Bright suns, traveler!
If you’re a Star Wars fan, then a trip to Galaxy’s Edge is a must for you! This galactic land can be found in Disneyland and at Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. While you don’t have to how to use the Force to enjoy these experiences, get ready to be amazed if you’re an aspiring Jedi!
1. The Characters
You don’t have to search hard to find characters in Galaxy’s Edge, but you do need to pay attention! Be prepared to come face to face with a Stormtrooper, Chewbacca, Rey, or Kylo Ren at every turn. You may even see Vi Moradi dodging Stormtroopers or The Mandaorian wandering near Black Spire Market!
Getting up close and personal with your favorite Star Wars characters is one of my favorite parts of Galaxy’s Edge! If you’re looking for a traditional meet and greet, look for The Mandalorian meeting travelers near Black Spire Market and Chewbacca (and sometimes Rey) resting near the Millenium Falcon and taking photos with guests.
2. Lightsaber Photo Op
This is one of the coolest Disney Photopass Experiences, especially at night! Strike your best Jedi pose while wielding a lightsaber for some dramatic memories!
The first time my daughter and I took these photos the cast member spent at least 10 minutes with us, and he gave us a variety of individual and duo poses. He took at least 20 photos during this time, which is the most time and attention I’ve had in any park PhotoPass experience. If you have the Memory Maker photo package, this is one photo op you must do!
- 3. Oga’s Cantina
Can you just hear the cantina music playing? Every Star Wars fan knows the infamous cantina scene from Star Wars: A New Hope, but even the most novice guest can appreciate the atmosphere at Oga’s Cantina. Entering this local watering hole is like stepping into a movie!
My daughter and I love stopping here to cool down with a Carbon Freeze and a Jabba Juice, and to enjoy the tunes spun by droid DJ R-3X! Advanced reservations are highly recommended, but don’t plan to eat a meal here. The alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are the highlights on the menu, and there are only two snacks offered. Oga’s Cantina is certainly all about the atmosphere, so stop in, enjoy a beverage, and continue your travels!
4. The Rides
If you’re a Star Wars fan, you *have* to ride Rise of the Resistance and Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run!
I remember my first time riding Smugglers Run. I was a new Star Wars fan, and I was totally geeking out! I texted my brother (the biggest Star Wars fan I know) throughout the entire line queue, commenting on all the details I saw and telling him, “Dude! You have to come here!” On this ride you get to actually fly the Millenium Falcon! Okay… so you’re not literally flying it, but the simulation effects and staging details make it feel like you are on the ship! If you’ve ever dreamed of piloting next to Chewbacca or Han Solo, you need to ride this ride! (However, if you are prone to motion sickness, please keep in mind that this is a simulator ride with lots of jerking motions.)
Disney somehow punched the level of detail into hyperdrive when creating Rise of the Resistance! I *love* when I’m standing in line next to someone riding this attraction for the first time! The “whoa,” “oh cool,” and “no way” comments abound, and it makes me so happy! The ride itself is full of details and excitement, in this battle between The Resistance and The First Order, but the line queue is where the magic begins! The First Order cast members are in full character here, and they can actually be a little unnerving! You’ll also see a few favorite characters, Stormtroopers, droids, AT-ATs, and more! I don’t want to give away too many details because the entire experience is so cool! Just trust me- You don’t want to miss this ride!
5. Build Something
Don’t just buy a souvenir to remember your time in Galaxy’s Edge, build it! You can take home your own personalized droid or lightsaber.
Assemble your astromech unit at the Droid Depot! Choose from the R-Series (modeled after the beloved R2-D2) and BB-Series (inspired by the cherished BB-8). I remember watching my daughter’s eyes grow wide as she saw all the droid parts come down the conveyor belt! She knew the exact colors she wanted for her R-Series droid, as well as the personality chip she wanted to install! It was so cool to watch her assemble the parts with the cast member, and she loved using the tools! Once she activated her droid, it was like we had our very own R2-D2 with us! When you take your droids through Galaxy’s Edge, they will interact with other droids in the land by talking and moving, and the prop droids do the same! It’s definitely a cool experience! Check out this video of my daughter’s experience building her droid!
If you’re not taking home a droid, then I recommend personalizing your own lightsaber! The most popular (and most expensive) lightsaber experience is at Savi’s Workshop. Here you will experience an entire ceremonial event to bring your lightsaber to life! You’ll choose a theme for your hilt before selecting the heart of your lightsaber. Throughout the experience cast members provide all the parts based on your selected theme for you to assemble your lightsaber. In true Disney form, all of this is done in a dramatic fashion and ceremony. It’s quite the experience for a true Jedi!
While the experience at Savi’s Workshop is memorable, I would say it is appropriate for a more mature Jedi. For young padawans, I recommend making your way to Tattoine Traders in Disney World and Star Wars Trading Post in Disneyland. There they can choose from a variety of plastic hilts, blades, and handles to assemble their own customized lightsaber.
There you have it! My top 5 experiences for Star Wars fans in Galaxy’s Edge! There may be some slight variation between Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, but both parks provide the ultimate Star Wars experience!
Your Smart Moms Travel Agent can help you book advanced reservations and add the Memory Maker photo package to your vacation to make sure you get the best experience in Galaxy’s Edge! If you’re not working with a Smart Moms Travel Agent, I would love to help you plan your vacation and your Galaxy’s Edge experience. Please fill out this form to connect with me!
May the Force be with you!
