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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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.”
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Dr. Artinian, thank you so much for posting that memory. How exciting it must have been, to share the skies with Apollo 11. I agree that today it seems like a remarkable achievement but of course we have not worked together, so hard for so long, on other projects that really need to be addressed. Education is one place to start!
The Lunar Landings
As I was landing in the northern desert of Saudi Arabia in a DC3 plane on July 20, 1969, the Americans were landing on the moon. That evening, the staff of Badana Base Hospital, that belonged to the Trans Arabian Pipeline Company (Tapline), were listening to the news, (Television was not available in the desert). They welcomed me as the new Internist at the hospital.
Soon I learned that the Saudis found it hard to believe that human beings could defile the moon by landing on it, which could have initiated the moon landing conspiracy theories, that persist today.
Now, 50 years later, the lunar landings were, and remain, the greatest achievement of humanity since the birth of intelligence on earth!
Boghos L. Artinian MD
Great information while traveling with children. Children safety first.
I want to do a car trip with my infant child and wife. But, I was afraid how can I travel with my infant child. After reading your blog I got some courage. Thanks for sharing such information. Thanks a lot.
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CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS, NEW YORK
The Corning Museum of Glass – the world’s largest collection of glass – is showing “Journey to the Moon: How Glass Got Us There” and actual glassy pieces of moon meteorites to touch and see. For scavenger buffs, visitors to the museum can test their super-sleuthing skills and see if they can find the glass-tronaut hidden amongst the galleries.
Awesome Article!
Thanks for sharing..
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TO TEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH IN SPACE OVEN
In a partnership with Zero G Kitchen which is supplying a prototype space oven, and NanoRacks, a commercial space station company, Hilton’s DoubleTree brand is aiding efforts to bring freshly cooked food to the International Space Station. Some time in late 2019, their cookie dough hopes to be the source of the first fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie in space. Here’s more info about this and a cool student competition sponsored by Scholastic.
ok, thanks for the reply!
Thanks for sharing this! you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people.
Indeed, a good list. Everyday. At home or on the road.
hi Heather,
Thanks for your comment. We checked on those images and you’re right, that one with the pirate ship in the pool is not from the Bahia Resort. We removed it and checked the others, and the Bahia still has their famous Moorish style pool and pretty beachfront. Hope you have a great trip there.
Thank you Lisa d. So glad that Laura’s review of both Fairmont resorts helped you to make a choice, especially since you can’t really go wrong in Bermuda.
thank you I have been deciding between the two properties and your post was very helpful in my decision.
One of the pictures with a slide doesn’t look like the pool I remember seeing at the bahia. Did they add a new pool?
Dubai is an amazing destination for tourists from across the world. The city tour, desert safari and dhow cruise are among the most famous things to do in Dubai.
Thank you for sharing a really useful and informative article. The way you have detailed and described is really helpful. Hope to see more amazing articles like this. Keep it up to the good work!
Spring Break in Dubai is more exciting with Adventure Plus Desert Safari Dubai tours in Dubai
Great suggestions! The only action item Id say “Oh Hayyllll Nawww” to would be horse-drawn carriage rides. Check out the internet and youll see whats going on with those poor horses. But your other ideas for educational and just-plain fun – really excited to try them out with the family! Thank again.
Hello Omar and Katie,
The Scholasrship Submission form is working again, please revisit the page: https://myfamilytravels.com/Teen_travel_writing to apply for the 2019 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.
Thanks and good luck!
I would love to participate but I keep getting page not found
Hello Omar, thank you for your note. We have noted this error and our web development team is working to fix it right away. We will let you know when it’s working again. Good luck!
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I am very interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity. However, every time I click on the essay submission form, it takes me to a ‘Page not found’ link and says that there is an error with the link. Is there another link that I could possibly submit my essay and photos?
I had a travel blog in the past. But I was going through a rough phase so I shut it down. This article has inspired me to start once again.
SCHLITTERBAHN OPENS INFINITY RACERS, A MAJOR SPACE-THEMED WATERSLIDE
June 7, Colonel Terry Virts, a U.S. Air Force test/fighter pilot and NASA veteran of two spaceflights, will dedicate the newest, only one of its kind, 8-story-tall waterslide at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Infinity Racers is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides that race through enclosed colorful tubes as long as three space stations.
Nice Post. Thanks for Sharing with us……
Right?? It’s like a dream. I really didn’t believe them at all when I heard that, but looked it up, and sure enough, it’s really that sunny! I can’t wait to head back to the area.
I’m not sure as the rates tend to vary depending on the season. It’s probably best to contact them directly – (727) 363-5100. If you’re curious about their overall rates, I would ask if the rate changes depending on the season, and when their high and low season is. Hope that helps!
I remember visiting KSC during my school days with my friends where we got to learn a lot of interesting things related to space and comsos.
My husband and I are actually scheduled to stay at the Sirata Resort, in just a few days. I was wondering, if you happened to know the cost for the Private Cabana Rentals, you mentioned in your article?? Thank You!!
great useful info you have shared , being a traveler i need it most and it’s really helpful for the first time travelers. thanks for sharing.
I think curious teens would love this road trip. If you schedule enough time for Santa Cruz — which has a great amusement park and places to take surf lessons, that could be a 2-3 day stay for you. Going south, the Hearst Castle with all its tales of intrigue and the story of William Randolph Hearst’s life… it’s pretty fun as house tours go.
The scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful, too, if you think your son would enjoy that. At many points, he can look out and see surfers! Towns like San Luis Obispo (now hip enough that locals call it SLO) have become destinations for wine and craft beers, so there are lots of cafes with young people that are fun, even if you’re not drinking.
The whole California coast is special, so ask your son to do some research and pick out spots that interest him, then incorporate them into your itinerary. That way, he’ll have a vested interest in making sure the trip is fun.
Do you think a 13 yr old would like this trip?
MALDIVES AND THE MOON FOR OUR PACIFIC FRIENDS
This just in from the Maldives:
Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives has the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean so it’s slated as one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to observe and study the stars, planets and the moon. And it’s the moon that is taking centre stage for festivities on July 20th as Anantara Kihavah commemorates the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. To celebrate, Anantara guests are invited to join Shameem, the islands’ resident Star Guru for a ‘Star Gazing’ breakfast. Lay back to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead, and be regaled by Shameem’s knowledge as he takes you on an intergalactic journey before taking a look through the powerful telescope at the craters on the moon that still amaze people 50 years after the first landing.
For guests who like a later start to the day the SKY Bartenders at Kihavah have created a complimentary cocktail for all guests to mark the occasion – The ‘Buzz’ Aldrin ……
Dubai is an awesome place to spend a great time with the loved one or alone be experiencing the local attractions. Thanks for the details, i have missed the dinner night which i will surely book this time and experience it. Keep posting!
I would definitely go for JURASSIC DINOSAUR DIG. Thanks for suggestions
So many good suggestions! It will be hard to choose but surely through these we will have the most beautiful memories in this summer vacation!
361 days of sunshine a year? Wow! It looks like it’s a perfect destination for families! I’ll be more interested in this place!
Glad that you have a great time and a better idea of Vietnam. If you came back, consider visiting Ninh Binh
We are a family who likes to travel and volunteer where possible. We give gifts of time and service. We find that finding small grass roots organisations when on the ground or at your destination creates the best win-win for all concerned. For example we taught English in a small village in Indonesia – https://sabretoothedchickenstour.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/it-takes-a-village/
In the end it is not the actual work you do as a volunteer that is of the greatest impact but the stereotypes you breakdown and the connections made 🙂
Camping holidays in France are extremely popular and you’ll find some fantastic family friendly campsites with a whole host of activities including some brilliant swimming pools.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL
We’ve just heard that the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with a summer filled with flight and space-themed exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, installations and a new film. The celebration kicks off on May 17 with Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, a film with never-before-seen footage and audio recordings of the historic mission. Other highlights include NYSCI’s summer exhibition, Above and Beyond – The Ultimate Flight Exhibition, and Apollo, A Party!, an evening event celebrating the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Check out their schedule for tons of workshops and special family events and go in to see a real Saturn V rocket like the one that took Apollo to the moon.
Man on the Moon in Zurich
The art exhibition “Fly Me to the Moon: The Moon Landing 50 Years On” will be featured at Kunsthaus Zurich in Switzerland, from May 4-June 30. The art show examines how the moon landing, and seeing images of the Earth from far away, changed man’s perception of his place in his environment and the universe. Look for moon works by artists John Russell, Rene Burri, Rene Magritte, Andy Warhol and many more.
Moon Walk Celebration in Ohio!
In southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, the John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is celebrating its first birthday, while marking the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. The observatory has 12 telescopes that offer dark sky views due to a lack of light pollution, allowing visitors to discover a distinct view of the moons, planets, stars and galaxies at each visit. The #Apollo50 events begin at 4 p.m. EDT July 20, 2019 and end at 1 a.m. July 21, 2019.
Nice post. I am traveler and I like adventure trips. Its really amazing. I wish to go there one by one. Thanks for sharing about these parks.
Thank you for useful information. It is very detailed.
Traveling with kids is fun but also very tired as we have to take care of them and don’t have much time for ourselves. Sometime I prefer traveling alone.