BuzzFeed was given a sneak peak of Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida to learn everything about the newly opened land. Now, here are some tips that will come in handy when you visit yourself!
1. There are presently no FastPass options for the new ride, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, and that’s a good thing.
Because there won't be any FastPasses, the standby line will continue to move uninterrupted.
2. There are three roles you can have in Smuggler's Run: the pilot, the gunner, or the engineer. The engineer, IMHO, has the least responsibility.
The controls are very reactive, so if you're piloting the Millennium Falcon into a wall, you'll see it hit the wall and it'll feel like it's crashing. Being the pilot is pretty high-stakes, not going to lie.
3. And while you're in line for the attraction, you'll pass the backside of the Millennium Falcon. These little rectangular holes in the wall to your left are great to put your phone into, turn on the automatic timer, and snap a quick photo before the line starts moving again.
We propped the phone in the slot and took the photo on the right!
4. The new land will be open the same hours as Disney's Hollywood Studios.
It won't close early for fireworks or have a different opening time like the World Showcase does at Epcot.
5. There is a two drink maximum at Oga's Cantina.
Now's a great time to tell you that foreign licenses and ID cards are not an acceptable form of proof of age at Disney. International travelers should plan on bringing their passport or Nexus card.
6. And while reservations are not required, guests are allowed to experience the cantina for a maximum of 45 minutes at a time.
You'll either be placed at the bar or in a booth, whichever is open. If nothing is open, they'll take your name and number and text you when they can seat you.
7. The other ride, Rise of the Resistance, won't open until December 5, 2019.
It will also be opening in January 2020 at Disneyland California. I got a sneak peak of the attraction itself and it is INCREDIBLE.
8. The merchandise is exclusive to Galaxy's Edge.
These are items you won't find on the shopDisney app or online, but the merchandise is the same for both the Galaxy's Edge in California and Florida.
9. The characters do not have designated meeting spots.
Instead, you'll come into contact with them throughout the land naturally. Maybe you'll see Chewbacca trying to do repairs on a ship, maybe the Stormtroopers will stop you and ask you if you're complying with the First Order, or maybe Rey will pull you aside and try to recruit you to the Resistance.
10. It's really made for both fans and non-fans.
It's intimidating to walk into a fandom without really knowing anything. Imagineers kept that in mind, and while they added so many things that fans of the movies, series, and comics will totally recognize, Batuu (the planet of Galaxy's Edge) is also designed for you to make your own adventure. You don't need any prior knowledge of the franchise to have a blast.
11. The cast members you'll find at Galaxy's Edge are citizens of Batuu, and they all have interesting backstories.
Most of the shops are run by different creatures, and the people who work there will be happy to tell you how they got to the planet, who they work for, who they owe money to, and how many banthas they have at home. BTW, these citizens in the picture named their purple BB unit BB-Grape. I laughed out loud!!!
12. Package pick-up is a life-saver.
Anything you buy at Galaxy's Edge that you don't feel like carrying around can be dropped off at the Droid Depot (left) or Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities (right), and it'll be sent to the front of the park for you to pick up later. Just keep your receipt and allow at least three hours for the package to get up to the entrance.
13. Or get souvenirs sent straight to your hotel.
If you're staying at a Disney hotel, you can get it sent straight from where you bought it to the gift shop of your hotel for next-day pick-up.
14. The blue and green milks are both plant-based and dairy free (plus, you can get them spiked).
They're made with a coconut-rice milk blend. The blue milk can be topped with rum and the green milk with tequila. Obviously, they also come alcohol-free, and there's a pretty sweet souvenir cup available for them, too.
15. Savi's Lightsaber Workshop is an experience that lasts about 15-20 minutes.
It isn't like Droid Depot where you choose elements off of an assembly line. Since building a lightsaber is an ancient ritual, you may need to wait at the entrance of Savi's Workshop until the previous lightsaber crafting session is over. Sessions run throughout the day and usually last about 15-20 minutes.
16. It's hot.
Most of Batuu is an outdoor marketplace-type area, and their "three suns" usually burn very brightly (aka Florida is hot as heck). Most of the retail locations and part of the wait for Smuggler's Run are outside. If you need a break from the heat, take a rest in the air conditioning at Docking Bay 7 or the Droid Depot.
17. And it rains, but the plastic ponchos are more effective than you'd think.
It rained a portion of every day that I was there. Though it was Florida and it stopped after a short amount of time, it was definitely enough to get your socks wet. Disney sells plastic ponchos and umbrellas, and the ponchos do a very good job of keeping you dry should you find yourself in that situation.
18. Don't try to take your thermal detonator-shaped soda bottle home with you if you're flying.
For those who are curious, I asked the TSA whether empty Coca-cola bottles from Galaxy’s Edge would be permitted in checked or carry-on baggage. Short answer, no. Read the full reply...
TSA will confiscate it whether it's in checked luggage or carry-ons. You've been warned.
19. Lastly, download the Play Disney Parks app to get more out of your experience.
It turns your phone into a "Datapad" and unlocks special ways to interact with the land IRL. There are tons of features on it that add an extra layer of depth to Galaxy's Edge.
