TIPS: Star Wars Weekends 2011

[Marlton Mom]

I just wanted to post and say thank you to all the folks that are contributing to this thread. DS 12, myself and DH will be going to SWW June 10th (Afternoon) June 11th (am until we drop! ) and June 12th ( am until we drop again! )

I am taking careful notes and all of this info will really help to make our trip more manageable so thanks a lot to everyone!

~ Marlton Mom

 

[yulilin3]

First I'd like to say thank you to all of you for your contributions/trip reports/ and tips. It's been most helpful. After reading for days and days I was hoping some of your may wish to chime in on our plan for this weekend. June 3-5.

Our plan is to arrive bright and early by 7:45AM on Saturday morning. We have no interest in autographs or celebrity meets. As soon as the park opens we'll walk towards ST2.0 (hopefully get to ride), and pick up fast passes for later. After which we'll head towards TSM and hopefully get a ride. We're still not sure about riding RRC or TOT, sometimes our stomachs just won't allow us the thrills. Jabas Hutt is our next stop as I've heard lines and crowds are insane. There may be some passholder merchandise we'd like to get, but a full browse through the store is a must before deciding. After that we'll be playing it by ear. We are the type who like to wander around and explore all the sights and sounds while taking it in slowly. We would like to try and get photos with some of the characters. Mainly the Disney crew dressed up as Star Wars characters and possibly Boba/Jango Fett and Chewbacca. DW and I are both fairly impatient people and don't know how long we'll be willing to wait in line. Meeting with and getting pictures with characters isn't a big priority, so it's not a big deal if it doesn't happen. We still haven't decided if we'll be watching Hyperspace Hoopla or the Parade/Motorcades. Again it plays into our impatience. We can barely stand the wait for Fantasmic most of the time.

Depending on how much fun we have on Saturday (which I'm expecting to be lots), we'll most likely go again on Sunday.

So that's our plan for SWW. Any and all suggestions, thoughts, changes you would make would be greatly appreciated. Also, I was hoping someone could tell us how long we could expect to wait for the Character pics and Parades/Hoopla etc...??

Can't wait for our weekend in a galaxy far far away. Thank you and may the force be with you.

It's a good plan but I would change one thing: If you want to see characters I would do that after riding Star Tours and TSM. It's better to catch the characters in the morning because later in the day it gets really hot and almost all of them are in the sun. If you do want to get characters pics the most popular ones are (Chewbacca, Darth Vader and DIsney SW) after that you can go inside Jabba's Hutt and browse and cool down. Don't worry about the line in Jabbas there hasn't been any since opening weekend.
Hoopla is a must and it seems everyone knows it by now. SO plan to get there at least an hour for a good spot, remember they are now showing it on the big screen (diamond vision) outside American Idol Experience, have fun and take plenty of water (remember that any quick service restaurant can give you free cups of ice water)

 

[Karpkg]

3 days of SWW, and a biiig possibility I'm going back for 1 more day this Friday. As I'm typing this the family are completely wiped out and deep in hibernation. We PH'ed into MK after SWW and tons of people were commenting on our SWW matching shirts. Might as well have been a walking billboard!

Random thoughts: Hyperspace Hoopla: think outdoor concert/band stage; 5 ft high; so everyone's standing and some have kids on shoulders. I'm 5'3" and can only get my child up to waist high so he could see; it was hard. Looked over my left shoulder and huge American Idol screen had perfect Hyperspace Hoopla on it; people and kids sitting cross-legged and enjoying it. I tell you, with kids that's the place to be. Random fireworks that fire unexpectedly; brace yourself. The beat of the music was so loud my heart actually synced with it. Hugely fun; a riot. The guys especially enjoyed the music, they were singing out loud & out of tune.

Yes, brutally hot. I sent the kids into shade and sacrificed myself to the sun god for them waiting in line. If you have multiple adults in your party and the line includes multiple characters, space adults into the line every 20-30 minutes to catch switching characters. Chewbacca-longest line of 1.5 hrs. At least it's in the shade.

Phineas & Ferb's first day Sunday- they did they're best to entertain you while in line. Worth getting a non SWW into my collection.

Ashley Eckstein's signing her t shirt merchandise. DD and I loved her designs! You can bring a fabric permanent marker; I told her I'm going to try and shellac or something over her signature so go ahead and write anywhere and she did. Otherwise she was writing on the tags or somewhere that could not wash off the glittery gold/silver pens she was using. Adults- $37; youths- $22.

Vinylmations- sold in individual boxes or case of 24. By Sunday they were down to individual boxes but people earlier were buying 2-4 cases. Case-$286.80; individually $11.95. They'll bring in fresh supplies upcoming weekends but don't wait till Sunday to buy.

If you want something for celebrities to sign Jabba's Hut is also selling 8x10 pics w/matting and I've been getting the celebrities to sign on the matting. Those were $20.

Children in parade; I asked and yellow shirt people said there's a person who walks around and randomly pics kids. If they're dressed up SW that increases the chances. But they don't even know who that person is that picks. (Heck, more than 50% of the time they couldn't answer specific questions)

Parade; the route is sooo short and spots fill quickly. Yes, I admit, I did something bad. I had a mediocre spot until someone put their child on their shoulders in front of me and I gave up. I did this only after I saw other people doing it and the CM's weren't stopping them. Hint: The color is really better on the other side!

Skip Toy Story Pizzeria for lunch and go to the concessions by ToT. Better variety too. Same pizza but won't be held hostage in the hour long line we were in. No places to sit there, too. People kept holding tables in air conditioned upstairs. I knew that for Christmas Week but didn't apply it this wknd.

I could go on but I'll stop now and think again.

 

[MelissathePooh]

Thanks to MelissathePooh and everyone who is taking the time to share their informations!

There are folks posting much more helpful hints than me , but I think I can speak on behalf of everyone that we're all happy to pass on what we've learned. Everyone does Disney a little differently and SWW are no exception.

I hope everyone going has an excellent time! MTFBWY

 

[MJAJmom]

We'll be at SWW #3. While the official park hours state 9am opening, will they be opening the park at 8am on Fri/Sat/Sun? We plan to be at rope drop, I just don't want to miss out if it opens earlier than expected.

 

[Karpkg]

We'll be at SWW #3. While the official park hours state 9am opening, will they be opening the park at 8am on Fri/Sat/Sun? We plan to be at rope drop, I just don't want to miss out if it opens earlier than expected.

Funny, not even Guest Relations knew. We were in there to recharge our video camera and some people were in there complaining that they didn't know DHS had opened up earlier and can they expect that the rest of the week, and one of Guest Relations said she starts work at 9 and she didn't know they opened earlier. She said probably because of SWW only and the crowd expectations.

I would be there early. Fantastic if it works, if not you're still front of the line and can watch us crazy people waiting for autographs. The way Star Tours is recently reopened; I would bet it would be opening early.

 

[raven70]

That's something we are really going to have to consider. It wouldn't be the end of the world, but we plan to be there at 8:15-30, and gates have already been open 30 minutes, wonder where we should hit first? ST or TSMM for FP? We are not doing autographs. Son wants to go on ST so bad. He's funny as he is high functioning autistic / aspbergers and he said we had to go on ST first, then he considered for a moment and went into a long explanation of how we actually have to check into POFQ first and then goto HS and then goto ST (trust me a lot more detail than what I just put in that sentence). Anyone with an ASD kid will appreciate that. LOL.

 

[All American]

Random thoughts: Hyperspace Hoopla: think outdoor concert/band stage; 5 ft high; so everyone's standing and some have kids on shoulders. I'm 5'3" and can only get my child up to waist high so he could see; it was hard. Looked over my left shoulder and huge American Idol screen had perfect Hyperspace Hoopla on it; people and kids sitting cross-legged and enjoying it. I tell you, with kids that's the place to be. Random fireworks that fire unexpectedly; brace yourself. The beat of the music was so loud my heart actually synced with it. Hugely fun; a riot. The guys especially enjoyed the music, they were singing out loud & out of tune.

Oh my goodness, thank you for mentioning that! Our oldest daughter gets really scared at that sort of thing. We'll watch it the show from a good distance.

 

[travelfanatic]

I will be there next Friday. I'm wearing my DOM star wars name fill that says Mommy, DS will be in the same DISign with Travis, DD will be wearing an Ashley Eckstein knock off of her chibi Ashoka and DH is in the Star Wars shirt from Target (he insisted on no iron on shirts, so I bought him one instead). I always have my LGMH on my bag and stroller. Say Hi if you see us!

We will be there too! I will look for you! There will be six of us, two moms & 4 boys! Lord help us! We don't have the lime green mickey tag but we will have a vinylmation backpack. Hope we run into you as I have never run into another DISer at the parks. Looking forward to Friday!! Have a great time!!

 

[trackmom]

I have read almost every page and I am a little nervous about our plan to go to HS next Friday. Will it be insanely crowded since it is SWW and Gay Days? Should we try to go on Thursday instead? I desperately want to get my DS's into JTA--it will be the highlight of the summer for them! If we go on Thursday we can't get there by rope drop, I'm afraid, bc we are driving in from NWFL.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!!

 

[Stinkerbell317]

Still obsessing over the SW vinylmations! Are they for sale only at Jabba's Hut or also at Tatooine Traders?

Also, what is this about free lanyards?

 

[trackmom]

I found this:

...Star Tours 2 News
Free Star Tours lanyard for Disney World Annual Passholders June 3-5
If you're a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and are visiting Star Tours between June 3-5, 2011, there's a momento you can get for free! Disney is offering Annual Passholders a free and exclusive Star Tours lanyard.

The free lanyard will be availably only on June 3-5 at Jabba's Hutt merchandise tent (behind Rock 'n Roller Coaster) while supplies last. One lanyard per passholder.

 

[tchrrx]

I found this:

...Star Tours 2 News
Free Star Tours lanyard for Disney World Annual Passholders June 3-5
If you're a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and are visiting Star Tours between June 3-5, 2011, there's a momento you can get for free! Disney is offering Annual Passholders a free and exclusive Star Tours lanyard.

The free lanyard will be availably only on June 3-5 at Jabba's Hutt merchandise tent (behind Rock 'n Roller Coaster) while supplies last. One lanyard per passholder.

I planned on taking DHs ticket so that DD & I could get FPs for him while he shops here. Maybe we could all three go get the lanyards, then DD & I could go get FPs and do rides. Do you think this would work? Our APs are our actual park tickets, right?

 

[trackmom]

I planned on taking DHs ticket so that DD & I could get FPs for him while he shops here. Maybe we could all three go get the lanyards, then DD & I could go get FPs and do rides. Do you think this would work? Our APs are our actual park tickets, right?

the ONLY thing I can answer is that your AP's should be your tickets, yes. I have actually only been ONE time where I wasn't a child myself and I planned the absolute devil out of that trip with Tour Guide Mike's plans, but I have never been for SWW and this will be my first time there too!!

Good luck! Maybe someone with more experience can answer that for you!

 

[Karpkg]

I planned on taking DHs ticket so that DD & I could get FPs for him while he shops here. Maybe we could all three go get the lanyards, then DD & I could go get FPs and do rides. Do you think this would work? Our APs are our actual park tickets, right?

Lanyards will be there so go anytime; not many people are AP'ers. But FP return times will go further out and lines for other rides will lengthen- so do FP's first and rides, then get lanyards later. Preferably in the afternoon when you're hot and need to seek an air-conditioned Jabba Hut. Bring your photo ID; they'll always ask for that even when buying regular merchandise if you want your discounts.

 

[Karpkg]

Still obsessing over the SW vinylmations! Are they for sale only at Jabba's Hut or also at Tatooine Traders?

Also, what is this about free lanyards?

I haven't seen them at Tatooine; only at Jabba's Hut. There's a display of them under glass so you can see. Remember though, if you buy them separately you cannot know what you're getting. Once opened, no returns/exchanges/refunds.

pics of Mike Sullivan at the SWW and the vinylmations. http://eventservices.disney.go.com/static/vinylmation/blog.html

 

[Stinkerbell317]

I found this:

...Star Tours 2 News
Free Star Tours lanyard for Disney World Annual Passholders June 3-5
If you're a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and are visiting Star Tours between June 3-5, 2011, there's a momento you can get for free! Disney is offering Annual Passholders a free and exclusive Star Tours lanyard.

The free lanyard will be availably only on June 3-5 at Jabba's Hutt merchandise tent (behind Rock 'n Roller Coaster) while supplies last. One lanyard per passholder.

THAT ROCKS! Thanks for the info!

 

[Stinkerbell317]

I haven't seen them at Tatooine; only at Jabba's Hut. There's a display of them under glass so you can see. Remember though, if you buy them separately you cannot know what you're getting. Once opened, no returns/exchanges/refunds.

pics of Mike Sullivan at the SWW and the vinylmations. http://eventservices.disney.go.com/static/vinylmation/blog.html

Looks like we'll be frequenting Jabba's! Thanks!

 

[turtlebean]

We went a few years ago and got a bunch of pics w/the major characters. This year my younger DS is much more into it. He is a huge droid fan (R2D2 is his favorite) How are the lines for the droids? Are they only over by Jabba's?

 

[Karpkg]

We went a few years ago and got a bunch of pics w/the major characters. This year my younger DS is much more into it. He is a huge droid fan (R2D2 is his favorite) How are the lines for the droids? Are they only over by Jabba's?

Luke, Leia, C3PO and R2D2 used to be at Star Tours but the area they were in now is inhabited by the new queue Star tours line. At least in Jabba's Hut I can hang out in an air conditioned room. Lines though average 30-45 min. It's been Luke, then Leia, then C3PO w/R2D2 switching out occasionally. It's been frustrating trying to time it; R2D2 left just before my family; and a family "stole" that time. A toddler walking by saw R2D2 and ran underneath the rope toward him; disrupting the picture of the family before us. He was grabbed out of the way by his mom, and of course he started to cry. The mom(these people were never line, they were just looking at the merchandise, and we were there for the past 40 min.) begged and begged....and they got that pic before R2D2 left. So we just got C3PO alone. Can you tell that's still bothering me? (sigh)

R2-MK is with Jedi Mickey; he's cute too.