Category: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservation Information

Are you ready?  It’s officially less than a month until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disneyland on May 31!  Guests planning to visit Disneyland between May 31 and June 23, 2019, hoping to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will need a reservation.  Read on to get Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation information.

Disneyland Resort Guests

The easiest way to guarantee a Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation is to stay at a Disneyland resort hotel.  If you have a reservation at any of the three Disneyland resort hotels (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, the Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel) during the “reservations required” window of May 31 – June 23, you will automatically receive a reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during your visit.

Disneyland Resort Hotel Grand Californian
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa      (Photo: Disney Parks)

In fact, you should have already received your designated reservation confirmation if you have a reservation at a Disneyland resort hotel during May 31-June 23, 2019.   Your designated reservation confirmation shows your scheduled date and time window for your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge visit.    If you have not yet received your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation confirmation, please call 888-854-3104.

If you DON’T yet have a reservation at a Disneyland resort, and would like to guarantee a reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, it’s not too late!  You can still book a stay at one of the three Disneyland hotels for any night(s) between May 31 and June 23, 2019.  If you do, you’ll receive a designated reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for each registered guest in your party.  Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for more information.  I would love to help you visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Disneyland Visitors

Guests planning to visit Disneyland between May 31 and June 23, 2019 that wish to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will need to make a reservation for their visit.

There is no cost for the reservation. Theme park admission to Disneyland is required to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Reservations will open on May 2, 2019 at 10 am Pacific Time.  Disney is releasing “how to book” information at 8 am Pacific Time on May 2.  I will post an update here as soon as “how-to” reservation information is available.

Disney put together this quick “Know Before You Go” video.

What You Will Need To Make a Reservation

Disney's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Reservation Information
Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservation Information (Photo: Disney Parks)

While we don’t have exact “how to make a reservation” specifics yet, we do know a few things that you’ll need before you make your reservation.

    1. Make sure you have your Disney ID account set up at Disneyland.com.  If you don’t have one, set it up NOW so you are ready to go when the reservation window opens.
      1. If you already have an ID for Walt Disney World’s My Disney Experience, you will be able to login at Disneyland.com with that ID.  Double check to make sure!
      2. You will be making your reservation using your DisneyID, so it’s critical that you know what it is and that it works.
    2. Be prepared and ready to go at 10 am Pacific Time on May 2.  Disney is anticipating the reservation “windows” filling up fast.
      1. Make a list of a few different dates that will work for you.  If your first choice isn’t available, you don’t want to have to scramble for the calendar to figure out your second (or third) choices.
      2. Once you have confirmed your reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you will NOT be able to change it.
      3. You can make ONLY ONE reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge per email address (Disney ID at Disneyland.com).
      4. You’ll be able to add up to five additional guests to your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation.
    3. You will only be able to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ONCE during your visit with your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation.  You’ll only be able to make one reservation for the entirety of the period of May 31 – June 23 with your DisneyID email.  After the reservations required period ends, you will theoretically be able to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge every day, assuming new rules aren’t released, and crowd volumes don’t restrict admittance to the Land.

Visiting Later in the Year

What if you are NOT visiting Disneyland between May 31 and June 23, 2019? If you ARE planning to visit later this year, and want to be sure you’ll get access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, what should you do?

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

At this time, Disney states that no reservations are required to enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge after June 23, 2019.  However, they are also saying that access to the land will be limited, and guests will not be guaranteed access.  Admittance may be restricted, based on crowd volumes.

What if you plan to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios after it opens August 29, 201? Disney says no reservations required for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Florida.  Of course that will be subject to change after Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening weeks.

It is possible that Disney may elect to extend the reservation window into future periods.  It is also possible that Disney may use a Fast Pass/Max Pass type reservation to “schedule” access to the Land.  Finally, it may just be a free for all.  In that scenario, I suspect after a certain number of guests are admitted, no additional guests will be admitted until some guests exit the Land.  We just don’t know yet.

Don’t Forget: May 2, 10 am PST                    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservation Window Opens

I will keep you posted as soon as I know more.  In the meantime, make sure you have your Disneyland DisneyID set up at Disneyland.com.  Be ready to go tomorrow (May 2) morning if you intend to make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservations for May 31 – June 23, 2019.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

P.S. If you’d like to review our most recent articles about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, please check out these posts:

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

Update from the Dark Side: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Coca-Cola

HUGE NEWS: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge OPENING May 31st and August 29th!!!!

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.

Update from the Dark Side: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Coca-Cola

We probably should have expected this, but somehow I didn’t.  Disney, Lucasfilm and Coca-Cola have worked together to create specially themed beverage packaging for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  I have to admit, I really love this.  I can’t shake the feeling that the Dark Side is DEEPLY involved, but I still really love this!

Coca-Cola has been partnered with Disney Parks since the grand opening of Disneyland Park in 1955.  That partnership has worked really well for both Empires, I mean corporations 😉.  Disney and Coca-Cola have both made lots of money from this relationship, and I think we can fully expect that to continue WELL into the future.

Disney Springs Coca-Cola Store
Coca Cola Store, Disney Springs (Photo Credit: elisfkc, Orlando, FL)

Total Immersion in EVERY Area

For months we have been talking about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  We’ve talked at length about how much farther Disney Imagineering is going with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in terms of details and guest immersion in the Star Wars experience.

Disney Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon- Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)

We’ve seen pictures of cast costumes that enable cast members to build characters and make themselves part of the story, and we’ve seen photos and videos that show us that Galaxy’s Edge will truly be unlike anything Disney has done before.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Costumes
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Costumes              Photo Credit: Disney Parks

We’ve learned there will be beverage stations selling the famed blue milk from Star Wars, and we’ve seen pictures of specially themed drinks and cocktails–all designed to keep guests fully immersed in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge experience.

Marketing for a New Galaxy

But the Imagineers and marketing gurus planning all the magic for us in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge knew there was one area that was a glaring “meanwhile, back on earth” disruption.  Coca-Cola and other coke products for sale in the parks.  Guests want their bottled water and their cokes, but can you imagine those bright red paper cups with the Coca-Cola logo on them?  Or all those blue Dasani water bottles everywhere.  Not exactly what Resistance fighters would expect to see, that is for sure.

Fortunately for us, Disney, LucasFilm and Coca-Cola were two steps ahead.  They worked together to create a solution that fits right in to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Even better, it WON’T immediately remind you that you’re at a theme park.

Check these out!

Disney Star Wars Coca Cola Products
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Coca-Cola Products                                                     Photo Credit: Disney Parks

Are these creative or what??  I am honestly blown away with the detail and the look and feel for these.  These bottles are PERFECT for Black Spire Outpost merchants to be selling on the streets and in the restaurants.  I love that Disney and Coca-Cola planned for this.  You just KNOW people are going to be collecting these.  I bet there will be special editions for special events or years or something.  And of course I noticed that the soft drink bottles look a little on the small side.  Which means we will all be buying LOTS of them.  Yes, the Empire will be getting ALL our money.  But we already knew that, didn’t we?

This is a relatively small detail, but it shows just how far Disney is going to make sure that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is truly exceptional.  Every single piece of information we get just further demonstrates that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be like no other land that Disney has ever given us before.

Disney Imagineering is known for creating magic with details, but with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge looks like the details are just the beginning.  I truly believe that we are all going to absolutely lose our minds when we finally get to be inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  At least those of us that are Star Wars fans, that is.

I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke

I know it’s only soft drinks and water.  But to me, it feels like really fabulous frosting on a truly amazing chocolate cake.  The cake is really, really good, even without the frosting.  Oh my goodness, that frosting adds that extra YUM.

What do YOU think?  Is this a detail that gets you excited to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?  Or is it one step too far for the Dark Side?  Please like this post and comment below.  I would LOVE to hear your thoughts!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Launches Free Dining Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. If you’d like to check out some of my other Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge updates, here are some links:

HUGE NEWS: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge OPENING May 31st and August 29th!!!!

March 2019: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Updates: March 2019 PART I

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Update January 2019

November 2018: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge UPDATE

HUGE NEWS: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge OPENING May 31st and August 29th!!!!

This is really big news all my lovely Disney trip planners and dreamers!!!  Just moments ago, Disney announced Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge OPENING DATES at BOTH Disneyland and Hollywood Studios!!!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open, AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, on May 31 at Disneyland in California.  At Hollywood Studios in Florida, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open AUGUST 29–this is MONTHS before we’d anticipated!

Disney Star Wars Disney Hollywood Studios Disney Galaxys Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Artist’s Rendering

This is so exciting, I am freaking out right now.  However, this isn’t ALL rainbows and roses.

Disney has decided to open ahead of schedule in response to the overwhelming response and interest from guests that want to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which is terrific.  BUT the reality is that everything will not really be ready by these earlier than projected dates.  So Disney has decided to open Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Phases.

Phase One, Opening Day

On opening day, guests will be able to get into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  You’ll explore merchant shops and talk to the people living and working on Black Spire Outpost.  You’ll taste galactic food and beverages unlike anything you’ve tried before.

Disney Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon- Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)

Perhaps most importantly, you’ll be able to experience the first attraction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.  You’re going to be able to get on board the Millennium Falcon, and take the controls and have your own adventure aboard the ship that has starred in so many of our beloved movies and our dreams for so long….

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

Phase Two, Later This Year

Later this year, the second attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, will open.  This attraction has been touted as the most ambitions, immersive and advanced attraction ever imagined.  It’s going to put you in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and First Order.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)

Disney released this video earlier today:

What We Can Expect: Limited Capacity

Guests planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland between opening day (May 31) and June 23, 2019 will need valid Disneyland park admission and they will be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, to access Galaxy’s Edge.  Disney has not released information yet on how to make these no-cost reservations; I will update you as soon as I know more!

Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels during this period (May 31-June 23) will received a reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay (one reservation per registered guest); Disneyland Park admission is still required.

Capacity will be limited for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for both Disneyland and Hollywood Studios.  Currently, Disney says no reservations will be required to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios.  Also, Disney says Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be open during Extra Magic Hours for resort guests.  More details will be released soon (and as soon as they are, I will share!).

Star Wars Galaxys Edge Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)

So…Who’s Going to Be There Opening Day?

I cannot begin to tell you guys how excited I am about this news!  I honestly believed Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge would open in late June at Disneyland, and most likely would open at Hollywood Studios in mid December.  This is CRAZY to me that they are this close to being ready to open, even in Phases!!!  I will keep scouring all my Disney sources for more news, and will update you as soon as I know more!

How excited are you by this news?  I’m about to BURST!  Are you currently checking your calendar and rearranging your life to see if you can be there for opening day?

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Launches Free Dining Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

P.S. Don’t forget, if you’d like to book a Disneyland or Walt Disney World vacation, I’d love to help!  Using me to book your reservation ensures you get the best availability and rates Disney has to offer, and booking with me doesn’t cost you anything–Disney pays me!  AND, if any discounts come out that could save you money before your trip, I’ll apply those discounts in the Disney system to save you money!  Contact me today at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com!

P.P.S If you missed last week’s article on cast member costumes for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you can check it out here.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Updates: March 2019 PART I

Oh my goodness!!! You can tell we are getting closer to the opening for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland because suddenly we are getting lots of new information and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge updates.

Last week, a limited group of press were taken on construction tours of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Ever since, I’ve been combing their stories for updates and information to share with all of you.  I’m working on pulling together information from those stories and more.

We still don’t have official opening dates but Bob Iger has said June for Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  For Florida?  All we are hearing is “Fall” for Hollywood Studios.  Anything more specific as far as actual hard opening dates we do not have.   I think once Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge opens, we’ll get more concrete information for Florida’s planned opening.

While I’m organizing all the updates from the press tour, I have a quick cast member costume update.  Disney has released information about what the cast members that work in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be wearing.

Planet Batuu Cast Member Costumes

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Costumes
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Costumes (Photo: DisneyParks)

With Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney is creating a world unlike any other it’s ever created before.  Disney has promised us it will be more immersive than anything else we’ve ever seen, and while the set pieces and attractions are of course a big part of that–true immersion for the guest begins and ends with the cast members.  If the cast members make you believe you are part of Black Spire Outpost, you will be part of Black Spire Outpost!

To that end, Disney has created a wider variety of cast member costumes with more accessories and opportunity for cast member creativity than ever before, especially for the villagers, “living” and working at Black Spire Outpost.  Costume designers took inspiration from all the Star Wars films, as well as the animated series when coming up with designs.   Unlike costumes for films that only have to survive a few weeks or months, however, these costumes have to be durable, breathable and comfortable.  These costumes will be worn in the Florida and California climates for many hours at a time, possibly for years!

This week, Disney released the first images of the costumes we will seen worn by cast members on Black Spire Outpost.

Disney Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Updates Cast Member Costumes
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Cast Member Costumes: The Resistance and The First Order (Photo: Disney Parks)
First Order

Members of the First Order will of course be wearing military style uniforms reminiscent of those we’ve seen on film–very pristine, polished and orderly.  The uniforms are dark and very structured, and imply stern authority.  This group of cast members will NOT have the flexibility with their costumes that other cast members working in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will have.  The First Order does not really tolerate creativity or freedom of expression, do they?

The Resistance

The members of the Resistance wear costumes that are also military inspired, but they have a more well-worn, well used look and feel.  They have a more rugged look to them.  The vests and jackets feature patches inspired by the communicators worn by members of the Resistance in the Films.  Members of the Resistance will have different pants, shirts, vests and jackets to keep the Resistance members looking less regimented, and more like the Resistance we saw in the films.  Cast members will also have hats they can wear when needed to protect them from the elements (or to help them hide from the First Order?).

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Costumes: Villagers (Photo: Disney Parks)
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Costumes: Villagers (Photo: Disney Parks)
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Costumes: Villagers (Photo: Disney Parks)
Outpost Villagers

Cast members that are Black Spire Outpost Villagers have the most variety and creativity with their costumes.  The villager costume collection features different shirts, bottoms, and vests for lots of mix and match options.  Cast members will be able to choose their combinations depending on their character, preference and personality.  There are also a lot of accessories like scarves, belts, hats, necklaces and pouches to allow cast members to further individualize their looks.

Disney Star Wars Disney Hollywood Studios Disney Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge updates
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Artist’s Rendering
Inspiration and Creativity = Immersive Fun for ALL!

I’m really loving the idea that these cast member costumes won’t all look the same, and that Disney is giving the cast members a little freedom to really create their characters (within established parameters, of course).  It sounds like the cast members are all getting a little improv training to be able to interact with guests “in character”.  They’re also learning how to “help” move certain story lines along that we may be interacting with as we move around the park.  This sounds unlike anything we’ve ever seen from Disney before.  I think this is going to help make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge a truly immersive experience.  I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait to check it out.

How about you?  Are you getting excited?  With every new piece of news, I get even MORE anxious for it to open.  I really think this new world is going to knock our socks off!

That’s all for PART I of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge updates for March.  There’s lots more on the way!  Stay tuned!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Launches Free Dining Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

P.S. To review previous Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Updates, please check out the following stories:

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (March 2018)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (May 2018)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge UPDATE (November 2018)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Update January 2019

 

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Update January 2019

Good News!!  We’ve got an update for January 2019 on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are racing into 2019 eager to plan your next Disney adventure.

Disney has released it’s latest update on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with a fun Behind the Scenes video.  Check it out below:

While Disney is still being relatively elusive about actual opening dates, this video does include some new footage that seems to show actual ride tests and potentially marketing videos being shot in at least a partially completed Galaxy’s Edge (most likely Disneyland, since it’s slated to open first).

Did this video get you more excited about Galaxy’s Edge?  I got goosebumps in a couple of places.  I really think they’ve raised the level of Imagineering with this “land” to a whole new Stratosphere, based on what we’ve seen so far.  I have been so impressed by what Imagineers did with Pandora at Animal Kingdom, and it doesn’t have one-tenth of the investment, size, intellectual property, fan base, and commitment from Disney that Star Wars has.  I just can’t wait to walk into Galaxy’s Edge for the first time.

That does it for this January update for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but hey, it’s only January 2nd.  With any luck, I’ll be back with more Galaxy’s Edge news very soon!

I will keep you posted as Disney releases more information!

Happy dreaming!

Brooke

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge UPDATE

I was really hoping that we would get a firm opening date for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Hollywood Studios for next year during the D23 event two weeks ago, especially since it seemed like Disney was in the mood to announce ALL kinds of good stuff at that event.

Unfortunately, they didn’t come any closer to announcing actual dates or pinning potential dates down to even a month or two month window.  Currently, the best we have is “Late Summer” for Disneyland and “Late 2019” for Hollywood Studios. 

However, even thought we didn’t get the firm dates I was hoping for, we did get a lot of Galaxy’s Edge information, which WAS very exciting.

Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek announced the names of the two major attractions that will be part of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge when it opens next year (?) at Disneyland and Hollywood Studios.

We’ve known for awhile that one attraction would involve the beloved Millennium Falcon, but we didn’t know what it would be called or much about it.  Now, we know.  This attraction will be called Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.  Check out the teaser trailer Mr. Chapek presented at the event below:

Doesn’t this look like fun?  In this attraction, you’ll be behind the controls of the most famous starship in the galaxy in one of three unique flight crew roles. 

The second opening day attraction at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.  This attraction will put you right in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. 

Bob Chapek also brought a trailer for THIS attraction as well:

Based on the VERY limited information we have so far from these trailers, and, let’s face it, the way theme park ride technology trends have been going, I suspect both of these attractions will be motion simulators.  Normally, I am not a big fan of motion simulators; however, the Imagineers really worked some amazing magic with Flight of Passage at Pandora in Animal Kingdom–it’s quickly become one of my favorite attractions of all time–so I’m hoping that the Star Wars motion simulators will be the latest and greatest and just as good (or better) than Flight of Passage and will NOT make me queasy.  Fingers crossed.  We all know I’m riding anyway.  But it would be NICE if these attractions didn’t make me ill. 

Guess what?  After all this amazing attraction news, Mr. Chapek still wasn’t done with his update about Galaxy’s Edge.  And honestly, I’m just about as excited about this news as I am about the attractions:  John Williams, who composed and orchestrated the original iconic score for Star Wars is composing new and original music for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  You guys know how much I love Disney’s attention to theming and how there are so many tiny details that many guests never even notice that help make the overall experience so enjoyable….MUSIC is a big part of that.  The music is different in every Disney park Land; the music is different at the holiday parties and special events.  Certain attractions have their own memorable music, and these musical themes all contribute to your experience. 

Getting John Williams to create new music, exclusively for these lands at the Disney parks is a HUGE part of ensuring that Galaxy’s Edge will be as immersive as they are planning for it to be, and it shows that no detail is being ignored.  They could easily just use music already in the existing library of films and shows—there’s a lot of it, and I’m sure some familiar themes will be present…but to have the original composer create new music to add to the new world they’re creating?  I LOVE THIS!!!!

In the video below, you can see and hear some of this new music being recorded…and even better, you will see scenes of the construction project for Galaxy’s Edge…much of this footage we have not seen before!

They are officially now setting our expectations that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be a multi-day experience.  If this is the case, this will take Hollywood Studios from usually a one day visit to potentially a 3 -4 day visit.  Which may mean that future trip planning may require either skipping one (or more) theme parks on your one week vacation–or that your typical one week vacation may need to be longer. 

A dilemma that we will spend much time talking about and planning for in future months, I assure you.

Mr. Chapek shared a few more highlights about Galaxy’s Edge:

  • Galaxy’s Edge is an Outpost called Black Spire Outpost (we knew that already, but we’re summarizing the good stuff here)
  • You’ll be able to visit the Cantina
  • Someone you may remember from Star Tours, Rex, will be a familar face in the Cantina
  • There will be other familiar creatures and characters in the Cantina
  • There is a street market in Black Spire Outpost
  • The street market has food stalls–you can buy unique delicacies like blue milk

Mr. Chapek also briefly mentioned the previously announced Star Wars resort coming to Walt Disney World resort.  It sounds like they are really trying to tread new territory here.  The resort will be connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, and Disney is calling it a fully immersive Star Wars adventure.  Mr. Chapek says resort guests will be aboard a “luxury starship” that will have high-end dining, space-view cabins and all of the exciting action that we’d expect from a Star Wars experience.

Lots of good stuff to look forward to, right?  I can’t wait for more information to come out.  I want ALL the information!  And of course, as soon as I have it, so will you!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

P.S. – It’s not too soon to start planning your first visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Late 2019 should be safe for Disneyland and early 2020 should be good for Hollywood Studios.  Contact me today and we can start building your plan!  brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.