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A Return Trip to the Maul... etc. A Weekend 1 Special Treat

Sat, 05/16/2009 - 03:58 — The Dark Lord o...

Going through the newly released Star Wars Weekends information from the fine people at StarWars.com (who have done a GREAT job this year with the news this year) there have been a few suprises: 

http://sww.studioscentral.com/main/content/schedule-events-and-times-2009-star-wars-weekend-one-available  (print this up and look it over if you are attending.)

The key find was that for Weekend 1 we are being treated to -Visit to the Maul- Starring Ray Park.  Ray Park (Darth Maul) did this a few years ago during his visit and it was a HUGE success.  This is a stage demonstration where he takes children from the audience before the show (it was a large number of children) and brings them on stage to demonstrate Martial Arts training.  Park is a master and used his training for the stunts in Episode I, the Phantom Menace.  The kids have a blast with this and it is very entertaining.  Like last time I expect him to pair up with Jay Laga'aia (Captain Typho) to work this demonstration.  This will happen each of the three days of weekend 1 at 5:30 pm and I strongly urge you to make the effort to see this.  It won't dissapoint.

I also want to point out a BIG change to the FastPass distribution for the Celebrity Autographs.  In past years the distribution was done at the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular FastPass area.  This year the Map is showing the FastPass area to be outside the Main gate with a note that "Distribution may begin prior to park opening based on demand".  How they plan to work this line and how early they will set it up is anyone's guess, but I suspect that first Friday could be a bit crazy based on this change. 

Disney does a great job with this, but any change takes a day or so to get all of the bugs worked out.  This could be very intersting, especially if there are long lines.  In the past, when the lines got VERY long, they would move them into the park before hours, just to Alleviate the numbers outside the gate.  With the distribution point being outside the gate, this could make for an interesting time going back through the bag check area.  My only reccomendation until we get more info is to be patient and flexible.  Things are heating up!

 

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If you are curious about Ray Park and such, check out my trip report from his last visit and the first "Trip to the Maul" here:

http://www.studioscentral.com/board/index.php?showtopic=4111 

Comments

Mon, 05/18/2009 - 13:57 — Matt
Matt's picture

Like the changes

Overall I like the new changes. First, it's fantastic that the schedule and map are actually out in advance.  Second, I like the Fastpass changes because I think it makes sense to take care of it outside the park rather than create the chaos that existed in the Indiana Jones area with those massive lines.

Matt

Sun, 05/17/2009 - 16:38 — Nightofjoy

Fastpass Distribution

To my way of thinking, maybe Disney has finally done what they should have since the first time they started using the fastpass for autographs.  Perhaps the fastpass machines are going to be just inside the turnstyles as soon as you enter the park.  I have never understood the reason behind lining up twice for the same thing.  (Once outside the park and then again at the Indy Stunt Show).  Or it might be that the distribution be me on the backstage side of Oscar's service station like the Studios did for the wristband distribution during Night of Joy last year.

Sun, 05/17/2009 - 20:06 — The Dark Lord o...
The Dark Lord of the Sith's picture

Could very well be.  It is

Could very well be.  It is just vague enough to make it something that we are stuck in wait and see mode with.  Either way I expect the first day to be CHAOTIC.  ---Of course Glenn will be in attendance.

Sat, 05/16/2009 - 11:03 — yulilin

Fp's new distribution system

I don't like change, this is getting me a bit preocupied. I had everything already planned out. When they say that they may begin distribution before park opening what does that mean, 7am? this was the regular time when they would start to move people inside. I don't see them having a long line of people outside when the regular guests start coming in, this will mean that the line will reach and probably surpass the boat dock access. I can't wait for first day reports on this issue.


On the other hand I agree with you 100%, Ray Parks doing his demonstrations was awesome, will deff. see that one.