Star Wars Land News: Attraction & Hotel Details
At this weekend’s Destination D event in Walt Disney World, Disney Parks Chairman Bob Chapek revealed new details for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Hollywood Studios. Among the reveals were the names of the two attractions, info about the score being composed by John Williams, interactive integration with the Play Disney Parks app, and further details about the Star Wars Resort being built at WDW.
Let’s start with the hotel, because not much new info has been officially revealed since what was shared when the Star Wars ‘Starship’ Resort was announced at the D23 Expo last summer. About all that’s known is that it’s currently being built on the south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, just east of World Drive and that it will “seamlessly connect” to Galaxy’s Edge (most likely not in the literal sense–leaked plans show a place for shuttle buses).
Per Disney’s announcement today, this groundbreaking hotel will place guests in ‘launch pods’ and be a fully-immersive, multi-day Star Wars adventure aboard a luxury starship. The resort experience will entail high-end dining, space-view cabins, and all of the exciting action you would expect from Star Wars. Not a ton of added details there, but it’s definitely consistent with the hybrid of a live action role playing game and resort experience we’ve expected since it was originally announced…
As for the two major attractions that will anchor Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on opening day at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Chapek shared a couple of videos.
The first attraction is entitled Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. This ride will put guests behind the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy in one of three unique flight crew roles.
As the New York Times reported over the weekend, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will be a highly personalized ride, allowing guests to control their own Star Wars experience. The ride will use real-time video rendering technology invented by Industrial Light & Magic that responds to the way guests use 200 cockpit controls, allowing guests to successfully navigate the intergalactic mission–or even crash the Millennium Falcon.
The second attraction is called Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This ride puts guests in the middle of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order, and is expected to be a complex, multi-phase experience.
While we’re excited for both of these attractions (and truly, all things Galaxy’s Edge), we’re most looking forward to Rise of the Resistance. Based upon everything we’ve heard and the details that have leaked out, this is really going to push the envelope, and be a truly next-level experience.
Disney also shared the news in that Oscar-winning composer John Williams is creating new and original Star Wars themes exclusively for the land. This all-new music, a preview of which is in the video above, was recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios.
While this is a seemingly little thing, we think it’s a pretty big deal–and underscores the painstaking attention to detail that Disney is putting into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disney could’ve just as easily recycled past Star Wars themes, or recorded something original by someone without the same ‘star-power’ as John Williams, but instead they appear to be going all out.
One thing about which we’re less optimistic is that the land’s “dynamic elements and optional interactive integration” will be available via the the Play Disney Parks app. In particular, we’re slightly skeptical that this interactivity will occur via a phone app, rather than something offline.
There have been a lot of rumors about interactivity in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disney itself previously released this statement about guests’ performance in the Millennium Falcon ride: “perform with skill and you may earn extra galactic credits, while bringing the ship back banged up could put you on the list of a bounty hunter. End up on Harkos’s list and you may face a problem if you show up at the local cantina.”
While it was, and still is, unclear how these galactic credits would impact the guest experience while roaming the land, rumors suggested there would be a simplified live action role playing game element. More recently, we’ve heard some conflicting reports on the status of that, with some indicating it wouldn’t be present in the land at all.
Imagineering has play-tested a variety of experiences like this over the past several years at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. It’s difficult for us to say whether they have been viewed internally as successes or failures, but we think it’s fair to say the guest participation rate has been low.
There are a number of totally valid reasons (from crowds to the convoluted nature of the experience) to shift away from a more live action experience to something app-based, but we really hope Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at least has streetmosphere performers that interact with guests–and not just passive live entertainment. When it comes to Galaxy’s Edge, we are definitely willing to give Disney the benefit of the doubt, as everything else has looked incredible and impressive. We just hope the interactive entertainment is engaging, and not something reserved solely for the guests of the Star Wars ‘Starship’ Resort.
In the presentation, other details were revealed about Black Spire Outpost, particularly the street market where guests will be able to shop at food stalls, enjoy delicacies like blue milk, or visit the Cantina to see an old friend Rex, as well as encounter creatures and characters from the Star Wars universe. It’s really hard to believe this land is less than a year away; I’m sure we’ll be hearing and seeing plenty more about it as more details trickle out. This is one of the most ambitious projects Disney has done in a while (ever?) and between that and the popularity of the Star Wars franchise, hype levels will be through the roof by the time Galaxy’s Edge opens next year!
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Your Thoughts
Any thoughts on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance? Excited that John Williams is recording the scores for Galaxy’s Edge? What do you think about the addition of a boutique Star Wars Starship Resort to Walt Disney World? Would you do a stay at this luxury starship hotel experience, or would you prefer a more conventional resort? Let’s hear some of your thoughts about this news in the comments below!
Excellent updates, as always — and the new pneumatic tube from Lake Buena Vista to Paris is going to be fantastic!
I will be booking a stay at the hotel there as soon as I save enough pennies to do so. 🙂 The best part about not being able to afford it at once is that I can see what other people think of it – but I seriously bet this is going to be amazing.
Tom, thank you for these updates. As you know, you can’t please everyone and those that want to complain are more prone to reply than those with something positive to say. Pandora is amazing and FOP is cutting edge…so, I can’t even begin to imagine how cool Star Wars land will be. Again, thank you for all you do with this blog, tips and insight!
I’ve been going to Disneyland forever 40 years…But I’m frustrated, what is the rationale behind leaving Star Tours in Tomorrowland? It’s Star Wats themed, shouldn’t it be be moved to to the new land?
Seems like cross-contamination of lands, which Walt was vehemently opposed to…
I am not a Star Wars fan and I still dislike the addition to DL (DHS addition doesnt bother me) but I enjoy John Williams music (I even like the music from the Star Wars movies) and I am happy to hear he is composing a new soundtrack for the land.
I can only speak from experience – the EPCOT Phineas and Ferb interactive scavenger hunts were really well done, and were by FAR my tween-age son’s favorite part of WDW.
The cast members were really spectacular at switching between their normal roles (bartending, cashier at a gift shop) and conspiratorially whispering “good work, agent!” when approached by a nervous kid asking about Doofinschmirtz Evil Incorporated.
And the real-world events that were triggered by the phones were pretty awesome, too. You’d be checking out a clue, and your phone would flash with a photo OF YOU that was taken a few seconds earlier from the top of the Eiffel tower – and then Perry the platypus ziplines between two buildings.
I only did one challenge for the fun of it as an adult this summer, but it was SO COOL to see a code word suddenly light up in what was otherwise a totally normal storefront. My only concern is that if this relies on phones, I could not keep mine charged enough and I often had to exit the program to respond to an urgent call or text, which screwed up the app each time. And what about people who don’t have phones, such as my daughter? I do not want to hand my phone over for the day!
Can’t wait for Galaxys Edge and the hotel to open looking forward for an opportunity to photograph both. Any idea when Disney will start taking reservations for the hotel?
When is galaxy’s edge expected to open? Our son is a huge star wars fan and we’re booked for July 2019 visit to florida
Probably December, possibly even early 2020. You have no chance for July 2019 I’m afraid. Maybe at Disneyland California, but even then…
I am excited for this land because I am sure they will be very well done. I kind of wonder how long the galactic credit thing will last.
I am concerned millennium falcon ride might not work so well. I don’t love the idea of someone crashing our ship, or just making it not as fun. I guess we’ll see how it works out.
I also wonder if the hype is as real with the hardcore star wars fans. The hardcore fans seem to be a little soured lately. I am sure this will still be huge, the way panadora was huge (even though no one cares about avatar really). It’s Disney and it sounds like they are going all out, so I am sure it will be great.
I love Avatar and I was wowed by the look of the Pandora area, but overall I didn’t love it. I wouldn’t go do it again. It just looks like a set for a fictional movie – there’s not much in the way of activity, characters, rides. It’s mostly set dressing.
However, Star Wars land sounds far better – and frankly they have a lot more to work with, too.
The only true worriies anyone need burden themselves with regarding Galaxy’s Edge are just how in Yoda’s name are the crowd levels and demand going to be managed.
It’s so hard to tell from the short videos but I really hope these rides aren’t both simulated motion rides since they already have one of those that’s Star Wars themed. I am able to ride Flights of Passage without feeling too sick but star tours (and most rides at universal) makes me feel terrible. This looks awesome and I would hate not to be able to ride anything in galaxy’s edge. Any idea what the actual ride experience will be like?
These are my feelings exactly!
Exactly what I was coming here to post. I cannot ride Star Tours without my eyes closed. I am hoping that at least one of the new rides will not be a simulator.
Same here and even FOP makes me a little nauseous. I was hoping for a dark ride similar to Pirates, Haunted Mansion, or Na’vi River Journey in the event Star Wars land is not too hectic to check out.
So much hype. Two attractions. Made up food and beverages. Issues with capacity. One attraction has major performance issues. And the hype continues … unabated.
You really think this is bigger than TDS with 90s technology? Or DLP with 80s tech? How about EPCOT Centre with 1970s tech?
I get that bloggers are supposed to hype every new $8 churro and cupcake. But for a lot of us this is a big yawn. We have SW shoved down our throats since Disney bought Lucasfilm. Now, we are supposed to believe this is where 63 years of theme park design was headed? I am not buying what you, and every Disney blogger, podcaster, crazy fanboi, is selling. I like you, Tom. I even respect you, which is saying loads. … But you can hype this until the cows come home or Chappie grows hair and I am still not buying. All Galaxy’s Edge has done is brought massive destruction to DL and DHS and surrounding areas. And limited future growth options at both parks.
One too many Bitter sandwiches for breakfast?? Tom and other bloggers aren’t hyping. This isn’t a paid gig for them. They are reporting on what’s up which I and many others find invaluable.
I get that you may not like Star Wars but it has been a pretty successful franchise. Did you have some other suggestions on what would make DHS better?
They most certainly ARE hyping. Tom has no insider information that Star Wars: Galaxy”s Edge (what a lame ass name, but Disney doesn’t even know how to name things any longer) is going to reinvent the theme park experience, let alone have the type of popularity and lines that he (and others have continually pushed since the lands were announced over three years ago now. … No one knows what will actually happen. Considering the fragile state of the economy and the insane man in the White House, we could have utter chaos when they open. Plus, there is the question of whether Disney has reached the ceiling with prices and yet they intend on going MUCH, MUCH higher. … So, no, I don’t think this thing being an unqualified smash both creatively and financially is far from a sure thing.
Whoa! Tom, you hear that??? WDW1974 not only LIKES you, but he RESPECTS you. (mic drop)
(picks mic back up)
I’m sure Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be cutting edge technology and the amount of immersion will be unparalleled. I’m sure the experience it will provide will top parenthood for some people. I’m also sure it will draw crowds the likes of which Disney has never seen, and probably be outside of my budget. For those two reasons, I will pass.
I’m glad my April 2019 trip will be my family’s last for a few years.
(gently places mic on table)
Go away. Nobody wants you bitterness here.
So much negativity. Stay home then and let the rest of us enjoy it!
Oh please enjoy the 8 hour waits and that’s IF you can even get into the land. I’m hearing rumors fastpasses may be needed just to enter Galaxy’s Edge. Lol have fun with the mobs.
Oh, that’s so rich. Did you learn that on Disney message boards circa 2002?
I 100% agree with you. I’m so sick of the whole SW thing. Don’t give any mind the fanboys who freak out and say we are being “bitter” etc. We Will see how quick they change their tune when they see how bad the crowds, wait times and of course the obligatory ticket price increases are.
Tim Bricker…ON FIRE!
YES! EXCELSIOR!!!
The “shuttle busses” better be T-16 Skyhoppers or I, for one, will be severely disappointed.
I was thinking the same thing lol!
From these videos, the hype level seems justified. the John Williams video with the walkthrough of the land under construction is amazing. Maybe it’s the Star Wars fan in me, bu this looks to be on another level from New Fantasyland and even Pandora.