Star Wars Weekend tips

[tmstephe]

The family and I will be at WDW for Star Wars weekends at the end of May, and my son (7) is really into Star Wars. I've tried reading everything I can to be as prepared as possible, but I was wondering if anyone here can share tips/tricks/strategies.

We are NOT interested getting celebrity autographs. Should we try to get character autographs (Darth Goofy, Jedi Mickey, etc.)? Is the wait much longer than any other meet and greet?

Where is the special merchandise sold? If we're mostly interested in toys, plush characters, etc. (and not the limited edition pins or whatnot) do we need to worry about a huge line or rushing there first thing at park opening? Is this merchandise only available during the Fri-Sun SWW?

My son really wants to do the Jedi Training Academy. I assume we're better off trying to do that on a Mon-Thu. I know we sign up at the ABC Sound Studio... do we need our park ticket like you do for a fastpass, or do I just show up with my son? Is there any difference between the "regular" version and the SWW version? We're thinking about park hopping in the afternoon to check out the merchandise and going back a different morning for the Jedi Academy.

Thanks!
24 days until we check in!

 

[RedDad]

We'll be there right behind you! (28 days) and we're going to be SWW first timers as well. From what Master Yoda and others have said the regular character meet & greets are about the same as normal characters. I would definitely say do Jedi Training on a non-SWW day, but can't really answer your other questions. We're looking forward to the parade and Hyperspace Hoopla!

 

[ratherbeinwdw]

The family and I will be at WDW for Star Wars weekends at the end of May, and my son (7) is really into Star Wars. I've tried reading everything I can to be as prepared as possible, but I was wondering if anyone here can share tips/tricks/strategies.

We are NOT interested getting celebrity autographs. Should we try to get character autographs (Darth Goofy, Jedi Mickey, etc.)? Is the wait much longer than any other meet and greet?

Where is the special merchandise sold? If we're mostly interested in toys, plush characters, etc. (and not the limited edition pins or whatnot) do we need to worry about a huge line or rushing there first thing at park opening? Is this merchandise only available during the Fri-Sun SWW?

My son really wants to do the Jedi Training Academy. I assume we're better off trying to do that on a Mon-Thu. I know we sign up at the ABC Sound Studio... do we need our park ticket like you do for a fastpass, or do I just show up with my son? Is there any difference between the "regular" version and the SWW version? We're thinking about park hopping in the afternoon to check out the merchandise and going back a different morning for the Jedi Academy.

Thanks!
24 days until we check in!

The longest line we waited in was for Chewbacca, but even that was only 30 minutes. If you aren't interested in the special addition items, there is plenty of the other items so no need to get in the crowd at opening. If you want pictures with R2D2 and one of the speed racers or whatever they have this year, you need to be there first thing. The line was three deep inside and all the way around the side of the tent/building and three deep outside by 9:30 to get pictures with them. When we got there first thing, there were only four people in front of us, after we got pictures and finished shopping, the line was out the side of the building already. When we came back to the area to ride RNRC an hour later, the line was all the way to the first kiosk. Disney character meet and greets and usually Chewbacca are outside around the park. Chewy is across from Star Tours by the speed racer. R2 and the thing Luke rode in at his home in the first movie, and the "Luke" character were in the tent building. Fridays have always been less crowded, even on opening day, than Saturday. We would go back in the evening for the stage show.
The thing that took the longest was checking out. We were in line for almost an hour just to pay.

 

[danpam1024]

I waited in line (outside in the sun) for Donald while DH took DS on rides- for 2+ hours. I don't even remember what he was dresses as. I was SO HOT and I am a Floridian!!! At the time DS was really into Star Wars as well, but it was a miserable experience- far too crowded and all he REALLY wanted??? You guessed it- a make your own light saber! Could have gotten away with a trip during a "normal" time and $20 light saber. Lesson Learned.

 

[tmstephe]

Thanks for the replies and advice!

 

[MOXOMUMD]

The family and I will be at WDW for Star Wars weekends at the end of May, and my son (7) is really into Star Wars. I've tried reading everything I can to be as prepared as possible, but I was wondering if anyone here can share tips/tricks/strategies.

We are NOT interested getting celebrity autographs. Should we try to get character autographs (Darth Goofy, Jedi Mickey, etc.)? Is the wait much longer than any other meet and greet?

Where is the special merchandise sold? If we're mostly interested in toys, plush characters, etc. (and not the limited edition pins or whatnot) do we need to worry about a huge line or rushing there first thing at park opening? Is this merchandise only available during the Fri-Sun SWW?

My son really wants to do the Jedi Training Academy. I assume we're better off trying to do that on a Mon-Thu. I know we sign up at the ABC Sound Studio... do we need our park ticket like you do for a fastpass, or do I just show up with my son? Is there any difference between the "regular" version and the SWW version? We're thinking about park hopping in the afternoon to check out the merchandise and going back a different morning for the Jedi Academy.

Thanks!
24 days until we check in!

My main suggestion is if you are planning on watching the parade, Hyperspace Hoopla or special shows and want a good view prepare to find a spot EARLY. For the parade we always get a snack and sit and wait, most times up to an hour or more. Same with Hoopla if you want to be near the stage. Same with the special shows.

Hoopla reminds me of going to a general admission concert. You get as close to the stage as you can and the CMs will make you sit on the ground until it starts then everyone stands and moves forward. If you are in a wheelchair/ECV there is a special section on the left side of the stage. (Last year I broke my ankle before our trip but I wasn't missing SWW!) The only downfall is they only allow one person with the ECV due to the small space. Even if it's a family of three, unless it's a small child, the thir
d person will have to be outside the section.

Also the Hoopla will be broadcast on the American Idol screens if you don't like crowds.

Have fun and May The Force Be With You.

 

[hokie075]

Is their a schedule for the parade out yet? I haven't seen anything yet.

 

[MOXOMUMD]

Nothing out yet but the parades have been at 12:40. We've claimed our spot around 11:20.