The newest land at Disney World is Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge located in Hollywood Studios. This is by far the most immersive land Disney has ever created. When you walk in to this land you leave Disney World and enter the planet Batuu (See this land in photoshere)
This is your guide for understanding, getting the most out of, and touring this amazing land of Batuu.
Not only is this land visually spectacular and detailed, it is also literally the most immersive land that Disney has ever built.
When you are in the land Cast Members are no longer "Cast Members" at Disney World. They are residents of the planet Batuu. And they will talk to you accordingly. So if you ask them about where to find Minnie Ears or how they like working at Disney World, be prepared for them to respond as a resident of Batuu.
For example, on my very first ride on the Millenium Falcon the Cast Member asked if anyone had ever piloted a ship before. I excitedly responded, "Yes! I did at Disneyland!" to which he said, "What's Disneyland? It sounds weird."
I suggest you let yourself get fully in to the fun. Interact with Cast Members, and have fun with their commitment to their character.
You'll also notice that their vocabulary is slightly different. First time visitors might be surprised when a photopass photographer says they'll "take your scan" rather than take your photo. Here is a quick reference to differing vocabulary:
Aside from just conversation with Cast Members, you'll find the writing in Batuu to be different than the writing here on Earth.
The language you see on signage is written in Aurebesh. While the letter symbols are similar to our alphabet, some of the signs around the land might take an extra glance. Disney provides the letter guide above in the park map so that you can decipher text throughout the land.
Many of the signs are written in English as well. Or, you can download the Disney Play app on your phone. Not only are there games that you can play throughout the land (and in line for the ride), but you can also use the app to decipher signs you find around the land.
If you want to experience some of the extras that the land has to offer, you might want to consider making advanced reservations.
With the popularity of the land, Disney has decided to open advanced reservations for 3 stops in Batuu.
Oga's Cantina is a lounge that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well a couple of small bite food options. This stop is both unique and fun, and a must do for big Star Wars fans. You'll have your choice of several amazing and fun drink concoctions, and you'll listen to the DJ stylings of DJ Rex.
While this location is open to all ages, be aware that it is in fact a lounge. It is 90% standing room, alcohol is served, it gets loud, and no strollers are allowed. So if you plan on bringing your little ones just be prepared.
You can make advanced reservations for Oga's Cantina on Disney's website.
Here you'll be able to build and take home your very own droid. Aside from just building, there will be various options to actually bring your own droid to life.
You'll chose between a BB series or an R series droid. Then the fun begins. You'll be given a basket to collect your parts, and a blueprint to put your droid together. You'll select your droid parts as they move by on a conveyer belt.
Droids are $99 plus tax, and additional personality chips and accessories can also be purchased for an additional fee.
This has been an extremely popular shop, and so Disney has allowed guests to make reservations. If you are interested in building a droid you can make reservationshere (note that your entire party will NOT be able to join you while you build your droid. You can bring one guest only).
Read more details on Droid Depot, including my review of the build here.
Have you ever wanted to build your own light saber? Here is your chance.
You'll be able to build your own, and chose Light or Dark side. You'll also be able to chose Peace Justice (modeled after Jedi from the Republic era); Power Control (a nod to the Sith); Elemental Nature (harnessing air, earth, fire, and water); and Defense (shrouded in mystery).
This unique and interactive building process is unlike anything else. Lightsabers cost $199 plus tax. This shop is extremely popular, and reservations for this experience are highly recommended. You can make reservationshere(note that your entire party will NOT be able to join you while you build your lightsaber. You can bring one guest only).
Get all of the details and my full review on the build here.
There are two rides in the land. The first is Millenium Falcon Smugglers Run.
This ride is located in Galaxy's Edge, and it put guests in the drivers seat of the famed star ship. Guests who are riding this attraction will be given "flight crew" roles on the ship. You are either a pilot, gunner or engineer on the ride.
This ride is a lot of fun, but younger kids may not be able to or want to ride. There is a height requirement of 38", and the seats on the ride are spaced out. So if your child gets scared you wont be able to comfort them. Note that rider switch is an option if you have smaller kids.
The second ride in Galaxy's Edge is Rise of the Resistance. This ride puts guests in the middle of a battle between The Resistance and The First Order.
Guests are recruited to join Rey and General Organa at a secret base. Along the way they are captured by the first order, and must escape and save the base. All while staying a step ahead of Kylo Ren.
For a full overview of this ride (including height requirements, ride video and more) see my full article on Rise of the Resistance.
Like any new land or attraction at Disney World, your best bets for touring the land with the least amount of people is to tour either first thing in the morning, or later in the evening.
If Rise of the Resistance is a priority, I would recommend arriving to the park at least 30 minutes before park opening.
Cast Members will have signs directing guests where they can wait to rope drop certain rides. Guests looking to rope drop Rise of the Resistance will be held by Muppet Vision 3D.
This ride is also available for Lightning Lane individual ride selection purchase. So if you aren’t able to rope drop the park, you can pay to skip the line on this ride. Expect to pay approximately $12-16 per person for this ride. Know that Lightning Lane availability sells out on this ride. So you’ll want to buy early. You can read more on that here.
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See you at the parks,
-Julie
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