yulilin3
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2007
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and, no, I'm not talking about Christmas, I'm talking about Star Wars Weekends (SWW) at least the planning part of it. I will update this thread with any new information we get as to keep everyone updated on this awesome event that WDW puts together each year for us. A little background on myself: I'm a 40 year old mom of 2 teenagers and I love SWW. I'm an Orlando resident and an AP for the past 14 years. I've attended SWW every year for the last 10 years so I know a thing or two about it.
Here's some information about SWW:
It started back in 1997 with 5 weekends from February 21st thru March 23rd. They skipped 1998 and 1999 and then changed the weekends to all May from 2000 to 2001. Again they skipped 2002 and then the dates have stayed consistent starting in 2003, from the last 2 weekends in May and the first 2 weekends in June.
This is the timeline when things were announced, keep in mind that almost everything (excluding the celeb list) we knew in advance of Disney announcing it.
SWW 2014 dates released 12/20/2013
Addition of 5th weekend, James Arnold Taylor as host and Fireworks 2/21/2014
Rebel Rendezvous merchandise event 2/28/2014
Character Meals 3/28/2014
D-Tech Me options 4/9/2014
Celeb list 4/23/2014
Feel the Force package 4/24/2014
Ability to book fp+ for Premiere Theater shows on Tier 1 5/5/2014
DHS opens at 8am with 2 Fantasmic! shows, at 9pm and 10:30pm during SWW (unofficially it opens around 7:30am)
May 16-18 8am to 10pm
May 23-25 8am to 11pm
May 30- June 1st 8am to 10pm
June 6-8 8am to 10pm
June 13-15 8am to 10pm
Weekend 1 Map
Celebrity in Attendance
Obviously there's no way of telling for sure but this is my best guess on when to arrive at DHS
Weekend I: May 16-18
Ahmed Best: Jar Jar Binks (Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: The Clone Wars) ....before 5am
Autograph session: 10am, 1:30pm and 4:30pm
Peter Mayhew: Chewbacca (Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope; Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi; Star Wars: The Clone Wars).... before 6am
Autograph session inside ABC Sound Studios 10am, 1:30pm and 4:30pm
Vanessa Marshall: Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels) ....before 6:30am
Autograph Session: 10am, 4:30pm and 6pm
James Arnold Taylor autograph session 10am
Ashley Eckstein autograph session: 3pm
Ahmed Best will be the priority here, even though people don't love Jar Jar it's his first time coming. Followed by Peter Mayhew and Vanessa Marshall
Weekend II map, only difference are showtimes for Warwick Davis and James A. Taylor
Weekend II: May 23-25
Warwick Davis: Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi); Wald (Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace) ....before 5am
Autograph Session 10am and 1:30pm
Jeremy Bulloch: Boba Fett (Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi); Capt. Jeremoch Colton (Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith) ....before 6:30am
Autograph Session 10 am 1:30pm and 4:30pm Inside ABC Sound Studio
Tiya Sircar: Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels) ...before 6am
Autograph Sessions 10am 4:30pm and 6pm
James Arnold Taylor Autograph Session 10am
Ashley Eckstein Autograph Session 3pm
I'm giving popularity to Warwick Davis, followed closely by Tiya Sircar (Vampire Diaries) and last Jeremy Bulloch
Weekend III: May 30-June 1
Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace) ...before 4am
Autograph Session 1:30pm
John Ratzenberger: Major Bren Derlin (Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back)....all nighter, there's no way of knowing
Autograph Sessions 10am 1:30pm and 4:30pm Inside ABC Sound Studio
Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels) ...before 6:30am
Autograph Sessions 10am 4:30pm and 6pm
James Arnold Taylor autograph session 10am
Ashley Eckstein autograph session: 3pm
All hell breaks loose...John Ratzenberger HUGE!!!!!!! it'll give a break for people wanting to meet Ray Park, lastly Taylor Gray (He's in the new movie Walt before Mickey) it'll be interesting to meet him
Weekend IV: June 6-8
Mark Hamill: Luke Skywalker (Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope; Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi); Darth Bane (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) (not signing)
Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)...before 4am
Autograph Session 1:30pm
Billy Dee Williams: Lando Calrissian (Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)...before 3:00am
Autograph Session 10am, 1:30pm and 6pm
Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)...before 6:30am
Autograph Session 10am, 3pm and 6pm
James Arnold Taylor
Autograph Session 10am
Ashley Eckstein
Autograph Session 3pm
Billy Dee takes the first spot, then Ray Park and Taylor Gray
Weekend V: June 13-15
Dee Bradley Baker: Captain Rex/the Clones, Bossk and several additional characters (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)...before 6:30am
Autograph Session 10am 1:30pm and 6pm
Cat Taber: Padmé Amidala and several additional characters (Star Wars: The Clone Wars).before 6:30am
Autograph Session 10am 1:30pm and 4:30pm
Tom Kane: Yoda, the series’ narrator and several additional characters (Star Wars: The Clone Wars).before 6:30am
Autograph Session 1:30pm 4:30pm and 6pm
Matt Lanter: Anakin Skywalker and several additional characters (Star Wars: The Clone Wars).... before 5:30am
Autograph Session 1:30pm 4:30pm and 6pm
Steve Blum: Zeb Orrelios (Star Wars Rebels) .before 6:30am
Autograph Session 10am 4:30pm and 6pm
James Arnold Taylor
Autograph Session 10am
weekend 5 all voice actors...hard to pick but have to go with Matt Lanter (90210), followed by everyone else
Pictures from Saturday May 17th with detailed ones on the Feel the Force Dessert Party http://s283.photobucket.com/user/yulilin/slideshow/Star Wars Weekends 2014
Special Star Wars Meals: call: 407 WDW DINE for reservations Available May 4th to June 15
**Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic 1st Show - 2 DDP Entitlements Dinner Adult: $63.89, Child: $39.4
Starting May the 4th and ending June the15th, the Fantasmic dinner experience at Hollywood and Vine has been transformed into a Star Wars themed venue where Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Chip and Dale have all come together to celebrate the greatest saga ever told. The VIP's dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters, will meet and greet the Guests and interact during several fun Star Wars themed moments throughout the evening. Star Wars décor, themed foods and music create this intergalactic atmosphere seen nowhere else in the galaxy.
The Fantasmic! Dinner Package provides guests with a choice of dining experiences, with preferred seating at Fantasmic!
**Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine - 2 DDP Entitlements Dinner Adult: $59.63, Child: $35.14
At Dinner, everyone's favorite Disney pals get dressed up for Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine. Mickey and the gang join Guests at their table for an intergalactic celebration of the saga, complete with " Star Wars" music, interactive moments, and a delectable dinner buffet.
May 4th -June 15th
Characters (subject to change) : Chip and Dale, Donald Duck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse
**Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast! at Sci-Fi - 2 DDP Entitlements Breakfast Adult: $51.11, Child: $31.94
Guests can start their day with the Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast at the Sci-Fi Dine-In-Dine Theater Restaurant. Inside, it's a long time ago at a drive-in far, far away, where out-of-this-world breakfast delicacies are accompanied by thrilling movie moments from the "Star Wars" films. Encounter Darth Vader, the Dark Lord of the Sith himself, along with a rogues gallery of infamous "Star Wars" characters, who appear to step right off the screen to join Guests as they dine.
Prix- Fixe Menu:
Guests will get a selection of pastries, choice of yogurt parfait or fruit cup, and choice of entree.
May 4th - June 15th,
Character appearances are subject to change without notice. Characters scheduled to appear during "Star Wars" dine- In Galactic Breakfast may include Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, Jawas, Greedo, and Boba Fett.
***Feel the Force Premium Package: you get reserved spots for the motorcade at 11:30am and Symphony in the Stars. Here's the link https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/feel-the-force/
Star Wars Weekends Characters Meet and Greet
Here's a great link with all the info on characters, this is from 2013 it's been pretty consistent the past years, thanks to Kenny the Pirate: http://kennythepirate.com/2012/08/08/star-wars-weekends-map-and-character-schedule/
REBEL ALLIANCE (“GOOD GUYS”)
LUKE & LEIA: near Commissary Lane 1pm to 8:45pm
CHEWBACCA, EWOKS, EWOK CHIP & DALE: Star Tours 8 to 8:45pm
CLONE TROOPERS: Streets of America
JEDI COUNCIL Streets of America 9:30am to 9pm
C-3P0 & R2-D2: Commisary Lane(limited sets) 1pm to 8:20pm
QUEEN AMIDALA: ABC Sound Studio 9:15am to 6:05pm
MICKEY, MINNIE, GOOFY & DONALD IN STAR WARS COSTUMES: Darth’s Mall (Pixar Place) 8 am to 8:30pm
GALACTIC EMPIRE (“BAD GUYS”)
BOUNTY HUNTERS: Near Studio Backlot Tour 10am to 8pm
DARTH MAUL: Near Studio Backlot Tour 9am to 8pm
DARTH VADER: Streets of America 8am to 8:30pm
Star Wars Weekends Shows
Entertainment
*Stormtroopers at the Gate - Hollywood and Vine Intersection 7:30am Welcome Show
Encounter a duo of troublesome Imperial Stormtroopers while they ready a welcome surprise from the Dark Side. Their mission—to keep all “Rebel Scum” out—quickly shifts, commemorating the official opening of the park and the start of Star Wars Weekends!
*Boba Fett Patrol
Keep an eye peeled for Boba Fett as he strolls and patrols the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage. Get up close and verbally interact with the most relentless bounty hunter in the entire universe… but be wary, or you could end up his next target!
*Stormtrooper Patrol
Beware the Empire’s finest as they impart Imperial info and put on their own unique brand of investigation. Proceed with caution as you make your way around the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage or you just might become the focus of their next interrogation!
*Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade
Marvel at a grand motorcade featuring several of your favorite Star Wars characters and celebrities. The procession begins at the front of the park and travels all the way to the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage—concluding with a grand celebrity welcome. The parade is at 11:30am
*Symphony in the Stars
Cap off your day in a galaxy far, far away with a finale celebration featuring Star Wars characters and a frenzy of fireworks, complete with Glow with the Show effects. Character pre show at 9:30pm, fireworks at 9:45pm
*Padawan Mind Challenge
Join Ashley Eckstein as the host for a series of fun and interactive Star Wars trivia challenges. Designed for younglings ages 4 to 11, the Padawan Mind Challenge is a perfect opportunity to watch your little ones wield their mental force alongside popular Star Wars characters—with a few other surprises tossed in too! It's weather permitting and, as opposed to the kids at JTA, they do not get to meet with Vader and Stormtroopers if it does cancel
1pm and 2:15 sign ups at ABC Sound Studios
4:15pm and 6:30pm no sign up required. One family is picked at random around the Hat Stage to answer trivia questions with C3PO against the Empire team
*Jedi Training Academy
Train, you must—kids under 12 can hone their lightsaber skills at the Jedi Training Academy.—and even prepare to battle Darth Vader himself! Here's a video (thanks d-r) that shows what kinds of questions potential padawans are asked when you are signing them up for JTA:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10103423636247334&l=5686320418028330867
8:45am, 9:20am, 10:05am, 10:35am,11am, 12:30pm,1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm,2:30pm, 3pm,3:30pm, 4pm,4:30pm, 5pm,5:30pm, 6:30pm,7pm, 7:30pm Weather permitting, if it gets cancelled they kids get to meet Vader and Stormtroopers
*DJ Lobot Dance Party at 7pm at the Hat Stage
Adventures at Premiere Theater
Soak up the spectacle as popular Star Wars characters and actors appear at the Premiere Theater! Some of the scheduled events include:
Behind the Force: Star Wars Voices Hosted by Ashley Eckstein
Go behind the scenes and experience the newest installment in the Star Wars saga—Star Wars Rebels.
Stars of the Saga Hosted by James Arnold Taylor
Kick back with your Star Wars Weekends host during a 30-minute, Star Wars-themed talk show that’s as entertaining as it is surprising. Enjoy an inside look at the fascinating lives and movie-making adventures with some of the stars from the Star Wars saga.
Stormtrooper Pre-Show
15 minutes prior to Stars of the Saga, prepare for a unique and immersive pre-show as it descends upon the Premiere Theater—featuring several Imperial Stormtroopers on a special assignment. Be part of the magic as this interactive and surprising presentation takes place in the audience before building to an explosive conclusion. here's a video of this years pre show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW6bmXPYqik
Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor
Feel the force flowing as James Arnold Taylor from Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes his audience on a fun and fascinating journey into the world of voice acting. Don’t miss this Star Wars Weekends exclusive as James performs over 200 popular and iconic characters!
Visit to the Maul: only happens when Ray Park is a celebrity guest. At the Premiere Theater. He shows his martial arts techniques and how he used them in the character of Darth Maul. Kids get picked at random (sometimes from the same line while waiting to get inside the theater) and he shows the kids a small sequence of moves on stage.
My Short Story: only happens when Warwick Davis is a celebrity guest. This was a new show this year and I hope it comes back. Warwick shares his story as how he got into acting and all of his roles. He takes audience volunteers to play different people in his life. Here's a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTaIFrJzgjU
Schedule for the SWW shows at Premiere Theater by Weekend
The ability to book fp+ opened 5/5/14 All the shows are in Tier One. From most popular to least popular:
Stars of the Saga - Visit to the Maul - An Ewoks Tale - Obi Wan and Beyond - Behind the Force
SWW I:
Behind the Force 1:45
Stars of the Saga 3:30
Obi Wan show is at 7:00
SWW II
Behind the Force 1:45
Stars of the Saga 3:30
Ewok's Tale 5:15
Obi Wan 7:30
SWW III
Behind the Force 1:45
Stars of the Saga 3:30
Visit to the Maul 5:15
Obi Wan 7:30
SWW IV
Behind the Force 1:30
A Conversation with Mark Hamill 3pm Additional viewing locations include: The American Idol Experience, Streets of America and the Icon Stage
Stars of the Saga 4:45
Visit to the Maul 6:15
Obi Wan 7:45
SWW V
Behind the Force 1:45
Stars of the Saga 3:30
Obi Wan 7:00
Hyperspace Hoopla: The Hyperspace Hoopla show was retired after last year’s event.
Parade
Legends of the Force Motorcade Parade: at 11:30am the parade starts of by the entrance and ends at the Hat Stage, you'll see the Disney SW characters, the 501st and Rebel Legion and a lot of Star Wars characters. Also you'll be able to see the host of the weekends and the visiting celebs. They end the parade at the Hat Stage where all the characters and celebrities go up on stage and have a once in a lifetime picture opportunity and welcome you to the day's events. Keep in mind that the 501st and the Rebel Legion march on and exit thru the gates by Star Tours.
Autograph Sessions
I will try to explain the process of getting a celebrity fastpass for an autograph session
There are usually 4 actors available to meet and greet during each day of SWW. The 1 hosts, 2 Star Wars actors and 1 Clone Wars Cartoon actor (not sure if this will be the case next year since they cancelled The Clone Wars might be replaced by Star Wars Rebels) Outside the gates into DHS they will post signs for each actor (to the far right of the turnstiles) Let's say Ray Park is coming next year (Yay Darth Maul) he is a very popular actor to meet. You must go to DHS around 5am and get in his line. Around 6am CM will start putting on wristbands for each person that's in line (this helps with people holding spots and then showing up at 7am and getting in front of you) Each celeb has a different color wristband and you CANNOT take it off until you meet the celeb of your choice during your scheduled time slot....Alright, so you got your wristband, now around 7am they start handing the celeb fp's. This fastpass will give you a time slot, let's say from 10:10 to 10:20 for the celeb of your choice. You can only get one fp a day. you cannot jump into another celeb's line and get another fp. This fastpass is not linked to the regular fp's inside the park so don't worry.
Now let's say you overslept and got to the park at 7am. Depending on the celebs popularity you still might get a fp's or a standby ticket. A standby ticket gives you a number( let's say you got #10 for Ray Park) you have to go to the autograph sessions with your standby ticket and wait for Ray to meet all of his guaranteed fp people and then see if he still has time to meet standby. Now the CM start calling standby tickets 1,2,3...There are celebs that are very talkative and almost never get to meet standbys but there are others who are very quick, like Peter Mayhew, he signs your item, takes the picture and you're done. This year Peter met with about 50 people from the standby line. So if you REALLY want to meet someone be there early.
As soon as we have a list of celebs we will have a better idea on what time should you line up for each.
Merchandise
Each year SWW offers a lot of different merchandise. This includes pins, toys, shirts, glasses, mugs, magnets, works of art, electronics. Some of it is Limited Edition and there are people who go on the first Friday of the first weekend just to get their hands on as many items as possible. This year they are offering a special merchandise event, Rebels Rendezvous, on Thursday May 15th. It's $250 to attend and you'll have first dibs on LE merchandise plus regular merchandise, here's a list of what is being offered: http://disney.go.com/guestservices/.../wdwmerchrebelrendezvous/RR_Catalog_FINAL.pdf It also looks like the Merchandise will be inside the Dlg. between TSMM and Backlot Tour
If you want anything SW this is the place to go, don't go to Tattoine Traders because it'll be a madhouse and they'll have the same merchandise at the big Mall. The Mall tends to be busier in the morning hours, so I always recommend going in the afternoon or before the park closes. Darth Mall will be located this year inside Soundstage 1 in Between TSM and Backlot Tour
General Tips
1.- Keep Cool: drink plenty of water and gatorade/powerade. We usually bring washcloths and dump them in cold water and put them around our necks. Don't wait to hydrate. I've seen plenty of people just collapse because of dehydration. Heat in Florida is no joke. Bring a dark (black better) umbrella and use it while waiting for characters, parade, anything outdoors
2.- Make a plan: prioritize, what do you want most of all out of your SWW day. And work from there. It's impossible to do it all in one day so don't let that ruin your SWW experience.
3.- Be patient: there will be thousands of people going to SWW that want to do the same things you do. Be patient. Be polite. I know the heat and the waiting can get to you sometimes but take a deep breath and just listen to that Star Wars music in the background and chill.
4.- Be flexible: So you made an awesome plan and you're ready to take in the day. And, of course, it rains just as the parade is about to start. Don't let that ruin your experience, just go improvise, have a plan B...and C and D,...
5.- Know your kids: There's nothing better than a picture with your toddler and Chewbacca, but some kids get a little affraid of the big Wookie. Don't force them to meet a character or go to a show (JTA Vader, Ventress and Maul can be intimidating) The characters WON'T break character, don't expect a hug from Vader, or Aurra Sing to smile...Villains stay Villains even if your child starts crying. What I usually tell parents is to show the kids the character before waiting in line (sometimes very long lines) and ask them right then and there if they want to meet them. Or show them videos of JTA and ask them before the trip if they want to battle the Dark Side.
On the same note, know your childs boiling points and don't wait for them to get to them. Again, it's really hot during SWW, and meltdowns happen even to locals. Kow when your kids need a break, go inside somewhere (Animation building and One Man's Dream are perfect for a break) eat and hydrate, and you'll have more energy to takle the rest of the day.
6.- Have Fun!! In the wise words of Master Yoda: Do or do not, there is no try....
Feel free to subscribe and I'll be posting some pictures from the parade and character meet and greets in the coming days.
Also don't be shy about asking questions, the more you know the better you'll plan and the more fun you will have during SWW.
And as always: May The Force Be With You
Here's some information about SWW:
It started back in 1997 with 5 weekends from February 21st thru March 23rd. They skipped 1998 and 1999 and then changed the weekends to all May from 2000 to 2001. Again they skipped 2002 and then the dates have stayed consistent starting in 2003, from the last 2 weekends in May and the first 2 weekends in June.
This is the timeline when things were announced, keep in mind that almost everything (excluding the celeb list) we knew in advance of Disney announcing it.
SWW 2014 dates released 12/20/2013
Addition of 5th weekend, James Arnold Taylor as host and Fireworks 2/21/2014
Rebel Rendezvous merchandise event 2/28/2014
Character Meals 3/28/2014
D-Tech Me options 4/9/2014
Celeb list 4/23/2014
Feel the Force package 4/24/2014
Ability to book fp+ for Premiere Theater shows on Tier 1 5/5/2014
DHS opens at 8am with 2 Fantasmic! shows, at 9pm and 10:30pm during SWW (unofficially it opens around 7:30am)
May 16-18 8am to 10pm
May 23-25 8am to 11pm
May 30- June 1st 8am to 10pm
June 6-8 8am to 10pm
June 13-15 8am to 10pm
Weekend 1 Map
Celebrity in Attendance
Obviously there's no way of telling for sure but this is my best guess on when to arrive at DHS
Weekend I: May 16-18
Ahmed Best: Jar Jar Binks (Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: The Clone Wars) ....before 5am
Autograph session: 10am, 1:30pm and 4:30pm
Peter Mayhew: Chewbacca (Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope; Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi; Star Wars: The Clone Wars).... before 6am
Autograph session inside ABC Sound Studios 10am, 1:30pm and 4:30pm
Vanessa Marshall: Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels) ....before 6:30am
Autograph Session: 10am, 4:30pm and 6pm
James Arnold Taylor autograph session 10am
Ashley Eckstein autograph session: 3pm
Ahmed Best will be the priority here, even though people don't love Jar Jar it's his first time coming. Followed by Peter Mayhew and Vanessa Marshall
Weekend II map, only difference are showtimes for Warwick Davis and James A. Taylor
Weekend II: May 23-25
Warwick Davis: Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi); Wald (Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace) ....before 5am
Autograph Session 10am and 1:30pm
Jeremy Bulloch: Boba Fett (Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi); Capt. Jeremoch Colton (Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith) ....before 6:30am
Autograph Session 10 am 1:30pm and 4:30pm Inside ABC Sound Studio
Tiya Sircar: Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels) ...before 6am
Autograph Sessions 10am 4:30pm and 6pm
James Arnold Taylor Autograph Session 10am
Ashley Eckstein Autograph Session 3pm
I'm giving popularity to Warwick Davis, followed closely by Tiya Sircar (Vampire Diaries) and last Jeremy Bulloch
Weekend III: May 30-June 1
Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace) ...before 4am
Autograph Session 1:30pm
John Ratzenberger: Major Bren Derlin (Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back)....all nighter, there's no way of knowing
Autograph Sessions 10am 1:30pm and 4:30pm Inside ABC Sound Studio
Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels) ...before 6:30am
Autograph Sessions 10am 4:30pm and 6pm
James Arnold Taylor autograph session 10am
Ashley Eckstein autograph session: 3pm
All hell breaks loose...John Ratzenberger HUGE!!!!!!! it'll give a break for people wanting to meet Ray Park, lastly Taylor Gray (He's in the new movie Walt before Mickey) it'll be interesting to meet him
Weekend IV: June 6-8
Mark Hamill: Luke Skywalker (Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope; Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi); Darth Bane (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) (not signing)
Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)...before 4am
Autograph Session 1:30pm
Billy Dee Williams: Lando Calrissian (Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)...before 3:00am
Autograph Session 10am, 1:30pm and 6pm
Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)...before 6:30am
Autograph Session 10am, 3pm and 6pm
James Arnold Taylor
Autograph Session 10am
Ashley Eckstein
Autograph Session 3pm
Billy Dee takes the first spot, then Ray Park and Taylor Gray
Weekend V: June 13-15
Dee Bradley Baker: Captain Rex/the Clones, Bossk and several additional characters (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)...before 6:30am
Autograph Session 10am 1:30pm and 6pm
Cat Taber: Padmé Amidala and several additional characters (Star Wars: The Clone Wars).before 6:30am
Autograph Session 10am 1:30pm and 4:30pm
Tom Kane: Yoda, the series’ narrator and several additional characters (Star Wars: The Clone Wars).before 6:30am
Autograph Session 1:30pm 4:30pm and 6pm
Matt Lanter: Anakin Skywalker and several additional characters (Star Wars: The Clone Wars).... before 5:30am
Autograph Session 1:30pm 4:30pm and 6pm
Steve Blum: Zeb Orrelios (Star Wars Rebels) .before 6:30am
Autograph Session 10am 4:30pm and 6pm
James Arnold Taylor
Autograph Session 10am
weekend 5 all voice actors...hard to pick but have to go with Matt Lanter (90210), followed by everyone else
Pictures from Saturday May 17th with detailed ones on the Feel the Force Dessert Party http://s283.photobucket.com/user/yulilin/slideshow/Star Wars Weekends 2014
Special Star Wars Meals: call: 407 WDW DINE for reservations Available May 4th to June 15
**Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic 1st Show - 2 DDP Entitlements Dinner Adult: $63.89, Child: $39.4
Starting May the 4th and ending June the15th, the Fantasmic dinner experience at Hollywood and Vine has been transformed into a Star Wars themed venue where Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Chip and Dale have all come together to celebrate the greatest saga ever told. The VIP's dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters, will meet and greet the Guests and interact during several fun Star Wars themed moments throughout the evening. Star Wars décor, themed foods and music create this intergalactic atmosphere seen nowhere else in the galaxy.
The Fantasmic! Dinner Package provides guests with a choice of dining experiences, with preferred seating at Fantasmic!
**Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine - 2 DDP Entitlements Dinner Adult: $59.63, Child: $35.14
At Dinner, everyone's favorite Disney pals get dressed up for Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine. Mickey and the gang join Guests at their table for an intergalactic celebration of the saga, complete with " Star Wars" music, interactive moments, and a delectable dinner buffet.
May 4th -June 15th
Characters (subject to change) : Chip and Dale, Donald Duck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse
**Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast! at Sci-Fi - 2 DDP Entitlements Breakfast Adult: $51.11, Child: $31.94
Guests can start their day with the Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast at the Sci-Fi Dine-In-Dine Theater Restaurant. Inside, it's a long time ago at a drive-in far, far away, where out-of-this-world breakfast delicacies are accompanied by thrilling movie moments from the "Star Wars" films. Encounter Darth Vader, the Dark Lord of the Sith himself, along with a rogues gallery of infamous "Star Wars" characters, who appear to step right off the screen to join Guests as they dine.
Prix- Fixe Menu:
Guests will get a selection of pastries, choice of yogurt parfait or fruit cup, and choice of entree.
May 4th - June 15th,
Character appearances are subject to change without notice. Characters scheduled to appear during "Star Wars" dine- In Galactic Breakfast may include Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, Jawas, Greedo, and Boba Fett.
***Feel the Force Premium Package: you get reserved spots for the motorcade at 11:30am and Symphony in the Stars. Here's the link https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/feel-the-force/
Star Wars Weekends Characters Meet and Greet
Here's a great link with all the info on characters, this is from 2013 it's been pretty consistent the past years, thanks to Kenny the Pirate: http://kennythepirate.com/2012/08/08/star-wars-weekends-map-and-character-schedule/
REBEL ALLIANCE (“GOOD GUYS”)
LUKE & LEIA: near Commissary Lane 1pm to 8:45pm
CHEWBACCA, EWOKS, EWOK CHIP & DALE: Star Tours 8 to 8:45pm
CLONE TROOPERS: Streets of America
JEDI COUNCIL Streets of America 9:30am to 9pm
C-3P0 & R2-D2: Commisary Lane(limited sets) 1pm to 8:20pm
QUEEN AMIDALA: ABC Sound Studio 9:15am to 6:05pm
MICKEY, MINNIE, GOOFY & DONALD IN STAR WARS COSTUMES: Darth’s Mall (Pixar Place) 8 am to 8:30pm
GALACTIC EMPIRE (“BAD GUYS”)
BOUNTY HUNTERS: Near Studio Backlot Tour 10am to 8pm
DARTH MAUL: Near Studio Backlot Tour 9am to 8pm
DARTH VADER: Streets of America 8am to 8:30pm
Star Wars Weekends Shows
Entertainment
*Stormtroopers at the Gate - Hollywood and Vine Intersection 7:30am Welcome Show
Encounter a duo of troublesome Imperial Stormtroopers while they ready a welcome surprise from the Dark Side. Their mission—to keep all “Rebel Scum” out—quickly shifts, commemorating the official opening of the park and the start of Star Wars Weekends!
*Boba Fett Patrol
Keep an eye peeled for Boba Fett as he strolls and patrols the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage. Get up close and verbally interact with the most relentless bounty hunter in the entire universe… but be wary, or you could end up his next target!
*Stormtrooper Patrol
Beware the Empire’s finest as they impart Imperial info and put on their own unique brand of investigation. Proceed with caution as you make your way around the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage or you just might become the focus of their next interrogation!
*Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade
Marvel at a grand motorcade featuring several of your favorite Star Wars characters and celebrities. The procession begins at the front of the park and travels all the way to the Star Wars Weekends Event Stage—concluding with a grand celebrity welcome. The parade is at 11:30am
*Symphony in the Stars
Cap off your day in a galaxy far, far away with a finale celebration featuring Star Wars characters and a frenzy of fireworks, complete with Glow with the Show effects. Character pre show at 9:30pm, fireworks at 9:45pm
*Padawan Mind Challenge
Join Ashley Eckstein as the host for a series of fun and interactive Star Wars trivia challenges. Designed for younglings ages 4 to 11, the Padawan Mind Challenge is a perfect opportunity to watch your little ones wield their mental force alongside popular Star Wars characters—with a few other surprises tossed in too! It's weather permitting and, as opposed to the kids at JTA, they do not get to meet with Vader and Stormtroopers if it does cancel
1pm and 2:15 sign ups at ABC Sound Studios
4:15pm and 6:30pm no sign up required. One family is picked at random around the Hat Stage to answer trivia questions with C3PO against the Empire team
*Jedi Training Academy
Train, you must—kids under 12 can hone their lightsaber skills at the Jedi Training Academy.—and even prepare to battle Darth Vader himself! Here's a video (thanks d-r) that shows what kinds of questions potential padawans are asked when you are signing them up for JTA:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10103423636247334&l=5686320418028330867
8:45am, 9:20am, 10:05am, 10:35am,11am, 12:30pm,1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm,2:30pm, 3pm,3:30pm, 4pm,4:30pm, 5pm,5:30pm, 6:30pm,7pm, 7:30pm Weather permitting, if it gets cancelled they kids get to meet Vader and Stormtroopers
*DJ Lobot Dance Party at 7pm at the Hat Stage
Adventures at Premiere Theater
Soak up the spectacle as popular Star Wars characters and actors appear at the Premiere Theater! Some of the scheduled events include:
Behind the Force: Star Wars Voices Hosted by Ashley Eckstein
Go behind the scenes and experience the newest installment in the Star Wars saga—Star Wars Rebels.
Stars of the Saga Hosted by James Arnold Taylor
Kick back with your Star Wars Weekends host during a 30-minute, Star Wars-themed talk show that’s as entertaining as it is surprising. Enjoy an inside look at the fascinating lives and movie-making adventures with some of the stars from the Star Wars saga.
Stormtrooper Pre-Show
15 minutes prior to Stars of the Saga, prepare for a unique and immersive pre-show as it descends upon the Premiere Theater—featuring several Imperial Stormtroopers on a special assignment. Be part of the magic as this interactive and surprising presentation takes place in the audience before building to an explosive conclusion. here's a video of this years pre show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW6bmXPYqik
Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor
Feel the force flowing as James Arnold Taylor from Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes his audience on a fun and fascinating journey into the world of voice acting. Don’t miss this Star Wars Weekends exclusive as James performs over 200 popular and iconic characters!
Visit to the Maul: only happens when Ray Park is a celebrity guest. At the Premiere Theater. He shows his martial arts techniques and how he used them in the character of Darth Maul. Kids get picked at random (sometimes from the same line while waiting to get inside the theater) and he shows the kids a small sequence of moves on stage.
My Short Story: only happens when Warwick Davis is a celebrity guest. This was a new show this year and I hope it comes back. Warwick shares his story as how he got into acting and all of his roles. He takes audience volunteers to play different people in his life. Here's a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTaIFrJzgjU
Schedule for the SWW shows at Premiere Theater by Weekend
The ability to book fp+ opened 5/5/14 All the shows are in Tier One. From most popular to least popular:
Stars of the Saga - Visit to the Maul - An Ewoks Tale - Obi Wan and Beyond - Behind the Force
SWW I:
Behind the Force 1:45
Stars of the Saga 3:30
Obi Wan show is at 7:00
SWW II
Behind the Force 1:45
Stars of the Saga 3:30
Ewok's Tale 5:15
Obi Wan 7:30
SWW III
Behind the Force 1:45
Stars of the Saga 3:30
Visit to the Maul 5:15
Obi Wan 7:30
SWW IV
Behind the Force 1:30
A Conversation with Mark Hamill 3pm Additional viewing locations include: The American Idol Experience, Streets of America and the Icon Stage
Stars of the Saga 4:45
Visit to the Maul 6:15
Obi Wan 7:45
SWW V
Behind the Force 1:45
Stars of the Saga 3:30
Obi Wan 7:00
Hyperspace Hoopla: The Hyperspace Hoopla show was retired after last year’s event.
Parade
Legends of the Force Motorcade Parade: at 11:30am the parade starts of by the entrance and ends at the Hat Stage, you'll see the Disney SW characters, the 501st and Rebel Legion and a lot of Star Wars characters. Also you'll be able to see the host of the weekends and the visiting celebs. They end the parade at the Hat Stage where all the characters and celebrities go up on stage and have a once in a lifetime picture opportunity and welcome you to the day's events. Keep in mind that the 501st and the Rebel Legion march on and exit thru the gates by Star Tours.
Autograph Sessions
I will try to explain the process of getting a celebrity fastpass for an autograph session
There are usually 4 actors available to meet and greet during each day of SWW. The 1 hosts, 2 Star Wars actors and 1 Clone Wars Cartoon actor (not sure if this will be the case next year since they cancelled The Clone Wars might be replaced by Star Wars Rebels) Outside the gates into DHS they will post signs for each actor (to the far right of the turnstiles) Let's say Ray Park is coming next year (Yay Darth Maul) he is a very popular actor to meet. You must go to DHS around 5am and get in his line. Around 6am CM will start putting on wristbands for each person that's in line (this helps with people holding spots and then showing up at 7am and getting in front of you) Each celeb has a different color wristband and you CANNOT take it off until you meet the celeb of your choice during your scheduled time slot....Alright, so you got your wristband, now around 7am they start handing the celeb fp's. This fastpass will give you a time slot, let's say from 10:10 to 10:20 for the celeb of your choice. You can only get one fp a day. you cannot jump into another celeb's line and get another fp. This fastpass is not linked to the regular fp's inside the park so don't worry.
Now let's say you overslept and got to the park at 7am. Depending on the celebs popularity you still might get a fp's or a standby ticket. A standby ticket gives you a number( let's say you got #10 for Ray Park) you have to go to the autograph sessions with your standby ticket and wait for Ray to meet all of his guaranteed fp people and then see if he still has time to meet standby. Now the CM start calling standby tickets 1,2,3...There are celebs that are very talkative and almost never get to meet standbys but there are others who are very quick, like Peter Mayhew, he signs your item, takes the picture and you're done. This year Peter met with about 50 people from the standby line. So if you REALLY want to meet someone be there early.
As soon as we have a list of celebs we will have a better idea on what time should you line up for each.
Merchandise
Each year SWW offers a lot of different merchandise. This includes pins, toys, shirts, glasses, mugs, magnets, works of art, electronics. Some of it is Limited Edition and there are people who go on the first Friday of the first weekend just to get their hands on as many items as possible. This year they are offering a special merchandise event, Rebels Rendezvous, on Thursday May 15th. It's $250 to attend and you'll have first dibs on LE merchandise plus regular merchandise, here's a list of what is being offered: http://disney.go.com/guestservices/.../wdwmerchrebelrendezvous/RR_Catalog_FINAL.pdf It also looks like the Merchandise will be inside the Dlg. between TSMM and Backlot Tour
If you want anything SW this is the place to go, don't go to Tattoine Traders because it'll be a madhouse and they'll have the same merchandise at the big Mall. The Mall tends to be busier in the morning hours, so I always recommend going in the afternoon or before the park closes. Darth Mall will be located this year inside Soundstage 1 in Between TSM and Backlot Tour
General Tips
1.- Keep Cool: drink plenty of water and gatorade/powerade. We usually bring washcloths and dump them in cold water and put them around our necks. Don't wait to hydrate. I've seen plenty of people just collapse because of dehydration. Heat in Florida is no joke. Bring a dark (black better) umbrella and use it while waiting for characters, parade, anything outdoors
2.- Make a plan: prioritize, what do you want most of all out of your SWW day. And work from there. It's impossible to do it all in one day so don't let that ruin your SWW experience.
3.- Be patient: there will be thousands of people going to SWW that want to do the same things you do. Be patient. Be polite. I know the heat and the waiting can get to you sometimes but take a deep breath and just listen to that Star Wars music in the background and chill.
4.- Be flexible: So you made an awesome plan and you're ready to take in the day. And, of course, it rains just as the parade is about to start. Don't let that ruin your experience, just go improvise, have a plan B...and C and D,...
5.- Know your kids: There's nothing better than a picture with your toddler and Chewbacca, but some kids get a little affraid of the big Wookie. Don't force them to meet a character or go to a show (JTA Vader, Ventress and Maul can be intimidating) The characters WON'T break character, don't expect a hug from Vader, or Aurra Sing to smile...Villains stay Villains even if your child starts crying. What I usually tell parents is to show the kids the character before waiting in line (sometimes very long lines) and ask them right then and there if they want to meet them. Or show them videos of JTA and ask them before the trip if they want to battle the Dark Side.
On the same note, know your childs boiling points and don't wait for them to get to them. Again, it's really hot during SWW, and meltdowns happen even to locals. Kow when your kids need a break, go inside somewhere (Animation building and One Man's Dream are perfect for a break) eat and hydrate, and you'll have more energy to takle the rest of the day.
6.- Have Fun!! In the wise words of Master Yoda: Do or do not, there is no try....
Feel free to subscribe and I'll be posting some pictures from the parade and character meet and greets in the coming days.
Also don't be shy about asking questions, the more you know the better you'll plan and the more fun you will have during SWW.
And as always: May The Force Be With You
Right on! 
