Great news, Disney fans! At long last, traditional character greetings are returning to Disney parks in the U.S.. Character greetings are also returning to Disney cruise ships and the Aulani Resort in Hawaii.
Russell has a little crush on Linda! Brooke and Linda with Russell and Dug from UP! Photo: Disney Photo Pass
For many Disney guests, character greetings have long been a highlight of their Disney vacations. Family vacation photo albums are full of pictures of children of all ages getting autographs and hugs from their favorite characters. Since Disney parks opened in the United States post pandemic closure, character greetings have been missing from the Disney vacation experience.
Socially Distanced Characters
To their credit, Disney tried to give guests opportunity to see their favorite characters, and to take photos with the characters in the background. Disney introduced Character cavalcades—mini parades in each park featuring favorite characters on floats, in cars, or on boats. The common denominator for all these character cavalcades was “social distancing”. You could see the characters, you could even take photos of them, or of yourself with the character in the background, but you couldn’t get up close to the characters.
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In addition to the character cavalcades, certain characters would pop up in various areas around the parks. Always in areas that guests couldn’t physically get to, but in locations where they could interact with guests and pose for photos with guests–at a distance.
For example, during our October family vacation, we took pictures of the kids with Buzz Lightyear and some Stormtroopers.
Anna and Elsa also popped up in Norway in Epcot as well, chatting with guests and posing for pictures. Guests were not able to get close enough for autographs, but they at least got to have some sort of “one on one” interactions.
Socially Distanced Elsa Photo: Brooke Hudson
Mary Poppins often appeared in the UK from a distance. You could find Belle in France, and Snow White in Germany.
Linda with a socially distanced Mary Poppins Photo: Brooke Hudson
Character Greetings Returning!
Beginning April 18, traditional character greetings and character meals are returning to Disney parks in the U.S. Character greetings are also returning to Disney cruise ships and to Disney’s Aulani resort in Hawaii.
I expect this will be a gentle rollout–probably a few character greetings will return at first, followed by more over time. I think by mid-Summer, we should be able to count on all the regular character greetings and character meals to be back to their pre-pandemic levels.
Disney released this video in celebration of character greetings returning to Disney parks.
Which Character are You Most Excited to See?
My mom and I are visiting in May for our annual mother/daughter Flower & Garden Festival trip to celebrate Mother’s Day and our May/June birthdays. We will definitely be checking out what character greetings are available by then. I’ll be sure to report back with what (and who!) we find.
One of my favorite character greetings is this moment with Minnie and Mickey Mouse at Animal Kingdom. When I went to hug Mickey, I somehow dislodged his belt, and both characters made a BIG deal out of it. Mom and I laughed so hard we cried! I’m excited the character greetings are returning to Disney parks so that guests have their own special moments like this one.
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Which character do you want to hug first?
Happy Dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
In this week’s Disney Parks News, we have big changes coming for the virtual queue at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. We also have Disneyland Paris closure news, and Disney’s official statement on the entertainment layoffs we saw last week. For these stories and more, please check out our YouTube video below.
For those of you that prefer reading to watching, the written version is provided below. Last week’s Disney Parks News can be found here.
Disney Parks News
The Holidays have Arrived at Disney World!
Halloween is over and the Holidays have arrived at Walt Disney World! It’s amazing how quickly Disney makes the transition from Fall and Halloween décor to winter holiday décor.
Here is the full statement from Disney:
“Walt Disney World Resort offers a treasure trove of experiences for guests of all ages. We recognize that part of the magic of visiting any Disney park is seeing favorite Disney friends and discovering one-of-a-kind shows and performances. Since reopening, we’ve continued to offer modified character experiences and entertainment throughout our resort, while also taking the appropriate steps for the health and safety of our guests and cast members.
Recently, we’ve had to make some difficult decisions to reduce our workforce as the business impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic have become more long-lasting than anyone could have predicted. As a result, we’ve had to pause many live shows and entertainment experiences at our resort for longer than originally anticipated.
While it’s impossible at this time to fully replace the incredible entertainment that existed throughout our parks before the pandemic, we are offering live entertainment in new ways wherever possible, including character cavalcades in all four parks and pop-up appearances, like discovering Joy from “Inside Out” frolicking on the lawn near the Imagination! pavilion in EPCOT.
Additionally, we’re featuring modified shows such as the popular “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and live musical performances like the Main Street Philharmonic in Magic Kingdom or the Discovery Island Drummers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This extends to our seasonal offerings, with Halloween underway and the holidays right around the corner. In fact, the fan-favorite Voices of Liberty are set to make their return and join the JAMMitors and Mariachi Cobre at the American Gardens Theatre during the upcoming Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, beginning on Nov. 27.
Determining which shows can return and when is a complex process. As with the rest of our phased reopening, we will also consider the guidance of health officials and government agencies in determining when the time will be right to adjust capacity, and as soon as it is appropriate, we will start to bring additional entertainment back.
Like most of our fans, we know that our beloved entertainment cast are an incredibly special and essential part of the Disney experience. We look forward to the day when we can welcome back more live entertainment to our parks, and we will share more news about these announcements as we’re able to do so.”
Reactions
I find this statement both disappointing and frustrating. Do I understand that Disney feels they cannot allow most shows to resume due to social distancing requirements? Honestly? Yes and no. They have been able to re-introduce the Frozen Sing Along Celebration successfully, and that’s a show. And many of the theatres in the parks are outdoor venues. It seems that some shows could return, with seating clearly marked and restricted to provide proper social distancing.
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage (Photo: Disney Parks & Resorts)
To me, it seems almost convenient to blame the ongoing (and perhaps escalating) Covid-19 crisis as the reason there is almost no entertainment, rather than the more probably budget cuts. Why are the JAMMitors ok to perform in EPCOT on the Mill Stage in Canada, but not the amazing Taiko Matsuriza drummers in Japan?
Disney has also made a very important, very helpful change to the virtual queue situation. Now, guests who hope to ride Rise of the Resistance can request to enter the virtual queue at 7 am from their hotel room (or breakfast or wherever). The only thing that is required is a park reservation for Hollywood Studios that day (which of course requires a ticket).
Why does this change to the required location to join the virtual queue matter? Here’s why: OPTIONS. For example, let’s say you really want to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. You have a park reservation for today, and you are planning to visit Hollywood Studios. Let’s say you try, but are unable to join the virtual queue and get a boarding group at 7am. Now, you have some OPTIONS.
You can go back to bed. You don’t need to make sure you are in Hollywood Studios by 10am.
Based on reservation availability, you could decide to save Hollywood Studios for a different day. In that scenario, you would cancel your Hollywood Studios park reservation. Then, you could book a new park reservation at a different park. (Note: I highly recommend you check park reservation availability before you pull this trigger.)
You might decide NOT to visit Hollywood Studios until the afternoon.
Spend the morning playing at the pool
Enjoy a round of golf
Ride the Skyliner for a while
Relax at your resort
Visit Disney Springs
The 2 pm virtual queue does still exist. That virtual queue DOES require guests to be physically inside the park to join the queue.
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
It is my hope that these changes will loosen up the stranglehold that Rise of the Resistance has been having on visitors for months. With these changes, perhaps more guests will be able to ride. If that happens, theoretically fewer guests will crowd into Hollywood Studios in the hopes of riding that one attraction.
Our Upcoming Disney Vacation
Next week, we will be at Walt Disney World ourselves, and will be able to test out the new system. I will update you on our success (or lack thereof) with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Next week’s Disney Parks News Update will be filmed while we are on site at Walt Disney World. As a result, the video may end up a little on the rough side. However, we will do our best to still get the video posted on Wednesday. Thank you in advance for your patience. We are really looking forward to updating you with our in person, on the ground experiences in the parks.
Happy dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
It is time to accept that if you are visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland, you are GOING to spend some time waiting in line. What’s more, spending some time in lines is NOT the end of the world. Yes, having a Fast Pass+ reservation and bypassing the line is AWESOME. Riding during an After Hours event or Early Morning Magic and having mostly no lines is really, really fun.
However, the reality is that during your average park day, even if you’ve expertly managed your Fast Pass+ reservations and arrived at the park before it opened, you are going to wait in some lines. During busy times, like Spring Break or Christmas week, you are going to wait in a LOT of lines.
Waiting in line for an attraction you love is not a terrible thing. We’ve all gotten a wee bit spoiled by Fast Pass+, and I’m the first to admit I can be a brat if a ride I want to ride has a line longer than I’m willing to wait in. We have skipped Toy Story Mania on a few trips because of the lines and I LOVE that ride. BUT having the right attitude goes a long way in managing the lines.
If the line is too long, skip it
Be honest with yourself. If the line is longer than you are willing to wait, don’t get in it. If the sign says 90 minutes, trust the sign. Yes, Disney does sometimes exaggerate their wait times a few minutes to help improve guest satisfaction. They DON’T exaggerate them by 45 minutes, though. If you are going to be mad that you waited 90 minutes, don’t get in line. Your resulting mood will make it difficult for you to enjoy the ride and might impact the rest of your family.
Tower of Terror attraction photo (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)
It is not going to be the most tragic thing ever if you skip a few attractions because the lines are too long. There are so many great attractions and things to do at Disney, you can’t fit everything in, even if all the lines are short. It’s ok if you decide to skip an attraction here or there.
Snacks
If you’ve got little kids that are going to get hungry while you are waiting in line, don’t get in line unless you have something for them to snack on. Or, take a break before you get in line and grab a snack. If your kids are hungry or thirsty, and you get in a 20 -40 minute line, you’ll end up frustrated. You won’t be happy that your kids are whining or crying, and your fellow line mates may end up annoyed with you and your kids.
Grab a Snack! (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Pay attention to the heat
If you are already super hot, and the majority of the line is outside, don’t get in line until you’ve taken a break. Seriously, the Florida heat is no joke. Take a break, sit down and have a cool drink or visit an air conditioned attraction where you can sit for awhile. Cool off and relax a bit for heading into the line.
Splash Mountain Attraction Photo (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)
Play!
Use the line as an opportunity to play with your family. Often you will end up playing with your line-neighbors as well. Heads Up!, the popular phone game is a great choice, as long as you have a back up charger for your phone. One person holds the phone up to their forehead, with the screen facing out. A word pops up on the screen. The rest of you try to give the phone holder clues that will help them guess the word on the screen. There are levels and categories for all ages and interests.
Waiting in line for Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom. We had so much fun playing games with our neighbors in line! (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
There are other phone games that work well in line-but try to stick with group games that include everyone. Again, you are on vacation to enjoy each other and spend time together. Everyone buried in their own phones is not what you are going for.
Hunting for hidden mickeys can also be a fun way to pass the time. Hidden mickeys are elements in the decor around you that are secretly shaped to resemble Mickey’s head (or sometimes hands). There are THOUSANDS of hidden mickeys located throughout the parks and resorts at Disney.
Enjoy each other!
Line is also a good time to regroup. Ask each other questions. Make everyone stop and think about where they are. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in running from attraction to attraction, we miss how much fun we are having. That sounds silly, but you’d be surprised how often it’s actually true!
Playing in line (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
What have been the favorite attractions of the day so far? Why? What’s one thing each person wants to do tomorrow? Is there one thing they’ll want to tell their friends about when they get home? What is one thing they’d like to do again later in the day (or week)? Is there a character they’d like to meet?
We sometimes will even play with friends or family back at home. I’ll take a picture of some element in the queue area, and text it to a friend, asking them to guess what attraction I’m on. This is also a good time to post an update to social media. However, as I mentioned above, don’t get drawn into surfing social media. Make your post, and get back to spending time with your family.
Try not to mix short line attractions with long line attractions
This can be tough during busy periods when everything seems like it has long lines. However, when it IS possible, try not to stack attractions with long lines. For example, if you just waited 45 minutes to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, don’t head to Peter Pan, where you will likely have a line at least that long, if not longer. Check wait times around you and choose something with a short line, like It’s a Small World, or the Carousel.
Heading to Toy Story Mania (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Also, if you’ve spend a lot of time in line on your feet, try to fit in a show-type attraction where everyone can sit down for a while and give their legs and feet a break. Alternatively, take a sit down snack break and let everyone rest a bit before heading to the next attraction with a line.
Take a break!
If you find yourself feeling frustrated, overheated or aggravated, it’s time for a break. Trust me, you will enjoy the rest of your day a lot more if you take a few minutes or a few hours and take a break.
Take a break! (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
We often go back to our resort for 3 – 5 hours in the afternoon. We like to give everyone a chance to cool off or to rest. Sometimes we go to the pool, sometimes we nap, sometimes we just rest for a bit. Over the years, I’ve learned that a break like this ultimately adds a lot of enjoyment to the rest of our day.
Take a break! (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
If you aren’t staying on property, or if your resort is a long distance from the park you are visiting, returning to your resort for a break may not be practical. However, you can still take a break and rest for a bit. If you are at Magic Kingdom, ride the monorail loop for a while. Or take the ferry over to the ticket and transport center and back. The WDW Railroad is closed until 2021, but once it reopens, it is another great way to sit down, enjoy the breeze and relax.
If you’re at Epcot or Hollywood Studios, you can take the Skyliner for a ride. You can visit the boardwalk. Or just find a shady spot, grab a bottle of water or a drink and relax for a while. This works at Animal Kingdom too! Lots of great places to sit and relax.
Parades and Fireworks can be your friends
Personally, I am a fireworks junkie. I love Disney fireworks and they are often the highlight of any day I spend at Disney. However, I recognize that not everyone feels this way.
Magic Kingdom Fireworks (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
If fireworks aren’t your thing (or if you’ve seen them once and don’t need to see them again) you can take advantage of shorter lines during fireworks shows. Unless the fireworks happen after the park closes, you will usually find that so many people go to watch the fireworks, the lines for attractions drop dramatically in the hour leading up to and during the fireworks.
Also, a lot of people leave the parks following the following a fireworks show–which can also lead to shorter lines. This doesn’t always work, but can be helpful when it does. For example, the fireworks shows at Epcot and Hollywood Studios usually take place at park close, so the attractions close as the show starts (in most cases). BUT, if you’re visiting a park that stays open AFTER the fireworks, you should enjoy shorter lines.
Similarly, lines are usually a little shorter leading up to and during parades. Guests claim viewing spots up to one hour before the parade, and take about 15 minutes to disperse after the parade. The difference isn’t as dramatic as during fireworks shows, but it can be a good window to try and ride a popular attraction with a shorter line.
Halloween Parade (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
We tend to skip the afternoon parades in favor of returning to our resort for a break, but I’m a sucker for both the Halloween parade and the Christmas parade. If you’re attending a party, and the parade is running twice? Skip the first parade in favor of riding attractions! The second parade will be less congested, and you’ll benefit from slightly shorter lines during the first parade!
VIP Tours
If you are visiting during a very busy time or truly have no patience with lines, you may want to consider a VIP Tour. VIP Tours are pricey, but they offer a luxury experience for the guests and completely or mostly eliminate lines. You won’t ride every attraction, but VIP Tour guides will make sure you ride the attractions that are most important to you and your family. If you would like more information about VIP Tours, email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.
Attitude = Happy Vacation
Honestly, the healthier your attitude is about waiting in line, the happier your vacation at Disney will be. It is unavoidable. You will have to wait in some lines, and you will often be surrounded by lots of people.
The choice is yours. You can choose to let the lines make you cranky, or you can appreciate the quality time you are spending with your family. Choose to appreciate that you are seeing families from all over the world, enjoying the same activities that you are and your family are enjoying. You can notice the details in the queues, and enjoy those queues that feature interesting scenes, cooler climates or interactive games.
The queue for Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom has some cool scenes (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Some of the memories that stick with me the most are silly moments in line. Playing with the kids, getting the giggles, meeting people from all over the world, people watching-these moments are the real magic! In fact, the moment I realized I was in love with my (then future) husband happened in line for It’s a Small World during our first trip together. Who knows? Maybe if there hadn’t been a line that day, we wouldn’t have ended up here!
Waiting in line isn’t a terrible thing. Yes, I spend a lot of time on this blog and with my clients planning to avoid lines as much as possible. But it’s important to realize that some lines are going to be part of your trip. It’s up to you how you’ll respond to them. Choosing to make the lines you end up in a magical moment of your trip? That is the secret to a truly memorable vacation!
Wedding Trip: Toy Story Mania (Photo: Brooke and Frank)
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been open for a few months now at both Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida. The newest Star Wars themed attraction, Rise of the Resistance, opened in early December in Florida, and in mid January in California. Read on for our Rise of the Resistance review.
Rise of the Resistance Review
Rise of the Resistance is one of the most immersive and stunning attractions Disney Imagineers have ever created. It is truly an outstanding attraction, especially for long time Star Wars fans. If you love Star Wars, this attraction is going to push ALL your buttons. You will come as close as you will ever come to actually BEING in one of the movies. Even if you are not a Star Wars fan, I think you will find it very challenging not to love this attraction.
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
Rise of the Resistance has all of the components of Disney’s BEST attractions:
It is incredibly detailed and excels at making you feel you are part of the story. Disney’s best attractions have always been the rides that tell a story and bring you into it. Rise of the Resistance uses excellent pre-show segments to get you into the story from the moment you enter the queue. Rise of the Resistance also uses cast members better than any other attraction I can remember.
It has giant, memorable set pieces. There are wonderful special effects throughout the attraction, and there are both audioanimatronic figures and screens that make you feel like you are part of the story, interacting with characters you know and love.
It is a long attraction–about 18 minutes. The best attractions are long enough to make you feel like you really DID something. Your time in line was WORTH it. Rise of the Resistance is definitely worth the wait!
It has great music. Rise of the Resistance features memorable, recognizable, heart pounding music that deepens your emotional involvement in the story. (Note: the music composed by John Williams for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge won a Grammy this past weekend!)
Most importantly, in my opinion: It is repeatable! There is so much going on in this attraction, I think I could ride it a dozen times and still notice something new. This is the true hallmark of a GREAT Disney attraction. I’ve ridden Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion tons of times over the years and I never get tired of it. I think Rise of the Resistance will join that camp of attractions we can ride again and again and always enjoy. Boredom will not be an issue with this attraction, I promise you!
Unlike Any Other Disney Attraction
I can’t compare Rise of the Resistance to any other attraction. It’s unique and full of new technology. In fact, Disney has applied for several patents for elements of this attraction–that’s how special and new the technology is in this ride.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Rise of the Resistance (Photo Credit: Disney Parks)
I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t go into more detail about ride specifics. This is an incredible attraction, unlike anything Disney has done before. There are several pre-show segments that keep you entertained and immerse you in the story. The ride vehicles are trackless, so you feel much more free and like anything can happen. There are different elements and phases to the attraction to keep it interesting and surprising.
I really hope this attraction is a sign of future Imagineering at Disney. This attraction is truly amazing, and a wonderful addition to both Disney World and Disneyland.
What are people saying?
Disney released this short video a few days after Rise of the Resistance opened at Hollywood Studios Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. I think the excitement and enthusiasm is really fun to see:
Virtual Queue and Boarding Groups
Rise of the Resistance is NOT currently part of the Disney World Fast Pass+ system. It also does not have a standby line. For Rise of the Resistance, Disney is using a virtual queue system. Basically, the idea is that when you enter the park, you tell the system you want to ride via the My Disney Experience app or by visiting with the Guest Experience Team (if you don’t have a smart phone). The system will then assign you to a Boarding Group, and give you an idea of when your Boarding Group will be called to ride. Later in the day, when your group is called, you will have a window during which you will go to Rise of the Resistance and be able to ride.
Availability of Boarding Groups
You won’t have access to request a Boarding Group until after you’ve passed through the touchpoints at the park entrance (where you scan your Magic Band or ticket and scan your finger). Boarding Groups are not available until the official park open time, either. So while I always recommend you arrive at the park early as you will often be let in before the official park open time, you will not have access to Boarding Groups for Rise of the Resistance until AFTER you’ve entered through the touchpoints AND the official park open time for the day has arrived.
Boarding Group availability each day is based on the projected number of guests that Disney expects to be able to ride during that day, based on the hours the ride is expected to be functioning. They have built in some downtime.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
The Good
You don’t have to hover around Rise of the Resistance for hours, waiting for a chance to ride–you’ll get an update in your My Disney Experience app, notifying you of your Boarding Group being called. You can go about your day and enjoy many other attractions and shows at Hollywood Studios while you wait. Assuming there is availability, using the app to request a Boarding Group is fairly easy and user friendly–as long as the app doesn’t crash. Once you are notified that your Group has been called to ride, you have a window of time. In most cases, this is two hours, so you don’t have to rush right over or worry if you’re in line for another attraction. Note: sometimes the window is one hour, so be sure to read your notification carefully so you know how long you have.
The Bad
Currently, the Boarding Groups are filling up VERY fast. Most days, all the Boarding Groups for the day are filled within minutes of the park being open. The impact of thousands of guests all trying to get access to Boarding Groups at the same time via the My Disney Experience app is that the app often crashes or locks up, making it very challenging to get a Boarding Group before they are all gone. Adding to this, the attraction has unfortunately been breaking down fairly frequently, which is also limiting the availability of Boarding Groups for visitors. The notification window for Boarding Groups has been fluctuating — some groups are given two hours, while others receive one hour. It is important to read your notification carefully so you don’t miss your window.
Intriguingly, Disney has been surveying Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance guests this week about the virtual queue and possible alternatives. I’m interpreting this to mean all is not going as well as they’d hoped with the system, and changes may be coming.
Ride Breakdowns
The biggest challenge right now is that Rise of the Resistance breaks down pretty frequently. I think because this attraction is so huge, and has so many moving parts and so much new technology, breakdowns at the beginning are inevitable. In my opinion, Disney rushed this attraction a bit and announced open dates that were premature. I don’t think this attraction had enough time to work out all it’s kinks, and guests are bearing the brunt of that right now.
Currently, guests impacted by a ride breakdown are often given passes enabling them to return and ride the next day, or to ride later the same day. I think guests directly impacted are being adequately compensated; however, this does not address the indirect impact. With the ride experiencing downtime almost every day, and often, several times a day, Disney is not moving as many guests through this attraction as they anticipated. As a result, many guests are not being able to ride the attraction at all.
While this is always the case with a popular new attraction (queue times for Flight of Passage still often top 90 minutes most days), the anticipation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is significantly higher than for any other land or attraction in Disney history. Most guests visiting Disney this year are EXPECTING to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and expecting to ride both attractions. With the current situation, many guests are leaving disappointed by not being able to experience this attraction.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)
What Can We Expect?
I’m confident that Disney is doing everything it can to fix the problems with the attraction, and hopefully, these breakdowns will soon be a thing of the past. I’m very anxious to see what happens with the virtual queue situation. So far, there is a lot of very loud frustration coming out of guests actually experiencing the virtual queue system, so I suspect some kind of change will be forthcoming.
Earlier this week, Disney made changes to the Fast Pass+ tier system (read here for more information). Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is now part of the Hollywood Studios Tier One. If the virtual queue system doesn’t work, I suspect Rise of the Resistance will soon be joining Tier One as well.
Even with all the challenges to actually ride the attraction, I cannot stress enough: This is an AMAZING attraction! I promise, even if you struggle with some frustration is getting to ride, it will be WORTH IT! This is a MUST-RIDE attraction if at all possible!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
What do you think? Do you think Disney will end up adding a stand-by line and Fast Pass+ reservations for Rise of the Resistance, or do you think they will improve the system for the virtual queue and Boarding Group system?
Have you had a chance to ride yet? I’d love to hear your Rise of the Resistance review if you have one. Please comment below!
Are you planning a Walt Disney World Vacation for later this year? If so, this is BIG news for you. Disney World Fast Pass+ tiers are changing to include the new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction! This is MOST impactful if your trip is within the next 60 days and you’ve already booked your Fast Pass+ reservations. If your trip is AFTER February 19, 2020, you may want to review your Fast Pass+ and make changes.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon- Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)
What are Disney Fast Pass+ Tiers?
If you’re an experienced Disney World vacation planner, you have been dealing with the Fast Pass+ reservation tier structure for a couple of years now. Skip ahead to the next section to learn about the changes.
However, if you are new to Disney World vacation planning, you may not know about Disney’s tier structure for Fast Pass+ reservations. Basically, the tier structure is Disney’s way to spread Fast Pass+ reservations out over the most popular attractions. The tier structure is designed to give you your best chance to reserve a Fast Pass+ for at least one of the most popular attractions. The most popular attractions at each park are grouped together in one tier, allowing each guest to choose only one for their Fast Pass+ reservation of the day. The remaining two Fast Pass+ reservations will be booked from the second tier, which will contain the remaining attractions in that park.
Example: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Fast Pass+ Tiers
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, two of the most popular attractions are the two newest: Pandora’s Flight of Passage and Pandora’s Na’vi River Journey. In a perfect world, you’d be able to book Fast Pass+ reservations for both of these popular attractions for your Animal Kingdom visit. However, Disney makes that impossible by putting these two popular attractions in their own tier. At Animal Kingdom, you can choose ONE Fast Pass+ reservation from Tier One, which has both Pandora attractions in it, and TWO Fast Pass+ reservations from Tier Two, which includes all other attractions.
The Islands of Pandora Photo: Brooke Hudson
In this example, Flight of Passage Fast Pass+ reservations might all be gone by the time you try to make your Fast Pass+ reservations, but you would still be able to book a Fast Pass+ reservation for Na’vi River Journey. This helps give guests the perception that they are able to book Fast Pass+ reservations for the most popular attractions, even when many of the Fast Pass+ reservations book up super quickly.
Keep in mind that with your Disney park ticket, you are able to book three Fast Pass+ reservations per day. These three reservations are limited to ONE park. Once you are at the park and have used all three reservations, you’ll be able to book additional, unlimited, Fast Pass+ reservations, one at a time, through the My Disney Experience app on your phone. There are also Fast Pass+ kiosks in various locations throughout the parks where you can book additional reservations if you don’t have a smart phone.
Effective on February 19, 2020, the current tier structure for Fast Pass+ reservations at Hollywood Studios is changing. Currently, Tier One attractions include Toy Story Mania!, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. This all changes February 19, 2020.
Tower of Terror Photo: Brooke Hudson
The new Hollywood Studios Tier One attractions will be Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Slinky Dog Dash. Guests making Fast Pass+ reservations will be able to choose ONE of these two attractions for their first Fast Pass+ reservation of the day. All other attractions will now be in Tier Two, and be available for the remaining two Fast Pass+ reservations of the day.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon – Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)
Keep in mind, once you have used your three Fast Pass+ reservations, you can book more. You’ll be able to book additional Fast Pass+ reservations via the My Disney Experience App on your phone. You can book an unlimited number of additional reservations throughout your day, one at at a time, as you use them.
Disney World Fast Pass+ Tier One Attractions (as of February 19, 2020)
Here’s a list of the Tier One attractions for each park after the changes:
Epcot: Soarin’, Test Track, Frozen Ever After and Epcot Forever (nighttime show)
Animal Kingdom: Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey
Hollywood Studios: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Slinky Dog Dash
Magic Kingdom: There are no Tier One attractions. All attractions are available for Fast Pass+ booking at the same time.
What About Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the second major attraction at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened in December. Right now, Disney is experimenting with a virtual queue system to enable guests at the park each day to ride. There are no immediate plans at this time to add Rise of the Resistance to the Fast Pass+ system. Depending on the overall success of the virtual queue system, we may see that continue. If it works well, I bet we will see this with other new attractions as they come online. If it doesn’t work, we may see it disappear. In addition, I suspect we will see Rise of the Resistance added to the Tier One Fast Pass+ reservation system in a few months. I’ll keep you posted as I learn more.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
Fast Pass+ Reservation Strategy Changes?
Do these Disney World Fast Pass+ tiers changing impact your Fast Pass+ strategy? I’m happy with the changes as I thought there were TOO MANY Tier One attractions at Hollywood Studios. I felt like all my favorite attractions were all clumped into Tier One! I especially hated choosing between Toy Story Mania! and Slinky Dog Dash! Now that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has entered the mix, a day at Hollywood Studios is a completely different adventure than in past years.
How do you plan to change your Fast Pass+ strategy? Please comment below!
Happy Dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!
P.S. If you’d like help with your Disney World Fast Pass+ reservation planning and have already booked your vacation, don’t worry! I offer stand alone trip planning services to help. I can book your dining reservations, Fast Pass+ reservations and help plan your general daily itinerary. Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for more information.
P.P.S. If you haven’t booked your Disney vacation yet, contact me today. I can help you choose the best package for you and your family. If you book your trip with me, it doesn’t cost you ANYTHING extra. As a bonus, you’ll get the benefit of my Disney trip planning expertise. I’ll be able to help you plan your dining reservations, Fast Pass+ reservations and MORE. Email today for more information. brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.
It’s finally time! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is HERE!! In just a few days, Walt Disney World guests will be able visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios. I am so excited to get in there and take a look. Even though we’ve already had lots of reports out of Disneyland visitors to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, I really want to check out the land at Hollywood Studios.
I don’t expect many differences, based on what I have heard so far, but you never know! Until we can all get in there and take a look, hear the sounds and smell the smells—anything is possible.
A View From Above
Disney release this terrific video with an aerial view of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Take a look below:
How cool is that??
TIME Magazine: World’s Greatest Places
Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2019 includes Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (Photo: Disney Parks)
TIME Magazine has included Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in this year’s list of the World’s Greatest Places. Each year, TIME Magazine releases a list of 100 of the World’s Greatest Places, featuring destinations that offer visitors groundbreaking, unique experiences. It’s a great honor that TIME has recognized Disney’s newest theme park achievement, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
TIME Magazine took a look at a variety of factors when evaluating Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including innovation, originality, quality, influence and sustainability.
More Than 1,000,000 Smugglers Served
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at Disneyland on May 31, 2019. Already, Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run has proven to be an extremely popular attraction. Already, more than 1,000,000 guests have experienced the fun of this exciting attraction!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon- Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)
The largest themed land in Disney parks history, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has astonished and amazed guests. Guests have raved about the many immersive experiences and adventures they’ve had while visiting Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu in a galaxy far, far away.
An Aerial View of the Famed Millenium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (Photo: Disney Parks)
Rise of the Resistance
Recently, Disney announced that the second, highly anticipated attraction planned for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Rise of the Resistance, will open in Florida at Hollywood Studios in late December.
Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will join the resistance with their version of the attraction opening in late January 2020.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)
Take a look at this post-there’s a teaser trailer for Rise of the Resistance, as well as some info about the music we’ll hear throughout Black Spire Outpost.
Dressing for Success
Many guests planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge want to “look the part” and join in the immersive World as much as possible. For some, this means choosing outfits that might blend in with the “locals” on Black Spire Outpost.
Photo: Disney Parks
For children 13 and under, costumes ARE allowed. This can include masks, as long as the eye openings allow the eyes to be fully visible beneath the mask, and as long as the mask permits good peripheral vision.
Costumes and masks cannot be worn by adults (or children 14 or older) at any time, except in the event of special events (like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party) that specifically allow costumes and have their own rules.
While Disney encourages adult guest to dress in looks inspired by the Star Wars films, or specifically to choose outfits inspired by Batuu residents, there are some big no-nos.
There are First Order Storm Troopers patrolling Black Spire Outpost so any armor, uniforms, helmets or weapons are prohibited.
Photo: Disney Parks
Chewbacca is a frequent visitor to Black Spire Outpost, so to avoid any confusion or conflict, no other Wookiees are allowed.
Disney recommends that guests wishing to fit in with the locals choose muted earth tone colors, and consider natural fiber fabrics with a handmade or rugged look.
Here’s some Disney approved examples:
Photo: Disney Parks
Please review Disney’s guidelines for guest attire here if you have more questions.
Out of This World Grub
Are you ready to try some food from another galaxy? Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has LOTS to offer. Guest reviews of the food at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland have been great, so I’m very excited to get to Hollywood Studios and try some of this out of this world food for myself!
Check out the feedback from these visitors:
I really want to try some of that Blue Milk. Don’t you?
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Beverages: Blue Milk and Green Milk can be found at the Milk Stand. (Photo: David Roark/Disney Parks)
Bonus: Mobile Ordering will be available for Ronto Roasters, the Milk Stand, and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo to help reduce time spent in lines!
Have You Planned Your Adventure?
I can’t believe the long awaited opening date for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios is finally here! Are you ready? Have you planned your first visit to Black Spire Outpost yet?
Please like this post and comment below with when you will be visiting a galaxy far, far away.
It’s not too late to book your adventure for this year, if you’re on the fence. Contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for more information.
Happy Dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!
P.S. For more information on what Cast Members will be wearing on Black Spire Outpost, check out this post.
P.P.S For more information about food and beverages coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge look here.
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:
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.
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 Beverages: Blue Milk and Green Milk can be found at the Milk Stand. (Photo: David Roark/Disney Parks)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)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.
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)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)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
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!)
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!
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!
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.
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….
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 (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: 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
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.
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 (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.
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.
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
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!
P.S. To review previous Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Updates, please check out the following stories:
