A galaxy far, far away is suddenly closer than we could have ever imagined…
Join us as we take our first steps on the planet of Batuu – a fantastical world come to life that changes everything.
To say Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge sets a new standard for the themed entertainment industry would be the biggest understatement since a long time ago. With this massive 14 acre new land at both Disneyland park in Anaheim, CA and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL, Disney redefines the very standard of just how immersive a theme park can be. The budget *per* land reportedly tops one billion dollars each, making them the most expensive theme park attractions ever built, anywhere in the world.
Set on the never-before-seen planet of Batuu, Walt Disney Imagineering has created a whole new chapter to the epic Star Wars saga – something that can only be experienced inside the theme parks – offering an instant familiarity to those life-long fans flocking to their new mecca, while crafting entirely new stories welcoming to the uninitiated. What results is an experience rich in Star Wars lore that requires no prior knowledge of the intellectual property. This brilliant approach allows every guest to begin their journey to Batuu on equal footing, regardless of whether they’ve seen the films a few times, a million times, or, dare we say it, never at all.
Set sometime after the three trilogies, Batuu is an unsavory planet that sits at the galaxy’s edge (they said the name!) Home to traders, traitors, scoundrels, space pirates, and one of the last known Resistance strong holds left in the universe, it’s caught the ire of Kylo Ren and the rest of his first order. Imperial ships are setting up camp just outside the town, with infamous groups of Storm Troopers taken to the ground in search of any bit of information they can find on the whereabouts of the last known Jedi, Rey.
Our review of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be very image heavy. Remember that as always, clicking on any photo will allow you to view it in stunning high-resolution. And once you reach the end, be sure to make the jump to the Escape Authority Facebook page to see two massive galleries of photos we took on our visits to this incredible new land at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is so over-the-top immersive that it actually blurs the line of just what is an attraction. Beyond its two marque ride-based experiences, some of the shopping and dining on the planet of Batuu are so incredibly interactive that they, themselves, draw higher demand than the actual rides. We’ll look at them separately under their respective genres, leaving anything that requires a purchase to participate out of the Attractions section (but, to be clear, that doesn’t make them any less of must see attractions in their own right!)
Star Wars: Rise of the RESISTANCE
The Resistance needs your help! Hidden in the forest outside Black Spire Outpost, the Resistance is gathering recruits for a secret mission.
With the First Order desperate to extinguish the spark of the Resistance, the mission is bound to have unexpected twists and turns. When your transport is captured by an imposing First Order Star Destroyer filled with legions of stormtroopers – and even Kylo Ren! – you’re going to need all the help you can get. Fortunately, a covert team of Resistance fighters – including Rey and BB-8 – is at the ready to give you a fighting chance to escape… and a chance for the Resistance to rise.
Prepare for a thrilling, first of its kind adventure!
There are a handful of attractions the world over that can be considered industry benchmarks; rides so good that they redefine what an experience can be. Frankly, Disney has created the majority of them. It probably comes as no surprise that their debuts are often few and far between. It’s just not that easy to reinvent the wheel over and over again.
Today, we’re excited to share with you, our readers, that the next big thing in theme park attractions has arrived.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the single most immersive attraction anywhere across the globe – and that’s not a statement we make lightly. We’ve had the good fortunate to travel from corner to corner, seeing some twenty different countries, and in the process, every single Disney theme park on Earth. This ride is the greatest ever realized, and after that, it’s not even close.
Beginning at the far reaches of Black Spire Outpost, the dense forests of Batuu hide a secluded network of caves which has been repurposed as a make-shift base for the Resistance – those willing to band together to stand up to the tyranny of Kylo Ren and his First Order fleets. It is here we encounter BB-8, the little rolling droid straight from the latest Star Wars trilogy of films. With his help, we receive an urgent holographic transmission from Rey herself, urging us to all stand and fight for the cause with the other rebels.
Just outside (literally – you actually go back outside creating a truly authentic flow) the Intersystem Transport Ship is waiting to safely carry brave Resistance fighters into space. Or at least, the plan was for things to go safely. Naturally, it is here that something goes terribly wrong in truly epic fashion, leaving unsuspecting passengers caught in a tractor beam that deposits them right into the hangar bay of a massive First Order Star Destroyer.
This becomes the first of several utterly jaw-dropping gasp-out-loud “WOW! moments” that lie ahead in this epic battle. The hangar bay is more than fifty feet high, and inside it, an equal fifty stormtrooper audio animatronics hold you captive, with blasters drawn. Gone are the helpful, friendly Resistance-themed Cast Members – replaced instead by foreboding, downright intimidating First Order operatives, ready to swiftly and coldly usher you off to detention cells, to be held until Kylo Ren arrives to interrogate you personally.
We’d like to be clear and state: everything that has happened thus far is well before guests ever actually sit down on the ride vehicle. And once they do, the chaos kicks things into an even higher gear. Thankfully Finn has managed to have the prison transport droids reprogrammed to aid in our escape from the Star Destroyer, but the path out won’t be easy.
And why, you may wonder? Well, without giving specifics, there’s countless droids, even more heavily armed stormtroopers, General Hux, multiple encounters with Kylo-Ren and, you know, two FIFTY FOOT TALL AT-AT’s firing at you for good measure.
From start to finish, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a nearly twenty minute long attraction. The experience flows so flawlessly from one moment to the next that it feels more like intimate immersive theater than it does a ride in a theme park. Simply put, there’s nothing anywhere in the world like this.
Although we detailed a small portion of this ride’s incredible pre-show, we will specifically not discuss the story or show elements that lead to it’s epic climax. Instead, we’ll simply say that Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a truly world’s first attraction, combining multiple transport systems from simulators, to trackless dark ride technology and even a free fall drop lift. Those mechanics are seamlessly brought to life by the most cutting-edge special effects, illusions and nearly one hundred of the most realistic audio animatronics figures Disney has ever produced, and it’s all further enhanced by a brand new, custom cinematic score by the great John Williams himself.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the next big thing – and it may hold that title for a very long time. Simply put, it raises the bar for our themed entertainment industry so impossibly high that we aren’t even certain how Disney could surpass themselves in this moment.
This ride is a once in a generation attraction.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, and will official debut on January 17, 2020 at Disneyland in California.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Take Control of the Fastest Ship in the Galaxy!
Ride in the famous cockpit of the Millennium Falcon on a daring flight—and whether you’re a pilot, engineer or gunner, every role is crucial.
The engines rumble as the Millennium Falcon blasts off, pushing you and your crew back into your seats when you jump into hyperspace towards adventure. Along the way you’ll face danger at every turn.
Will your mission succeed or fail? It’s up to you—find out if you have what it takes to outmaneuver the odds aboard the Millennium Falcon.
Get ready to punch it!
There’s likely no spacecraft more iconic than the Millennium Falcon. It has become the stuff of legends, and is popular enough to almost be spoken of as a character in the Star Wars saga on par with Luke, Han and Chewie themselves. Who hasn’t wondered in some fleeting daydream what it might be like to fly this epic ship?
Wonder no more.
The actual Millennium Falcon – the real deal – life-sized and ready to board – sits parked outside Ohnaka Transport Solutions, a “completely legitimate” trading and transportation hub situated here on Batuu. It’s proprietor, Hondo Ohnaka, is an equally “completely legitimate” “businessman.” Ok, so he’s actually an illegal smuggler and a space pirate. Look, do you want to fly this bird or not?!
Hondo has struck a deal with Chewbacca to borrow the Falcon just temporarily to pick up some precious cargo that will make him a whole lot of galactic credits (money, for you boring earthlings.) In return, he agrees to share vital supplies that will benefit the Resistance in their battle against the First Order, but naturally, he’s missing just one thing: a crew.
You’ve never flown a spaceship before? No problem. Ohkada Transport Solutions is welcoming new applicants today. Prior to disembarking, Hondo himself will greet the team – brought to life by one of the most realistic audio-animatronic figures Disney has ever created. From there, crews pass down authentic jetway bridges, where they are issued their flight credentials. Each credential card reveals the specific role you’ll have on this mission – but don’t worry, if you don’t like you’re role, it’s a simple as just trading it with someone else on the team.
Hondo has sought out applicants brave (read: fool-hearty) enough to try their hand at all vital roles aboard the Millennium Falcon: Pilot, Gunner or Engineer. A team of six applicants will fill all positions – two of each – and if you think this is just theme park fluff to justify a ride, boy are you in for a surprise.
Prior to taking flight, crews are invited to freely mingle about the iconic Chess Room, posing for photos and occasionally being called upon to repair an unexpected malfunction. Color coded flight credential cards act as a queueless boarding system, allowing applicants one last moment to relax until their card color is called. From there, it’s time to take to the cockpit, where crews are split into three distinct roles.
Pilots actually steer the Millennium Falcon – meaning if you crash (and there’s a lot to crash into along the way) the ship reacts. Like any great escape game, a successful flight will require teamwork and solid communication (read: yelling at each other.) Left Pilot controls the left/right motion of the ship, while Right Pilot controls the up/down – as well as the ability to punch it into light speed. That’s right, you’ll actually get to do that yourself.three rows depending on their assigned roles. Each is a very different experience.
Gunners protect against enemy fighters, as well as asteroids and other intergalactic perils. Unlike the Pilots, the two Gunner positions – Left and Right – are strikingly similar experiences. Each have the option of manual or automatic aim. Choosing manual allows for the most interactivity, giving Gunners an up, center or down-facing laser blaster. Choosing automatic consolidates all blasters into a single button that does the aiming for you.
Engineers are the fixers – and depending on the quality of a crew’s pilots, they might very much have their work cut out for them. A good Engineer will keep one eye out the view window and the other on their vast range of buttons. The faster an Engineer “repairs” the ship, the longer it lasts and the more successful the overall mission will be. With a ton of buttons literally covering the wall, all of them in play at some point, triggered in a random order that cannot be anticipated, Engineer becomes a sort of high-tech game of outer-space Whack-A-Mole.
Each seat is scored, both individually as well as for a total team effort. Pilot is probably obvious; the less you crash, the higher your score. Gunner adds a nuance of the cost of ammo – meaning your score will actually be higher if you shoot less, but aim more accurately. For the Engineer, it’s all about how quickly you’re able to hit those buttons; even a fraction of a second can make a big difference in the galactic credits you receive for your mission.
We were able to experience all roles (and all seats) aboard the legendary Millennium Falcon, and generally speaking, we enjoyed them all. That being said, there is a significant leap to hyperspace between the quality of experience applicants will receive as Pilots versus either other role – and even the two Pilot roles feel quite different. For the biggest wow, we recommend trying to have your first impression be in the Right Pilot seat.
Prior to flying aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, I’d often wondered “who are those people” that would scream on a motion simulator attraction? Surely they can see it’s just a movie screen, right? Well, after my first flight, I can certifiably admit that now, I am one of those people. Expect absolute chaos in the best possible way, with both Pilots arguing with one another over who crashed into what most recently, all the while both Gunners and Engineers band together to scream at the Pilots themselves. It’s such an immersive storyworld to get lost in that it’s impossible not to yell, laugh, and get chills all at once.
Star Wars: DataPad
Soon after you arrive to the planet Batuu, you’ll be able to transform the Play Disney Parks app into the Star Wars: Datapad—designed to guide you deeper and deeper into an adventure in a galaxy far, far away.
Whether you’re interacting with droids, scanning crates or tuning into transmissions, the Play Disney Parks app will be a vital tool when it comes to living your own Star Wars story!
You’ll find many tools at your disposal for exploring the planet Batuu:
- Translate a variety of languages from across the galaxy—including Aurebesh signs throughout Black Spire Outpost.
- Scan objects all around the spaceport to discover precious cargo—including items hidden inside space-shipping crates and containers.
- Tune into communications sent by the planet’s many residents as you tap into and decrypt signals from satellite dishes.
- Use the Star Wars: Datapad to hack into—and interact with—select devices, control panels and droids.
As the Star Wars: Datapad guides you along, you’ll have the chance to pledge your loyalty to the First Order, support the Resistance, or strike out on your own as a scoundrel. And with each task you complete, you can collect digital rewards in return—like ship schematics, star maps, galactic credits and more!
The Play Disney Parks app has become a popular distraction while waiting in queues for some of the more popular attractions around the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. With small-scale themed mobile games that can only be accessed on location, it’s a great way to pass the time. But this modest interactive app is about to take on a life of its own.
Once travelers land on Batuu’s surface, Play Disney Parks completely transforms into the Star Wars: Datapad. From top to bottom, this is an entirely new experience, far more entrenched into the storyworld than ever before. In essence, Star Wars: Datapad takes an already over the top themed land and brings it to life to a degree never before seen.
Star Wars: Datapad services multiple purposes while on Batuu – all of them compelling in their own ways. A handy translator enables earthlings to read Aurebesh signage – the official alien language of the Star Wars universe.
Scanning cargo crates around Black Spire Outpost reveals some interesting intergalactic contraband – and occasionally even earns new credentials to your mobile communicator (read: cellphone.)
Tuning in to various frequencies gains access to the many satellite dishes around Batuu – some of which reveal secrets of either the First Order or the Resistance.
Hacking is perhaps the most exciting – putting the power to override security systems, door locks and even droids in the palm of your hand on your very own phone. Each hack will require solving a fairly simple puzzle – most of which give just 30-40 seconds to complete. To keep hacking appealing for all ages, puzzles start on the very easy side of the spectrum, but do get slightly more complex as you progress. There were a few times were even we barely achieved the goal before the timer ran out, making for an exciting interaction. Successful hacking gains galactic credits to your Datapad, which can eventually be used for device upgrades, badges and more.
Perhaps most compelling of all, upon launching Star Wars: Datapad, travelers to Batuu are then given the chance to choose a side – be it that of hope with the Resistance, power and control with the First Order, or even skating the line as a space pirate with no allegiance to anyone but yourself. Throughout the course of the day, the faction who overtakes the most doors and surveillance across Black Spire Outpost wins control of the planet, and a hefty reward of bonus credits for their troubles.
Star Wars: Datapad also has specific missions to tackle while queueing through Ohnaka Transport Solutions to board Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, as well as a more quest-based scavenger hunt all around the Galaxy’s Edge in hopes of achieving themed missions. It’s a rare instance of mobile phones making a themed environment even more interactive and engaging!
Savi’s Worshop – handBuilt Lightsabers
Travel to Black Spire Outpost, where a group known as the “Gatherers” ushers you into a covert workshop packed with unusual parts, whimsical pieces and miscellaneous memorabilia collected from the far reaches of the galaxy.
Under their guidance, you can construct your very own lightsaber and bring it to life through the power of kyber crystals. Builders beware—you must protect the shop’s secrecy to avoid being discovered by the First Order!
A run down salvage yard hides one of the most sought-after secrets of the galaxy. Beyond its modest facade, hidden behind a false wall lies a hidden cave-like space inhabited by the Gatherers – the last of a legendary group trained to actually build authentic lightsabers. After confirming the coast is clear from roving Stormtrooper battalions, Jedi-hopefuls enter the hallowed space. Each of the fourteen Builders (guests who purchased their own lightsaber) are allowed to bring with them up to two guests, for a total of forty-two per experience, making Savi’s Workshop quite exclusive.
Before actual building commences, the Gathers share the legacy of lightsabers, including the rare Kyber Crystals that power them. Each Builder is invited to choose what aspect of the force most attracts them – resulting in four very different styles of lightsaber.
- Peace and Justice
Salvaged scraps from fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships in these Republic-era designs honor the galaxy’s former guardians.
- Power and Control
Originally forged by dark side warriors, this style features rumored remnants from the Sith homeworld and abandoned temples.
- Elemental Nature
This theme embodies the Force—an energy created by all living things, like Brylark trees, Cartusion whale bones and Rancor teeth.
- Protection and Defense
Hilt materials bear mysterious motifs and inscriptions that reconnect users with the ancient wellspring of the Force.
Next it’s time to pick a one of a kind Kyber Crystal, available to builders in one of four colors: Blue, like famed Jedi Obi Wan Kenobi and later Luke Skywalker, or Green like Master Yoda; Red like those chosen by Dark Vader and Kylo Ren, or among the rarest, Purple like Mace Windu. (Additional colors are available for purchase later at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, including Yellow, White, or the ultra-elusive Black found hidden in random Red Crystal packages.)
This is where the narrative flow somewhat ends, shifting to a chaotic build process with Gathers trying to explain to fourteen Builders how to complete their own lightsabers. Although this “middle” section is a bit muddled, it does come back together for an inspiring finale moment. Once completed, all fourteen lightsabers illuminate for the first time simultaneously, inviting their Builders to hold them high in the air in a triumphant moment suitable for any Star Wars film.
Builders receive their custom-built lightsaber, as well as a canvas carrying case with shoulder strap. Although each segment of the lightsaber has several options, Builders are only allowed to keep the single style they choose for each, with the rest going back into Savi’s inventory. Although hand-building your own lightsaber carries a hefty $199+ price tag, Savi’s Workshop sees such demand that it’s extremely difficult to get into. Disneyland has instituted a day-of reservation system for hopeful Builders, available for booking each day beginning at 7am online and through the Disneyland App. A pre-paid reservation for Savi’s Workshop will also guarantee guests access into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge up to one hour prior to their return window, even if the land is using a virtual queue for entry at the time.
Droid Depot
Visit a workshop stocked with parts, chips, manuals and other tech items useful for constructing your very own droid, one of the galaxy’s most indispensable sidekicks. Design, assemble and activate the customized droid that you’ve always been looking for.
Another shop so highly themed that it’s essentially an attraction in and of itself, Droid Depot is a place for would-be Jedis to design and assemble their very own faithful astromech sidekick. Droids are available in two distinct model lines, both sure to please Star Wars fans the galaxy-over: BB-series unit or R-series.
Parts are selected from a constantly moving conveyor belt – literally overflowing with a multitude of style and color options. Once gathered, designers transport their new droid – some assembly required – to a work station for activation. The droid reacts as it’s built, all leading to its official activation – a moment that is sure to bring a tear to new would-be robo-parents as their mechanical youngling comes to life for the very first time. Droids are then powered by remote-control devices.
Further customization options, as well as unique personality chips that change a droids mood and interaction styles are also available for purchase inside Droid Depot. Unlike Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, all travelers to Batuu are able to enter Droid Depot – but for those who wish to have that ultimate level of interaction they can eventually bring back to their home worlds, personalized droids carry a cost of $99+.
It’s important to note that although Disney touts the high degree of interactivity these droids have throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests are oddly not allowed to actually use them in the land. Disneyland’s own site states, “Using a remote-control device to operate a droid while at the theme parks will be prohibited; please carry the droid around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to allow it to interact with elements in the land.”
For those who’d rather spend their savings on a Star Wars toy instead of a car, Droid Depot also has a full-scale screen-accurate R2-D2 replica available for purchase. The cost is just $25,000+. Now, are you sitting down? According to Disney, at least three have already been sold.
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
A constant presence in his den, Dok-Ondar resonates with something mysterious, enigmatic and almost mystical—and so do the objects that he gathers.
His shop is packed with crates, boxes and assorted carvings, and a close inspection reveals that each object has its own story to tell.
Everything is carefully curated and arranged according to an unknown order. When you stumble upon an obscure item, you’re left to wonder: did you discover it by chance or were you meant to find it?
Although not interactive to the degree of Savi’s Workshop or Droid Depot, Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities is still absolutely must-see. A decent size (by Batuu standards, anyway) open circular chamber is home to outlandish decor, impeccable detail and a number of life-like animatronic figures. Dok-Ondar is present to oversee operations himself, powered by one of the most realistic figures Disney has produced.
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities is your one-stop shop for lightsaber upgrades, offering Kyber Crystals in six different colors (technically seven, thanks to the ultra-rare Black chaser Crystals randomly hidden in some lucky Red Crystal packages.) The Kyber Crystals can also be used to power both Jedi and Sith Holocrons – more exclusive items that can be purchased from Dok-Ondar’s collection.
Beyond the Kyber Crystal-infused wares, this shop mainly hosts collectible busts and prop replicas, making it feel a bit out of place in the otherwise hyper-releastic Black Spire Outpost.
The Market
The Market is a large, mostly open-air space populated by several small specialty shops – each with its own story, character and focal product. Even if purchasing a Star Wars-themed collectible isn’t on your to-do list, a visit to The Market should be.
The level of detail throughout this area is nothing shy of inspiring, with cables draped from wall to wall, presumably powering each stall, ornate and other-worldly lanterns lighting the space while priceless silks offer some protection from Batuu’s suns. There’s just so much to explore and discover throughout The Market that you very well could make several visits and still find a new hidden detail or Star Wars-themed easter egg.
The one downside of The Market is that once inside a specific shop, the spaces are quite cramped – and each has but one single cash register. As you can probably imagine, things get difficult to navigate with the crowds that flock to Black Spire Outpost, opening a conversation of form versus function. Everything about The Market feels real to the world of Batuu, although it may not exactly be realistic to the crowd demands of a Disney theme park.
Toydarian Toymaker
No galactic traveler should return home empty-handed. Here in this humble, jumbled shop you’ll find all manner of artisanal playthings and collectibles handmade by the busy toymaker, Zabaka the Toydarian. Her fantastical storefront is cluttered with crates of toymaking supplies and other unique works in progress—including a tauntaun rocking horse.
Zabaka’s silhouette is often visible through the frosted back window of her workshop as she flits around crafting Wookiee dolls and classic games like chance cubes and sabacc.
Toydarian Toymaker is Batuu’s toy shop, although it’s probably as far from “ordinary” as everything else on this planet. Collectibles are intentionally fashioned to look hand-made, from (seemingly) crudely stitched together dolls to poseable wooden figures of Stormtroopers, Darth Vader and the like, as well as several replicas of iconic ships like the Millennium Falcon and Tie Fighters offered in both wood and tin varieties. What results is a souvenir that feels distinctly Batuu, and one that is noticeably different from items sold elsewhere in the Disney parks.
Black Spire Outfitters
Shopping for your next scouting mission through the Outer Rim? Need a new robe to greet the ambassador of your home planet, or just want to pick up some casual garb to blend in with the locals? Browse through an eclectic selection of stylish, functional clothing suitable for a variety of occasions and worlds.
Black Spire Outfitters is home to everything needed to turn a Jedi-hopeful into a fully suited master of the Force. Jedi and Sith robes, vests, and even dresses befitting Princess Leia are available for purchase in this shop. Robes average $100+, but carry a pretty significant caveat: Although purchased on Batuu and intended to help transform visitors into citizens of Batuu, Disney strictly prohibits any park guest over 14 from wearing their newly purchased robe. That’s right – the one place it actually makes sense to wear this big ticket item won’t allow it.
Jewels of Bith
Explore local goods and other trinkets to treasure in this special shop.
Jewels of Bith is a small shop structured in the classic airport “I was there” flavor. This is your chance to purchase items bearing the Batuu or Black Spire Outpost branding, from T-shirts and hoodies to collectible pins, lanyards, and magnets.
Creature Stall
At this exotic shop, you’re free to explore as you peek into cages and crates filled with hard-to-find fuzzballs from across the galaxy. Bina, the stall’s proprietor, scours star systems to keep this storefront stocked with unique companions for her customers.
Marvel at a large collection of cackling Kowakian monkey-lizards, the rambunctious pets popular with shadowy underworld figures—including Hutts. Most of the creatures here are available for purchase (restrictions may apply to rathtars).
Creature Stall will sure to be popular for the younglings in your intergalactic travel party. Shelves stocked ceiling to floor offer visitors the chance to “adopt” an alien species to take back to their home planet, including interactive Porg puppets that just about every Batuuan tourist seemed to be carrying around.
But this intergalactic pet shop is worth a visit even for those who do not intend to adopt something fluffy or slimy (and for those who fear the ability to clear customs with it.) Among its many alien animals ready to find their forever homes, Creature Stall also features several animatronics that will elicit emotions ranging from “Awww, adorable!” to “Ewww, disgusting!” The sleeping Loth Cat, cuddling with its Porg dog toy is especially adorable.
Shopping Elsewhere on Batuu…
First Order Cargo
The First Order has recently arrived in Black Spire Outpost in pursuit of the Resistance. Report for duty and make your way to Docking Bay 9 where the First Order has set up a temporary post next to their shuttle to win the hearts and minds of the locals. Browse for gear and other products to show your support for the First Order.
With the First Order in town, it just makes sense that they’d set up shop in an old docking bay to try to drum up allegiance from the locals. And what better way to show support for the Dark Side than with… branded merchandise!
First Order cargo is ready to fulfill all of your Kylo Ren and Stormtrooper needs – including full scale film-accurate Stormtrooper armor that will cost you $6,615+!
Resistance Supply
Rendezvous with other Resistance allies in a forested area near the ancient ruins. There, members of the Resistance have set up a secret makeshift post where you can join the cause to defeat the First Order.
Resistance Supply is situated in the forested area outside of Black Spire Outpost. It’s made up of just two small outdoor carts parked by an adjacent X-Wing Fighter. Although modest, these stands full of merchandise ranging from action figures to pins and t-shirts – many of which are boldly branded “RESIST!” – act as the official shop for the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance mega E-ticket next door. Within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this is your one-stop good guy shop!
Oga’s Cantina
Welcome to the local cantina, where bounty hunters, smugglers, rogue traders and weary travelers of all ages come together to refuel, enjoy music and conduct meetings—no questions asked. With an expansive menu of exotic concoctions for young ones and adults, the cantina is a welcome rest stop before your crew’s upcoming galactic journey.
As you plan your next smuggling run, please enjoy some bold musical entertainment courtesy of droid DJ R-3X, a former Starspeeder 3000 pilot. The cantina adheres to proprietor Oga Garra’s strict code of conduct, but patrons can be… unpredictable, so just keep your head down—and drink casual.
Oga’s Cantina may bear a striking resemblance to the infamous Mos Eisley Cantina found on Tatooine, as seen in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope – but make no mistake, this is a uniquely new establishment. Sadly, Oga’s Cantina trades out the outlandish alien patrons for theme park guests (who, admittedly, are typically still outlandish in their own right.)
Inside the Cantina, a perpetual party-atmosphere keeps the mood lively, thanks to a mix of familiar and unique tunes spun by DJ R3X. R3X has a long history with both Star Wars and Disneyland, originally debuting as RX-24, better known as Captain Rex, the bumbling pilot aboard Star Tours when it opened in Tomorrowland on January 9, 1987, and later at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on December 15, 1989. Paul Reubens of Pee-Wee Herman fame reprises his role as DJ R3X’s voice, with a whole new slate of dialogue that’s equal parts tongue-in-cheek reference to the ride and outright hilarious. We especially enjoyed DJ R3X’s momentary short circuit. “Brakes! Brakes! Where are the brakes?!” (And yes, the classic Cantina Song by Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes is absolutely among the list of tunes he spins.)
Oga’s Cantina has a wide array of out-of-this-world drink options – some served in your choice of specialty mugs, as well as a beer flight ready to sip from the hollowed out teeth of a Rancor! When it comes to food, Oga’s currently has but one option: Batuu Bits, which is essentially trail mix, Black Spire Outpost style. As far as beverages are concerned, we sampled the Bespin Fizz- an adult beverage consisting of “rum, yuzu purée, pomegranate juice, white cranberry juice, and cloud swirl”. Pleasant enough, the alcohol was indiscernible and serving size underwhelming (this was not the only culinary disappointment on Batuu). On future visits, we will likely opt for the Non-Alcoholic beverage menu, given the conservative nature of the alcohol servings, and dramatic difference in price point.
Similar to Savi’s Workshop discussed above, Oga’s Cantina offers an extremely low daily capacity, and as such has difficulty meeting the demand. Disneyland has instituted a day-of reservation system, available for booking each day beginning at 7am online and through the Disneyland App. A confirmed reservation for Oga’s Cantina will also guarantee guests access into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge up to one hour prior to their return window, even if the land is using a virtual queue for entry at the time – but be aware that any no-shows will be charged $10 per person. (But honestly, who isn’t going to show up to a guaranteed entry for Oga’s Cantina?)
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
At this restaurant housed in a working hangar bay, choose from a variety of dishes prepared with ingredients from across the galaxy—all of it delicious, but none of it familiar. Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs has docked a food freighter loaded with fresh supplies and he’s ready to satisfy the appetites of visitors and locals alike with an array of exotic offerings. His planet-hopping travels allow him to prepare fare with unusual flavors that delight customers.
Batuu’s only sit-down dining establishment comes in the form of quick service in a former cargo bay. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo creates an immersive environment, with crates and shipping containers both still present, with some of them opened, unpacked and converted into dining booths.
A host of menu items are available, each presented in such a way to give a truly intergalactic first impression. We chose the Roasted Endorian Tip-Yip (which translates to “crispy chicken, roasted vegetable potato mash, herb gravy”), and found it to be the culinary highlight of the Galaxy’s Edge experience, as both in presentation and taste it checked the boxes of the type of dish you would expect to have here in the outpost. A comparable benchmark, Satu’li Canteen at Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is ultimately more successful in both creating food that visually ties to the story while being tasty, Docking Bay 7 will remain our go-to on future excursions to Batuu.
For those travelers making use of the Star Wars: Datapad app, several credit-rewarding challenges are hidden throughout both the queue and dining area of Docking Bay 7.
Dining Elsewhere on Batuu…
Milk Stand
Quench your thirst with a cup of Batuu’s legendary blue or green treat, served frozen. The vendors at this quirky stall offer travelers an invigorating, refreshing drink that’s a favorite among the locals.
A small outdoor drink kiosk with a perpetually long line, this is the premier spot to try the legendary Blue or Green Milk, famously enjoyed by Luke Skywalker himself. It should be noted that although called milk, this frosty beverage is actually not dairy based, making it more accessible for those who may have allergies. Both options are described as having a “fruit smoothie” type taste, with Green Milk being the stronger / more tart of the two.
Our inaugural sampling of the Blue Milk will also be our last, and not only because of the $7.99 price point. Disney’s attempt to create a sensation on the scale of Butterbeer is a complete misfire, with an expensive product we can’t imagine anyone would order a second time. It is neither tasty nor refreshing, and is more akin to a bad protein smoothie one would unhappily drink down solely for the nutritional aspects. Expect this to be re-tooled.
It’s also worth mentioning that both Blue and Green Milk are available menu options inside Oga’s Cantina.
Ronto Roasters
As you wander the market, follow the intoxicating scent of grilled meat wafting through the air. Ronto Roasters is a favorite stop for crews prepping for their next mission.
Inside, spot the hanging podracer engine heating up a spit of meats. A pitmaster droid turns the mechanical spit, grilling a large side of ronto—a massive beast native to the planet Tatooine.
A modest snack kiosk makes a mighty statement, thanks to it’s giant pod racer’s engine suspended from the ceiling, used as a most unique grill to blast roast succulent Ronto meat. An animatronic droid works diligently to keep the counters stocked, rotating Ronto skewers day and night. Even if you don’t plan to sample this meaty delicacy, the entry statement alone makes it a must-visit while shopping the Market of Black Spire Outpost.
We partook in the Ronto Wrap (Roasted Pork, Grilled Pork Sausage, Peppercorn Sauce, tangy Slaw, wrapped in Pita)- an exciting prospect that ultimately disappointed. Not only was the Pita not fresh, but its size dramatically overwhelmed the sausage and other elements. Regrettably, the themed beverages (Tatooine Sunset and Meiloorun Juice) ended up being mere sugar-water as opposed to inspired concoctions (see the supremely-delicious LeFou’s Brew or Red’s Apple Freeze as an example of how this type of thing should be done).
Kat Saka’s Kettle
Pop into this eclectic food stall for some Outpost Mix, a sweet, savory snack made with popcorn. Run by grain merchant Kat Saka, this stall offers customers a unique taste of Batuu.
Likely inspired by the blockbuster success of various flavored popcorn offerings across the Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios now have their own unique flavor to offer travelers visiting Batuu. This purple and red colored popcorn looks unique from the start, seen popping in a giant industrial kettle just outside the shop.
Being huge fans of Tokyo’s flavored popcorns, we stopped here to pick up a signature Outpost Popcorn Mix (promising “a colorful blend of sweet and spicy flavors”), and found it to be neither sweet, nor spicy, nor enjoyable. Instead, it bore more in common with the style of candy-flavored popcorn you might receive in a cheap Christmas basket- cold and languid. Like the Blue Milk, we cannot imagine that this will inspire a sustained fan following of any measure.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge unquestionably takes theme park immersion to a whole new level. Its blockbuster rides set a new bar for themed entertainment, while its hyper-themed shopping and dining blur the very line on what an attraction can be.
But there’s so much more in store on a visit to Batuu that makes travelers from all parts of the galaxy truly active characters in their own epic Star Wars story. Actors are so seamlessly integrated throughout Black Spire Outpost that at first glance, you may not even notice them. And while in any other theme park land that could be a bad thing, here, it lays a foundation of world-building the likes of which we’ve never seen, leaving guests no question in their mind that the universe of Star Wars is real.
Stormtroopers patrol the land, searching for anyone with information on the whereabouts of the one they call Rey. Resistance spies do anything in their power to evade the First Order, at times quite literally running through Black Spire Outpost in hopes of losing them in the crowds. Should that fail, you may just have one temporarily join your travel group. Try to act normal; maybe the Stormtroopers won’t notice.
But the Stormtroopers of the 709th Legion are hardly the biggest threat to Black Spire Outpost; Kylo Ren himself, infamous leader of the First Order has landed his Command Shuttle on the surface of Batuu. He’s here to capture Rey himself, and he has no qualms about using the Dark Side of the Force to get the answers he seeks – be it from local citizens or theme park guests.
The mood is much less tense in the Resistance Forest, where travelers may encounter the legendary Chewbacca, or even the last Jedi, Rey herself. When not recruiting new sympathizers for the Resistance, they’ve been known to joke around with travelers. We even caught them playing an intergalactic game of telephone with an assembled line of Batuuan tourists. There was just one problem: the originating call came from Chewbacca. Needless to say, “RRWWWGG” got a bit lost in translation by the time it reached Rey at the end of the line!
Perhaps most compelling of all – while these characters add clear value to the planet of Batuu, it’s not these actors who bring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life. It’s the Cast Members – Disney’s term for hourly theme park employees – who work there. In the past, we’ve all seen certain attractions embrace what Disney calls “Performance Theming” – embracing a role to further immerse guests into the story of an attraction. It’s not uncommon to find a few Cast Members at The Haunted Mansion or The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror embodying the role and living their characters.
But what awaits on Batuu is a whole other world – literally. This is the first time we’ve ever encountered a theme park land where every single Cast Member has a character to play. EVERYONE plays a role – from the attractions cast operating Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run to the merchandise hosts at Savi’s Workshop and food and beverage cast at Oga’s Cantina. Even custodial cast play their part, living and breathing this Star Wars universe in such an impactful way that it comes to life even more believably than it ever could have on its own. Simply put, there’s just nothing like the immersive experience these Disney Cast Members are ready to give you.
We don’t frequently cover Disney Theme Parks here on Escape Authority, mainly because although they have long been our passion, they’re not exactly our genre as a site. Aside from the occasional Halloween event, it’s just not a realm we’re able to venture into often while keeping things on topic. But we knew from the start that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge would be different.
This giant new land introduces to theme park guests several worlds we at Escape Authority are all too familiar with – seamlessly blending immersive theater and interactive game-based components in a way we’ve hoped and dreamed to see for a very, very long time. It may take place “a long time ago,” but make no mistake, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the future of the themed entertainment industry. Walt Disney Imagineering has pulled back the curtain on the next big thing, and redefined expectations of just what they’re capable of. This is the new standard – and the future is as bright as Batuu’s three suns and two moons combined.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is now open at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Due to incredible demand, it could be subject to capacity closures, or may require guests wait in a virtual queue that can be reserved like a FastPass on the day of your visit through the official Disneyland and Walt Disney World apps.
You can find an extended photo galleries from our visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and at Walt Disney World on the Escape Authority Facebook page! While there, why not give us a “LIKE” if you haven’t already? This is the Facebook page you’ve been looking for!
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Venue: Disneyland
Location: Anaheim, CA
Dates: Grand opening May 31, 2019, with reservations required for entry between May 31 and June 23. Open to all park guests beginning June 24, 2019.
Hours: 8am – midnight throughout the summer.
Cost: Prices range by date from $105 – 130.
Venue: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Location: Lake Buena Vista, FL
Dates: Grand opening August 29, 2019, with no reservations required for entry.
Hours: 6am – 10pm opening weekend, and then 9am – 10pm thereafter.
Cost: Prices range by date from $109 – 159.