Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge — Attraction in Bay Lake

I felt like I had been transported to a galaxy far, far away. The immersive experience is one that any Star Wars fan (or theme park enthusiast) would thoroughly enjoy, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

As soon as you enter, you’re walking through the planet Batuu, specifically its outpost, Black Spire. It’s incredible how much detail has been put into the surroundings – from the architecture of the buildings to the droids and ships scattered throughout. Even the food, drinks, and merchandise are themed, so you feel like you’re a part of the Star Wars universe. I couldn’t help but admire the dedication to making everything feel authentic, whether you’re in a bustling market area or sipping on blue milk.

There are two main rides: Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Both offer totally different experiences.

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run puts you in the cockpit of the legendary ship, where you take on different roles (pilot, gunner, engineer) during a mission. It’s fun and interactive, though I’d suggest aiming to be one of the pilots if you can. The wait time for this ride fluctuates, but when I went, it was around 45-60 minutes. I used Disney’s Lightning Lane, which saved some time, but even in the regular line, the queue is entertaining, filled with details about the Falcon.

Rise of the Resistance is one of the most ambitious rides Disney has ever created. It’s part walk-through, part simulator, and part trackless dark ride. You’re a member of the Resistance, and the ride includes impressive visuals, animatronics, and even live actors. The experience feels massive. However, this ride is extremely popular, so wait times can stretch well over 90 minutes to two hours. I highly recommend trying to get a boarding group early in the day using the virtual queue, or investing in a Lightning Lane pass to cut down on the wait.

One of the coolest things about Galaxy’s Edge is the interactivity. You can use the Play Disney Parks app to hack droids, tune into communications, and collect items in the land. It’s an extra layer of fun for kids and adults alike. I found myself getting lost in these little quests between rides and exploring the marketplace.

You can also build your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop. It’s not cheap—about $250—but the experience is unforgettable. The level of craftsmanship that goes into making it, combined with the ceremony of building it, feels special. For droid enthusiasts, Droid Depot lets you build your own custom astromech droid for around $100. Both of these experiences require reservations, so be sure to book well in advance.

The food options are solid and, of course, themed. I tried the famous Ronto Wrap at Ronto Roasters, and it was delicious—definitely worth grabbing if you’re looking for a quick bite. Over at Oga’s Cantina, I had a great time with some signature drinks. The cantina offers a cool atmosphere, but it can get crowded. The non-alcoholic drinks are fun for kids, while the cocktails come with creative presentations. Make sure you reserve a spot ahead of time, as it’s one of the busiest areas in the park.

Disney is notoriously pricey, and Galaxy’s Edge is no exception. Between park tickets (which can range anywhere from $100 to $150+ per day), food, souvenirs, and unique experiences, the cost can add up quickly. If you plan to build a lightsaber or droid, that alone will significantly increase your spending. However, if you budget for these things, I think they’re worth it for the memories they create.

The park can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive when it opens to minimize wait times, especially for Rise of the Resistance.

Use Genie+ or Lightning Lane

Make Reservations: Whether it’s for Oga’s Cantina or building a lightsaber, you’ll need to book these well in advance.

The Play Disney Parks app and taking photos will drain your phone battery fast, so pack a...

My recent trip to Walt Disney World was a whirlwind of magic, planned and executed in just 10 days (Thank you, Rachael!)! 🎢 With all four parks on the agenda, our mission was clear: experience "It's Tough to be a Bug" and "Dinosaur" before they become extinct.

🐛🦖 Little did I know, the real magic would come from an unexpected source: Chewbacca. ❤️

This iconic Wookiee warrior, known for his fierce loyalty and roaring battle cries, showed us the depth of his compassionate side. ✨

He invested a significant amount of time and effort to connect with my granddaughter, proving that communication transcends words. While we've always known Chewbacca to be kind and caring, this was by far the best and most personal example we've ever witnessed. 💕

Chewbacca, the protector of the Rebel Alliance, became the comforter of my youngest, Nora. Witnessing his tenderness as he soothed her fears, even enlisting the help of Vi Moradi to engage her gently, was truly heartwarming. This unexpected encounter underscored the power of empathy and kindness, reminding us that we can't judge allies by their appearance.

Even the fiercest warriors, those who might seem intimidating at first glance, can possess incredible gentleness and compassion. Chewbacca showed us that true strength lies in recognizing and responding to the needs of others, especially the most vulnerable. 🧸❤️

Beyond the Magic: Life Lessons from a Galaxy Far, Far Away This Disney adventure wasn't just about rides and character meet-and-greets; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of imagination, community, communication, and teamwork in maintaining good health.

Imagination: Disney World is a testament to the power of imagination, a vital ingredient for mental well-being. Just like children lose themselves in fantasy worlds, we all need outlets for creativity and escape. #MentalHealthIsHealth 🧠✨

Community: Experiencing the magic with my family and witnessing the kindness of strangers reaffirmed the importance of strong tribes. We all need support systems to navigate life's challenges. #StrongTribesSaveLives 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦❤️

Communication: Chewbacca, without uttering a word, showed us that communication takes many forms. Active listening, empathy, and nonverbal cues are essential for building meaningful connections. 🗣️👂

Teamwork: From navigating crowds to conquering rides, teamwork was key to our Disney success. Similarly, in life and healthcare, collaboration and support are crucial for achieving positive outcomes. 🤝

Finding the Balance: Work, Life, and a Touch of Magic As a "Gigi" (grandmother) and a legal nurse consultant, finding work-life balance can be a challenge. This trip reminded me of the importance of making time for joy, connection, and adventure. After all, a little bit of magic can go a long way in recharging our batteries and reminding us what truly matters....

Wrote about this in my overall Disney review, but my god, I words cannot describe (even though they are about to) how much fun I had here. As a die hard, non toxic, mega fan, this place was a dream. I've seen a lot of people say that you cannot spend the whole day here, and if you're not a fan, yeah that is probably true. However, the amount of time and money I spent here was biblical. I was one of those people who b-lined to Galaxy's Edge as soon as the gates opened. Being one of the first ones in that part of the park was great. While exploring I came face to face with a cast member who attempted to sell me a droid for I kid you not, ten minutes. I should have known that this was going to set a precursor for the rest of the day, because nothing pulls you into the immersion like roleplaying staff. Seeing the Falcon for the first time is like every fan's wet dream. Flying the Falcon on the ride, IS the wet dream. I must have got off and on the Flight of the Flacon like 20 times. Rise of the Resistance is VERY MUCH worth the cost on the Genie Pass, because that line can get ungodly long.

The bantha milk is unique but tasty, I much prefer blue to green. Seeing Rey, Chewbacca, Stormtroopers, and Kylo was also fun! Though I have to give major props to the cast member in the Chewie suit, because it was damn humid, but he kept going like it was nothing. The shops are unique and fun. Dok Ondar's is full of easter eggs for the mega and causal fan alike. Building a lightsaber was fun, but you are most definitely paying for the experience as the sabers are cool, but they are chunky and heavy. Building a droid was equally as fun, as now I have a little R5 unit to chase my dog around. The cantina was like an immediate lightspeed jump into a Galaxy far, far away. It was so damn immersive. At one point during lunch, the lights go out, the bartender smacks the generator with a hammer, and they flicker back on, it was just great. I also have to say how most of the items I bought felt right at the price point they were listed, and I didn't feel like I was paying the "Disney Price" for anything. Trust me, I went back to my hotel room with a MASSIVE back of stuff and I am a cheap man. If I felt something wasn't worth it, I wouldn't have spent the money. Getting a Jedi Tunic was an amazing addition to the collection and has been something I have used for my cosplay for years. I'm a big guy (I've lost like 90lbs since then, thank you thank you), and their tunic fit wonderfully, it's detailed to the movies, and it always gets me complements at Cons. I'm half tempted to just curl up in a durasteel container and live here for the rest of my life-- 20...