I don’t know about you, but I am eagerly anticipating Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening at Disney World and Disneyland this year! I grew up with the original (and arguably the BEST) Star Wars Episodes, play the computer games, and even own a lightsaber. Don’t be too jealous ;). I simply can’t wait to be able to step into an interactive Star Wars land! Now Padawans, allow me to tell you all about the amazing new land coming to Hollywood Studios and Disneyland…
What is Galaxy’s Edge?
I think a lot of people are anticipating Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening in both the Disneyland Park (Anaheim, California) and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Lake Buena Vista, Florida). Each land is 14 acres- the largest single-themed Disney parks expansion yet! When you step into Galaxy’s Edge you will be transported to the Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu. You will be able to try galactic food and drinks, purchase unique merchandise, and even drive the infamous Millennium Falcon! Will you represent the light side or the dark side? Or go rogue (gasp!)?
When will Galaxy’s Edge open in Disney World and Disneyland?
Guests can visit these new lands starting on May 31, 2019 in California and August 29, 2019 in Florida! There are a couple of catches, however…
Disneyland will have a Phased Opening
Visitors at the Disneyland installation will need advance reservations to enter Galaxy’s Edge from May 31- June 23. General public opening will occur on June 24! As of right now, it seems like Disneyland resort guests will have the option to make free reservations to visit Galaxy’s Edge. There’s still a lot we don’t know about these reservations (what about off-site guests and will there be time limits?). I’m sure reservation instructions and details will be forthcoming. Please note that Disney World is skipping a reservation-only phase and opening to everyone on August 29.
One Attraction will open Later this Year
Not everything will be operating on opening day. For instance, the attraction, Rise of the Resistance, will still be under construction. Disney says that this particular ride will open “later this year”. So far, exact dates have not been released.
How can we interact with this new land?
Disney is marketing Galaxy’s Edge as highly, highly immersive. Instead of being in a theme park you will actually feel like you are stepping into Star Wars itself! You will be able to drink blue milk next to aliens at the shady cantina and build your own lightsaber at the local merchant stands! You can even design, build, and activate a custom droid! Disney cast members will be creating their own characters within the land and interacting with guests to bring the immersion full circle! But watch out because I’ve heard the First Order has occupied Batuu and is in search of someone or something…
Another angle to this mega immersion factor that I’m anticipating in Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is regarding the Play Disney Parks app. Your phone will be used to unlock more magic within Batuu! How cool is that?! Using the app on your mobile device, you will be able to hack systems, scan and translate alien languages, and tune (or eavesdrop) into First Order or Resistance communications! Guests will be able accept missions for either the heros or the villians. It is your choice! Completed tasks will get your rewards and points that are added to your Star Wars profile.
What rides will be in Galaxy’s Edge?
We are all highly anticipating the 2 main attractions in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! These 2 rides are: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
Not only will you be able to take pictures next to the infamous Millennium Falcon (you know, “the one that made the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs?”), you will be able to actually take the wheel! Disney says that this will be a “thrilling, interactive smuggling mission”. Guests will get their mission and need to fulfill their crucial roles as either pilot, engineer, or gunner. I’ve heard you will even be able to play holographic chess while waiting to board the Millennium Falcon!
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
This is THE MOST anticipated attraction in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! Based on recent news, this ride is going to blow your jedi socks off (do jedi even wear socks? anyway…). This is going to be Disney’s longest attraction ever created and have multiple parts both on and off a ride vehicle. WHAT?!
The ride will start with Rey, BB-8, and Poe Dameron debriefing guests to embark on a mission against the First Order. Next, you’ll pass an X-Wing to board the vehicle that will, in true Star Wars fashion, be hijacked by a Star Destroyer. You will then be taken hostage and escorted to a jail cell by storm troopers. Kylo Ren himself will come to interrogate you and you’ll have to figure out how to escape. Jeez, I hope they include trash disposals near prisoner quarters…
What about that Star Wars hotel?
Disney will be constructing a Star Wars hotel that guests can stay at and become fully immersed in a dream Star Wars experience! This hotel will be adjacent to Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. Rumor has it hotel guests will have their own entrance into Batuu! From what I’ve read, it seems as if you will become your own character with a unique storyline and earn “points” toward the light or dark sides! If you’ve ever played Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic or Star Wars: The Old Republic games, this hotel experience will probably be similar to that game play. The hotel does not yet have an opening date.
To satisfy your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge appetite, be sure to watch Disney’s promo video:
Be sure to check out the post on navigating crowds as Galaxy’s Edge will likely be busy for some time! Stay tuned for another post on Galaxy’s Edge- specific merchandise and food!
May the force be with you!
Cheers!!