Star Wars Weekends!

[mom2boys]

We are headed to WDW in May during Star Wars Weekends! Wondering if anyone can give us insight on the events? is it different things every day/weekend? We will be there over two weekends so wondering if we should hit up DHS both weekends. We made sure to book dining reservations way in advance because I am sure that it will be crowded.
Thanks!

 

[yellowb]

Would be interested to hear some in-site as well.

 

[wdwmagic]

Have a look at http://www.wdwmagic.com/Events/Star-Wars-Weekends.htm

Should give you an idea from previous years.

 

[joeludwig91]

From what I've seen, crowded is an understatement. It sounds like a blast, regardless of the huge crowds. I've heard of Star Wars cast members from the original and prequel trilogies being in attendance at past SWW events. It doesn't sound like it's hard to get signed SW art, either. I visited WDW in October of 2010 and they still had plenty of artwork signed by the cast in stock at Tatooine Traders. My girlfriend's dad bought a signed Boba Fett lithograph for about $130. So if you're into that, it would be awesome to not only take something like that home but to get pictures of (if not with) the stars.

Have fun!

 

[SFMarine]

SWW's are usually the same thing every weekend but with different SW celebrities. There's always a "host"..last year it was Ashley Eckstein from The Clone Wars. Anthony Daniels was there. He told his entire Star Wars story to a crowd of about 300 in one of the conference halls. It was quite memorable. It's just an awesome experience if you're a SW fan. They haven't announced what celebs will be there this year. I will be @ weekend 2..which starts may 25th.

Another neat thing about SWW is the exclusive merchandise only available during those select days. One thing I found out was don't procrastinate and buy it if you want it because once it's gone...it's gone.

 

[Master Yoda]

The link Steve posted will give you all of the nuts and bolts of the weekends, but here are a few tips.

The vast majority of the shows will be the same format (interview, showcase) but can change depending on the celebrities there. If they have someone from Clone Wars in attendance there will typically be a show showing the voice over work that they do. Ray Park (Darth Maul) also does a special show called A visit to the Maul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ej_pVgvto4

If you want celebrity autographs prepare to get up the incredibly early if said celebrity is even remotely popular. And when I say early, I am talking 1:00 AM-3:00 AM early. The last time we did autographs was in 2009. When Billie Dee Williams (Lando) and Ray Park (Darth Maul) were there my wife an I go there at 3:00 AM. I was the second to last person to get a fast pass for Billie Dee and my wife was about 20 spots ahead of the last person the get a fastpass for Ray Park.

Even if you do not want autographs you will want to get to the park about an hour before opening. It is not uncommon for the lines to stretch all the way to security by about 8:30-8:45.

The entire days worth of slots for Jedi Training will be gone shortly after the park is open.

If you have more specific questions feel free to fire away.