1st Day of Star Wars Weekend

[LAM378]

Sorry, guys, I know there's another active SWW thread going on, but I didn't want to hijack it and some of the things in that thread left me with more questions.

We arrive Weds 5/14 (no parks that day) and are doing MK the next day because we have to start with MK. Just have to.

So we're doing HS on Friday 5/16, the first day of SWW. And I'd like to know what to expect. I'm prepared for madness but I don't know on what level.

We have our early am FPs for TSMM and Disney Jr. Live and Little Mermaid, and our 10:30 ADR at H&V (this trip is kid-centric for my 4 year old). We've got to be back at YC around 1 pm so my dad can be on time to pick up my brother at MCO, so I expect we 'll be booking it out of there after breakfast (and not going back until Monday 5/19).

The park's official opening is 8 am but I'm planning to get there by 7:45, latest. Is it going to be lunacy at the gate? Should we get there even earlier? We're not at all interested in the SW stuff (although it'll be cool to see); I just want to know how hard it will be to get from Point A to Point B.

Besides our FPs, the only other things I'd hope to accomplish that morning are meeting Buzz/Woody and Mater/Lightning.

I guess my main question is, will the majority of the crowds that first morning be hightailing it to the SW-related stuff, and bypassing the "everyday" attractions? Will it be wall-to-wall chaos? Am I nuts for planning my trip this way?

 

[FettFan]

It's never been THAT bad at the gate every time I've gone on first day. Just like a regular rope drop.

The only lunacy comes from the Stormies standing guard.


Granted that was also before the DisStrong bracelets, so who knows. Good thing you've already FPd Toy Story Midway Mania, because that thing is always insane.

Commissary Lane and Streets of America will be more crowded with SW character meetings.

 

[jonesenon4]

we also are arriving 5/14 and was wondering the same thing thanks for the question.everything i have gathered from touring plans and other guests i dont think its going to be horrible crowds.heavier than normal but not bad.we are going to the studios saturday so hopefully it wont be to bad.

 

[LAM378]

It's never been THAT bad at the gate every time I've gone on first day. Just like a regular rope drop.

Thanks, FettFan--this helps . I can deal with regular crowds, but I'd have to be in a special frame of mind to deal with wall-to-wall SW lunacy.

we also are arriving 5/14 and was wondering the same thing thanks for the question.everything i have gathered from touring plans and other guests i dont think its going to be horrible crowds.heavier than normal but not bad.we are going to the studios saturday so hopefully it wont be to bad.

Thanks, jonesenon4--I hope it's not too bad that Saturday for you! I didn't really understand the scope of SWW when I planned our trip and now I'm nervous. But when it's all said and done, I think it'll have been a cool thing to see at least once!

 

[lunchbox1175]

I know you said you "have to" do the MK on Thursday, but personally, I would do HS on Thursday, avoid the additional crowds and then do the MK on Friday when HS will be packed.

 

[Dwarful]

In all the years we have been to SWW at HS they have always let us in the parks by 745 so you might want to be at the gates by 730 latest and know you will have people ahead of you. If you arrive at 745 your might find the crowds have already been let into the park.

 

[jpittore1]

Since you're only going to 1p.m. you should be fine