TIPS: Star Wars Weekends 2011

[yulilin3]

First I wanted to comment thanks for the great thread!

This will be our first Star Wars Weekends, and we will be there from May 19 to May 24th, with our main goal being Star Wars weekends. We have no interest in the celebrities, I have been to enough sci-fi cons that I have a pile of autographs. I am really interested in the Star Tours rides, characters, parade and Hyperspace Hoopa.

With that being said, I am having a hard time deciding whether it is better to avoid Friday (May 20th) or Saturday (May 21st), we may still stop by but I figure we would do either friday or saturday and then sunday too. I figured Friday would be more busy as it is the opening day for the new Star Tours, but its also a friday so may there would be less locals? Does anyone with experience with Star Wars Weekends who could share their opinion? Thanks!

Jennifer

That entire weekend will be crowded, but Friday is going to be CRAZY!! There are rumors that they might open DHS at 6am because of the amount of people they are expecting, also George Lucas will be attending the Grand Re-Opening and that also comes with bigger crowds.
Now if you don't want to see the actual reopening ceremony, I think lines for characters should be manageable.
There is alot of talk about Star Tours not offering Fps for that weekend because they want to keep the line moving, there are expecting up to 3 hours wait for ST. With all that being said it really depends how big of a fan you are? and how well do you handle crowds?
I will be there Friday and Saturday (20-21) because I love SWW and for some strange reason the crowds only make it better for me (I know I'm wierd). Now on Saturday it should all go back to normal but then you have everyone going for characters and the ride.

 

[GoofyTraci]

That entire weekend will be crowded, but Friday is going to be CRAZY!! There are rumors that they might open DHS at 6am because of the amount of people they are expecting, also George Lucas will be attending the Grand Re-Opening and that also comes with bigger crowds.
Now if you don't want to see the actual reopening ceremony, I think lines for characters should be manageable.
There is alot of talk about Star Tours not offering Fps for that weekend because they want to keep the line moving, there are expecting up to 3 hours wait for ST. With all that being said it really depends how big of a fan you are? and how well do you handle crowds?
I will be there Friday and Saturday (20-21) because I love SWW and for some strange reason the crowds only make it better for me (I know I'm wierd). Now on Saturday it should all go back to normal but then you have everyone going for characters and the ride.

Have you heard any rumors about extended park hours for the rest of the weeknds as well? or just the month of may? we will be there the 3 & 4 weekends.

BTW-I think it would be cool to tell people that I rode star tours on the day it reopened.

 

[yulilin3]

Have you heard any rumors about extended park hours for the rest of the weeknds as well? or just the month of may? we will be there the 3 & 4 weekends.

BTW-I think it would be cool to tell people that I rode star tours on the day it reopened.

No word yet on extended hours for June. I don't think they would open any earlier that 9am but they might extended closing times. Just keep checking the WDW site.

 

[yulilin3]

Just some info on the time for the reopening ceremony: http://www.startours2live.com/news/2011/05/02/star-tours-2-dedication-ceremony-schedule
As you can see there's no word if Star Tours will open with the park or if it will open after this ceremony.

 

[Anonomom]

I also read that they were considering opening HS at 6 am that first weekend, and now I don't know what to do.

Here's the situation -- we'll be in WDW from 5/15-21, with out two daughters (ages 5 & 2). Back when the parks opened at 9, I was planning to get to HS at RD on the 15th to get our Star-Wars obsessed kid into JTA and to do the TSM thing (as well as the rest of the park). Then we'd head back to HS at RD on the 20th to allow DD to meet Amidala, Darth Vader, and her other favorite characters (we are not interested in the actors, and could take or leave the in-costume Mickey, etc.). It'd be nice if DD and DH could ride Star Tours, but it's not essential (I'm pregnant and my other daughter is too little, so we wouldn't ride anyway).

For us, a 9 am RD is workable. When they switched the hours to open at 8, it became a little problem, but I figured we'd handle it fine. But 6 am? There's no way I could expect two small kids to be up at 5 am and to handle a crowded park to boot. It'd be a recipe for disaster.

So now I'm thinking, if the park does end up opening at 6, we may as well wait to get there around 9 anyway (on the theory that missing RD by three hours isn't much worse than missing it by two hours). Star Tours will be off the list, and we'd be there basically just to let DD meet some SW characters. Do y'all think that if we get there that late, she'd still have a decent chance of meeting at least a few people? Realistically, I'd be willing to wait in any given line for 30-40 minutes, but not more than that. I'm guessing that under these circumstances, my lack of line-tolerance might be unreasonable. Are we better off skipping SWW entirely?

 

[delmar411]

I also read that they were considering opening HS at 6 am that first weekend, and now I don't know what to do.

Here's the situation -- we'll be in WDW from 5/15-21, with out two daughters (ages 5 & 2). Back when the parks opened at 9, I was planning to get to HS at RD on the 15th to get our Star-Wars obsessed kid into JTA and to do the TSM thing (as well as the rest of the park). Then we'd head back to HS at RD on the 20th to allow DD to meet Amidala, Darth Vader, and her other favorite characters (we are not interested in the actors, and could take or leave the in-costume Mickey, etc.). It'd be nice if DD and DH could ride Star Tours, but it's not essential (I'm pregnant and my other daughter is too little, so we wouldn't ride anyway).

For us, a 9 am RD is workable. When they switched the hours to open at 8, it became a little problem, but I figured we'd handle it fine. But 6 am? There's no way I could expect two small kids to be up at 5 am and to handle a crowded park to boot. It'd be a recipe for disaster.

So now I'm thinking, if the park does end up opening at 6, we may as well wait to get there around 9 anyway (on the theory that missing RD by three hours isn't much worse than missing it by two hours). Star Tours will be off the list, and we'd be there basically just to let DD meet some SW characters. Do y'all think that if we get there that late, she'd still have a decent chance of meeting at least a few people? Realistically, I'd be willing to wait in any given line for 30-40 minutes, but not more than that. I'm guessing that under these circumstances, my lack of line-tolerance might be unreasonable. Are we better off skipping SWW entirely?

IMO, you are better off skipping it entirely. For one, the characters take breaks but you have to remain in line. And for two, the character lines are longer than 30-40mins. You are looking at around an hour, much more if it's going to be as packed a predicted.

 

[bdtracey]

I also read that they were considering opening HS at 6 am that first weekend, and now I don't know what to do.

Here's the situation -- we'll be in WDW from 5/15-21, with out two daughters (ages 5 & 2). Back when the parks opened at 9, I was planning to get to HS at RD on the 15th to get our Star-Wars obsessed kid into JTA and to do the TSM thing (as well as the rest of the park). Then we'd head back to HS at RD on the 20th to allow DD to meet Amidala, Darth Vader, and her other favorite characters (we are not interested in the actors, and could take or leave the in-costume Mickey, etc.). It'd be nice if DD and DH could ride Star Tours, but it's not essential (I'm pregnant and my other daughter is too little, so we wouldn't ride anyway).

For us, a 9 am RD is workable. When they switched the hours to open at 8, it became a little problem, but I figured we'd handle it fine. But 6 am? There's no way I could expect two small kids to be up at 5 am and to handle a crowded park to boot. It'd be a recipe for disaster.

So now I'm thinking, if the park does end up opening at 6, we may as well wait to get there around 9 anyway (on the theory that missing RD by three hours isn't much worse than missing it by two hours). Star Tours will be off the list, and we'd be there basically just to let DD meet some SW characters. Do y'all think that if we get there that late, she'd still have a decent chance of meeting at least a few people? Realistically, I'd be willing to wait in any given line for 30-40 minutes, but not more than that. I'm guessing that under these circumstances, my lack of line-tolerance might be unreasonable. Are we better off skipping SWW entirely?

We're kind of in the same boat as you. I'm the Star Wars Fan but DS is starting to get into it as well and he's not even 3 yet. DW would go along just to make me happy (bless her soul!) but I'm not really me or my family would get much out of SWW.

Let's put it this way...two kids under 3 and DW who really couldn't care less...selfish decision to put the rest of the family through this just for my own personal gratification. PLUS this is our last full day in the parks as we leave on the 21st.

That being said I'm about 90% sure that we're going to avoid it. It would have to take something major to get me there. Star Tours...yeah...we'll be there in September and I can ride it then.

Just my $0.02 and this is coming from a die-hard Star Wars fan...heck I've even committed to reading every Expanded Universe novel (adult ones only) that have been written. I'm a sucker for used book stores.

 

[yulilin3]

Happy "May the 4th Be With You" Day!! 15 more days till the most wonderful time of the year (no; I'm not talking the fat guy with the red suit. I'm talking about the tall, dark and handsome; well he was handsome guy) StarWars Weekends 2011 MTFBWY
can you tell I'm excited?

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

For those of you excitedly planning your SWW trips, we just posted an interview with Star Wars Weekend co-host and Clone Wars voice actor Ashley Eckstein today!

DIS Unplugged: One Part Pixie-Dust + One Part Midi-Chlorians = Ashley Eckstein

May the 4th be with you!

 

[Karpkg]

Happy "May the 4th Be With You" Day!! 15 more days till the most wonderful time of the year (no; I'm not talking the fat guy with the red suit. I'm talking about the tall, dark and handsome; well he was handsome guy) StarWars Weekends 2011 MTFBWY
can you tell I'm excited?

Oh, that's too funny. Happy May the 4th Be With You Day to you and all Star Wars fans too!

 

[yulilin3]

From the HUB: Star Tours cast experience
Starting May 6, a limited number of cast members randomly will be selected to attend a special Star Tours cast experience May 24 or 26 from 7-9 a.m. at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Registration closes at noon, May 20. So no real preview for CM might mean no real soft openings for guests either, the word is that they are really far behind and that it will open with not all of the simulators functional. This will have a direct effect on lines. Be prepared for anything.
15 more days and counting...

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

Happy "May the 4th Be With You" Day!! 15 more days till the most wonderful time of the year (no; I'm not talking the fat guy with the red suit. I'm talking about the tall, dark and handsome; well he was handsome guy) StarWars Weekends 2011 MTFBWY
can you tell I'm excited?

You R2 cute. Your excitement is infectious & you have provided sooo much info to us newbies to help enjoy the experience! May the 4th be with you too!

 

[Disneymomma41304]

Okay so its getting so CLOSE and we are soooooo EXCITED!!! anybody have any good tips and ideas for us 1st timers????????????

 

[yulilin3]

You R2 cute. Your excitement is infectious & you have provided sooo much info to us newbies to help enjoy the experience! May the 4th be with you too!

Awwww thanks, happy to help. Sometimes we get caught up in trying to do everything that you miss the point. Stop, relax and enjoy the atmosphere, one of my favorite things is sitting down by Backlot Express and just listening to the SW music and seeing everyone in their costumes.

Okay so its getting so CLOSE and we are soooooo EXCITED!!! anybody have any good tips and ideas for us 1st timers????????????

Well I think all of us have pretty much covered everything, just read back, the first post has all the tips. My daughter is reading this and said to bring LOTS of water and a washcloth to soak in cold water and use around you neck. Just enjoy the moment and pack your patience. MTFBWY

 

[Disneymomma41304]

I have read the entire thread...TWICE!!!! lol
Just seeing if there was anything else!!!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Happy "May the 4th Be With You" Day!!

 

[delmar411]

My daughter is reading this and said to bring LOTS of water and a washcloth to soak in cold water and use around you neck. Just enjoy the moment and pack your patience. MTFBWY

This bears repeating. It's a great way to help cool yourself down a bit.

 

[Disneymomma41304]

This bears repeating. It's a great way to help cool yourself down a bit.

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!! We live here in Florida so we totally understand the heat , I do like the washcloth idea!!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[macfinn]

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

 

[Meg_z10]

Happy "May the 4th Be With You" Day!! 15 more days till the most wonderful time of the year (no; I'm not talking the fat guy with the red suit. I'm talking about the tall, dark and handsome; well he was handsome guy) StarWars Weekends 2011 MTFBWY
can you tell I'm excited?

May the 4th be with you too...but prepare for Revenge of the 5th!!!