Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Updated October 13, 2023

The long awaited land dedicated to Star Wars has opened.

There’s a lot to know about it.

Let’s get started.

Basic Scoop

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge officially opened on May 31, 2019. This is the single largest expansion in Disneyland’s history and includes 14 acres to discover.

This new land is set in Batuu. Batuu is a planet on the Galaxy’s Outer Rim. When you enter Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll be visiting Black Spire Outpost, which is located on the planet, Batuu. Smugglers and Traders roam the land with every intention of avoiding the First Order and all it includes.

Aliens, Droids, and other inhabitants wander the land along with some good guys, too, including Rey, Chewie, Kylo Ren and Stormtroopers.

The land is approximately 14 acres in size. (For comparison, Cars Land at DCA is 12 acres.)

The includes two attractions, dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Genie+

Disney Genie is here and there’s a lot to know about it. It’s essential, in my opinion, for a successful day in the parks.

Take a look at all you need to know about it in this post.

Reservations for Oga’s Cantina, Droid Depot and Savi’s Lightsaber Workshop

Now available online up to 60 days out!

Click here to make your reservation for Oga’s.

Click here to make your reservation for Droid Depot.

Click here to make your reservation for Savi’s.

Notes:

  • You do not need to have a theme park ticket to make a reservation.
  • You do not have to be in the park to make a reservation.
  • You will be charged $200 for Savi’s, $100 for the Droid Depot, or $10 per person for Oga’s if you don’t show per Disneyland’s cancellation policy.

Recommended Strategy

Galaxy’s Edge is a lot to take in and I can’t wait for you to see it.

The best time to do this is late afternoon/early evening.

You no longer need a boarding group to enter the land. Go on in at any point. You also do not need a boarding group to ride Rise of the Resistance, which was the only way to ride it before.

All virtual queues/boarding groups have been removed from the Disneyland Resort. Every attraction now offers a standby line at least. Many attractions include the option to enter the Lightning Lane (the old FASTPASS lane) with Genie+ or an a la carte Lightning Lane purchase. I share all about this in this post.

I detail how to start your day at Disneyland, when to use Genie+ for Millennium Falcon, when you should aim to ride Rise of the Resistance standby, etc, etc in this post. Check it out to get the most out of your day in the parks.

Why You Shouldn’t Go Directly to Galaxy’s Edge

I don’t recommend you go directly to Galaxy’s Edge at park opening. Most guests won’t be able to navigate all the way through the park to the new land, move through it to find the line for Rise of the Resistance, and get in line in a timely manner. Most will arrive to find a significant line already built, resulting in an hour or more wait.

The first few hours in your day are essential for getting lots of attractions crossed off your list. Spending your first hour in Galaxy’s Edge prevents you from following my strategies, which are designed to ensure you don’t wait more than 20 minutes for any attraction. You must start at park opening for my strategies to work.

Also! I don’t like setting the tone for the day by spending your first hour in line. Instead, follow my strategies and enjoy 4 big attractions in that hour. Kids will respond much better to this.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run 

Parts of this description of the attraction include spoilers.

*Guests must be 38″ or taller to enjoy this attraction.

*This attraction does use Genie+.

*This attraction allows Rider Swap.

*This attraction is ADA compliant and allows the DAS pass to be used for it. Guests with mobility issues should enter the standard queue and be expected to transfer on the ride vehicle if needed.

Guests will move through the queue at the beginning of Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, just like any other. The queue is super cool, so waiting in it won’t be like any other you’ve experienced at the Disneyland Resort. (Think Pandora’s Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. There are similarities between its queue and this one.)

Eventually, you’ll walk into a loading area where Hondo Ohnaka will be instructing you on why he’s there, what he needs from you, and how to proceed. For reference: When you reach Hondo, you’ll have about 15 more minutes before you board the attraction.

After another short walk through the queue, you’ll be split into groups of 6. Each guest will then receive a small “ticket” which will assign you a role. Two guests will become pilots. Two will become gunners. Two will become engineers. You may trade these assignments with the other guests in your group if you wish.

With assignments in hand, your group of 6 will enter the ship’s main hold and lounge. While you pause here for a bit, sit at the famous Dejarik chess table or wander around while you wait to officially board the Millennium Falcon. There’s a lot of cool stuff to see.

Groups are labeled by color. When your color is called, proceed to board the ship and hand over your tickets. Pilots are in front, then gunners, and finally, engineers. Every seat is good and will allow you to see plenty.

Each role includes the following duties:

Pilots – Don’t crash like I did. (Over and over again.) The pilot on the left controls horizontal movement. The pilot on the right controls vertical movement.

Gunners – Use blasters and missiles to defend the ship. Switch to manual targeting if you really want a challenge. (Hint – push buttons as they light up.)

Engineers – Respond to repairs needed as that hunk of junk flies through the Galaxy. (Hint – push buttons as they light up.)

Note: This attraction did not AT ALL make me queasy like Star Tours does. I have enjoyed it eight times – as a pilot (front row), gunner and an engineer (back row) and didn’t feel sick once. Give it a try.

Rise of the Resistance

This second attraction opened January 17, 2020. It is absolutely not to be missed. Use my strategies in this post to know how to wait a minimal time for this attraction.

Food on Batuu

Here are the main stops for food in Batuu:

Oga’s Cantina – This is the much anticipated cantina that serves themed drinks (with or without alcohol) as well as beer and wine. Note: The cocktails are pre-mixed at Oga’s. I order a Bad Motivator IPA each time I visit, which is actually made by Sierra Nevada. This way, I know exactly what I’m getting. The cocktails are tasty, though!

Milk Stand – Blue and Green Milk are offered here. ***Allows Mobile Ordering.

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – With counter service for lunch and dinner, you’ll find ribs, salads and other healthy options. ***Allows Mobile Ordering.

Black Spire Outpost Market – Finally, we have a market type environment where you can wander, shop and eat with the following options to purchase food and drink:

    +Ronto Roaster ***Allows Mobile Ordering.
    +Kat Saka’s Kettle

Shopping

In addition to merchandise for sale around the land, there are three major shopping destinations:

Savi’s Workshop

Savi’s Workshop will be on site for guests to customize their own light sabers. Fancy ones! Check out the scoop on these specialty items before you visit. This is the most popular shopping destination and can include a long line.

Two guests – in addition to the guest creating the light saber – may enter the building to watch the light saber creation. The entire process takes about 20 minutes. The average cost is $200 per light saber. Click this link for a thorough review on the experience.

The Droid Depot

The Droid Depot is amazing, too, and a smidge less popular. It also takes about 20 minutes to create a droid. The average cost is $100 per droid.

Check this link for a thorough review on the Droid Depot.

Black Spire Outpost

Black Spire Outpost sells clothing. Most of it complies with Disney’s costume guidelines. The only exceptions include the long robes. Those robes cannot be worn inside the parks. I share photos of what’s allowed and what’s not here.

Play Disney Parks App

The popular Play Disney Parks App is an interactive tool in the new land. Find more on that here.

This link shares general info on now the app works.

Be sure to have it downloaded prior to arriving.

Fireworks from Galaxy’s Edge

Finally, this post shares what fireworks look like from the new land with tips on viewing.

If you’re visiting in the evening, don’t miss them!

Dress Code for Galaxy’s Edge

Be sure to know exactly what is allowed and what’s not when dressing for Galaxy’s Edge. This post goes into detail.

Insights from My First Visit + Tips for Yours

  • I was completely overwhelmed with my first visit to Galaxy’s Edge. I knew it would be good. I had no idea if would be THIS immersive.
  • If you can stand it, take an hour or more and put your phone away. My first visit included 4 hours with absolutely no phone usage. This allowed me to completely focus on my surroundings. If I had access to my phone, I would have been hysterically taking photos or even checking in with friends/family at times, browsing email, etc. Instead, I dove into everything. It. Was. Awesome.
  • Look up. Look down. Let your eyes wander through the details. There is SO MUCH to see. When you’re at either end of the land, look back to see the layers of the buildings and how they are positioned against the rocky backdrop. If you’re visiting at night, notice the altered lighting that highlights each of these layers.
  • A friend who visited with me, said, “This is absolutely ART.” And, it is. Prepare to be impressed.
  • Visit with cast members as time allows. I went into one of the shops looking for “Star Wars ears”. The cast member looked confused and asked me why I wanted a second set of ears. Puzzled, I showed her another guest who was wearing a set of Minnie ears. “Oh, those! We don’t have those here. They’re from another planet.” Cast members are playing an integral part in the success of this land. And, they do not disappoint.

Photos

Visit this post for lots from a day time visit to Batuu.

Visit this one for nighttime.

Notes

  • For details on the starships featured in the land, visit this post.
  • Need overall planning info? Start with my First Timer’s Guide and let me know how I can help you.
  • Have a question for me? Leave me a comment and I’ll find the answer for you.
Take a look at how Get Away Today can help with your vacation

112 thoughts on “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

  1. Good morning! We’re on our way now but we’ll be late. 7:19 ETA to the parking lot. Please don’t be disappointed in us. We have five kids ages 12-3. ? Should we stick with the strategy for big kids?!

    You came highly recommended and we’re so excited! Just praying this rain somehow holds off for us. ??

  2. Hi! Are you planning on doing an in-depth review of Savi’s Workshop and the Droid Depot experiences? If not, do you recommend any blogs that do a great job of summarizing the experience and costs! Thank you!

  3. We’re going for only one day and want to concentrate on Galaxy Edge and Avenger Campus. We got park hopper but won’t be going to Avenger Campus until after 1. I know your strategies really encourage avoiding Galaxy Edge first thing in the morning but since that is really where we’re focusing the day, do you have any tips?

  4. Wow! You are amazing! Thank you for all your detailed information! I am starting to plan a 3-day May 2022 trip for my extended family group of 13, and I am overwhelmed (in a good way!) with all of your tips and plans and articles! Thank you!
    Question: is it any easier to get RoR boarding passes now that it’s 2 years later? That 60-second window at opening makes me nervous with the excited chaos of all the kiddos we will have, ha!

    Also, I noticed you said you drive from Oceanside. That’s where we are, too! Small world!

    1. Hi, Rachel.

      It is a small world! Love Oceanside.

      No worries about the boarding passes now. I’ve updated this post with that info and lots more. You’ll want to know how to enjoy both attractions in Galaxy’s Edge without a huge wait. I share how to do that, along with details on how to get the most out of your visit in this post:

      https://disneylanddaily.com/how-to-start-your-day-at-the-disneyland-resort/

      Let me know what other questions remain!

  5. So if I make reservations at ogas, savis, and the Droid depot ahead of time and day of I get a boarding group during the time of another reservation, what do I do? Do I need to retry for a different boarding group or can I adjust other reservations?

  6. Hello! So I probably missed it…what are people talking about when they say 8 am reservations? What did they reserve.
    From what you explained I understand we get to the gate early. Have our phone ready. And as soon as we scan out ticket we click “find out more”. Is this right?
    Then once we have our boarding pass we go enjoy the other lands in Disney. And come back (during our assigned time) to galaxy’s edge to ride ROTR, Millenium falcon, dinning, and shopping. I’m aware we have to make reservations for shopping/dining but how can we coordinate them to fit around the boarding pass time? Thank you for your patience in answering all our questions.

    1. Hi, Bridgy.

      You covered the plan well! I’ll have updated plans for you once we know how the parks will be operating. Those plans will include Galaxy’s Edge for sure.

      Coming soon!

  7. Great insight, Casey. Can you confirm that it IS possible to get scanned into Disneyland, then leave and get scanned into DCA and STILL be able to acquire a boarding group for ROTR. I had heard from the rumor mill (I know I shouldn’t listen to them ?) that scanning into DCA after DL caused them to be unable to acquire a boarding group.

    1. Hi, Ruben.

      I have not personally grabbed a Boarding Group from inside DCA, but several readers have with no problem. Scanning into DCA should not negate your scan into Disneyland Park. You should be just fine! LOTS of rumors going around. Everyone’s trying to figure it all out. It takes a village. 🙂

  8. Awesome info Casey! I’d also like to add that I really appreciate how you respond to EVERYBODY in the comments section. I’ve been doing planning for our first Disneyland trip at the beginning of August so I have been on other pages that have had good info, but they seem to pick and choose who they reply to. So much appreciated and it definitely makes it easier to bookmark your page.

    For my question, you noted that the Boarding Group numbers assigned are based on a random system. That’s the first time in my research that I have seen that stated. So does it really matter if you enter the app at exactly opening time? Or is this more to ensure that you get a guaranteed pass?

    1. Thanks, Mark! I do my best to reach everyone. I’m sure I miss some here and there, but it’s not for a lack of trying.

      It’s important that you enter the app at exact opening time because Boarding Groups have been running out within 60 seconds each day. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

      I was told the Boarding Groups are assigned randomly at the media event for the attraction. And, from all of my tests, it seems to be true. For example, one day I grabbed my Boarding Group 7 seconds after official park opening and got Group 78. You’d think I would have a lower number considering I was in 7 seconds after they became available.

      For now….and until the initial excitement wears off…..I would follow the steps I have in place to be sure you get one.

      Please let me know if I can help you with anything else! And, thanks for the kind words. I appreciate them very much.

  9. I know my way around Disneyworld, but have the opportunity to go to Disneyland with my 33 year old daughter at the end of April or beginning of May 2020. Probably only one day.
    So, this post and comments and strategies will be a year old by then.
    Where can I find information about strategies and heads up that’s current?
    Thanks, Casey for the good information. I remember doing the same, verbally, for friends when it was their first time at DW, way back before the internet!

    1. Hi, there!

      I actually keep this post updated – along with many others – so that you have the most detailed, current information possible. Note the first line of this post…..”Updated March 3, 2020″. Check that date in any of my posts to know when I most recently edited.

      Strategies can be found in this post, also updated constantly:

      https://disneylanddaily.com/how-to-start-your-day-at-the-disneyland-resort/

      I love that you helped people with WDW! You make my job easier with that knowledge. 🙂

  10. Hello! I have read all of your things and I’m overwhelmed and excited.
    I am going with a 4 year old and my brother, who is dead set on galaxy’s edge.
    I can’t seem to find a little kids plan that includes Galaxy’s edge, am I missing it??

    The can’t wait plan looks like it doesn’t include much for the little one, but the big kids plan has us go in to Galaxy’s edge too late there, is no way my brother can wait till after nap time for that!

    I haven’t been to Disney since I was 5, so we are very excited!

    1. Hi, Amy!

      OK, so I think you’ve read this section…which details both of my recommended strategies:

      https://disneylanddaily.com/star-wars-galaxys-edge/#Recommended_Strategy

      To focus on little kid attractions, simply use that plan instead of the big kid version.

      So…..

      Arrive an hour early.
      Grab your first FASTPASS via MaxPass if you’re using it.
      Line up at Rope Drop.
      Be ready to grab your Boarding Group for Rise of the Resistance at official park opening.
      Proceed with my list for a couple of hours.
      Then, visit Galaxy’s Edge.

      Go through the steps until you reach #13. At this point, you’ll be in Critter Country and have lots of iconic attractions crossed off your list. This will allow you to enjoy more in the afternoon since you won’t be in line for all these attractions listed, which will become busier and busier as the day moves on.

      Here’s my little kid plan:

      https://disneylanddaily.com/how-to-start-your-day-at-disneyland/#The_Disneyland_Strategy_for_Little_Kids

      Excited for your visit! Hope y’all have the best time.

  11. Hi! I know you said if there are two of you, both of you should try for the ROTR boarding group. Both of us will have the Disneyland app on our phones, but we only have one account (mine), so we would both be trying to get a boarding group from my account on each of our phones. Is this recommended? I’m afraid if both of us try to get a boarding group at the same time on different phones on the same account it may cause our apps to crash. Thanks!

    1. Hi, Mattie.

      Actually, no. You would need two accounts to try twice for a Boarding Group. If you only have one and don’t want to open another, just have one person try at official park opening.

      Follow my tips and you should be just fine! Hope y’all enjoy.

  12. Hello, this will be my families first time visiting Disneyland!! All your tips are great, thank for being so informative. Do you see Disney keeping the boarding groups protical for ROTR for a while or do you think it change to a fast pass selection, and do you see Disney giving any advantages to hotel guests for ROTR. I will follow the steps but still nervous it may not work!!

  13. Do you think having a larger group of around 8 people would inhibit our chances of getting a boarding group…or not because is just a lottery system? Is there a limit to the amount of people you can have in your group?

    1. Hi, Allison.

      There is no limit. And, 8 people shouldn’t inhibit you from grabbing a Boarding Group. Just be sure to follow my suggestions for your best bet at getting them.

      You could always split your group in half if you’re worried about the high number of 8. But, I’ve had many readers grab Boarding Groups with big parties with no problem. And, I would HATE to have half of y’all go and half not. 🙁

      May the force be with you!

  14. Hey Casey,

    If we have MM priveledges (staying on site at Paradise pier) do you think it’s easier to get ROTR boarding groups on those mornings? I know they’re not available until regular park opening, but hoping to ride more than once. We’re there 5 days March 25-30. I’m glued to your tips trying to plan.

    Thanks for all your help!

  15. Thank you for these tips. We’re going to be there (party of 6) during the weekend AND no less spring break (CROWDS!), so I’m going to use these tips and do our best to get in. But if it doesn’t happen, I’m not going to stress about it and we will enjoy the rest of what the parks have to offer!

  16. Do they actually let people into the park without the Magic morning pass before 8:00am? Or do they only open the gates at 8am? Because as I understand it tickets are gone within seconds promptly upon official park time opening. So, if you aren’t all inside the park And already have all tickets merged onto the app, before 8am, you have zero chance of getting a boarding group for Rise of the Resistance. Is that accurate? Basically, there is zero chance of getting on this new ride if you don’t have early morning admission ticket or annual pass. Correct?

    1. Guests are allowed in the park about 30 minutes prior to official park opening each day. Arrive an hour before that timing and you’ll be in great shape! I have done it several times.

  17. Hi Casey!

    Thank you so much for all the content you put out – it’s been a great resource planning our trip which will be happening in just a few days!

    We purchased our tickets through Get Away Today (great savings – thank you for that!) but I just wanted to make sure my understanding for how it will all work on day 1 is correct. We’ll be trying for Rise of the Resistance boarding groups so I just want to make sure I have my steps down!

    -We will arrive 1 hour earlier than parking opening with park app downloaded and signed in. Since this will be the day we are activating tickets, we will not have them linked to the app yet.
    -Once we get scanned in, we will add the park tickets to the app and add our party. We purchased tickets with MaxPass, so everything should be good to go once added, right?
    -Once the park officially opens (to all guests) try to get a boarding group.

    I just want to make sure the time between getting into the park and when the park officially opens is enough time to add the tickets, link them up, and get ready for obtaining a boarding group. Anything that I’m missing?

    Thanks so much for your help (and reassurance!!)

    1. Hi Jessica,
      I also bought my tickets from GetAway and have already scanned them into my Disney app. my understanding is that you can do this beforehand so you don’t have to do it right before trying to get a Boarding Pass.
      Is this correct Casey?
      We have a 4 day pass which won’t be activated until the first day we enter the parks.

      1. Hi, Natalie.

        You may scan your tickets in, but Get Away Today recommends you do not, as the tickets that Disneyland issue you when you go through the turn stiles could be different.

        Your best bet is to delete the ones you have on there now, arrive early as this post recommends, enter the gate 30 minutes prior to official park opening, then scan in the tickets printed for you by Disneyland. It takes literally seconds to do.

  18. Casey, do all members of the group have to be in DL to join the boarding group for Rise of the Resistance? We are starting our day in DCA and will head to Galaxy’s Edge in the afternoon. Can the rest of my group enter DCA while I enter DL and join a boarding group for my whole party?

  19. Hello Casey thanks for all your information, it is all great read too!! My family and I will be going to DL early May and will be staying at the Grand Californian! I am a little nervous that we may not get to ride RotR, I have read several strategies for the boarding pass but still no guarentee it will work. Is it easier than I am making it out to be?! Do you foresee Disney giving any kind of advantage to hotel guests by spring or is this boarding thing a permanent thing! Coming from Canada and only having one day is not in our favour so I hope it works out as it is not easy to just visit the park anytime! Anyways very excited to see starwars land and and all of DL!

  20. Hi Casey, would you recommend that my husband and I each buy our own park ticket on our phones so we can both link each other’s ticket on the app and try to get a boarding group? I was going to buy our tickets to keep them together.

    Do you also think it’s better not to buy discounted tickets (savings of $2 per ticket) at this point because those need to be scanned at the gates and exchanged for paper tickets before I can add them to the app? Thank you!

  21. Hi Casey! Your site and social media have been a godsend to me while planning our first trip to Disneyland. We are leaving in 17 days and I cannot wait! Our kids are the most excited about Galaxy’s Edge. We are staying offsite though, and both of our Disneyland days are planned for extra magic hour and magic morning days. How early will they be letting guests into the parks on those days? We are really hoping to get a boarding group for Rise of Resistance but I’m nervous it’s going to be mobbed like WDW and we won’t get one.

  22. Hi Casey,
    In your section on Rise of the Resistance you mention “DAS”… what does that stand for?
    I made reservations for Oga’s on 1-23-20… does this mean I don’t need to worry about getting a boarding group that morning?
    Thanks!

  23. Hello there! Firstly, thank you for all your hard work! Your site was so helpful for the last time we visited and now I am going over everything again for a return trip. (Yay!) Quick question about Oga’s Cantina, when I made a reservation it asked for number of guests but not names. Do we still need names to gain entry into the land beforehand or is it just based on the number of people who are with you? Thanks!!

  24. Does your recommendation to delay Galaxy’s Edge until afternoon also apply on early entry days or would you use the early entry time to go to GE?

  25. Totally last minute, but we surprised our kids with this trip. We have a two day hopper pass for both parks plus the Max Pass. Obviously Star Wars Land is a huge MUST! Do you have a suggestion for the order to go through both parks in two days with a hopper? Thank you

  26. Hi Casey,

    Which ride option would you recommend for 2 little girls who are almost 6 yrs old? Pilot seems like it might be a little difficult for them…? Would love to hear your thoughts on this.

  27. Thank you for all your detailed posts. I was curious if you can do package delivery to the Disney hotels for custom droids or lightsabers? I have found answers for sure for WDW but not for DL. Thanks

  28. Hi, We are headed to DL Dec 26/27 with a 5.5 and 3 year old. We got the park hopper with Maxpass for both days and thinking do DL all day on the 26th, go back to visit Star Wars the morning of the 27th and head to CA for the afternoon of the 27th. Do you think that is a good idea, I know the park is the most crowded those days, so trying to maximize our time.

  29. We are visiting Feb 3-5 2020. Should we expect higher than usual crowds because 2nd ride will have just opened??

    1. Hi, Heather.

      There could definitely be higher crowds at that time. Keep up with this post and I’ll have a plan in place for you to avoid wait times as much as possible.

  30. Hi Casey,
    What would you say is the ideal time to fit a reservation to Oga’s into a Disneyland day?
    Thanks in advance!

  31. I had a million questions about Galaxy’s Edge and so I came here to ask them. All my questions were answered in the article! Thanks Casey!

  32. Hi! I’m not sure why you say to not go straight to smugglers run at park opening? I was there a week ago and the only way we could ride it without an hour wait was to go at park opening. We walked straight on the ride both times. By the time we got off there was already an hour wait and it stayed that way the rest of the day. You could do single rider which was 10-20 min.

    1. Hi, Susan.

      I recommend waiting because the average wait time is about an hour throughout the day.

      It’s wiser to use that first hour getting LOTS done with my strategies and then spending that hour in line at another point in the day.

      I have been checking wait times since the land opened and it’s typically about an hour. If it’s more when you arrive in the afternoon, explore more of the land and keep checking the app for wait times. Jump in once it is at an hour.

      This plan may change as the crowds return soon, but for now, this has worked for me several times. Many readers have reported the same.

  33. I will be there tues-thurs august 27-29, with early morning access. Should I hit Star Wars land first? Or later in the afternoon? Do you have a plan which includes hitting all attractions as well as Star Wars?

  34. Hi Casey, we are hoping to visit from NZ in 2020, what is the likelihood that this part of the park would be closed for any refurbishment within its first year or two open? I’d hate to come all that way for a family dream only to have it crushed!

  35. My husband and I are taking 1.5 year old twins in a compact double stroller. We’re planning to take turns on rides, but can we go to Oga’s Cantina? How stroller friendly is gallaxy’s Edge generally? Thank you!

    1. Everyone is welcome in the cantina. Be sure to make a reservation!

      Strollers aren’t allowed inside. So you’ll need to hold the babies. You can walk with your stroller through the market and many areas around the new land. But, not inside some of the shops.

  36. Hi Casey! Huge fan of your FB page/blog — thank you for all you do!

    So…after swearing i wouldn’t be back to Disney for a year after GE opens (we did WDW in February and DL in April, so I figured I could take a break), the low crowds were just too enticing, so I bought Flex APs and am booked for next week. I’m taking my 7 yo and 2 yo (36 inches) kids, and since my husband can’t take off for this spur of the moment trip, I’m bringing my 13 yo niece as my helper.

    We’ll be doing rider switch on everything that offers it, with my niece waiting with my 2 yo when my son and I go. I’ve done rider switch on every relevant ride in the park before, so I have an idea of how long I’ll be leaving them (for example, longer for Guardians than for Space Mountain) and what non-ride activities they can do together (for example, Philharmagic/Disney Jr dance party while we do Guardians, the big wet ball thing while we do SM), but I have no idea how it will work for Smugglers Run/GE. Without a FP line, where do you go back in? Does the returning group miss the whole experience of the ride from not doing the standby line? How long would you say the switch return usually would take when the standby line is, say, 45 minutes (we’ll probably skip if it’s longer than that)?

    I don’t want to leave the 13 yo alone with the 2 yo for an hour, but I really want to ride Smugglers Run at least once.

    Also, are there any nearby activities (non-ride, since the 13 yo can’t take the 2 yo on rides alone) that the two of them can do while my son and I ride Smugglers Run? Neither are into Star Wars, and I don’t know how long they’d be able to just “look around”. Anything fun right there that they can do/play with?

    Any insights would be appreciated!! Thank you! And enjoy your Disney World time — can’t wait to get back there!

    1. There’s plenty to explore around Galaxy’s Edge while you ride. So so much to see!

      You’ll enter through the line the cast member directs you to with your Rider Switch return pass. It has changed a few times since starting, so just wait for their direction. The timing will vary, too, depending on when you visit.

      Have fun!

  37. Your posts have said that Savi’s new reservation system is prepaid meaning you pay at the time you make the reservation? But on the Disneyland reservation page for it, it says “you will not be charged until you arrive at this activity”- do you know for sure?

    Love to know if I can pay with gift cards when I arrive and if my group can pay separately. I’m making all the plans and I’d love the heads up if my card will get hit right away with a $800 charge or not! ? Thank you!

  38. I am an wdw veteran but going to be near Disneyland this week. Thinking of going for my first time. How crowded do you think the parks will be? We want to try to do both parks in one day? Do you have any different updated suggestions since galaxy edge is open with when to pull fast pass or when to try to pull boarding group. What day would you recommend going between June 25-June 29. Any tips or advice would be helpful.

    1. The 27th would likely be best. Crowds have been good!

      I just updated this post with a “Strategy” section to help you plan your day.

      You really need a day for each park to do most things.

      Enjoy!

  39. Hi Casey,
    Thank you so, so much for this website. It has been so helpful in planning our trip. We will be at Disneyland on July 1 and 2. I have our day all planned out, but I’m not sure how to include Galaxy’s Edge in this plan. Are you planning on adding it to your strategies once reservations are no longer needed at Galaxy’s Edge? If not, where do you suggest we fit it into our Strategy for Big Kids?

  40. Thank you VERY much for this guide. My group are Disney regulars but really appreciated knowing what to expect for GE. You are absolutely right about needing to be near the front of the line outside GE (check in early) to get the experience you want. Day 1 I BARELY got into Oga’s virtual queue, and Day 2 I did not make it in when I lined up at the entrance 20 minutes prior to my 8am reservation. I was so fortunate to have had your advice to argue against my group with – they did not want to line up early for the Day 1 reservation. They were doubtful but admitted I was right to follow your directions, later. 🙂

  41. Casey, thanks SO MUCH for the wonderful tips and all the great information! We put it all to good use today for our visit to Galaxy’s Edge, and it worked out perfectly! We were able to do & see everything we hoped to! Thanks so much! Bright suns! 🙂

  42. Hello Casey! I am pregnant but I’d like to see the Millennium Falcon queue. Do you think it would be possible to stay with my group until they are whisked off into the ride?

  43. Hi Casey. Long time listener, first time caller. Is there an option to enjoy the Smuggler’s Run attraction without pushing buttons and “crashing”? (Family Res this Saturday from 5-9, to experience both daytime and nighttime.). Thanks!

  44. Hi Casey — We have our reservations for this Thursday, and we were wondering which you would recommend: after checking in, should we join the queue at Galaxy’s Edge for up to 2 hours, waiting for our entry time? Or should we enjoy DLR for those 2 hours and wander over to Galaxy’s Edge just before our entry time?

    1. Hi, Paul! You have an 8:00am reservation?

      I have a friend visiting at the same time on Wednesday and will be reporting back on questions I have, but overall – based on what I know – you just have a small amount of time to enjoy the park.

      Thursday includes EMH for Disneyland from 7-8am. If I were you, I would be there at 6:30am to check in and get wrist bands and then head out to enjoy EMH for a bit prior to entering Batuu. Have a few attractions in mind – y’all know what you’re doing – enjoy and then get ready for the new land.

      Hello to the boys from me! Miss y’all.

      1. Hi Casey – We have the 11-3pm reservation time on Thursday. (We didn’t want to deal with the EMH craziness first thing in the morning.) 🙂 We we were just wondering if it made sense to get our wrist bands at 9am, and then stand in the entry queue for the next two hours waiting for entry to Galaxy’s Edge. Or just head over to the Galaxy’s Edge queue closer to 11am (giving us more time to enjoy DLR — including my all-time favorite, Soarin’ Over CALIFORNIA!) 🙂 We appreciate your input. Miss you too! Congrats on all the success!

  45. Hi Casey,
    Thankyou for this site, it was great having so much info last year when we visited from Aus.
    Do you know if the new Star Wars land will be part of Early Morning Magic?
    Cheers

  46. We have an 8am check-in time. Can we check-In then head out of Disney to go grab breakfast? You mentioned we can enter the park 2 hrs before our reservation. Is that something easy to do or not worth leaving the park for food.
    Thanks!!

  47. Thank you for your feedback, especially on the Millenium Facón. Star tours makes me very sick but I was going to ride Millennium no matter what. You just saved me from taking meds that will make me very sleepy for hours. Thank you for all the work you do to enhance our experience at the parks!

  48. First timers coming from Scotland with a 4 and 2 year old and dad who are all Star Wars obsessed. Do you know if there are character meet and greets at Galaxy Edge? We met Darth Vader at Disneyland Paris last year and they LOVED that!

  49. Hi! Not sure if comments are moderated or if mine just went into the ether.

    I kinda only do kiddie rides, no roller coasters or anything with heights, big dips, dizzying, etc. (I don’t mind the King Kong type ride at Universal though, which is what this looks like from a video I saw.) Will I be okay on this ride? I’ll have the same question for you when the next ride comes out!

    Thanks so much for all the work you put into giving us helpful info, I feel really prepared for when I go.

    1. Happy to help you!

      I have never been on the King Kong attraction, so I can’t compare it to that. But, I get sick on Star Tours and SLIGHTLY queasy on Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom at WDW.

      If you’re OK with Star Tours, you’ll absolutely be OK with the Millennium Falcon. Check out some more videos to help make your decision.

      Let me know if I can do anything else for you!

  50. Casey, you’re going to have a fantastic time! I’m so excited to know what you think about everything!!

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