In this post, we’re going to give you the most important information to know about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, also known as “Star Wars Land”—the new themed land open at Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios.
Honestly, the debut of Galaxy’s Edge has been such a big event that there are millions of pieces of content on the internet about it. We’re not going to embed every video or link to every post here.
What we are going to do is provide you with the details you need to know in preparing for a potential visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resort.
Contents
Other Galaxy’s Edge Content
We’ve covered other aspects of Galaxy’s Edge—like touring strategies and visit reports—in other posts. Scroll through the below galleries for more content from both coasts. (This post may appear in both listings.)
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Hollywood Studios (Disney World)
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Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Disneyland
Star Wars Land Basics
We’re going to start with the very basics about the new land.
What is the proper name of Star Wars Land?
The real name of the land is “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” In general, we’re big sticklers for using the proper name of things (it’s “Cinderella Castle,” not “Cinderella’s Castle”). But here’s the thing—most people who want to learn about the land only know it as “Star Wars Land” at this point.
So to make this post as accessible as possible while also transitioning people to the proper name, we’re going to go with the “common” name of “Star Wars Land” in the headers and “Galaxy’s Edge” otherwise. These names are interchangeable for the purpose of this post.
Also, we want to add that the land is “set” in the Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu. This multi-level naming is similar to the names found in Animal Kingdom, where, for example, the land Pandora—The World of Avatar is set in the Valley of Mo’ara on the moon Pandora.
Where is Star Wars Land?
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a land at Disneyland park in California and Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios park in Florida. Some major media outlets continue to misreport the land as a “theme park”—setting readers up for disappointment.
While this will be one of the most impressive theme park lands ever, it is not an entire theme park. As a land, your park tickets for Disneyland or Hollywood Studios are enough to get you entry.
At Disneyland, the land is in the northwest corner of the park, with three entrances—two between Frontierland and Fantasyland and one next to Hungry Bear in Critter Country.
At Walt Disney World (above), the land is positioned between Toy Story Land and Grand Avenue (where Muppet Vision 3D is).
During busy periods, the lands use only one gateway as an entrance. In California, this is the entrance from Critter Country; in Florida, it is the Grand Avenue entrance.
What Does Star Wars Land Contain?
We cover these spots in more detail later. For now, we’ll say Galaxy’s Edge contains two rides, multiple stores, a quick service restaurant, some snack stands, a bar (yes, even in Disneyland), characters, and a lot of elements to interact with via the Play Disney app.
What About Original Trilogy Characters/Things?
This has been a point of confusion that many of us writing about theme parks didn’t expect. The land is “set” between The Last Jedi and Rise of Skywalker. So if you’re wondering “why can’t I meet Luke?” it’s because Luke is dead.
Lots of people have asked why Disney didn’t go with an established place, like Tatooine. First, Tatooine would be an awful place to spend a day. Second, creating their own location allows Disney to craft their own story in the place, rather than be constrained by decades of canon/semi-canon.
Theme parks, particularly modern theme parks, are pieces of art meant to tell a story. You wouldn’t pick a piece of Star Wars fan fiction set between The Last Jedi and Rise of Skywalker and ask “Why didn’t you make this set on Tatooine? And why don’t you have Darth Maul pop into the cantina?”
When will Star Wars Land open?
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened to all guests on June 24, 2019. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World on August 29, 2019.
Star Wars Land — Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World
While there are small differences between the two lands, for the purposes of planning a visit they don’t really vary. There are changes in coloring, for example, and a few structures have been rearranged. The basic layout of the land, most of the merchandise, and the major contents (stores, rides, restaurants) are the same.
Maybe the most significant difference between the two lands is that because Hollywood Studios allows consumption of alcohol throughout the park, alcoholic beverages are available at some snack stands and in the quick service restaurant. In Disneyland, alcohol can only be consumed inside Oga’s Cantina.
Star Wars Land Rides
Star Wars Land had one ride at launch, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, with second that opened later—Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is an interactive motion simulator ride where a group of six guests are put in control of the famed Millennium Falcon spaceship.
The team of six is broken into two pilots (who steer laterally and vertically), two gunners (who hit buttons to fire blasters), and two engineers (who hit buttons to repair the ship). The visuals on the ride are beautiful, but you might find yourself a bit too distracted by your job to really appreciate them.
Some people say pilot is the best job. It’s the most challenging, has the best view, and is entirely forward facing. Honestly, we don’t mind being engineers (we’ve also been pilots), as you have a good view of all the action and your job is really easy.
What we’re looking most forward to—and what we haven’t experienced yet—is how Disney is pitching the ride experience to impact the rest of your day.
Details on this are spotty (to the point where at this time we’re not sure whether it’ll ever happen), but the thinking is that how you perform in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will eventually impact how other elements of the land—like Cast Members and Characters—interact with you.
So someone whose team fails the mission might get cheeky commentary from a bartender. Or a team of skilled smugglers might have an unpleasant run-in with law enforcement.
This is the ride that opened with both lands on opening day. Notably, the ride is not a part of FASTPASS at Disneyland, but it will be coming to FastPass+ at Walt Disney World on February 19, 2020. It also has a single rider line, and in our experience waits for single rider are about 30% the standby wait, but obviously this varies. Single riders will almost always be assigned the engineer role.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has now opened on both coasts and is the flagship attraction of the land. The trackless dark ride is being heralded as one of the best theme park attractions in the world and the best in Disney World. While we might not agree with the unbridled praise, we definitely think it’s a great experience and a must-do. Your ride vehicle takes you on a thrilling adventure on a First Order cruiser.
As of this update, Hollywood Studios and Disneyland are using a boarding pass system to allocate spots on the ride. You can read more about how to ride it in our post on riding Rise of the Resistance. That post is specific to Hollywood Studios, but the system works similarly in Disneyland.
Star Wars Land Characters
Galaxy’s Edge has a few characters in the land (based on our experiences at Disneyland). Before we get into them specifically, here’s a map from Disneyland where the red circle (on the right side) is the First Order-controlled area and the blue path (left side) is the Resistance area.
Original Copyright Disney
In Walt Disney World we saw mostly the same routes, but the Resistance characters seemed to go all the way through the market (the covered portion right at the end of the blue line) and to the Millennium Falcon.
Here’s the characters and where you’ll find them:
Rey (Resistance area, intermittently)
Chewbacca (Resistance area, intermittently)
Kylo Ren (First Order area, intermittently)
First Order Guy (I don’t know his actual rank) (First Order area, intermittently)
Stormtroopers (First Order area, pretty much always)
Vi Moradi (First Order area, intermittently, usually sneaking around carefully)
Rey and Chewbacca are based in the Resistance-controlled area and spend most of their time near the ships over there. They’re usually available for candid photos when they’re out.
The Stormtroopers roam both paths between First Order Cargo and the Market. Sometimes they’ll stop for photos, but you’ll usually plan to just catch a candid moment with them.
Kylo Ren and First Order Guy appear for a show at the TIE Echelon (outside First Order Cargo) every hour or so, where Kylo Ren berates him for not capturing the spy (presumably Vi Moradi). First Order Guy then hangs out in that courtyard, while Kylo Ren and two Stormtroopers make their way to the area by Droid Depot and Savi’s Workshop.
Vi Moradi is a Resistance spy, so she sneaks around the First Order-controlled area all day. She doesn’t usually stop for posed pictures, but she moves slowly and chats with people, giving you plenty of opportunity for a candid shot.
Star Wars Land Drinking—Oga’s Cantina
Oga’s Cantina is the bar at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disney describes it as “the local cantina, where bounty hunters, smugglers, rogue traders, and weary travelers of all ages come together to refuel, enjoy music, and conduct meetings.” It serves non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, even in Disneyland (though you can only drink inside the cantina there).
Oga’s is one of the land’s most popular offerings. Entertainment is provided by DJ R-3X, a droid similar to (or identical, I don’t really know the story here) the RX-24 that piloted the original Star Tours attraction.
The drinks are pretty standard Disney cocktail fare—instagrammable and not very strong. Our most detailed discussion of Oga’s is found in a recent Disney World trip report, where we comment that we don’t really think alcohol is worth the price.
As of this update, you’re limited to 45 minutes and a maximum two beverages inside Oga’s. Reservations are available and recommended, but both coasts have been known to take walk-ups when crowds are low. Here are the links (to make reservations):
Hello, Rachel! At this time, Guests will be required to stay in Oga's Cantina while enjoying alcoholic beverages.
— Disneyland AP (@DisneylandAP) February 19, 2019
Like all of Galaxy’s Edge, Oga’s Cantina is expected to be an interactive space, an element that hasn’t been fully borne out in the early days of the land. Staff may comment on your performance at Smugglers Run, or bounty hunters may come looking for you. How well Disney executes on this concept remains to be seen, but we’re excited to see it play out.
Star Wars Land Dining
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has four dining options—three snack stands and a quick service restaurant.
Ronto Roasters
Ronto Roasters specializes in a roasted pork and sausage wrap (the Ronto Wrap). The real highlight of this spot, though, is just the area around the stand itself. There’s a gigantic roaster—about as big as the counter itself—operated by a droid.
Ronto Roasters is at one end of the market. The roaster is difficult to miss in the land. We highly recommend taking a quick minute to enjoy the droid operating the roaster. The entire area is wonderfully detailed.
Kat Saka’s Kettle
Kat Saka’s Kettle is a snack stand selling a popcorn snack (including collectible bucket). It is located in the market area of the land just next to Ronto Roasters.
Milk Stand
Milk Stand serves blue and green milk, including alcoholic options in Hollywood Studios. These are blended coconut milk concoctions. Milk Stand is across from First Order Cargo. We don’t think the milks are worth their price tag, but we also think it’s probably worth your group at least getting one to try.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is the main restaurant at Galaxy’s Edge. It is quick service style (order at a register, grab food, find a seat), though the Disney World website currently indicates it doesn’t participate in the Disney Dining Plans, but I’m fairly certain this is outdated information.
One highlight was/is these cool sporks. Unfortunately, they were frequently stolen and had to stop being given out for free. They are now on sale, in Disneyland at least, for $10.99.
We were very happy with the vegetarian options (admittedly we slightly prefer Satuli Canteen). We rank the restaurant as the best Hollywood Studios quick service restaurant. You can view the menus here:
Star Wars Land Merchandise
There are a total of nine merchandisers in Galaxy’s Edge. There is also Galaxy’s Edge merchandise available outside the land.
Merchandise Outside Galaxy’s Edge
While there is some overlap, most Star Wars merchandise at Disney parks—including Galaxy’s Edge merchandise—can be broken into two categories. “In-universe items” that would make sense for someone living on Batuu to buy/sell are found inside of Galaxy’s Edge.
“Branded” items that scream “Star Wars” or “Galaxy’s Edge” that don’t fit thematically inside the land (like the above shirts) can be found in other stores in the parks, outside Galaxy’s Edge (particularly in launch bay and Tomorrowland).
[Update: This division is now iffy, with many in-world items being available outside the land in Hollywood Studios]
Custom Merchandise at Galaxy’s Edge [Reservations Recommended]
At Droid Depot, you’ll be able to design your own droid. Droid Depot is also a store for droid related gear. Reservations are recommended, though Droid Depot has the best walk-up availability of the reservable activities in Galaxy’s Edge.
Here’s the Disneyland Droid Depot page (reserve up to 60 days in advance); here’s the Walt Disney World Droid Depot page (reserve up to 180 days in advance).
I was skeptical about how this would work coming into the land, and I was mostly right. My chief concern was that it wouldn’t be feasible to have these things rolling around on the ground, and in fact Disney prohibited this.
While they don’t seem to mind it for short times in controlled setting (Chewbacca hosted a droid race one night, for example) you’ll be carrying your (or your kid’s) droid most of the time it’s with you. Droids cost $99.99 + tax.
Even if you’re not building your own droid, Droid Depot is worth a visit for its other merchandise. Droid Depot is located on the south end of the land, near the eastern corner, next to Savi’s Workshop.
Savi’s Workshop is the custom lightsaber experience. Unlike Droid Depot, where you basically assemble your custom droid on an assembly line, Savi’s is more of an experience and is in fact referred to as a “ceremony.” Here’s the Disney Tourist Blog review of the experience.
Here’s the Disneyland Savi’s Workshop page (reserve up to 60 days in advance); here’s the Walt Disney World Savi’s Workshop page (reserve up to 180 days in advance). Lightsabers cost $199.99 + tax. Savi’s is located between Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities and Droid Depot.
Merchandise at Galaxy’s Edge - The Market
The Market (or “marketplace”) is a semi-covered market in Galaxy’s Edge. It is reminiscent of markets of the Middle East and North Africa. The four shops in the Market are all small stalls with varying amount of walk-in space.
Black Spire Outfitters mostly sells robes and local-style clothes. When we previously wrote about it we highlighted that getting into character was expected to be a part of the land.
Of course, not much has been made about Disney enforcing their costume policy in the land. There’s really no sensible consistency to the rules, but they seem to be costumes and robes aren’t okay, everything else is okay.
Toydarian Toymaker sells toys and small novelty items. It might actually be our favorite store in the Market, as it offers some cool things like a music box, sabacc deck, and puzzle cube.
Creature Stall sells stuffed and toy creatures.
Jewels of Bith focuses on “Black Spire Outpost” merchandise, including pins.
Merchandise at Galaxy’s Edge - Outside The Market
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities is where you’ll find “dark side” and “light side” or Sith / Jedi collectibles. There are things like Kyber Crystals, busts of important people (e.g. Luke, Yoda, Palpatine, Darth Maul), small statues, and similar items. They also sell lightsaber parts.
Resistance Supply is an outdoor merchandise stand at the Resistance (west) end of the land. You’ll find clothes, water bottles, and other gear branded with Resistance insignia.
First Order Cargo is the First Order counterpart to Resistance Supply. Located on the east end of the land just next to Kylo Ren’s TIE Echelon, this is where you’ll find clothes and merchandise branded with First Order insignia.
The idea is that if you purchase Resistance Gear or First Order gear, cast and characters may treat you differently. When Emily walked into First Order Cargo with her Resistance jacket, the cast members said things along the lines of “you’re brave” “we don’t know you” and “you better watch out.” And when people saw us in our opposing First Order and Resistance outfits, they asked how we made it work.
It’s fun, but I think it highlights a challenge of the land in Disney’s friendly space. Personally, I’d like a land where a Stormtrooper actually kicks you out of First Order Cargo for wearing a Resistance jacket, but it seems unlikely I’ll get that.
Star Wars Land and Play Disney Parks App
So, what’s up with those QR codes all around Galaxy’s Edge? They’re part of the “Datapad” game available (for free) in the Play Disney Parks app!
Part of the interactivity of the land is the Play Disney Parks app. Assuming the role of Resistance fighter, First Order supporter, or “scoundrel” (or all three), you can go around using your smartphone as your “datapad” completing simple tasks and solving puzzles are different areas of the land.
I spent a significant chunk of my late-June visit on the app, and you can read more about it over in the trip report from that visit. For now, it suffices to say that there are four ways to use the app to interact with the land:
Hack - solve a puzzle on your phone to elicit a response from elements in the land (e.g. the TIE echelon will power up, a droid will make noise)
Scan - scan QR codes (with the app) to “collect” items from crates scattered throughout the land
Tune - solve a puzzle to reveal a transcript of a conversation held over antennas in the park (great for learning about the backstory of the land)
Translate - type in words in the local language to see their english equivalents
Besides those four tools, you can take on jobs that require you to use the four tools to earn credits and build allegiance to the side of your choice.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Tips and Secrets
I think this list could probably go on quite long as there are tons of easter eggs to be found in Galaxy’s Edge, but I’ll share just a few of them…
A helmet similar to or identical to that belonging to the Mandalorian (of The Mandalorian on Disney+) hangs on the wall of Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
Savi’s Workshop employees will refer openly to only selling “scrap metal” and operations cease when the First Order walks by
DJ R-3X, the DJ droid at Oga’s Cantina, is a former Star Tours pilot (and was found on that ride prior to C3PO being added)
The opening and closing scenes of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run change with day/night
Star Tours vehicles can be seen in the the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run scenes on Batuu
The music you hear outside Oga’s isn’t coming from inside Oga’s; it’s a separate speaker system that plays the same music as inside but in a muffled tone to sound like its coming from inside
Many of the ships/antennas that the characters interact with can be “hacked” in the Play Disney Parks app; if you hack them they’ll make a noise, which can elicit a reaction from the character
Additionally, the Datapad game in the Play Disney Parks app has a lot of content that explains details throughout the land. For example, in Dok Ondar’s you can see a droid that has been shot by a blaster—the story is explaining in a transmission in the game.
Star Wars Land Disneyland Opening Information
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened in Disneyland to all guests on June 24, 2019.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Opening Date (Disneyland)
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opened on January 17, 2020 in Disneyland.
Disneyland Star Wars Land Touring Strategy (Opening Months)
Let’s start by saying that currently there are no plans for Galaxy’s Edge to be accessible during Extra Magic Hour or Magic Morning at Disneyland. Neither ride is set to be part of the FASTPASS or MaxPass system at Disneyland in the near term.
We have a Disneyland Galaxy’s Edge touring strategy that covers how to visit Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. You can also visit the following trip report posts to read more about time in the land:
Star Wars Land Disney World Opening Information
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened in Walt Disney World on August 29, 2019 with one operational ride—Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Opening Date (Disney World)
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opened on December 5, 2019 at Disney World.
Star Wars Land (Disney World) Touring Strategy
Our touring tips for Galaxy’s Edge are mostly found in the following posts:
Hollywood Studios Touring (Rest of the park)
If you’d like to see our example visits to the land, check out our recent trip reports.
If you’re staying at a Disney Hotel, you’ll want to keep in mind Extra Magic Hours, a perk of staying at Disney hotels where guests are allowed to access the park earlier than other guests.
Where to Stay to Visit Star Wars Land (Disney World)
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World primarily for Galaxy’s Edge, there are two sets of hotels you’ll want to consider. First, Yacht Club, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, and Swan & Dolphin all are within walking distance of Hollywood Studios. The walk is not short—about 20 minutes—but you’re guaranteed a hassle free arrival at Hollywood Studios.
Alternatively, you could target Pop Century, Art of Animation, or Caribbean Beach—the resorts on the Skyliner (opening September 29).
Walt Disney World’s Star Wars Hotel
Disney World has also announced a Star Wars Hotel to be built outside Hollywood Studios in the coming years. The most recent details about the hotel came at the 2019 D23 Expo.
All Your Other Disneyland Planning Questions Answered
Don't be overwhelmed by Disneyland planning! Take a second to check out our most important content and you'll not only be an expert, but you'll save big $$$ along the way.
Just starting out? Check out our Disneyland Planning Guide. If you're still picking dates, we've got everything you need to know about Disneyland crowd calendars.
When it comes to hotels, we’ve got reviews of all three Disney hotels: Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. As for tickets, check out where to find discount Disneyland tickets.
Know what to ride with our: Disneyland Rides Guide and Disney California Adventure Rides Guide. And just as important, know how to get on the best rides without the wait with our Disneyland and Disney California Adventure FASTPASS and MaxPass Strategy! For the complete guides to a day at the park, we have a One Day Disneyland Itinerary and a One Day Disney California Adventure Itinerary.
We always recommend arriving at the parks early. If you can get access to Extra Magic Hour at Disney California Adventure or Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning at Disneyland, you’ll have the most time in the parks. Even without those bonus hours, you’ll need to know Rope Drop Strategy at Disneyland and Rope Drop Strategy at Disney California Adventure.
Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip. And if you're interested in saving, there's no better list than our 53 Ways to Save on your Disney trip from start to finish.
All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered
Don't be overwhelmed by Disney World planning! Take a second to check out our most important content and you'll not only be an expert, but you'll save big $$$ along the way.
Just starting out? Check out our Walt Disney World planning guide! If you're still picking dates, we've got everything you need to know about Disney World crowd calendars. For picking your hotel, check out our Walt Disney World hotels guide.
When it comes time to book we’ll help you find discount Disney World tickets. Decide whether you need a dining plan in our Complete Guide to Disney World Dining Plans! And don't forget to book those Disney World Advance Dining Reservations!
Don't forget to master your Disney World Lightning Lane Guide and Strategy a few months in advance. We'll keep you out of long lines so you can maximize the magical time in the parks! We've got park-specific guides as well: Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Strategy, Epcot Lightning Lane Strategy, Animal Kingdom Lightning Lane Strategy, and Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane Strategy.
Know what to ride with our guides to: Magic Kingdom rides, Hollywood Studios rides, Epcot rides, and Animal Kingdom rides! Plus learn about the water parks with our guide to Blizzard Beach and our guide to Typhoon Lagoon! And for some some fun prep, check out our Ranking of Every Ride at Walt Disney World.
Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip. And if you're interested in saving, there's no better list than our 53 Ways to Save on your Disney trip from start to finish.
Welcome to our trip report covering the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios! This post covers a 6AM open at Hollywood Studios, some odds and ends, and the end of our trip!