Exploring Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Star Wars has been a part of the Disney parks since Lucas and Disney paired up to create Star Tours the ride. Before my DCP I had never ridden it because I was afraid it would make me sick, and it usually does make me feel a little off after riding it, but it was the only Star Wars ride when I was working and living in Florida so I rode it. When they announced Galaxy’s Edge I was sad lose Streets of America but I’m happy to have parted with it in order to get the amazing planet of Batuu!

As I've mentioned before I had the privilege of getting to be there opening day of Galaxy’s Edge, and not just opening day but literally THE MOMENT it opened to the big crowds. I stayed at All Star Movies, woke up super early, kind of feeling silly because it felt s early to be going out- 3:30!!

But boy I was glad I did because the crowds were already there and waiting when I arrived. First we waited to get through the gates of Hollywood Studios, then we waited inside, pushed back and forth in a crowd that is honestly unimaginable in today’s world. Somehow I followed the line down sunset and I was so confused why they were taking us this way, but then I realized I was headed for the special pop up shop of Galaxy’s Edge merchandise. I had to make a tough decision, get special merchandise or be one of the first in the land. I reminded myself why I was there, got out of line and ended up getting StarBucks because there was no line! Then when I exited Starbucks I made I ended up towards the front of the crowd!! I couldn’t believe it! But then the race was on because they were opening up the way to the edge of the new land and I ended up almost being trampled! I did make a couple friends along the way which was really fun because we even rode Smugglers run together!

All in all I was glad to I made the trip and that I achieved my goal of being at the opening of a new part of Disney parks.

To continue the celebration of Star I’m going to share my favorite parts of Galaxy’s Edge and why it has to be a must on your next Disney trip!

#1. Atmosphere

The imagineers really hit all the senses right when you step onto the planet of Batuu. You hear the music, the sounds of space craft landing and taking off, droids, and sometimes first order storm troopers. You smell the food and whatever else they’re pumping in, but it’s definitely a specific smell that when you smell something similar after leaving the parks it makes you remember Batuu. The road you’re walking on is made to be rough and you can see droid prints all over. As for the sense of touch, the market place offers many objects that you can purchase that seem to be right out of the movies. Not to mention getting to create and hold your own lightsaber.

#2. The Food

I didn’t think food would be something I’d like from Batuu because there was talk about it being different and “off world” themed and I’m not big on unusual food and spices. However, it has become the place of one of some of my favorite food from Disney. The endorian chicken wrap from ronto roasters is amazing, and I also love the grilled tip yip from Docking Bay 7. I also tried the outpost mix from Kat Sata’s Kettle the day of opening and OMG it’s addicting! I absolutely love it- it’s not a big thing, basically just kettle corn with different flavoring, but I think it’s a great snack.

Then of course the blue and green milk. I haven’t tried the green milk but I love the blue milk. A lot of people either like one or the other or they dislike both. I think it’s refreshing but definitely expensive and mainly for a good Instagram post. I’ve made my version of blue and green milk cold foam for my coffee and you can find that on our social media and blog.

I’ve never been to Oga’s Cantina yet but I have heard great reviews! I want to try some of their non-alcoholic drinks next time!

#3. The rides.

The only ride at opening was Smugglers Run. I love the fact that you get to enter the Millennium Falcon and help fly it. However, it made me gave me a lot more motion sickness than even star tours. The entire ride is basically just a better themed Star Tours.

Then you have Rise of the Resistance. WHAT A RIDE. My sister and I woke up super early to grab a boarding pass in the pouring rain. It was so early there wasn’t even a place to get breakfast after we rode the ride. The ride itself is a great show of Imagineering, a great mix of dark ride, impressiveness, and even a little thrill with the jolts and drop. The biggest thrill is stepping out of the transport ship and stepping into a Star Destroyer to face a wall of Storm Troopers. I made myself not focus on taking pictures because I wanted to really enjoy the experience, but I do wish I had taken time to take better video and pictures.

#4. The characters.

Before 2020 I loved seeing the characters from Star Wars movies and books (Vi) walk around Batuu. I do like that they still make a distanced appearance. I just loved walking around and literally running into Rey and watching Vi hide from the storm troopers.

ABOUT BLACK SPIRE

Matt Martin, a creative executive for the Lucasfilm Story Group, compares it to the forgotten towns dotting Route 66. “The planet Batuu was once a place where, in the early days of hyperspace travel, ships would go to stock up, resupply, and gas up before they ventured out into Wild Space,” he says. “As time has gone by hyperspace travel has advanced, better hyperspace lanes have been established, and now Batuu’s kind of fallen a little bit from its glory days. Now it’s the place where people go when they want to get lost, when they want to be off the radar.”

HOW TO TALK LIKE A LOCAL:

Now, if you’ve traveled to Batuu you’ll have noticed that the cast members talk a little differently. Instead of “Hello” they say “Bright suns!” So, next time you visit this planet here’s the lingo so you don’t sound like a tourist.

Bright Suns: Good Morning/Afternoon

Rising Moons: Good Night

Till the Spires: See you later

May the Spires Keep you: Goodbye

Good Journey: Goodbye

Happy Sun Cycle: Happy Birthday

Only the Ancients Know: I don’t know

You’ll definitely impress if you act like a local of Batuu.

THE CHARACTER VI MORADA

"Vi is a female spy who serves in the Resistance. Some time prior to the First Order’s attack on Hosnian Prime, she was captured and interrogated for information regarding the past of Captain Phasma by Phasma’s rival, Cardinal, in exchange for her release. Recognizing her talent, General Organa sent Vi and other spies to scout for a new Resistance command location. Vi traveled to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu, where she managed to secure a safe location for the Resistance to rendezvous."

All in all the land of Galaxy's Edge is one of the best additions to Walt Disney World. I do wish it was a bit bigger to accommodate the crowds but at least it has shade and more food compared to the land on the other side of the wall, Toy Story Land. But that's a story for another day.