The Ultimate Guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Disney is used to making dreams come true. It is one of the founding principles of the company and is evident throughout the work and content that the Walt Disney Company produces. On August 15th, 2015, Bob Iger made every Star Wars fan’s dream a reality when he announced Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. In the new land, Star Wars fans could walk directly into a living, breathing Star Wars story and interact with the characters they know and love from films, comics, books, video games, and television shows. They could become part of the story!
Now that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been open for a few months in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, we dive into the details and present this ultimate guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
The Land
At 14 acres, Galaxy’s Edge is the largest “land” ever built by Disney. Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park, it required several popular attractions to be cleared away before construction could even begin, most notably the Backlot Tour and the Lights, Motors, Action stunt show. After roughly three years of construction, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge officially opened to the public on August 29th, 2019.
The area features several areas, all taking place on the Outer Rim planet of Batuu. The primary settlement you visit on Batuu is called Black Spire Outpost, a hub of smugglers, merchants, and those seeking shelter from the new war between the First Order and the Resistance. Unfortunately for locals, both sides have taken up residence at opposite ends of the outpost, resulting in visitors having run-ins with heroes from both sides. Stormtroopers patrol the area and interrogate travelers (park guests) at random, looking for any information that could help them find the Resistance spies rumored to be in the area.
Black Spire Outpost is divided into two main areas. The Market features a selection of shops and merchants selling local goods, varying from toys and pets to clothing and traditional souvenirs. In the Outpost area, you’ll find more specific shops that sell relics of the past like lightsabers, custom droids, as well as a few cantinas and food stalls.
At the heart of Black Spire Outpost is the Spaceport. There you’ll find the centerpiece of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a life-size, film-accurate Millennium Falcon. You can even join the crew of the Falcon for a mission, and maybe even get to pilot the legendary ship.
The Immersion Aspect
It is important to note that all of the food and merchandise available inside Galaxy’s Edge makes sense “in-world.” While many of the items are clearly toys or high-priced collectibles, they are all themed and named as if they appeared within the Star Wars universe. Cast Members, known as Batuuans, will only refer to items by their in-story names. If you ask about items they don’t sell, or characters that wouldn’t be well known on Batuu, they will act as if they have no idea what you are talking about and direct you “off-planet” to other shops. This is all part of the immersion aspect of Galaxy’s Edge.
As I mentioned before, Galaxy’s Edge is meant to be a living, breathing part of the Star Wars universe. Every Cast Member is essentially an actor, playing a small role in a Star Wars story you’re experiencing every day. Cast Members are encouraged to create backstories for their own personal characters. We actually highlight those stories on our Instagram series, #humansofbatuu.
The key point to remember here is that most Batuuans will not “break character” when you start asking them about non-Star Wars things or refer to non-Star Wars experiences at Walt Disney World. Key among the things they don’t understand? Movies. If you say something like “that time in The Empire Strikes Back…,” you’ll be met with confused stares and replies of “I don’t know what that is.” Many will attempt to make sense of what you’re asking and put it into in-world context, but this can be very confusing and often frustrating for guests who just want to know how to get to Toy Story Land from the Millennium Falcon or geek out on just how cool all of this really is for them. Be patient with the Cast, as they are doing their best to give you a true Star Wars experience instead of just another day at an expensive theme park.
You’ll also notice that American dollars, or any other currency for that matter, are ever mentioned inside Galaxy’s Edge. Throughout the galaxy, they use Republic credits, and all prices are referred to and listed in them. Credits are just the in-world term for American dollars and are a one-to-one conversion.
The Merchandise
It wouldn’t be a trip to a Disney park without plenty of stuff to take home with you. If you’re willing to spend a few credits, that is. While most are located in The Market, there are a few other shops of note. We’ve got them all listed here.
Resistance Supply
Are you an aspiring Resistance fighter? Get geared up just outside the Resistance base and join the fight against the First Order at Resistance Supply. From pilot gear to toy ships, you’ll find everything you need to support the good guys. While you’re shopping, you may even get a visit from a Resistance hero like Rey as she repairs the nearby X-Wing.
To see everything this shop has to offer, check out our full feature.
Creature Stall
Looking to bring home a furry (or not-so-furry) friend from a galaxy far, far away? Then the Creature Stall is your ideal destination. Featuring exotic animals from throughout the Star Wars universe, you’ll find stuffed toys, puppets, and figures depicting some of the most interesting creatures the galaxy has ever seen. Most importantly, they have porgs!
Learn all about the Creature Stall in our full feature.
Toydarian Toymaker
Ever wonder what kids inside the Star Wars universe play with? When they’re not Force-sensitive prodigies building droids and podracers like Anakin Skywalker, they’re playing with toys just like regular kids. At the Toydarian Toymaker, you’ll find examples of those toys, from wooden ships to specially-designed plush dolls of your favorite Star Wars heroes.
Learn all about the Toydarian Toymaker in our full feature.
Black Spire Outfitters
Every adventurer needs an outfit suitable for the occasion, and Black Spire Outfitters is where you’ll find yours. Whether you’re an aspiring Jedi or Sith Lord, you’ll find the garments you’ll need to look the part. Please note that Disney has a strict costumes policy, which also applies to Galaxy’s Edge. Some of the items purchased in this location may not be wearable inside the park.
Learn more about Black Spire Outfitters in our full feature.
Jewels of Bith
Every big city market around the world has its share of gift shops, and Jewels of Bith is Batuu’s. If you’re looking for traditional souvenirs (keychains, post cards, and the like), you’ll find them here. Pin traders will also want to visit this shop to find the latest Batuuan pins available.
For more information, check out our full feature.
Droid Depot
Like Obi-Wan Kenobi, I don’t seem to recall owning a droid, but I’ve always wanted to. Now you can, by visiting the Droid Depot. In addition to all of the droid-themed merchandise you could shake a stick at, the Depot also houses the Custom Droid Building experience.
For more, including our review of the Custom Droid experience, see our full feature.
First Order Cargo
If you trend a bit more towards the dark side of the Force, First Order Cargo is exactly what you’re looking for. Suit up as a Stormtrooper (literally, if you have the credits) and grab all the bad guy gear you’re looking for at this shop inside the First Order encampment. The shadow of the TIE Echelon hangs over this shop, and if you’re lucky you may even see Kylo Ren come out of his shuttle to go out on patrol for Resistance spies.
See more of First Order Cargo in our full feature.
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
If there’s one shop you absolutely need to visit at Galaxy’s Edge, it’s Dok-Ondar’s. Here you will find a treasure trove of merchandise and collectibles from every part of the Skywalker Saga and beyond. There is something here for every type of Star Wars fan. Most importantly, this is where you buy your character lightsabers and associated accessories.
The shop itself is absolutely packed with easter eggs and references. I could and have spent hours just in this store, marveling at all there is to find on both the shelves and the walls. Beware though, as most of the items at Dok’s will set you back a few credits.
Check out our full feature on Dok-Ondar’s.
Food and Drink
Disney is known throughout the world for its specialty food and drink options, and Galaxy’s Edge is no exception. Hundreds of items have been created just for “Star Wars Land,” with only some of them currently available. Batuu features a mixture of stalls, quick-service restaurants, and a fully-themed bar. The one thing it lacks is a full-service (“sit-down”) restaurant. That was originally in the plans but was cancelled due to budget constraints. Here are all of the food and drink options available on-planet.
Kat Saka’s Kettle
If you were curious if there’s popcorn in Star Wars, now you know. There is, and for the most part, it tastes the same. At Kat Saka’s Kettle, you can purchase two different kinds of popcorn, each with its own Star Wars twist. There is also an available popcorn “bucket” droid to carry your special treat.
Check out our full review of Kat Saka’s Kettle.
Milk Stand
Since the early scenes of Episode IV: A New Hope, we’ve wondered what Aunt Beru’s blue milk tastes like. Wonder no more, as you can finally try some at the Milk Stand! The “milk,” a plant-based drink, comes in two flavors and also has an alcoholic option. This is essentially Disney’s answer to the Wizarding World’s butterbeer.
See what we thought of blue milk in our full review.
Ronto Roasters
If you’re looking for a quick snack with a little meat on the bone, visit Ronto Roasters at the end of the Market. They feature a few pita bread sandwiches and savory snacks, perfect for a quick fuel-up before you jump in line for the Millennium Falcon. Ronto’s menu has actually expanded since the land opened, adding some additional varieties.
For more on what Ronto meat tastes like, check out our full review.
Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo
If you follow Disney Parks news, you’ve probably already heard of Docking Bay 7. When it originally opened, the food selections had…unique names that fit perfectly into the Star Wars universe. Unfortunately, this confused and scared guests, so Disney changed the names to make it clear that Fried Endorian Tip-Yip was actually just fried chicken breast. The fans, ourselves included, were rather upset as this ruined the immersive aspect of Galaxy’s Edge that Disney worked so hard on. In the end, the names were updated to a hybrid that keeps the immersion without confusing most guests.
Because you’re curious what Tip-Yip really tastes like, check out our full review.
Oga’s Cantina
If the blue milk didn’t grab you in Episode IV, the cantina scene on Tatooine sure did. While you can’t step into that most wretched hive of scum and villainy, you can visit the next best thing, complete with an updated version of that famous song. You know the one. It’s playing in your head right now.
Featuring a wide variety of drinks for both adults and kids, as well as a few exotic snacks, Oga’s Cantina is a family-friendly bar on the edge of the galaxy. Despite being family-friendly, it’s not for everybody and can get a tad pricey.
To find out more, check out our full review of Oga’s.
Attractions and Experiences
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is more than just a place to buy exclusive Star Wars merchandise and eat weird-sounding food. It’s a place to truly live out your greatest Star Wars fantasies. Nowhere is that more evident than in the attractions and experiences of the land. You can fly the Millennium Falcon, build your own custom lightsaber, and starting December 5th, 2019, will be able to face down Kylo Ren and the First Order in a new multi-ride experience.
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
Everyone wants to be Han Solo. Even the bad guys think he’s cool. Now you can live out your own scruffy-looking nerf herder dreams by piloting the Falcon on a mission for the Resistance. Join Hondo Ohnaka and Chewbacca’s crew as your team of six fight off the First Order and gain vital supplies for your allies.
See more of Smuggler’s Run in our full feature.
Savi’s Workshop
When the plans for Galaxy’s Edge were first unveiled, nothing excited me more than the chance to build my own lightsaber. Now that I’ve been, I can tell you it is truly a transformative experience bordering on religious. I cried. And I didn’t even build one, my padawan did!
For a full recap, including a full experience video, read our feature.
Rise of the Resistance (opening Dec. 5th, 2019)
The E-ticket attraction for Galaxy’s Edge is Rise of the Resistance, a multi-sensory attraction combining multiple ride systems for an experience, unlike anything Disney has done before. Exact details haven’t been revealed, but we’ll bring you all of the news on Rise of the Resistance as soon as it is released.
And of course, we’ll be there on Opening Day to document the experience. Stay tuned!
Always Evolving
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is still very new, but like any Disney Parks land it’s constantly being evaluated and updated when needed. We’ve already seen that in action with the menu name changes at Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo. We will keep this guide updated as things change throughout Batuu.
How will the area evolve after the Skywalker Saga comes to a close on December 20th, 2019, with the release of Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker? We’ll know soon. If you have any questions about Galaxy’s Edge, or need more guidance on planning your trip to Batuu, contact us. We’re happy to help!
For the latest news on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and all things Star Wars, stay tuned to EdgeOfTheGalaxy.com.
May the Force be with you. Always.
