What We Expect To Happen With Disney World’s Opening Of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has already been unveiled at Disneyland California, but it’s yet to grace Disney World. The great news is that it’s landing in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 29 this summer (so not too far, far away!), and it’s fair to say that, much like the Force, the anticipation couldn’t be any stronger. 

It’s undoubtedly destined to be a moment in history for the resort. And guests who by then still haven’t experienced the virtually-identical Disneyland incarnation can delight in experiencing Batuu for the first time in Disney World instead. Here’s what you can expect with the grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge…

1. Seeing the Stars

When Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened in Disneyland in May this year, guests were swept off their feet. In attendance were Star Wars creator George Lucas, Billy Dee Williams (Landau), Mark Hamill (Luke), Harrison Ford (Han), Disney CEO Bob Iger and even Chewie himself, all of whom attended to cut that big old red ribbon. 

But can Disney World-goers expect the same if not similar line-up this summer? While there’s nothing in writing as yet, it would be almost criminal for the resort not to host such mega-stars for the rolling of the red carpet. Given the sheer size and popularity of Disney World, the Force is no doubt on Disney World’s side here. 

2. Limited Access

It has already been confirmed that access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be restricted for crowd-control and capacity purposes. While this may come as a huge surprise to many, on the other hand there is no surprise. After all, this is Star Wars, which is without argument the biggest franchise in the galaxy (with the MCU a close second – sorry, Harry Potter).

Even access onto signature ride Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run isn’t guaranteed (yes, feel free to growl mournfully like Chewbacca). In fact, even the FastPass+ service isn’t available for the attraction – unfortunately it isn’t the Force without the Dark Side. So if you want to get into Batuu without issue on the grand opening, well, may the Force be with you!

3. Huge Crowds

Is this stating the obvious? Well, yes. But it’s still something you should expect with Disney World’s opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The question is, what can you do to prepare for it? This forms part of the previous point of restricted access, but if you can help it, you don’t want to end up on the Dark Side of this themed land (known also as the “outside”).

There are of course a few obvious things you can do, such as staying on property (yes, book now!) and purchasing your resort admission ticket or tickets (also right now). And don’t forget – as a guest of Disney Resort Hotels, you’ll be able to enjoy Extra Magic Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from September 1 to November, just days after the big opening.

4. A Big Focus On The Extra Stuff

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is being hailed as an “immersive” and “interactive” themed land. Beyond that, Batuu is now also officially “cannon” within the Star Wars universe as it will appear in this year’s The Rise of Skywalker (perhaps you’ll see yourself on screen eating an ice cream). This means that guests can enjoy their own adventure while also getting to explore a brand new world.

With Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance not due to open until December 5, guests will be, ahem, “forced” to unleash their inner-geek elsewhere in Batuu. But the fun doesn’t end with the rides – there’s more to experience, from awesomely-themed eateries to amazing merchandise outlets. In fact, it’s fair to say that the merchandise will fly off the shelves Millennium Falcon-style.

5. Interactive Fun

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance might not be opening at the same time as the themed land, but you can expect the Play Disney Parks mobile app to be ready for action this summer. In fact, there might be no better time to explore every square inch of Batuu – whether real or digital – while its second signature attraction prepares to launch. 

Explore Batuu’s Black Spire Outpost, where the Play Disney Parks mobile app will transform into the Star Wars: Datapad. You’ll be able to take on jobs, converse with droids and much more! There’s also interactive fun to be had elsewhere in Batuu, such as local missions, interacting with the patrons of the local cantina and searching for hidden artefacts throughout the land.

2019 might just be the biggest year in Star Wars’ long history. Before you visit, though, remember to use the Force – in other words, download the My Disney Experience and Play Disney Parks mobile apps and put together a robust itinerary. And even if you don’t quite make it to the grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll feel like the red carpet is being rolled out no matter when you visit.

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