 

[mommystieg]

Don't expect to do much in DHS the day of SWW. We had a studios day and then a Star Wars day.

We always visit during SWW and this is our strategy, too. We have one day for DHS and then we come back on the weekend for SWW. We don't do the autographs and it is still next to impossible to have a "normal" DHS day during a SWW day. The park is packed and it is HOT, HOT, HOT. Since they have moved the Hyperspace Hoopla to the Sorcerer Hat Stage and moved some of the merchandise over by RnRc that leaves almost none of the park affected by SWW crowds.

 

[MelissathePooh]

This may have already been asked but how does Disney feel about adult guests dressing up, and more importantly can i bring my lightsaber?? I just bought a new FX Force Lightsaber and I really want to bring it.

You definitely won't be the only adult dressing up. I remember a particular Amidala last year (in her white battle suit from Episode 2) that had definitely seen better days I always thought I was a SW fan, but I discovered quickly that if SW fans were a cake - it would be a MANY tiered cake and I'm pretty much top (surface) tier. The local cohort of SW fans is substantial - they know each other and work together at times when it comes to autographs.

Some members of the 501st actually have their own cards and will sign autographs - which no one really asks for except maybe a little kid, but a 501st is quite pleased to tell their tales to anyone who'll listen. I met one guy waiting in queue for Billy Dee Williams last year that just cracked me up! He even had a "business card" - total military demeanor and mannerisms. Everything about being a Stormtrooper was very real to him He tried to give me his card and offered to sign it - was all I could do not to

 

[loganjared]

Hyperspace Hoopla-where is the best place to stand. Last year we tried standing at the back on the ramp leading up to the bathroom. My 12 year old could see but my 10 year old cannot. If we had been further up though, all they would have seen would have been adults backs. We don't want to get there hours early, because we don't need to be front row. We are fine with the back of the crowd, just trying to figure out where to stand.

 

[yulilin3]

Hyperspace Hoopla-where is the best place to stand. Last year we tried standing at the back on the ramp leading up to the bathroom. My 12 year old could see but my 10 year old cannot. If we had been further up though, all they would have seen would have been adults backs. We don't want to get there hours early, because we don't need to be front row. We are fine with the back of the crowd, just trying to figure out where to stand.

Lucky for everyone this year they are doing the Hyperspace Hoopla at the Hat Stage, there is tons of more room there and the stage will be more elevated so more chances of getting a good spot.

 

[princessjodiebo]

seeing as they have moved the hyperspace hoopla how early would you reccomend on getting there we are literally there to do starwars stuff as we have 2 other days to do dhs but ds 9 will be desperate to see it !

 

[yulilin3]

seeing as they have moved the hyperspace hoopla how early would you reccomend on getting there we are literally there to do starwars stuff as we have 2 other days to do dhs but ds 9 will be desperate to see it !

I really don't know, since it'll be the first time at the Hat Stage. I would think that if you get there 1 hour before you should be fine. Really depends on how close to the stage you want to be. I'm sure that reports from that first Friday will be very helpful on this issue.

 

[sweetpea29488]

I haven't read all the posts so please forgive me if this has been asked. Does SWW affect the other parks (crowd wise) or is it mostly Disney Studios?

 

[All American]

You definitely won't be the only adult dressing up. I remember a particular Amidala last year (in her white battle suit from Episode 2) that had definitely seen better days I always thought I was a SW fan, but I discovered quickly that if SW fans were a cake - it would be a MANY tiered cake and I'm pretty much top (surface) tier. The local cohort of SW fans is substantial - they know each other and work together at times when it comes to autographs.

Some members of the 501st actually have their own cards and will sign autographs - which no one really asks for except maybe a little kid, but a 501st is quite pleased to tell their tales to anyone who'll listen. I met one guy waiting in queue for Billy Dee Williams last year that just cracked me up! He even had a "business card" - total military demeanor and mannerisms. Everything about being a Stormtrooper was very real to him He tried to give me his card and offered to sign it - was all I could do not to

Question: I've seen "501st" reference several times, and I am guessing--based on your post--that it has something to do with Stormtroopers. But what is it, exactly? I'd love to meet someone like you did and just talk to them. I think it would be a really fun, interesting, memorable conversation.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I haven't read all the posts so please forgive me if this has been asked. Does SWW affect the other parks (crowd wise) or is it mostly Disney Studios?

SWW is just at DHS. However, the other parks are starting to get crowded (especially the June weekends) since summer break has started for parts of the country.

 

[princessjodiebo]

I really don't know, since it'll be the first time at the Hat Stage. I would think that if you get there 1 hour before you should be fine. Really depends on how close to the stage you want to be. I'm sure that reports from that first Friday will be very helpful on this issue.

we are actually going on the first friday so will start hovering around 5 and just keep an eye and report back

 

[d-r]

Question: I've seen "501st" reference several times, and I am guessing--based on your post--that it has something to do with Stormtroopers. But what is it, exactly? I'd love to meet someone like you did and just talk to them. I think it would be a really fun, interesting, memorable conversation.

In the star wars universe - I'm probably not going to get this exactly right, but you can double check me on wookiepedia - the 501st began as an elite battalion of clone troopers led by Commander Cody (led by Gens. Kenobi and Skywalker) that evolved in to a battalion of storm troopers over the years. The 501st legion was directly led then by Darth Vader.

In our universe, the 501st legion is a group of re-enacters who dress as stormtroopers and other Imperial figures. It is a nation-wide group, with local chapters, and people attend conventions and things like that. One of the things they do is march in the star wars parades at disney's star wars weekends. Those parades full of stormtroopers? Those aren't disney cast members marching as storm troopers, that is the 501st. You've probably seen people dressing up like storm troopers and going to conventions, that's the 501st.

Here's the thing. The re-enactors originated the name 501st. It became such a big thing through the conventions and everything, that Lucas put it in to the star wars galaxy (like through the clone wars) to honor the group. So they didn't get their name from star wars, star wars got the name from them, which is kind of cute.

 

[Sundancer UK]

That is really cute! I love star wars trivia lol

Thank you people for your replies, I'm going to try and report back (will be at the first SWW) but I won't have Internet access until I'm home so might not be quick with it!

 

[buffettgirl]

In the star wars universe - I'm probably not going to get this exactly right, but you can double check me on wookiepedia - the 501st began as an elite battalion of clone troopers led by Commander Cody (led by Gens. Kenobi and Skywalker) that evolved in to a battalion of storm troopers over the years. The 501st legion was directly led then by Darth Vader.

In our universe, the 501st legion is a group of re-enacters who dress as stormtroopers and other Imperial figures. It is a nation-wide group, with local chapters, and people attend conventions and things like that. One of the things they do is march in the star wars parades at disney's star wars weekends. Those parades full of stormtroopers? Those aren't disney cast members marching as storm troopers, that is the 501st. You've probably seen people dressing up like storm troopers and going to conventions, that's the 501st.

Here's the thing. The re-enactors originated the name 501st. It became such a big thing through the conventions and everything, that Lucas put it in to the star wars galaxy (like through the clone wars) to honor the group. So they didn't get their name from star wars, star wars got the name from them, which is kind of cute.

You covered it.

Now, there is also the Rebel Legion - the rebellion - the good guys. Do they also show up at SWW? they don't seem to be nearly as big as the 501st, but I know out here in New England they usually operate together at charity events etc.