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'Sup. Tad here to bring you the full rundown on the most exciting land to ever hit this galaxy, or at least the galaxy known as Walt Disney World® Resort. Opening day is fast approaching! As you Force-sensitive frog fans know, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World will officially open Aug. 29, 2019! The new land inside Disney's Hollywood Studios® is set to open with one of its two rides, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, in operation. The other headlining attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, is set to open Dec. 5, 2019. This post will take you through everything we know about the new land, but there are few important "deets" to share so you can prepare for your visit!
The land officially opened at Disneyland® Resort on May 31, and we've made repeat visits since then so that frog fans are covered for their West Coast trips. The 14-acre land at Disney's Hollywood Studios will offer the same experiences, so you might want to get a (frog) leg up on other vacationers by checking out our Disneyland guide too.
Getting into Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World
Guests will need valid theme park admission to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. As of now, a reservation will not be required to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney’s FastPass+ service will not initially be offered for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be open during Extra, Extra Magic Hours for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and other select hotels. From Sept. 1 to Nov. 2, the Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit is being offered every morning at Disney's Hollywood Studios from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Disney has also announced that Platinum, Platinum Plus and Premier Annual Passholders will have complimentary special preview opportunities before opening day. Capacity is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. More information and registration details for these previews will be shared at a later date.
Our Galactic Guide to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World
Now I may not be as wise as Yoda or as strong as Luke (that's Skywalker to all of you), but I can tell you Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is toadally gonna rock. As if that wasn't enough, Walt Disney World is building a high-end, highly immersive Star Wars-themed hotel (opening date to be announced) that will take it to the next level. For now, I've put together this awesome guide that includes everything we know about the land, the rides, the restaurants ... plus, the most important subject — the best time to visit Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World! Be sure to bookmark this post, because I'll be updating it as new "deets" are released. So, my fellow Padawans, let's hop to it!
Overview | Characters | Rides | Restaurants, Food & Drink | Shopping | When to Visit
Overview and Location of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World
If the name is any indication, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will literally be on the edge of Disney's Hollywood Studios, opposite the park's entrance and adjacent to Toy Story Land. Guests will find themselves in the Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu. This once-thriving settlement is now home to smugglers, rogue traders, droids and other strange creatures trying to stay out of sight of the First Order. The remote outpost takes its name from the petrified spires that were once ancient, towering trees surrounding the river valleys and plains. As a fellow traveler, you'll be able to visit a street market, shop in the food stalls and enjoy treats like Blue Milk or head over to the Cantina for a drink.
If you’ve ridden Star Tours® — The Adventures Continue recently, you’ve gotten a sneak peek of Batuu in the safe landing in the end scene. Want another look at Black Spire Outpost ahead of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening? Check out the comic book series of the same name that debuted in April. Toadally cool!
Characters of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World
One of the things I know I'm most excited about is meeting some of the colorful characters and exotic creatures hiding out and making deals in Black Spire Outpost (just keep a lookout for First Order soldiers)! Besides this green frog, there will be aliens, droids and humanoids. Some of the characters that have only existed so far in animation — like the Loth Cat — will be in the flesh and ready to interact with guests. And there will be familiar faces ... Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, BB-8 ... even Nien Nunb and Hondo Ohnaka!
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World Attractions
Of course, the star attractions of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World are the rides, and both sound toadally cool.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Ready to ride the fastest ship in the galaxy? Not so fast! Before you board, you'll walk through a full-size replica of the Millennium Falcon. This is one queue you probably don't want to skip! Can you imagine climbing through the hatch and walking through the hallways before you finally arrive to take a seat inside the cockpit? I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it! Try not to get too distracted, because there is a mission. Space pirate Hondo Ohnaka of "Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels" fame has cut a deal with Chewbacca for use of the Falcon. He will lead you on a secret mission to bring back the loot as you hurl through hyperspace. You'll be part of a six-person crew and can take a turn in one of three different flight crew positions — pilot, gunner or flight engineer! Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run uses real-time video technology that will respond to the way you use the cockpit controls. Disney creative executive Scott Trowbridge told the New York Times, "It's a personalized intergalactic ride — live your own 'Star Wars' story. If you crash into a wall, that's what you'll see out the cockpit window." Here's the TLDR: You'll see the real-time results of your mission, so make it count!
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance - Opening Dec. 5, 2019
It's hard to top that, but Disney is billing Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance as the biggest and most immersive Disney Parks attraction ever built! This trackless dark ride puts guests in the middle of an epic battle between the First Order and the Resistance! Less is confirmed about this ride than Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, but we do know you'll board an Imperial Star Destroyer with 50 animatronic stormtroopers waiting in formation. Think you have what it takes to face off against Kylo Ren? You'll soon find out!
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Food & Beverage
There is a galaxy of new food and drinks to discover at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World.
Oga's Cantina
Local Black Spire Outpost watering hole Oga's Cantina will be the it-spot for adult drinks, mocktails and other beverages. It will offer mostly standing room only, with Captain Rex, formerly of Star Tours — The Adventures Continue fame, playing DJ.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
This will be the place for exotic tastes and flavors procured by one Chef Strono "Cookie" Tuggs, who has traveled the galaxy far and wide after his time at Maz Kanata's castle on Takodana.
Ronto Roasters
Former smelter droid 8D-J8 will be turning the spit on tasty meats at Ronto Roasters. A recycled podracing engine does the roasting for this dining experience.
Milk Stand
Get your farm-fresh blue milk (or green!) from this stand direct from Bubo Wamba Family Farms. The frozen concoctions, made famous by Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars IV: A New Hope," promise to be refreshing and unlike any milk you’ve ever tasted.
Kat Saka's Kettle
Munch on the Outpost Mix, a blend of sweet, savory and spicy popcorn.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Merchandise at Walt Disney World
It's now been well-reported that Disney imagineers made trips to Istanbul and Marrakesh for inspiration in creating Black Spire Outpost's marketplace, a collection of shops and merchant stalls. More animatronics will serve as shop keepers, like the Toydarian presiding over the toy store.
A first round of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge merch, including T-shirts and hats, is already for sale in select shops around Walt Disney World, but expect to see much, much more.
Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities
Wheeler-dealer Ithorian Dok-Ondar presides over rare and unique items and antiquities from across the galaxy.
Savi's Workshop - Handbuilt Lightsabers*
This is one of the things I cannot wait to do! Inside Savi's Workshop, you will be able to customize your own lightsaber under the guidance of one of the Masters, who have extensive knowledge in Jedi lore.
* Purchase required. Reservations may be required.
Droid Depot*
Get ready to build your own astromech droid!
* Purchase required. Reservations may be required.
First Order Cargo
The First Order is taking up shop in a spaceport hangar bay on the outskirts of town. Look for gear, uniforms and other supplies.
Resistance Supply
Stock up or resupply! You'll find Resistance uniforms, pins, jackets, tools, training supplies and more!
Street Market Stalls
Toydarian Toymaker - This "Star Wars: the Phantom Menace" character presides over this stall that sells toys.
Creature Stalls - You'll find unique "critters" to take home.
Black Spire Outfitters - Clothing fit for space travelers to commemorate their adventures.
The Jewels of Bith - Accessories, trinkets and other treasures.
When to Plan Your Visit to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World
Fall and Winter 2019
With Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge set to debut at the end of summer, it's likely that this will be a busier Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season at Walt Disney World. Many vacationers who are set on experiencing the land soon after it opens will likely set their sights on the holiday season, especially with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opening Dec. 5. We cannot blame them. If you're among these folks and you haven't yet booked your trip, we recommend you get a hop on it! And we do recommend you plan to stay on-site at an official Walt Disney World hotel (lucky for you, we offer discounts on Walt Disney World hotel rooms).
Although it is not confirmed, we would also expect that Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will be added to the Disney FastPass+ lineup of Tier 1 options. While everyone will be eligible for these FastPasses, we know that on-site guests have a (frog) leg up on those staying off-site because of their earlier booking window.
Early 2020 and Spring 2020
We anticipate that this late fall opening will mean a busier 2020 in general, especially during the early part of the year through spring break. While this is generally one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World, it will be busier than usual. This doesn't mean it's a bad time to go; it just means higher than normal crowds. This will be true for late spring, as well, although we think mid-April to May, especially weekdays, will be a pretty good bet.
Summer 2020
Most Star Wars families will schedule their visits to Walt Disney World during summer 2020. It may be busier than normal, but it should be manageable. Again, if you're already getting the itch for a vacation during this time, we recommend you hop on hotel reservations and stay on-site. Booking for Walt Disney World hotels generally opens a year in advance, so start checking this May and June to book online.
No matter when you plan to visit Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World, we will be bringing you our best tips and advice so you can experience this exciting new destination with the least amount of time in line.
So don't stress and stay cool (remember what Yoda says, "there is no try") while you wait for what I think is the biggest opening in the history of Walt Disney World.
Disclaimer: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction opens Dec. 5,2019.
While you're waiting for this galactic opening, drop us a line in comments and let us know what you're most excited about!
Related: What's Coming to Disneyland and Universal
Related: Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World
Stay cool!
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