Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge. Photo by Shane Hernandez
By Shane Hernandez, Staff Writer
June 14 was a date I had marked on my calendar for over a month now. Just like any other kid, I would watch Star Wars all day. My first film was Return Of The Jedi. I’m such a fan that I’d even watch the Star Wars: Holiday Special on Christmas Eve every year as tradition. But when Disneyland announced in 2015 that there would be a Star Wars Land, I thought I died and gone to heaven.
I’ve been a passholder for Disneyland and California Adventure for approximately 5 years now and I counted down the days until it finally arrived. The now titled, Galaxy’s Edge, did not disappoint one bit. This is the ultimate Star Wars event, next only to Star Wars Celebration (except this will be around for years to come). The moment you walk into the planet of Batuu, you feel like you’ve been placed in a galaxy far, far away. Some fans at first were disappointed that the planet is not an existing one from the Star Wars Universe such as Tatooine or Jakku, but I find myself standing with the majority now, saying it was the right decision to make it an original planet. Although rides such as Star Tours are non-canon, this expands upon the Star Wars lore and universe while making it a self-contained story that you, yourself, can experience.
In the near future, the attraction will contain two rides: ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers’ Run’ which I was able to go on and ‘Rise of the Resistance’, which unfortunately hasn’t opened yet, but will be available to the public later this year. Hearing this news was a little disappointing at the time but when I was there, it didn’t really cross my mind that the second ride wasn’t open because Smuggler’s Run was so satisfying. The goal is similar to that of a subplot in ‘Solo, A Star Wars Story’, in that the smugglers need to retrieve coaxium (hyperdrive or light speed fuel). I think having only one ride open when the park became public on May 24 is smart since it’ll be so packed during that time. Since there was a minimal amount of people there due to reservations, the wait for Smuggler’s Run was only 15 minutes the entire time I was there. It’s a very enjoyable ride to go on multiple times.
In terms of food I’d say you should come prepared to eat meals that may not be fit for those with sensitive stomachs. Those who aren’t Star Wars fans may be repulsed by the sight of the food but fans that live for this experience would feel they’re immersed in another world.The blue milk is amazing. You can get it out in the yard served cold (along with green milk) or in the Cantina, you can get the milk served warm. The biggest downside to this trip was not being able to visit the inside of the Cantina. It became so incredibly popular that you couldn’t get inside without making a reservation. My family and I attempted to make a reservation but when we almost made it, the line was cut off. When the time finally came, I actually didn’t prepare a lot for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge or it’s merchandise. I knew I wouldn’t be able to buy anything. But even though everything is expensive,it’s all amazing and is worth the experience.
There are many things you can do in the land. You can build a BB or R2 Unit for $100 and even customize your own lightsaber for $200, but I ended up being drawn to Battu’s shop. There as I walked in, I saw a Mandalorian helmet on the wall, a giant Wampa and statues of the Jedi and Sith, all things that any Star Wars fan would geek out over. However, what caught me off guard was what I saw when I approached the counter. In the glass counter were lightsaber replicas from each of the films. To name a few, there was Obi-Wan Kenobi’s from the ‘Phantom Menace’ and Asokah Tahno’s from ‘Clone Wars’ and ‘Rebels’. But for me, the most incredible of them all was Luke ‘Skywalker’s from Return Of The Jedi’. However it wasn’t the lightsabers themselves that got me excited. It was when my mom asked if I wanted to buy one. I was so shocked when she asked me this. It would cost $115 for the hilt alone. She told me I could do that or make a custom one. I decided to go with my gut and chose a replica instead. I went with my favorite lightsaber as a kid, Luke Skywalker’s from ‘Return Of The Jedi’! I realized that the lightsaber I always wanted wasn’t a custom one, but one from my favorite childhood character.
Overall I’d say my trip was a success. I wish that some stuff was a little cheaper and that both rides were open, but it’s like I said before, this is an event for Star Wars fans.In the end, the price will most likely not matter. To any Star Wars fan , this will make you feel like a kid again.
