TIPS: Star Wars Weekends 2011

[yulilin3]

weekend 2 map & schedule:
http://sww.studioscentral.com/main/files/sww-052711.pdf
seems the same only difference is that the autograph signings are going back to Echo Lake. Still Anthony Daniels is signing inside Sounds Dangerous

 

[Cinderumbrella]

weekend 2 map & schedule:
http://sww.studioscentral.com/main/files/sww-052711.pdf
seems the same only difference is that the autograph signings are going back to Echo Lake. Still Anthony Daniels is signing inside Sounds Dangerous

So the parade is only 10 minutes long now? Is that because it is so short of a route?

 

[Havana]

weekend 2 map & schedule:
http://sww.studioscentral.com/main/files/sww-052711.pdf
seems the same only difference is that the autograph signings are going back to Echo Lake. Still Anthony Daniels is signing inside Sounds Dangerous

Thank you for posting that!

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

weekend 2 map & schedule:
http://sww.studioscentral.com/main/files/sww-052711.pdf
seems the same only difference is that the autograph signings are going back to Echo Lake. Still Anthony Daniels is signing inside Sounds Dangerous

Thank you!!! This helps alot!

 

[yulilin3]

So the parade is only 10 minutes long now? Is that because it is so short of a route?

I would think it's because of the short route, you can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_3CARdgVZc
I was hoping they would put it back to normal this weekend but I guess they want to use the big stage as much as possible I didn't watch the parade this past weekend because at 75 min. before all the shady spots were taken and I wasn't going to stand in the noon sun. I'm hoping to see it this weekend

 

[mommystieg]

Why is the parade route so SHORT?!?!?! We are bringing some friends for their first SWW and I have been telling them about this parade but I am not looking forward to being squished all together on Hollywood Blvd....

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I would think it's because of the short route, you can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_3CARdgVZc
I was hoping they would put it back to normal this weekend but I guess they want to use the big stage as much as possible I didn't watch the parade this past weekend because at 75 min. before all the shady spots were taken and I wasn't going to stand in the noon sun. I'm hoping to see it this weekend

Exactly! We have waited out the 11:40 am parade in the full sun for over an hour and it was NOT a good time. Now its an hour later (thus warmer) and everyone is crammed into the same small area to see it? Looks like we won't be watching it in person this year.

If you stick around for the Hoopla this weekend, please let us know when the best time to get in position is. In the past we have always gotten over there as the PMC was starting to ensure a front spot but I am *hoping* that with the big stage, and more room that a front spot won't be necessary to see it. I am also hoping the crowd won't feel as massive since it is now in a much bigger space and that the pushing and shoving doesn't occur anymore

 

[yulilin3]

Exactly! We have waited out the 11:40 am parade in the full sun for over an hour and it was NOT a good time. Now its an hour later (thus warmer) and everyone is crammed into the same small area to see it? Looks like we won't be watching it in person this year.

If you stick around for the Hoopla this weekend, please let us know when the best time to get in position is. In the past we have always gotten over there as the PMC was starting to ensure a front spot but I am *hoping* that with the big stage, and more room that a front spot won't be necessary to see it. I am also hoping the crowd won't feel as massive since it is now in a much bigger space and that the pushing and shoving doesn't occur anymore

I did see Hoopla on Saturday, people were already grabbing spots during PMC, still we got in our spot about 40 minutes before, even though it still pretty crowded it's not shoulder to shoulder and the later time helps a bit with the heat. I would love if Disney had a way of making parents not put their kids on their shoulders but I understand why they do it. Even though I'm short 5'2" I still saw Ok, not all of it, cause there were tons of kids on shoulders but pretty good. I'll report back on Sunday, planning on getting to DHS around 10:30am, see the parade, maybe a show and Hoopla

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I did see Hoopla on Saturday, people were already grabbing spots during PMC, still we got in our spot about 40 minutes before, even though it still pretty crowded it's not shoulder to shoulder and the later time helps a bit with the heat. I would love if Disney had a way of making parents not put their kids on their shoulders but I understand why they do it. Even though I'm short 5'2" I still saw Ok, not all of it, cause there were tons of kids on shoulders but pretty good. I'll report back on Sunday, planning on getting to DHS around 10:30am, see the parade, maybe a show and Hoopla

Thank you so much! I am hoping that things will settle slightly in the coming weekends in comparison to weekend 1. I look forward to your take on weekend 2 vs 1. We are not going until weekend 4 and will be there Fri and Sat (planning on staying for the Hoopla on Sat.)

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I completely forgot to ask this!!

How have the CM's been this year in the rotating character lines about letting people jump ahead of you as you wait for the next character? I know this was a no-no to some of the CM's last year- especially in the Jedi Mickey, Minnie etc. line.

Thanks!

 

[firsttimedisn]

How quickly does PMC fill up (compared to JTA)? I would like to sign my son up for both. Can you do both at the same time or do you have to go back to the end of the line to sign up again? Also, on our arrival day we planning on going late that day just to see Hoopla. If we get there before PMC any chance they would take a kid standby if one of the previous kids signed up doesn't show up?

Thanks in advance!

 

[stitch'sgirl]

You can see all of the same characters that are in the parade all around the park if you don't want to sit in the blistering sun. Super hot, super packed, and super short route.

Regarding the hoopla, if the characters would stand more toward the front of the stage rather than in the middle, it would be easier to see. Much better view on YouTube!

I would love if Disney had a way of making parents not put their kids on their shoulders

How about the ADULTS kneel down instead so the KIDS can see? Are you kidding me? Sorry, thought this was about the kids! My DS could not see a thing because of all of the big men surrounding him. Ridiculous. My husband and I always give up our views if there are little ones behind us at Disney.

 

[cindermomma]

How quickly does PMC fill up (compared to JTA)? I would like to sign my son up for both. Can you do both at the same time or do you have to go back to the end of the line to sign up again? Also, on our arrival day we planning on going late that day just to see Hoopla. If we get there before PMC any chance they would take a kid standby if one of the previous kids signed up doesn't show up?

Thanks in advance!

I am wondering this as well. Also can anyone confirm if the child needs their park tickets. I had planned to get FP for Star Tours and DH sign DS up for JTA/PMC??? This will need to change if he needs his ticket. Thanks for any info!

 

[yulilin3]

You can see all of the same characters that are in the parade all around the park if you don't want to sit in the blistering sun. Super hot, super packed, and super short route.

Regarding the hoopla, if the characters would stand more toward the front of the stage rather than in the middle, it would be easier to see. Much better view on YouTube!



How about the ADULTS kneel down instead so the KIDS can see? Are you kidding me? Sorry, thought this was about the kids! My DS could not see a thing because of all of the big men surrounding him. Ridiculous. My husband and I always give up our views if there are little ones behind us at Disney.

I understand your point completely, it's just that some adults (myself included) cannot kneel or sit on the ground, I have bad knees and back so I can't do that, If I could I would. Maybe if there was a section toward the front where everyone there had to sit on the floor and then towards the back the section where people can stand. I also let kids in front of me so they can see, but it's sometimes frustrating when you think you got a good spot only to have a person standing in front of you put their kids on their shoulders.

 

[Stroudsters]

AHHHH! All this info makes me so excited!

Ok more newbie questions.

Are the autographs that you keep refereing to for people or characters?
What is the scoop on the merchandise that I see keeps selling out?
Can I call to get into the jedi school?

Any events that I should save for the evening?

 

[ADP]

I would think it's because of the short route, you can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_3CARdgVZc
I was hoping they would put it back to normal this weekend but I guess they want to use the big stage as much as possible I didn't watch the parade this past weekend because at 75 min. before all the shady spots were taken and I wasn't going to stand in the noon sun. I'm hoping to see it this weekend

Hi Yulady!

 

[TGaines107]

I've been to most Star Wars Weekends and have always come away with a smile and a ton of swag being amongst my kind. You have to get there pretty early to get in line for the fastpasses they give out for the "stars" autographs. Characters are constantly out all over the park in different areas for you to line up and wait if you want their autograph. I remember back in 08I got in a line over by the ABC comissary to get a pick/autograph of Goofy/Vader and as I got to the front he had to leave. Who should come out to replace him though? Jedi Mickey! Even better! For the weekends, they set up a special shop (its had various names over the years, this year I think its Jabba's hutt) where they sell special merchandise for that weekend related to Star Wars. in addition each weekend has its own special swag associated with it. There's also Tattoine Traders over at the end of the Star Tours ride which sells Disney/Star Wars merch non stop. There's no Jedi school to get in. Just for kids, show up early and hope to get picked to participate by putting the kids up front in bright colors and plenty of enthusiasm. I've heard nothing but good things about the revised ride. Enjoyed it when I was down there last year for Celebration V and am looking forward to riding it many times again next month.

 

[TDC Nala]

Just for kids, show up early and hope to get picked to participate by putting the kids up front in bright colors and plenty of enthusiasm. I've heard nothing but good things about the revised ride. Enjoyed it when I was down there last year for Celebration V and am looking forward to riding it many times again next month.

Jedi masters don't pick kids for the training anymore - there is now a signup procedure that is first come, first served. So enthusiasm and bright colors aren't helpful for that any longer. And no, you can't call ahead - they have signups in the park on the same day only. The child must be present to sign up - you can't get in line to sign up for the kid and send them off to do a ride.

That is the main reason I try to be in front for the hoopla - kids on shoulders. Not much use even going if I am not going to be able to see it.

 

[stitch'sgirl]

I am wondering this as well. Also can anyone confirm if the child needs their park tickets. I had planned to get FP for Star Tours and DH sign DS up for JTA/PMC??? This will need to change if he needs his ticket. Thanks for any info!

I'm not sure if it will be the same for all weekends, but weekend #1, the JTA spots for all 15 shows were gone by 8:15. (The park was scheduled to open at 8:00, but opened at 7:00.) I didn't see the sign up for JTA, but I don't think you needed the child's ticket, just the child. The PMC sign up was at Sounds Dangerous starting at noon. We went at about 11:45, and there were only 4 families in front of us. That too, you needed to have your child there. The CM asked which show we wanted, and penciled us in. We had to bring our child back to Sounds Dangerous twenty minutes before the show, and they walked them to the stage. Every child that participated got a SW action figure at the end.

 

[stitch'sgirl]

According to the weekend 2 map, both sign-ups are at park opening at Sounds Dangerous. I would bet they will have two separate lines for PMC and JTA and you will have to travel through both lines to get in both shows.