Know Before You Go! Are You Ready For Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge?

August 29th, 2019 is the opening date for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This highly awaited land will send travelers on an epic adventure at the edge of the galaxy visiting the Black Spire Outpost on planet Batuu. This brand new 14-acre land will immerse guests in the Star Wars Universe where they will interact with characters, ride in the Millennium Falcon, and create their very own Star Wars Story. If you're looking forward to making this journey on your next Walt Disney World Vacation, here are a few things you need to know.


Are You Ready For Star Wars Galaxy's Edge?


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios Basics

Early risers rejoice! For the first three days Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is open, Disney's Hollywood Studios will be open to all beginning at 6:00AM. After the first three days, Park hours for day guests start at 9:00AM.

However - If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will be open during Extra, Extra Magic Hours. That means that every morning between Sept. 1 to Nov. 2, you can get into Disney's Hollywood Studios and travel to Batuu from 6:00AM to 9:00AM.

Of course travelers will need valid theme park admission to experience Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. As of right now, there are no special reservations systems that have been announced for Disney's Hollywood Studios.


Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run


What Should I Know About Crowds and Reservations?

Truth be told, there is just no telling how crazy things are going to get once Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens. Crowds in Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge have been fairly light this summer, however they also used a reservation system that Disney's Hollywood Studios version has not put in place.

In Disneyland they are using a virtual queue system through MyDisneyExperience during the day when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge reaches capacity. We hope that the Florida Park will also be using these "Boarding Groups" if the need arises. Right now we just don't know.

Oga's Cantina, Droid Depot, and Savi's Light Saber Workshop do take reservations in the MyDisney Experience App. These attractions are crazy popular in Disneyland and it's highly recommended to make a reservation for the attractions at the Disney's Hollywood Studio's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.


There Is No Telling How Crowded It Will Get


Phased Opening For Rides

Like its counterpart in California, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open with only one of its headlining rides in operation. The main attraction opening day is Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run. Travelers will become part of a six-person crew each manning a one of three different flight crew positions onboard the legendary Millennium Falcon as they take off on a special mission to aid the resistance.

Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run is not currently offering a FastPass+, so get ready for the rope drop dash. I know that will probably freak some folks out, but in Disneyland they have been able to keep the line to about 90 minutes throughout the day.

The second attraction, Rise of the Resistance, is widely considered to be one of Disney's most ambitious and technologically advance ride yet. It promises to put guests in the middle of an epic battle between the First Order and Resistance. Rise of the Resistance is scheduled to open on Dec 5th, 2019.


Hondo Ohnaka In Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run


Shopping And Souvenirs

There is plenty of shopping available at Black Spire Outpost, but guests may need to pay attention finding the stores. Signage on Batuu is not written in English, so look for symbols and decorative elements on shop shingles to make your way around. You should download the Play Disney Parks App to your "Datapad" for help with translating a variety of languages from across the galaxy - including the signs in Aurebesh.

Spend Your Credits Here

• Savi's Light Saber Workshop is the place where you can hand build a lightsaber of your very own.
• The Driod Depot is where you want to be for building your own customized droid.
• At Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities travelers will discover mysterious and unique galactic artifacts collected by a legendary antiquities dealer.
• Black Spire Outfitters offers everything from the casual garb worn by citizens of Batuu, to formal robes.
• First Order Cargo offers recruitment gear and supplies.
• Resistance Supply gear to prove your allegiance and help fight the First Order.
• The Creature Stall is the place to adopt some of the Galaxy's Rarest Species.
• The Toydarian Toymaker offers fun playthings and collectibles for the whole crew.

Reservations for Savi's Light Saber Workshop and Droid Depot are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance in the MyDisneyExperience App. A valid, accepted credit card number is required at the time of booking. Payment will be due upon arrival at the location.


Savi's Light Saber Workshop


Food & Beverage

I've heard mixed reviews for the food being served up in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, but personal tastes are always subjective. Quick Service cuisine and cocktails make up the basis of food available at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. That being said Oga's Cantina does accept reservations, which are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance.

What should you eat while visiting Batuu?

• Ronto Wraps (breakfast and regular) at Ronto Roasters have had good reviews.
• Fried Endorian Tip Yip at Docking Bay 7 has been a constant favorite of reviewers as well. I hear the mac-n-cheese that comes with the kids meal version is awesome.
• The Fuzzy Taun Taun cocktail at Oga's Cantina is kinda wild, but then so are many of Oga's cocktails.
• Blue Milk from the Milk Stand is a must, but only because if you don't were you really there? The reviews have been pretty iffy. More than one reviewer has suggested that the milk drinks are best when Blue Milk and Green Milk are layered together.

Galactic Cocktails At Oga's Cantina


What To Wear?

Disney Parks Guests over the age of 14 are not allowed to wear costumes on a day to day basis. For the time being, that includes those visiting Batuu. To help those setting out on their galactic adventure pack wisely, Disney has released a guide to Dressing for Your Visit to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. The gist of the story is that you can wear clothing inspired by Star Wars and Disneybound to your delight " just stay away from full costumes even if you purchase them while in the Park.


Traveler Garb For Trips To Batuu


A Final Word

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge will provide guests with another immersive adventure to a far-away planet, where the locals are friendly (mostly) and travelers are guaranteed an experience like no other. While this new land will delight guests from all walks of life, Star Wars devotees are sure to find a place where dreams are made.

Check out this video from our friends over at the Disney Food Blog taking about everything you need to know about Walt Disney World's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.





When are you headed to Batuu? Leave a comment below and share the excitement you're your galactic travel plans.