D23 EXPO 2019 Superthread - dates announced!

[VandVsmama]

Re: AP block out dates:

According to the DL website, the So Cal APs summer block out starts on 5/31. Ends on 9/2, so the first day they can get into DL using their AP is Tuesday 9/3. Heads up to everybody going to DL in September! SWGE will be CROWDED IN EARLY SEPTEMBER! Why? All of those AP holders will be going solely for the purpose of seeing SWGE.

Deluxe AP summer block outs:
Sat 6/1
Fri 6/7 - Sun 6/9
Fri 6/14 - Sun 6/16
Fri 6/21 - Sun 8/18

Signature APs - no block out dates

I suspect that there are now a lot more Deluxe AP holders than we might realize. So basically all of the Deluxe AP folks will be able to get into SWGE (with a reservation, mind you) on 5/31 (opening day) and on Mon-Thurs in June with the last day being Thursday 6/20.

I highly suspect that the Rise of the Resistance ride will open on or around 6/21-6/23. Thus, the ONLY way you will be able to get to SWGE between 6/21 & 8/18 is EITHER if you have a Signature AP OR you've paid for a regular ticket like everybody else.

If you're traveling to DL in June, I think that the BEST days for you to try for a reservation into SWGE will be Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning 6/1.

After 6/23, the 1-month of "reservation only" ends. That's when I think they'll put both rides on FP and Max Pass. As a result, sales of Max Pass will soar. So Cal & Deluxe AP folks will complain...A LOT...when they're eligible to return to DL...and have great difficulty getting a FP to either ride without Max Pass. I can already hear the cries of "pay to play! It's not fair! We should all be given Max Pass for free!"

I kind of like the "1 reservation in a 3 week period" thing, to be honest. In a way, it makes it more equitable for everyone during that 1st month after grand opening period. If it works well, then I bet they'll do the same "1 reservation in a 3 week period to get on RotR ride" when RotR opens later in the summer.

I also think that DL will likely NOT allow you to book that reservation ahead of time...you will probably need to have scanned your ticket at the main gate that day before you can make a reservation. Primary way of making the reservation would likely be in the Disneyland app. Backup method would probably be to go to a kiosk of some sort...that will be a long line and a nightmare. WDW veterans will protest. Some AP holders will protest. Out of town vacationers will protest. But we're talking about ONE ride, people.

As a result, @HydroGuy's tried & true recommendation of staying within walking distance of the main entrance will still apply. Early bird will get the worm. Be in line at the DL main gate 60-90 min before regular park opening. And after you've scanned your ticket to enter the park, get a SWGE entry reservation. If you're an on site hotel guest, they'll probably give you one at check in...so I suspect that the only 'ahead of time' way to do that is to stay at PPH, DLH, or GCH. Everybody else will have to do it same day.

 

[VandVsmama]

Another possible reason for a potential "1 entry reservation every 3 weeks" is to prevent local AP holders from basically spending several days in a row in June (Mon-Thurs for Deluxe AP holders, Sun-Sat for Signature AP holders) from basically hogging a lot of the reservations by going back again and again several days in a row. People are VERY passionate about Star Wars. Like religious level sort of fan base.

The 2 SWGE rides are pretty much going to be THE most epic attraction experiences at any theme park ever. Going on it just ONE time in 3 weeks makes that ride experience something akin to discovering the most valuable & precious gemstone you've ever laid your eyes on...and you only get to see it once every 3 weeks.

When Pandora opened, people were willing to wait in line at WDW for 4+ hours just to go on it one time. Over a year later, the stand by wait time for that ride is often 2+ hours long. If you're VERY lucky, you can snag a FP+ for it on one of the last days of your multi-day on-site WDW stay. And if you're even more lucky, you can go on it right before closing and only wait an hour to go on it. The Pandora Flight of Passage right is, to date, one of THE best ride experiences I've ever had.

And the 2 SWGE rides are going to be even better than that.

THAT is why DL is doing it this way. It'll be worth it. We'll be going in March of next year. I am SO looking forward to that experience. I predict that we'll be seeing a lot of video of grown men crying when they're in SWGE. seriously.

 

[Gaugersaurus]

Re: AP block out dates:
I also think that DL will likely NOT allow you to book that reservation ahead of time...you will probably need to have scanned your ticket at the main gate that day before you can make a reservation. Primary way of making the reservation would likely be in the Disneyland app. Backup method would probably be to go to a kiosk of some sort...that will be a long line and a nightmare. WDW veterans will protest. Some AP holders will protest. Out of town vacationers will protest. But we're talking about ONE ride, people.

I disagree, I think the idea behind the reservations is to try to eliminate people lining up days in advance to try to get into SWGE. Disneyland already has problems with crowds and they know it; they've probably figured out that it's better for their website to crash from the influx of people trying to get reservations than what will happen if they have lines that are days long to get into the turnstiles.

What I can see is something similar to WDW FP+ where you have to have a some type of park admission on your account to be able to access the online reservations.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

They can most certainly limit APs to one entry during the entire reservation period, and, frankly, that is what I expect will be done. As for tracking and limiting others, I'm sure they have the ability and wouldn't be surprised if the policy is simply one reservation per person from May 31 - June 23.

 

[lcp9]

ugh, I wish they had incorporated this into a third park or made a separate entrance. we have zero interest in star wars and I suspect it's going to really degrade the park experience for our family for a few years.

 

[RedM94]

I just spoke to my DVC Guide, and he told me they are being told that anyone with a Disneyland Resort Hotel reservation will receive a designated time to visit GE. He believes it will be in the form of an email.

 

[DLgal]

There is NO way that the reservation system will be set up so that you can't make a reservation until you enter the park. NO WAY. The whole purpose of this system at Disneyland is to control crowds onsite.

I suspect they will simply have a sign up online where you sign into your Disney account (I think having a Disney account will be required and that is how they will track it) and then reserve a time slot, naming the number of guests who will be with you. You will get a print out or it will show on your app, and you will show that to gain entry to the land on your designated day. If people make a reservation without a ticket, they will likely be told that a ticket will be required for regular park admission on the day of their reservation. I suspect the printout will say "Not a theme park admission ticket" in huge, bold lettering on the top. If those people don't show up at their designated day/time, too bad. I think they will build in a certain percentage of no shows into the system, likely overbooking it somewhat.

What I think people WILL be able to do is, book a time slot once PER REGISTERED GUEST. Like, in my household, I will be able to book a time slot for "4 guests" under my account, and my husband will also be able to do so, on a different day. They cannot require ALL guests coming into the land to make their own reservation (like, kids can't create a Disney account) and they have to account for large or extended families where not all the adults will have a Disney account (grandparents, etc).

Once you make the reservation online, it will likely just be "Registered member plus X number of guests." I think they will make it non transferable, or people will sell them online. So, each reservation will likely be linked to one Disney account.

 

[HydroGuy]

The “summer” season at Disneyland has traditionally started on Memorial Day, which is thought of as a summer kick-off for many people.

I also thought that the blockout changes - particularly knocking out the lower two tiers for ALL of June - indicated an earlier opening. There was no reason to do that to the lower passes if SWGE wasn’t going to be open.

@Skyegirl1999 amd I have agreed on this for many months but I think almost everyone else was laser focused on June 21.

I find it interesting how people think summer includes May somehow - Summer starts around June 21st - so I don't think it was ridiculous for people to think that was the date they might use. However, it does seem that the further south you go of course summer starts earlier and earlier so I guess it's read as more of a weather thing rather than an actual season?

We live in Canada and I can assure you Winter does not wait until December 21st to rear it's ugly head!!

The “summer” season at Disneyland has traditionally started on Memorial Day, which is thought of as a summer kick-off for many people.

I also thought that the blockout changes - particularly knocking out the lower two tiers for ALL of June - indicated an earlier opening. There was no reason to do that to the lower passes if SWGE wasn’t going to be open.

@Skyegirl1999 and I have agreed on this for many months, including why we thought SWGE opening would be earlier than June 21, but I think almost everyone else was laser focused on June 21. She (we) are right in DLR context that summer season has started Memorial Day weekend for the last 5 years. For the Canadians and others outside the USA, Memorial Day is always the final Monday of May. And that means the Friday before Memorial Day is when the "Memorial Day weekend" starts and when DLR kicks into high gear. For anyone interested in the nitty gritty details, see this thread of mine:

"Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

 

[midnight star]

@Skyegirl1999 amd I have agreed on this for many months but I think almost everyone else was laser focused on June 21.


@Skyegirl1999 and I have agreed on this for many months, including why we thought SWGE opening would be earlier than June 21, but I think almost everyone else was laser focused on June 21. She (we) are right in DLR context that summer season has started Memorial Day weekend for the last 5 years. For the Canadians and others outside the USA, Memorial Day is always the final Monday of May. And that means the Friday before Memorial Day is when the "Memorial Day weekend" starts and when DLR kicks into high gear. For anyone interested in the nitty gritty details, see this thread of mine:

"Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

I was hoping for late June so it wouldn’t be insane All summer only part of it...but just July and August. Oh well. I’m hoping these phases help though! It might be a good idea.

 

[abnihon]

I currently have a few weeks booked at the Hojo because I didn’t know when I could go.
So I may have a choice between going May 22-30 or early June and I’m torn...
I may see how things pan out with this reservation system and see how easy it is to get one if you’re off site.
Honestly I’m excited about how they’re choosing to do it.
I think it will help control crowds and manage expectations if I know whether we can or can’t get into SWGE before we arrive and when.
I haven’t bought plane tickets yet so dates are still flexible and I can try to either go before May 31st or after when I can get a reservation for SWGE and plan around that.
The worst case scenario would be to go after May 31st and NOT even be able to get into the land but still having to deal with the crowds.
Not sure what I’d do under that scenario...

 

[midnight star]

Something I just thought of...when is the new structure going to be done?? One thing that scares me outside of the crowds from the parks is the parking and security situation...

 

[sherilaine]

So nowhere does it say an advanced reservation is required - at least nowhere I have seen? The only way this will manage crowds is if people know they have to book a reservation before going to the park - if the reservation can be made after they enter the park then it still could end up being people lined up for days/overnight waiting to get in - right?

 

[abnihon]

So nowhere does it say an advanced reservation is required - at least nowhere I have seen? The only way this will manage crowds is if people know they have to book a reservation before going to the park - if the reservation can be made after they enter the park then it still could end up being people lined up for days/overnight waiting to get in - right?

Exactly. It HAS to be in advance. Only way to control crowds and avoid angry mob descending on guest services when they couldn’t get into SWGE.
If reservation was only AFTER entering that’s the same as having Maxpass and only allowing those with FP in next hour to enter (similar to how they did entry to Pandora). And they are clearly NOT doing it that way so it has to be a reservation in advance.

 

[sherilaine]

Exactly. It HAS to be in advance. Only way to control crowds and avoid angry mob descending on guest services when they couldn’t get into SWGE.
If reservation was only AFTER entering that’s the same as having Maxpass and only allowing those with FP in next hour to enter (similar to how they did entry to Pandora). And they are clearly NOT doing it that way so it has to be a reservation in advance.

I agree - but until Disney clarifies that - it's only an assumption.

 

[dina444444]

Something I just thought of...when is the new structure going to be done?? One thing that scares me outside of the crowds from the parks is the parking and security situation...

Pretty soon. It should be open before SWGE opens.

The connectors to the existing structure are just about done. They are putting up supports for the planter boxes. The eascaltor plaza is close to completion. Only major things left are paving the ground and building the new security set up.

 

[StarlitNight05]

I'd like everyone to consider how often your average person reads fine print. I predict a LOT of people who hear May 31st will be full stop and read or listen no more - they are going to show up in droves and ask "reservation?....what reservation?"

I think Disney should have put a big red "soft opening" stamp on this announcement rather than bury it in articles that only serious planners and Disney fans will read through entirely.

I was thinking about that too. Even on some instagram posts I noticed people just responding things like "Awesome!" and "I'm going to book now!" Makes me wonder if they went to go find the blog post, or read the fine print. I'm guessing for a lot of those people the answer is no.

God help the poor CMs working at City Hall...

 

[Tinkerbell7479]

Dipping my toe in here. I found out I'm going to to LA for a conference and since I'm going to be on the other side of the country I'm going to go to Disneyland! I'm a WDW vet and this will be my first visit. My sister and I are going and we're planning on going a few days before the conference then she'll head home and I'll conference it up. Of course yesterday we found out that the day we arrive is opening day for SWGE! so i'm a bit panicked but i think we'll make it work. i rushed to book a room off property yesterday so i have that set. I'm going to try and get us a reservation but not holding out hope, especially since with yesterday's announcement we found out our WDW trip is happening 1 week after the world opening! its a perfect storm! So am I correct in assuming there has not been an announcement on making reservations yet?

 

[LizzyS]

I have to say this is disappointing news. I was hoping that Disney was going to open a ready for primetime land that was going to be spectacular. But this sounds like another Pixar Pier, except worse. They have had years to make this happen. Pixar Pier had months. If Star Wars isn't ready for a complete opening due to weather, they should delay it and have people work 24/7 to get it ready.

This just seems really tacky. Instead of having two rides to split crowds, now the complete focus will be on one and most park goers will probably not get to ride it. With a relatively low number of riders per hour, in a 8am to 12am operating day, the majority of park goers will not get an opportunity to ride this single attraction. Just image how people will feel if they come across the country to see Star Wars but never actually get a chance to ride anything? Can you imagine how angry people will be? I can see this turning into a public relations and social media nightmare with people standing in line at City Hall asking for refunds. If they would just wait a little while longer they could greatly increase capacity with the additional attraction and significantly reduce the chances of people feeling ripped off. This all seems remarkably shortsighted.

Our tour guide last week said they HAVE been working on Galaxy's Edge 24/7.

 

[sherilaine]

Dipping my toe in here. I found out I'm going to to LA for a conference and since I'm going to be on the other side of the country I'm going to go to Disneyland! I'm a WDW vet and this will be my first visit. My sister and I are going and we're planning on going a few days before the conference then she'll head home and I'll conference it up. Of course yesterday we found out that the day we arrive is opening day for SWGE! so i'm a bit panicked but i think we'll make it work. i rushed to book a room off property yesterday so i have that set. I'm going to try and get us a reservation but not holding out hope, especially since with yesterday's announcement we found out our WDW trip is happening 1 week after the world opening! its a perfect storm! So am I correct in assuming there has not been an announcement on making reservations yet?

The details of how to go about making a reservation for SWGE have not yet been published. My only comment would be - is there anyway you can manage to stay at even Paradise Pier as that could improve your odds and would give you a jump on the crowds with EMH? I never recommend staying onsite but this is unknown territory here.

 

[dina444444]

FYI. All three on site hotels are sold out online for 5/30-6/1.