Spaceships, aliens, light sabers, droids…. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the place to be for Star Wars fans. Located in Hollywood Studios, this land was the largest, single-themed land expansion in Disney Parks history. The idea is that you are on a “remote frontier outpost” on the planet Batuu. Batuu is a planet that was designed specifically for Galaxy’s Edge. Although it is inspired by the movies, the planet, itself, isn’t in any of Star Wars movies. However, it is considered to be part of the Star Wars universe now, so it may be referenced future projects.
When you are in this land, you will feel removed from the rest of Hollywood Studios. You have to walk under a tunnel like structure to get to the land. You do not see the rest of the park when you are inside of Galaxy’s Edge (because why would you when you are on another planet?). When you enter Galaxy’s Edge, you are in a story that takes place between The last Jedi (Episode VIII) and Rise of Skywalker (Episode IV). Everything in the land is cohesive with the time period of the story. That means you won’t find Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, or Darth Vader here. You may, however, spot Rey, Chewbacca, and Kylo Ren.
Another unique feature are the cast members. Since you are supposed to be on another planet, the cast members act like locals to that planet. They call dollars “credits” and will ask for credits when you pay. Their name tags show the alien location they are from instead of a real city, state, or country. Don’t ask where anything else is outside of Galaxy’s Edge. They will not know, as they are on a different planet and aren’t familiar with Earth (a bold move that can frustrate some guests that don’t understand that they are in “another world”).
Read on to find out what’s in store for you when you visit Batuu.
Photo by Kevin Williamson
Attractions
Star Wars: Millennium Falcon — Smugglers Run – Every Star Wars fan will be able to live their dream on this interactive attraction where you get to take control of the famous Millennium Falcon. You’ll be assigned a role before you take off as either a pilot, gunner, or engineer.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – An incredible dark ride that uses the newest technology and puts you in the middle of a battle between the resistance and the first order. The ride is thrilling, and faster than a lot of traditional dark rides, but not in a roller coaster type of way. The majority of guests will be able to handle it. The cast members here are some of the best at playing their characters. You may even get yelled at by the first order!
The preshow area to Rise of the Resistance
Dining
TABLE SERVICE RESTAURANTS
Oga’s Cantina – This is actually a bar atmosphere, and they do not serve full meals. However, since it is so popular, you need to have a reservation in most cases. There is also a good chance that you will be standing at the bar or around a stand up table, but there is some seating. Whether you are standing or sitting, you will have a dedicated server, just like a traditional table service restaurant. There is a wide assortment of tasty drinks, both alcoholic and non alcoholic. They do offer a couple snacks if you want something to munch on, but it is definitely not meant to be a meal. It is a very fun and energetic atmosphere.
DJ R-3X handles the music. A former Starspeeder 3000 pilot, this was the droid that used to pilot Star Tours before C-3PO took it over.
QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS AND SNACKS
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – Here’s your chance to eat inside a “working hangar bay.” This is one of the best themed quick service restaurants in the park, and the layout of the seating is very unique. There is a decent food variety that is not your traditional hamburgers and hot dogs (you won’t even find those on the menu), so it is a good place to go for a different option that may even be slightly healthier.
Kat Saka’s Kettle – Located in the Black Spire Outpost market place, This is a basic popcorn snack location, but the popcorn is not your traditional popcorn that you would find on Earth.
Ronto Roasters – A quick service restaurant that specializes in grilled sausage and roasted pork, they also offer plant-based options. This restaurant is located just outside of Blackspire Outpost.
Milk Stand – This outside stand offers the famous blue and green milk that you see Luke Skywalker drink in the movies.
Here you can see a pitmaster droid turning a mechanical spit next to a podracer engine at Ronto Roasters
When you buy a bottled beverage in this area, the labels are written in the language of the local area.
Shopping
The shopping marketplace in this land is called Black Spire Outpost
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities – This shop specializes in high end collectibles related to the Jedi and Sith. You may find statues, jewelry, ancient tools, and kyber crytals!
Creature Stall – You’ll find all kinds of creatures from across the galaxy that you can buy and take home.
Toydarian Toymaker – This jumbled shop features a variety of “handmade” souvenirs.
First Order Cargo – This is where the first order has set up shop and you’ll find all your first order recruitment gear.
Resistance Supply – Two stalls found outside of Rise of the Resistance, you’ll find all of you resistance merchandise and gear here.
Black Spire Outfitters – Assemble an outfit here that will make you blend into the Star Wars universe.
Blackspire Outpost
Custom Merchandise
Savi’s Workshop — Handbuild Lightsabers – This is actually more of an experience than a shop, but you get to walk away with the high qualify lightsaber that will build yourself.
Droid Depot – Same idea as Savi’s, except you are building your own droid instead. The droids you build actually use bluetooth technology to communicate with other astromech units and elements in Batuu.
Characters
You won’t really find traditional meet and greets here, but you will see characters randomly roaming around and playing their part in the story. Rey, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren are sometimes seen wandering around. Storm troopers are also common to see as you walk around the land.
Conclusion
As you can see, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a unique experience that goes a step further than a lot of themed lands. This is not an area to only ride the attractions and leave. You’ll want to take your time to explore the details to to get the most out of your experience. There are plenty of little details you’ll catch, such as the sounds of ships flying overhead as you walk through the area. There is nothing “Disney” in the land. Everything is Star Wars, and everything relates to the time period and story that you are in. Rise of the Resistance is one of the most impressive attractions in any theme park, and you won’t want to miss your chance to pilot the Millennium Falcon! This is everything Star Wars’ fan dream. Don’t forget to stop to have your picture taken in front of the Millennium Falcon!
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