What To Know Before You Go- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
It’s been 6 years since we started dreaming about what Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort would be like… and the day finally arrived!
We are so excited to share this full review of Batuu, the faraway planet where Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is located. Special thanks to Disneyland for inviting us to an early preview and hosting our stay.
(image: Richard Harbaugh/Disney Parks)
On Thursday Pete and I took our personal starship, aka Pete’s car up to Disneyland for what I consider to be the absolute best date night (and day) on the planet Earth. I think that many others in So Cal are going to be recreating this out of this world date with their significant other too.
Our day was perfect from the start. No traffic, no kids (ha, sorry girls) and tons of fun lined up. I even remembered to update my Play Disney Parks App and I encourage you to do so before you go too, because there is so much you can do with it in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Here is why you will want the Play Disney Parks App in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge:
- When you enter the land, you will be able to transform the Play Disney Parks app into your very own Star Wars: Datapad on your mobile device.
- You will be able to earn galactic credits for things you do in the land using your Datapad, and the credits will show in your Datapad profile.
- The app will provide four primary functions to unlock a deeper level of storytelling within the land:
-
- Hack– Interact with certain droids, blinking door panels and other scenic elements
- Scan– Explore the contents of cargo crates and other containers and collect virtual items
- Translate– Understand written languages from the Star Wars galaxy
- Tune– Tap into the signals from satellite dishes and antenna arrays to eavesdrop on characters’ conversations
-
- You can even use the app to play a multiplayer game throughout the land called “Outpost Control,” that occurs several times daily where The First Order wants to install surveillance devices in door panels to spy on the Resistance, while the Resistance is trying to remove them. You can choose to support either side by hacking the panels for the Resistance or the First Order. The game concludes when one side successfully hacks a majority of the available panels. Sounds fun, right?
- Other options include while waiting to board Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, you can take on a job for Hondo Ohnaka, proving through this in-queue game that you are ready to pilot the Millennium Falcon.
- My favorite aspect is that certain functions performed with the app may trigger physical effects within the land.
After we checked into Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, we headed straight to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Quick note, if you are staying at a Disneyland Resort through June 23rd, you will get a wristband and reservation time to enter the new land (confirm details with Disneyland when you book).
Starting on June 24th, you will not need a reservation or wristband. It will be completely open for everyone to come and see. If I was going to pick the perfect time to visit in the near future, I would say that week would be it. Not only can you see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but you can also go on Soarin’ over California, the retro version in Disney California Adventure that is only going to be shown in the month of June.
Back to our full review and thoughts on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
We entered the land and were both pretty stunned at just how authentic it felt. Neither of us is a huge Star Wars movie person, Pete is more so than me and yet we both were blown away at how it really seemed we were in a different land. When we walked out, it was crazy that we were actually in Disneyland. You will have to experience it yourself to really get that feeling!
As we walked through the land on our way to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, we kept stopping to look at all the little details that were included. Including the cast of characters roaming around. I’ll talk about that in a bit. But first, it was time to ride Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run!
Tip: the height requirement for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is 38 inches.
As you climb aboard the Falcon in all her ramshackle glory and settle into the cockpit to operate “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy”, you will be walking through more interesting halls than you can imagine. Keep your eyes peeled for it all and the little ones will for sure enjoy all they see too!
The back story for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: You will discover the ship has a few surprises left in her, because the Millennium Falcon may not look like much, but she’s got it where it counts. Following the events of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Chewbacca brought the Falcon to Black Spire Outpost for repairs at this spaceport on the edge of the galaxy. In exchange for some much-needed replacement parts, Chewie is loaning the Falcon to Hondo Ohnaka, a smuggler who is now making good use of the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. It is at this point that you will enter the story of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
The story goes, Hondo a Weequay pirate always looking for the next big score is running a “legitimate business” out of the spaceport, called Ohnaka Transport Solutions. When you meet Hondo in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, he will explain that he has more cargo than he can handle and needs extra flight crews to make some runs for him – especially crews that won’t ask too many questions about the cargo or how Hondo acquired it! Ha!
Then as you step Aboard the Falcon and accept Hondo’s offer, you will enter the Falcon via an access hatch on the ship’s starboard airlock. Once aboard, you will get to spend some time in the ship’s main hold and lounge, where you can sit at the famous Dejarik (chess) table or poke around at other equipment in the room.
When it’s time for the mission to begin, you’ll get strapped into the Falcon cockpit in groups of six with each person assigned one of three critical roles to complete the mission. As the buttons light up in the cockpit, you’ll know it is your time to participate in the flight.
To operate successfully, the two Pilots will work together to steer the ship with the left pilot controlling horizontal motion and the right pilot controlling the vertical motion, all while avoiding obstacles that could cause damage.
The two Gunners get to use blasters and missiles to defend the Falcon and its precious cargo. You can even switch to manual targeting to create an even greater challenge!
Pete and I were the two Flight Engineers and we kept the Falcon from falling apart on its mission by managing the ship’s systems, repairing any damage the ship encounters and taking control of the “special modifications” Hondo installed for these unusual missions.
Pete went on one more time and was a Gunner. He said it was a totally different experience and flight!
This really is an all-encompassing experience and when it starts you feel like you are flying at lightspeed. Throughout the flight, Hondo Ohnaka (with occasional input from Chewbacca) helped to guide us along with our mission. When the Falcon sustains damage, such as smashing into obstacles or taking enemy fire and it was not properly repaired, the ship’s handling was affected and we could feel it!
At the end of the mission, Hondo informed us how well we accomplished our objectives. Because there are so many variables, each flight is totally different and it will be an attraction we will want to go on over and over again!
I can’t wait for the girls to go on it with us next time!
Here is a look from the outside. The details are mindboggling!
There were so many photo spots and places to enjoy a snack or two.
The land is 14 acres and I would budget for a few hours to explore it and all the little pieces that are included. Also, be on the lookout for Kylo Ren, Rey, and Other Star Wars Characters.
There were heroes of the Resistance and agents of the First Order around every corner. Supreme Leader Kylo Ren lands often at Black Spire Outpost and gathers Stormtroopers to help him hunt for Resistance fighter Rey so be sure to keep your eyes open for them.
You might also encounter Millennium Falcon co-pilot Chewbacca or Resistance spy Vi Moradi!
You are bound to work up an appetite while exploring Batuu.
Fear not, there are many places to refuel. The main restaurant is Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo. It is a designated location for traveling food shuttles. Chef Strono ÒCookieÓ 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 offering a lot of delicious choices.
I took a look at the menu and was so excited to see this plant-based (vegan) option at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! The Felucian Garden Spread, found at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is plant-based “kefta” with herb hummus and tomato-cucumber relish with pita bread. It looks so good. I tried to buy a couple for Pete and I, but it was already sold out. I know that now that Disney knows how popular plant-based options are, they will increase the supply. Next time we are totally getting it!
The kid’s menu had mac n’ cheese on it so I know Emmy would be thrilled to eat here too. Plus, check out the Oi-oi Puff (raspberry cream puff with passionfruit mousse) and Batuu-bon (raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse) that can also be found at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo.
We started to get thirsty and stopped to buy a special bottle of water that you can’t find anywhere else! They will also have these other options:
After enjoying the water and taking in the sights, we took a stroll through the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
It is home to a bustling marketplace, full of vendors showcasing wares from across the galaxy. We shopped for authentic Batuuan attire at Black Spire Outfitters and looked at the collection of rare artifacts at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.
I think our favorite was the pet store full of our of this world creatures!
The marketplace is also home to some pretty great eats!
The Rising Moons Overnight Oats features oats, dragon fruit, yogurt, and seasonal fruit and can be found at Ronto Roasters and OgaÕs Cantina.
We bought a couple of bags of the Outpost Popcorn.
It is the craziest mix of sweet and spicy. The purple kernels were my favorite. The red was spicy and sweet with the heat felt at the end. It is recommended to eat them together!
The shopping is truly like nothing I’ve seen Disney do before, and really, I didn’t think they could possibly top past merchandise offerings.
Not only do they have merchandise you couldn’t even dream up, but the actual shops are an experience all on their own. You have to go to all the shops. Just take my word for it!
A couple of things that jumped out at us that we will definitely be bringing the girls back to do is to create their own Lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop.
Constructing a lightsaber is a rite of passage in the life of a Jedi, as this elegant weapon from a more civilized age is attuned to its wielder through the Force. They will get to customize their Lightsaber with various hilts, décor and the all-important kyber crystals.
I know we will also be taking them to build their own Droid Inside the Droid Depot.
The girls will be able to make their own loyal companions by picking pieces and parts off a conveyor belt to construct one of two core models (R-series or BB-series), which can then interact with elements throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
We rounded out our date time with a stop at Oga’s Cantina for a couple of drinks and a snack.
There was a lineup of people waiting to get in, so try to time your visit to the Cantina for off times. They were testing out a feature where you added your name to a virtual list and they text you when your table is ready. This worked perfectly for us, and I hope they continue to do this. The Cantina felt like a real community of Star Wars fans and I can’t wait to hear more about what everyone else thinks of it. I know it is going to be a huge hotspot in the parks!
Here is more info about Oga’s Cantina: The heartbeat of Black Spire Outpost, Oga’s Cantina is a place where even the blaster-bolt scorches on the walls tell a story. It is a place to gather and share your own tales from around the galaxy as you enjoy exotic beverages served in unique vessels and listen to spirited musical entertainment from DJ R-3X, the former droid pilot from Star Tours.
Whether sidling up to the cantina’s counter or sliding into one of the establishment’s back booths, this is the best place to catch up on local gossip, make a new friend or form a new alliance.
In addition to a few non-alcoholic drinks, we also feasted on Batuu Bits.
We were told these were vegetarian, so Pete enjoyed them. Please double check their ingredients when you order them if you have any dietary concerns.
Here are a couple of the non-alcoholic drinks. The Carbon Freeze, Oga’s Obsession provision and Cliff Dweller can be found at Oga’s Cantina.
Don’t forget to stop and see the Droid DJ!
Our last stop before heading back to planet earth was for some of the famous blue and green milk.
It is plant-based (vegan) and made with rice and coconut milk. The delicious frozen blends have dashes of fruity accents. The green one had a floral flavor to it and the blue one more of a citrus flavor. Our favorite was the blue one, but I would recommend trying both to see which one is your favorite. They reminded me of the consistency of a pina colada but with a creamier feel and of course no alcohol thinning it out.
I had been waiting forever to try the blue milk at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and it was worth the wait.
We had such a great time at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!
It is going to be thrilling visitors for years to come! We can’t wait to visit again and this time take the kids too!
Bright Suns and thank you all for joining us on this date-time and review of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!
Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram:
Pin for later:
4 Comments
Comments are closed.