TIPS: Star Wars Weekends 2011

[Joanna71985]

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.

Sorry, but I have to disagree. It definitely is not all about the kids. The Hoopla (and most stuff at Disney) is for people of all ages. Also, not everyone can kneel on the ground. I'm short to begin with, and I have bad knees (so I'm not able to kneel down). It would be nice if there was a designated sitting zone, but unfortunately there is not.

 

[onelilspark]

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.

Where can you find the map?

...nevermind...

 

[Karpkg]

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

Thanks Yulilin!

Re-written as follows: Weekend Two Schedule

Star Wars Weekend Two

08:45 Stormtroopers on top of the turnstiles
09:00 DHS Opens, Character Encounters begin
09:15 JTA
09:30
09:45 JTA, James Taylor Autograph Signing
10:00
10:15 JTA, Anthony Daniels, Bruce Spence Autograph Signing
10:30
10:45 JTA
11:00 Behind the Force
11:15 JTA
11:30
11:45 JTA
12:00
12:15 JTA
12:30
12:40 Celebrity Motorcade Parade
12:45
12:55 Celebrity Welcome at the Sorceror's Hat
1:00
1:15
1:30 JTA, Anthony Daniels, Bruce Spence Autograph Signing
1:45 Behind the Force
2:00 JTA
2:10 Padawan Mind Challenge
2:15
2:30
2:45
3:00 Ashley Eckstein, Dee Bradley Baker Autograph signing
3:15 Stars of the Saga- Star Wars Celebrity Talk Show
3:30
3:45 JTA
4:00
4:15
4:30 Ashley Eckstein, Dee Bradley Baker, Bruce Spence Autograph Signing
4:45 JTA, Inside the Saga starring Anthony Daniels
5:00
5:15 JTA
5:30
5:45 JTA
6:00 Obi-Wan and Beyond- Starring James Arnold Taylor
6:15 JTA
6:30 Padawan Mind Challenge
6:45
7:00 Character Encounter - Rebel Base side ends
7:15
7:30 Character Encounter- Imperial Sector side ends
7:45 Hyperspace Hoopla

DHS Closing Time Varies

 

[Mrs D]

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

Thanks Yulilin!

Re-written as follows: Weekend Two Schedule

Star Wars Weekend Two

08:45 Stormtroopers on top of the turnstiles
09:00 DHS Opens, Character Encounters begin
09:15 JTA
09:30
09:45 JTA, James Taylor Autograph Signing
10:00
10:15 JTA, Anthony Daniels, Bruce Spence Autograph Signing
10:30
10:45 JTA
11:00 Behind the Force
11:15 JTA
11:30
11:45 JTA
12:00
12:15 JTA
12:30
12:40 Celebrity Motorcade Parade
12:45
12:55 Celebrity Welcome at the Sorceror's Hat
1:00
1:15
1:30 JTA, Anthony Daniels, Bruce Spence Autograph Signing
1:45 Behind the Force
2:00 JTA
2:10 Padawan Mind Challenge
2:15
2:30
2:45
3:00 Ashley Eckstein, Dee Bradley Baker Autograph signing
3:15 Stars of the Saga- Star Wars Celebrity Talk Show
3:30
3:45 JTA
4:00
4:15
4:30 Ashley Eckstein, Dee Bradley Baker, Bruce Spence Autograph Signing
4:45 JTA, Inside the Saga starring Anthony Daniels
5:00
5:15 JTA
5:30
5:45 JTA
6:00 Obi-Wan and Beyond- Starring James Arnold Taylor
6:15 JTA
6:30 Padawan Mind Challenge
6:45
7:00 Character Encounter - Rebel Base side ends
7:15
7:30 Character Encounter- Imperial Sector side ends
7:45 Hyperspace Hoopla

DHS Closing Time Varies

Thank you both for compiling this info and sharing it with us!

I am looking forward to reports from Weekend 2 so I can finalize my touring plans for Weekend 3!

 

[yulilin3]

Hi Yulady!

Hi Aaron

 

[yulilin3]

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?

Autograph Fp are for celebs visiting that weekend, you don't need them for characters
There are exclusive Limited Edition items for sale at Jabba's Tent.
You have to sign up for JTA and PMC as soon as park opens at Sounds Dangerous
Just look at the schedule, Hoopla is a must see.

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

Okay, with the shortened route, is the 12:40pm worth the hassle? We have a group of 8. There is no way I can get my 10 year old with moderate autism to wait over an hour in full sun for a spot. I can hold a few spots, but not 8, and I'm not sure I can convince the others this is a must-do. We will be doing rope drop show & Hoopla, lots of character hunting. Any other must-dos? Thanks for helping me make some tough choice

TIA,

 

[iluvwdw4ever]

The parade line (number of people, characters) is not shorter, but the parade time wise is shorter, because the parade route is shorter.

Where is the parade route now?? Does it end at the Sorcerer Hat instead of at Star Tours??
Thanks!!!

 

[thecapells]

Does anymore have a map of where each character sets up?
I know the Guide Map shows the areas but which character is actually in which meet and greet area?

 

[mfd25wife]

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

We got to Hoopla about 45 minutes early and were able to get a decent view. There were no kids on shoulders in front of us, but there were a couple of tall men. There was almost a fight between two men, but a cast member came over and spoke to everyone. There was a lot of heated words and "Don't touch me" but they calmed down. I guess a man scooted up after sending his toddlers to the front and the people around that he scooted past were not happy. I know he started next to me and ended up next to the rope. Most of us just watched, but a few got it on camera since it looked like it might get ugly.

 

[anne0866]

Just got back from our first Star Wars Weekend expreience and all I can say is WOW!!!!! What a great time. We went on Friday (opening day and Saturday as well). It was exhausting! We never left the park to take a break. OPening day was a bit chaotic but Saturday was wonderful. Crowds were extremely manageable. Our son met so many characters. Other than Chewbacca many lines for character meets were almost non-existent last Sat afternoon. It was very hot - so I think a lot of people gave up in the afternoon. We had front row viewing for the parade. Right in front pf the hat stage. I got our spot very yearly around 9:30 am. It was a long wait but well worth the wait. I think the parade route is much too short however. It is very difficult for everyone to fit in to such a short area. We double checked numerous times with cast members regarding our spot to make sure we weren't going to get bumped out last minute. Friday night we asked if where we were was okay for the Hoopla and was told yes - however when it started we were bumped out and then damn near stampeded against the stage. Very scary and frustrating. Friday did not seem very well organized to me. However, Sat was great! I was amazed with how much time the characters spent with my son when he met with them - not your usual just get a quick pic and move on. It was all worth it - just for the look on my sons face!! Priceless!! I'm not sure if Disney or George Lucas has more of our $$ now. lol... Also - our son rode Star Tours a total of 29 times over our vacation!!! And the longest wait was onky 15 minutes!!!!


May the Force be with you

 

[yulilin3]

Just got back from our first Star Wars Weekend expreience and all I can say is WOW!!!!! What a great time. We went on Friday (opening day and Saturday as well). It was exhausting! We never left the park to take a break. OPening day was a bit chaotic but Saturday was wonderful. Crowds were extremely manageable. Our son met so many characters. Other than Chewbacca many lines for character meets were almost non-existent last Sat afternoon. It was very hot - so I think a lot of people gave up in the afternoon. We had front row viewing for the parade. Right in front pf the hat stage. I got our spot very yearly around 9:30 am. It was a long wait but well worth the wait. I think the parade route is much too short however. It is very difficult for everyone to fit in to such a short area. We double checked numerous times with cast members regarding our spot to make sure we weren't going to get bumped out last minute. Friday night we asked if where we were was okay for the Hoopla and was told yes - however when it started we were bumped out and then damn near stampeded against the stage. Very scary and frustrating. Friday did not seem very well organized to me. However, Sat was great! I was amazed with how much time the characters spent with my son when he met with them - not your usual just get a quick pic and move on. It was all worth it - just for the look on my sons face!! Priceless!! I'm not sure if Disney or George Lucas has more of our $$ now. lol... Also - our son rode Star Tours a total of 29 times over our vacation!!! And the longest wait was onky 15 minutes!!!!


May the Force be with you

Great report!! I'm happy you and your family had such a great time. I agree that Friday was a bit disorganized, but Saturday was a good SWW day!

 

[yulilin3]

Does anymore have a map of where each character sets up?
I know the Guide Map shows the areas but which character is actually in which meet and greet area?

Disney SW characters: next to ABC Commisary
Queen Amidala: next to SOunds Dangerous
Chewbacca: Speeder bike next to Star Tours
Ahsoka, Cp. Rex, Commander Cody and Assaj Ventress: Next to Premiere Theater
Jedi Council( Anakin, Shaak Tii, Kit Fisto and Mace Windu: Next to San Francisco Street.
Roaming characters in this area Clone Troopers and Jawas
Darth Vader: Next to Studio Catering Restaurant.
Darth Maul: Next to Backlot Tour
Jango and Bobba Fett: Backlot Tour
Roaming characters in this area: Stormtroopers, Aurra Sing, Zam Wessel and Gamorrean Guard
Luke, Leia, R2D2 and C3PO: Jabba's Tent by RnRC
characters that appear in the same area rotate, keep that in mind.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Longest two lines are (Mickey, Minnie, who switch, & R2MK is generally with Mickey & Darth Goofy with Minnie, but those last two kind of go in out as they please.), & Chewbacca (who is super awesome), if you have the ability, do one one day & the other the next. Mickey & Minnie have NO shade, & it sucks.

We were there last Sat-Sun, and the line for Darth Vader was longer than these two any time we went by it. BUT that may have something to do with the Darth line being in the shade...

And wrt the Mickey/Minnie/Goofy line... we saw several people get pretty cranky when they switched the characters in and out... I think some people REALLY had their hearts set on Mickey and were not thrilled to get Goofy... poor guy...

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Okay, with the shortened route, is the 12:40pm worth the hassle? We have a group of 8. There is no way I can get my 10 year old with moderate autism to wait over an hour in full sun for a spot. I can hold a few spots, but not 8, and I'm not sure I can convince the others this is a must-do. We will be doing rope drop show & Hoopla, lots of character hunting. Any other must-dos? Thanks for helping me make some tough choice

TIA,

Well, I can share this... there was a handful of shady spots along this ULTRA-SHORT parade route, all of which were taken by about 11:15 at the latest, I'd say. DD4 was totally consumed with a game on my iphone, so I thought I'd try waiting for it, shielding her from the sun. Well... in the incredible heat, she looked like she might melt maybe 20-30min in!! Even though she wasn't complaining, I opted to give up our spot and duck into the stores. When the parade rolled around, we watched it from one of the store doorways, catching glimpses of everything in between some people in front of us. To me, it was better than baking until 12:40pm!!

I would say that I did see some incredible stuff in that parade line... like a 2-3 year old child dressed head-to-toe in a Jedi costume... long pants and long sleeves... lying in a stroller in direct sunlight, basically whimpering periodically while mom texted. I am not the type to interfere... "parent and let parent" is more my philosophy, but I did say to this woman "I think the sun is directly in his face...", to which she responded "he's fine" without even looking.

For me, it wouldn't be worth waiting in line for an hour and a half or so just to see a 10min parade. From our vantage point in partial A/C, we saw enough for us.

 

[thecapells]

Disney SW characters: next to ABC Commisary
Queen Amidala: next to SOunds Dangerous
Chewbacca: Speeder bike next to Star Tours
Ahsoka, Cp. Rex, Commander Cody and Assaj Ventress: Next to Premiere Theater
Jedi Council( Anakin, Shaak Tii, Kit Fisto and Mace Windu: Next to San Francisco Street.
Roaming characters in this area Clone Troopers and Jawas
Darth Vader: Next to Studio Catering Restaurant.
Darth Maul: Next to Backlot Tour
Jango and Bobba Fett: Backlot Tour
Roaming characters in this area: Stormtroopers, Aurra Sing, Zam Wessel and Gamorrean Guard
Luke, Leia, R2D2 and C3PO: Jabba's Tent by RnRC
characters that appear in the same area rotate, keep that in mind.

AWESOME!!! Thanks so much!!!
And R2-MK is by the Disney chars?
Any word on the Cantina Band this year?

 

[yulilin3]

AWESOME!!! Thanks so much!!!
And R2-MK is by the Disney chars?
Any word on the Cantina Band this year?

Yes R2MK is with the Disney characters as I said they rotate, I haven't seen them walking around but I didn't really spend alot of time outside of Star Tours, it was just so hot and I did all of the shows so I spent most of my time around the Premiere Theater. I will get a better look at the characters this coming Saturday and I'll try to get their scheduled times...no promises on that as the CM are very protective of that info

 

[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!

Re-asking!

 

[TallandGoofy]

Our son met so many characters. Other than Chewbacca many lines for character meets were almost non-existent last Sat afternoon.

How was Saturday morning for character lines? We are going on the 4th Saturday. Will we have time to do TSM and then go around and see characters with minimal waits?


By the way - thanks to everyone coming back here and reporting your experiences!! It's really helping out with the planning and excitement building!!

 

[yulilin3]

Re-asking!

I don't know about this one...I think someone posted something about the rotating characters...I'll do some investigating on Saturday about this and report back.
I'll also ask about rain locations for the characters, I did see at Jabba's Tent, different backdrops, like Amidala's and Jedi Council so I would think it's there, but I'll find out more about the characters onSaturday.
I feel pretty foolish I didn't think more about the characters the first weekends, but since both my kids are over the whole character experience I completely forgot to find out, but I will....Patience my young padawans...Maybe I'll need to go on Friday to do this research