Galaxy’s Edge Disneyland – Now Open

The day is finally here where I can say that Galaxy’s Edge appears on the guide map at Disneyland!

You’ll need to have a reserve time to get into Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland May 31, 2019 through June 23, 2019… so make sure to plan accordingly as the reserve times are only for a 4 hour window.

After June 24th, that part of the park is fair-game and anyone can enter.

That said, there’s a lot to know before you visit Galaxy’s Edge… So let’s dive in to the details…

What is Galaxy’s Edge?

Galaxy’s Edge is a new land coming to both U.S. Disney Parks (The Disneyland version is open now, and The Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios version will open on August 29, 2019). The land is based off of the blockbuster series: Star Wars. Disney states Galaxy’s Edge is, “…where you can live out your own Star Wars story, fly the Millennium Falcon and explore a remote outpost where adventure awaits.”

Once you enter the gates, you are whisked away to the planet Batuu, specifically to the Black Spire Outpost where you can shop, dine and experience an entirely different world from Disneyland…. and even planet Earth.

Do I Need A Reservation To Visit Galaxy’s Edge?

Yes – for now… To visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park between May 31, 2019 and June 23, 2019, Guests will need a reservation to access the land and valid theme park admission.

Guests staying at one of the 3 Disneyland Resort hotels between May 31, 2019 and June 23, 2019 will receive a designated reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay (one reservation per registered Guest); valid theme park admission is required. If the hotel reservation is cancelled, the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation will also be cancelled.

Beginning June 24, 2019, a separate reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will no longer be required.

Disney has also said that guests will not have access to Galaxy’s Edge through Extra Magic Hours and that Fastpass/Maxpass will not work for the attractions in the land at this time.

It is also important to note that once you LEAVE Galaxy’s Edge, you cannot return (even if it is still during your 4-hour reservation window). Castmembers are stationed at each exit, and will make sure that you know you are leaving the land.

What Should I Know About Galaxy’s Edge Before I Go?

Disney wants you to feel completed immersed in this part of the park, so there are a few things you must know before entering Galaxy’s Edge that will help make the visit magical not only for your kids… but for you as well!

1. Know The Lingo

Disney castmembers in the area are not just “Disney Workers”, they are inhabitants of the planet Batuu, so if you try to talk to them about modern day things or more “Earthly” topics… don’t be surprised if they pretend to have no idea what you’re talking about.

Even in the outpost “shopping” area, the sections of the shops are labeled in Aurebesh instead of English.

Money is also spoken in terms of “Galactic Credits”.. but don’t worry $1 Galactic Credit still equals $1 US Dollar.

2. What Is There To Do In Galaxy’s Edge?

There’s quite a bit to do in Galaxy’s Edge, and you can definitely get it all done in the 4-hour window that Disney provides if you plan ahead.

The most popular things to do in Galaxy’s Edge are:

1. Ride(s)
2. Shopping
3. Building Lightsabers
4. Building Droids
5. Dining

Rides:

Right now there is only one ride inside of Galaxy’s Edge that is operating (Smuggler’s Run). Kids will need to be at least 38″ tall to ride. Before heading into the cockpit to steer the Millennium Falcon, you can stop for a quick photo-op in the Falcon’s lounge and see the Dejarik board, which is a nice touch for die-hard Star Wars fans to be able to sit next to.

The ride itself is an amazing experience, and isn’t too scary for kids.

Rise of The Resistance is another ride that will be located in Galaxy’s Edge which will be opening soon. Disney has not released an official date yet.

Shopping:

Venture into the Black Spire Marketplace to view the variety of galactic treasures hidden within. Again, because this is an “immersive” experience, you won’t find any “Galaxy’s Edge”- specific merchandise because a planet wouldn’t have memorabilia for where they already live… you’ll have to buy those items in other shops within Disneyland.

Instead, you will find “local” crafts, creations, and even pets you can adopt – such as Porgs, Loth-cats, Kowakian Monkey-Lizards, Rathars, Tauntauns, and Worrts.

Merchants in the Marketplace include: Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, First Order Cargo, Black Spire Outfitters,Toydarian ToyMaker, Jewels of Bith and the Creature Stall.

Remember, money is spoken in “Galactic Credits” (GC).

$1 GC = $1 US Dollar.

Building A Lightsaber:

Are you raising an aspiring Jedi? Or maybe you or your husband want to get in on the action too? Lightsabers are such an essential aspect of the Star Wars franchise and the experience of building a lightsaber is an activity where Disney really goes the extra mile to make it memorable. It’s a definite highlight of Galaxy’s Edge.

It may be difficult to distinguish exactly where to go for this adventure… and if you ask a castmember or “inhabitant” where you should go to “build a lightsaber” – they may quickly become offended, as lightsabers are considered illegal to posses on Batuu. You are better off asking if there is a junk yard or any place where you can find some scrap metal…. and if you use these key words, the inhabitant will know exactly where to send you. You can also directly ask where “Savi’s Workshop” is located in order to find where you need to go.

Once inside Savi’s workshop, you’ll meet with a small group of other aspiring Jedi and Gatherers, who will help you build your lightsaber. The room is small (about 20 people), and you’ll have a chance to select your own pieces of “scrap metals” to make your lightsaber in any style of your choice. The final part of putting your lightsaber together is adding the kyber crystal, a colorful jewel, that will give your lightsaber the ability to glow. Once the crystals have been selected by each guest, there is a ceremony in which they lower the lights and allow everyone to raise their brand new lightsabers.

For moms wanting to plan ahead of time, you’ll also need to know that this experience costs $199.00 + tax per lightsaber. The pieces you will select from include: a kyber crystal, one hilt, four sleeves, two emitters, two pommel caps and two sets of activation plates and switches. This can be a hefty price to pay on top of park admission, but for true Star Wars fans, Disney really makes this a special experience for children as well as adults.

Building Droids:

The opportunity build your very own droid is available at the Droid Depot. Building a Droid will cost you $99 Galactic Credits + tax, and is a fun activity for kids (as well as adults).

You select your droid’s parts from a conveyor belt (and you get to pick the type of droid and the color scheme you would like for it to have).

Once built, the Droid is Bluetooth enabled and will even interact with other Droids within the outpost.

Dining:

Galaxy’s Edge does have a few dining options available, although it seems this area is more about beverages than about food.

Docking Bay 7 is probably the most popular restaurant, as it is a standard quick-service experience with a variety of food options.

For kids there are only 3 food options available at Docking Bay 7: Chicken, Shrimp, and Black Bean Hummus… and there is not a french-fry in sight. So if you are traveling with kids who are picky eaters, I’d suggest holding off until you get to another part of the Disneyland park to grab a bite to eat.

Other places to eat inside of Galaxy’s Edge include Ronto Roasters featuring grilled sausage and roasted pork wraps, and Kat Saka’s Kettle, a popcorn stand with several unique flavors to try.

But for most of the guests visiting this part of the park, the “Blue” and “Green” Milks and the first ever alcoholic beverages served within Disneyland will be the draw.

The blue and green milks available at the Milk Stand have a light, fruity taste. They are a refreshing addition to the beautiful Southern California weather. I also want to mention that they are lactose-free, gluten-friendly and vegan-friendly. They are made of coconut milk and rice milk with watermelon, pineapple, dragon fruit and a few other “secret” ingredients.

Grabbing a glass of the milk of your choice will cost you $7.99 Galactic Credits.

The alcoholic beverages can be found at Oga’s Cantina. While inside, you can enjoy the musical entertainment courtesy of droid DJ R-3X and order from a select menu of drinks. From what I understand, the drinks are all pre-mixed and ordering “specialty drinks” is not part of the experience here. Drinks range from $6.00 – $32.00.

Guests over 21 will need to show a valid photo ID to purchase alcoholic beverages.

3. Character Meet Ups

The characters are key players in making this new land a reality for guests… so it won’t be uncommon to see your favorites walking around – including Chewbacca, Rey, Kylo Ren, and Resistance spy Vi Moradi.

Here is where to find characters in Galaxy’s Edge:

• Chewbacca is usually around the Millennium Falcon, as he has arrived on Batuu because the Falcon is in need of repair.
• Rey can be found around the ancient ruins that form the ride queue for the Rise of the Resistance attraction just outside the Black Spire village.
• Kylo Ren can be found in a stormtrooper-controlled sector of Black Spire Outpost.
• Vi Moradi will be found in the rebel area just outside the Black Spire village. He will be trying to enlist prospective recruits for the rebel cause and gain intelligence on the First Order.

And of course, the inhabitants and Storm Troopers are always around – also totally worth a photo-op with the kids.

4. Bathrooms in Galaxy’s Edge

As most parents want to know… yes.. there are 2 bathroom areas inside Galaxy’s Edge… and yes… the men’s room DOES have a baby changing table/area.

5. Play Along with the Disney Parks App

Download the Disney Parks app to do cool things inside the land – like translating the Aurebesh language and interacting with the world even more. You can scan cargo to see what’s inside, tune into secret communications and hack into control panels or Droids.

A look inside Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge:

Here are a few additional images for a look inside…

Everywhere you turn there is something interesting and amazing to look at.

The animatronics are so incredibly life-like.

The views are spectacular from every angle.

These are not the Droids we’re looking for… 😉

 

Will you be visiting Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland (or at WDW Hollywood Studios)? Do you think it lives up to the hype? Let me know in the comments below.