After years of waiting the day is almost here: the August 29, 2019 opening of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge.
But, with so much to see and do on the planet of Batuu there are a lot of things to know before you head there
We've gathered all the details on the attractions, restaurants, and shopping opportunities into 1 spot so you can study up before you go.
Here's what you need to know...
In this article
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - everything we definitely know so far
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will be opening up in 2 phases
Phase 1 will be on August 29, 2019. At that time 1 attraction (Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run) along with the shopping and dining options listed below will open.
The 2nd (and more highly anticipated) attraction "Rise of the Resistance" will open with Phase 2 which will be on December 5, 2019.
Details and specs
Size: roughly 14 acres
Planet name: Batuu - a remote outpost that "was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes, but its prominence was bypassed by the rise of hyperspace travel."
Now, visitors will find that Batuu is a thriving port for anybody that might want to avoid detection, like smugglers, rogue traders, or those that want to avoid the First Order.
The village guests will visit on Batuu is named "Black Spire Outpost". The name comes from the geographical formations around it.
Disney says, "Widely known for the petrified remains of its once towering ancient trees, the spires now stand guard across the river valleys and plains and have long captured the imagination of travelers to this planet."
Immersion: The entire land will be an immersive experience where choices guests make and performance at tasks in the attractions will allow them to create a virtual profile that will then determine the interactions of the world around them.
For example, do well on the Millennium Falcon attraction and you might earn extra galactic credits, but if you damage the ship you could end up on the list of a bounty hunter.
Those determinations will then follow you as move through the rest of the area and provide opportunities to be a part of the action.
The immersion begins at the entrance to the area.
Using cleverly designed visual cues, guests enter Galaxy's Edge through enclosed passageways (like a tunnel) that, when exiting, create a framed view of the area.
Attractions
An important note for both attractions is that Disney has announced that FastPass+ will NOT be available when they initially open. We do anticipate that eventually FastPasses will be offered, however, Disney hasn't announced yet when that will happen. Disability Access Service (DAS) will still be available even when FastPass+ isn't. Guests will be issued a return time that is comparable to the current posted wait time.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Opening August 29, 2019)
Height requirement: 38"
This attraction will put guests at the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy - Han's Millennium Falcon.
Guests riding this attraction will be assigned one of 3 unique flight crew roles (which sounds similar to how Mission: Space works).
In addition to the ride itself, the queue area (which will be long to accommodate the expected crowds) will provide guests with lots to look at as it acts as a prologue to the ride.
Guests will also be happy to know that they'll find some fun interactive elements as they wait that they'll be able to access with the Play Disney app.
As for the story, the smuggler known as Hondo (from the animated Star Wars shows) is the man in charge of recruiting some new smugglers to help move weapons and supplies to The Resistance. And it is your crew's job to get the goods to the people that need them.
But, unlike Mission: Space where the crew members' roles and assignments don't change the outcome of the attraction, that's not true here.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will have a much more "choose your own adventure" quality to it which means the things you do - or don't do - will affect how the story plays out.
And, how you do on your mission will follow you through the rest of your time on Batuu. For example, if you do poorly and wreck you might find the bartender at Oga's Cantina calls you out for your lack of piloting skills.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (opening December 5, 2019)
Height requirement: 40"
This attraction puts guests smack dab in the middle of the an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order and considering Disney has said that this new attraction is "one of the most advanced and immersive experiences ever undertaken by Walt Disney Imagineering" all signs point to it being awesome.
Like the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, this attraction will also have an expansive queue designed to hold the crowds and if you look down, you'll see something that might look familiar: the tracks from the real R2-D2. And, the Play Disney app will also allow guests to dive even deeper into the prologue of the story before they board the attraction.
Something (or, should we say, several somethings) else familiar is found on this attraction: Poe, Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren (all created with footage from the original actors).
This attraction involves being taken through several larger-than-life rooms with fun names like the "interrogation room" and the less scary sounding "cargo bay". Guests can expect to see X-wing fighters, Animatronic Stormtroopers, and TIE fighters.
This attraction has several stages - and although it has been rumored to last close to 30 minutes long Disney says that isn't the case.
You start off being captured with Poe promising to return for help. After that, the next part of the attraction has you boarding vehicles that utilize a trackless system that takes you through a hanger containing a couple iconic (and scary) AT-ATs before eventually bringing you to Kylo Ren.
Expect "jaw-dropping moments" and a complete "cinematic immersive experience."
Characters
Stormtroopers
The March of the First Order will make its final appearance outside of Galaxy's Edge on July 6, 2019 in preparation for the Stormtroopers moving to Batuu for the August 29 opening.
Kylo Ren
Kylo Ren will also be seen at the Black Spire Outpost on Batuu where he will "interrogate the locals, seeking any Resistance sympathizers."
Chewbacca
The Resistance will also be represented with appearances from everybody's favorite Wookie: Chewbacca. He'll be there helping to establish a temporary base and rounding up recruits for The Resistance.
Vi Moradi
Vi Moradi is a Resistance spy working under the orders of General Organa and you'll find her sharing some of the tricks of the trade with guests visiting the Black Spire Outpost
Rey
Rey may also be spotted. Look for her in the wooded outskirts of the village.
Dining
Oga's Cantina
Unique musical entertainment (provided by RX-24, the former StarSpeeder 3000 droid pilot from Star Tours) and amazing concoctions "created with exotic ingredients using “otherworldly” methods" await visitors to this notorious local watering hole.
Described by Disney as:
"Run by an intriguing alien proprietor, Oga Garra, the cantina adheres to a strict code of conduct that tries to keep its unruly patrons in check. But with a history of being a smugglers’ safe haven and a popular stopping point for those seeking to avoid the authorities, you can bet that the cantina has a story or two to tell."
Several Star Wars-themed alcoholic beverages will also be available including: Bespin Fizz, Bloody Rancor, Dagobah Slug Slinger, Fuzzy Tauntaun, Jedi Mind Trick, Jet Juice, The Outer Rim, Spriran Caf, T-16 Skyhopper, and Yub Nub.
And, exclusive to the Walt Disney World version, the Rodian Ration which is a combination of vodka, sour apple liqueur, Sprite, and green apple popping pearls.
For guests under the age of 21 (or those not interested in the alcoholic ones) there is a selection of non-alcoholic beverages to choose from including: Black Spire Brew, Blue Bantha, Carbon Freeze, Cliff Dweller, Hyperdrive Punch It!, Jabba Juice, Moogan Tea, and Tarine Tea.
If you want to grab a drink here, though, you'll need to make a reservation online.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo*
This multi-purpose transport shuttle dock will provide guests with food and drink options, all, of course, with a Star Wars story behind them.
At Docking Bay 7, "Chef Strono "Cookie" Tuggs has converted his modified Sienar-Chall Utilipede-Transport into a popular mobile kitchen and restaurant."
While Disney hasn't said, the wide selection of items here makes this sound like a standard "quick service" type restaurant albeit with a heavily-themed menu.
Entree's here include:
- Braised Shaak Roast, featuring beef pot roast with cavatelli pasta, kale, and mushrooms
- Fried Endorian Tip-Yip, a decadent chicken dish with roasted vegetable mash and herb gravy
- Ithorian Garden Loaf, a plant-based “meatloaf” dish served with roasted vegetable mash, seasonal vegetables, and mushroom sauce
- Smoked Kaadu Ribs, featuring smoked country sticky pork ribs with blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw
- Yobshrimp Noodle Salad, a marinated noodle salad with chilled shrimp.
Dessert options include:
- Oi-Oi Puff, a raspberry crème puff with passion fruit mousse
- Batuu-bon, which is a chocolate cake with white chocolate mouse and coffee custard
Children's menu has 3 options:
- Fried Endorain Tip-Yip which is fried chicken with macaroni and cheese
- Yobshrimp Noodle Salad, a chilled shrimp with vegetables and rice noodle salad (with sweet orange dressing)
- A Taste of Takodana, which is a black beam hummus serviced with chilled dipping vegetables and multigrain crisps
Check out the menu on the Disney World website.
Ronto Roasters*
Serving primarily sandwiches and a few drinks, the menu here isn't as long as the one at Docking Bay 7.
Choices here include the Turkey Jerkey and the Ronto Wrap which is a wrap filled with grilled sausage and roasted pork.
Milk Stand*
What would anything Star Wars-themed be without blue milk?!
The Milk Stand will offer 2 local favorites: Blue Milk (a la "A New Hope") and Green Milk (like the stuff Luke drinks in "The Last Jedi").
And, exclusive to the Hollywood Studios version, if you like you can even order your milk with alcohol (Blue Milk Cooler with rum or a Green Milk Cooler with tequila).
Kat Saka's Kettle
Of course, what would any land in the parks be without popcorn and you can find a colorful option for that here.
*Dining locations that will offer Mobile Ordering
Shopping
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will have several unique shops with a wide array of items available for guests.
But - Disney is proud to say that one thing you won't find here are items you could purchase elsewhere. Disney says "Everything was created specifically for Galaxy’s Edge."
Droid Depot
This will be the go-to spot for guests wanting to create their own droid to take home (both R-series and BB-series options will be available).
These aren't just toys to look at, though.
There will be a variety of computer chips and accessories that will bring the droids to life making them a truly unique souvenir.
If you don't feel like making your own, pre-built droids will also be available.
Interested in making your own droid? You'll need to make a reservation online.
Savi's Workshop
Ever wanted your very own lightsaber? Well, if so, you are in luck because at Savi's Workshop you'll be able to build one from scratch with the assistance of Gatherers which Disney describes as "a secretive group of people who have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of Jedi lore and the Force."
And, no need to worry if you're feeling the Dark Side pulling you - you'll be able to embrace it when you choose your kyber crystal (the heart of the lightsaber).
You'll have 4 options to choose from:"Peace Justice (modeled after Jedi from the Republic era); Power Control (a nod to the Sith); Elemental Nature (harnessing air, earth, fire, and water); and Defense (shrouded in mystery)."
Savi's is by reservation only (which you can make online).
Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities
This is the go-to place for unique souvenirs and items representing different eras of the Star Wars galaxy.
First Order Cargo
This spot provides tourists with the "chance to pledge their loyalty to the First Order by purchasing caps, gear, model ships, pins, and more."
Resistance Supply
Here you can find hats, pins, and other accessories to show your support of the cause.
Market Stalls
In addition to the shops there are also several "market stalls" where guests can purchase items to bring back to Earth.
- Toydarian Toymaker (toys)
- Creature Stall (critters you can take home with you)
- Black Spire Outfitters (clothes)
- The Jewels of Birth (accessories)
Costumes
Just like with Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney encourages "bounding" but not full costumes that could be mistaken for Disney Cast Members or characters.
Just what is Disney Bounding, you ask?
Disney Bounding means using a majority of "regular" clothing items to put together ensembles that resemble popular Disney (or in this case, Star Wars) characters.
It lets fans represent their favorite heroes or villains without causing issues that would pop up if guests looked too much like the "real thing".
When planning what to wear, Disney states that these things are NOT allowed:
- All robes or military-style attire
- Masks, face paint, elaborate headwear, blasters or holsters (lightsabers are allowed) or hard items such as body armor, helmets or kneepads
- Full character suits
Check out this Disney Parks Blog post for more information on what clothing items are (and are not) allowed.
Play Disney Parks mobile app
Since the initial announcement of Galaxy's Edge Disney has been consistent in talking about how guests would use technology to interact with their environment.
Part of that will involve the use of the Play Disney Parks app to take guests on "interactive adventures and experiences" which will help further immerse them into the land.
While there aren't specific details as of yet, we do know that the app will do things like provide translation services for the galactic language found in Galaxy's Edge, allow them to interact with items located throughout the space (which sounds a lot like the technology used in Agent P's Adventure in Epcot or Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom), and provide missions for guests to complete.
Galaxy's Edge planning tips
Other places to find Star Wars at Disney World
Star Wars land news
August 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is now visible in the app!
With just days to go until the official opening (and previews in full swing) the new land has been added to the maps available in the My Disney Experience app and online.
July 2019
Opening date for Rise of the Resistance is announced.
In a surprise move, Disney announced that Walt Disney World would see the opening of Rise of the Resistance before Disneyland's version.
December 5th (which just happens to be Walt Disney's birthday) will see this highly anticipated opening.
Disneyland's version will open a little over a month later on January 17, 2020.
Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.
May 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disneyland
With much fanfare, Disneyland welcomed the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge on May 31, 2019. Check out the video below for some of the reactions from guests as they got their first glimpse of the planet of Batuu.
April 2019
Star Wars Celebration merchandise updates
At the Star Wars Celebration in Chicago, Disney revealed some new merchandise coming to Galaxy's Edge. They also revealed that the merchandise will be the same at each of the parks (Disneyland and Hollywood Studios). Check out the video below for a look at some of the items you can expect to see.
Updates from the "Bringing Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge to life in Disney Parks" panel
At the "Bringing Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge to life in Disney Parks" panel at Star Wars Celebration in Chicago, Disney released some new information about what to expect at the opening of Galaxy's Edge including that Star Wars themed Coca Cola products will be available for purchase in the land.
Disney also released more details about the Play Disney Parks app and how it will interact in Galaxy's Edge including introducing a new game called "Outpost Control"!
March 2019
Opening Date Announced
Disney has announced that Galaxy's Edge will be opening in phases with the first phase opening on August 29, 2019. At this point, the restaurants and shopping locations will be operational as well as one of the two new attractions - Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The other new attraction (Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance) will be opening as part of phase 2 on December 5, 2019.
Disney also announced that for now, neither new attraction will have FastPass+ available. We expect this to change in the future, but for now you will not be able to book FastPasses for these attractions. Galaxy's Edge and it's attractions will be open for Extra Magic Hours.
We also learned the height requirements for each of the two new attractions. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will have a height requirement of 38", while Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will be 40".
February 2019
Massive reveal
Disney has been busy this week with lots of promotion for Galaxy's Edge.
On the D23 website Disney let loose a ton of new details on everything from restaurants to shops to costumes.
There's lots to get caught up on so be sure you read more about it on the D23 website.
Lots of new details released for the new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Disney is known for its storytelling - both on the screen and in the parks - and as the calendar creeps ever closer to the opening dates for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge more and more details are being revealed that lead us to believe the storytelling guests can expect to find when they visit Batuu will be far and beyond what they've seen before inside a Disney park.
As found in this article from Entertainment Weekly, one fun thing guests can expect to find will be a queue which will (hopefully) make the long waits a little less painful by incorporating incredible scenery as well as interactive elements that you'll be able to access through the Play Disney Parks app.
And, the fun doesn't stop there.
While waiting to board the "hunk of junk", guests will have the opportunity to explore the famous "chess room", something even casual Star Wars fans will find intriguing.
Read more about it in Entertainment Weekly.
Rise of the Resistance details revealed
Disney let the folks over at Entertainment Weekly get an in-depth look at Rise of the Resistance, too.
This attraction looks amazing.
Again - expect complete immersion and familiar places and faces (like Poe, Rey, Finn, and even Kylo Ren).
And, while not the rumored 28 minutes long, from what we know so far, it sounds like this attraction will last far longer than just a few minutes.
Read more about it in Entertainment Weekly.
December 2018
Star Wars: Galaxy Edge sneak peek
Disney Parks Blog posted a behind-the-scenes look at Star Wars: Galaxy Edge giving a sneak peek at the land and the two new attractions coming to it: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
November 2018
The attractions get names & John Williams has been busy!
At D23's "Destination D" event, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek premiered 2 new videos which not only revealed a few more details about the coming attractions, it also filled people in on the new names!
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
It was also announced that THE John Williams himself would be composing brand new and exclusive themes for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. We can't think of a more fitting person to score this exciting new land.
You can read more about these announcements on the Disney Parks Blog.
August 2018
A name is announced: Oga's Cantina
As was expected, the Black Spire Outpost in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is getting a cantina that will be serving "pilots, bounty hunters, smugglers, locals and galactic travelers alike."
Read more about the preliminary details in the Disney Parks Blog.
May 2018
Star Wars-inspired resort update
Everybody has been on edge waiting for details on the much anticipated new Star Wars-inspired resort coming to Walt Disney World.
Disney has released a little bit more information and now we know its location. According to Disney, the resort will be located on the south side of Disney's Hollywood Studios, just to the east of World Drive.
We're still waiting on many other details, though, like price point and opening date.
Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.
The village gets a name
At Star Wars: Galactic Nights, the name of the village area guests will visit on Batuu was revealed. Black Spire Outpost is the largest settlement on Batuu and, as Disney says, is "an infamous stop for traders, adventurers, and smugglers traveling around the Outer Rim and Wild Space."
Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.
Opening Season announced
Disney has just confirmed the season for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios: Late Fall of 2019.
Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.
February 2018
New images revealed of the new Star Wars-inspired resort
This new, totally immersive resort experience just became even easier to imagine with the release of some new conceptual video.
We now know that this resort will "connect seamlessly" to Star Wars: Galaxy's edge which will allow guests to fully surround themselves in the Star Wars experience.
No word yet on when construction will start (or more importantly when the resort will be ready to open) but these latest images are sure to get people excited!
Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.
December 2017
Update from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
To wrap up the 12 Days of Christmas news Disney pushed out this holiday season, fans were rewarded with some new details about the upcoming Star Wars land - Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
It sounds like Disney is doing what Disney does best with creating an in-depth, totally immersive experience.
Read more about this latest update on the Disney Parks Blog.
November 2017
And the name is: Batuu
The newest destinations for Star Tours started this month and included a sneak peak at what guests might expect to see when the new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens in 2019. Not only were guests treated with a peek at the new planet, we also now know its name: Batuu.
Read more about this latest update on the Disney Parks Blog.
Major Milestone in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge construction was reached
A major milestone was met as Cast Members and Imagineers involved in the construction of the new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge lands took out their sharpies and added their names to beams that will be installed.
Read more about this latest update on the Disney Parks Blog.
October 2017
A new sequence for Star Tours set to debut next month
A new sequence for Star Tours will make its debut at Hollywood Studios on November 17, 2017. This new sequence is inspired by The Last Jedi and will take place on the planet of Crait.
Need to see The Last Jedi trailer again? Catch it below.
Read more about the new sequence on Star Tours on The Disney Parks Blog.
August 2017
Hollywood Studios to receive a piece of the model displayed at D23
After unveiling the models at D23 in July of 2017, Disney is bringing a portion of that epic model to Hollywood Studios for guests to preview.
The model will be available starting in mid-September and will be housed in the newly re-named Walt Disney Presents (formerly called One Man's Dream). In addition to the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge model, guests will also have access to a never-before-seen model of Toy Story Land, as well as concept art for the new Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway attraction.
More details can be found on the Disney Parks Blog.
July 2017 - D23 Star Wars news & announcements recap
Galaxy's Edge model fly-through
Fly through the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge model that was just reveled at the D23 Expo. The details are beyond impressive!
A Star Wars-inspired resort is coming to Walt Disney World
If the details on what to expect at the newly named Star Wars: Galaxy's edge weren't enough, the news that a new highly-immersive Star Wars-themed resort had the crowd gasping in excitement.
Disney Parks Blog has more details and images; we can't imagine the experience will be cheap, but it definitely looks impressive!
Star Wars land gets a name and details on what to expect are revealed
We have a name! Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. This new land will take guests to a remote trading port on the edge of space where they'll find 2 new attractions, a totally immersive experience and even some blue milk. Check out what Disney's Park Blog has to say about it.
March 2017
Construction continues with highlights revealed in the latest Disney Parks Blog video
The new Star Wars-themed land construction continues with some well known shapes beginning to take form. The video is from Disneyland, but the attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be the same.
November 2016
A peek at what the new Star Wars land will look like at night
If the new Star Wars-themed land at Disney's Hollywood Studios is destined to look amazing in the daylight, then the nighttime just might be spectacular according to the latest from the Disney Parks Blog.
February 2016
New details on the attractions of Star Wars land emerge
Disney used the opportunity during their "Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60" special last night to drop a few more hints and details as to what to expect to see at the new Star Wars-themed lands.
Some of the best news was that one of the signature attractions of this new land will have guests piloting the "fastest ship in the galaxy" (The Millennium Falcon).
Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.
August 2015
Star Wars land officially announced
At D23 in Anaheim, CA, The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger made the much anticipated announcement that 2 Star Wars-themed lands will be coming to the Disney parks: one at Disneyland and the other at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.
These lands are not only impressive because they are Star Wars-themed (something fans worldwide have been begging to see) but they are also going to be HUGE (14 acres each) and will be Disney's largest single-themed land expansions ever. In comparison, the most recently constructed new land at Disney World is New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom which capped out at a total of 11 acres. The new land will also include 2 new attractions, but no confirmation yet on blue milk.
In addition to the new lands some additional enhancements were also announced:
- a new Star Tours adventure that will include new locations and characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- Star Wars Launch Bay which will provide an opportunity for guests to check out artifacts from the movies, meet Star Wars characters and purchase special merchandise
- a re-imagining of Jedi Training academy to include new characters and a new villain
You can read more about what is coming in the years ahead on the Disney Parks Blog.
