Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opened at Disneyland Park California By Star Wars Legends
Ever since it was announced back in 2017, we’ve been hugely excited for this new addition to the Disney theme parks. Last night, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was officially opened at Disneyland Park California by none other than Star Wars legends George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Billy Dee Williams. You can see the full ceremony at the bottom of the post.
In an epic ceremony at Disneyland Park, Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger joined the four legends on stage to unveil the largest and most technologically advanced single-themed land expansion ever in a Disney park. “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is absolutely amazing and we are thrilled to finally share it with the world,” commented Iger. “Now, for the first time, fans will be able to immerse themselves in the iconic stories that have captured audiences’ imaginations for decades and live their own Star Wars adventures in the most creative, innovative and ambitious land we’ve ever built.”
For those of you that haven’t been following the development of the park, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge takes you to Batuu, a far-flung destination along the galaxy’s Outer Rim, on the frontier of Wild Space – the uncharted region beyond all known star systems. The planet is home to Black Spire Outpost, an infamous port for smugglers, traders and adventurers wishing to avoid any unnecessary… entanglements with the First Order.
When guests arrive at Black Spire Outpost, they come across aliens, droids and other inhabitants of this planet as they search for rare and unique goods, discover unusual food and drink, or join a crew seeking adventures. Along the way, guests may encounter some familiar faces, including Rey, Chewbacca or even Supreme Leader Kylo Ren and his Stormtroopers.
The Attractions
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has two signature attractions, one being open at launch, the second coming by the end of 2019. The first, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, sees guests climb into the cockpit of “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” for their own Star Wars adventures. They take the controls of the Falcon in one of three unique and critical roles as the ship hurtles through space. Some will be pilots, some gunners and some engineers, creating multiple ways for guests to engage with the attraction in an experience that responds in real time to the actions they take.
A second attraction, opening by the end of 2019, is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, one of the most ambitious, advanced and immersive experiences ever undertaken by Walt Disney Imagineering. It places guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance, including a faceoff with Kylo Ren. Their journey takes them aboard a full-size transport shuttle and then into a nearby Star Destroyer on a harrowing and thrilling adventure that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality.
Food & Drink
They also aren’t skimping on the food and drink. Ever wanted to know what Blue or Green Milk actually taste like? Well, now you can by visiting The Milk Stand which offers both! Blue Milk was first seen in “Star Wars: A New Hope” when Luke Skywalker sat down for a family meal. Green Milk was introduced in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” when Luke lived on the planet Ahch-To.
Other things available in the bustling marketplace include “Outpost Mix” from Kat Saka’s Kettle, which is a unique popcorn snack with a combination of sweet, savoury and spicy flavours.
There is also Oga’s Cantina, where guests can gather to share their tales from around the galaxy as they enjoy exotic beverages served in unique vessels and listen to spirited musical entertainment provided by DJ R-3X, otherwise known as Rex, the former Starspeeder 3000 pilot droid from the original Star Tours. Rex re-invents himself as the cantina’s DJ, and he’s as quirky and talkative as ever.
A multi-purpose transport shuttle docked on top of a large hangar beckons guests into Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, a designated location for travelling food shuttles. Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs is in much demand for his culinary skills, so he moves from site to site in a modified Sienar-Chall Utilipede-Transport that becomes a mobile kitchen and restaurant. His travels across the galaxy allow him to fill his pantry with exotic ingredients he uses to make new and unusual dishes. He is proud to present Tuggs’ Grub, a “travelling diner for diners travelling,” inspired by dishes he created during his time working for Maz Kanata on Takodana.
Elsewhere in the market, Ronto Roasters draws attention with its large podracing engine firing up a barbecue pit for mouth-watering Ronto Wraps. When hungry customers queue up to order, they encounter a former smelter droid, carefully turning the spit of meats. Guests can also choose from a variety of exotic non-alcoholic drinks like the Sour Sarlacc or Tatooine Sunset.
Memorabilia
This is, of course, a Disney park, so would not be complete without some shops to allow you to take home some memorabilia of your trip. There is The Droid Depot which invites guests to construct their own astromech droids which interact with elements throughout the land, enhancing guests’ adventures. You can also get pre-built droids, droid-inspired toys and apparel, and more. Or you could go to Savi’s Workshop and get yourself a handbuilt lightsaber!
For the more discerning guest, there is Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, where you can find a selection of rare and mysterious items for sale representing different eras of the Star Wars galaxy, including holocrons, ancient Jedi and Sith artifacts, lightsabers and more. As they explore the nooks and crannies of the shop, guests also see Dok-Ondar at his desk as the large Ithorian checks his inventory and barks the occasional order at his assistants.
Black Spire Outpost marketplace
There is also the Black Spire Outpost marketplace which features the Creature Stall dedicated to the plethora of rare and fascinating creatures that populate the galaxy, as well as Black Spire Outfitters, showcasing the latest in galactically trendy apparel and accessories. The Toydarian Toymaker stall is full of toys and games crafted by a Toydarian (the flying alien species first seen in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace”). And all tourists visiting Batuu will want to make a stop at Jewels of Bith, offering “trinkets to treasure” and other accessories.
Guests can also demonstrate where their loyalties lie with the gear and accessories they purchase within the land. Resistance Supply is a “makeshift” location at the Resistance’s hidden command post, selling Resistance pins, badges, hats and other accessories to help guests feel like part of the cause. First Order Cargo, meanwhile, is a temporary First Order storage dock near the marketplace. Easily identified by a never-before-seen First Order TIE echelon ship, the cargo location offers guests a chance to pledge their loyalty by purchasing pins, caps, gear, model ships and more.
Admission
A quick note of warning for those of you about to rush off and book your plane tickets, you may want to hold off a little while. Due to hugely popular demand, from 31 May to 23 June 2019 reservations are required to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park in California, and at this time, general reservations are no longer available… However, reservations are still available for guests staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel between 31 May and 23 June. Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels during this time will receive a designated reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay (one reservation per registered guest; valid theme park admission required). If the hotel reservation is cancelled, the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation will be cancelled. However, after 23 June 2019, theme parks, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity.
