Wanted: Star Wars Weekends for Dummies

[MeanestMomEver]

First some background: DH (retired military)is a speaker at a conference next week and I'm tagging along. It will be our first time to visit with no kids along. Because of the circumstances, I only had a couple weeks to plan. I plan. And he likes it that way.

Additional issue- we will be purchasing the military 4 day park hoppers. We cannot purchase them until arrival so this means no fast pass booking until arrival day. I understand that this will be an issue and we will not be getting all of our favorites booked. (We were just there in March and I really liked the system) We do not live near a military installation where I could purchase tickets in advance.

We arrive Sunday, June 8. Around 8 am. We depart Friday evening. June 13.

We always do MK on last day. Sunday is our only other full park day. (Well, at least for him. Ha. )

I just realized it's Star Wars Weekend. DH is what I will call a moderate Star Wars fan. On a scale of 1-10, he's probably a 5/6. I'm a 1. Maybe a zero. I don't know what Jedi means. I've never watched an entire SW movie in one sitting. And I really don't care whether the force is with me or not. I know, Blasphemy, right?

Anyway, it occurred to me that on June 8 we could check SWW out. And while it's not my thing, DH might think it's pretty cool. He is not into planning in any way and probably has no idea such a thing as SWW exists. It would be cool if we just showed up and it was a surprise for him. So, I've been reading up about it here. And I've come to the conclusion that I need advice and this is the best place to get it because I don't know what this stuff means and I don't know who the people are. (At least I'm honest.)

Since this is such last minute planning and I can't get fast passes booked until we arrive that day and buy tickets, probably around 9 am, would it be worth the time and effort and crowd to even attempt this? I can't see him being very interested in waiting in long lines for photos or autographs. Short lines-sure. Again- fast pass not an option until mid morning.

I'm guessing the special meals were booked up 180 days ago. But they look cute.

He would not dress up in a costume but he does have a couple fun SW T shirts. And I'd wear one too.

I don't think he would be into buying merchandise except maybe a pin or T shirt.

The parade seems cool. We could make it in time for that.

Given my late planning, late arrival and lack of fast pass access circumstances, what SWW activities could we realistically expect to do that day? Are there special shows?

Would anyone be kind enough to give me an idea of what we might expect? Or if it's just going to be crowded and frustrating since I have nothing booked, just let me know.

And I know I am "not worthy" of such a special day. It would be for him and I won't have a clue about what's going on but it's Disney and I'll still be having fun.

Since I'm so late with this, I do understand It may not be good use of a park day. And if that's the case, we will stick with our original plan of Epcot.

Advice?

 

[CAS239]

If he likes Star Wars, then I'd say go. You don't have to get autographs, photos with celebs, or have the character meals to enjoy SWW. You can see special parades with Star Wars characters, take some pics with CP30, R2D2 and other characters, and go inside Darths Mall to buy some souvenirs.

I went last year to buy some limited edition items and I feel like I fully got the SWW experience and we only went to Darth's Mall and checked out a parade with Stormtroopers. You can check out the SWW stuff without waiting in crazy lines for auto's and whatnot, and enjoy HS as well and ride the rides.

I would recommend going just to check it out since it's only a yearly event

 

[KCSherri]

Just an FYI:

On June 8th, Mark Hamill, aka "Luke Skywalker", will be making an appearance at HS for SWW. This is the first time he has appeared, although there have been other guest stars over the past few years at SWW.

Rumor has it the crowds are going to be CRAZY and INSANE. He will be in the parade that day (there is a special Star Wars-themed parade on the weekends), and rumor has it that some folks are getting to the park at Rope Drop and doing nothing more than camping out for a parade spot.

Crowds are normally heavier during an "average" Star Wars Weekend (SWW), but June 8th?? The crowds will be OUT OF THIS WORLD (ha - see what I did there??!!).

Good luck!