The launch of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019 marked a significant milestone for both Disney and the Star Wars franchise, promising an immersive experience like no other. As the news of its opening spread, fans worldwide eagerly awaited their chance to explore a galaxy far, far away. However, the question on everyone’s mind, especially as the year 2020 dawned, was whether Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge would remain open, given the global health situation. In this article, we will delve into the details of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’s operation in 2020, exploring its phases of opening, experiences, and the impact of external factors on its operations.
Introduction to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a themed land located within Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It is designed to resemble a Star Wars planet, complete with its unique landscapes, architecture, and inhabitants. The land is divided into several areas, each offering a distinct experience, from dining and shopping to thrilling adventures and interactive experiences. One of the most anticipated aspects of Galaxy’s Edge was the opportunity for guests to pilot the Millennium Falcon, experience a cantina from the Star Wars universe, and even construct their own lightsabers.
Opening Phases of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
The opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was phased, with the first phase launching on May 31, 2019, at Disneyland Resort, and on August 29, 2019, at Walt Disney World Resort. The initial phase included most of the land’s experiences, except for the highly anticipated Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction. This attraction finally opened on December 5, 2019, at Walt Disney World and on January 17, 2020, at Disneyland, concluding the second phase of the land’s rollout.
Experiences within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers a variety of experiences that cater to all ages and interests. The Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run attraction allows guests to take the controls of the iconic spacecraft, while Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance puts visitors in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. For those interested in a more leisurely experience, the land features several dining and shopping establishments, including the famous Oga’s Cantina and Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, where guests can craft their own customized lightsabers.
Dining and Shopping Experiences
Dining within Galaxy’s Edge is an experience in itself, with establishments like Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo offering out-of-this-world cuisine, and Ronto Roasters providing delicious meats cooked to perfection in a large podracing engine. For shopping, guests can visit Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities for rare and unique Star Wars artifacts, or Mubo’s Droid Depot to build and customize their own droid companions.
Operations in 2020
As 2020 began, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was fully operational, with both phases of its opening complete. Guests could enjoy all the attractions, dining, and shopping experiences the land had to offer. However, the global health situation that arose in early 2020 significantly impacted theme park operations worldwide, including Disney Resorts. In response to health and safety concerns, Disney temporarily closed its theme parks, including Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, affecting the operation of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Reopening and Safety Measures
Following the temporary closure, Disney implemented rigorous health and safety protocols to ensure a safe environment for guests and employees upon reopening. These measures included mandatory face masks, social distancing practices, and enhanced cleaning procedures. The reopening dates for Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort differed, with Walt Disney World reopening first. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, as part of these resorts, also resumed operations, albeit with limited capacity and under the new safety guidelines.
Visitor Experience in 2020
The visitor experience in 2020 was significantly different due to the pandemic’s impact. Reservation systems were put in place to manage the number of guests entering the land at any given time, ensuring that social distancing could be maintained. While this system helped control crowds, it also meant that not all guests who visited the Disney Resorts could experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, especially during peak periods. Despite these challenges, guests who did visit praised the efforts of Disney in creating a safe and enjoyable experience, even under difficult circumstances.
Conclusion
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was indeed open in 2020, albeit with operational adjustments due to the global health situation. The land’s unique blend of immersive experiences, from attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, to the interactive shopping and dining experiences, continued to captivate visitors. The resilience and adaptability of Disney in the face of unprecedented challenges ensured that the magic of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge remained accessible to fans, even if the experience was somewhat different from what was initially anticipated. As the world moves forward, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge stands as a testament to innovation, creativity, and the enduring appeal of the Star Wars universe.
| Location | Opening Date of First Phase | Opening Date of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Disneyland Resort | May 31, 2019 | January 17, 2020 |
| Walt Disney World Resort | August 29, 2019 | December 5, 2019 |
For those planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in the future, staying updated on the official Disney website for the latest information on operations, attractions, and any health and safety guidelines is advisable. Whether you’re a long-time Star Wars fan or just looking for a unique adventure, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge promises an experience that is out of this world.
Is Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Open in 2020?
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is a highly immersive and interactive experience that opened in 2019 at Disneyland Resort in California and later at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The land was designed to resemble a planet called Batuu, where visitors can engage with their surroundings, characters, and storylines from the Star Wars universe. As of 2020, both locations were operational, offering an out-of-this-world experience to fans of the franchise. The opening of Galaxy’s Edge marked a significant milestone for Disney, as it represents one of the most extensive and detailed themed lands ever created.
The opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in 2020 followed a phased approach, with certain attractions and experiences becoming available before others. At the time of its launch, the main attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, was not immediately available but opened later in the year. Visitors in 2020 could still enjoy other experiences, such as Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, explore the land, and interact with characters, but the phased opening meant that not all elements were accessible from day one. This strategic rollout allowed Disney to manage demand, work out operational logistics, and ensure that the overall guest experience remained exceptional, even as the full range of attractions and services came online.
What Are the Main Attractions in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge?
The main attractions in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge include Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run allows visitors to pilot the iconic Millennium Falcon spaceship, engaging in a highly interactive experience where their performance affects the outcome of the mission. This attraction combines state-of-the-art technology with practical sets to create an incredibly realistic experience. On the other hand, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance places visitors in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order, featuring dramatic moments, stunning visual effects, and interactions with beloved Star Wars characters.
Both attractions offer unique experiences that cater to a wide range of interests and ages. While Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run focuses on the thrill of flight and the freedom of exploration, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance delves deeper into the narrative of the Star Wars saga, immersing guests in a pivotal moment of conflict. The diversity in these experiences ensures that Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge appeals to a broad audience, from seasoned Star Wars fans to those new to the galaxy far, far away. By blending innovative technology with the rich storytelling of Star Wars, these attractions set a new standard for themed entertainment and help define the Galaxy’s Edge experience.
How Can I Access Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge?
Accessing Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge involves planning, especially during peak periods or when the land first opened. Initially, Disney implemented a reservation system to manage the high demand and ensure a quality experience for all visitors. This system allowed guests to reserve a specific time slot to visit Galaxy’s Edge, helping to control crowd levels and prevent overcrowding. Additionally, visitors could access the land during their reserved time frame, enjoying the attractions, food, beverages, and immersive experiences without the initial crowd levels experienced during the opening phases.
For visitors in 2020, the process of accessing Galaxy’s Edge might have varied depending on the time of visit and the specific policies in place at Disneyland or Walt Disney World. It was advisable to check the official Disney website or the My Disney Experience app for the most current information regarding reservations, operating hours, and any special instructions before planning a visit. Disney also offered special bundles and packages, including hotel stays and park tickets, designed to enhance the Star Wars experience and facilitate entry into Galaxy’s Edge. Planning ahead and staying informed were key to maximizing the enjoyment of this unique themed land.
Can I Make Reservations for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge?
Reservations for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge were initially required and managed through the Disney website or the Disneyland and Walt Disney World apps. The reservation system was put in place to control the number of guests entering the land, aiming to prevent overcrowding and maintain a high-quality, immersive experience for all visitors. When the reservation system was active, guests could sign up for a specific time slot, usually with a limited duration, during which they could explore Galaxy’s Edge and enjoy its attractions, shops, and dining venues.
Over time, as operations normalized and demand patterns became clearer, the reservation requirement for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge was phased out. Instead, Disney utilized the virtual queue system through the My Disney Experience app for Walt Disney World or the Disneyland app, allowing guests to reserve a boarding pass for a specific time to visit Galaxy’s Edge. This system helped manage wait times and provided real-time updates, ensuring that visitors could plan their day effectively. The shift towards a virtual queue system demonstrated Disney’s adaptability and commitment to enhancing the guest experience, adjusting strategies based on operational feedback and visitor preferences.
What Dining and Shopping Experiences Are Available in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge?
The dining and shopping experiences in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge are designed to be deeply immersive, offering a wide range of options that fit within the Star Wars universe. For dining, Oga’s Cantina is a highlight, providing an interactive bar experience with unique drinks and entertainment. The cantina features DJ R-3X, a former Star Tours droid, spinning tunes, and visitors can order flavorful cocktails and small plates. Another popular option is Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, which serves a variety of intergalactic cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Ronto Roasters offers barbecue favorites with a Star Wars twist, and Kat Saka’s Kettle provides out-of-this-world popcorn flavors.
Shopping in Galaxy’s Edge is equally immersive, with several stores offering unique items that can’t be found elsewhere. Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers allows guests to craft their own customized lightsabers in an interactive experience. The Droid Depot gives visitors the chance to build and customize their own droid, choosing from various components and accessories. Other shops, like Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Gift Shop, offer a wide array of Star Wars merchandise, from rare collectibles to everyday items. Each shopping experience is meticulously themed to enhance the overall Star Wars experience, making Galaxy’s Edge a shopper’s paradise for fans of the franchise.
Are There Height Restrictions for Attractions in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge?
Yes, there are height restrictions for certain attractions within Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. For Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, the minimum height requirement is 38 inches (97 cm), ensuring that younger children can also participate in this interactive flight experience, though they must be accompanied by an adult if they are under a certain age. This height restriction is in place to ensure safety and the ability of guests to participate fully in the experience. On the other hand, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance does not have a specific height restriction, but it is recommended for children of a certain age due to the attraction’s intensity and theming.
It’s essential for families and groups with smaller children to plan accordingly, considering the height restrictions and the suitability of each attraction for their age and sensitivity level. Disney provides clear guidelines and recommendations for each attraction, available on their website, through their apps, or at the theme parks themselves. Additionally, the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps offer planning tools and filters that can help visitors customize their day based on the ages and heights of their party members, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experiences that are right for them within Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.
Can I Use the Disney Transportation System to Get to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge?
Yes, the Disney transportation system can be used to get to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. At Disneyland, guests can use the resort’s bus transportation or drive and park at one of the theme park parking lots, then proceed to Disneyland Park where Galaxy’s Edge is located. At Walt Disney World, the transportation options are more varied, including buses, boats, and the Disney Skyliner gondolas, depending on the guest’s starting location. For instance, guests staying at Disney’s Hollywood Studios area resorts can walk to the park or use the Skyliner for a more scenic route.
Using the Disney transportation system can significantly enhance the overall experience, as it eliminates the need to worry about parking and provides a convenient, themed way to travel between locations. Disney also offers detailed transportation information through their website and mobile apps, allowing guests to plan their journeys in advance. For Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge specifically, it’s advisable to check the park schedule and plan transportation accordingly, especially if planning to visit during early morning or late evening special events, which might have different transportation options available. Effective use of Disney’s transportation can make visiting Galaxy’s Edge more enjoyable and stress-free.