
I was one of the first 500 people to preview the brand-new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land at Disneyland Resort ahead of its official opening on 31 May, 2019, and as a Star Wars fan, I was interested to see how Disney was going to bring Galaxy’s Edge to life.

And I was not disappointed – I loved that Disney created a new land that wasn’t from the Star Wars films but easily relatable to them. It was well worth the wait.

The setting of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a long-forgotten planet known as Batuu, which is located on the edge of the galaxy between the Unknown Regions and Wild Space, and its largest village, Black Spire Outpost – a refuge for individuals associated with the Resistance.
Stepping into the all-new land, I was immediately taken by the otherworldy feel of Batuu and felt a sense of excitement and anticipation to be one of the first people to experience it.

As with all things Disney, the attention to detail is astounding. You are immersed in the sights and sounds and we were quickly brought into the story of the First Order and the Resistance by the Cast Members dressed in costume and always in character. Around every corner another element of the Batuu story unfolded – it was thrilling.
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I was immediately impressed with the major attractions such as the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride, bustling Oga’s Cantina and the Market.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a full-scale replica of Han Solo’s ‘hunk of junk’. It’s essentially a flight simulator where you play one of three roles: pilot, gunner or engineer. Collectively you need to complete a smuggling mission with as little damage to the Millennium Falcon as possible. It’s a tonne of fun and depending how well you complete the mission will determine how you are treated at Oga’s Cantina for a post-flight drink!

However, it was the small details in every aspect of this land that were the standout features for me. Everywhere you looked was something that embedded you into ambience of the planet Batuu – droids, lightsabers, Stormtroopers, Resistance fighters. Even the bathrooms are themed.

I was lucky to try some of the Star Wars themed food and drink, too. I sampled the ever-popular frosty Blue Milk drink from Oga’s Cantina and the Milk Stand, the Outpost Mix sweet and savoury popcorn trio from Kat Saka’s Kettle and a fantastic vegan dish called Felucian Garden Spread – a plant-based ‘meatball’, hommus and pita dish – available at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo.

I must admit that I wasn’t a fan of the Blue Milk (there’s also a Green Milk!) but the other rations went down a treat. Particularly memorable are the Coca Cola bottles in the shape of droids!

I think Star Wars fans will be happy with the new land of Batuu. There’s a link to what you know and love about the Star Wars franchise and enough newness to create a great buzz. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a fabulous, interactive land where you can enjoy a different experience with every visit – I’ll definitely be back for when more attractions open later in the year, such as the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride!
All images: Christie Hopp
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