Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

It finally happened! We now know exactly when we can experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in California and at Walt Disney World in Florida! These dates are earlier than we anticipated, and we now know the land will have a phase 1 opening, and then a phase 2 opening later in the year. The land will open on the dates above with Millennium Falcon: Smugglers run ready for guests! Rise of the resistance will open for guests in phase two, which we don’t have the dates for just yet. This is, arguably, the most anticipated opening of a new land in Disney history! For Disney and Star Wars fans, this is a dream come true. As a young girl I waited anxiously for The Empire Strikes Back, and then Return of the Jedi to be released in theaters. As a woman, I cried in the theater when Han and Chewy walked onto the Millennium Falcon in The Force Awakens. It’s safe to say that I am excited to walk onto the Millennium Falcon myself, and they may have to mop up a few tears when I leave.

If you are a die-hard Star Wars fan, or if you have no idea what the hoopla is all about, this addition to the Disney parks is huge, innovative, and will be fun for everyone! What we know so far, is that Galaxy’s Edge is incredibly immersive, and will take us to a galaxy far, far away like nothing we’ve experienced before! In true Disney fashion, everything, including the cast member uniforms will be tailored to the story of this innovative new land. The setting, the attractions, the unique dining experiences, and most importantly, how do we get in? I have all the details for you!

The setting is Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu. According to Disney this outpost will be home to two major attractions, several colorful characters, many places to interact with the land using the Play Disney Parks app, and some unique restaurants where we can try food and drinks inspired by the Star Wars stories. In this outpost we will be able to let our inner Jedi, Rebel Princess, Sith Lord, or wookie roam free. But be on the lookout for the First Order!

Each attraction and dining location are part of the story and are designed to pull us deeper into the world of Star Wars. We will need to keep our eyes open for the many details in each one as we explore! 

The Attractions:

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance –This massive attraction will be epic! It’s immersive, advanced, a longer experience than typical attractions, and going on the premise that the Resistance has set up a temporary base to get ready for battle. We will find ourselves in the middle of that battle between the Resistance and the First Order! We will see BB8, and a holographic Rey with a message for us. The queue will lead us past Poe’s full-size X-Wing fighter to board our transport, and then the battle begins with Poe as our wingman!

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – If, like me, you have been looking over the pictures of the ship since the drawings were first released, then you are also super excited to take control of the Millennium Falcon and lead your flight crew on a special mission. Even guests who decide not to ride will have the opportunity to walk through and see the ship. The ride queue will be incredibly detailed giving guests amazing views of the Millennium Falcon as well as the domes of the Black Spire Outpost in the distance. We will receive our mission details from an audio-animatronic space pirate named Hondo, and even have the opportunity to play the holographic Dejarik game while waiting for our flight crew assignments.  I am anticipating being surprised and wowed by this attraction! 

One of things I love about Disney is that they don’t always give everything away with regards to new attractions. If you have had the experience of riding Flight of Passage in Pandora at Animal Kingdom, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, we need to get you there pronto! I wasn’t really sure what to expect, I just knew that it was supposed to be awesome, and I was not disappointed! The experience more than lives up to the hype! I am expecting the attractions in Galaxy’s Edge to be just as awe inspiring and exciting if not more so!

Dining in Black Spire Outpost:

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is the place to go for a nice meal in a modified Utilipede-Transport that is docked on top of the large hanger! Dine indoors or outside in a shaded courtyard. While the names of the dishes may seem exotic, this is all part of the experience. Fried Endorian Tip-Yip is a chicken dish that comes with roasted vegetable mash and herb gravy. You will also find a smoked pork rib dish called Kaadu Ribs with blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw. For the not-so-adventurous eaters, roasted chicken with mixed greens, roasted veggies, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds served with a creamy green curry ranch dressing are available. These are just a few of the options as there will be lots to choose from here, including child friendly favorites like fried chicken with mac and cheese.

Ronto Roasters is where you will find the most unusual barbecue pit in the galaxy. Fired by a pod racing engine this pit will be roasting spiced grilled sausage and pork for sandwiches and wraps. Complete your meal here with one of the signature non-alcoholic beverages such as the Tatooine Sunset.

The Milk Stand will offer blue and green milk direct from Bubo Wamba Family Farms. Fans of Star Wars will remember being introduced to these, out of this world, milks in A New Hope, and The Last Jedi respectively. The blue milk is plant-based so even if you have a milk sensitivity you may be able to give this a try. Bravery is totally up to you!

Kat Saka’s Kettle will offer a sweet & salty snack and is one of the street market stalls that you will find throughout Black Spire Outpost.

The stores and market stalls:

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities – Unique items from across the galaxy and spanning all Star Wars eras can be found here.

Savi’s Workshop – There have been other places to build a lightsaber within Disney World, but never one quite like this. Building your lightsaber with the help of a workshop master just before taking the Millennium Falcon for spin or taking on the First Order in battle is sure to be an exciting experience! 

Droid Depot – Choose your parts and build your own droid!

First Order Cargo – If you are looking to join the First Order (or dress like one in order to gather intel for the Resistance) you will find uniforms, gear, and supplies here. The First Order doesn’t have to hide so this supply store is in a spaceport hangar!

Resistance Supply – A little more on the secretive side, find your supplies and uniforms for joining the resistance here, in this makeshift stall.

How do we get in?

Disney knows how popular this is going to be and they have put some things in place to help ensure that once you make it into the land, you will be able to enjoy it!

DISNEYLAND

For guests visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park between May 31 and June 23, 2019;

• You will need valid theme park admission and you will also be required to make a no-cost reservation, if they are available, to access the land. We don’t have the details just yet on how to make the no-cost reservation but will let you know as soon as we do! If you want to visit during this time, you should book with us soon as rooms are filling up!
• If you have always wanted to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian, or Paradise Pier, now may be a great time to indulge in a stay at one of these deluxe hotels. Guests who choose to book at one of these three Disneyland Resort hotels between May 31^st and June 23^rd, 2019 will receive a designated reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay (one reservation per registered guest); valid theme park admission is also required.
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will NOT be included in Extra Magic Hour, or Magic Mornings at Disneyland park.
• Fastpasses will not be offered at this time but could become an option in the future.

WALT DISNEY WORLD

• You will need valid theme park admission for Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge after its opening on August 29, 2019. You will NOT need a reservation to enter the land at Walt Disney World.
• Capacity will be limited to help those inside the land enjoy it fully.
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge WILL be open during Extra Magic Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park. Extra Magic Hours are a benefit given to guests staying at select Disney hotels. This benefit gives guests at these hotels extra time in the Disney theme parks on select days. Your travel agent will be able to help you choose a great hotel that fits your needs and gives you this benefit.
• Fastpasses will not be offered at this time but could become an option in the future. 

I hope you are all as excited as I am for this incredible new land in both Disney parks. If you haven’t booked your 2019 trip yet, don’t wait any longer! We can help you plan a wonderful trip using our years of experience to help you navigate the crowds and enjoy your time in the Disney parks!