Star Wars Weekends

OK, so here goes the review of the first Star Wars Weekend my family ever attended. My family consists of me, my wife, and my 8 year old son ( the #1 fan ). We booked a room at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort from Thursday night to Sunday morning. On arrival Thursday night we found out that Disney resort guests got into the Hollywood park an hour early Friday morning. We got to the park around 0730 Friday to find long lines for the fastpass autograph lines. My wife and son got into line for Jeremy and I went into the park at 0800. The huge crowd had me worried as they all ran in the direction of Wickets Warehouse. I must say that the Star Wars maps were handed out if you asked out front of the park. I had a Disney employee ask me inside the park where I got the map!! So, I'm happy to discover that everyone was running for Toy Story not, Wickets. So I had the warehouse to myself. Lots of collectibles left, including pins. I maxed out my Disney room card in quick order.
I bought a Star Wars Weekend poster that the characters and Jeremy were more than happy to sign. The character hosts all had felt tip pens to sign the poster with. I have to say here that one of my top tips is to be FRIENDLY with the character hosts. If you befriend them they will say,,,,give you the schedule of characters, where they are positioned in the park, what character is next, and go so far as having a character sign a poster after the character has been relieved for break. However, if you go overboard the character host can remove a character, or give you no info at all! The character also has the right to leave area early. The characters are real troopers for dealing with the heat and humidity.
Bring and drink LOTS of water. Another of my tips! Disney kills you with price perbottle for water so find water fountains for refills!. Bring your camera with plenty of flashcard space, and battery power. I easily took several hundred pics, not to include the video I took. We spent 11 hours in the park on Friday. Got lots of pics and autographs and actually took in some rides.
We went back Sunday and found ALOT more people! I spoke to a cast member who told me that Friday is the better day as most locals are in work!!! My wife was an angel and managed to get our son in the second Jedi Training Academy session of the day. Thank God because this not only made the entire vacation, but it was early enough that we could enjoy the rest of the day. But, because it got so hot and humid we left at 2pm.
Remaining Tips:
GO have fun, we'll be back!!
Water, Water, Water!!
Poncho
Do the hidden trivia at the movie poster store at the park entrance (on left side)
Get the Star Wars map!
Go to the warehouse early, on Sunday I was told several items had sold out.
GO EARLY ON FRIDAY!!!!!!
Finally,
Take lots of cash, or credit cards!!!!