Top 11 Tips for Disneyland Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Are you planning to visit planet Batuu during your next trip to Disneyland? Before you travel to a galaxy far, far away read our top 11 tips for Disneyland Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Disney Imagineers have worked for years with Lucasfilm to create an immersive experience in which you can be the hero of your own Star Wars story. Ambitious? Definitely. Fun? Absolutely! Even if you’re not a Star Wars fan, a feat in itself.
I was fortunate enough to visit Batuu and Galaxy’s Edge right before it opened to the public thanks to a media invite from Disney. I might have cried when I got the invitation because I’ve been a fan for decades. Yep, I’m been a geek since the ’80s.
Since I know it can be quite daunting to explore new lands, I put together a quick list with tips for your visit to Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. Keep in mind you only need a reservation until June 23. After that, plan on arriving as early as possible, to make sure you can visit Batuu before it’s at capacity. Can’t wait until June 24? Then you have to stay on property to secure a reservation slot.
Top 11 tips for Disneyland Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
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Download both the Disneyland and Play apps the night before your visit
They’re free and will be so helpful! The Play app allows you to turn your smartphone into a Datapack and play throughout Galaxy’s Edge. The Disneyland app not only provides maps and helpful information, but it also allows you to place mobile orders for food and drinks!
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Visit Oga’s Cantina first
Yes, before you queue up for Smugglers Run, get your name on the Cantina’s waiting list so you can experience it. If you don’t you might not get in at all. Ask me how I know…
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Take your time in the Smuggler’s Run Queue
Make sure to appreciate the views of the Millennium Falcon and Batuu from the second floor of the SMuggler’s Run queue. You will feel like you’re in a galaxy far, far away.
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Change roles with your fellow smugglers
Once you’re assigned a role before you ride the Millennium Falcon, feel free to barter with other people if you want a different assignment. Pilot gives you the best view, but I found the Gunner position to be more fun. Those who prefer a more laid back approach or get overwhelmed easily might prefer the Engineer role, which gives you a seat in the third row.
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Take pictures
If you’re a geek like I am, make sure to snap pictures in the holding area right before you board the Millennium Falcon. The chess table is incredible! You might not have much time so be quick and try to stick close to your party.
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Hold down the button
If you’re a gunner, whenever your buttons light up, keep them pressed down to be as efficient as possible. Automatic targeting mode is easier, and worked really well for me!
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Make sure to try Luke Skywalker’s favorite beverages
Find blue and green milk at the Milk Stand. You can place a mobile order from the free Disneyland app and save so much time! By the way, the “milks” are non-dairy, so they’re great for those who have dairy allergies. They are rice and coconut based. My favorite? Blue milk for sure. I found the green milk too floral and perfume-like, but I know many will disagree.
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Pay attention to any doors that might slide open
I’m not fluent in Aurebesh so I had no idea what the signs said but I had the best time discovering the “secret” shops.
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Be on the lookout for Rey, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, and Stormtroopers
There are no character meet and greets since you are on a different planet, but you do get to interact with them. Just be prepared to be questioned by the First Order!
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Costumes are not allowed
Adults aren’t allowed to wear costumes in Disney Parks, but Disneybounding is fine. That means you can pick out outfits inspired by the Star Wars movies.
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Enjoy the interactive experiences at the shops.
You can customize your own droid at the Droid Depot ($99.99), build your lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop ($200), adopt critters or browse the “antiques” while looking for Easter eggs for film fans.
Are you excited to see Galaxy’s Edge? Will you be visiting soon or prefer to wait until the Rise of the Resistance opens later this year? Let me know!
Also, keep in mind that Galaxy’s Edge will be opening August 29 at Walt Disney World so that way you can choose the park closes to you.
Bright suns!
