For more than forty years, fans of Star Wars have been dreaming about someday getting the chance to explore a land from "a galaxy far, far away." They have fantasized about piloting the "fastest hunk of junk" in the galaxy, about living-out their dreams of being one with the Resistance, or joining the First Order. Today, the dreams of generations of Star Wars fans finally becomes a reality, as Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens inside Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California.
Over the past two weeks, I have had several opportunities to get a glimpse into Galaxy's Edge. As a Disneyland Resort Cast Member, I have been able to learn about, and experience this amazing new land in the form of Cast previews of the actual land itself, an exclusive showcase of products being offered for purchase, and even test rides on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. It's been a wonderful time to be a new member of the Disney family.
Let's get started!
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is a massive new land. It's the largest land expansion ever inside a Disney theme park. The land is set on the remote planet of Batuu, and within the confines of the Black Spire Outpost. Here, you will find "locals" trading their goods, wetting their whistles, and dining on the type of grub you might expect to find on a remote planet. The inhabitants of Batuu don't use the same terms that those of us from earth might use. They seem to have their own words. Not necessarily their own language, but you will have to get used to different terminology while at Black Spire Outpost.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Two blockbuster attractions were announced for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. The first one to open is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The sight of a life-sized Millennium Falcon is guaranteed to give you goose bumps, and may even bring tears to your eyes. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that the first time you see this ship, you will have the same reaction as the first time you saw Sleeping Beauty's or Cinderella Castle. Behold this sight, and take it all in.
Oh, yeah. There's a ride inside this attraction's massive show building. A simulator-type ride where you and five others will enter the cock pit of the legendary ship. As the crew, you will have two pilots, two gunners and two engineers. Each role has responsibilities, and by working together, you will succeed in your challenge.
Prior to boarding the "Falcon", you will walk through a giant machine shop, and make your way to an upper level, where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the ship from above. Next, you will be briefed by Honda Ohnaka, who will tell you about the mission ahead. As you board the ship, you will enter the hallways that will seem all-too familiar. You will even get an up-close look at a very familiar site or two. Honda will give you some final instructions, before you grab your seat to begin your mission.
Your team will actually control the ship. The pilots steer and jump to hyperspace. The gunners defend the ship and the cargo, while the engineers perform repairs when the ship is in trouble. Lighted controls and instructions from Hondo and your fellow crew members will help you. Your buttons will flash green when they are needed.
This ride has elements of Star Tours and Mission: Space, with a hint of Avatar: Flight of Passage thrown in to make it current. Honestly, when I rode Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run during testing, I found the queue and pre-show experience to be more impressive than the on-board experience itself. When I rode it a week later for Cast Previews, I was much more impressed. I found the front-row experience to have a better view of the action.
Using the old Disney ticket rating as a formula for my review, I would give Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run a "D-ticket" ride rating. It's light years above Star Tours and Mission Space, but fall way short of the experience of Avatar: Flight of Passage. That said, this ride is not-to-be-missed. Ever since this new land was announced, fans have speculated that Star Tours would probably be moved to Galaxy's Edge after it opened. That won't happen. The attractions are too similar in that aspect. If anything, I wouldn't be surprised if Star Wars takes a mission to Yesterland if or when Tomorrowland gets a much-needed overhaul.
Dining on Batuu
People who haven't seen Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge are already complaining that there "isn't enough to do" or there is "too much retail and dining" in the new land. Those people couldn't be more wrong. Shopping and dining are a big part of the story of Black Spire Outpost. It is mainly a marketplace. Within and around this market place are two dining locations, a cantina, and several shops and kiosks.
Oga's Cantina is the main hangout on Batuu. It's where locals and those traveling through go to enjoy local music and beverages. The menu of exotic, out-of-this-world beverage creations keeps people coming back to this popular watering hole. Oga's Cantina is also the first public location within Disneyland Park to serve alcohol in the park's sixty-four year history. This spot is very popular. Expect a long wait to get in. At 45-minutes on a rainy Sunday, we decided not to wait in the queue, and to save a visit to Oga's for a later date.
Docking Bay Seven is the main quick service dining location. The restaurant offers a menu of entrees and desserts that have creative names, and are very satisfying. The Smoked Kaadu Ribs ware a favorite of ours. They are served with a blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw. The roasted Endorian Tip-Yip salad was another favorite of ours. Check them out on the Disneyland app menu. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating at Docking Bay Seven. The line to get in was a bit long on our preview day, but it moved at a good pace.
Ronto Roasters is another choice for hungry travelers. This location only offers two entrees each for breakfast and lunch. We did not try it on our visit, but I will be returning next week to give it a shot. Feedback I've gotten is that the Ronto Wrap is a winner. I'll confirm after I try it.
Milk Stand
So...Blue Milk has been the talk of the galaxy ever since Luke Skywalker drank it when he lived with his Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru. Now you can enjoy this beverage, along with the green one at a the simply-named Milk Stand, across from Kylo Ren's ship. These treats are a bit small in size, and big on price. It's about 9 or 10 ounces at $7.99 each. The blue milk has a tropical flavor, while the green one has more citrus flavor to it. The treats are thick like a milk-shake. But these are completely dairy free. I liken it to a smoothie. We shared a green milk. It's not bad, but I don't think it will be replacing the Dole Whip any time in their future or ours.
Shopping
From building your own light saber to designing a droid, adopting a creature and adding to your wardrobe, there is plenty of shopping available throughout the Black Spire Outpost. These aren't your typical Disney souvenirs. If you want something on the somewhat unusual side, you will probably find it. There's also a shop that sells somewhat unusual popcorn. One of them is of the fruity variety. I sampled this at our showcase a few weeks back, and it was pretty good. I reminded me a bit of Fruit Loops cereal, but I'd probably buy it. When I return to Batuu next week, I plan to spend more time exploring the shops.
Review
Disney truly hit a grand slam with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Since 1955, guests have been able to leave the everyday world when they step into the magic of Disneyland. Now, when you enter Batuu, you will forget for a few hours that you are even in Disneyland. It's that different and that cool at the same time. From the Millennium Falcon to the other ships, buildings, and the petrified trees, you will find theming on par, if not better than Cars Land. This land truly belongs inside Disneyland park, because it is a realm that fits perfectly with the plaques as you enter the portals of the park that read "Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy."
Walt Disney always said that "Disneyland will never be completed as long as there's imagination in the world." Star Wars: Galaxy's edge lives up to those words, and sets a new standard for what "land" inside a Disney park should be. I have not doubt that certain types of people will continue to complain about Star Wars being inside "Walt's park". They need to get over it. I've been visiting Disneyland since I was a two-year old in 1969. I grew up with Walt's park. In the days leading up to this review, I have been inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and inside Walt Disney's apartment on Main Street U.S.A. Both of these are authentic, and original, and both of them are pure Disney magic.
STAR WARS: Galaxy's Edge
JVPtravelScore: AA+
