TIPS: Star Wars Weekends 2011

[deerislemaine]

Thanks to everyone for their advice. My son and I are going to Disney on Wednesday for the first SWW (our first time), and this was extremely helpful. We'll bring lots of water and patience as well as expect a great time.

 

[deerislemaine]

Thanks to everyone for their advice. My son and I are going to Disney on Wednesday for the first SWW (our first time), and this was extremely helpful. We'll bring lots of water and patience as well as expect a great time.

 

[yulilin3]

I'm back. Happy to report that all 6 simulators were working when we rode (5 times during the day) Also asked several CM about fp's for Friday and they all said that they will offer them but they are expecting them to run out fast. We never waited more than 20min in line today, the ride is great, if you liked the old ST you will love this one, not giving anything away. Glad I got to ride it before the actual opening, I would exxpect the ride will remain open for this coming week.

 

[fflmaster]

Does anyone know what time the characters stay out till?

arriving on saturday but not until 2pm.

since the park is open till 12am, we were thinking of staying till close.

 

[MightyGitis]

I'm back. Happy to report that all 6 simulators were working when we rode (5 times during the day) Also asked several CM about fp's for Friday and they all said that they will offer them but they are expecting them to run out fast. We never waited more than 20min in line today, the ride is great, if you liked the old ST you will love this one, not giving anything away. Glad I got to ride it before the actual opening, I would exxpect the ride will remain open for this coming week.

Excellent news about the fastpasses. I guess my morning sprint on the 20th just might not be to Toy Story Midway Mania for once!

You know, unless the story about Star Tours not opening on the 20th until after the ceremony. Which I still think is not the true case.

HMMM... maybe one runner to Star Tours while the others head to TSMM to meet and ride after the runner gets there. I can't decide....

 

[GoofyTraci]

I'm back. Happy to report that all 6 simulators were working when we rode (5 times during the day) Also asked several CM about fp's for Friday and they all said that they will offer them but they are expecting them to run out fast. We never waited more than 20min in line today, the ride is great, if you liked the old ST you will love this one, not giving anything away. Glad I got to ride it before the actual opening, I would exxpect the ride will remain open for this coming week.

I am so jealous....I am sure when we get there we will be waiting forever.

But glad you had fun! Thanks for the update.

 

[All American]

I'm back. Happy to report that all 6 simulators were working when we rode (5 times during the day) Also asked several CM about fp's for Friday and they all said that they will offer them but they are expecting them to run out fast. We never waited more than 20min in line today, the ride is great, if you liked the old ST you will love this one, not giving anything away. Glad I got to ride it before the actual opening, I would exxpect the ride will remain open for this coming week.

I just have to say that these are the posts I've been looking forward to since I subscribed to this thread. Going to Star Wars Weekends is a birthday gift for my husband, and I've been reading everyone's experiences to him. He's really looking forward to riding Star Tours, seeing the parade, and watching the Hoopla. Keep the news comin'!

P.S. I am very excited for you and glad you endjoyed it.

 

[twinspluscade]

Hi guys! We're going to our first SWW soon, and I have a few questions:

1) Our kids really want to see the Star Wars parade. How early would we need to find a spot so we'd be in the front row to watch it? Any suggestions of good places to watch it from? If we aren't in the mood of saving our spots for a long time, are there any good viewing areas NOT right in the front row?

2) How late do the Star Wars characters (not actors) sign autographs and pose for pictures?

3) We'd like to shop in Tatoonie Traders, but I've heard it gets crazy crowded during SWW. Are certain times of the day better than others to check it out?

TIA!

 

[yulilin3]

Hi guys! We're going to our first SWW soon, and I have a few questions:

1) Our kids really want to see the Star Wars parade. How early would we need to find a spot so we'd be in the front row to watch it? Any suggestions of good places to watch it from? If we aren't in the mood of saving our spots for a long time, are there any good viewing areas NOT right in the front row?

2) How late do the Star Wars characters (not actors) sign autographs and pose for pictures?

3) We'd like to shop in Tatoonie Traders, but I've heard it gets crazy crowded during SWW. Are certain times of the day better than others to check it out?

TIA!

1) Grab a spot about 45min to an hour if you want front row. Anywhere is good just remember to try and pick a shady spot.
2) Last year they were out until 6:15- 6:30pm. Then they get ready for Hoopla. This year, no clue, as there are some indications that Hoopla will be done later.
3) Skip Tatooine Traders and head for the special SWW merchandise tent that they build behind Rock n Rollercoaster. It's really big, A/C and you'll find all the same merchandise and more there. It's called Jabba's Tent this year. If you visit later in the day the better, just remember that this spot closes with the last activities of SWW (it won't stay open till park closes)

 

[yulilin3]

Does anyone know what time the characters stay out till?

arriving on saturday but not until 2pm.

since the park is open till 12am, we were thinking of staying till close.

In years past they've been out until 6:15 to 6:30pm then leave to prepare for Hoopla. This year there are signs that Hoopla will be moved to a later time (maybe 7:30 or 8?) All SWW events and characters end with Hoopla so they won't be out after that even if the park closes later.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

In years past they've been out until 6:15 to 6:30pm then leave to prepare for Hoopla. This year there are signs that Hoopla will be moved to a later time (maybe 7:30 or 8?) All SWW events and characters end with Hoopla so they won't be out after that even if the park closes later.

YIKES!!!! We made a 7:50pm dinner ADR based on a 7pm Hoopla

 

[VeganCupcake]

Anyone else want to do a crazy "Star Wars Weekends release your 2011 schedule" dance with me? Here we go, !!! I guess you can say I'm getting a little antsy!Since we're driving up on Friday afternoon, I'm trying to plan if we are going to get to the Hoopla in time, and if I should cancel our dinner ADR.

 

[kschafer]

In years past they've been out until 6:15 to 6:30pm then leave to prepare for Hoopla. This year there are signs that Hoopla will be moved to a later time (maybe 7:30 or 8?) All SWW events and characters end with Hoopla so they won't be out after that even if the park closes later.

YIKES!!!! We made a 7:50pm dinner ADR based on a 7pm Hoopla

I on the other hand, am very excited about this because I was worried we might not make it back from dinner by 7:00 so a delay would put my mind at ease!

When will that schedule come out???? I'm not even going until the last weekend so I can only imagine what those of you going this weekend are feeling!!

 

[Corrine 1973]

Anyone else want to do a crazy "Star Wars Weekends release your 2011 schedule" dance with me? Here we go, !!! I guess you can say I'm getting a little antsy!Since we're driving up on Friday afternoon, I'm trying to plan if we are going to get to the Hoopla in time, and if I should cancel our dinner ADR.

I am in on that dance.!!! I am getting antsy as well. Got to plan my day. We will only be there on June 3rd and though I know we wont be able to get it all done, I want to be able to figure out the top things we can do.

Hope the Hoopla time works with your ADR.

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

For those of you lucky enough to have been on it already or going this weekend, can you give feedback as to the motion of the ride? If someone is gets queezy on Soarin and in fast moving scenes in 3D movies - it should still be avoided, right? I didn't go on the original, but I read that the technology in the new version is really amazing - so maybe it's okay for me to try? Feedback is appreciated!

 

[yulilin3]

For those of you lucky enough to have been on it already or going this weekend, can you give feedback as to the motion of the ride? If someone is gets queezy on Soarin and in fast moving scenes in 3D movies - it should still be avoided, right? I didn't go on the original, but I read that the technology in the new version is really amazing - so maybe it's okay for me to try? Feedback is appreciated!

I loved the ride. I think you should try it. The 3D is not really up in your face 3D but very high quality, like when you see a movie in Real 3D (like Toy Story 3) The screen quality is amazing. Big thumbs up.

 

[yulilin3]

I am in on that dance.!!! I am getting antsy as well. Got to plan my day. We will only be there on June 3rd and though I know we wont be able to get it all done, I want to be able to figure out the top things we can do.

Hope the Hoopla time works with your ADR.

I'm joining in...make room...here I go: !!!
I don't get the point of Disney not releasing the schedule ahead of time...I'm still hoping we'll have it by Thursday.

 

[ilmomof2]

YIKES!!!! We made a 7:50pm dinner ADR based on a 7pm Hoopla

I'm trying to figure out what to do with our ADR too ... it's at 7p at Sci-Fi, and we were just planning to stop in for milkshakes or something. But I made the ADR before knowing about the Hoopla. Now, I don't see how we can possibly do both. (and be in line for Fantasmic at 8:15ish ...)

Is the Hoopla worth it? Should we bail on the ADR? This may be our only day at DHS this trip... we plan to be there all day I think.

I thought about trying to stop in at Sci-Fi in the late morning for a snack/shake, but then we'll miss the SW parade... sigh.

I'm hoping to get some great feedback on the boards after this weekend to help in the decision-making!

 

[yulilin3]

I'm trying to figure out what to do with our ADR too ... it's at 7p at Sci-Fi, and we were just planning to stop in for milkshakes or something. But I made the ADR before knowing about the Hoopla. Now, I don't see how we can possibly do both. (and be in line for Fantasmic at 8:15ish ...)

Is the Hoopla worth it? Should we bail on the ADR? This may be our only day at DHS this trip... we plan to be there all day I think.

I thought about trying to stop in at Sci-Fi in the late morning for a snack/shake, but then we'll miss the SW parade... sigh.

I'm hoping to get some great feedback on the boards after this weekend to help in the decision-making!

They have great milkshakes at Min and Bill's by American Idol Experience, also at Tune In Lounge by 50s Prime Time they have milkshakes and the best peanut butter and jelly shake you have ever tried...trust me. No need to make ADR's at the Tune In lounge, just go in an order. If you're a SW fan you'll love Hoopla (unless you're a SW purist and think that it's an abomination that Darth Vader is dancing)

 

[VeganCupcake]

I just called and asked the nice woman on the phone about schedules, and she tried to look it up for me, but said they won't have it available until Thursday I'm going to have to be patient. I'll keep my Adrs for now, and if they don't work out, I'll just get new ones on Thursday night. I don't have my heart set on eating anywhere in Studios, as none of the food really stands out to me on any of the menus, just the atmospheres of the restaurants ... actually the only reason I made them is so that we can get out of the hotness and humidity and not have to wait in a line for food. Getting so excited!