There has been exciting news released this morning with information about Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge. In case you missed it, Disney has announced the opening dates for the new immersive area, Galaxy’s Edge, for both Disney World and Disneyland. Both areas are opening ahead of schedule due to the popularity. Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland will be opening on May 31st and August 29th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They will be broken into two phases over the course of the year. Phase one will be the opening day of each park. During the open phase, guests will have access to out of this world galactic food and drinks at Oga’s Cantina. Along with the one and only, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. This ride will set the guests as the pilot of the ship. There are reports that the story will change from time to time and will be part of an interactive immersive experience.
Phase two will come about later this year. During the second phase of the launch will include the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This will be one of the most immersive rides that Disney has put together. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will put you in the center of the battle between Resistance and the First Order. The date for phase 2 opening has not been released as of yet.
Entry to Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge
One new aspect of the opening of Galaxy’s Edge for Disneyland is that it will require a reservation to enter the area. Reservations will only be needed for a short window from May 31st – June 23rd. This is likely due to the expected crowds that could be out of this world. These reservations will be at no cost to the guest but will require a ticket and is subject to availability. You do not need a reservation for Disneyland, just for that section of the park. If a guest is staying at one of the three Disneyland resort, they will receive a reservation designation during their vacation. When Galaxy’s Edge opens in Disney World, there will not be a reservation required. This is likely because of the size of Hollywood studios as it won’t seem so crowded.
Extra Magic:
For extra magic hours, Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios will be available for resort guests. However, at Disneyland, Galaxy’s Edge area will not be available during the extra magic hours or Magic Morning. This will likely be for a short term. For the initial opening of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Fastpasses (Disney World) or MaxPass (Disneyland) will not be available. Again this will likely be a short term issue.
Picking a side
With Disney opening up Galaxy’s Edge early, there is a couple of things that come into play when planning a trip. First is that only half of Galaxy’s Edge will be opening with phase one. This is disappointing to some guests but will provide an early opportunity to at least take in the sights. This may help ease crowds into land but in essence, creates two different openings. There has been a lot of excitement with the news about the opening but some criticisms as this will cause a spike in attendance before the Galaxy’s Edge is complete. This may have a positive to allow crowds to be a little more spread out. I would plan on crazy wait lines, which the reservation option should help with.
Backstory
Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge is stationed on the planet Batuu where the Black Spire Outpost is located. This is home to the most infamous smugglers, traders, and adventurers in the galaxy. Black Spire Outpost is located in a petrified forest with surround spires. You will be surrounded by an immersive environment where you will feel like you are transported lightyears away to the middle of the Star Wars universe. We look forward to more details to be announced and final pictures released.