The newest land at Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is now open! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the largest single-themed land in all of the galaxy and it can be overwhelming for some. But never fear – I’ve got the top 12 Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Must-Dos!
12 Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Must Dos
I was invited by Disneyland Resort to explore the planet of Batuu early as part of a media preview. Disneyland did provide travel, stay and tickets, but all thoughts and opinions are 100% genuine.
1. Fly the Millennium Falcon
2. Try Blue or Green Milk
3. Have a drink at Oga’s Cantina
4. Build a Droid at the Droid Depot
5. Build a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop
6. Try a Ronto Wrap from Ronto Roasters
7. Turn your phone into a datapad with Play Disney Parks
8. Have a conversation with the Batuu Residents
9. Adopt a critter or five from the Creature Stall
10. Grab a snack at Kat Saka’s Kettle
11. Get in the way of a Stormtrooper or two
12. Write your own Star Wars story
I have been a Star Wars fan for as long as I can remember. A New Hope came out in 1977, just two years before I was born, and I can remember playing with the action figures as a child. I stood in line and sat in an empty theater for hours when they re-released the originals and introduces the next prequel trilogy.
I have grown up with a deep appreciation for everything George Lucas and LucasFilms has done with the Star Wars universe. Yes, even The Phantom Menace. So, when it was announced at D23 Expo that Disney Parks Imagineers were taking on this huge task of bringing Star Wars to life I was as giddy as a school girl with her first crush.
And let me tell you – Disney did not disappoint this Star Wars nerd! I don’t have the words to describe my feelings as I walked into Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort. It was EPIC!
We only had four hours to explore Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu. And that just wasn’t enough. I could have spent 40 hours there and would have still needed (wanted) 400 more hours.
But since there’s just not enough time in a park day to see and do it all, I’ve put together my top xx Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge must dos. Just know – you’ll need to plan your return to Batuu so you can experience everything you missed!
1. Ride the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Forever it has been a dream to walk aboard the infamous Millennium Falcon and now it has become a reality. Upon entering, Guests are given a color-coded job card. There are three jobs (pilot, gunner and engineer) and in each Falcon there are two of each, so a total 6 riders at a time. While you don’t get to pick your job, we were told that we could switch among our group as long as we kept the same color.
Smugglers Run was a little bit like Star Tours meets Mission Space. But without the autopilot. And I loved every minute of it!
2. Try Blue or Green Milk
Only because you’ve always wondered what it tasted like… And it’s just something you have to do when immersed in the land.
Blue milk is by far better than green milk, but neither is great. We bought one of each and even with three of us, we couldn’t even take more than a couple of sips. Just eww.
3. Have a drink at Oga’s Cantina
But not the Fuzzy Tauntaun… The drink itself was good, but you had to wade through this weird “buzzz foam”. The foam wasn’t only gross but made your lips and tongue tingle.
Oga’s Cantina serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic concoctions, so feel free to take the kiddos! But watch out for the hefty price tags of the drinks served in the souvenir cups… You’re looking at $32-42 each!
And don’t plan on eating much while hanging out at the cantina. There is only one small snack mix option available – “Batuu Bits”.
4. Build a Droid at the Droid Depot
Everyone needs a sidekick! And there isn’t a better droid than the one you build yourself! But be prepared to make a choice – R2 or BB unit and have a name ready. I smuggled BB-32 home in my carry on.
Each droid is $99.99 plus tax. And there are optional accessories for purchase such as a personality chip ($12.99 plus tax). Your droid doesn’t need an extra personality chip to interact with the land or to make sounds.
5. Build a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop
With only 4 hours to explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and a long wait, we didn’t get to make it into Savi’s Workshop. But trust me when I say it’s at the top of my list for opening day at Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World.
Yes, these lightsabers come with a HUGE price tag of almost $200, but they are a collectible item. Not the cheapy ones you can build currently at the parks.
6. Try a Ronto Wrap from Ronto Roasters
The Ronto Wrap isn’t for everyone. I was with two others and they didn’t like it, but I actually thought it was pretty good. Now, it wasn’t the greatest thing I ate while visiting Black Spire Outpost. But it wasn’t the worst either.
7. Turn your phone into a datapad with Play Disney Parks
Download the Disney Parks Play app before arriving on Batuu and watch your phone turn into your very own datapad. With four core tools – hack, scan, translate and tune, your datapad is the key to unlocking the secrets to Galaxy’s Edge.
I wish I had more time to explore using my datapad and I can’t wait to get back to Galaxy’s Edge to try my hand at hacking once again.
8. Have a conversation with the Batuu Residents
The inhabitants (Cast Members) of Galaxy’s Edge have their own stories to tell. Spend some time talking to them and learn how they came to live on Batuu, what they did before calling it home and so much more. Each story is as unique as they are.
9. Adopt a critter or five from the Creature Stall
I may have spent waaay too much time at the Creature Stall… And my husband probably thinks I spent way too much money there too. But I only adopted three (3) creatures – A Loth cat, Tauntaun and a Puffer Pig – because who doesn’t want a Puffer Pig?
In my defense, I had said I was going to get a Loth cat years ago at Galactic Nights when Disney Imagineers first announced that they would be available. So, that was one doesn’t count.
Did I mention – I can’t wait to go back and adopt more!
10. Grab a snack at Kat Saka’s Kettle
Serving up spicy and sweet Outpost popcorn mix, Kat Saka’s motto is “Pop it together, eat it together”. And let me tell you that’s the way to do it. Surprisingly, the popcorn was a huge hit with all of us.
11. Get in the way of a Stormtrooper or two
Come on, we all know that antagonizing a stormtrooper is just downright fun. And these ones are on a special mission from Kylo Ren to hunt down the rebel scum…
So, if you aren’t on the side of the First Order be on the lookout for these angry elves patrolling Batuu.
12. Write your own Star Wars story
With the towering spires and giant rock formations, you are immediately immersed in the storytelling of Batuu. The outside world disappears and you get lost in the new and adventurous land.
The goal of the Imagineers was to build a new place in the Star Wars Universe. Somewhere Guests could live their own Star Wars story, not relive one that has already been told. And they have created the perfect land in which to do that.
So go forth young padawan, add these Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge must-dos to your list and write your own Star Wars story!
How big are the droids you can build?
Hi Laura,
The droids are roughly 18 – 24 inches tall, I’d say. Maybe a little bigger depending on if you choose a BB unit or R-series and the options you decide on.