If you're a Star Wars fan, then this year is definitely an exciting one for you. In addition to the concluding movie of the new trilogy (Episode IX) at the end of the year, Disney is bringing immersive Star Wars experiences to both of their theme parks in the U.S., which are Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida.
So what is Galaxy's Edge? We're going to go over everything you need to know right here.
April 2019: Added information on when reservations are available for Disneyland's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
- What is Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge?
- What can guests do in Galaxy's Edge?
- Does Galaxy's Edge tie in with the movies?
- How do I obtain tickets to go to Galaxy's Edge?
What's new with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
April 22, 2019: Disney announces date that reservations for Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge will be available!
Disney has just announced that reservations for Disneyland's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will become available on May 2 starting at 8 a.m. PT on Disneyland.com. All you need to make a reservation is a free Disney account.
These reservations are required for Annual Passholders and non-AP guests from May 31 to June 23. After June 23, reservations will no longer be needed to gain access to the park. The reservation requirement only applies to the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland in Anaheim, California. There are no reservations required for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, which opens later in the year on August 29, 2019.
The only other way to get reservations to Galaxy's Edge was to book a hotel room on one of Disneyland's three hotels, which would guarantee a reservation for up to five registered guests.
What is Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge?
Galaxy's Edge is about 14 acres of land in Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios and Walt Disney World Resort that has been turned into an outpost called Black Spire's Edge. This outpost is tucked away on a remote planet called Batuu, which sits on the galaxy's edge (hence the name) and is a place where all walks of life converge and feel the Force.
On Batuu, guests will experience both the Light and Dark sides of the Force because the lines are blurred for that immersive experience.
Galaxy's Edge features two main attractions: Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. There are also plenty of restaurants and stores, featuring food and drink that come from the Star Wars universe, and unique souvenirs and collectibles that can't be found elsewhere.
Disney also said that there will be two phases to the launch of Galaxy's Edge. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will be the only attraction that won't be open during Phase One. Rise of the Resistance will be opening up later in the year — there has not been a set date.
What can guests do in Galaxy's Edge?
Since this is Disney's most immersive land yet, guests will definitely feel like they're playing a part in the Star Wars universe and story. You'll develop a reputation each time you visit.
Cast members in costume will come up to you and give guests various missions, which you can complete or not. The cantina, which is called Olga's Cantina, features alcohol and live music performances, just like in the movies.
In the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction, Disney puts guests right in the middle of the battle between the First Order and the Resistance. You'll encounter Kylo Ren, and the side you choose leads to various consequences during your stay. And depending on how you perform in the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run ride, there may be bounty hunters coming after you.
The custom lightsaber shop, Savi's Workshop, allows you to build your very own lightsaber, custom made to suit your preferences. Savi is a scrapper who's been out there collecting lightsaber parts for years, waiting for a true hero. That "true hero" is you. Of course, unless you pick the Dark side. But hey, Savi can't deny you a lightsaber even if you prefer the Sith.
The process of building your lightsaber includes choosing one of the four disciplines: Power and Justice, Power and Control, Elemental and Nature, or Protection and Defense. No matter which one you choose, you'll need your own kyber crystal to go with it. The end result is that no lightsaber is the same.
A Star Wars themed hotel is also coming to Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida, completing the entire experience. Unfortunately, no plans like that have been announced for Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.
Does Galaxy's Edge tie in with the movies?
Even though Batuu, Black Spire Outpost, and Galaxy's Edge are all made for a theme park, they do have canonical ties to the actual Star Wars mythology as a whole.
Black Spire Outpost was briefly mentioned in Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Batuu made an appearance in the 2018 novel, Star Wars: Thrawn: Alliances.
You will also find a lot of familiar characters in Galaxy's Edge, along with some that aren't so familiar. As the Star Wars franchise continues to grow, Disney will be adding new characters and attractions over time, making guests want to revisit in the future.
How do I obtain tickets to go to Galaxy's Edge?
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens May 31 for Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California and August 29 for Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
For admission into Galaxy's Edge, you will need a general admission ticket or Annual Passport (blackout dates depend on your Passport level).
However, for Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland Resort, from May 31 to June 23, a no-cost reservation is required to get into the themed land. This reservation is subject to availability, and no exact details have been announced on how to obtain one.
If you are staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels (Disney's Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel, or Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel) between May 31 through June 23, you will receive one reservation per registered guest for entry into Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. However, you will still need valid theme park admission.
No reservations are needed for Galaxy's Edge in Walt Disney World at this time.
Are you for the Resistance or prefer the Dark side?
This is all the information we know right now regarding Galaxy's Edge, and we can't wait to get into the parks to check it out for ourselves! We'll be sure to update once we hear how to obtain those coveted reservations to get into Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge.
Are you excited for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge? Planning to visit when it opens up or wait a bit for the hype to die down? Let us know in the comments!
