Affiliate links below. I was invited to a media preview of Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars-themed “land” when it first opened. I have also been back since on my own dime. I am a huge fan and feel so grateful.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the 14-acre “land” at Disneyland in Southern California. This new themed area of the park, tucked in behind the existing Critter Country and Frontierland allows guests to step into the Star Wars universe all for the same admission price of a visit to Disneyland.
If you’re a fan like I am, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge adventures will probably blow your mind; just wandering around is incredible. The little touches, signs, buildings, secret language, hidden shops, beautiful food, cluttered (but just-so) marketplace stalls — it all feels perfect.
As of Summer 2021, visiting Galaxy’s Edge is as easy as walking in. To ride the newest ride, you’ll need the precision of Luke trying to blow up the original Death Star with a single shot. This information may change without notice, ok?
What requires reservations at Galaxy’s Edge
- Rise of the Resistance ride. Using the app, you must reserve at 7 am or noon (on the dot!) the privilege of waiting in line for this experience. If you like Star Wars, it is absolutely a must-do. My family and I snagged a noon reservation for an approximately 6 pm boarding group on the Saturday of our multi-day visit. We were unable to get into a waiting group any of the other days.
- Lightsaber creation. In an unmarked building, Savi’s Workshop, those who have prepaid the approximately $200 are led through the experience of building their own lightsaber. Reservations can be made on the website up to 60 days in advance. The builder can be accompanied by only one other person.
Optional reservations
- Food! The post-Covid food situation relies on heavy use of the Disneyland app. Cut your wait times considerably for lunch, snacks, blue milk, commemorative drink vessels.
- Oga’s Cantina strongly suggests reservations. Expect a very cool space bar with space creatures and droids competing with the bubbling beverages for your attention.
What you can do by waiting or walking up
- Build a droid. For about $100, the unmarked building that houses a miniature droid factory is more welcoming to walk-ins than the elite lightsaber workshop. It is also pretty cool to just walk around.
- Fly the Millennium Falcon. The Smugglers Run Ride is available for walk-up and line lengths vary greatly throughout the day. A single rider line at the end can give children eager to repeat the experience a way to do it faster.
Book your own trip to explore Disneyland and Galaxy’s Edge >>
The big deal ride: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
I don’t want to spoil any surprises, but please, just ride it.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
The exterior of the ride is a life-size replica of the Millennium Falcon spaceship and it was incredible. The interior of the ride was also mind-blowing in its details from the movies.
The mechanics of the ride vary depending on who is on the simulator with you; six roles: two pilots, two gunners, and two engineers have different assignments in the simulator. The pilot’s job is the most exciting and it felt like I was flying the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” extremely poorly.
The Cantina
Called Oga’s Cantina, the next busiest place is a spacey cocktail lounge. Lines and reservations will vary, but I believe this is best experienced without kids.
More attractions in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
Shopping. Shopping. Shopping! Ok, hear me out. You might not think you’re into a bunch of merchandise, but the marketplace includes handmade-looking toys and personally-designed droids not available anywhere else. I bought some adorable plush “artisan” dolls at the Marketplace’s Toydarian Toymaker stall and envied my friends’ high-priced droids.
Other Star Wars experiences at Disneyland
Beyond the new dedicated themed “land” there are other special Star Wars experiences to enjoy. Here are a few that my kids and I love:
Star Wars Launch Bay, located in Tomorrowland, Launch Bay includes props from the movies, games, a visit to the cantina in Mos Eisley, and lots of meet-and-greets with characters. I have enjoyed awkward meetings with Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and Boba Fett.
The already awesome Star Tours ride is frequently updated to include new scenes based on the latest movies. I have been on this ride a LOT and recently whooped and hollered at the latest iterations.
And kids are always adorbs in their costumes no matter where you look. Whitney went to Disneyland with her family and sent me this cute picture from the park:
[Images photo credit as noted]
