TIPS: Star Wars Weekends 2011

[Hanover]

Will they still do the SWW opening ceremony and the post-parade gathering on the JTA stage or the new hat stage? I didn't see anything about the parade route changing.

 

[yulilin3]

Will they still do the SWW opening ceremony and the post-parade gathering on the JTA stage or the new hat stage? I didn't see anything about the parade route changing.

No news on that yet...it's a wait and see at the moment. But I would think that both will remain the same.

 

[All American]

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.

Thank you so much! I love that they are re-enactors. How fun is that?!

 

[Feisty Fairy]

My DH and me are going to Star Wars Weekend for the first time this year. We have an anniversary trip May 8th-May16th and then come home for a few days and then go back the 20th and 21st for the first weekend. He does not know it yet it is a surprise. I not telling him until we are on our first trip . I have so much research to do while he as at work so that we can have a successful Star Wars Weekend. So much learn. I hope there are some good celebs the first weekend.

 

[d-r]

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.

I've seen guys dressed in orange flights suits like Wedge and Biggs wear, so I'm guessing so. Just four or five guys though. There also are some guests with their own costumes, some as specific star wars characters, some as their own star wars universe creations, and some I think are pretty much just themselves.

 

[camnhan]

so you are saying the "storm trooper" that we see at disney, they can ask for their autograph and they have business cards?? my nephew is a star wars nut and I would love to get all the scoop to ensure he has the best experience!! He will be their the final weekend

 

[Sundancer UK]

I am *so* glad that the Hyperspace Hoopla vid was linked here - I had debated showing it to my children (didn't want to spoil all the surprises!), but decided to in the end and my 6 year old superfan didn't like it!

Has anyone else experienced this from a child? He was almost in tears and hid his face so he couldn't see it. He likes his Star Wars people to remain in character, and I think the dancing just spoiled it for him
I don't really know what to do now when we're there - I know the rest of us will be really keen to see it, but I don't want to spoil it for him. At least he's prepared now I guess.

This is so odd though! He's always acted like such a little grown-up. My older children have more belief in Disney Magic than him - I think I had underestimated his belief in the Star Wars universe
I'm debating saying something like 'it's the real Star Wars characters walking around, but people dressed up on stage'
Hmmm, could be tricky...

 

[All American]

The only thing I have to offer is that, maybe, seeing it in person will be a different experience.

I wouldn't push the issue and hope that his siblings excitement as well as the other guests will rub off on him.

Good luck! We'll be there the last weekend and are hoping that Vader dances to "Smooth Criminal".

 

[buffettgirl]

I am *so* glad that the Hyperspace Hoopla vid was linked here - I had debated showing it to my children (didn't want to spoil all the surprises!), but decided to in the end and my 6 year old superfan didn't like it!

Has anyone else experienced this from a child? He was almost in tears and hid his face so he couldn't see it. He likes his Star Wars people to remain in character, and I think the dancing just spoiled it for him
I don't really know what to do now when we're there - I know the rest of us will be really keen to see it, but I don't want to spoil it for him. At least he's prepared now I guess.

This is so odd though! He's always acted like such a little grown-up. My older children have more belief in Disney Magic than him - I think I had underestimated his belief in the Star Wars universe
I'm debating saying something like 'it's the real Star Wars characters walking around, but people dressed up on stage'
Hmmm, could be tricky...

A few years ago mine would have definitely had the same reaction (he's 10 now, almost 11). He took everything very literal and to see the characters dancing and out of character would have done him in. He finds the humor in it now, but back then - no way.

Maybe you could explain that the characters are on vacation just like he is and they're having a little fun? or like someone else said, that THOSE dancing guys aren't the real ones, they're just Disney people ..but it's not really Darth Vadar...

 

[Skaught]

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.

I'm a 501st member and have been marching at SWW since we were first invited. Disney has some of their own Stormtroopers and a few other characters, but they march separately from us and do all the crowd interacting. The 501st has Stormtroopers, Snowtroopers, Biker Scout, TIE Pilots, Officers, and pretty much any other character that is either a non-individual character or Disney doesn't cover. By that I mean that Disney has their own Darth Vader, so we don't put our own in the parade since you wouldn't find two Darth Vader's in the Star Wars universe. Both Disney and the 501st have Stormtroopers, but since there can be unlimited Stormtroopers in the SW Universe that's fine (and the more the merrier). Sometimes we'll have individual characters march if Disney lets us know that they won't be representing them. Sometimes their Boba Fett will have the day off, for example, so we'll provide one. Typically we only march with movie or Clone Wars costumes. No "Expanded Universe" costumes or characters (from the books, comics, or games). But they've made a few exceptions, such as the Republic Commando Clonetroopers which aren't seen in the movies.

The Rebel Legion joins us for the parades, and they represent the "good guy" side of things. Rebels, Jedi, smugglers, and even Ewoks. They're a smaller club so they don't have as many members as the 501st does in the parade. Plus many members, such as myself, have dual membership and we tend to go with 501st costumes for the parades since we know Disney really like the armor.

We don't appear in the park any other time except during the parade. We march in one gate and out another, and we're done. Recently, though, we have provided Disney with more appearances. For the final Star Tours night we have some Stormtroopers that did get to mix with the crowd. We also provided about 30 troopers for the Christmas parade in the Magic Kingdom. I did that event which was fun. We got to go through the underground tunnels and use the Frontierland saloon as our dressing room.

The 501st has over 5,000 members world wide, and we've done events for Lucasfilm all around the planet, plus other Star Wars related licensees. We don't get paid, as it's a volunteer run club, so we usually request a donation to be made to a charity instead. On top of that, we do appearances for charities themselves to help raise money or to bring some fun to kids such as when we visit children's hospitals.

That's the basics!

Scott

 

[Mrs D]

I'm a 501st member and have been marching at SWW since we were first invited. Disney has some of their own Stormtroopers and a few other characters, but they march separately from us and do all the crowd interacting. The 501st has Stormtroopers, Snowtroopers, Biker Scout, TIE Pilots, Officers, and pretty much any other character that is either a non-individual character or Disney doesn't cover. By that I mean that Disney has their own Darth Vader, so we don't put our own in the parade since you wouldn't find two Darth Vader's in the Star Wars universe. Both Disney and the 501st have Stormtroopers, but since there can be unlimited Stormtroopers in the SW Universe that's fine (and the more the merrier). Sometimes we'll have individual characters march if Disney lets us know that they won't be representing them. Sometimes their Boba Fett will have the day off, for example, so we'll provide one. Typically we only march with movie or Clone Wars costumes. No "Expanded Universe" costumes or characters (from the books, comics, or games). But they've made a few exceptions, such as the Republic Commando Clonetroopers which aren't seen in the movies.

The Rebel Legion joins us for the parades, and they represent the "good guy" side of things. Rebels, Jedi, smugglers, and even Ewoks. They're a smaller club so they don't have as many members as the 501st does in the parade. Plus many members, such as myself, have dual membership and we tend to go with 501st costumes for the parades since we know Disney really like the armor.

We don't appear in the park any other time except during the parade. We march in one gate and out another, and we're done. Recently, though, we have provided Disney with more appearances. For the final Star Tours night we have some Stormtroopers that did get to mix with the crowd. We also provided about 30 troopers for the Christmas parade in the Magic Kingdom. I did that event which was fun. We got to go through the underground tunnels and use the Frontierland saloon as our dressing room.

The 501st has over 5,000 members world wide, and we've done events for Lucasfilm all around the planet, plus other Star Wars related licensees. We don't get paid, as it's a volunteer run club, so we usually request a donation to be made to a charity instead. On top of that, we do appearances for charities themselves to help raise money or to bring some fun to kids such as when we visit children's hospitals.

That's the basics!

Scott

Thanks for the first hand account Scott. That is super cool!

 

[princesscharming]

OK, I read through the 12 pages, and didn't really see these QAs. Sorry if I missed them...

1. We will be there the 3rd SWW. But we can make it to DHS again on a non-SWW day. Is there something particularly special about doing JTA on SWW days? I know they take twice as many kids and add a Darth Maul etc. But other than that, anything? The mass race in the morning scares me. So we can certainly come back on a different day to do JTA.

2. I've seen talk about getting kids into the parades. I understand this is random, but how does this happen? Did someone say there was a table kids might get wristbands? Or are you walking around DHS, and some CMs think your kid looks cute? Or no one knows?

3. Also, if one goes to SWW, and wants to take in the regular attractions, are those lines longer, shorter, or the same as lines on non SWW days? I could understand if they are longer. But with all the talk of most SWW people in line for SWW activities, I kind of wondered if the other lines were actually shorter, because SWW would chase non-SWW people away.

Thanks.

 

[yulilin3]

OK, I read through the 12 pages, and didn't really see these QAs. Sorry if I missed them...

1. We will be there the 3rd SWW. But we can make it to DHS again on a non-SWW day. Is there something particularly special about doing JTA on SWW days? I know they take twice as many kids and add a Darth Maul etc. But other than that, anything? The mass race in the morning scares me. So we can certainly come back on a different day to do JTA.

2. I've seen talk about getting kids into the parades. I understand this is random, but how does this happen? Did someone say there was a table kids might get wristbands? Or are you walking around DHS, and some CMs think your kid looks cute? Or no one knows?

3. Also, if one goes to SWW, and wants to take in the regular attractions, are those lines longer, shorter, or the same as lines on non SWW days? I could understand if they are longer. But with all the talk of most SWW people in line for SWW activities, I kind of wondered if the other lines were actually shorter, because SWW would chase non-SWW people away.

Thanks.

1.- During SWW JTA kids battle Darth Vader and Asajj Ventress (from Clone wars cartoon) also they give them a small gift for their participation (in years past it has been a SW musical toothbrush or a SW action figure or a SW coin) we don't know this year what will it be. If you don't mind not getting this gift and just want to do the experience it's better to do JTA during non SWW days. During SWW all the shows are "booked" within 15 minutes of park opening and YES it's a madhouse getting the kids signed up for it.
2.- This is random , the CM's in charge of picking kids work for the event. If your kids are in SW costumes or they look cute, or they are super interested and excited about SW they have better chances. The CM that pick the kids tend to concentrate around the events info table (Sounds Dangerous) and Star Tours and they pick them between 9 and 10am. There is no sure way of getting picked, you could always ask at the info table. It won't hurt
3.- In my opinion the lines are the same. Like you said most of the people go there just for SWW and don't plan on doing any other rides other than Star Tours. It will still be packed though, SWW will impact all of the park this year because in addition of using the Star Tours-Sounds Dangerous areas, they are using part of Backlot Tour, Muppets areas for meet and greets and also they will put up a tent for the SWW merchandise behind RnRC.
Pack your patience, plenty of water and have fun!!

 

[princesscharming]

1.- During SWW JTA kids battle Darth Vader and Asajj Ventress (from Clone wars cartoon) also they give them a small gift for their participation (in years past it has been a SW musical toothbrush or a SW action figure or a SW coin) we don't know this year what will it be. If you don't mind not getting this gift and just want to do the experience it's better to do JTA during non SWW days. During SWW all the shows are "booked" within 15 minutes of park opening and YES it's a madhouse getting the kids signed up for it.
2.- This is random , the CM's in charge of picking kids work for the event. If your kids are in SW costumes or they look cute, or they are super interested and excited about SW they have better chances. The CM that pick the kids tend to concentrate around the events info table (Sounds Dangerous) and Star Tours and they pick them between 9 and 10am. There is no sure way of getting picked, you could always ask at the info table. It won't hurt
3.- In my opinion the lines are the same. Like you said most of the people go there just for SWW and don't plan on doing any other rides other than Star Tours. It will still be packed though, SWW will impact all of the park this year because in addition of using the Star Tours-Sounds Dangerous areas, they are using part of Backlot Tour, Muppets areas for meet and greets and also they will put up a tent for the SWW merchandise behind RnRC.
Pack your patience, plenty of water and have fun!!

Thanks for the info, yulilin3!

 

[d-r]

I'm a 501st member and have been marching at SWW since we were first invited. Disney has some of their own Stormtroopers and a few other characters, but they march separately from us and do all the crowd interacting. The 501st has Stormtroopers, Snowtroopers, Biker Scout, TIE Pilots, Officers, and pretty much any other character that is either a non-individual character or Disney doesn't cover. By that I mean that Disney has their own Darth Vader, so we don't put our own in the parade since you wouldn't find two Darth Vader's in the Star Wars universe. Both Disney and the 501st have Stormtroopers, but since there can be unlimited Stormtroopers in the SW Universe that's fine (and the more the merrier). Sometimes we'll have individual characters march if Disney lets us know that they won't be representing them. Sometimes their Boba Fett will have the day off, for example, so we'll provide one. Typically we only march with movie or Clone Wars costumes. No "Expanded Universe" costumes or characters (from the books, comics, or games). But they've made a few exceptions, such as the Republic Commando Clonetroopers which aren't seen in the movies.

The Rebel Legion joins us for the parades, and they represent the "good guy" side of things. Rebels, Jedi, smugglers, and even Ewoks. They're a smaller club so they don't have as many members as the 501st does in the parade. Plus many members, such as myself, have dual membership and we tend to go with 501st costumes for the parades since we know Disney really like the armor.

We don't appear in the park any other time except during the parade. We march in one gate and out another, and we're done. Recently, though, we have provided Disney with more appearances. For the final Star Tours night we have some Stormtroopers that did get to mix with the crowd. We also provided about 30 troopers for the Christmas parade in the Magic Kingdom. I did that event which was fun. We got to go through the underground tunnels and use the Frontierland saloon as our dressing room.

The 501st has over 5,000 members world wide, and we've done events for Lucasfilm all around the planet, plus other Star Wars related licensees. We don't get paid, as it's a volunteer run club, so we usually request a donation to be made to a charity instead. On top of that, we do appearances for charities themselves to help raise money or to bring some fun to kids such as when we visit children's hospitals.

That's the basics!

Scott

Thanks for posting this Scott! That is awesome. It looks like you guys have a lot of fun (it has got to be so hot). We appreciate what your doing.

 

[yulilin3]

At the moment the following is just a rumor, but it's coming from credible sources, Jeremy Bulloch (Bobba Fett) is attending the 3rd weekend of SWW. Still no word on any other celebs but the ones already confirmed.

 

[Karpkg]

Another rumor: Ray Parks (Darth Maul) will be attending again, no dates set. James Arnold Taylor(SWW Host) let it slip that he was preparing to be a part of the show Ray Park does "A Trip to the Maul". People are speculating it might be during the 3rd and 4th Wknds.

He was one celebrity I was hugely impressed with. I remember him using a child's light saber he was autographing with and showing the child a few cool moves he could do with the light saber and we who were watching on the sidelines were like, "whoa!" He spends a lot of time conversing with the people he autographs with, very popular and gracious.

 

[pixel_pusher]

I am *so* glad that the Hyperspace Hoopla vid was linked here - I had debated showing it to my children (didn't want to spoil all the surprises!), but decided to in the end and my 6 year old superfan didn't like it!

I can't blame him, the kid has good taste!

I just found out we'll be there for a SWW and my husband and I are huge Star Wars fans(real star wars, i.e. the trilogy), so we were really excited. But, after clicking on a link to that Hyperspace nonsense, it leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. We don't take SW super seriously, but there are boundaries.
Leia and company lip syncing and grinding to Spice Girls, really? That is so insanely out of character, especially looks completely wrong on her. I would much rather see some sort of stunt show or something at least a bit more true to the movies.

I think now we will go to check it out on Friday, snag some merch if we see something really cool, watch the parade and head on out.

Star Wars is cool on it's own and there is so much material to work with, you don't need to dress it up. What is seen can't be unseen, makes me sad because I've always felt that Disney treated SW with the respect that a cultural phenomena of it's stature deserves.

/end nerd rant

If you enjoy that sort of thing, then have fun(I truly mean that, no sarcasm).

 

[Sammy Cat]

Thanks for the great info!

 

[yulilin3]

New rumor: Peter Mayhew will come to SWW for weekend 4. It's from an email sent to his fans...still waiting on official confirmation from Disney and this part irritates me each year, we get all the info from different sources and then Disney comes out with their official announcement. All the celebs should be booked by now why not announce already?
BTW this is my 1000 post