A long time ago (May 30) in a galaxy far, far away (Disneyland in California)… A brand new land emerged that was unlike anything seen before – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. One of my colleagues got to be there opening day and was allowed to explore for a limited time. The pictures and descriptions are based on her experience.
Please be aware, this land will not open at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios until August 29, 2019, but will be set up in the same way.
Since it was first announced, Disney has said this new land would be more interactive and immersive than any other area created this far. To be honest, I haven’t been sure what that would look like. Now that the land has opened in Disneyland, I’m getting a better idea. For example, through the Play Disney Parks app, you are able to decode intergalactic messages, hack into devices around the land, and communicate with residents of the land. You aren’t just walking through and looking at the scenery of the Black Spire Outpost – you can actually interact with it.
The most iconic ship throughout the Star Wars franchise has been the Millennium Falcon. No Star Wars land would be complete without the Falcon, and Galaxy’s Edge delivers. As you might expect, you can get your picture in front of a life-size replica. You can also board the ship and play with its devices.
In addition, one of the land’s e-ticket attractions is Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, where you’ll be part of a team flying the Falcon. If you want to see a full ride through video, check out Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Full Ride Video. A second major attraction, Rise of the Resistance, will be opening later this year.
One of the dining options in the Black Spire Outpost is Oga’s Cantina. This family-friendly bar/lounge had already proven to be a very popular spot for food and drinks. Pictured below, the Yub Nub (alcoholic) is served in a souvenir Endor mug and the Cave Dweller (non-alcoholic) is served in a Porg mug! A variety of drinks with and without souvenir mugs are available. I’m kind of obsessed with the Porg mug, if I’m being honest.
If you’re looking for a quick meal or snack, check out Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (variety “intergalactic” cuisine), Kat Saka’s Kettle (sweet and savory popcorn) or Ronto Roasters (sausages). You can try the famed blue (or green) milk at the Milk Stand, just like Luke Skywalker. Even just a Coke or Sprite is in character at the Black Spire Outpost, with labels written in Aurebesh, one of the languages from the Star Wars universe.
You will also find several merchants offering everything from stuffed Ewoks to full Stormtrooper costumes. The definitive merch highlights are the build your lightsaber and Droid. Both are full experiences that culminated in a product you can take home. For example, the Droid Depot gives you the option to build a BB unit or an R2 unit. A conveyor brings the pieces past you and you select the pieces you want for your Droid (with helpful Depot workers nearby to assist). The pieces are then assembled and activated to awaken your very own remote-controlled Droid. The lightsaber experience is similar, where you are involved in every step of the process!
In 3 months, I’ll be at the opening day of Disney World’s Galaxy’s Edge land and will be sharing more about the new experiences and foods. Stay tuned!
Till the Spire (Till Next Time),
Miranda
Magical Moments Vacations with Miranda 