{"id":6475,"date":"2019-04-29T15:19:26","date_gmt":"2019-04-29T22:19:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themeparksforgrownups.com\/?p=6475"},"modified":"2024-03-06T12:12:07","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T20:12:07","slug":"easy-guide-to-star-wars-galaxys-edge-at-disneyland-and-disney-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themeparksforgrownups.com\/easy-guide-to-star-wars-galaxys-edge-at-disneyland-and-disney-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Insider’s Guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Disney World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Barring some dubious decisions Disney Executives have made in the past (ahem<\/em> Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management), I trust that if anyone can bring Star Wars to life, it\u2019s Disney. There\u2019s no doubt in my mind that if you grew up with this beloved franchise, you\u2019ll walk into this land and feel your heart burst open at the sight of the real Millennium Falcon. After countless hours researching Star Wars: Galaxy\u2019s Edge one thing is certain, the Imagineers made sure everything is brand new land is authentic.<\/strong> Every building, rock, gift shop, and doorway is placed in this land for a reason. Nothing about it is arbitrary and everything references back to the original concepts constructed by George Lucas. The assembled team put their own childhood nostalgia on the line and created an immersive Star Wars land that everyone can enjoy. I mean, if they didn\u2019t, they\u2019d have an angry mob of Star Wars fans at their door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article covers Star Wars dining, merchandise, and attraction information. Now, the real thing that sets this travel guide apart is that it goes into detail regarding the backstory of every gift shop, restaurant, and experience inside the land. It also gives you comprehensive advice on how to make the most out of your visit (i.e. have the biggest bang for your buck). <\/strong>Star Wars will pull in massive crowds and create a lot of headaches for Disney guests. I\u2019ve got plenty of tips to help you plan so you can actually enjoy your vacation! Novel idea, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Black
Real picture of Black Spire Outpost
Credit: Disney Parks Blog<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

And one more thing, I created a super cool gift that will help you plan your trip! It\u2019s my free and downloadable<\/strong> Easy<\/strong> Snack and Dining Guide to Star Wars: Galaxy\u2019s Edge<\/strong>. Let’s face it, besides the rides, Disney’s main attraction is the incredible food! This article is in-depth and I wanted to make something that you could easily print so you don’t have to check back to this website all the time. It\u2019s uploaded inside my FREE Theme Park Resource Library.<\/strong> You can sign up to access the library by filling out the form below.<\/strong> Not only do you get the gift, but I have a ton of other resources inside my library that you\u2019re welcome to have and also access to my exclusive weekly theme park newsletter. Trust me, with increased crowds, wait times, and all the necessary prep work that goes into planning a vacation like this one, you\u2019ll need all the help you can get!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Easy<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

[toc]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening Dates for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in two phases for both Disneyland and Disney World.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first phase will open on May 31st, 2019 in Disneyland and August 29th, 2019 in Disney World. <\/strong>The opening attractions will include Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run and the rest of the dining and gift shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second phase will include the remaining attraction: Rise of the Resistance. No word on when this attraction will open. The vague answer is \u201clater this year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Black
Credit: Disney Parks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Are there differences between Star Wars Land in Disneyland and Disney World?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nope! The rides, merchandise, and dining are exactly the same. The only small difference is the color schemes on the buildings and a few location differences. Otherwise, you can enjoy the land virtually the same way in both theme parks. The only planning difference is that Disneyland required a reservation into Star Wars if you’re arriving between May 31-June 23. Which, as of now, are completely booked up. You’ll have to wait until after June 23rd to see Galaxy’s Edge if you don’t have a reservation. Disney World will most likely have an easier time navigating the massive influx of crowds. Disneyland is older and more restricted in terms of the amount of land they could acquire so the park has a harder time dealing with big crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Backstory<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Millenium Falcon, The Resistance, and The First Order walk into a cantina\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagineers took elements from several different Star Wars media, shook them up in a Yahtzee cup, and dumped them on the table. The characters, stories, and lore co-exist in one land. References to these elements are inside the attractions, entertainment, dining, and overall design. One minute you\u2019re high-fiving Rey at the cantina and the next you\u2019re encountering Hondo Ohnaka inside the Millenium Falcon. Pretty much every snack, souvenir, and attraction have a backstory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The land takes place on the planet Batuu. This is a new planet created by the Imagineers and was not referenced in any of the Star Wars lore beforehand. They wanted to create an entirely new planet where characters and stories can collide together.<\/strong> Plus, Hoth is cold and Alderaan, well, you know.  Anyway, on the planet Batuu you can find Black Spire Outpost. A small city that was once a bustling marketplace for traders and travelers. It contains one cantina, spaceport, and a market. (Plus, two Disney rides.) The story goes that once hyperspace travel became a popular form of transportation, this small city became frequently bypassed and fairly deserted. It\u2019s no longer a busy crossroad for travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A guest who commented in an article on Disney Parks Blog<\/a> made the connection that Batuu is basically a \u201cspace Radiator Springs from Cars.\u201d Radiator Springs was once a thriving and bustling town filled with road-trippers and now forgotten due to the installation of Interstate Highways. I really don\u2019t think that\u2019s what the Imagineers were going for, but I appreciate the odd cross-referencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyway, now that Black Spire Outpost is off-the-beaten-path, the city is filled with seedy individuals or those who need a place to lie low.<\/strong> This includes smugglers, traders, and space trailblazers. Oh yes, and it\u2019s the perfect hideout for The Resistance to stay out of sight and plan their rise against The First Order. Now we\u2019re talking, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Black
Credit: Disney Parks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

By the way, those \u201cspires\u201d mentioned in the cities name? Those also have a backstory.  Huge, black trees are scattered throughout Batuu. The ancient trees are now petrified and referred to as the symbol and essence of Black Spire Outpost.<\/strong> Boom! The spires are justified!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ok, so, we know The Resistance is there, but how did The First Order find their way to this small and sketchy village? The Battle of Crait, of course! After the Battle of Crait (The Last Jedi), The Resistance hid in the ancient ruins of Batuu. The First Order also established a space-military base once the battle was finished. The idea is that both parties are on Batuu searching for a \u201ctreasure.\u201d The concept is fairly vague at this point and perhaps it will be cleared up in due time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rides, Dining and Gift Shops<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rides<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Galaxy\u2019s Edge will feature two attractions: The Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like I said, Galaxy\u2019s Edge is opening in two phases. The Millenium Falcon will open with the land and Rises of the Resistance will come later this year. Let\u2019s talk concepts and ride descriptions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note:<\/strong> Star Tours<\/a>, the Star Wars attraction that\u2019s been around since the 80s, is located outside<\/strong> Galaxy\u2019s Edge. I hope guests don\u2019t get confused and think that this only Star Wars attraction! They would completely miss the entire land right around the corner!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Millennium
Outside of Millennium Falcon
Credit: Disney Parks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The concept here is fairly straightforward. Guests are sent on a mission to smuggle some sort of seedy merchandise and other paraphernalia under the order of Hondo Ohnaka. Hondo, the space pirate from Clone Wars, has created a fake company called Ohnaka Transport Solutions as a front for his smuggling operations. By the way, the Hondo animatronic looks really amazing. All <\/em>the animatronics look amazing and if these things won\u2019t make you believe that you\u2019re in another galaxy, then I don\u2019t know what will!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hondo
Hondo Ohnaka Animatronic for the Millennium Falcon
Credit: Disney Parks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Each guest is given a role to execute the smuggling. There are 3 roles and 6 seats for each cockpit. Which means, 2 people per role. The Pilots navigate the ship, the Engineers repair the ship and make adjustments while in flight, and the Gunners defend the ship with laser blasters. You\u2019ll control the ship by pulling levers and pushing buttons to keep the mission on task. These roles aren\u2019t just for show like on Mission: Space. The actions you take will actually determine the success of your mission. At the end of the ride, you\u2019ll walk down the iconic Millennium Falcon hallway. The appearance of the hallway is determined by whether you were successful or failed the mission. If you succeed, the hallway is pristine and if you failed, expect some damage and flying sparks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Millennium
Millennium Falcon Iconic Hallway
Credit: Disney Parks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Rise of the Resistance<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This ride was rumored to last a whopping 28 minutes long.<\/strong> This would have made the ride the longest attraction at Disney World and <\/em>Disneyland. Imagineers have since squashed that rumor and no details regarding the length has been revealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What we do know is the ride concept. Guests are plopped in the middle of the war between the Resistance and First Order. They are recruited by the Resistance to navigate their way through the First Order\u2019s turf and stand up to Kylo Ren and Stormtroopers with the help of Rey and friends. The ride is trackless and guests will board an eight-seat vehicle nicknamed the First Order Fleet Transport. This transport navigates guests through many buildings and levels as they complete the mission and in the end, celebrated as a Resistance hero!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Star
Rise of the Resistance Line Queue
Credit: Disney Parks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In February, Anthony Breznican from Entertainment Weekly<\/a> got an exclusive look at the ride queue and described it with great detail. If you don\u2019t want the line queue to be spoiled then skip ahead to the Dining section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the gist of Anthony\u2019s interview:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The queue starts with you walking through Batuu ancient ruins inhabited by abandoned Resistance gear and flight vehicles. Imprinted in the ground are footprints from Resistance Soldiers and droid tracks. The droid tracks were made from the <\/em>R2D2. They managed to track down an old droid from A New Hope and created cement tracks from the droid. Pretty cool, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further down the path, you enter the cave-like living spaces inhabited by the Resistance. Then, you\u2019ll see a droid leftover from the Resistance, an ancient \u201cworship\u201d space, and finally, a Resistance Control Center filled with flight equipment and lasers. In the middle of the control center, BB-8 projects a hologram of Rey telling you that you need to board the Order Fleet Transport lead by Po.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After that, you\u2019re ordered by an animatronic Nien Nunb (Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens) to board the vehicle. Then you\u2019re ushered into the hangar bay with Star Destroyers, Stormtroopers, and the like. This room looks truly magnificent! Then comes the interrogation room that was used to torture Po in The Last Jedi. Once you break out of the cell, the ride continues on the trackless vehicles mentioned before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Star
Rise of the Resistance
Credit: Disney Parks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Dining <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like I mentioned in my intro (which probably seems like years ago), I created a snack and dining list for Galaxy\u2019s Edge<\/strong> that you can download inside my Theme Park Resource Library<\/a>. I will update the snack list when more details come out and update it inside the library so you can look at it later too. It comes with a ton of pictures so you don’t have to visualize the drinks and food too! This is my way of making this article a little shorter and more comprehensible. And if you\u2019re anything like me, you just came for the snacks anyway, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For now, let\u2019s go over what places you\u2019ll find inside Galaxy\u2019s Edge and a bit of backstory for each dining establishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oga’s Cantina<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The cantina has been the subject of subtle controversy among Disney fans. This will be the first bar in Disneyland and the only walk-up establishment in Magic Kingdom that serves alcohol. Magic Kingdom has beer and wine available at sit-down restaurants and you can drink all the margaritas you want in California Adventure at Disneyland. Many people believe that bringing alcohol into the parks will taint the wholesome atmosphere. Honestly, they water-down and overcharge for those drinks so much that I don’t think it\u2019s going to be a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The amazing thing about Oga’s is that there will be morning cocktails and afternoon cocktails. You never have to feel guilty about drinking at 10:00 AM! All drinks will be mixed in a unique way and completely Instagrammable. Some of the drinks like the Fuzzy Tauntaun and the Carbon Freeze are even referenced in the Star Wars comic book Pirate’s Price<\/a>! There will also be a few food items like an interesting twist on pub mix made with prawn chips, seaweed crackers, and wasabi peas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Oga's
Oga’s Cantina
Credit: Disney Parks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

So, who is Oga and what is she serving? Oga is the \u201cintriguing alien owner\u201d and she serves innovative cocktails to the locals at Black Spire Outpost. Think of this place like your hometown bar that you avoid because you don\u2019t want to run into everyone you knew from high school. I\u2019m assuming we\u2019ll run into some live characters, Stormtroopers, and members of the Resistance while sipping on our galactic nectars. There\u2019s also rumor that if you mess up your mission on Millenium Falcon the locals at the cantina will treat you accordingly. This all adds to the immersive atmosphere, you see! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And guess who\u2019s coming to dinner? Rex from Star Tours! After retiring from Star Tours, Rex joined the Resistance to fight the good fight. Following the Battle of Crait, things settled down a bit and Rex was hired as a DJ for Oga\u2019s Cantina. During the Disney Parks Live panel, the Imagineers previewed some of the new music<\/a> from the Cantina and it sounds so cool! The new sounds are remixed with old cantina samples and modern electronic music. Very fresh, very fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DJ
DJ Rex at Oga’s Cantina
Credit: Disney Parks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ronto\u2019s Roaster<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

At Ronto\u2019s Roasters, you can order fresh \u201cspace meat\u201d (shawarma) carved right off the rotating spit that\u2019s heated by an old podracing engine. A cranky old smelter droid by the name of 8D-J8 is at the helm of the spit. The smells of the freshly fire-roasted meat will waft in the streets while you chase your droid away from a Stormtrooper. Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive of Galaxy\u2019s Edge, said in the Disney Parks Live Panel<\/a> that they wanted to \u201cheighten all 5 senses in this land.\u201d Movies can only please 3 of your senses and this land will serve all 5. This includes the textures of the intergalactic materials for your sense of touch and the smells of Ronto\u2019s Roaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ronto's
Ronto’s Roaster
Credit: Disney parks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To put it roughly, Docking Bay 7 is like a large space food truck. A little less casual than Ronto\u2019s Roaster and not a bar like Oga\u2019s Cantina.The food is quick-service and served out of a \u201cshuttle\u201d (small diner, I\u2019m assuming). The story goes that Chef Strono \u201cCookie\u201d Tuggs is very popular among Batuuians (Batuus? The Bati?). He even worked for Maz Kanata, the bug-eyed wise alien from the latest trilogy. Since his cooking is in such high-demand, he shuttles from place to place serving the galaxy\u2019s finest in his mobile kitchen. The food shuttle is now stationed on the hangar roof indefinitely to serve the people\/aliens\/specimen of Batuu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Raspberry
Raspberry Cr\u00e8me Puff and Chocolate Cake Orbs from Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo
Credit: Disney Parks Blog<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kat Saka\u2019s Kettle<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is a popcorn stand run by a grain merchant named Kat Saka. This popcorn stand will blend in with the busy and rustic market place. It looks like Disney will roast the popcorn inside a real kettle, or at least, keep the popcorn inside a kettle. The kettle corn will come in a few different flavors like sweet, savory, and spicy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kat<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Milk Stand <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This stand was put in place by Imagineers to exclusively sell blue and green milk. Can\u2019t have Star Wars without blue milk! Due to the sweltering Florida\/California summers, the Imagineers and Chefs thought it would be best to slightly freeze the milk and give it the texture of a milkshake. It\u2019s also non-dairy rice milk so anyone can enjoy it! The rice milk is infused with melon and berry flavors like a smoothie. This sounds way more appetizing than sipping a cup of 2% made with Blue Dye #40 in 90-degree humidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Blue
Blue Milk at Concept Rendering in Hollywood Studios
Credit: Disney Parks Blog<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Gift Shops<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Dok Ondar is a brand new character created specifically for Galaxy\u2019s Edge. (He’s also mentioned in the movie Solo!) This gift shop houses mysterious antiques found by Dok and his visitors throughout the galaxy. It\u2019s the black market for trafficking seedy accouterment. You can admire legacy lightsabers owned by famous Star Wars characters and other ancient space-alien artifacts like old holocrons. Creepy skeletons and caged aliens in their former state hang from the ceiling. Guests can also \u201ccommunicate\u201d with Dok in person. His animatronic is highly advanced with pre-recorded responses that are randomized so no two conversations are quite the same. This gives the opportunity to communicate with a real alien! The Imagineers mentioned that they lost track of how many Star Wars Easter eggs are placed around this shop. Keep your eyes peeled for references to the films and other media! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dok
Dok Ondar Animatronic
Credit: Disney Parks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Savi\u2019s Workshop (Lightsabers)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The First Order is keeping a close watch on Batuu on every corner. Savi created a salvage yard as a front for his real business – assembling custom black market lightsabers. There have been versions of a build-your-own lightsaber shops outside of Galaxy\u2019s Edge, but nothing to this degree. The process allows you to choose each part of the lightsaber and even the color of your kyber crystal (the laser). The materials are made of the most high-end equipment associated with a souvenir lightsaber. You\u2019ll then take home a truly one-of-a-kind lightsaber made entirely by you. And Savi will be there at the door to greet guests as they enter the shop!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Savi's
Savi’s Workshop
Credit: Disney Parks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Toydarian Toyshop<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This stall will sell seemingly handmade toys, dolls, and games created by the toymaker, Zabaka. There\u2019s even authentic alien musical instruments like the ones played by Figrin D\u2019an and the Modal Nodes<\/a>. Choose between an Ewok drum or a Fanfar clarinet! This toyshop is based on a real shop that was found in a Moroccan marketplace that Imagineers found on their research trip. To give the appearance that Zabaka is hard at work, you can see her silhouette shuffling around in the background of her workshop. The coolest thing about Galaxy’s Edge is that every store owner, cook, and townie is present at the Outpost. Whether it\u2019s a silhouette of the merchant or a full-out animatronic, the character is somewhere nearby!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Toydarian
Toys that will be sold at the Toydarian Toyshop
Credit: Disney parks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mubo’s Droid Depot<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Outside the Droid Depot, you\u2019ll be greeted by a couple of live droids which makes for a great photo op. Once inside, you\u2019ll see way more droids. You can visit medical droids, Imperial droids, BB units, and astromechs! A few of them are out back in the courtyard taking a well-needed oil bath too. After you explore the droids, you can build your very own astromech like R2D2 or a \u201cball\u201d unit like BB-8!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How you build your droid is a fairly organized system: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n