Photos & First Impressions of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Greetings from Batuu! Today, I had the chance to visit Star Wars Land, ride Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, sample drinks at Oga’s Cantina, explore, and soak up details as part of a media preview of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. And take a ton of photos in the process.
I have a lot more to say about this addition, but I’m still on cloud nine from the experience of visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Accordingly, I want to hold off on more comprehensive reviews until I have a chance to reflect, collect my thoughts, and write some coherent and measured, rather than a bunch of hastily strung-together superlatives.
In a nutshell, the themed environments of Batuu and Black Spire Outpost are a new high water mark for Imagineering. All of the recent blockbuster additions that were themselves praiseworthy now seem like a warm-up act; proof-of-concept for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The land itself is the star of the show, and simply being there is a joy.
As indicated above, my biggest takeaway from experiencing Galaxy’s Edge is that the land itself is the biggest attraction. I don’t mean that in the Disney sense of the term, and am not going to offer ‘justification’ for the land being incomplete and only having one ride right now by saying, “actually, there are 5 attractions if you count Oga’s, the land itself, that one drinking fountain that has the cool effect, and…”
Rather, I’m saying that the themed environments of Batuu are the primary draw of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. There are so many intimate areas, winding pathways, and details–from small things like light fixtures to large starships. I spent several hours in Galaxy’s Edge simply wandering around, taking it all in.
I really hope Disney keeps attendance well below capacity, because having the freedom and space to actually explore and get lost in the market is what makes Galaxy’s Edge special. That’ll almost certainly be lost if the land is overly congested. The good news there is that Galaxy’s Edge has a ton of physical space to soak up crowds, and the majority of that area is also worthy of getting lost exploring.
Those of you who are attraction junkies may not be able to relate to my sentiments about the themed places being the primary draw, or view that as cover for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run being weak (it’s not) or ‘cover’ for Rise of the Resistance not being open.
For me, themed environments reign supreme. For what it’s worth, I’d say the same “land is the primary attraction” sentiment applies to Pandora, Diagon Alley, Adventure Isle, and most of Tokyo DisneySea. It arguably also applies to Cars Land and Hogsmeade, although the two exemplary flagship attractions in those lands might edge the lands themselves for me.
When it comes to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, I have sky-high expectations for Rise of the Resistance, but I can’t imagine how it could top Black Spire Outpost and the rest of Batuu.
While Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a totally new environment, it speaks the language (both literally and visually) of Star Wars perfectly.
You’ll see a lot of design motifs that are reminiscent of other planets from the various Star Wars films, in addition to the obvious things like the Millennium Falcon, various droids, characters, and tools. Batuu feels new, yet familiar.
As only a casual Star Wars enthusiast, I went in with some trepidation that a lot of the land would be totally lost on me. However, the Imagineers have drawn inspiration from real world locales, including those of the Middle East and Petrified Forest National Park, among other places.
While I’m sure some of the land’s nuances and quirks are lost on me, it’s easy to see parallels to real world locales, architectural styles, and design influences. Batuu is grounded in Star Wars, but it also stands on its own and can be easily appreciated by anyone. The learning curve didn’t feel steep, even if there are a ton of terms and character names I still don’t know.
My initial reaction as to what’s most impressive about Galaxy’s Edge is how Imagineering has iterated upon other theme park lands (specifically, those named above). It really feels like Imagineering took the lessons learned from what worked and didn’t about other recent lands, and applied them–with great success–to Galaxy’s Edge.
I’m not sure that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is revolutionary so much as it is the culmination of everything theme park designers have learned post-Hogsmeade. The layout and ways the land engages you as a guest are really interesting and satisfying. Suffice to say, the sense of immersion in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is spectacular.
The hyper-immersive single environment is obviously the future (well, and the present) of theme parks, and Imagineering excellently carries the torch forward in that regard.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is going to be difficult to top in terms of environments, and I can’t think of any projects on the horizon that are likely to best it in that regard. (Maybe Super Nintendo World or Fantasy Springs, but both seem more ride-centric.)
The other big takeaway from this should be that this is a themed environment that literally every Disney fan should make an effort to see. This is not just for Star Wars enthusiasts.
I know some readers–especially those with Walt Disney World trips planned this fall who were hoping to “beat” the opening of Galaxy’s Edge–have indicated they will avoid Star Wars Land. I’d strongly encourage you to make every effort to see it.
Take advantage of early openings or late nights to avoid crowds (to the greatest extent possible). Don’t let not liking Star Wars, be your hang-up about visiting, as that’s not really an issue. Just imagine this as “Space Morocco” and you’ll be fine.
You won’t find the words “Star Wars” literally anywhere in the land–even on merchandise–so it should be pretty easy for a non-fan to enjoy the land. There’s just too much great stuff here to overlook Galaxy’s Edge completely.
Attraction-wise, Millennium Falcon is very good, but it’s not the land’s flagship ride. Even here, the main draw is the themed environments–being aboard the famed Millennium Falcon. The queue, pre-shows, and cockpit, make this attraction is really impressive…before the attraction even starts moving. (Think Flight of Passage’s queue, but with a good pre-show.)
That’s not to diminish the actual ride, which is a lot of interactive fun. (Piloting the Millennium Falcon is also way more challenging than I expected, and apparently I’m not very good at it.) This should say more about the depth, detail, and immersiveness of the queue and pre-shows. These are fantastic, and will satisfy the lifelong desire many people have had to step inside the Millennium Falcon. That’s an incredible feeling.
I think that’s a good point to end these hasty first impressions, which I feel like have rambled a bit (apologies if so). Even though I’ve already spent several hours “on” Batuu, I’ve only scratched the surface. I spent the vast majority of my time wandering around, and still have so much more to see, do, eat, etc. I’ll be heading back in tonight and tomorrow morning, and my goal is to get a full review of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge up after that. In that, I’ll try to address everything I didn’t cover here, from how it fits into Disneyland to food & drinks to logistics and more.
If you’re planning on visiting the new land, you’ll also want to read our Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Guide. This covers a range of topics from basics about the land and its location, to strategically choosing a hotel for your stay, recommended strategy for the land, and how to beat the crowds. It’s a good primer for this huge addition.
If you’re preparing for a Disneyland trip, check out our other planning posts, including how to save money on Disneyland tickets, our Disney packing tips, tips for booking a hotel (off-site or on-site), where to dine, and a number of other things, check out our comprehensive Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide!
Your Thoughts
What do you think of my Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge first impressions? What about the new land has you most excited? Looking forward to piloting the Millennium Falcon? Trying some of the unique Star Wars foods & drinks? Dropping a few grand in the gift shops? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
As someone with little to no interest in Star Wars and planning a Sept trip to enjoy Illuminations, I am delightfully pleased to find my new mantra if we visit this land, “It’s just Space Morocco!” Thanks for the laugh!
I’m interested in seeing how your opinions change (or don’t) when you are there with all of humanity.
+1
Indeed. Of course, doing this as well as they apparently have is better than not doing it well, and the crowds in the first few years would have been just as large if they had mailed it in. Think “space Morocco on market day.”
Very encouraging to hear!!
Woohoo!!!
Your photos are beautiful!! Can’t wait to read your full review.
So, Disney paid for you to be there, gave you a free preview that will continue tomorrow (likely with far fewer Guests than the ones that people who actually built the place experienced) and you love it . Even with one attraction that’s not all that from what I know. Shocking. Tom. Really. When are your special sunrise on Batuu shots appearing on the DBP? Any comments on the tiny Cantina that has two hour waits at 8 a.m.? Or the lack of information given to riders on Falcon? Oh, and did you pay for your food and beverages? I do think your readers should have the facts. But what do I know?
Tom is normally VERY honest with his opinions and reviews. There are plenty of things he does not like at the Disney parks and he makes that very clear.
Free or not, special press privileges or not, I believe Tom will give us an honest opinion (his opinion of course) on the new land. He mentions himself in this article that he wants to hold off writing a full, in-depth review until he’s digested everything and maybe visited one or two more times.
He also seems to always mention when something is free, so he will reveal all of that in a follow-up post, I’m sure.
We will get the “facts” from him. Don’t worry.
What’s the point of being snarky about a media preview (yes, I know: snarky is what you do)? Media previews have existed for a long, long time, and are universal (and take place at Universal). Are you seriously suggesting that he not attend a media preview, that members of the press boycott media previews?
The film industry offers previews of many movies to the press, often with embargoes on them, so much so that films without such available press previews are rightfully viewed as being hidden from the press for a reason.
The press has access that the general public does not. Media previews are one example, but it’s the same for any press coverage; sideline reporters, access to playing fields, press boxes and team locker rooms, for example.
Here, we have a member of the modern press being extremely straight forward that he’s there on a media preview; I’ve seen many an article written based upon media previews that are not so announced.
Wow… someone’s bitter…
WDW1974 used to be a respected “insider”. I actually looked forward to hearing what he had to say on various blogs & forums.
Unfortunately, he’s devolved into a bitter old complainer.
If I was as negative on Disney Parks as he’s become, hanging around sites like this would be the absolute last place I’d be.
But of course, I still have a life.
Jeff, extremely well said. WDW1974 has also worn out his welcome on every Disney forum imaginable, including wdwmagic. His shtick is beyond old. I feel no reason to defend Disney at every turn, but for that matter, neither does Tom. His balanced reporting of all things Disney doesn’t support WDW1974’s agenda, hence the snarky, not-nearly-as-clever-as-he-thinks commentary that often pops up in the comments here.
Wdw1974 apparently not much
Evidently you missed the fact he said the ride wasn’t the best thing about the visit. If he was trying to sell it he’s have said the ride was a earth stopping event. He said very good but I have a feeling he enjoyed avatar flight of passage more. Tom is usually upfront and honest about things. I can see where the land would be its biggest attraction the same way I thought the Pandora was the biggest attraction of its area its absolutely breathtaking at night. Enough of my rambling we all appreciate what you have done Tom and thanks again
HAhahahaha omg. I hope your life gets better WDW1974. I’m sorry about whoever hurt you.
While I appreciate the “defense” from everyone else, I don’t believe character attacks are the appropriate response–they only further reduce the dialogue, and that’s not what I want for the comments section on this site. Please, let’s keep things civil. 🙂
As to the free preview, the only thing that was free about the event is entrance into the land and some sample-size portions of the food and non-alcoholic drinks at Oga’s (wish I hadn’t on the latter), but those are not reviewed because they are not the full size portions and as someone who reviews from a value for money perspective, it’s necessary that I purchase those myself before reviewing them. That, along with several of your other questions, will be answered in subsequent SWGE posts.
The majority of this visit is paid for out of pocket: airfare, hotels, rental car, and meals (aside from snacks mentioned above). We will still end up spending a couple thousand dollars out of pocket for this trip for all of the above–and that’s not including the cost of Annual Passes.
If people want to discount or disregard my opinions because they stem from a free preview, I suppose that’s their prerogative.
Not sure what you know who’s schtick is, and the bizarre recent attacks regarding your reviews.
What I do know and admire is that you haven’t deleted his posts.
I wish very much for you to continue with what I feel are very objective reviews of my favorite place!
(I’m sure it costs you a lot of money to travel, buy foods, tickets, etc. But, if you’re making any kind of money blogging, good for you)!!
Been a faithful reader since the days of reading about you and Sarah splitting cheeseburgers!
Thanks for coming to my defense, Tom. Not that it was needed. You know I meant nothing personal in my post, just asking blunt questions that I feel are fair (and I did work in journalism once as you do know). It’s nice to see you have defenders that are zealous as my good friend Tom “Hates the Attention” Corless.
I did read your full report and feel it was a much better and reasoned review of the land. I strongly disagree (yes, without seeing it in person) idea that this is the pinnacle of Imagineering since it isn’t well thought out from an operations perspective. Capacity and spacing are all wrong. They are literally removing merchandise from all shops at WDW (and I am assuming DL too) too allow triple wide strollers and ECVs to pass and, at the same time, creating tiny shops and food and beverage locales in this area.
But you are experiencing this area under optimal conditions. Conditions that 99.9% of Guests won’t get to do so. That point can’t be underscored enough.
And I totally appreciate your honestly and transparency regarding what you are paying for and what you are not. …
WDW1974… Tom, wasn’t defending you, he took the high road…
Your comments are aggravating. Get a new hobby.
Jane, I think you misunderstood. Tom is a class act with a law degree behind him. And Tom knows me in the real world, beyond a screen. He knows I pull no punches, but mean no harm (to him anyway). I think it’s wonderful that in less than a decade, Tom has gone from someone who had never set foot in DL (or any Disney Park not located in the swamps) to a top resource and one largely respected. That includes myself. I can just be snarky at times and, to be fair, the overhyping of this project has been over the top by social media influencers. As a friend who worked on the project and continues to do so at WDW said after previewing it last week said, “it’s just not that good.” If you read Tom’s criticisms, especially of the only attraction currently in the land,, that is what’s coming through. Even if he loves the peacemaking work that WDI did. That’s my piece, but if you want to go back and forth by all means let’s go. I am retired and have plenty of time for it.
“I really hope Disney keeps attendance well below capacity”
Ba ha ha ha ha ha ha. This is the funniest thing you’ve ever written, Tom! It will be 20 years until a picture of pavement there will be possible.
Oh well, from your lips to Iger’s ears.
I should’ve clarified–there’s credible word that Disneyland has artificially limited attendance during the reservation period. I hope that’s true so others get to experience the land in a similar manner.
I fully expect opening day and thereafter at DHS to be total chaos. Hopefully not as bad first thing in the morning with EEMH, but we’ll see.
“I fully expect opening day and thereafter at DHS to be total chaos”
this just made me cry. like actual tears. i’m so fearful of our trip that week that i can’t enjoy my planning. i really just can’t fathom them not having some measure of crowd control, just from a safety standpoint for cast members if nothing else.
I was very disappointed in Smuggler’s Run. I think Star Tours is better and much more fun. It was too hard to focus on the ride because you’re worried about having a “job.” If you’re not the pilot, you don’t really do much besides push buttons that don’t seem to have much of an impact on the ride experience. I was a shooter and having the buttons on the side was annoying because I kept having to look at the buttons vs. the film. Very annoying. I have a feeling that there’s going to be an issue with everyone wanting to be a pilot. They should use the FastPass line for pilots. Hopefully the second ride will be beyond amazing. I wish this one would have been pod racers with Flight of Passage technology. I’d actually want to ride it over and over.
I was firmly in the camp of being disappointed it was opening before our November trip to DisneyWorld. Your initial thoughts have me more optimistic. Have fun, and thanks!
I’m excited to see GE! We have reservations for opening day–and while I dread the crush of the crowds at Disneyland–I look forward to my few hours in that area.
I was hoping you would have a review up before I go there June 9!!
Can’t wait for you to see it at night and for you to take lots of pictures! I hope you find it as beautiful as I think it is.
Thanks for the initial thoughts and photos. Unfortunately I have to wait until June 21 for my reservation.
It sounds amazing. We are visiting Disney World September 1st and cannot wait to experience this attraction at Hollywood Studios! Have fun!!
I’m so excited you got to go to the media preview! It looks amazing & I can’t wait to read more of your coverage.
Sounds awesome – thanks for your thoughts. I’m jealous you got to go to a (relatively empty) media pre-show!
Ahh, thanks for posting. I’ve been waiting with baited breath for pics. Huge Star Wars and Disney fan and I can’t wait to see it myself. We go every other year to DW. Just got back from a trip last month so won’t be going again until 2021 but I just can’t wait! I look forward to more pics and more posts.
Thanks Tom, I was in the camp to avoid it totally, not being a huge fan of the movies or huge crowds, but it sounds amazing and I’ll now likely take your counsel to check it out next time at WDW.
ahhh thank you for this! can’t wait to read more about your experience!
Oh good! I’m so glad to hear that it’s amazing. I’m getting more and more excited to see GE! Excited to hear your in depth thoughts
Wow — really awesome!! Will both WDW and Disneyland be identical? We can’t wait
They will be identical with the exception of some very minor details along the borders/entrances to their parks.
The land is awesome… got lucky enough to get in during previews… the attention to detail is astounding…. i agree, you can spend hrs just wandering around taking in the detail.
It’s incredible how DL seems so distant when in SWL… you can barely see the tips of BTM and the Matterhorn (and they blend into the land)
Can’t wait to see how (or if) WDW can pull this off (can they block out Slinky Dog and Muppets?)