Instead of lining up for character meet and greets, Cast Members act out the story; Rey and Chewie work on their spacecrafts and the Stormtroopers try to keep law and order.
Shopping
Galaxy’s Edge offers merchandise that would be found in the fictional town of Black Spire Outpost, so it is less about branded t-shirts and Lego sets. Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities is Star Wars nerd heaven, where you could buy everything from a custom light saber to stained glass tributes to the women of the Skywalker family. The small space can be very crowded, with people escaping the summer heat or shopping for lightsabers.
Droid Depot gave Alice the chance to custom design her own Droid. Her first step was to choose between the BB-Series and R-Series models, then select the colors of her pieces. Only two guests were permitted in the build section in 2019, but the observation area wasn’t too far away. Cast members walked us through the process, which took about 1/2 hour.
Marketplace stalls are filled with kid-friendly toys and games familiar to people who love the movies but also appeal to non-fans.
Rides
Rise of the Resistance did not disappoint during our first time riding in December 2019. (At that time, to sec re a spot we had to arrive at the park at 6AM to enter the park by 7AM. Everyone at the same time logged in to their MyDisney Account, hoping to secure their Group number.) Rise of the Resistance now offers two options for riders: the standby queue and purchasing an individual Lightning Lane on Disney Genie+. In 2022 and 2023 we were able to easily get Lighting Lanes at $15/pp (though the price fluctuates) by logging on at 7am. The wait times during our visit without LL were 70-180 minutes.
The queue and ride were divided into many different sections as we became part of a rebel group on a mission, and culminated on an escape ride. We went through a series of rooms that included holograms, animatronics, and live Cast Members acting as members of the First Order.
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run is more of a classic simulator ride compared to Rise of the Resistance. The queue leads through a hangar used for repairing the spacecraft. The highlight (for me) is the very realistically replicated interior of the Millennium Falcon that serves as the waiting room before you enter the ride. There are three different roles for riders, making the experience somewhat different each time.
Oga’s Cantina
Oga’s Cantina became a top contender for my favorite dining experience in the park. Where else can you find an intergalactic techno Droid DJ, an Irish pub style sing-aglong, and German bierhaus style group seating? Even the cocktails were an interactive experience (they fizz, smoke, numb your mouth, etc.). We snacked on the Batuu bits; the only other food option the menu was a cured meat tray. We were given an hour inside each time; “seating” may be standing room only at the bar or group seating with other guests.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge really shines at night (pun intended). There is little shade in this section of the park, so visiting after sunset saves us from the brutal Orlando often found the park less crowded in the evening, so it can be a good time to play the Datapad game on the PlayDisney App.
How to Prep for a visit to Galaxy’s Edge:
Watch the films
Galaxy’s Edge is built for Star Wars fans. The more you know, the more you will get out of your visit. You’ve arrived on Batuu between Episodes VIII and IX, but you’ll find merchandise and other elements that reference even back to Episode I.
Purchase Tickets and make a Park Reservation
Walt Disney World Parks are currently (as of winter 2023) requiring reservations. Hollywood Studios is typically the first to reach capacity.
Book Oga’s Cantina
Reservations are required and can be booked 60 days before your visit.
Download the MDE App with Diseny Geine+
Walt Disney World Parks are currently (as of winter 2023) requiring reservations. Hollywood Studios is typically the first to reach capacity.Getting to know the My Disney Experience App before your visit is key, especially if you plan to ride Rise of the Resistance. MDE offers everything you’ll need for a Park Visit, from directions around the resorts, pre-ording quick service meals, wait times, and more.
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