Disney World's Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
Disney World’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is an out-of-this-world experience for fans of the iconic film franchise. Located in the Hollywood Studios section of Disney World in Orlando Florida, the 14-acre land immerses visitors in the world of Star Wars, complete with authentic settings, characters, and experiences.
Make sure you check out the end of this article to learn how we saved so much money on our trip to Orlando Florida.
How Early should you show up to Galaxy’s Edge?
I went to the new Disney Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge just a few weeks after the attraction was open. With Galaxy’s Edge being brand new, we had to arrive at the park and get in line at 4am. At the time, Disney only offered a limited number of slots each day to ride the off-track Rise of the Resistance Ride. We had to be in line at 4am and constantly refresh our phones to be alerted as soon as Disney opened up the lottery.
To show you how many people were also waiting at 4am, we didn’t get a time slot till early afternoon. We later discovered that we were some of the last people to ride the attraction that day.
Luckily now that Disney World’s Galaxy Edge is a seasoned attraction, you do not have to show up at 4am to get a time slot. However, the earlier you get to Disney, the better. You can show up around 8am when the park opens. You should arrive at least by 7:30, so you can be ready to get in line for your most important ride.
Of course, one of the best highlights of the Star Wars-themed park is the rides!
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
The Millennium Falcon is one of the most iconic ships in the Star Wars universe. Now, fans can experience it in a new way at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. Jump aboard with captain Han Solo and fly a spaceship.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction allows guests to take control of the famous ship and fly through space on a thrilling mission. As soon as you step into the queue, you’re transported to the planet of Batuu and the Black Spire Outpost, a remote trading port. Once on board, guests are divided into six-person flight crews, with each person assigned a specific role, such as pilot, gunner, or engineer.
As the mission begins, guests will feel like they are truly flying the Millennium Falcon, thanks to the use of modern technology such as motion simulation and interactive screens. The experience is incredibly realistic, making it feel like you’re really navigating through space and dodging obstacles.
Pro Tip: Wait Unit The Evening
The line for this ride can get over 90 Minutes long. In our experience, at night, closer to closing, there is no line for this ride! I remember we waited in line for a long time the first time we rode this. Then at night on our way out we were looking for something to do and we saw no line for this ride. We were able to ride it a few times.
The ride works by entering a spaceship larger than a 10-seater transit van. The walls are surrounded by buttons and controls. The pilots sit in the front near the windshield of the ship. Everyone takes their seats and buckles in. When the ride starts, you will feel like you have just been lifted off the ground into space.
The pilots will steer you through an enemy attack and lead you to safety. The gunners will shoot and defend your ship. The engineers will make repairs as the spaceship is damaged. It is like you are genuinely in a spaceship under attack.
The pilot is the most fun and challenging job because you have the most control over the end results of the game. The gunner is fun if you want to press a bunch of buttons. The engineer is vital to the mission because you must make the correct repairs at the right time. Try every position if you have the time.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is one ofDisney theme parks’e most highly anticipated attractions. The ride, which opened at Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida in December 2019, immerses guests in the world of the Star Wars franchise, taking them on an action-packed adventure through the galaxy.
The ride begins with guests boarding a transport ship to the planet Batuu, where they will join the resistance in a battle against the First Order. Along the way, guests will encounter some of the series’ most iconic characters, such as Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren, as well as a host of animatronic droids and creatures.
One of the ride’s highlights is the use of cutting-edge technology to create an incredibly realistic experience. This is one of Disney’s brand-new off-track rides and is a unique roller coaster experience.
Giant Cookies and Popcorn:
My experience with the Rise of the Resistance ride was the incredible and unfortunate event that the ride was shut down due to it being a new ride and experiencing so many guests. The line began sitting down and relaxing, waiting patiently for their turn in the epic experience.
During our wait, the Disney staff brought us cookies and drinks and ensured we were comfortable. A few minutes later, along came Rey as well! The actress stopped by, talking for a few minutes and taking photos. It was definitely a magical experience. I have a picture of me sitting on the ground in awe that Rey was standing in front of me. Disney knows how to distract people in a long line.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is an incredible addition to Disney’s theme parks. It offers guests the chance to experience the world of Star Wars in a new way and is sure to be a hit with fans of all ages. If you’re a Star Wars fan and planning to visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World, make sure to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, a must-do attraction at the parks.
Disney World’s Galaxy’s Edge Shopping and Food
In addition to the rides, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge also features a variety of shops and dining options. The land features two unique dining experiences for foodies: the quick-service Ronto Roasters and the table-service restaurant Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo. At Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, visitors can purchase collectible items such as lightsabers and holocrons. At the same time, the marketplace at Black Spire Outpost offers a wide range of Star Wars-themed merchandise.
Disney World’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers several interactive experiences, such as building your own droid or lightsaber at the Droid Depot or Savi’s Workshop. Visitors can also meet and take photos with Star Wars characters, including Chewbacca and Darth Vader- where you can swear your allegiance to the Dark Side! If you’re looking for a side…
BUILD YOUR OWN DROID
Building your own droid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida is an exciting and unique experience that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the world of Star Wars.
Located in the park’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area, the Droid Depot allows guests to build their own R-series or BB-series astromech droid. Guests can choose from various parts and colors to create a one-of-a-kind droid.
The building process is easy and fun for all ages. Guests start by selecting a base model for their droid, either an R-series or BB-series. Once the base model is selected, guests can choose from a variety of dome, body, and leg parts to customize their droid. There are a wide variety of colors and designs to choose from, so guests can create a droid that genuinely reflects their own style.
After building their droid, guests can bring their new companion to life by activating it with a remote control. Guests can also interact with their droids using a special app, which allows them to control the droid’s movements and make it perform a variety of actions.
In addition to building droids, the Droid Depot also offers a variety of Star Wars merchandise, including clothing, toys, and collectibles. So, if you’re a Star Wars fan and looking for some unique souvenirs to take home, the Droid Depot is the place to go.
Building a droid is $119.99 per astromech droid unit, plus tax. Various personality-affiliation chips and other accessories are available for an additional charge.
My Droid Experience
When I went to Disney World’s Galaxy’s Edge, I did not know this was a thing. I did not plan to spend over $100 on a droid, but this is the most incredible gift I have from Disney World. You are building your droid; you get to fill a bucket with parts coming down a convent belt. My brother made a red and white Droid that was a Resistance chip. I, of course, had to make a black and silver BB model with a First Order chip.
My niece is currently 8 months old and loves watching the BB models roll around her. Even today, we take our Droids and battle it out. One fun thing is that the droids know when they are near another droid, and they will have a droid conversation with each other.
No reservation is needed for this activity. I advise that you build a droid if it fits your budget, or you can spend even more for an even deeper Star Wars experience. See the next item!
BUILD YOUR OWN LIGHTSABER
Building your own lightsaber at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida is an exciting and unique experience that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the world of Star Wars.
Located in the park’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area, the Savi’s Workshop allows guests to build their own lightsaber. Guests can choose from four themes: Peace and Justice, Power and Control, Elemental Nature, and Protection and Defense.
The building process is easy and fun for all ages. Guests start by selecting a theme for their lightsaber. They can choose from hilt pieces and other components to customize their lightsaber. There are a wide variety of colors and designs to choose from, so guests can create a lightsaber that genuinely reflects their own personal style.
After building their lightsaber, guests can activate it with a special kyber crystal. They can choose from different colors, and guests can also interact with their lightsaber using a special app, which allows them to control the lightsaber’s movements and make it perform a variety of actions. And remember! Additional customization items can be purchased at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.
The cost of building a lightsaber is $249.99 per lightsaber, plus tax. The price is high, so I would not recommend this for a young child. The lightsaber is a heavy-duty high, quality souvenir. If you want something kid-friendly, you can buy one of the lightweight options at any gift shop. Walk-ins are accepted on a limited scale, so please make a reservation to take advantage of this opportunity.
OGA’s CANTINA
Oga’s Cantina, located in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort, is a must-visit destination for any Star Wars fan. This immersive, themed lounge transports guests to the planet of Batuu, where they can experience the seedy underbelly of the Star Wars universe while enjoying delicious food and drinks.
Upon entering Oga’s Cantina, guests are greeted by the cantina’s proprietor, Oga Garra, and her droid DJ R-3X, also known as Rex, who provides the entertainment with a mix of Star Wars-themed music. The cantina features a unique, industrial aesthetic that aligns with the overall theme of Galaxy’s Edge, with dim lighting, exposed pipes, and various alien patrons.
Menu
The drinks menu at Oga’s Cantina features a variety of unique cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Some of the most popular options include the “Fuzzy Tauntaun,” a frozen cocktail made with peach Schnapps and orange juice, and the “Jedi Mind Trick,” a blue-colored drink made with grapefruit and rose vodka. The menu also features a variety of beer and wine options, as well as non-alcoholic beverages like the “Carbon Freeze,” a frozen Coca-Cola slushy.
In addition to the drinks, Oga’s Cantina also offers a small food menu featuring items such as the “Yobshrimp Noodle Salad,” a dish of chilled shrimp and noodles with a spicy dressing, and the “Felucian Garden Spread,” a vegan dish made with hummus, tapenade, and pita bread. The food menu is limited but offers a variety of options to enjoy with drinks.
Fully Immerse into Star Wars
One of the highlights of Oga’s Cantina is the interactive experience. The cantina is designed to encourage socialization among guests, and it’s common to see patrons striking up conversations with each other and with the alien characters who visit the cantina.
Oga’s Cantina at the Walt Disney World Resort is an experience not to be missed for Star Wars fans. The immersive atmosphere, delicious drinks, and interactive elements make it a perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring Galaxy’s Edge. However, due to the popularity of Oga’s Cantina, it is highly recommended to make a reservation before your visit!
Remember to reserve your visit to Oga’s Cantina, Droid Depot, and Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers. Learn when advance reservations can be made.
Conclusion
While walking around Galaxy Edge, you’ll encounter more than just rides and shops to enjoy. All around are Stormtroopers and characters from Star Wars. Ask around to find out when the parade of all the characters will be. You will get to see everyone from Chewbacca to Kylo Ren.
Don’t be alarmed if stormtroopers suddenly approach you! They’re just doing their job making sure you’re not some kind of rebel (keep your alliance on the down low, you wouldn’t want the wrong attention from the First Order!).
All age groups will experience the magic Disney World brings to Star Wars. You will find yourself in the Star Wars universe, experiencing what it is like to walk amongst legends. If you want to feel a little closer to Luke Skywalker, stop by the Milk Stand and see what the hype is all about!
Disney World’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a must-see destination for franchise fans. With its combination of thrilling rides, authentic settings, and interactive experiences, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported to a galaxy far, far away.
Note: Some details and information may be affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic and the park’s rules and guidelines, which may change over time. Remember to visit their website and make your perfect vacation and keep up with all requirements.
Save Money With The Official CityPASS
The Official CityPASS for Orlando, Florida is an excellent way to save money and time while exploring the many attractions this city has to offer. With the CityPASS, you get admission to four of the most popular theme parks and attractions in Orlando at a significantly discounted price.
The CityPASS includes admission to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and SeaWorld Orlando. The pass is valid for nine consecutive days starting from the first day of use, giving you ample time to explore all four attractions at your own pace.
One of the best things about the CityPASS is that it allows you to skip the long lines and go straight to the front of the line at select attractions. This can save you a lot of time and make your visit more enjoyable, especially during peak season when the parks can get crowded.
In addition to the theme parks, the CityPASS also includes other perks like free parking and discounts on food and merchandise. This can add up to significant savings over the course of your trip, making the CityPASS an excellent value for the money.
Overall, I highly recommend the Official CityPASS for Orlando, Florida to anyone planning to visit the city’s top attractions. The pass is convenient, flexible, and offers a great way to save money and time while enjoying all that Orlando has to offer.
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