Greetings, everyone. It seems that the Force has guided me to my third consecutive SWW. And, again, I am privileged to be able to meet up with some friends and join them on their trip.
Additionally, this year, finally, I will be done with my costume, and will be a full member of the 501st Legion. Not sure if I will petition to parade with them or not for SWW, but, I will be there and hanging with my brethren.
I don't want to rehash anything that has already been said here, but, will post my top few issues to keep in mind, from my own experience:
1) You must learn patience. This is a big event, at a peak time. Lots of people. Very east to lose one's cool. BE as patient as you can when dealing with others and lines. We can all get through this.
2) Early in line gets you the autograph, every time. On both trips, I was able to get the autographs I wanted because I was in line early. Examples - 2 years ago, Anthony Daniels, I was Stand By #10, and got in, but, had I gotten up and moving just 30 minutes earlier, I would not have been standing in stand by through 2 sessions to get his autograph; last year, Ray Park, we were in line at 5:05 AM, my buddies and I were in the last 5 for the morning session (luckily, he made sure everyone got their autograph, even though he was almost an hour late due to pics and chatting with everyone-great guy!). The lesson, is be early, be patient, it will work.
3) Have a plan for what you want to do. We did this both trips, and, last year, with the exception of Ray Park's long wait which bumped the parade and my Build A Droid and Carbon Freeze, we got everything SWW related done in one day (Friday) . The others were made up in short order on Saturday, and we all were able to ride some rides together. And, we used a relaxed plan to do it. So, I cannot say enough about planning for what you want, and building time in for the crowds (see rule 1).
4) Hydration. Carry water with you everywhere, or at least something to put water in. You can fill it at fountains, get ice from drink carts and restaurants, etc.. It is HOT and HUMID. Since I am from New Orleans, this is not a problem, as I am used to it as a way of life. Some of you from other parts of the US or the World may not be. Do not take it for granted. The coolest ride you never want to go on is the Reedy Creek Improvement District EMS to Celebration's hospital. Did that once due to my wife's back issues. Don't want to fall out during the day and miss events when you can prevent it.
5) Take frequent sit downs, in shade, if possible. When waiting for the theater shows, the queue is in the shade. It may still be warm, but it can keep you out of direct sun. And, with minor exceptions, folks are pretty cool about letting a member of your party back in after going for a bathroom or water run. This will help keep your energy up so you can go all day.
6) Be excellent to one another. Bill & Ted had this one right. It applies to Disney tripping in general, but, most folks going to the SWW events are geeks/nerds who love this stuff as much as you (or your kids). Being cool to one another helps everyone enjoy it better. I always try to crack jokes, or read shirts, or something, with the folks in line. The costumed people, I compliment their work (after my ordeal, I have gathered a much greater appreciation for the effort that goes into costuming now). It's all part of the collective experience of the event. And that can be as much fun as meeting a star, seeing a show, or getting a character picture.
I can't think of any other major items to share right now, but, sticking to the six things above are huge things that can help all over, and be applied whether you want to do Jedi Academy, Padawan Mind Challenge (or whatever they call it now), see the stars, get character pics, just walk around, or whatever.
Anyone wanting to meet up while down there, fee free to PM me, and we can see what we can do. Of course, anyone with questions, post away, or PM, too.
May the Force be With You All!!
Ash
Second, we thought time would be an issue last year.
