Hello there! This site is still under reconstruction. But like the Death Star it is operational.
In 2019, Disney opened two Star Wars theme parks to the delight fans and amazement of visitors.
Galaxy's Edge at Disney Land in California and Hollywood Studios in Florida is the creation of an outpost called Black Spire on the planet Batu. The experience is set during the Sequels.
Travelers get to immerse themselves in the Galaxy far far away through a huge scenery replete with life size vehicles, character meets, food, and experiences such as building light sabers or rides on the Millennium Falcon.
I visited Galaxy's Edge East with a Star Wars friend. We also went to Star Tours and the Launch Bay.
I bounded which means that I dressed the part of a Star Wars traveler. My outfit was based on the game character Cal Kestis. My droid BD-1 accompanied me on my backpack.
And my friend had a cool resemblance of a certain human cyborg relations droid named C3-PO.
My favorite experience, I must say, was meeting Rey in person.
Talking to a movie heroine in authentic costume and hearing her signature voice asking about our support of the rebelon and warning us about the First Order was something truly special I will never forget. She even acknowledged me when we crossed paths again later.
And yes, that's the famed Millenium Falcon ship in life-size behind us.
There are several sequel Characters appearing throughout the park. We also saw the Mandalorian (with Grogu), Kylo Ren, and a few Storm Troopers roaming the streets and even sweeping the Cantina.
★ Travel Note: It is my understanding that in order to keep things feeling natural there are no lines for Photos but characters choose to invite you up.
★ Friendly Warning: Cast members, even those in character, will stay in verse. And they pretend not to know anything that's outside their era. So the friendly guy who chatted us up had no idea what a PC game or who Cal Kestis was. It takes getting used to but it's part of the charm.
You may hear a unique Terms like as a greeting for example. It's fun to hear and use special phrases. You can familiarize yourself with a comprehensive list on a fan Discord post.
And Signs around the outpost appear either Standard (English) in Star Wars font or are completely in the Aurebesh language You can use the Translator on the Disney Play app to decipher words.
There are two rides and I took both. They did not disappoint. One was really out of the world.
Rise of the Resistance
Takes you on a transport off Batuu because it has become too dangerous for members of the Resistance. But then the First Order intercepts your shuttle captained by General Akbar.
After being taken prisoner on a Star Destroyer for interrogation by none other than Kylo Ren himself, you and your fellow riders attempt to escape on a droid piloted skiff.
If you can make it to an escape pod you might stand a chance to get away from Kylo's saber, Trooper blasters, and Tie fighters. Along the way you might see Poe in his X-Wing together with BB-8.
Rey herself appears on a holo message to announce the evacuation of Rebels.
★ Travel Note: This ride is long and immersive. There are multiple stages and quite a few surprises. The scale and realism of effects is stunning. Even after watching videos I was totally impressed. Those imperial officers are pretty intimidating.
I am hanging out at the Dejarik game table of the Falcon before taking on the pilot controls.
Smugglers Run
Lets you take Han and Chewie's ship for a ride to get stuff for some guy named what's his name. It may be illegal, but who cares if you get to pilot the Falcon like myself, or do something else in the cockpit.
This ride uses tried and tested VR on screen and simulator hydraulics. The effect is still the same, you feel like you are soaring through scenes right out of the Star Wars galaxy. Not to mention that stepping aboard felt like being home.
★ Travel Note: There are often long Wait Times for both rides, especially Rise, but it's well worth it. Enjoy the sets with decorations while in line, there's even a running joke to hear on the Run. Of course you can pay up for a Lightning Lane shortcut.
Who doesn't want to own a piece of Star Wars?
There are several Shops around the outpost, selling souvenirs, gear, and clothing.
Look for themed items in the respective Resistance and First Order areas. There's a special Antiquities shop with higher end collectibles. And you will find vendor stalls in the streets of Black Spire.
A Star Wars merchandise Trader Shop is also located outside of Star Tours which is separate from Galaxy's Edge in another part of Hollywood Studios park.
One of the neat things to do and get there is building you own less expensive custom light saber. Minus the show. Choices are single or double blade.
Occasionally some of the unique items sold at Galaxy's Edge are sometimes also available at Disney's online Store.
★ Travel Note: I noticed that some MagicBand designs available at Disney park shops that I wasn't able to see online. So if you want one of those handy straps for access but don't see one you favor you might want wait till you get on location. If you see one on eBay be careful to make sure that it has not previously linked been or it will not work with your account.
I got my R2-D2 MagicBand+ from eBay.
★ Travel Note: The official Currency on Batuu is the Spira. You can obtain a metal gift medallion at the Droid Depot shop and use through out any Disney park or online store. It makes another cool souvenir. Other forms of foreign US cash and credit cards are also accepted.
Be ready to be adventurous.
You must have Blue Milk. It's actually a frozen slushy. And I'm told that the Green is even better.
As we landed early, we had breakfast at Ronto Roasters. It's a quick bite place with limited seating but a nice open feel onto the black spire around you. The Breakfast Ronto I had consisted of a wiener sausage with scrambled egg patty in a pita and was very tasty. Unfortunately the roasting engine gets a bit noisy.
Reservations are recommended for Oga's Cantina. It's a bar for drinks (alcoholic and free) and light bites. Rex DJs. The whole atmosphere takes you right to watching Lucas' first movie and the joint in Mos Eisley. Tenders are in character of course. We ordered beverages with bubbling (edible) pearls/pods and smoke, and shared munching on a cheese roll and sampler platter. Tasted (and looked!) interesting and excellent. Note that you will have to stand at the bar or a tall table, unless apparently you have a larger party and get seated in a booth.
If you want a cheap souvenir, stop by one of the Beverage Carts and get yourself a refreshing Coke (regular or diet) or Sprite in a special Detonator Bottle to keep.
★ Travel Note: Disney is very accommodating to people with special dietary requirements. My wife was able to work out very specific requests and was impressed by custom prepared meals.
Get away on a pleasure ride with a couple of famous droids. But strap in for a surprise.
More Coming soon.
See some original props. And meet famous characters up close and personal.
More Coming soon.