Last week, Disney dropped a bomb by announcing the opening dates for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. All Disney fans were shocked as Bob Iger publicized that the new land in WDW was debuting August 29th…about 3+ months earlier than everyone was expecting from the approximated “late fall” estimation up until this point.
Star Wars fans rejoice! Right?
There are thousands of Disney fans with trips booked between September and December that groaned inwardly and started debating whether they should cancel their trip and wait about 5 years before rebooking. Those that booked during the timeframe that they thought Galaxy’s Edge wouldn’t be open are suddenly in panic mode about the crowds, lines and lack of magic and happiness. I get it – although I look over my shoulder and check my surroundings before admitting this – I’ve never been a Star Wars fan of the lowest magnitude. However, despite this I am going to offer my thoughts and advice for still enjoying an already booked trip to Disney right after Galaxy’s Edge opens.
I PLANNED MY TRIP TO AVOID THE OPENING OF STAR WARS GALAXY’S EDGE
The ultimate planning goes into any trip to Disney, and crowd calendars are very important to some in planning that perfect time to visit. The sad fact is that Walt Disney World, as a whole, is getting steadily busier. While Galaxy’s Edge is only the latest new addition, Walt Disney himself said that construction will never end and new attractions will always be designed. There will forever be something else opening within the World that will draw high numbers of people. Therefore, the ability to adapt is the most important trait Disney fans must exhibit when going home. Adapting is the way that you still have enjoyment in your vacation, despite unexpected high(er) crowds or things that don’t work out as planned.
While Hollywood Studios will be experiencing record numbers of visitors, and Animal Kingdom’s Pandora is still fairly new enough to draw large crowds, Epcot and Magic Kingdom may be pleasantly comfortable. Nothing of the magnitude of Galaxy’s Edge is planned for either of those parks at this time, so the the population may for the most part be diverted to the other two parks. We all saw reports of the lines just to get in to Toy Story Land when it opened. Galaxy’s Edge lines will no doubt be bigger. People will be tied up for hours just to get into the land, so that means they won’t be in the other parks or waiting in line for many other popular rides.
I AM NOT A STAR WARS FAN. CAN I STILL ENJOY THE NEW LAND?
Where do I sign up for this category? I have seen the original three movies while I was growing up, and then nothing after that. I don’t even know what a BB8 is… but I believe I could still enjoy Galaxy’s Edge immensely. While the rides may be a little more intense than I can handle – I will have to wait for the first reports to come out on those – the theming and details will no doubt show that Disney attention and magic we all love. This is my most favorite part of any Disney park, land, queue, etc and I’m excited to see what the Imagineers have created to absorb the imaginations of visitors to Galaxy’s Edge. It will also be exciting to see how Disney incorporates the Disney Play app and magic bands into the experience. This land is supposed to be highly immersive, and the experience for guests is anticipated to carry from the attractions to other parts of the land.
The food and beverage options should also be interesting. What do they serve in a galaxy far far away? There was a lot of hesitation when Satu’li Canteen opened in Pandora, but now the reviews have this quick service restaurant as a cannot miss place to eat. I hope that similar fares (those in which the food offerings appear to be something that would be served in that land) can be found in Galaxy’s Edge. There are dozens of places to purchase a burger and fries if that is your desire, so I’m always excited to try something that is unique and individual to that location.
CAN I STILL BOOK A TRIP TO EXPERIENCE THE OPENING AND GET IN ON THE ACTION?
Yes, but availability is going quick now that the dates have been announced. My suggestion is that anyone who is wanting to book a package during September and October should not wait. It’s still back-to-school time for kids, which will bring the crowd levels down some (except for the weekends when the local population will show up). A quote can be requested from me at http://Melanie.DBTravelGroup.com or email me at Melanie@dreambuilderstravelgroup.com. I can help you maneuver through this crazy opening period and still plan an enjoyable trip to Disney. And those that are the ultimate Star Wars fans and were just waiting for these dates to be announced before booking, I will work with you too!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE STAR WARS GALAXY’S EDGE OPENING
Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World will be opening in 2 phases. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run will open with the land debut on August 29th. Along with this experience, there will be custom merchandise shops where you can build your own lightsaber and assemble a customized droid, dining options such as Oga’s Cantina and the Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, and shops such as Toydarian Toymaker and Creature Stall (where you can discover and take home exotic creatures).
Rise of the Resistance, the second long-awaited attraction, will open later this year on a date yet to be announced.
At this point, Disney is saying that there will not be Fastpass+ for the Galaxy’s Edge attractions. Access to the land and it’s offerings will be included in Extra Magic Hours. This is specific to Disney World. At Disneyland a required reservation is necessary just to access Galaxy’s Edge for the first month, and it is not included in Magic Hour there.
May the force be with you!
