Tag: #disneyvacation

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge NOW OPEN at Disneyland

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

Go Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

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

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

 

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

Good Morning America’s Visit

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

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

ABC News Sneak Peek

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

GMA Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Opening Dedication LIVESTREAM

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stormtroopers Will Escort You OUT…

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

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

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

Food and Beverages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s some new pictures Disney released.

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

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

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

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

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

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

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

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge NOW OPEN

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

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

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

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

Disney Skyliner Testing: Cabins Unveiled!

Disney’s latest transportation innovation, the Skyliner Gondola system, has been in testing mode for several weeks now.  Testing appears to be going very well so far.  This week marked an exciting step forward for Disney Skyliner testing—more than 50 of the cabins have been unveiled!

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s…Mickey Mouse?

For most of the testing we’ve seen so far, Disney has sent the Skyliner gondolas out on the system shrouded in white covers.  Briefly we saw some units without the white covers, but the units we saw did not have any character graphics on them yet.  Check out this post, Disney Skyliner Update: April 2019 to learn more.

Over the past few days, Disney has uncovered  more than fifty of the gondolas, revealing beautiful character graphics on each colorful cabin.  The graphics are gorgeous, and there appears to be a wide variety of different character themes.

Disney Skyliner Gondolas Testing Character Graphics Revealed
Disney Skyliner Gondolas: Character Graphics Revealed! (Photo: Disney Parks)

See the Skyliner Gondolas in Action

Disney released a terrific video showing the unveiled gondolas out on the cables.  In the video, you can see multicolored cabins, their gorgeous character graphics clearly visible, moving through the Skyliner system.  It’s a beautiful sight, and I can’t wait to see them in person.

When Can I Ride a Skyliner Gondola?

The WHEN is still an open question.  Disney will not get any more committed than “later this fall”.  They are staying pretty cagey about when the Skyliner Gondola system will go live for guests.  From a safety perspective, that’s probably a good thing.  Disney has an excellent safety record, and are legendary for having very few accidents involving guests on their attractions.

So, I’m guessing they are going to test the HECK out of these things before they let us get near them.  Which makes the part of me that is scared of heights very happy.

However, I’m also eager to know an exact date of when guests will be able to ride on the Skyliner system.  As I plan trips for my clients and my family, I want to know if I can include Skyliner as a transportation option.  I am DYING to ride on this system, and I’m sure a lot of you are as well.

I had thought MAYBE it would be live by the time Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Hollywood Studios on August 29, but the powers that be seem to be trying to discourage that expectation.  That could be because they want Skyliner to have it’s own exciting opening day and subsequent media attention.  I could see not wanting to get lost in the excitement of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Disney has spent millions of dollars on Skyliner, and I would imagine they want some excitement and attention to accompany it’s opening day.

Disney Skyliner Gondola Testing Cabins Unveiled
Disney Skyliner Gondola Testing: Cabins Unveiled (Photo: Disney Parks)

Alternatively, it could simply be that they have a lot of testing to do, and third parties that have to approve the various phases.  I suspect Disney is hesitant to put a timeline for Skyliner opening day out there until anything outside their control has finished.  So if there are any government bodies or third party agencies that have to review the Skyliner system perhaps, or any tests that have to be approved by parties outside Disney Parks and Resorts, it would make sense that Disney would postpone announcing a “go-live” date until that’s all completed.

I don’t know, but I’m certainly excited to find out!

What do you think?  Does seeing Disney testing Skyliner cabins unveiled make you more excited to ride?

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

P.S. If you haven’t seen the inside of a Skyliner gondola yet, visit this post.

NEW Extra EXTRA Magic Hours Coming to Walt Disney World

If you’ve ever stayed at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you probably know about Extra Magic Hours.  Extra Magic Hours (EMH) are just one of the benefits of staying on Disney property.  EMH are a HUGE advantage for guests who want to minimize their time waiting in lines.  With regular Extra Magic Hours, there are certain days each week when Disney resort guests can enter the EMH park one hour earlier than all other guests.  Alternatively, EMH may mean staying up to three hours later than all non-resort guests at the EMH park.

This fall, Disney is taking Extra Magic Hours to a whole new level with Extra EXTRA Magic Hours!

Disney Extra Extra Magic Hours
Photo: Disney Parks

DAILY Extra Magic Hours

Beginning August 29, 2019 and running through November 2, 2019, Disney will begin offering DAILY Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Extra Extra Magic Hours (EEMH) will be offered in three of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom: Extra Extra Magic Hours will happen every day from 7 am to 8 am at the Magic Kingdom for resort guests.  Just like with regular Extra Magic Hours, not all attractions are open during Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Extra Magic Hours and Extra Extra Magic Hours feature the same attractions–favorite rides in both Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.

Disney's Magic Kingdom Disney vacation planning Disney trip planning tips top reasons to visit Disney Extra Extra Magic Hours
It’s a beautiful day to be at the Magic Kingdom! Let’s pretend the crowds will be this light ALL DAY!  (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Animal Kingdom: Extra Extra Magic Hours will happen every day from 7 am to 8 am at the Animal Kingdom.  Pandora – The World of Avatar attractions ARE included.  Also included are other attractions throughout Animal Kingdom. (The same attractions currently open during regular Extra Magic Hours).

Disney's Animal Kingdom Extra Extra Magic Hours
Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)

Hollywood Studios: Extra Extra Magic Hours will happen every day from 6 am to 9 am (That’s THREE HOURS PEOPLE!!!).  The EEMH WILL include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land and select other attractions.  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity.  NOTE: From August 29 – 31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open at 6 am to ALL guests, not just resort guests.  The Extra Extra Magic Hours for Hollywood Studios for Resort Guests will begin September 1.

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

Wait, What About Epcot?

Epcot absorbs crowds better than any of the other three theme parks.  In addition, Extra Magic Hours are not as necessary or popular at Epcot as they are at the other three parks.  Also, at Epcot, Future World opens at 9 am (usually) and then World Showcase opens at 11 am.  Morning Extra Magic Hours may frustrate Epcot visitors that wanted to visit World Showcase during EMH but World Showcase is not part of morning EMH.

Epcot will continue to have regular Extra Magic Hours on select days, just like it does now.  Epcot will NOT be getting Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Note: Of course this policy COULD change later in the summer, but I don’t expect it to.

Also, keep in mind that the popular Epcot Food and Wine Festival will be running during this time, and that’s the big attraction at Epcot in the fall.  Opening at 7 am wouldn’t be very beneficial as I don’t think they want to open all those wine and food kiosks that early! 😉

Disney Epcot Extra Extra Magic Hours
Epcot! (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)

Why?

Disney has introduced these new Extra Extra Magic Hours in anticipation of record crowd levels this fall.  With the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios coming August 29, interest in a Walt Disney World vacation has never been higher!  Disney is anticipating very high guest demand for its most popular attractions throughout Walt Disney World, but most especially at Hollywood Studios, for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Disney is trying to ensure the satisfaction of resort guests by guaranteeing them more opportunities to access the parks with smaller crowds, before the parks open to the public each day.  Theoretically, if guests are early risers and willing to be up and at the parks early in the morning, they are more likely to be able to visit more of the attractions they’ll want to visit.

This policy also helps add more value to staying on Disney property.  Disney is always looking for ways to get more guests to stay on Disney property and these new Extra Extra Magic Hours are a great step in that direction.  All those extra available hours EVERY DAY add a lot of value to your theme park tickets!

The Fine Print

Extra Extra Magic Hours require a valid theme park admission and hotel ID.  Note: If you are using your Magic Bands as your room keys and your theme park tickets, your Magic Band will serve as both theme park admission and hotel ID.

If you do NOT have the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option on your tickets, you will be spending the day in whichever park you choose for Extra Extra Magic Hours.  In other words, if you DON’T have Park Hopper, and start your day at 6 am at Hollywood Studios, you will be in Hollywood Studios for the entire day (unless you leave the park and go back to your resort, of course).  You will NOT be able to visit a different park after Extra Extra Magic Hours are over.

If you DO Have Park Hopper, you can “hop” to any other park you choose throughout the day, regardless of where you go for Extra Extra Magic Hours.

All Attractions are NOT Part of Extra Extra Magic

Not all Walt Disney World attractions are available with Extra Magic Hours or Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Park hours and participating attractions for Extra Magic Hours or Extra Extra Magic Hours are subject to change without notice.  All participating attractions and experiences are subject to capacity limitations and cancellation.

Fast Passes are NOT available during Extra Magic Hours or Extra Extra Magic Hours.

Will Extra Extra Magic Hours Be Extended After November 2?

I don’t know.  This is the first time Disney has offered DAILY extended hours for resort guests.  Obviously, this will significantly impact Disney’s daily operating costs–a lot will depend on how successful this program is during its initial offering.  Guest response and feedback will also significantly impact whether Disney either extends Extra Extra Magic Hours, or ever offers it again during busy periods.

Disney's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Extra Extra Magic Hours
Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Is there anything better than visiting your favorite attractions with lighter crowds and shorter lines? (Photo Credit: Disney Parks)

If it has a major impact on guest satisfaction and crowd flow AND they see profits from people staying longer in the parks and spending more money, I think its very likely that we could see something like this again in the future.

Until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is actually open, and we see the way Disney manages crowds in and around that new “Land”, it’s difficult to anticipate WHAT will happen from a crowd flow capacity in ALL the parks, once Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is finally open.

What do YOU think?

What do you think of this new policy?  As someone who almost always stays on property, I’m pretty excited!  We are early risers on vacation, and always take advantage of EMH.  However, we often park hop later in the day if the “chosen” park gets too crowded.  It will be interesting to see what happens when three parks are the “chosen” park, won’t it?

Please like this post and comment below.  Does this new Extra Extra Magic Hours policy have you planning a visit for this fall to take advantage?  I can help! brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

P.S. There is still time to book reservations for YOUR fall vacation to Disney World. You can check out the amazing new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and take advantage of all these extra park hours through Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Contact me today to get started: brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

P.P.S If you don’t want to wait for fall, there are still some great promotions running for Summer Vacations.  Check out these posts for more information:

FREE DINING for Disney Visa Cardmembers

FREE Quick Service Meals on YOUR Summer Vacation?

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.

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

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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