Galaxy's Edge Hollywood Studios at Disney World is one of the most epic parks Disney have created that will appeal to Disney and Star Wars fans alike. All you will need to know before being transported to a galaxy far, far away.
What is Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge is a 14 acre theme park at Hollywood Studios in Disney World. Disney shocked the world when they bought Lucasfilm in 2012, and Disney and Star Wars fans alike waited with high expectations when they brought the world of Star Wars to life in 2019. You enter the park through a tunnel where a galaxy from far, far away awaits. The setting of the park is a planet within the Star Wars world called Batuu.
The planet was conceived by Disney’s Imagineers specifically for the park and is said to locate on the 'Outer Rim' of the Star Wars galaxy, hence the name. 'Wild Space' and the 'Unknown' is said to lay beyond. Chronologically your visit to Batuu takes place between Episode VIII – The Last Jedi and Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. Original music by Star Wars composer John Williams plays ambiently throughout the park. Walking through Galaxy’s Edge really does make you feel like you are in a Star Wars movie.
Rides
Millenium Falcon Smuggler’s Run
There are two main rides in Galaxy’s Edge Hollywood Studios. Smuggler’s Run is located within the centre of the Black Spire Outpost by a life-size replica of the Millenium Falcon. Smuggler’s Run is an interactive simulation ride where you actually get to fly the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” Aa character called Hondo Ohnaka meets you at the start of the ride and asks you to carry out a mission of stealing cargo from the Empire. The line for the ride allows you to walk through the interior of the Falcon including the iconic chess room. Also the line really appeals to Star Wars nerds (like ourselves) so this was one line I really didn’t mind standing through. Eventually riders will find their way into the cockpit of the Falcon where you participate in one of three roles. There are two pilots, two gunners, and two engineers.
Note:- if you have a tough time with motion sickness this might not be the ride for you.
Rise of the Resistance
One thing to know going in is that Rise of the Resistance is more of an experience than a ride. And what an experience. This is a totally immersive experience where Disney spared no cost that lasts over 18 minutes. From stepping into a star destroyer hangar, to being bossed around by the First Order, before being thrust into midst of an epic star wars battle.
Tip:- This is one of the most popular rides in Disney World, and for good reason. It is awesome! So expect long lines. Lines are shorter at the end of the day, and there is also the 'Rope-Drop' option. You can also do, what we did, and buy Lightning Lane Single Passes for the ride on the app. The price is typically between $22.00 and $25.00. This was the only ride we paid for during out trip, but we honestly had no regrets. This one is worth the money!
Note:- The ride section of the attraction does feature a drop, but it is not too intense, comparable to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.
Dining
Hollywood Studios does not have the best food. But Galaxy’s Edge was a pleasant surprise. The food really was some of the best on our Disney trip.
Ronto Roasters
If you’re just looking to grab a quick bite to eat we absolutely loved the Ronto Roasters. They serve delicious grilled sausages wrapped in a pita with coleslaw and a zesty dressing.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
For a sit-down meal Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is an excellent choice with plenty of seating and kid-friendly options.
Our daughter devoured the Endorean Fried Chicken Tip Yip (basically fried chicken with mac and cheese and vegetables).
For dessert we shared The Black Spire Mousse which looked like something conjured in another galaxy, but was delicious.
Milk Stand
At the milk stand you can order the Blue Milk (as drank by Luke Skywalker in Episode IV) and Green Milk (drank by Luke in Episode VIII). The drinks are free of dairy and artificial dyes. They are not the tastiest beverage in the world. But if you are a massive Star Wars nerd they are a good for a photo!
Oga's Cantina
Oga’s Cantina has been one of the most popular spots in Galaxy’s Edge since it opened—and for good reason. It’s definitely an experience, from the quirky drinks to the DJ droid spinning beats in the corner. In our opinion, this one is mostly geared toward adults. There are non-alcoholic drinks available, but the menu doesn’t really cater to kids, and seating is pretty limited. Still, if you're a Star Wars fan, it’s absolutely a must-do. The atmosphere is incredible and it really does feel like you’ve stepped into another galaxy. It is a mesmerizing experience that captures the anarchic, lawless vibe of the Mos Eisley cantina in the first Star Wars.
Tip:- Oga's Cantina is extremely popular so will you will need a reservation. Also some of the seating arrangements is standing-room only. Be mindful that it is quite congested inside, so some may find Oga's Cantina overwhelming. But we also felt this added to the chaotic experience of being in a bar at the edge of a star system!
Tip 2:- As some parts are standing room only this is not a very family-friendly experience. They do have a few booths, but they can be difficult to snag.
Characters
Galaxy’s Edge had plenty of opportunities to interact with various characters within the Star Wars universe. We saw so many characters it felt like there weren’t the super long lines to meet-and-greet like you see at other parks. We got to meet Mando and Grogu, and Chewbacca and Rey. The characters remain totally in character and even asked our kids questions which was really cool.
Note:- Galaxy’s Edge appears to have a policy of no autographs. So if your kiddo has an autograph book for the trip it’s best to let them know they can’t get autographs here.
Merchandise
Even shopping is an immersive experience on Batuu. The Black Spire Outpost Market draws inspiration from bazaars in Morocoo and Istanbul and feels like you are visiting an otherworldly faraway land.
Reservations
If you are looking for the ultimate memento from your visit to Batuu, there are two activities that require a reservation. You can build your own droid ($119.99 per builder) at the Droid Depot, and you can build your own lightsaber ($249.99) at Savi's Workshop. We were visiting with friends who built a lightsaber and it was actually very impressive.
Tip: Take Your Time and Immerse Yourself
Galaxy's Edge isn't a place where you want to dash from ride-to-ride before heading off to another section. It's a place to take your time to explore and appreciate the level of detail taken to bring this world to life. Every inch has been thought through.
Make sure you have the Play Disney Parks app installed on your phone. The app has a feature called ‘Hacks’ which gives you the ability to hack into various features in the park. You can make the Millenium Flacon blow out smoke, and you can make droids come alive. This provided so much entertainment to our little ones.
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