Category: Disney Parks Merchandise

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge NOW OPEN at Disneyland

Can you believe it?  After all our anticipation, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is NOW OPEN at the Disneyland Resort.  I’ve got lots of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge news and updates for you, including information about the live streaming of the opening dedication, what you will need to know before you go, and updates on food, beverage and MERCHANDISE.  Read on, because we have lots to chat about today.

Go Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Check out this terrific video Disney released, taking us inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.

How amazing does that look?  I can’t WAIT to go and see for myself!

 

Are you planning a visit to Disneyland to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?  There are some things you should know BEFORE you go!

Good Morning America’s Visit

Good Morning America’s Ginger Zee got to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland a few days ago.  Lucky for us, she’s sharing a sneak peek of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with GMA viewers (and all of us!)

Here’s a quick look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with Ginger Zee that GMA posted earlier this week:

ABC News Sneak Peek

On Wednesday, Good Morning America posted a more in depth look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including Ginger Zee’s ride on Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run!  Click the link below to check out the video and article.

GMA Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Opening Dedication LIVESTREAM

In related news, Inside Disney Parks live streamed the Opening Dedication for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort.  The live stream aired Tuesday night.  I tried to watch, but the feed keep kicking me out for some reason.

The good news is that Disney has released a link to a replay of the 40 minute livestream.  You can watch it below:

Know Before You Go: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Here’s the latest “Know Before You Go” video from Disney Parks:

Here are important things to know, whether you are visiting right away, or later in the year:

      • Reminder: Reservations are required from May 31 – June 23, 2019.  Guests without reservations will NOT be able to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge from May 31 – June 23, 2019.  The only way to get a reservation at this point is to book a resort reservation at one of the three Disneyland resorts (Disney’s Paradise Pier Resort, Disneyland Resort, or Disney’s Grand Californian Spa and Resort) during the reservation period.  Resort guests are automatically granted a reservation during their stay to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
      • Disneyland theme park admission IS required.  If you have a reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge but do NOT have a ticket to get into Disneyland, you will NOT be visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
      • If you have a reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you may check in for your reservation up to two hours early; however, you don’t NEED to check in early.  If you have a reservation, you WILL get in.
      • If you do not have a reservation, you will NOT get in to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  There will NOT be a queue for guests without reservations to gain access.

Stormtroopers Will Escort You OUT…

We are in the home stretch now.  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disneyland on May 31, 2019, and I can’t wait to hear all the first hand accounts of visitors from those first few days!

As we’ve discussed on this blog before, Disneyland is requiring reservations for Disneyland guests that wish to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during this first few weeks.  Guests visiting between May 31 and June 23, 2019 had to request free reservations to be awarded a four hour window within which they will be able to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  It appears that each guest with a reservation will be given a color coded wrist band to help cast members verify that the guest IS visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the appropriate time.

Here’s the fun part: If a guest “overstays their welcome” at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, they will be asked to leave BY STORMTROOPERS!  In fact, it appears that Disney is planning for Stormtroopers to escort guests that have stayed too long out of the new land entirely!!

Food and Beverages

Here’s a “Know Before You Go” video that Disney released about the food and beverage options we have to look forward to inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Here are some pictures Disney has released of the food and beverage offerings:

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Now Open Milk Stand
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Beverages: Blue Milk and Green Milk can be found at the Milk Stand. (Photo: David Roark/Disney Parks)
Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Now Open Rontos Roasters
The Ronto Morning Wrap can be found at Ronto Roasters and is scrambled eggs, grilled pork sausage, shredded cheese and peppercorn sauce wrapped in pita. (Photo: David Nguyen/Disney Parks)
Star Wars Galaxys Edge Olgas Cantina
Left to right, non-alcoholic drinks: Carbon Freeze, Oga’s Obsession provision and Cliff Dweller can be found at Oga’s Cantina. (Photo: Kent Phillips/Disney Parks)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Where’s the Merchandise?

There is going to be TONS of fun stuff for us all to drool over and add to our Star Wars merchandise collections.

Disney released another “Know Before You Go” video featuring the merchandise we have to look forward to.

It looks like SOME items will also be added to the Star Wars Launch Bay gift shop in Hollywood Studios and at Disneyland.  This means even if you can’t get in to the new land right away, you may still be able to get your hands on some of that limited time only merchandise.

We previously did a blog about some of the merchandise coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  If you missed it, click here.

Here’s some new pictures Disney released.

Star Wars Galaxys Edge Now Open Droid Depot
Guests visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be able to stop by the Droid Depot to build their own R-series or BB-series droids that will act as a friend throughout the village of Black Spire Outpost. (Photo: David Roark/Disney Parks)
Star Wars Galaxys Edge Build Your Own Light Saber
At Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, guests will have the opportunity to customize and craft their own lightsabers. In this exclusive experience, guests will feel like a Jedi as they build these elegant weapons from a more civilized age. (Photo: Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)
Star Wars Galaxys Edge Marketplace
Guests will be able to wander the lively marketplace of Black Spire Outpost and encounter a robust collection of merchant shops and stalls filled with authentic Star Wars creations. (Photo: Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Disney Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run Extra Extra Magic Hours
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon – Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is now open, but there is only one of its two flagship attractions open at this time.  Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is open, and looks really terrific.

For all of us that have WISHED we could fly the Millennium Falcon someday, it looks like we’re going to get our chance!

Disney released this video to show us what we can expect.  We get to go through the queue and see some of the hidden treasures we can look for.  We even get to go for a quick ride (Don’t watch this if you’re avoiding spoilers!)

Star Wars Galaxys Edge Millennium Falcon
Inside Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests will take the controls in one of three unique and critical roles aboard the fastest ship in the galaxy. (Photo: Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge NOW OPEN

When are you going to visit?  Everything I’ve seen so far from the press and early visitors is VERY positive, and I cannot wait to check this place out!

How about you?  Are you excited to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?  Do you already have a trip planned?  Please like this post, and let us know below when you are going!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

New Magic Band Options Coming for Disney Resort Guests

UPDATE: 5/20/19: New Magic Band upgrades are NOW available!

Good news!  There are new magic band options coming for Disney resort guests!  For the last few years, Disney has included magic bands for every resort guest as part of their resort reservation.

As you start planning your trip, one of the fun steps has always been choosing the colors of the magic bands for each person in your group.

New Magic Band Options Coming Soon

It didn’t take long for people to start decorating their bands.  All kinds of different types of decorations emerged.  From intricate, hand painted designs, pre-printed stickers designed to specially fit magic bands, to bands covered in Swarovski crystals, magic bands have become expressions of individuality, special occasions, relationships and celebrations.

Disney Magic Band Decorations
Magic band stickers, sold on Etsy                                    (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Disney Magic Band Decorations
Original style magic bands decorated with stickers from Etsy.                      (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Disney Special Edition Magic Bands

Now we know Disney, and Disney doesn’t leave money on the table.  It didn’t take long for Disney to come out with special, decorated magic bands.  Disney sells a variety of magic bands at the Disney store and at the gift shops in the parks and resorts.

The Disney Store has lots of limited edition magic bands.  Check them out here.  If you have park tickets, but are not staying on property, you may want to purchase magic bands to pair with your tickets.  That way you can use your magic band for park entry, instead of having to pull out your tickets every time you need park access, or to use a Fast Pass reservation.

Solid color magic bands are available for $14.99. Most of the special decorated magic bands are priced at $24.99 – $29.99.

Main Street Magic Band
Minnie Mouse Magic Band
Wall-E Magic Band
Tower of Terror Magic Band
Iron Man Magic Band
Inside Out Magic Band

New Magic Band Options for Resort Guests

New Magic Bands Coming Soon for Disney Resort Guests
(Photo: Disney Parks)

Disney has decided to make special magic bands available for resort guests as an add-on option.  The solid color bands will continue to be available for no charge with your reservation.  However, if you want to “upgrade” your bands to special custom bands, you will have that option.  The price to upgrade will be $14.99, and you will have more than 30 magic band options available.

These special “upgraded” magic bands will be available to Disney resort guests.  They will also be available to new and renewing annual passholders.

Disney released a video about the new magic band options.

I think this is pretty good news, what do you think?  Will you be upgrading your next magic band?  Please comment below.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

 

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise Coming Soon to Disney Parks

It’s time to think about SHOPPING.  Recently, Disney has released some information regarding the exclusive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge merchandise we can expect to find once the new lands open.

We’ve seen just the tip of iceberg, but there is some pretty exciting stuff coming.  The initial fan response to all these goodies when they got to see them at the recent Star Wars Celebration in Chicago was very excited. I think my original prediction that Disney is going to get ALL our money is definitely on track!

Disney is promising that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will feature the same merchandise.  Regardless of which park you visit, you won’t have to worry about missing out on something amazing.

The Resistance and the First Order

Disney Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Merchandise
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Park Exclusive Merchandise                                                 (Photo: Disney Parks)

The first look at the park exclusive merchandise for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge focuses primarily on Resistance and First Order themed items.  There are Resistance fighter pilot and Storm Trooper helmets.  There are weapons and supplies favored by both sides.  Also, there are uniforms and accessories that any Resistance fighter or First Order soldier would be proud to wear.

Take a look at this video, released by Disney Parks.  It gives a great look at some of this park exclusive merchandise.

The FUN Stuff

After giving us a look at the Resistance and First Order themed items, Disney gave us a chance to see some of the more “fun” products that will be for sale exclusively in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge stores and market stalls.

Disney Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Exclusive Merchandise
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Exclusive Merchandise                                                           (Photo: Disney Parks)

Disney has told us that there will be four primary locations in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge where Star Wars fans will want to look for these exclusive items.

  • Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers  I suspect Savi’s Workshop will be an extremely popular destination.  This may be a place Mom and Dad will want to avoid if they don’t want to spend $$ on a lightsaber!  The workshop Master will guide guests to customize and build their own lightsaber, while instructing them on the ways of the Jedi.  (Yep, ALL the money).
  • Droid Depot  Similarly, for those of us that adore R2D2 and BB8, the Droid Depot is bound to be financially dangerous!  Here, you’ll be able to choose parts and construct your own droid to join you as you explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Then, your new friend will go with you to your home world.
  • First Order Cargo  This hangar bay serves as a “temporary” base and landing spot for the First Order.  The officers have brought in extra supplies and gear to help win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors.  (And your $$ will no doubt help fund the Dark Side).
  • Resistance Supply  Local resistance sympathizers and Resistance members manage a stall that supplies Resistance uniforms, gear and supplies.

In addition to this four “main” locations, there are also several market stalls which will sell a variety of exclusive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge merchandise and goodies.

Disney Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Toys
Toydarian Toymaker Toy Sample, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Photo: Disney Parks)
  • Black Spire Outfitters (clothing)
  • The Jewels of Bith (accessories and trinkets)
  • Creature Stall (interesting critters to take home)
  • Toydarian Toymaker (toys)

Here’s a second, longer video that Disney released, spotlighting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge exclusive merchandise.  This one focuses more on the toys and collectibles that we’ll be DYING to get our hands on!  (ALL the money).

Pricing and Budget?

As I’m sure you have guessed, Disney has NOT yet released any pricing on ANY of these items.  However, given the BILLIONS of dollars they’ve spent on park expansions over the last few years, not to mention the GIANT investment in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?  Yes, I’m thinking most of this stuff will have price tags that will make most of us uncomfortable, if not downright terrified.

If you’ve been in any of the Disney parks recently, you know that Disney parks merchandise is not necessarily budget friendly.  The Disney Ears headbands that have become so popular in recent years now start at $23.  Basic T-shirts usually start around $25, and long sleeve T-shirts and sweatshirts usually range from $40 – $70.  Even keychains, pens and magnets, which used to be the go-to budget souvenirs, aren’t so budget friendly anymore, with many priced over $10.  As much as we love it, Disney is still a business.  If they can get us to pay $40 for a T-shirt and $30 for Ears, you can bet they will do it.

So while I don’t actually know any pricing yet for any of the oh-so-intriguing items shown above in the pictures and videos, I feel reasonably confident that there won’t be much under $20.  In fact, I suspect there will be a LOT over $100.  I could be wrong.  Oh boy, I REALLY hope I’m wrong.  There are several things already on my wish list 😉!  As I learn more about new merchandise and pricing, I will of course share with all of you.

But come on, do you agree with me yet?  Disney is going to get ALL our money.  Seriously, ALL of it. 😉

What’s on YOUR List?

Did any of this stuff grab you?  Or are you impervious to the draw of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge merchandise?  Is there anything that you REALLY want to see in person?  Are you already planning a Star Wars merchandise budget for your next trip?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please comment below!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS: If you’d like to check out my most recent updates on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, please click on one of the topics below:

PPS: If you’re looking for the new teaser trailer for the Star Wars Episode 9 movie coming out in December, please click here.