I attended a media event today at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, courtesy of the nice folks at Disney Media Relations. The event celebrates the 30th anniversary of the park.
As part of the event I had the opportunity to actually step foot in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. I’d like to share some of my impressions with you.
First, I have to tell you that Disney did not allow any photography, videos, or recording of any type. I won’t be able to show you what Galaxy’s Edge looks like today.
However, I can tell you about what I saw.
Epic in Detail and Scale
In a word, this is new land – which represents the biggest expansion of the parks history – is epic.
I use that word because it describes the massive scale and detail that is present everywhere, even though this section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios is still four months from opening day.
There were still plenty of construction workers in yellow vest to be seen, and there is conduit hanging unfinished and construction lighting everywhere. It is exactly what you would expect in a construction zone.
That said, I could still appreciate the detail and grand scale of this land even though it is very much not finished.
As you walk through the entryway connecting Grand Avenue to Galaxy’s Edge, you are treated to a cinematic reveal. As you pass through a tunnel you are entering Batuu from the forest on the outskirts of town. Soon you get a view of the entrance to the massive Rise of the Resistance attraction.
It is like watching a Star Wars film come dramatically to life before your very eyes.
In the distance you can see the squat buildings in the very recognizable Star Wars style.
Some landscaping is already in place, and the area already has lamp posts.
Tidbits
Here are a few interesting things I learned along the way.
Entrances: One tidbit I learned from the Imagineer who provided the quick five minute tour is that the entry ways into Galaxy’s Edge from Grand Avenue and from Toy Story Land will act as both entrances and exits. That said, Disney may have different plans for crowd control as they work through opening logistics.
Disneyland also has three entrances, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios has two.
Cooperation: Our guide also mentioned the cooperation involved in the project in several ways – cooperation between Lucas and Disney on getting the details and story telling just right, and the constant cooperation between Disneyland and Walt Disney World throughout the construction process.
Same but different: It was also interesting to hear that the Disneyland version and Walt Disney World version are nearly identical, although they are oriented differently. Each will have a slightly different feel as the sun passes overhead at different angles.
Ride is far along: Our tour guide mentioned he had an opportunity to ride on the Millennium Falcon attraction, so that attraction is likely far along in its build out.
So Excited
After seeing concept art for so long, it was an amazing privilege to see Galaxy’s Edge come to life with my own eyes. I am more excited than ever for it’s August 29 opening.
I am also looking forward to seeing the opening of Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland at the end of May. I plan to be in California to bring you all the latest news and information.
Will you visit Galaxy’s Edge this year? Excited?