WHAT TO DO & WHERE TO GO AT STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE AT DISNEY WORLD
Is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as cool as everyone makes it out to be?
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge… Oh my gosh this place is… UNREAL. Yeah. Unreal is the perfect word because It truly feels like you’re on a planet where the Star Wars movies and beings exist. As you walk into Hollywood Studios park at Disney World you feel like you’re taken back in time a bit because Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard have retro shops lining the street. I say this because I want you to envision this part of the park and then actually feeling like you’re transported to Batuu! My brother, Andrew, and I visited in October of 2019 and then I just recently visited again in April of 2021 and it took my breath away both times walking into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Everything and I mean everything down to the tiniest details is Star Wars themed. Even to the point when my brother went to buy a coke the coke bottle looked like a thermal detonator! If you don’t know what that is you can read more and see pictures here. The trashcans were themed, the light posts where themed, everything was Star Wars themed. It’s like when Oprah says “you get one and you get one and you get one!” What’s even more impressive are the cast members who are completely in their roles around this area of the park. Most cast members have their home town under the name tag but if you work in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge you can choose a Star Wars planet to be your hometown to be that much more on theme.
When you visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge you’ll truly be transported to Batuu, meet your favorite Star Wars characters, and ultimately experience what it feels like to be a part of Star Wars. In this post you’ll find a full guide on what to do at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge from the best rides to go on to where to shop and of course the best places to grab a bite to eat.
What to do at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney World
Check out the rides and attractions!
There are only two rides in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge which include: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. However, I kind of count Star Tours which is right outside Galaxy’s edge.
During the Covid-19 pandemic Disney World is limiting the capacity into each theme park which will lessen the amount of people waiting in lines. Many areas in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will require guests to get into virtual queues to obtain boarding group numbers for rides and reservations for experiences as well as for some restaurants.
What is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride?
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction is a ride with multiple systems that is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced at Disney World… or anywhere else in the galaxy! You’re grouped with a handful of people and go for a wild ride after your transport is captured by an imposing First Order Star Destroyer filled with stormtroopers and Kylo Ren! Never fear though, a team of Resistance fighters, including Rey and even BB-8, is ready to help you escape! You can find the entrance to Rise of the Resistance on the left hidden in the forest outside Black Spire Outpost when you enter Galaxy’s Edge from the Star Tours side, not the Toy Story Land side.
COVID-19 UPDATE:
A Boarding Group is currently the only way to access Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney World. Virtual queues were added for guests during the Covid-19 pandemic because this ride is very popular and typically attracts a long line. Disney World guests with a valid ticket or Annual Pass and a Disney Park Pass Reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to request access to the virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app starting at 7:00 a.m. on the day of their reservation. You do not have to be in Hollywood Studios park when you make this reservation if you have a park reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios that day. These do go fairly fast so I would recommend getting onto the app to make your reservation right at 7:00 a.m.
If you’re not able to join a boarding group during that time, the virtual queue will reopen daily at 1:00 p.m. for anyone inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios who wasn’t already able to join a boarding group earlier in the day. What’s great about the virtual queue is that you can enjoy Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Disney’s Hollywood Studios until it’s your turn to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Something kind of unfortunate you’ll want to take note on is that only guests with a Disney park pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance… What that means is when park hopper hours kick in at 2:00 p.m., guests visiting from another theme park will not be able to request to join the virtual queue. This happened to us because park passes were unavailable for Hollywood Studios so we made a park pass reservation for Epcot not realizing this wouldn’t allow us to get into the virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance — so be sure to get a park pass reservation for Hollywood Studios!!
Is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride worth it?
On this attraction you’ll ride in the famous cockpit of the Millennium Falcon on a daring flight! Each rider is assigned a role of pilot, engineer, or gunner and every role is crucial! The Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is pretty freaking awesome but is it worth a 2 hour wait? Eh… I just can’t imagine waiting in line for 2 hours but that’s just me. Here’s what you can do to avoid the long line. Hop in the singles line and you’ll most likely only wait 30 minutes. That’s exactly what we did and all got on with strangers, but still had a great time. It was fun but would have been way more fun together. If you’re a mega Star Wars fan then I would say try to fast pass (before Covid-19 pandemic) this ride or get their early so you don’t have to wait as long or charge your phone and watch a couple episodes of something while waiting for 2 hours in line! The 2 hour line was before the Covid-19 pandemic, therefore the lines might be a lot shorter.
Where to go at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney World
Where to shop at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World
You’re certainly going to want to go on a shopping spree while in Batuu! The shopping in Galaxy’s Edge is unlike any other because the shops are Star Wars themed too AND allow you to take a little bit of Batuu home with you! There are numerous shops to pop into while walking around the park! Some are a lot bigger than others and will definitely take up a lot of your time if you’re a big Star Wars nerd like me. I swear I spent almost an hour looking at EVERYTHING in the shops. Probably spent too much money as well… Oops!
The two main places you’ll absolutely want to visit are:
Savi's Workshop
Alright young padawan learners, get ready to build your very own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop! Yes, I said build your own lightsaber.. How freaking cool is that?! In Savi’s Workshop guests get the opportunity to construct your very own lightsaber and bring it to life through the power of kyber crystals. However, you must purchase the lightsaber to be able to build one and y’all.. it’s pretty dang expensive. Each one is $219.99 per lightsaber, plus tax… so it’s definately a splurge item & experience. I will probably give this to my fiancé Andrew for a Christmas present when we go in December! Each guest can bring in someone with them but only one person may create a lightsaber at a time.
During the covid-19 pandemic you must make reservations for the Savi’s Workshop. This is to incorporate physical distancing between parties, so space is limited. Advance reservations for Droid Depot are highly recommended and encouraged. You can do this on the My Disney Experience app. Unfortunately, same-day reservations are not available, but walk-ins may be accommodated based on availability for the day so even if you’re not able to snag a reservation, stop by Savi’s Workshop just in case to see.
photos from disneyworld.disney.go.com
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Droid Depot
You’ll see the Droid Depot immediately if you come into Galaxy’s Edge from Toy Story Land. If you come in from the other side, it’s on the complete opposite side of Batuu across from Ronto Roasters. Have you ever wanted to make your very own droid?? Now you can — at the Droid Depot! I will say it is a little pricey to make a droid but something I encourage you to budget for if you’re a big Star Wars fan! Different parts for droids roll by on the shop’s conveyor belt for you to grab and create a droid that’s uniquely yours and the ultimate travel companion for all your adventures! Don’t worry, if building your own droid sounds like a lot for you, they have pre-made and premium droids as well as a collection of unique, up-cycled objects crafted from scrap parts — it’s way cooler than it sounds, I promise!
During the covid-19 pandemic you must make reservations for the Droid Depot too. This is to incorporate physical distancing between parties, so space is limited. Advance reservations for Droid Depot are highly recommended and encouraged. You can do this on the My Disney Experience app. Unfortunately, same-day reservations are not available, but walk-ins may be accommodated based on availability for the day so even if you’re not able to snag a reservation, stop by to check. Just in case!
photos from disneyworld.disney.go.com
I always like to mention those two shops first because they’re kind of incredible, don’t you think?! However, there are numerous other shops in Galaxy’s Edge that are more typical to what you’d expect to find in the different themed areas of Disney World that you should pop into as well.
Black Spire Outfitters
Looking for some Jedi robes or other apparel? Then Black Spire Outfitters is the place for you to find all your clothing and apparel needs. Browse through an eclectic selection of stylish, functional clothing suitable for a variety of occasions and planets!
Creature Stall
Eeeekk! The Creature Stall is one of my favorite stops while in Galaxy’s Edge. It’s an entire stall filled with Star Wars themed toys & plushes (stuffed animals)! At this exotic shop, guests are free to explore and peek into cages and crates filled with species from distant worlds. You’ll find Kowakian monkey-lizards and other rambunctious pets for purchase! Next time I visit I’m picking myself up a cute little Porg (pictured in the middle picture below).
photos from disneyworld.disney.go.com
Toydarian Toymaker
While on Batuu you’re certainly going to want to pick up some souvenirs for friends or you can even treat yourself! Either way, the Toydarian Toymaker is your one stop shop for collectibles to plushes and even fancy art! What’s really neat about these shops is that you truly feel like you’re shopping on another planet, especially in this shop. I don’t know what it is about, but it gave me that overwhelming feeling I was on another world!!
Protip for Disney World Guests Shoppers: you can actually have any items you purchase at the parks delivered to the front entrance of the park, your Disney World Resort, or shipped to your home! These options aren’t available currently because of Covid but should hopefully be available for guests soon to take advantage of. Read more about these package pickup options here.
Resistance Supply
Members of the Resistance have set up a secret makeshift post where you can join the cause to defeat the First Order. Are you in?? Resistance Supply is a stall near Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and worth stopping by to check out fun gear that proves your allegiance to the Resistance!
photos from disneyworld.disney.go.com
Where to eat at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney World
There are numerous options for food in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge which means the biggest decision you’ll make is which intergalactic restaurant do you want to stop at first. ORRRR you can check them all out, right? Haha!
During the Covid-19 pandemic you will need to make mobile order reservations at most quick service restaurants. The My Disney Experience App is going to become your best friend even more during the pandemic! There are numerous features you’ll be using on the app regarding dining while at the park such as:
Mobile Order Service for Dining: This allows guests to order ahead and save time at select dining locations using mobile order service. Disney highly recommends that guests use this service during your visit. Some restaurants actually only allow mobile ordering. Pretty much every restaurant we went to in the parks required ordering ahead if we didn’t have reservations. It was SUPER easy though. While we were in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge we decided to submit our orders for the Milk Stand early and the My Disney Experience app allows you to choose a time slot for when you’ll arrive at the restaurant.
Oga's Cantina - table service
Oga’s Cantina is a one of two table service restaurants/bars in Galaxy’s Edge and during the Covid-19 pandemic you absolutely need to make reservations in advance on the My Disney Experience App. I would definitely say this is more of a bar than a restaurant, so if you’re looking for mostly food I wouldn’t go here hungry but I highly recommend stopping by because the cocktails are BEAUTIFUL! The cocktail menu is huge too — we thought it would only have 3-5 drinks but there are 8 concoctions with alcohol and 7 concoctions without alcohol! I loved that they incorporated fun drinks without alcohol too.
photos from disneyworld.disney.go.com
Ronto Roasters - quick service
Sink your teeth into a roasted pork wrap or savory grilled sausage at this intergalactic meat stall. Ronto Roasters is open all day but I actually prefer it for breakfast! Grab a Ronto Wrap which includes: Roasted Pork, Grilled Pork Sausage, Peppercorn Sauce, and Tangy Slaw wrapped in Pita Bread. You can grab a Ronto Wrap all day but I don’t know, it tastes better in the morning strolling through Batuu as the sun rises for the day.
photos from disneyworld.disney.go.com
Kat Saka's Kettle - quick service
POP into this funky food stall for some Outpost Mix—a sweet, savory snack made with popcorn! Haha now it’s funnier that I used the term “pop” huh? I couldn’t help myself, I love a good pun! Kat Saka’s Kettle is literally just popcorn and basic drinks but I will say it’s worth it if you’re feeling snacky kinda like the blue & green milk stand. It’s delicious but literally just one thing!
photos from disneyworld.disney.go.com
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo - table service
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is THE restaurant you absolutely won’t want to miss out on while traveling through Batuu! It’s also the main restaurant in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for table service and seriously the place to grab food, especially if you’re a first time visitor. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is housed in a working hangar bay and offers a variety of dishes prepared with ingredients from across the galaxy! There are numerous areas to sit inside the spacious hanger or guests can grab a table in the rustic outdoor seating area surrounded by the crumbling walls of the old marketplace.
We ordered the Smoked Kaadu Pork Ribs and the Batuu-bon for dessert. These were both absolutely delicious and presented beautifully! The pork ribs were juicy and full of flavor on top of a blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw. I’m going to be honest, I only wanted to go here because of the presentation of the food… Y’all.. look at those photos! How cool is that Batuu-bon?! BUT then when the food tasted amazing it made it one of my favorite places to grab a meal in Hollywood Studios.
Milk Stand in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Quick Service
Is the blue and green milk worth it at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World?
No visit to Galaxy’s Edge is complete without a frosty & delicious confection from the Milk Stand. I had been wanting to try this one of these amazing looking drinks from the Milk Stand since I first saw it come out! I didn’t even know what it was but come to find out it’s way better than blue or green dyed milk.. LOL. Milk at a hot theme park? No thanks! So… what the heck is it then?? The blue milk is: a plant-based blend of coconut and rice milk with alluring fruity characteristics and the green milk is: a plant-based blend of coconut and rice milk with zippy citrus and tropical characteristics. Honestly, I just picked the blue because it looked pretty but I’m sure the green tastes delicious too. The blue was a cold and refreshing smoothie like drink that I’ll definitely be getting the next time I visit Hollywood Studios.
Now you’re probably wondering where the heck blue or green milk came from? Why is it important to Star Wars? Luke Skywalker can actually be seen enjoying blue milk in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope and green milk in Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. Funny right? Now I feel like I need to rewatch all the Star Wars movies to spot the blue and green milk.
Take a walk around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!
Honestly, just walking around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and eating is a fun adventure! Grab a blue or green milk and some popcorn from Kat Saka’s Kettle then take a stroll around and observe what’s going on. You might even see some special guests like Kylo Ren, a couple Storm Troopers, or even Rey and Chewbacca at the garage in Black Spire Station.
Have you ever been to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?
XOXO
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