Journey to the Galaxy’s Edge at the Disneyland Resort!
On May 31st, Disneyland Resort debuted their newest and arguably largest expansion in recent history as Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World is set to open Galaxy’s Edge on August 29th, 2019.
So – if you plan on visiting the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World any time in the near future – I wanted to give you some tips on what to expect before you travel to this galaxy far, far away!
1 – Logistics
Disneyland Resort – Open! Galaxy’s Edge opened on May 31st, 2019
Walt Disney World – Opening date is August 29th, 2019.
The land in both parks is 14 acres (for reference - Toy Story Land is 11 acres)!!
Where is Galaxy’s Edge? You’ll find it stationed on the planet Batuu in a place known as the Black Spire Outpost. It’s themed as a busy merchant/supply station filled to the brim with outlaws, smugglers, traders and those of us who are hiding from the First Order!
Who’s There?!? Everyone! Don’t be surprised if you see some familiar faces while touring the outpost! You guys! Disney actually has extra cast members staffed in this new land as random “residents” of Batuu. And don’t be surprised if you happen to spot the likes some of our favorites like Rey, Finn, BB-8 and Chewbacca! And as always… be on the lookout for members of the First Order!
Reservation Required – that’s right. You can’t just buy a ticket to the park and walk right into Galaxy’s Edge. Not yet anyways. You have to purchase a park ticket and then go online (or have your friendly Disney Travel Agent <wink>) reserve your 4-hour time slot for Galaxy’s Edge. From what I’ve read – most people feel that 4 hours is plenty of time and you can even ride Smugglers Run more than once!
2 – Language
When hiding out… I mean visiting the Black Spire Outpost… it’ll be helpful to learn the lingo! If you’re not accustomed to inter-galactic travel, you might be confused by words like credits, hydrators, bright suns, younglings etc. But have no fear. Here’s a quick guide!
· Hello – Bright Suns (daytime) or Rising moons (evening)
· Farewell – ‘Till the Spires (casual, sometimes used as a rallying chant) or Good journey, or May the spires keep you (more formal)
· Dollars - Credits. If something is $20.00… a cast member will ask for 20 galactic credits.
· A child is referred to as a youngling. If your youngling is particularly strong with the Force – you may hear them referred to as padawans.
· Stroller – youngling transport
· Restroom – Refreshers*
· Water fountain – Hydrators*
Easter Egg for Star Wars fans… ask a cast member for directions to the refresher near the Blue Milk stand – there you’ll find a hydrator. Press the button for water and an audio animatronic Dianoga beast will pop up in the tank! The one-eyed space squid from the Death Star’s trash compactor lives in the pipes!!
Smart Phone – Data pad… yes there’s an app for that. Download Galaxy’s Edge Data Pad and watch Black Spire Outpost turn into an immersive real-world role-playing universe. It’s also equipped with a handy translator tool to help you understand other alien creatures and read the text throughout the outpost.
I don’t know – If all else fails simply say – Only the ancients know! But hopefully you now know a little bit more than you did before!
Rides and Attractions
There are several rides in Galaxy’s Edge. They range from old, new and coming-soon.
· Star Tours
· Launch Bay – Character Meet & Greet
· Jedi Training Academy
· Rise of the Resistance – NOT YET OPEN in either park. It’s a trackless dark ride featuring a battle between the Resistance and the First Order
· Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – a simulation ride similar to Mission: Space in EPCOT
Shopping:
Lots of shops (it IS a trading post after all) to stock up on galactic gear. We’re really excited to try Savi’s Workshop where you can build your own light saber and the Droid Depot… it’s like building a bear except… it’s your very own LIVE droid!
Note – you will not find ANYTHING in Galaxy’s Edge with the term Star Wars on it. If you’re looking for Star Wars gear – you can find it at other shops within the park.
Food
Once again – totally immersive experience if you step inside Oga’s Cantina. It looks amazing. There are other quick-service food and drink stops but so far, the review for these places haven’t been great. Most people are saying you’re better off getting your food in other areas of the park. But if you’re into trying a Blue Bantha (blue milk) or could use a little Jet Juice or Jedi Mind Trick… give it a try and let us know what you think!
Well, I think that about covers the basics of Galaxy’s Edge.
Fun Fact – my family planned a nice little vacation to Walt Disney World right around the first week of school thinking how ‘un-crowded’ it would be. A few months later they announced that Galaxy’s Edge is opening TWO DAYS before we get there. I’m a little nervous for the crowds now but I really hope that they keep up with the reservation window so we can get the full experience. And trust me – we’ll have lots of updates for you during our trip to keep you informed on the latest and greatest magic!