**Official** Star Wars at DHS, Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party/Galactic Nights/Launch Bay/JT

[MickeyMinnieMom]

We are considering one of the packages, but I'm not sure if we will if we could easily view the fireworks without it. I also remember reading somewhere that the reserved location was great for the show, but a little close for the fireworks. What have your experiences been?

From the VIP / Deluxe FtF viewing area the fireworks view was partially obstructed by the staging. We would still do it again just to have all that space to move around, desserts, etc. But if fireworks were our #1 priority, I would try viewing from elsewhere -- I'm sure others will be able to suggest.

 

[chicagodisfan]

Thank you so much for starting this thread! We are planning a WDW trip for my oldest DS who turns 10 on May 13. I SO hope you are right and that is the first day of SWW!!! We have never been before for SWW and are really looking forward to everyone's tips for newbies! Two quick questions, you mentioned that the first Friday is very busy, how bad is it? If the dates work out, that would be my son's actual birthday but wondering how crowded it would be. And second, if we are fortunate enough to get into Jedi Training on a SWW day, do they let you request who you'd like to duel? We are planning on trying for a non-SWW day as well to get a better chance to do it, but I know my boys would love to battle Darth Maul if they got the chance! Thanks so much! Looking forward to following along!

 

[mouseguy77]

I'm not sure I will be able to attend this year, but I'm sure gonna try! Either way, can't wait to follow along with all the news and happenings. Good things are coming.

 

[yulilin3]

I can not describe how excited I am to see this thread opened! I looked the day of the announcement to see if you decided to start early, but did not check back again until today. I have missed this group! I just booked a surprise trip for my son who will then be 8 in January for Harry Potter Celebration at Universal - I am really hoping the Launch will be open by then so we can see it! I am thinking I will just get annual passes at that time so we can be back in June for SWW but not 100% sure yet, may have to cave on family request to go to Disneyland this summer instead. Now off to change my Visa card!

Let me know if you want to meet in January, I'm also planning on going to the HP Celebration. Happy to have you along this year as well

We are doing a surprise trip as well! The kids know we are planning to go for SWW, but they think the trip isn't happening until 2017. We have been trying to figure out how to spring the surprise (of course, we have some time...). It will be great to see others' experiences with this.

For those of you who are SWW vets, how have you found the fireworks viewing to be? We are considering one of the packages, but I'm not sure if we will if we could easily view the fireworks without it. I also remember reading somewhere that the reserved location was great for the show, but a little close for the fireworks. What have your experiences been?

Make sure to read the sw trip report thread (link in my signature) there were plenty of people that did the package and also people that didn't. I have my favorite location for fireworks, right on Echo Lake across from 50s Prime Time, it never gets super packed and the view is unobstructed. Pictures of that viewing area are on the first page.

Thank you so much for starting this thread! We are planning a WDW trip for my oldest DS who turns 10 on May 13. I SO hope you are right and that is the first day of SWW!!! We have never been before for SWW and are really looking forward to everyone's tips for newbies! Two quick questions, you mentioned that the first Friday is very busy, how bad is it? If the dates work out, that would be my son's actual birthday but wondering how crowded it would be. And second, if we are fortunate enough to get into Jedi Training on a SWW day, do they let you request who you'd like to duel? We are planning on trying for a non-SWW day as well to get a better chance to do it, but I know my boys would love to battle Darth Maul if they got the chance! Thanks so much! Looking forward to following along!

Welcome to our SWW family First Friday is very busy but not undoable, I kinda compare it to a day during Spring Break, if you have a good, realistic plan and get there before the park opens you'll be fine.
JTA: if you are one of the first families you have your pick of time slot but not of Villain. They decide that when you go to check in for your show. You can always talk to the CM there. They tend to put the smaller kids with Vader and bigger with Maul or Ventress (this year it might be Maul or the Inquisitor.)

I'm not sure I will be able to attend this year, but I'm sure gonna try! Either way, can't wait to follow along with all the news and happenings. Good things are coming.

Do or Do Not, There is No Try - Master Yoda

 

[LoKiHB]

I haven't caught up fully yet, so if this was already brought up, I apologize.

Does anyone see the Star Wars expansion- especially with Launch Bay and Seasons of the Force coming so soon- having a negative impact on SWW?

Also, while I'm very, very happy to see an entire land devoted to Star Wars, does anyone feel that SWW may eventually go away? How do they top a Star Wars land???

 

[yulilin3]

I haven't caught up fully yet, so if this was already brought up, I apologize.

Does anyone see the Star Wars expansion- especially with Launch Bay and Seasons of the Force coming so soon- having a negative impact on SWW?

Also, while I'm very, very happy to see an entire land devoted to Star Wars, does anyone feel that SWW may eventually go away? How do they top a Star Wars land???

I don't see Launch Bay or Season of the Force having a negative impact on SWW I believe they are doing these 2 things as a way to keep interest in SW especially because Episode VII is coming out and there are already many that are completely taking DHS out of their vacation plans. With these 2 things they will bring people into the park and keep the interest on promoting SW.
Now after SW Land opens (and let's face it this will probably happen around 2019 at the earliest) I'm not sure the fate of SWW.

 

[pbb322]

Let me know if you want to meet in January, I'm also planning on going to the HP Celebration. Happy to have you along this year as well

I will probably take you up on that, would love to see you there! We have been to WDW every year for the last 5 years and many times before, but I have never once been to Universal. DS discovered HP books this summer though and is hooked, he has already made it through the first 4 books in 3 months. I am reading along with him and am more than happy to join his obsession, but I will feel like a complete newbie on this trip at Universal and would love to chat about tips!

 

[jimim]

I hope it's extra weekends again with a few more added. We aren't going till the last week of June. I kinda wish we were going the same time now cause of all the announcements. I can say for those who are going the vip package was good. Would I do it again for sure cause of the talks and dessert party. I would to the better one also cause of having all the talks and for having more area in dessert area cause of less people. If done the same this year. The parade seating was good for the better pa Kate but the other package it was so crowded it looked.

 

[yulilin3]

News about Launch Bay. Disney has started auditions for characters for this experience, here's the audition call from their site

Character Performers for STAR WARS Launch Bay: heights 6' - 6'3"
For: Walt Disney World
Audition City: Orlando, FL
Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Rehearsal Facility
Looking For: Disney Character Performers Thursday, September 24, 2015
04:00 PM
Time zone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Disney Creative Entertainment is seeking energetic and outgoing performers for Character roles at the brand new STAR WARS Launch Bay experience, coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at theWalt Disney World® Resort near Orlando, FL. We are currently only hiring for FULL TIME positions. Seasonal work is not available.


Performers must have a height between 6’ and 6’3”.


The Star Wars Launch Bay is an interactive experience which will take guests into the upcoming film, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with Star Wars characters.


Performers will also have the opportunity to bring to life the world famous Disney Characters.



Seeking the following roles:Character Performers: Male and Female, 6’ – 6’3”, with a slender or athletic build. Performers should be willing to demonstrate high energy levels, a full range of motion with their bodies, and basic coordination to music. These roles require wearing large body costumes, heads, and feet, and exposure to hot and humid weather.

Audition Location Disney's Animal Kingdom Rehearsal Facility
3271 Sherberth Rd.
Kissimmee, FL 34747

Sign-in: 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM – Late applicants will not be accepted
Requirements:

• Performers must be at least 18 and authorized to work in the United States
• Please wear comfortable attire that allows for a full range of motion, and athletic style of shoes
• All performers will learn an animation improv exercies, and potentially, a basic movement combination
• Performers must be willing to relocated to the Orlando area within the next four months
• Only seeking FULL TIME work. Seasonal work is not available.
• Current WDW College and International Program students are not eligible to audition.
• Current WDW Character Performers are not eligible to audition.

 

[Dani C]

Thank you for doing this again Yuli! Glad to see everyone again.

 

[soniam]

News about Launch Bay. Disney has started auditions for characters for this experience, here's the audition call from their site

Character Performers for STAR WARS Launch Bay: heights 6' - 6'3"
For: Walt Disney World
Audition City: Orlando, FL
Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Rehearsal Facility
Looking For: Disney Character Performers Thursday, September 24, 2015
04:00 PM
Time zone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Disney Creative Entertainment is seeking energetic and outgoing performers for Character roles at the brand new STAR WARS Launch Bay experience, coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at theWalt Disney World® Resort near Orlando, FL. We are currently only hiring for FULL TIME positions. Seasonal work is not available.


Performers must have a height between 6’ and 6’3”.


The Star Wars Launch Bay is an interactive experience which will take guests into the upcoming film, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with Star Wars characters.


Performers will also have the opportunity to bring to life the world famous Disney Characters.



Seeking the following roles:Character Performers: Male and Female, 6’ – 6’3”, with a slender or athletic build. Performers should be willing to demonstrate high energy levels, a full range of motion with their bodies, and basic coordination to music. These roles require wearing large body costumes, heads, and feet, and exposure to hot and humid weather.

Audition Location Disney's Animal Kingdom Rehearsal Facility
3271 Sherberth Rd.
Kissimmee, FL 34747

Sign-in: 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM – Late applicants will not be accepted
Requirements:

• Performers must be at least 18 and authorized to work in the United States
• Please wear comfortable attire that allows for a full range of motion, and athletic style of shoes
• All performers will learn an animation improv exercies, and potentially, a basic movement combination
• Performers must be willing to relocated to the Orlando area within the next four months
• Only seeking FULL TIME work. Seasonal work is not available.
• Current WDW College and International Program students are not eligible to audition.
• Current WDW Character Performers are not eligible to audition.

Looking for Chewie perphaps

 

[Cynister]

I saw your experience and that helped me a bunch in deciding whether or not to do the VIP tour. Very helpful!!! I don't do the rides too much so being able to break off is a good option at times. Thanks again for all your help

I agree with the rest, if you have only 1 day to do SWW, then definitely do a VIP. A point to note though is be prepared for a very long day. You'll be getting to DHS around 6:30AM & not leaving until around 10PM. It is well worth it with ample food breaks throughout the day, you just have to know what you are signing up for. My trip report is on Yulilin's page as well.

We are doing a surprise trip as well! The kids know we are planning to go for SWW, but they think the trip isn't happening until 2017. We have been trying to figure out how to spring the surprise (of course, we have some time...). It will be great to see others' experiences with this.

For those of you who are SWW vets, how have you found the fireworks viewing to be? We are considering one of the packages, but I'm not sure if we will if we could easily view the fireworks without it. I also remember reading somewhere that the reserved location was great for the show, but a little close for the fireworks. What have your experiences been?

We were in the VIP section toward the back of the reserved area. The fireworks view was somewhat obstructed by the staging. It wasn't always the best because of it, but still a very good show & enjoyable. It was very nice to have the reserved area with tables & limited crowd.

 

[Dittz]

yeah, it looks like it will be inside Launch Bay. Link is posted on page 4. Here it is
https://disneyrewards.com/starwarscard/
I'll also post it in the misc. post on the front page

I wish we Canadians could get the Disney Visa card...I would totally love having on in my wallet!!

 

[drlaurafsu]

This sounds like it is going to be my new secret home.

As I have posted on other SWW threads, I am currently in the process of planning a surprise trip for next year to take just my almost 10 year old. He has NO IDEA that I have a trip booked. My husband and Daughter will be staying home, and my mom is going to travel with me. With this said, I hope the dates stay similar to last year. Since I am planning this in secret, and tips and help is going to be welcomed. I'm not planning on telling my son about this trip until we are walking out the door to the airport (he's never flown either). I know as long as they are offered my main things I want my son to see and experience are the 2 special character meals, the parade,and the welcome show with the storm troopers. Any meet and greets that are the "characters" would be fun, not so much the actual actors as he wouldn't know who they are. I guess I will have to really start reading up on what the others show were so that i know which to take him to.

My son will be 9 1/2 when we go this year. Last year was the first time we went to the shows...we did 2. We've been 3 years running, just him and I. Be sure to include Rebel Hanger ( if you have to choose do RH over HV dinner with Jedi Mickey). If you can...do Jedi training during the week. I would also suggest sciFi breakfast on a weekday if you can.

 

[Dittz]

My son will be 9 1/2 when we go this year. Last year was the first time we went to the shows...we did 2. We've been 3 years running, just him and I. Be sure to include Rebel Hanger ( if you have to choose do RH over HV dinner with Jedi Mickey). If you can...do Jedi training during the week. I would also suggest sciFi breakfast on a weekday if you can.

Awesome. Thanks. He did Jedi training when we went in October 2014 (and we brought the Jedi robes I made him), so I don't think he will be terribly upset if we can't get in. Why may I ask choose RH over HV? I guess I need to do more research as I didn't realize that was a meal place.

 

[drlaurafsu]

Awesome. Thanks. He did Jedi training when we went in October 2014 (and we brought the Jedi robes I made him), so I don't think he will be terribly upset if we can't get in. Why may I ask choose RH over HV? I guess I need to do more research as I didn't realize that was a meal place.

My son was not as interested in the Fab6 characters and the food was just ok when we went 2 years ago. DS really liked the atmosphere of RH, food was good (and drinks were great for grown ups) and cool characters. Obvious you can do all 3 if you have the time and money...but if either is constrained that would be my advice.

We are going to do the deluxe package one day to catch shows, parade and fireworks, breakfast on a weekday, RH on the weekend (maybe twice because DS asked to go back another day last year) and priority for sign up will be PMC and VTTM if Ray Park is there one of our weekends.

DS likes meeting the characters, getting character autographs, we ride RnR, TSMM, ST maybe do Indy but typically spend 2 days...this year we are adding a 3rd day on a second weekend. Typically for our single weekend trips for SW we stay at POP since we are hardly there. This time we are planning deluxe at least part of the time hopefully BC so we have the great pool. Midweek we will go do HP at universal. We've been waiting until the new section opened and things calmed down a bit. This seems like a great way to do it.

I just figured since our boys are about the same age, I would share what we like to do.

 

[pangyal]

Hi everyone, I'm popping in to say thank you for this wonderful thread that I am going to be KrazyGlued to for the next few months! We are booked at Boardwalk for hopefully two of the weekends next May, and it will be our first SWW. Our priority will be meeting characters, so I will be eager to read everyone's tips and advice! I was so excited to see the link for SWW 2016 on the Disney main page .

 

[yulilin3]

Thank you for doing this again Yuli! Glad to see everyone again.

You are welcome!!

Looking for Chewie perphaps

A friend pointed out that Chewie is 7 feet tall (when they audition for him that's what they look for) So got me thinking...it says that there will be new character meeting there, could it possibly be Phasma? The actress that plays her is 6'3"...Or Kylo Ren he is 6'3' also. I would flip out, that would be totally awesome!!

Awesome. Thanks. He did Jedi training when we went in October 2014 (and we brought the Jedi robes I made him), so I don't think he will be terribly upset if we can't get in. Why may I ask choose RH over HV? I guess I need to do more research as I didn't realize that was a meal place.

Just to let you know that there's a full review with pics about Rebel Hangar on the first page

Hi everyone, I'm popping in to say thank you for this wonderful thread that I am going to be KrazyGlued to for the next few months! We are booked at Boardwalk for hopefully two of the weekends next May, and it will be our first SWW. Our priority will be meeting characters, so I will be eager to read everyone's tips and advice! I was so excited to see the link for SWW 2016 on the Disney main page .

Welcome back!! It's sure to be an interesting year for SWW

 

[HCinKC]

Welcome to all of the new folks!

There were a few questions, so I thought I'd throw my two cents in...

For fireworks, we watched from Yuli's spot. It was perfect! We could actually see the JumboTron across the lake, so we still had a decent "view" of the preshow. The SWW fireworks are my favorite nighttime show. They were fantastic, with that music, loved it! If we go this year, it will just be ODS and me. I may pick up the DP package if they do it again. I'd like to do that one night and watch from Yuli's spot another.

I didn't find the crowds on the first Friday to be terrible. We did not go to the shopping area that day...in fact, we did not go at rope drop. We went over after lunch. Perhaps they had dispersed some by then. I'd say we got about half of our character m&gs out of the way Friday afternoon, half Saturday morning, and two stragglers late Sunday afternoon. We did all of the lines except for Vader and Fab6 (we did meals), and we also missed the regular clone troopers.

We did all three meals. DH liked breakfast. This is one I would repeat with ODS and myself (since I didn't go). H&V dinner was ok. The food is average. The atmosphere is absolute chaos. I am glad ODS met them dressed up once, but that dinner was a one-timer for us. Rebel Hangar was fabulous. The food was very good. The atmosphere and characters were wonderful. We did breakfast and RH on non-weekend days - breakfast opened our trip, RH closed it out. ODS and I did H&V the night just the two of us stayed late for fireworks. If you can swing it, I recommend meals on off days, so it doesn't cut into your SWW time. Personally, if I could only do one meal, it would be RH.

I highly recommend JTA on an off day. Even on an off day, it's a mad dash. Plus, you aren't worrying about a time that may interfere with shows (if you are doing shows). You could always do it on an off day to be sure you get it done, and then try during the weekend if your kiddo wants a different Sith.

Also, if your kiddo gets asked to be in the parade, do it! We opted not to, not realizing the kids went first and had a great viewing of the parade from the front. Assuming they do the same, I would say yes in a heartbeat.

Um, I think that's all, but I feel like there was one more thing I wanted to share...I guess I need more coffee.

 

[Dittz]

My son was not as interested in the Fab6 characters and the food was just ok when we went 2 years ago. DS really liked the atmosphere of RH, food was good (and drinks were great for grown ups) and cool characters. Obvious you can do all 3 if you have the time and money...but if either is constrained that would be my advice.

We are going to do the deluxe package one day to catch shows, parade and fireworks, breakfast on a weekday, RH on the weekend (maybe twice because DS asked to go back another day last year) and priority for sign up will be PMC and VTTM if Ray Park is there one of our weekends.

DS likes meeting the characters, getting character autographs, we ride RnR, TSMM, ST maybe do Indy but typically spend 2 days...this year we are adding a 3rd day on a second weekend. Typically for our single weekend trips for SW we stay at POP since we are hardly there. This time we are planning deluxe at least part of the time hopefully BC so we have the great pool. Midweek we will go do HP at universal. We've been waiting until the new section opened and things calmed down a bit. This seems like a great way to do it.

I just figured since our boys are about the same age, I would share what we like to do.

Thanks for all the tips.

When we went to Disney in the fall of 2014 for our daughter's 5th birthday, we left her for a day with my parents and we went to US with our son to specifically do all the HP stuff. Personally I am glad we went to see it, but it for us was a one time thing. It was really cool to see everything, but I can just say Disney does everything better. Make sure you don't have any bags with you as you can not take ANYTHING on the rides with you. All bags need to be put in their lockers which are free for the time they "figure" it will take you to ride the ride, unless for some reason the ride breaks down like it did for us then you have to pay to get your stuff out, which then your wallet is inside the locker, so how do you pay....

My surprise trip I am only planning to be down for 5 days - a Wednesday to the Sunday and Staying at Port Orleans Riverside again. Friday and Saturday are my planned days for HS. My son likes RnR TSMM ST and HTT. MY son hasn't seen any of the animated star wars shows, just the 6 movies, but has been reading the Jedi Academy books.

I am a complete newbie at all this SWW stuff I'm trying hard to read a re-read everything. I think I am going to have to start printing out some of the posts are here to put in my planning binder. So they have people dressed up as the actual characters from the movies/shows (ie ewoks, jar jar, chewy, yoda, vader, palpatine, etc) as well as the people who protrayed those rolls there correct. I went and read up on the RH last night and it does look really cool. That will be out for dining reservations correct and it is not just a walk up.(if returns this year) but is not on the dining plan. Now Im gonna go back and read up on the deluxe package. Trying to find some of the info on the packages, but I can't seem to find what the costs were. Is it really worth the cost? are the shows really that hard to get into?

Time to do some more reading and some printing..

Keep the tips coming!