Two months into the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort, Beyond Imagination Vacations co-owner Kristen Neils journeyed to the galaxy far, far away to celebrate the end of summer with her two Star Wars-loving sons. On today’s Friday Fives, she counts down her and her boys’ five favorite things about the immersive new land at Disneyland Resort.
I’ll admit it; I am a Star Wars nerd. Growing up, my brother and stepdad were huge fans of the classic movies, so there was never a shortage of the iconic toys, games and figurines at my house. When I had two boys of my own, I encouraged them to find their love for Star Wars too by binge watching the films and building galatic-themed Legos. Luckily, they joined my brother, my stepdad and myself in becoming Star Wars fanatics. Naturally, we were thrilled when Disney announced four years ago that a Star Wars-themed land would be created at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. When the May 31st opening date was released at Disneyland Resort, we know that we’d have to squeeze in a visit before the summer ended. Last week, we traveled to Disneyland Resort to see if the new land lived up to our grand expectations. (Spoiler alert: it did!)
1. Black Spire Outpost
Black Spire Outpost is the main shopping and dining area in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. It truly transports you to the Star Wars universe, with many unique merchandise items (a stuffed Bantha!) and dining locations complete with a rotating spit of Rontos from Luke Skywalker’s home planet of Tatooine. Don’t rush through Black Spire as you’ll be awed by the incredible detailing if you take your time strolling through the marketplace.
You cannot leave Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge without taking home a galatic creature!
Score! We’re going home with a bantha, large, furry mammals that travel in herds through Tatooine's desert wastes.
2. Wandering Characters
You never know who might be lurking around the corner in Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge which has become “a thriving port for smugglers, rogue traders and adventurers traveling between the frontier and uncharted space.” During our visit, we witnessed Chewbacca endearingly hassle a guest who was wearing a First Order shirt. There were also Stormtroopers patrolling the area for rebel spies.
Hey Chewy - you’re my favorite Wookiee!
Stormtroopers on guard to catch rebel spies hiding in Batuu.
3. Oga’s Cantina
Batuu’s local watering hole, Oga’s Cantina, is the place to be for out-of-this world cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic for the kids in your group. You’ve got to try the Outer Rim which features Patrón Silver Tequila, Cedilla Açaí Liqueur, Lime Juice, Pure Cane Sugar, with Black Salt and Exotic Fruit Purée. Oga’s Cantina is also home to the popular Blue Milk. The drinks are amazing, but the star of the infamous watering hole is droid DJ R-3X, a former Starspeeder 3000 pilot, who drops galatic beats. It’s five o’clock somewhere!
Inside Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Enjoying a (non-alcoholic) cold one in a souvenir Porg cup at Oga’s Cantina
Hey DJ R-3X, play that beat!
4. THE Millennium Falcon
The crown jewel of Batuu is the life-sized replica of the Millennium Falcon, the notorious starship manned by smuggler Han Solo and his sidekick Chewbacca. Guests have the opportunity to live out their fantasies by piloting the vehicle that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. Whether you’re assigned the role of a pilot, engineer or gunner, your job is critical to the success of the mission!
Han Solo’s Millenniun Falcon, the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy
5. Cast Members
Every Disneyland cast member stationed in Galaxy’s Edge - from the merchandise staff to the clean-up crew - helps bring the detail to life by interacting with you as if you’re really on another planet, helping you remain immersed in a galaxy far, far away. Will you conduct financial transactions with cash or credit card? Nope, you’ll need “credits” here. Don’t ask for the nearest restroom, either. In Batuu, they’re called “refreshers”. You’ll completely forget that you’re in a part of Disneyland!
Visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was a dream come true for me and my sons. It’s an experience we’ll never forget. Whether or not you’re a card-carrying member of the Star Wars fandom like us, you’re sure to enjoy the unique food and drink, incredible detail and immersive storytelling found throughout the new land at Disneyland Resort!