Whether you’ve been a Star Wars fan since 1977 or you have never been to a Galaxy Far, Far Away at all, I think we’re all pretty excited for the new “Star Wars Land” at Disneyland- Galaxy’s Edge- to open at the end of this month. Not only is it bringing new food and rides to Disneyland, but it’s going to be such an incredible, immersive experience that it’ll feel like you’ve really landed on another planet.
If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland after May 31st, you’ll be able to check out Galaxy’s Edge on your next trip. But first, read on to find out everything you need to know about this new land.
{Note: Galaxy’s Edge will be opening at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, but since I haven’t been to WDW since I was 6- a LOT of years ago- I’ll mostly be discussing the Disneyland version. However, they have a lot of similarities!}
What is Galaxy’s Edge?
Galaxy’s Edge is the new land at Disneyland {and also over at Walt Disney World} that was being called “Star Wars Land” before the name was revealed. It’s an immersive land where you can ride the Millennium Falcon, drink blue milk, and interact with characters who are out of this world.
When does Galaxy’s Edge open?
Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disneyland on May 31st, and at Walt Disney World on August 29th.
Where is Galaxy’s Edge?
Galaxy’s Edge is in the Disneyland park, and will be located just North of Frontierland. You’ll be able to access it by going through Critter Country, Fantasyland, or Frontierland.
Check out the Disneyland Map to explore more {though a detailed view of Galaxy’s Edge has not yet been added}.
Will Galaxy’s Edge have food and drinks?
Yes! And they will be themed to the land as well. The famous Blue Milk will be there, as will Green Milk. They will be available at Milk Stand.
Other eats include specialty popcorn in sweet, savory, and spicy flavors from Kat Saka’s Kettle, Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, BBQ and non-alcoholic drinks from Ronto Roasters, and specialty beverages in fun glasses at Oga’s Cantina, where DJ R-3X will be spinning tunes and talking up a storm.
Will there be alcohol at Galaxy’s Edge?
YES! Until now, alcohol was not available at Disneyland outside of Club 33. {It is, however, available at Disney California Adventure.} Now you’ll be able to get spirited beverages exclusively at Oga’s Cantina. Rumor has it that adult beverages will need to be consumed at the Cantina, however, so sit down and stay awhile! {This hasn’t been confirmed by Disney and is just a rumor, stay tuned for more info!}
What rides will be at Galaxy’s Edge?
At opening, there will be one ride at Galaxy’s Edge- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. In this ride, you’ll work as a team to pilot the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy! Depending on where you’re sitting, you might be a gunner, engineer, or pilot.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will open later this year. This ride will put you right in the middle of the Rebellion, where you’ll have an active role in the fight against the First Order- including a faceoff with Kylo Ren! The journey will also include going inside a full-size starship and aboard a nearby Star Destroyer. Check back here for the opening date of this ride when it’s announced.
What other unique Galaxy’s Edge experiences will there be?
This land is going to be truly immersive unlike anything we’ve seen at Disneyland before. Droids will be roaming freely {although rumor has it they won’t be ready quite yet at opening} and everything will make you feel like you’re truly on Batuu.
A unique shopping experience will be there for any young {or old!} Jedi who wants their own lightsaber. You’ll be able to customize and build your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop!
You can also check out the Droid Depot to construct your own astromech droid! Pick pieces off a conveyor belt to build one of the two core models, R-Series or BB-Series, and customize your droid with various parts and colors. The droids will even be capable of interacting with elements in the land, and you can add additional programming chips and accessories to further customize them.
What is the Star Wars: Datapad?
If you have the Play Disney Parks app, you can enhance your Galaxy’s Edge experience with the Star Wars: Datapad! You can use the “datapad” on your phone to hack into droids, scan encrypted cargo, tune into transmissions, translate galactic languages, and prepare the Millennium Falcon for hyperspace! Download the Play Disney Parks app to watch a preview video that explains a little more- and has a cool preview of the area on the map!
Does Galaxy’s Edge cost extra?
It does not cost extra to get into Galaxy’s Edge, beyond your admission into Disneyland {whether that’s a 1-Park Pass, Park Hopper, or Annual Pass}. That said, you will need a {free} reservation to enjoy the land between May 31-June 23.
How can you get into Galaxy’s Edge opening weekend or shortly after opening?
There are two ways to get into Galaxy’s Edge during the first three weeks {May 31-June 23}.
- Stay on-site at a Disneyland-owned hotel {Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier, or Grand Californian.} If you book a room at one of these hotels during this time, a reservation for Galaxy’s Edge will be assigned to you. You will NOT be able to pick the date and time of your reservation, but it will be during your stay.
- Make a free reservation at Disneyland.com.
Tomorrow, May 2nd at 8am PST an announcement will be made about how to make a reservation. At 10am, reservations will be open. THESE WILL GO FAST. If you would like to make a reservation, I recommend you have a Disneyland.com account set up before 10am so you can just jump right in and make your reservation. Reservations have begun! Find out more about making your own reservation here. - Reservations have now sold out. Your only option to get in during the first month is now to stay on-property.
Note that based on the reservations that have already been sent to hotel guests, it appears that you will have about 4 hours to enjoy Galaxy’s Edge during your reservation. You can leave early, but will not be able to return. Plan accordingly!
How can you get into Galaxy’s Edge after June 23rd?
After June 23rd, you will no longer need a pre-arranged reservation to go into Galaxy’s Edge. At that point, you will join a “virtual queue”- which basically means you’ll get in line via your phone and when your turn comes up, you’ll be allowed in. It’s like a Fast Pass in that you can wander the park and ride other rides while you wait for your turn to enter Batuu.
Tips for Dealing with Crowds at Galaxy’s Edge
I can not stress this enough: expect a large amount of people to be throughout the entirety of Disneyland and California Adventure for the entire summer. Reservations will help with the crowding, but it’s still summer and there are still lots of people coming to celebrate Star Wars, so be prepared.
One thing to note is that parks may reach capacity at some point during the day at stop letting people in. Having a reservation for Galaxy’s Edge will not get you into the park if it’s at capacity. If your reservation is later in the day, I recommend not leaving the park even for a nap until your time has come up because you run the risk of not being able to re-enter the park and losing out on your reservation.
Beyond that, the normal crowded day tips apply. Utilize Max Pass and Mobile Ordering to spend less time in lines. Maybe take in more shows or other entertainment than usual instead of trying to get on every single ride. {Just make sure to get to shows a few minutes early so you can find a seat!} If it gets hot, ride indoor rides, go to an indoor restaurant, or get a whole lot of Mickey ice cream bars. Keep an eye out here for a full post with my tips for hot, crowded days at Disneyland.
Anything else you want to know?
Do you still have questions about Galaxy’s Edge? We don’t know everything about the land yet, but with it opening at the end of this month {!!} more and more info is being released every day. If you have a question about the land, leave a comment or message me on Instagram and I’ll try to get you an answer!
How to save on your trip to Galaxy’s Edge
Planning a trip to the edge of the galaxy? Be sure to check out the amazing deals going on with Get Away Today, including a 5th Day FREE Promo! Check out all the ways to save here and be sure to use code NQSH to save $10 on packages that include hotel stay & park tickets!
Don’t need a full package but still want somewhere great to stay? Check out the HoJo Anaheim, a great hotel within walking distance that has it’s own water park for when the Disney crowds get to be too much! Save 15% off with code LNLR.
What are you the most excited for when Galaxy’s Edge opens?
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