Kids of the 70’s and 80’s would agree the Star Wars franchise was unmatched! From the opening credits of a New Hope to the dancing Ewoks at the End of Return of The Jedi, kids and adults alike were sucked in- by the force no doubt. Disney’s Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge immerses fans into childhood (and adult) imagination.
Fortunately, future generations continue to experience the creative power of Lucas Films as more movies, series, and Star Wars lore are released through the years.
In a brilliant move by Disney, Star Wars fans around the world can now step inside those movies and meet some of the characters they love. Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge opened in both Disneyland and Disney World in 2019. For many of us, it reignited our enthusiasm and the “force” pulled us in, AGAIN!
First, for any Disney related travel plans, let me encourage you to utilize the service of a travel professional that specializes in Disney Destinations.
Let’s discuss 3 ways Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge does in fact immerse you into a galaxy far far away.
Theming at Disney’s Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
Let’s begin at the entrances. This land is tucked away inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World on purpose. You can’t step one foot outside Baseline Taphouse and step the other into Galaxy’s Edge. You’re not spinning around on Alien Swirling Saucers and starring at the Millennium Falcon.
Alternatively, on the opposite coast at Disneyland Resort, Galaxy’s Edge opened deep in the recesses of Disneyland Park. Disney created Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge to seem beyond the reaches of “theme park”. As a result, the slow progression into the land creates the atmosphere you have entered another space (no pun intended) and time. Recently, Disney announced a celebration of Star Wars that will run for a limited time at Disneyland.
Disney has utilized every Imagineering gift to create an overall feeling their guests have wandered onto another world. Next, from inside the land, you will never get a glimpse of any other area of the parks. What guests see are droid marks imprinted on the simulated sand beneath your feet.
In addition, the surrounding dessert landscape of Galaxy’s Edge is reminiscent of Tatooine. Complete with a copper-colored mountain backdrop that uses the help of forced perspective. Guests aren’t walking thru a “display” of Star Wars memorabilia. They are inside the movies!
Moreover, props inside the land, such as the X-Wing fighter outside the “hidden” Resistance camp, were used on Star Wars movie and series sets. Visitors can shop in a “fully operational” marketplace similar to the one seen in the beginning of “Rogue One”.
Most awe inspiring of all, a full-scale Millennium Falcon in a perfectly recreated docking bay. Furthermore, guests in the land will hear space craft overhead flying in for a landing. Those nostalgic sounds reminiscent of the favorite space-based stories.
Attractions at Disney’s Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
There are two attractions inside Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, Smuggler’s Run and Rise of The Resistance.
First, the queue for Smuggler’s Run is the most iconic Star Wars experience a fan could ask for. I’m talking about the LINE for the ride! Before ACTUALLY boarding the cockpit inside the Falcon, guests walk into and through the ship herself.
Overall, this is a simulator attraction that puts six guests in one of three roles, either pilot, gunner, or engineer. The guest work together operating the ship to outrun and outgun the First Order for a successful mission.
Rise of The Resistance, one word- WOW. It is “not a ride but an experience”. Truthfully, that is a completely fair statement. This experience uses the latest technology and Disney’s brightest minds to fully immerse guests. The story is to evade the First Order as a recruit of the Resistance. Ultimately, it is the closest thing to stepping inside the movies.
I’m not going to describe every amazing piece of this attraction. For a more in-depth look check out: Is Rise of The Resistance Worth All the Hype? However, some of the highlights include zooming past full-size Imperial Walkers and onto the bridge of a Star Destroyer just under the nose of Kylo Ren.
Characters
What pulls the immersion all together are the character interactions. The talent of the cast members and characters brings this place to life. You won’t meet Luke, Leia, Han Solo or even Darth Vader. However, Chewie, Rey, Storm Troopers, and even Kylo Ren, just to name a few, will wipe away any doubt that you have landed inside your favorite world.
photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
Lastly, Disney introduced a character new and specific to Galaxy’s Edge. Her name is Vi Moradi. You can meet her attempting to evade the eyes of The First Order. Multiple characters from Star Wars lore greet guests on both coasts.
Take on a Mission
Inside Galaxy’s Edge, guests are invited to join a mission through the Play Disney Parks App. This free download allows you to turn your device into an interactive data pad and join either the Resistance or First Order.
This is only 3 examples of how Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge immerses guests into their galactic fantasies from Star Wars. If you have visited, what are some of your favorite parts of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge? Let me know in the comments.
If you are interested in a vacation that will fill all your Star Wars fantasies, reach out to DizN Vacations. Thier expert advice and knowledge will help you plan your best trip! You can also simply submit a free no obligation quote request for the vacation of your dreams. Continue to follow my blog and visit my tools page to get tips and tools on how you can make the most of your Disney and Universal Studios vacations!
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