Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, An Epic Adventure - My Family Travels

Give in to the gravitational pull of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World because there’s just no resisting it. Whether or not you’re a Star Wars fan, whether you side with the Resistance or the First Order, these duplicate 14-acre “lands” – the largest in Disney’s history – are so immersive that being there is just, well, irresistible.

Bright sun or rising moon, welcome aboard.

Making Star Wars happen

The demand for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is out of this world. Book a room at one of the three Disneyland Resort Hotels or any of the Walt Disney World resorts however, and you can use the hotels’ ticket allotment to design your own intergalactic adventure. Hotel guests will have early and additional access to this much in-demand attraction.

At either theme park, experienced pilots will use Disney’s timed ride apps, FastPass or the MaxPass, to book their ride time on the thrilling Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and a second ride opening at year’s end to participate in the fun. Ditto for the Disney Play app, which savvy younger crew can use to hack into elements of this rich new land, translate Aurebesh lettering and interact with droids and other Batuu residents.

Seamless technology

Water fountains at Black Spire Outpost on Batuu.
Every aspect of Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu is perfectly detailed.

What makes Disney’s latest theme park expansion so successful is the use of technology to bring Black Spire Outpost to life on the new planet of Batuu. The new land I flew into, at Disneyland tucked between Frontierland and Fantasyland, is crafted like a good film; the scene is revealed slowly, teasingly, building toward your first view of the remarkable, full-size Millennium Falcon

The immersive 4D environment (4D because the sound effects here are brilliant) was inspired by Arizona’s Petrified Forest. God is in the detail everywhere as you hunt for the Resistance or hide from the First Order; your choice. Orient yourself to the darkest simulated rock, Black Spire, get lost in the covered market, examine junk spacecraft and enjoy the alien gardens.

Ground-breaking Audio Animatronics tools animate the on-beat DJ at Oga’s Cantina. The wily metallic smuggler, Hondo Ohnaka (the popular scoundrel seen on the “Star Wars: Rebels” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” TV series), sends guests out on their Millennium Falcon run.

Most importantly, none of the tech matters.

Drifting as if weightless through the back lanes of Batuu — actually inspired by the other-world souk of Marrakech and bazaar of Istanbul – transports you to a time far, far away when none of us will even notice the use of technology.

Life on Batuu is seamless.

Thrilling adventures

Star Destroyer at Disneyland
Enter a Star Destroyer and join an epic battle between the First Order and the Resistance – including a faceoff with Kylo Ren – at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. c. Disney Parks

The whole place has a rogue edge and a backstory that will make Resistance sympathizers keep their politics to themselves.

As a first-gen Star Wars fan I happily admit to the thrill of piloting the Millennium Falcon on the land’s new ride. My first flight as a gunner was super fun and a supreme failure because the two engineers on our six-person team (all ages, minimum height 38”) were unable to keep up with the chaos. Our team’s wretched pilots had so badly damaged the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy that repairs outweighed the bounty I was supposed to earn for the mission.

When I took control on the next ride, er, flight, we came out with 300 Credits for stealing two Coaxium capsules – not enough to purchase the Princess Leia replica necklace I saw (2,000 Credits) but respectable, nonetheless.

Ogle the X-wing and A-wing fighters docked opposite the Rise of the Resistance entry and get ready to take home models of starships, like the gorgeous larger-than-life TIE Echelon that you’ve never before encountered.

Of course, when the newest ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens at both parks, it promises to blow everything else away. Literally. Disney’s CEO Bob Iger has already announced that “no one has ever attempted anything of this magnitude,” so our expectations are quite high. This ride (the only other one planned so far) is set to open in Orlando on Dec. 5, 2019 and at Disneyland’s Star Wars Land in Anaheim on Jan. 17, 2020.

A merchant’s bounty in light sabers

Legacy light sabers at Dok-Ondar's shop of antiquities.
Try out the legacy light sabers used by your heroes or villains at Dok-Ondar’s shop of antiquities.

The biggest win here is the merchandise, which is marketed in such dramatic settings that the upscale shopping is totally captivating. Collect your Credits (U.S. currency exchange rates at our visit were US$1 = 1 Credit) and be prepared to spend.

Depending on your crew, start at Savi’s Workshop, the very discreet place to build your own 200-Credit custom lightsaber using parts collected by Batuu Gatherers. Once you select a theme for your grip, the secretive Resistance merchants provide parts from old Jedi temples, remnants of dark side weapons, Rancor teeth or perhaps a hilt inscribed with symbols of the Force to meet your needs. Load it with Kyber crystals for extra power.

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities is run by Dok, a junk merchant and pirate who we met in “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” Older generations and nostalgic millennials will enjoy the collection of legacy lightsabers, mostly of the Jedi and Sith variety. They faithfully replicate those used by Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Maul and others (Luke’s lightsaber, a narrower legacy model, has a twist-off fitting to accommodate the new, wider diameter green blades), and cost 109.99 to 199.99 Credits.

(By the way, other lightsabers, much less expensive, are still sold in old school shops like Star Traders in Tomorrowland and come in variety of colors.)

Droids to take home

Pets at the Creature Shop in the Black Spire Outpost marketplace.
Take home a friend in need from the Creature Shop in the Black Spire Outpost marketplace.

For an indispensable companion, head to the Droid Depot where you can buy premium action figures, including a full-size R2D2 for 25,000 Credits as well as droids with speakers who make DJ sound effects.

Be an astromech maker and build your own (with help of cast members, if needed.) For 100 Credits, choose between an R- and BB-series model and select the necessary parts from a conveyor belt stocked with spares. These battery-operated buddies are remote controlled and interact with other drojds on Batuu via Bluetooth. Best feature? You can change your droid’s personality later on with an insertable chip

A foodie Instagramathon

Aurebesh labels on Coca-Cola products sold on Batuu.
Brands like Coca-Cola have gone all in to maintain the Star Wars theming with Aurebesh labels for goods sold on Batuu.

Hungry? Kids can order fried Endorian Tip-yip – a fried chicken concoction with light-saber-green gravy that is out of this world. Sidle up to Milk Bar to sample Blue Milk and Green Milk, sold as slushies or straight up depending on which dive you fall into. Tapioca pearls, oddly shaped star fruit and creative flavor combos ensure you won’t starve on Batuu.

Who can forget the Mos Eisley cantina from the very first “Star Wars: A New Hope”?

Oga’s Cantina rules the social scene on Batuu, thanks to the heavy beat provided by DJ R-3X and the wild assortment of food and drink. Nerdists will be pleased to know that on all of Batuu, this cantina is by the original Star Wars design genius, Ralph McQuarrie, whose plans for an unused set were found in the Lucasfilm Archives by Disney Imagineers.

And imagine they did. The tanks and tubes curling around Oga’s Cantina serve a plethora of imaginative cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks; many are plant-based beverages that cater to dietary restrictions.

Cast and crew in overdrive

The cast members at Oga's Cantina in the latest Batuuan fashions.
The cast members at Oga’s Cantina have several options to style their look in the latest Batuuan fashions.

The delightful cast members, all seemingly reared in Starwarslandia, have been given a range of mix-and-match gear that Rey and Anakin would envy. Some in snappy outfits are obviously with the First Order; others are so scruffy they may sleep in porg nests with those annoying sea birds from The Last Jedi.

One Resistance-empathizer I whispered with suggested he had a possible hundred variations between his reversible vests, jewelry and head gear, and he delighted in changing his character daily.

That spirit and devotion to lives on Batuu add much to the experience. Of course, Disney’s superb cast members also do on-earth chores like assist guests in selecting light saber grips or helping those with food allergies in making the appropriate choices.

Refresh your Star Wars IQ

A replica of the silver necklace worn by Princess Leia.
A replica of the silver necklace worn by Princess Leia at the end of “A New Hope” is for sale at Dok-Ondars.

Grandparents and parents may want to refresh their knowledge at Star Wars: Launch Bay in Tomorrowland beforing taking off for Batuu. This multimedia archive of past and present Star Wars characters features their uniforms, spacecraft and allegiance to either the First Order (Imperial troops back in the day) or the Rebel Alliance (Jedi and friends).

Of particular interest is the model of Batuu that is the basis for Stars Wars Land: Galaxys Edge and the video that explains the story’’s origin.  Wait a few minutes for a chance to meet Chewbacca or Darth Vader in their own habitats and take some photos.

Star Tours, the reimagined 3D motion control ride piloted by C-3P0, is a fun if nostalgic adventure. You’ll be passengers in a space transporter trying to evade enemies and obstacles; relying on cranky C-3PO to steer you away from trouble is the fun part.

Are you still feeling character and craft challenged? Trying to impress the grandkids?

Batuu visitors may benefit from purchasing the new line of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge comics or any of the young adult novels being published about the new land. (Yes, they sell books in the gift shops!)

If reading is not your thing, just go and enjoy. It’s all there to revel in no matter the depth of pop culture nerdiness in your group.

Given the ever-shifting allegiances on Batuu, we quietly empower you with, “May the Force be with you.”

Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.

2 Replies to “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, An Epic Adventure”

  • Advanced Adventure Nepal

    Your thoughtful tips—like timing your visit for fewer crowds and savoring the local seafood—add so much value for planning a perfect summer getaway. Thanks for sharing such a beautifully curated list—I’m definitely adding these towns to my travel list!

  • Asim Siddiqui

    This enthusiastic blog provides a huge list of 51 varied and exciting summer vacation ideas for families, offering options from theme parks to national parks both near and far.

  • elite

    Absolutely love the insights you’ve shared in this blog!

  • Explore now

    Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
    I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
    A lot of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  • smor

    Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.

  • Rilakkuma

    Great read! I really appreciated the insights you shared—especially the way you broke things down in a clear and relatable way. Looking forward to more content like this. Keep up the great work!

  • Celeste Hedequist

    Traveling to Aruba promises an unforgettable escape. From white-sand beaches to clear turquoise waters, this Caribbean gem invites you to create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sense of adventure!

  • agen

    Thanks very nice blog!

  • Th?

    Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up plus the rest of the site is very good.

  • Anna

    This article was very informative thank you!
    For the people that are planning to go to Aruba, I would also suggest this website: https://canitravel.net/countries/aruba . I used it last month when I went to Aruba and it always had up-to-date travel restrictions. I hope this helps 🙂

  • ht

    Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
    I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks
    for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  • Southwest Airlines Vacation Packages

    This is such helpful information! Traveling with minors can get complicated, and having all the required documents ready makes the process so much smoother. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly!

  • SGV

    Great blog! I really enjoyed reading it. The way you explained everything in such simple and clear words made it easy to follow. Sometimes blogs can get too technical or confusing, but this one was straight to the point and very helpful.

  • drover

    I got good info from your blog

  • drover

    Keep working ,great job!

  • drover

    I haven’t checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  • Mattie

    I had the chance to experience Denmark during the Christmas season, and it’s something I’ll always hold close to my heart. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen felt like stepping into a storybook. The way the entire park was dressed in soft, glowing lights, handmade decorations, and the comforting scent of mulled wine in the air made every moment feel special.

    There’s a unique warmth about this place that isn’t just from the cocoa or winter drinks, but from the people, the laughter, and the little traditions scattered around every corner. Watching families gather, children’s faces light up at the sight of the reindeer, and the simple joy of wandering through beautifully decorated stalls reminded me how lovely the holiday season can be.

    It’s not just about the decorations or the rides — it’s the feeling of togetherness, the calm, and the way time seems to slow down so you can really take in the small, meaningful moments. I left with a heart full of good memories and a deep appreciation for the charm and kindness of Danish traditions.

    If you ever get the chance to visit, I promise it’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left.

  • Daisel

    The article is full of information , thanks for such a good knowledge.

  • HLS Holidays

    This article is incredibly informative and well-structured. It offers clear, practical guidance on a topic many travelers often overlook—traveling with minors. The detailed breakdown of required documents and the emphasis on consent letters provide much-needed clarity for parents and guardians planning a trip. A must-read for anyone traveling with children!

  • Cure for ED

    Great article! I completely agree with your points.

    Keep up the good work

  • Excellent post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this topic?
    I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
    Thanks!

  • HABANERO88

    Hi, yes this post is genuinely nice and I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging. thanks.

  • Dinesh

    Excellent post! I found your analysis both engaging and informative. Well done.

  • zor

    I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?

  • zor

    Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was searching for!

  • zor

    Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to search out anyone with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this website is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!

  • Thank you for such praise, I am glad I could present the material in a way that made you want to see and experience St. Augustine’s Black history for yourself.

    Of course, this beach town has lots more to offer but if you are willing to walk the lanes and dig a little bit, the history of the first Blacks and how much they contributed to protecting the colony is fascinating.

    Hope you get there and enjoy your trip.

  • Davide

    Your trip sounds absolutely incredible! Lisbon is truly a magical city, and your experience during the EuroCup must have made it even more special. If anyone reading this is planning a trip to Lisbon, I highly recommend taking a free walking tour to explore the city’s rich history, charming streets, and hidden gems with a local guide. You can check out this great option: https://www.guruwalk.com/lisbon. It’s a fantastic way to get an insider’s perspective on the city!

  • Kia

    It’s iin reality a great and helpful piece oof info.
    I’m satisfied that you shared this helpful information with us.
    Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing

  • luxurytoursofturkey

    Great content for cruise lovers !! One of the most advantage of cruising is you do not have to pick your luggages every day , and every day you discover a new country. Although one day is not enough to see everything it gives an idea about a country ! With my experience since 2007, 99,9% of my guest said that Kusadasi/Turkey is their favorite port among all the other ports. Because we have a lot of options for every traveler. The most popular places , if your ship is docking at Kusadasi, is Ephesus ancient city which is only 25 min. drive away. Ephesus was the 4th largest ancient city of the world in 2 c AD.Most of the ruins are reconstructed and gives an idea about Roman’ glorious times. If you ever visit Ephesus, I suggest you to see Terrace Houses , where the rich were living and houses are decorated with beautiful mosaics and frescoes from 3rd c AD.If you want to add a spiritual break , thats House of Virgin Mary is there. It is believed that she was taken by St. John the apostle to there.Another place you must see Ephesus Museum.. Forget all that boring museums you have seen . While guiding , I explain the most interesting artifacts , including original staue of Artemis. BTW. did you know that one of seven wonders of ancient world was located there? Well… not so much left , but it is still worth to be seen. If you ever visit Kusadasi,and want to have private tour, please feel free to contact with me ! I am very happy to answer your questions and customize your trip to Ephesus. Please visit my website,not only for Ephesus trip but also to get an idea about my beloved country Turkey/Turkiye. You can see different types of tours that I organize. Archaeological , culinary or lets customize your tour to Turkey together!! luxurytoursofturkey.com/