Guide to Galaxy’s Edge: Star Wars Land at Disney World

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Star Wars Land, officially known as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is probably the most exciting thing to happen in the world of theme parks since Harry Potter world opened at Universal Studios.

It opened to big fanfare back in 2019, months before the world went on lockdown. Unfortunately for all of us, things haven’t entirely returned to how they were briefly in Galaxy’s Edge.

However, you can still have a great, and rather unique experience during your visit to Star Wars Land.

This post focuses specifically on Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World, but will glean information from the experience at Disneyland.

The first part of this post focuses on the details of what you’ll find there. Then at the end I’ll add some of my own thoughts and opinions (updated March 12, 2022).

Millenium Flacon parked in Black Spire Outpost at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Overview

Star Wars Land opened up at Hollywood Studios in Disney World in August 2019. This was the most anticipated opening at Disney World since the opening of Pandora at Animal Kingdom.

So what exactly is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?

Star Wars Land Location

As I already mentioned, Galaxy’s Edge is in both Disney World and Disneyland. Since this post is focusing on Disney World, we’ll talk about Hollywood Studios.

At Hollywood Studios you’ll find Galaxy’s Edge nestled in between Toy Story Land and Grand Avenue. This means you can turn either right or left once you get to the center stage area near Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

Turning left towards Grand Avenue is probably the most efficient way to simply get to Star Wars Land. But it really depends on which section of Galaxy’s Edge you want to get into.

Disney Planning Tip: If you’re trying to rope drop Rise of the Resistance, you’ll want to turn left and head towards the Grand Avenue entrance.

Star Wars Land Backstory

Once you enter Star Wars Land you suddenly find yourself on the planet of Batuu. Batuu is a place for travelers who want to avoid detection, like smugglers and members of the Resistance.

The largest settlement on Batuu is Black Spire Outpost, named for the remains of large petrified trees you see surrounding the village.

The black spires of Batuu at Disney's Hollywood Studio

Rumors of the presence of the Resistance has drawn the interest of the First Order. Due to this, you’ll find both members of the Resistance and the First Order around Black Spire Outpost.

Immersion at Galaxy’s Edge

While it was under construction, Disney announced the a visit to Galaxy’s Edge would be an immersive experience. Decisions that guests make on the attractions would have an impact on their interactions with the world around them.

This is an amazing concept, which hasn’t really happened yet.

A lot of the restrictions that happened due to the pandemic have definitely influenced this, but let’s face it, this wasn’t in place even before lockdown happened.

To be fair, Galaxy’s Edge wasn’t open long enough before lockdown to work out all the kinks.

Aside from this missing piece, the feel of Star Wars Land is already completely immersive feeling. The theming is done so well that you truly feel as if you just stepped onto the planet Batuu.

Truly, everything is amazing. Even to the point that it’s easy to get turned around because the signs are all written in Aurabesh (the language of Black Spire Outpost).

However, it is possible to enhance your immersion through using the Disney Play App.

Disney Play App

There is a level of immersion you can achieve with the Disney Play app. This is a separate app that I recommend you download prior to your trip. It allows you to have extra experiences throughout the Disney parks.

In Galaxy’s Edge, it transforms into your Datapad. This allows you to interact with Star Wars Land in a much more comprehensive way.

Most of the material can only be accessed when you are physically inside of Galaxy’s Edge. However, you can access the PROFILE and TRANSLATE sections when you aren’t in Batuu.

Using the Datapad isn’t exactly advertised in a prominent way, so most people have no clue this is even an option.

Here’s a look at some of the different functions.

Screenshot of the Datapad used in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
TOOLS

In the Tools section you’ll find four tools you can use to interact with Black Spire Outpost.

  • HACK: allows you to hack into droids and devices
  • SCAN: scan QR codes on items (like crates) throughout Batuu to find hidden objects
  • TRANSLATE: use this to translate signs written in the language of Batuu
  • TUNE: listen to communication signals being sent around the outpost
JOBS

In this section you can take on a job posted on the board to help someone in need. This allows you to earn credits, find rewards, and change your standing around the outpost.

MAP

Trust me, this one can come in handy as Black Spire Outpost is a bit of a maze.

But really, this map will show locations you can use your tools.

PROFILE

This section gives you information about your status in the outpost. It also has your inventory of items you’ve collected, which can be traded.

Galaxy’s Edge Rides

Perhaps the two things that EVERYONE wants to do in Galaxy’s Edge are the rides. Rise of the Resistance in particular is insanely popular, rightly so.

Let’s take a look at at bit more detail of two of the coolest rides at Hollywood Studios.

Millennium Falcon (Height Requirement: 38″)

Millennium Falcon allows guests to pilot the most famous aircraft in Star Wars lore. Each guest has a designated role such as pilot, gunner, or engineer. The role of the guest gives them tasks to complete throughout the ride.

Each ship holds up to 6 guests, and yes, you’ll be in there with strangers if your group contains less than 6 people. If there area empty seats, the ship does that particular job in autopilot.

  • Pilot: Probably the most sought after role, these 2 guests sit at the very front of the ship and quite literally drive the Millennium Falcon
  • Gunner: These guests are in the second row of the ship. As the name implies, you are in charge of firing the guns at enemies
  • Engineer: These 2 guests are in the last row of the ship. The main role of the Engineer is to repair the ship as necessary along the way

The choices and performance of each guest determines the ultimate outcome of the ride. This allows you to go on the ride multiple times and have different experiences (and outcomes) each time.

The queue alone is an experience in and of itself. It’s tremendously detailed and oh so cool. You get a birds eye view of the Millennium Falcon where it’s parked before eventually entering the ship interior.

Inside the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars Land

Disney identifies this as a thrill ride with small drops. It is a simulator style ride. NOTE: This could trigger motion sickness in people who are sensitive to this.

It’s a fun and interactive ride which is sure to be a hit with your family. We all really enjoy it and can ride it over and over again.

Rise of the Resistance (Height Requirement: 40″)

Rise of the Resistance is perhaps the most ambitious ride in all of Disney World. It is unlike anything else you’ll find in the parks. On this ride, you join the Resistance in battling against the First Order.

When your transport vehicle is captured by the First Order, all sorts of adventures await.

This ride is truly on an epic scale. There are multiple different components of the attraction, the total ride time is actually quite long.

Rise of the Resistance is very much about immersion into the story, with you in a starring role. Don’t worry, you don’t actually have to do anything but enjoy!

Disney describes Rise of the Resistance as a thrill ride with small drops. It is also dark and quite loud.

Due to it’s epic proportions and advanced technology, Rise of the Resistance is known for going down often due to technical difficulties.

You can ride Rise of the Resistance by either waiting in the standby line or purchasing Individual Lightning Lane Access through Disney Genie.

If you don’t know what I mean by that, read all about Disney Genie and Lightning Lane access.

Just be warned, Lightning Lane access books up almost instantaneously for the entire day. For a free option, I suggest rope dropping Rise of the Resistance if you have access to Disney Early Theme Park Entry.

The ride is a truly amazing experience, so it’s a definite must do in Star Wars Land if at all possible.

Stormtroopers lined up on Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Dining in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

There are 5 different options for food inside of Galaxy’s Edge, ranging from restaurants to popcorn stands. The overall concept for the food offered in Galaxy’s Edge is a farm to table style dining experience.

The residents of Batuu are reliant upon making delicious food sourced from their surroundings.

Oga’s Cantina

Oga’s Cantina is a unique/themed dining in a lounge setting. The menu consists primarily of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages with a couple of small plate options.

And when I say a couple, I mean exactly two.

The story behind Oga’s Cantina is that it is run by Oga Garra, the boss of the Black Spire Outpost. The boss herself is not often around, as she is traveling around the universe collecting payments, but she supplies visitors with her famous drinks.

These drinks are crafted using “otherwordly” methods to make them truly unique.

There is also music provided in the form of DJ R-3X, also known as DJ REX. DJ REX is a former pilot from over at Star Tours who wanted a new job.

DJ Rex at Oga's Cantina in Star Wars Land

The atmosphere at Oga’s Cantina is definitely unique, an experience you won’t have anywhere else in Disney World.

It is also a highly sought after reservation. Because of this, make sure you make your reservation when your 60 day Disney dining reservation window opens.

Don’t know what I’m talking about? Read all about making dining reservations at Disney.

Oga’s is a highly themed experience. However, there are some things to keep in mind.

  1. It’s mostly standing room only. There are very few tables with seats, so expect to drink while standing
  2. The lights are very dim, in fact, it’s quite dark in there
  3. It is extremely loud, making conversation, or even placing your order, difficult

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is characterized as “fast-casual” which translates to Disney’s park lingo of Quick Service. The food served here is much different from the standard burgers and fries.

Docking Bay 7 serves food for lunch and dinner.

The story behind Docking Bay 7 is that a famous chef in the Star Wars Galaxy has parked his transport space craft on the roof of a hangar on Batuu to provide food for the weary travelers. It is the equivalent of an intergalactic food truck.

Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs gathers fresh ingredients from all over the universe and presents them to guests for their enjoyment. Diners have a choice between dining inside the Docking Bay 7 hanger or outside on a shaded patio.

Docking Bay 7 is another area that is themed to a T. The Imagineers really took the concept and ran with it.

The food itself is definitely several steps up from “fast food”. There are options on the menu that you definitely wouldn’t expect to get at good old Mickey-D’s.

Kids meal at Docking Bay 7 in Star Wars Land
Kids Meal at Docking Bay 7

Take this image for example. This is the one and only kids meal that’s offered at Docking Bay 7. While it’s a bummer that there aren’t more options in general, that is one delicious looking meal.

I think a lot of adults would be perfectly happy eating this one! My picky eater son definitely enjoyed that meal.

Ronto Roasters

Ronto Roasters is the main attraction in the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace. It’s wily creators have taken an old pod racing engine and turned it into a BBQ pit to cook delicious goodies.

Specifically, Ronto Roasters are a pita wrap filled with grilled sausage and roasted pork.

Droids are on hand to turn the mechanical spit which hosts a large side of roasting Ronto. A Ronto is a large animal native to the planet Tatooine.

Even if you don’t plan on eating at Ronto Roasters, I highly recommend you stop buy just to see the theming of it. It’s open air, so it’s easy to get a view inside.

But seriously, you should eat at Ronto Roasters. It’s become one of my favorite places to eat in Hollywood Studios. It’s just that good.

I’ve had both the breakfast and lunch/dinner menus, and it’s so gosh darn yummy. You can read my full Ronto Roasters review to get a better idea of just why we love it so much.

Ronto Wrap from Ronto Roasters in Star Wars Land

Milk Stand

The milk stand offers up either blue or green milk served in the form of a frozen beverage. Luke Skywalker himself was seen drinking blue and green milk in two of the Star Wars movies.

The milk itself is a frozen mixture of rice and coconut milks, making it entirely plant based.

If you want to have this “authentic” Star Wars experience, be prepared to open your wallet. It’s a bit overpriced for what you get, but let’s face it, pretty much everything at Disney World is.

For the money I at least expected the size of the cup to be a bit larger, but alas, it wasn’t.

That being said, the Blue Milk is rather tasty. It has a fruity taste, and on a hot day it really hit the spot.

Blue Milk from The Milk Stand at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

I’m not going to lie, I’ve avoided trying the Green Milk. Across the board, everyone seems to prefer the Blue Milk. The Green Milk tends to have a bit of an “earthier” flavor.

Overall, The Milk Stand is a fun little addition to your Galaxy’s Edge experience.

Kat Saka’s Kettle

Kat Saka’s Kettle is a food stall within the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace which serves up Outpost Mix. Outpost Mix is a popcorn mix that combines sweet and savory flavors into one bunch of deliciousness.

This is also where you can buy the specialty bottles of Coke, Diet Coke, Dasani, and Sprite.

Special Coke bottles at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

These are neat and all that, but check out that price. A whopping $6 for a rather small Coke product. But they are popular, simply for the novelty.

Additional Galaxy’s Edge Attractions

In addition to the attractions, there are a couple of upcharge experiences you can add to your day in Star Wars Land. And when I say upcharge, I mean upcharge.

They are not cheap, but could add a really cool dynamic to your day.

Savi’s Workshop – Custom Built Lightsabers

One of the most popular, and expensive, experiences at Galaxy’s Edge is Savi’s Workshop. For anyone who’s ever wanted to build their own lightsaber, here’s your chance.

There are four different lightsaber themes to choose from which will determine the look of your lightsaber. The themes are Peace and Justice, Power and Control, Elemental Nature, and Protection and Defense.

The Gatherers will then help you select the Kyber crystal which powers your lightsaber.

Each lightsaber theme comes with the following options:

  • 1 hilt
  • 4 sleeves (pick 2)
  • 2 emitters (pick 1)
  • 2 pommel caps (pick 1)
  • 2 sets of activation plates and switches (pick 1 set)
  • Carrying Case

Whichever parts from the kit aren’t chosen by the guest return to the supply box back into Savi’s shop. The Gatherer then helps attach a 36″ blade.

Each custom lightsaber costs $219.99 plus tax. Annual Passholder and other discounts do not apply.

Reservations for Savi’s are highly recommended as it is a very popular experience and there is limited space. It’s designed to be a more intimate experience so there are a limited number of people during each appointment time.

Disney Planning Tip: Each person building a lightsaber is allowed to have one guest with them. This allows you to pay for only one lightsaber, but two people can have the experience.

Droid Depot

Droid Depot at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

The Droid Depot allows guests to custom make their own droids in either the BB or R series units. Once the type of droid is chosen, each guest is provided with a basket and a blueprint for that unit.

They travel through the various parts stations to select which parts they would like for their droid.

Finally, at the build station, guests use their blueprint and parts to construct their droids. The final step is to pair the droid with a remote control and have it activated.

Each droid costs $99.99 plus tax. Annual passholder and other discounts do not apply.

In addition to the basic build, there are extra accessories to purchase for your droid.

Again, each builder is allowed one guest to be with them, but only the guest whose name is on the reservation is allowed to

However, if money is no obstacle, you can customize your very own replica of R2D2! This custom droid will only cost you $25,000! This R2 model droid is a life size replica of the most beloved droid in the galaxy.

Merchandise at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

It’s not an official land at Disney World unless there is tons of merchandise for you to spend your money on! Some of the items for sale will be truly unique, custom made souvenirs. However, with this comes a sometimes massive price tag.

Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, I do suggest taking the time to wander around the various shops and stalls.

This adds to the sense of immersion in the land because of the spot on theming done by the Imagineers.

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities

Inside Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities you will find collections of rare goods acquired from all over the galaxy. The selection includes everything from, “…jewelry, to ancient tools, to rare kyber crystals, to statues—and even a collection of famous lightsabers.”

Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities at Galaxy's Edge

Dok-Onder’s is a sight to behold. The theming is amazing and the objects on sale are definitely one of a kind.

The shop itself is kind of hidden in plain site. You’ll walk past it a million times not realizing what’s inside. I literally stumbled upon it because I was curious what on earth was inside the building I kept walking past.

I’m so glad I found it because it’s a neat place to see.

The Market Merchants

The Black Spire Marketplace contains a collection of small stalls which make up the heart of the merchandise options for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.

On crowded days there could be a line simply to get into the marketplace area, let alone into the shops themselves. It’s a popular area, for sure.

Black Spire Marketplace in Galaxy's Edge

I think a flaw in the planning was the fact that they made these stalls so gosh darn small. You really can’t fit too many people inside.

I get that they were going for a certain look and feel, but seriously, I’d rather be able to go in a larger store without having to wait in line.

The Market also contains one of the restrooms of the land, as well as a water bottle refill station.

Black Spire Outfitters

This shop sells a variety of garments and gear to help outfit every galactic traveler. It offers clothes to suit a variety of needs throughout the galaxy.

Frankly, I can see this one being a HUGE hit, especially once people want costumes for their stay at the new Star Wars Hotel.

Creature stall in Black Spire Marketplace

Creature Stall

This stall is run by Bina, who enjoys supplying her customers with unique creatures found throughout the galaxy. Of course, all of these creatures can be purchased for the right price.

Translation: it’s a stall full of stuffed animals.

Guard your wallets if you plan to bring your kids into this shop.

Toydarian Toymaker

Toydarian Toymaker sells all manner of handmade and artisan “playthings”. All of the items are made by Zabaka the Toydarian. You can even spot her sillhouette through the frosted back window of the shop as she crafts more toys.

First Order Cargo

If your heart leads you to make allegiance with the First Order, than a trip to First Order Cargo might be necessary. In this shop you can find various uniforms and gear which are necessary for all who wish to join the First Order.

First Order Cargo store at Star Wars Land

Resistance Supply

Conversely, if the Force compels you to join the Resistance, than you must stop by Resistance Supply to suit up with the appropriate gear. Here, you can also meet others loyal to the Resistance and join them again the First Order.

Really, this is less of a shop and more of a stall, but it has some neat and unique items.

Resistance Supply stall near Rise of the Resistance

Star Wars Hotel – Galactic Starcruiser

On March 3, 2022, the brand new Star Wars Hotel, officially known as Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, officially opened. This is a fully immersive 3 night Star Wars experience.

Part of that experience involves time spent in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Because of that, day guests will now see other guests walking around in various costumes having different sorts of interactions. d

Due to the ridiculously high cost of Galactic Starcruiser, I’m not likely to review it myself anytime soon. However, if you’re interested, read Disney Tourist Blog’s review of Galactic Starcruiser.

He does a good job of presenting the pros and cons of their experience.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Review

Now that I’ve filled you in on all the details of the long awaited Star Wars Land, let’s talk about my overall opinions.

Listen, I’m a sucker for a themed land. Pandora at Animal Kingdom is one of my favorite lands at Disney World. I like Galaxy’s Edge for much the same reasons.

Disney Imagineers are absolute masters of making you feel that you have literally been transported to another world. Every single detail is thought through and agonized over.

It’s possible to spend a good chunk of your day at Hollywood Studios simply exploring Galaxy’s Edge. There really is a lot to see.

Make sure to thoroughly explore the land and ask questions of Cast Members. Everything is labeled in Aurebesh, not English. This means you have no idea what anything is.

But that’s part of the fun, too. It forces you to just poke your head in places. And hey, you never know what you’ll find.

The next time I go I want to try to use the Disney Play app more. Frankly, I always forget about it in my general excitement. And since there’s really nothing to remind you to use it, I doubt many people actually do.

I’m curious exactly what it would add to the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge experience.

Star Wars Land Rides

I’ll be the first to admit, I do into most rides fully will to be entertained. This perhaps doesn’t make me the best critic of an attraction.

As long as I find it fun, I’m fully on board with the concept of “willing suspension of disbelief”. And I find both Smuggler’s Run and Rise of the Resistance to be very fun.

I love a good simulator ride, so I automatically enjoy Smuggler’s Run. It’s like a cross between Star Tours and Mission: Space.

All of the jobs are definitely not created equal, but you can have a good time in any of them. Just go in with the intent to have fun, and it’s a guarantee that you will.

Rise of the Resistance is on a whole other level. It is on a scale that simply can’t be compared to anything else. The experience is just so much fun.

I deliberately don’t want to say much about it. The ride is best enjoyed with no spoilers. It is part simulator, part character interaction, and part trackless dark ride. All of that together makes it one of the best rides at Disney World.

While I do love it, I’d probably still rank Flight of Passage as my overall favorite attraction at Disney World. But Rise of the Resistance is a close second.

Character Sightings

One of the things that I love is that you never know when you’ll walk around a corner and see some characters. Post-pandemic, all of the character sightings were from a far, with not as much opportunity for interaction.

Kylo Ren and Strorm Troopers at Galaxy's Edge in Hollywood Studios

Pictures of the characters were ok, but not the greatest.

However, character interactions are starting to become a bit more like they were before the world stopped moving. You’ll find characters in more locations throughout Galaxy’s Edge, not just in the garage area or in the First Order section.

Prior to the pandemic, there was an element of roaming around that the characters did. This helped to enhance the immersive experience. You never knew who you were going to run into, or what adventure you’d have with them.

I imagine that will return eventually, but who knows when.

Galaxy’s Edge Dining

I think the dining options are hit or miss in Galaxy’s Edge. As I mentioned, Ronto Roasters is my favorite meal in Hollywood Studios. If you eat no where else in Galaxy’s Edge, this is the one to go with.

I will be the first to admit that my experiences with Docking Bay 7 aren’t typical. I love the idea of their food, and if you have no dietary restrictions, it’s a good place to eat.

However, since I can’t eat gluten, my options were limited when I went. At one point, there were only 2 options for me, and one of them was a salad.

I’m glad to see that the gluten friendly menu has expanded and there are more options now. Because my crispy chicken with rice and broccoli was dry and bland.

I found Oga’s Cantina to be disappointing. Granted, I was there by myself, so that might have colored my experience. But I was put off by having to stand at the bar. With all the walking you do at Disney, no one wants to stand while they drink.

It was also so loud that the bartender couldn’t hear me, nor could I hear him. I could also tell he was annoyed with me for needing the allergy friendly menu.

I paid a fortune ($12) for what was essentially fancy bar mix. It was tasty, and I was hungry so I would’ve eaten anything, but it was still bar mix.

The drink really was delicious though, and the experience of the drink is the best part.

But all in all, not something I’m in a hurry to do again.

Best Time of Day to go to Galaxy’s Edge

Due to it’s immense popularity, Galaxy’s Edge gets pretty crowded very quickly. Because of this, first this in the morning and in the evening are the best times to visit.

I actually rope dropped Galaxy’s Edge the last time I was there, strictly for the purpose of this article. I wanted to be able to more fully explore without the crowds.

Since everyone is in line for rides, it’s a great time to explore. However, I don’t necessarily recommend rope dropping a land if you’ve never been to Hollywood Studios before. Hit some rides first, then explore Galaxy’s Edge.

Nighttime is always an awesome time to explore the parks. The crowds are starting to thin out and all of the lands have a different feel at night.

Star Wars Land is no different. Smart use of lighting adds an almost mystical quality to Galaxy’s Edge at night. That’s why this is such a great time to visit.

A Flyer at Galaxy's Edge

Your Thoughts

Will you be at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for opening weekend or later in the fall? I would love to get your thoughts on seeing Star Wars Land and your ideas for strategies.

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2 thoughts on “Guide to Galaxy’s Edge: Star Wars Land at Disney World”

  1. instafamoushub.com

    From a touring perspective, the Walt Disney World opening of Galaxy’s Edge will be very different from the Disneyland opening. First, Walt Disney World will not use a reservation system for accessing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This means anyone who gets into Hollywood Studios can theoretically enter the land.

    1. I agree. I think there are too many Disney resorts to offer the reservations like they did in California. I’m wondering how they are going to manage capacity. All over the Disney website they stress that a Hollywood Studios ticket does not guarantee entrance into Galaxy’s Edge, so they are clearly thinking of blocking entrance in some way if necessary. I have to believe they have a plan, we just don’t now what that plan is yet. Please, God, let them have a plan…

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