10 Things To Know Before You Visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
1.) It Has It’s Own Language! Looking for Savi’s Workshop so you can build your own lightsaber? If you ask a cast member they may not directly answer you! In fact, you may find yourself face to face with a stormtrooper, being questioned about who your allegiance lies with! It’s all part of the story and the immersive experience that you are meant to be in. Below are some helpful phrases you will commonly hear:
"Bright suns": Good day! "Til the Spire": Goodbye or Until we meet again "Refreshers": Restrooms "Data pad": Your smartphone "Credits": Dollars "Imagers": Photopass Photgraphers 2.) You Won’t Find Many Signs Here Most signage you will find at Black Spire Outpost will not be in English! Galaxy’s Edge is meant to be explored and imaginers want you to feel completely immersed in the world of Star Wars so all signs are in the native language, Aurebesh. Be sure to grab a map when you enter Hollywood Studios so you can find your way around. Forget your map? Just hope on your My Disney Experience app to pull up the map there. You can also look for clues to discover where you are. For instance, you can find large droids outside of the droid depot and can you guess where you will find Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run ride? Why it’s right behind the giant Millennium Falcon of course!
3.) You Can Use the Play Disney Parks App To Have a Deeper Experience If you find yourself in a long line for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, hop on the app for some interactive fun to help pass the time. You can also do fun things like hack into radio signals to initiate sounds or “break into” door panels. You can use your app to help translate signage in the land as well!
4.) You Can Find and Interact with Star Wars Characters We found stormtroopers roaming and interrogating visitors when we were in Black Spire Outpost. We also saw Rey and Chewbacca interacting with families and stopping for brief pictures as they walked. R2D2 can be found in the Droid Depot and don’t miss the DJ, Captain Rex, in Oga’s Cantina.
5.). You Won’t Find Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise Inside the Land Since you are on a whole different planet, you will only find items that the outpost itself would have. There is still plenty of unusual merchandise to explore. Walking through the market stalls is a must do! The items you will find here are unique to Batuu and many have a very handmade feel. Wanting that Galaxy’s Edge t-shirt or pin to commemorate your visit? Not to worry. You can find them at various stores throughout the park. We even found pins, toys and more common items at a store near the entrance to the land.
6.). Picky Eaters? They May Not Love the Food. Galaxy’s Edge has some super cool food and drinks (Roasted Endorian Tip-Yip Salad anyone?). So much fun for the adults and adventurous eaters in your group! On the flip side, my picky eater wasn’t even feeling the popcorn. The green and blue milk were wins though. Dishes like mac and cheese are served here as well… you may just have to search for them. Don’t forget to grab a droid-shaped Coke or Sprite! You can only find them here!
7.) Want to Build Your Own Lightsaber or Droid? Book now! Reservations have already been opened up at Disney World in order to do either of these experiences. No word yet on whether or not walk-ups will be accommodated. While both of these were super popular when we were at Disneyland, they will cost you a pretty penny: $99 for a droid and lightsabers start at $199. That being said, it’s a fun experience! Building a droid was one of our favorite things we did. Plus, this isn’t your average droid! Ours kept beeping when we walked by areas occupied by the First Order!
8.) Strike Up a Conversation With a Cast Member Each cast member has his or her own unique story and will stay in character as you chat. They love to give background information on the planet and you may find out something you didn’t know about the store or restaurant you are in.
9.) Don’t Miss Hidden Star Wars References Porg nests! Training helmet and blaster from A New Hope in the queue for Millennium Falcon Smugglers run! A marionette battle between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi in Toydarian Toymaker’s shop! Wooden carving of Chewbacca! There are so many hidden gems to see if you keep your eyes peeled.
10.) Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Has a “Secret” Game Mode Before you board the ride, you will be assigned to one of three roles on board: pilot, gunner or engineer. Gunners take note and be quick: you will have a split second to choose between manual or automatic mode. The default is manual and will give riders the ability to push buttons as they light up somewhat randomly. Automatic forces you to use skill so choose wisely and be quick! You may miss your opportunity while you are buckling in!
Jamie has a passion for helping families enjoy amazing vacations together and believes that reconnecting and spending time together is essential in today's busy world. She herself is a wife and mom to 3 terrific kids. She knows first hand the ins and outs of traveling with little ones in tow, whether it be meeting Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World, exploring Central Park in New York City, or biking through Paris. As a long time Disney lover, she has extensive knowledge of the parks and special tips and tricks that will make for a fun vacation each time. Jamie is constantly traveling herself to better expand her knowledge and assist her clients!
Jamie is a College of Disney Knowledge Graduate, Certified Orlando Travel Expert, Universal Orlando, Royal Caribbean Cruise Expert, Seabourn Specialist, Sandals Certified Specialist, Hawaii Vacation Specialist and CLIA Member.