I have a few questions for someone that's been to a Celebration before.
1. How long are the lines to get in to the convention? Should I be there early? I pre-ordered my tickets so can I just walk right in?
The lines will be several blocks long. Most everyone will already have their passes, just like you. You can pick up your promo bag of materials at will-call the day before, or anytime during the con. It's just a bag of ads, a few free trading cards, and generally just junk. Now, if you wait an hour after the doors open, you should be able to just walk right in. However, if you are after anything in the vendor room (Hasbro exclusives, non-pre-ordered Gentle Giant exclusives, etc)...you want to get in line early. I don't plan on wasting too much time on exclusive merch, as it can eventually be bought cheaper on ebay later. Any extra cost is worth the free time you gain to enjoy the con.
2. How long are the actors lines? I know I'll have to wait 4-5 hours for Carrie or Mark but what about the small part actors?
For Carrie or Mark, you would want to head there first thing in the day and get in line right away....that way you might shave an hour or two off the wait. Find out which entrance is closest to the autograph hall (once they post the maps) and wait in that line. Medium-demand autographs, like Dave Prowse or Ray Park can be up to a 1-2 hour wait depending on time of day and which day of the con. If Billy Dee shows up, he will definitely be a wait. Other signers typically have no wait at all. At any given time you might have to wait 5 minutes for someones autograph. There will be so many signers, that you can pick and choose among them with little to no wait. If you get stuck behind someone doing a signing service (ie...carrying around 20 posters and 50 8x10s)..just skip that person and com back later. Some signers are nice an tell them to take a break so they can get through a few people who want onesies. Early in the morning it will be slow, as many people are fighting over the dealer exclusives. Later in the afternoon it also slows down. Thursday and Sunday will be slower than Fri and Sat. There will be plenty of time to snag the many autographs you need. Make your first priority the long waits....just don't get in the end of a long line at a busy part of the day...time it better....there are many other more productive things to do.
3.How many people can you usually get in a day? Is it likely I'll be able to get everyone in 3 days or not?
Think he'll sign any autographs?
But only is he was $20-30 and not $50.