Escape to a galaxy far, far away
Disney's incredibly immersive Star Wars lands
Do you sometimes just want to get far, far away to a fictional world of adventure?
Imagine yourself strolling right up to the Millennium Falcon, evading a storm trooper patrol, relaxing in the Cantina, and then flying out to space. This is all part of the Galaxy’s Edge experience.
Let’s talk about Disney’s incredible Star Wars lands.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands at Disneyland and Disney World
Your trip to the outer rim is possible on both US coasts. Built concurrently, the Galaxy’s Edge lands in both Orlando and Anaheim are virtually identical.
On the west coast, you’ll find Galaxy’s Edge in the Disneyland park. At Disney World, it’s located inside the Hollywood Studios park.
Welcome to the planet Batuu
Galaxy’s Edge exists on a planet in the Star Wars universe called Batuu. You’ll be visiting Black Spire Outpost, a crossroads settlement occupied by both First Order and Rebel factions.
Between the round buildings, droid workshops, and storm troopers marching around, Black Spire outpost will be instantly familiar to even casual Star Wars fans.
The scale of this land is big, and it’s easy to really feel like you’ve escaped to another planet. One of my favorite place-making elements here is sound. I am constantly looking up because it really does sound like ships are taking off and flying overhead.
Get inside a Star Destroyer
Probably the coolest thing in all of Galaxy’s Edge is the Rise of the Resistance attraction. This is a 20+ minute adventure that includes a hologram Rey, simulated flight in a rebel transport ship, and the most amazing experience on board a First Order Star Destroyer.
This is a super-popular ride, which also has lots of technical things that can go wrong, an equation for long waits. But it is absolutely a must-do. The easiest way to avoid the wait for Rise of the Resistance is to throw money at it and pay for Lightning Lane Single Pass. This is a case where I think it’s totally worth it.
If you have early park admission at Disneyland, you can also try beating the crowd using this tactic:
Fly the Millennium Falcon
That’s right, you can captain the Millennium Falcon and pull that hyperspace lever! The Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run ride is a flight simulator that takes you inside the Falcon.
In my opinion, the queue for this ride is the true highlight. You’ll see the Falcon from every angle and pass through a workshop filled with geeky treasures. The Hondo Ohnaka audio-animatronic that introduces the ride is amazing, and you get the chance to sit down at Chewy’s holochess table.
Single rider is an excellent way to skip the line on a busy day here.
What is a queue? Single rider?? Here’s a quick Disney Parks Primer
Encounter Rey, Mando and Grogu, and lots of storm troopers
A big reason Galaxy’s Edge feels so alive is the character interaction. At any moment, you can be stopped by stormtroopers, help Rey on a rebel quest, or see Chewy making repairs on top of the Falcon.
Kylo Ren and the stormtroopers patrol the First Order end of the town, and you’ll see the resistance fighters, including Mando and Grogu, everywhere else.
Here’s that time we ran afoul with the stormtroopers.
Join the cause using your Datapad (aka the Play Disney Parks app)
This land has a ton of interactive elements that you can control using the Play Disney app. Here’s a video of us translating some Aurabesh in the cantina.
You can spend a ton of time exploring the land using your datapad, so make sure your phone battery is charged, or bring a backup power source.
Get a drink in Oga’s Cantina
Have you ever wanted to belly up to the bar at Han Solo’s favorite cantina? Now’s your chance!
The Batuu cantina is exactly what you hoped it would be. Blaster marks on the walls, bizarre creatures in tanks behind the bar, and otherworldly cocktails.
Yes, you can get a cocktail here - and there are plenty of unusual mocktails too. Open to all ages, Oga’s is a must-see during your visit to Galaxy’s Edge. Make a reservation in advance if you’re lucky, otherwise stop by the door or use the Disney app to get on the waitlist.
Here’s more places you can get a drink in Disneyland
Shop in the Marketplace
There are several unusual merch stores in Galaxy’s Edge, but the Marketplace is an attraction by itself. I dare you to watch any Disney+ Star Wars show and not see a version of this marketplace.
Not only is the place extraordinary, the merch is too. You will not find a single thing that says Disney. No Mickeys here (well, maybe some hidden ones). And instead of t-shirts, the shops sell Jedi robes.
Build a droid or a light saber
Galaxy’s Edge also offers the chance to build your own souvenir.
In Savi’s workshop, build a lifelike light saber, guided by a master. For true Star Wars geeks, this is a bucket-list experience. You’ll need a reservation, and a credit card 😉
Want to take home your own custom-made droid? The Droid Depot has all the parts to build your own remote-control BB-, C-, or R-Series astromech bot. The droids can talk to other Droid Depot bots and interact with elements in the land. Make a reservation to ensure your spot.
Try some blue milk or a Ronto Wrap
Batuu offers unique dining options too. My favorite are the Ronto Wrap sausage wraps, available at Ronto Roasters. You can also try blue or green milk at the milk stand. Or pick up more substantial fare at Docking Bay 7.
What do you want to do first?
A drink at the Cantina? Heckle Kylo Ren? Fly the Falcon??
What will you do first on your trip to Galaxy’s Edge? Let us know in the comments.
New publication: Go Informed +
‘Cause sometimes I like to share tips about stuff besides theme parks, I’ve added a new free Substack publication called Go Informed +.
It’ll be random topics at random times, but hopefully always with insights that are useful and fun. The first post is all about Bluesky and you can read it (and subscribe, if you wish) here:
May the Force be with you!
As we enter this new year, I wish you joy, lots of laughs, and fun adventures. Thanks for reading 😘