May 2019 – present
BACKGROUND
The Star Wars universe has long been part of the Disneyland Resort – ever since Star Tours opened in Tomorrowland in the 80s. But with the newest trilogy joining the saga in 2015, Star Wars suddenly gained a new generation of fans, and Disney had the perfect opportunity to expand its presence in the parks. Disney announced plans to construct a “Star Wars Land” in Disneyland and a sister land in Florida’s Hollywood Studios, officially breaking ground on both projects in 2016. To make room for the new land, Disneyland made some changes to Frontierland:
- Shortening Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America
- Re-routing the Disneyland Railroad, including adding the train’s first left turn
- Re-routing the walkway behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, including the addition of major rock formations
- Closing Big Thunder Ranch
In 2017, Disney announced the land’s official name: Galaxy’s Edge. Construction continued for 3 years, with the land finally opening on Disneyland’s north side in the summer of 2019.
THE EXPERIENCE
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is like no other land at the Disneyland Resort. The land has three entrances/exits, but the “main” pathway, closest to Fantasyland, leading you down a winding trail that grows increasingly grand in scale. Immediately, you’ll know you have left earth and have arrived on the planet Batuu, at the farthest reaches of the galaxy.
Upon arrival on Batuu, you’ll step right into a First Order controlled outpost. Roaming stormtroopers police the area, keeping a lookout for rebels planning to cause trouble. But so long as you don’t cause any commotion, you’re free to explore the alleyways, little shops, and amazingly intricate marketplace. And then, as you make your way through the land, you’ll stumble upon the magnificent Millennium Falcon, parked beneath towering mountains and just waiting for its next adventure.
CHARACTERS YOU MAY ENCOUNTER
- Stormtroopers
- Rey
- Chewbacca
- Kylo Ren
ATTRACTIONS
DINING
SHOPS
- Black Spire Outfitters
- Creature Stall
- Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
- Droid Depot
- First Order Cargo
- Jewels of Bith
- Resistance Supply
- Savi’s Workshop
- Toydarian Toymaker
TRIVIA
Here’s how Imagineer Scott Trowbridge described the planet of Batuu: “This used to be a vibrant trading port back in the old sub-lightspeed days, but not with advent of hyperspace, its prominence has kind of fallen and faded a bit which has made it a great spot for those who didn’t want to be on that kind of mainstream path. The smugglers, the bounty hunters, the rogue adventurers looking to crew up, the people who don’t want to be found – basically all the interesting people.”
The spires on Batuu peak at 135 feet, beating the height of Cars Land’s mountain range by 10 feet.
The mysterious language you see around the outpost is called “Aurebesh”. You can translate the messages through the Play Disney Parks app.
Oga’s Cantina is the only location serving alcoholic beverages inside Disneyland, unless you count Club 33, which is the VIP club off-limits to regular guests.
John Williams composed the musical theme for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, creating a new sound not previously featured in any film, and designed specifically to loop throughout the land.
TOURING TIPS
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge plans tons and tons of visual tricks. The first time I walked through it, I thought I had a good lay of the land, only to look at the app later and realize I hadn’t even seen the entire western half of the space. Unless you’re only there to ride the Falcon, take some time to really wander through all the alleyways. This land is the largest land at the resort, and there is so, so much to see.
In Galaxy’s Edge, shops are starting to blend the line between retail and attraction. I had no intention of building a droid or lightsaber, and I still had a great time exploring the shops. Some feature animatronics, and others just have amazing details and feel like a walkthrough attraction! So don’t skip the shops – definitely check them out.
Finally, there is one super confusing element to Galaxy’s Edge – signage. There are almost no signs anywhere, and it can be really hard to find a specific place you’re looking for at first. Of course there are always cast members and the Disneyland App to help you navigate, but here are some quick tips for the major things you’ll probably be searching for:
- Smuggler’s Run – If you enter from either path in Frontierland, just keep moving north (away from the entrances). A good rule of thumb in this area is this: all paths lead to the Falcon.
- Rise of the Resistance – The easiest way to find RotR is to start at the Critter Country entrance to the land; it’ll be the first landmark you see at the end of the trail. If you start from either of the Frontierland entrances, keep heading west (or left, if your back is to the entrance). It’s at the very end of the land, before you make your way to the Critter Country exit.
- Oga’s Cantina – Start at the entrance closest to Fantasyland. Follow the main path straight ahead, away from the entrance. You’ll see Oga’s on your right; it’s a circular building that usually has a line in front of it!
- Ronto Roasters (home of the legendary Ronto Wraps) – Start at the entrance in the middle of Frontierland (that goes under the Railroad bridge). Follow the path as it goes uphill, and you’ll see it on your left. It’s the big round open-air building.
- Milk Stand – Head into Galaxy’s Edge from the entrance closest to Fantasyland. You’ll see it on the left, past the alleyway.
