“I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the park. I want them to feel they’re in another world.”
Walt Disney
One of the things I love best about Disney vacations is the escape from reality into the proverbial Disney Bubble. Here, an adorable mouse in red shorts is king and our main responsibilities are to tap into our inner child and to, quite simply, just have fun. From individual attractions to entire lands to the numerous resort hotels and restaurants, there are endless opportunities to leave the real world behind and become fully immersed in this magical world. And while it is rather effortless to forget everyday life just about anywhere on Disney property, there are certain parts that stand out and are above and beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is one such area that never ceases to amaze me for this very reason. Located at Disneyland Park in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, this elaborately themed land brings the ever popular world of Star Wars to life in the most wonderful way. And as only Disney Imagineers can do, they created a backstory that is every bit as compelling as the land itself…
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away on the remote planet of Batuu, the infamous Black Spire Outpost is a bustling place for smugglers, bounty hunters, and rogues to conduct their often questionable business. Though the village has largely remained immune to conflict, there are rumblings of the arrival of the First Order looking to snuff out anyone involved with the Resistance. In the midst of the mounting tension, daily life continues at the Black Spire Outpost and visitors at both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts are invited to spend some time in the settlement and explore all that it has to offer.
There are plenty of shopping opportunities at the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace. You’ll find everything here from one-of-a-kind handmade toys to rare creatures imported from around the galaxy to the proper gear and supplies for all of your space travel needs. A lava meerkat, a new deck of Sabacc playing cards, and a Holo chess set are among my kids’ most treasured finds from our many excursions to the marketplace shops.
For two of the most unique shopping experiences, look no further than the Droid Depot and Savi’s Workshop. At Droid Depot, guests can design and put together their very own BB-Series or R-Series unit. There are a wide variety of choices to create the perfect companion, and each droid comes complete with a remote control and carrying case.
Space travelers that are one with the force can build a fully customized lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop. Gatherers, a group that works for Savi collecting scrap metal and parts recovered from the ruins of old temples and starships, lead guests through the entire process. After a short ceremony introducing the four design themes – Peace and Justice, Power and Control, Elemental Nature, and Protection and Defense – it’s time to get to work. The Gatherers help guests construct their hilts, choose a kyber crystal color, connect the blade, and finally, activate the completed lightsabers.
Should you find yourself hungry or thirsty, there are several prime locations to relax with a drink and sample the local cuisine. Grab a glass of refreshing blue milk, Luke Skywalker’s drink of choice, at the outpost’s Milk Stand. Or for a wider selection of drinks, head to Oga’s Cantina. Owned and operated by Oga Garra, this vibrant and upbeat bar boasts live DJ entertainment daily and serves a variety of expertly themed alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages – like the Jedi Mind Trick, Carbon Freeze, and Fuzzy Tauntaun, just to name a few. And, finally, your stomach will thank you after a visit to Ronto Roasters or Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – or better yet, both! The menu at Ronto Roasters is limited but is absolutely worth visiting for its Ronto Wrap alone. Flavorful grilled meats are topped with a spicy peppercorn sauce and crunchy slaw and wrapped in soft pita bread to make this out-of-this-world sandwich. The Ronto Wrap is delicious and happens to be one of my all-time favorite Disney park foods! For a more expansive menu, look no further than Docking Bay 7. Sit down and relax inside this hangar bay while the chef whips up specialties like Smoked Kaduu Pork Ribs, Batuuan Beef, and (the dish my kids crave like no other) Fried Endorian Chicken Tip Yip. If ever there was a way to their sweet little hearts, it is most certainly with Docking Bay 7’s Tip Yip!
After fueling up, consider taking on a few missions before departing Batuu. Pirate Hondo Ohnaka needs help smuggling canisters of coaxium throughout the galaxy and Chewbacca (everybody’s favorite Wookiee!) has agreed to help and lend him the legendary Millenium Falcon for the task. You’re invited to ride along and pitch in as a pilot, engineer, or gunner for the thrill of a lifetime on Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.
And don’t miss out on the chance to join the Resistance and help with the efforts to defeat the First Order on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This attraction of epic proportions will take you on an unforgettable journey through the galaxy, alongside Star Wars favorites like BB-8, Rey, and Finn. Rest assured, they will keep you out of harm’s way should you encounter any enemies like a squad of stormtroopers…or General Hux…or Kylo Ren…or all of the above! Rise of the Resistance is an exhilarating experience and a definite must-do for all fans of Star Wars.
Be sure to set aside some time in the evening to wander around Batuu and take in the nighttime sights. Once the sun has set, special lighting and sound effects are turned on and Black Spire Outpost takes on a whole new life. Galaxy’s Edge at night is such a treat and is nothing short of impressive!
I am a child of the ‘80s but, sadly, I must admit that I did not grow up on Star Wars. I had seen bits and pieces of the original trilogy over the years, but it wasn’t until I met my husband that I finally watched those first three movies in their entirety. He has always had a passion for all things Star Wars, and he has made sure to pass the obsession along to our boys as well. While I do not share in their same wild enthusiasm, I am still blown away every single time we go to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. It is far and away one of the most immersive lands I have ever been to in a theme park – there is so much to do and take in and admire at each and every turn! And I will never tire of seeing the sheer delight that always comes over my husband and boys when we visit. I love watching them and the rest of the mega fans living their best Star Wars lives at Galaxy’s Edge. I think Walt Disney would be so proud of this incredible addition to the Disney parks!
