Star Wars Weekends and other questions

[Dwarful]

Alright, fifty lashes with a wet noodle for me. I didnt know that when we are going June 4-14th with our Grand Gatherings it will be Star Wars Weekends. I think my husband and my oldest nephew would get a kick out of this. However, we have never done this before. What is the best way of going about it? We will be going to the parks early daily for the early entrys. But are there extra fees or costs involved? and if so where do you go to make those purchases??? We are staying onsite and will have ap's. Thanks for any help to make this Grand Gatherings ...well...GRAND! for the whole gang!

P.S. I am thinking that hubby, nephew and myself will tackle this star wars thing and the rest of the gang will meet up with us later on.

 

[Thessair]

There aren't any additional costs associated with Star Wars weekends. The only real expenditure (besides accommodations and park entrance) is merchandise. There is a lot of ‘Star Wars Weekends only’ stuff to buy. Pins, shirts, posters, and coins are the majority of what I remember from last year. If you plan on trying to get an autograph or play one of the Star Wars editions of ‘Millionaire’, I’d suggest you get there early. People will start lining up outside MGM at the crack of dawn to get one of the wristbands required for an autograph. The Star Wars parade can sometimes snarl up traffic as it winds its way to Star Tours, so it can get pretty crazy during one of those. Hope this helps.

 

[Dwarful]

thanks for the info. One last question.....you mentioned autograph wristbands...will those wristbands allow each person to meet/greet one person or multiple? also are you allowed photographs when you do autographs? thanks again! greatly appreciate the info.

 

[Thessair]

No problem-o, happy to help. There are actually two types of wristbands. There are the guaranteed autographs and the stand-by bands. They’re both numbered so that when it comes time for the signing session you are lined up in order of when you got your wristband. If they move through all of the guaranteed people, then they start pulling stand-by people. Although the wristband system isn’t perfect, it does keep you from having to spend all morning waiting in line for the chance to get an autograph. The pictures that are signed are provided for you and are an odd size. (I think they were something like 5 x 8.) You do have the opportunity to get a picture taken with the person whose autograph you are getting. There is a friendly handy cast member there to shoot the picture. I can’t say I envy these people, there were a lot of cranky autograph seekers last year. Each and every cast member out there kept they’re cool though and managed to stay cheerful and friendly despite the sweltering heat and the irate guests. Of course, this is all based on my experiences last year, so they might change things up for 2004. Oh, and last year all of the celebrities were stationed under small umbrellas near the water in front of the 50’s café. I’ve probably babbled far more than you needed but, again, I hope it helps.

 

[Dwarful]

Ok, last question, I promise Talked to hubby last night, is there any way to find out which stars will be there? just a bit curious. thanks again.

 

[Thessair]

Ask all you want, I'm happy to be able to help. Here is the link for the guest list. This year seems to be a little light, but they may add more people. On the other hand, it may also be that pick-up shooting for Episode III is happening at the same time. But I wouldn't know anything about that.

http://www.starwars.com/community/news/2004/04/news20040402.html

 

[tigsmom]

Here is a link to Deb's site. It has some info too. (sorry if its a repeat, I just glanced at the other one. )


http://allearsnet.com/tp/mgm/m_starwars.htm

 

[WDWHeadBanger]

This will be my first star wars weekend too. I am going on the 13th of June.

 

[Thessair]

Have fun! I enjoyed it last year, although it was typically HOT and HUMID.

 

[RogueHabit]

Originally posted by Thessair
Ask all you want, I'm happy to be able to help. Here is the link for the guest list. This year seems to be a little light, but they may add more people. On the other hand, it may also be that pick-up shooting for Episode III is happening at the same time. But I wouldn't know anything about that.

http://www.starwars.com/community/news/2004/04/news20040402.html

There's a one day shoot in May and the rest in August so this shouldn't effect SWWE's.

The guest list is a little light, but you're unlikely to see the likes of Hayden, Ewan or Natalie turning up...