October 11, 2019

Walt Disney World: Galaxy’s Edge

If you’re a fan of Star War’s you have most likely heard about Disney’s newest land. Galaxy’s edge is a brand new area inside Hollywood Studios. In the last few year’s Hollywood Studios has come a long way. About 5 years ago it had a reputation as the most boring of the 4 parks. Since then they have added some fun interactive rides and opened Toy Story Land and now Galaxy’s Edge.

With the prices Disney charges for daily admission you’re probably wondering if Galaxy’s Edge is worth the hype. I recently took a visit to this far away Galaxy to check it out and see what all the hype was about.

Even if you don’t know what to expect or you are not not a Star Wars fan, you can appreciate this new land. I actually have never seen a full Star Wars movie. I know the characters and the basic original story and that’s where my knowledge ends.

However, Disney did such a great job with this land that I don’t think you need to be a die-hard fan to enjoy it. The transition into the land takes you through a tunnel that really makes you feel like you are traveling to a new land. The normal theme park noise fades away and the earth-toned futuristic design truly feels like you are no longer in Florida. You have indeed been transported to a galaxy far, far away.

Entering the Galaxy’s Edge

Once you pass through that tunnel you find yourself on the planet Batuu. Everything from the bathrooms to the concessions stands play the part of a this new land. The drinks and food are very futuristic and all the information printed on even the coke products are written in Aurebesh, the language of Star Wars.

The Millennium Falcon

The first of the two rides planned for Galaxy’s edge opened with the grand opening on September 29. It’s still so new that Disney is not letting you make fast passes for this ride. On opening day the wait was up to 300 minutes. The Sunday we decided to visit was full of late afternoon rain showers which helped with wait time tremendously. We only waited 45 minutes to board.

Once you make it to the front of the time you are given a card with a color and a job title. This lets you know which crew you are on and what your job on board will be. We were assigned as engineers on the orange crew. As engineer you are responsible for pushing buttons to fix any damage to your ship as you fly through space trying to complete your mission.

After getting your assignment you enter the waiting area and listen for you teams color to be called. There’s even a futuristic Dejarik chess table you can have seat at to wait. The entire inside area of this ride really feels like you are inside a space station loading dock. There’s control panels everywhere, flashing lights and overhead announcements.

Once your team is called to board you ship it’s time to complete your mission. Your team of six, 2 pilots, 2 gunners, and 2 engineers. One reason this ride is so cool is that it is very interactive. Every mission is different depending on how well the pilots fly, the gunners shoot, and how quickly the engineers can fix the damage.

At the end of the mission you will hear a report of how well you completed your mission. Your team will also either earn a nice pay day or have to pay your mission boss to repair the damage you caused to the ship.

Olga’s Cantina

Inside Olga’s Cantina you will find a mix of fun futuristic drinks, catchy galatic tunes, and interesting small plate snacks. The inside is not to large and it’s mostly standing only, unless you make a reservation for one of the few booths inside. There was a line to get inside, but thanks the two drink/45 min time limit the line moves pretty quick. We waited about 10 min for our spot at the bar.

Inside the bartenders work quick to fulfill your orders and help you understand the interesting menu. We tried the Fuzzy TaunTaun because so many people had talked it up. The $15 Fuzzy TaunTaun is a Peach Vodka/Orange juice drink that is very tasty, but what makes it unique is the “Buzzz” foam it’s topped with. The foam has a numbing effect that leaves your tongue and lips tingling

The Milk Stand

The milk is a favorite with fans wanting a more classic piece of Star Wars. It serves the blue milk from the original trilogy and green milk from The last Jedi. While this is a milk stand there is actually no dairy in these drinks. They are made from coconut and rice milks mixed with and interesting berry flavor to create the colors. The are both served as frozen slushies. There is an option to add alcohol to either drink, but doing so will change the consistency of the drink.

While you are waiting for your drink at the milk stand be alert as it it located near the First Order territory. There is a good chance you might run into roaming storm troopers or even Kylo Ren himself.

The Marketplace, Light Sabers and Droids

The market place is Galaxy’s edge is full of beautiful lights, draped cloths and colors. When walking through the market there are lots of small markets along the sides. Each one with its own unique trinkets for you to buy and take home.

You can buy everything in the market place from creepy dolls at the creature stall to full outfits at Black Spire Outfitters, so you can dress like a true resident.

Perhaps the most sought after memorabilia are the light sabers and droids. Disney made sure to make both of these an experience as you can build you own tech. At the Droid Depot pieces of droid roll by on conveyor belts and you can pick out your parts to assemble your own creation. Each one comes with a remote and it’s own personality chip.

If you want to build your own light saber it’s a little more complicated. To do so you will have to find a secret symbol (an ancient jedi crest) at Savi’s Workshop. Once you find the symbol there will be a secret phrase. Tell that phrase to the gatherers and they will take you inside the secret workshop. Inside the shop is where you can assemble you own light saber. This experience cost $199.99, but you will have your own one of a kind personalized light saber.

Is it Worth It?

In my opinion it is 100% worth a visit! Disney did such a great job with this land that I think everyone will be happily surprised by how much they enjoy their visit to Galaxy’s edge. Don’t take my work for it though, the next time you find yourself in Central Florida make sure you schedule a quick trip to this Galaxy far far away and let me know what you think?