JediDefender.com Forums
Community => Watto's Junk Yard => Topic started by: Scott on March 29, 2012, 10:05 PM
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One thing my wife and I were talking about is that the Harry Potter deal at Universal was huge and packed and wildly popular...the Star Tours stuff wasn't nearly as bad but still pretty packed most of the day. Does anyone think a bigger SW attraction would work, like the World of HP? I think it would be kick ass to ride a SW Roller coaster or some type of 3D or 4D movie...
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One thing my wife and I were talking about is that the Harry Potter deal at Universal was huge and packed and wildly popular...the Star Tours stuff wasn't nearly as bad but still pretty packed most of the day. Does anyone think a bigger SW attraction would work, like the World of HP? I think it would be kick ass to ride a SW Roller coaster or some type of 3D or 4D movie...
Yeah, I think having a roller coaster would be awesome. I think they could/should do a Snowspeeder and have a few more Walkers around that you could go around, under, over, etc.
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I could totally see a snowspeeder or pod racer coaster. That would have been an awesome addition to that theme park.
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Even speederbikes would be fun. I believe I designed a SW theme park in my childhood.
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Reminds me of the artwork Tom Hodges did for CV where he laid out a whole SW themed amusement park. I'd pay to go that park.
There are a bunch of things that would make a good coaster or 3D event. Pod Racing, flight through the asteroids, Snowspeeders on Hoth, trench run, speederbikes, AOTC chase over Coruscant, Obi's chase on Utapau...I think some of these were/are in Star Tours, aren't they?
E...
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When we were there last year, we saw the pod race, hoth battle and flew around Kashyyyk. I believe when I asked, they said that there were 60 different flights that could be seen.
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One of the ideas that WDI had for a Star Wars ride (before they came up with the Star Tours idea) was to be a Jedi vs Sith indoor rollercoaster. Coaster cars would randomly switch tracks between Light and Dark side of the force tracks when they start. The coaster would be dueling indoors with stars and other ships in dog flights over the Death Star surface. The problem was the ride was too much like Space Mountain so they went with the simulator idea.
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I'd rather have a coaster than a simulator.
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I have been amazed at the jump in technology these simulators have done. Star Tours is definitely state of the art...there are times you actually feel like you are falling and the 3D is some of the best I saw. I was thinking more of recreating sets/scenes like the Harry Potter stuff is...that is sort of what Star Tours is but the HP stuff is so much more.
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I guess I just worry about whiplash with those simulator rides. It's been awhile ago, and I believe it was the Back to the Future ride where it jerked suddenly that I cracked my head against the back of the car and ended up with a fine migraine for the rest of the day and decided I'd never ride one of those things again.
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Just thought you guys would get a kick out of these concept drawing for a Star Wars battle coaster. This isn't WDI's work but would have been really cool for the new star wars land being talked about for Disneyland Paris. Great article.
http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2012/11/lets-talk-about-star-wars-rides-concepts.html (http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2012/11/lets-talk-about-star-wars-rides-concepts.html)
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Looks like Disney's "Star Wars Land" plans are now focusing on the new movies and spin-offs... including episode 8 already.
‘Star Wars’ Theme Park Attractions to Be Based on New Films, Not Old (EXCLUSIVE) (http://variety.com/2014/biz/news/star-wars-theme-park-attractions-to-be-based-on-new-films-not-old-1201376154/)
"Iger stopped early development on theme park attractions at Imagineering. “We couldn’t tell them what was new,” Iger said, until Abrams was finished developing and producing the sequel. “I slowed it all down so what we come forward with will have a blend of the past, present and maybe the future,” referencing upcoming sequels and spinoff films. “Now we have a sense of what’s in ‘Star Wars 8,’ and what some of the standalone films will have in them.”"
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Makes sense. Disneyland was originally built to promote Walts movies and tv shows. No reason to change was has worked in the past. My guess is Disneys Hollywood Studios is first on the list. They just closed down pretty much half of the park with nothing new in the pipeline. It will prob be atleast 2020 before we see anything open however.
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Disney to Reveal ‘Ambitious’ Theme Park Plans for ‘Star Wars’ (http://variety.com/2015/biz/news/disney-to-reveal-ambitious-theme-park-plans-for-star-wars-1201422947/)
So this is just an article to tell us that Disney still has plans, but aren't actually revealing anything until later in 2015? Ok then. ???
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I could totally see a snowspeeder or pod racer coaster. That would have been an awesome addition to that theme park.
Or even an X-Wing style Death Star Battle.
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The Disneyana boards talk about this stuff constantly. They are pretty much "Not In My Theme Park" camp. They pretty much hating anything Star Wars, Marvel, Muppets, ride replacement or anything new in general.
It looks like Disney Hollywood Studios in WDW will get a large Star Wars land where their recently closed Tram Tour was. The current rumor is Disneyland will be loosing it's Toon Town and Big Thunder Ranch area to Star Wars.
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My wife and I are huge Disney fans and try to make a trip to DW every 2-3 years. She has probably gone 25 times in her life as opposed to my 5 trips, and now we are bringing our daughter into the fold. ;D
Anyway, I mentioned this article to her the other day and she didn't like the idea of an entire SW theme park. As much as I'm a fan of SW, I am in the same boat. I'd prefer they have a Star Wars land over at Hollywood and go that direction. I know there is plenty of room at DW for an entirely new park, but I think the land within the park would be really cool. It would also play in line with the theme at MK of having a themed land.
However, what doesn't seem to fit though is the actual "land" idea because Hollywood isn't set up like that. Either way, I look forward to what they have coming. I have no doubt it will be awesome when they are done.
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A Star Wars theme SECTION of a theme park would be pretty awesome. And if anything, I think Disney would probably use something like 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter' at Universal Studios as a template. Make a significant Star Wars themed section in Disney/MGM Studios along the lines of that Harry Potter attraction at Universal. I think the potential is definitely there in terms of individual attractions, rides and eateries. I mean, who here would want to get a drink at a Mos Eisley Cantina restaurant?
As for rides?
-Pod race in Beggars canyon
-Endor speeder bike ride
-Hoth asteroid field space chase
-Space battle ride (pick one!)
Eateries/Bars
-Mos Eisley cantina
-Jabba's palace dinner/entertainment
_Dex's diner
...and that's not including what could be coming from the new movies which could feature prominently here. Oh, and the GIFT SHOPS. ::)
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And they already have a Jedi Academy, so they could expand on that as well.
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Well according to Bob Iger, they want to do it big and right. That is why Hollywood Studios is getting a make over along the lines that DCA got a couple of years ago.
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I just want to ride a damn bantha.
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You may get your wish soon.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/24/clone-woolly-mammoth-buttercup_n_6211388.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/24/clone-woolly-mammoth-buttercup_n_6211388.html)
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Concept artwork is up.
http://www.endorexpress.net/2015/08/star-wars-land-announced/
(http://www.endorexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/SW_land_header.jpg)
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The Disney Parks blog has a 360 degree look around the area cleared for Star Wars Land. It looks like the Empire is helping build.
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/04/take-a-360-degree-look-at-star-wars-themed-land-groundbreaking-at-disneyland-park-2/ (https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/04/take-a-360-degree-look-at-star-wars-themed-land-groundbreaking-at-disneyland-park-2/)
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Just in case you have no idea about where Star Wars Land is going at Disneyland here is a map.
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/StarWarsExpansion-Before-610x518.jpg)
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/StarWarsExpansion-After-610x518.jpg)
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Just in case you have no idea about where Star Wars Land is going at Disneyland here is a map.
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/StarWarsExpansion-Before-610x518.jpg)
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/StarWarsExpansion-After-610x518.jpg)
That's awesome!
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Imagineers are testing one of the droids that will roam around Star Wars land. This is J4K3. (Jake) He is kind of a roomba that you can block and he will turn and go in another direction. He is pretty tall at about almost 3ft tall.
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Jake-the-Droid-1-610x277.jpg)
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Jake-the-Droid-2-610x331.jpg)
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Latest air picture of Disneyland. Notice the large dirt area where Star Wars land is going.
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Star-Wars-Above-1-610x610.jpg)
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(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/SWL-June-09-Pit.1-610x406.jpg)
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Latest air picture of Disneyland. Notice the large dirt area where Star Wars land is going.
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Star-Wars-Above-1-610x610.jpg)
so what you're saying SWland is going to look like Jakku/Tatooine? how boring.
j/k :P
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New concept art of Disneyland's Star Wars land.
(https://secure.parksandresorts.wdpromedia.com/media/disneyparks/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/SWThemedLand.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BdkHTfJ/0/O/i-BdkHTfJ-O.png)
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That's awesome Paul, thanks for posting it.
This is something I'm just Geeked to hopefully see some day.
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Disneyland says they are looking at a 2018 opening date. Disney Hollywood Studios in Florida will open in 2020.
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Disney has invented real working lightsabers for star wars land!
It's actually more of a projection on fog from drones. They also have a shock vest to simulate laser fire hits.
http://patentyogi.com/latest-patents/disney/disney-invented-lightsaber-kind-works-will-used-fight-stormtroopers-disneys-star-wars-land/
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More huge walls going up around the river. They want to get the Rivers of America and train back up and running by next year's summer.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-G9rntZb/0/XL/i-G9rntZb-XL.png)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BbkGWc2/0/XL/i-BbkGWc2-XL.png)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7kDnZSq/0/XL/i-7kDnZSq-XL.png)
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Lots of work being done. The wall between SWL and Fronteirland and the train route is really taking shape. The Battle ride has its basement now.
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SWL-Nov-4-NE-5-610x406.jpg)
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SWL-Nov-4-NE-6-610x406.jpg)
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SWL-Nov-4-SE-8-610x406.jpg)
http://micechat.com/143937-star-wars-land-news-starting-look-likea-land/ (http://micechat.com/143937-star-wars-land-news-starting-look-likea-land/)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i-V501SbH8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i-V501SbH8)
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Looking like 2019 is the target date for this to be live at DL and WDW both...
I've wanted to go to Florida now for a while, but kept putting it off because I want to see this when it's open and it's not like trips to WDW are cheap so I just kinda bide my time. This is my green light. :) Having a "Star Wars World" to walk around in will be something of a small dream come true. Saving pennies now for it.
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Disneyland is much farther along in their building. WDW is still mostly empty land. I think Disneyland's will be the superior version since WDW seems to cheap out on little things. WDW has also been pretty stagnant for the last twenty years.
Disneyland's version has gone vertical this week. Here is the latest construction video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-4kcrVBAAU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-4kcrVBAAU)
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WDW is much more within reach for us. We're going this fall with our little girl, and we're really looking forward to that. Too bad Star Wars world won't be ready until 2019, but I think we can probably head back in another couple of years.
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Well you could always see Avatar land and Rivers of Light over at Animal Kingdom. They should be open later this year.
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/02/just-announced-pandora-the-world-of-avatar-will-open-may-27-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ (https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/02/just-announced-pandora-the-world-of-avatar-will-open-may-27-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/)
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Disney has gone vertical on the Battle Escape ride.
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/SWL-Feb-17-N-1-610x406.jpg)
Picture of the new "Sarlacc pit".
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/SWL-Feb-17-W-9-610x406.jpg)
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/SWL-Feb-17-NE-1-610x406.jpg)
Lots of new rock work to be seen from the river and for the train to go over.
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/SWL-Feb-17-NE-2-610x406.jpg)
New trees planted along the berm.
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/SWL-Feb-17-HB-4-610x406.jpg)
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These are awesome shots. Thanks for posting, Paul!
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They announced a summer 2019 opening at Disneyland. Florida's version hasn't started construction yet. They are probably a year behind.
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New video of construction. That steel building will extend towards the camera and over the circular pit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK-lW5k94ng (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK-lW5k94ng)
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This piece showed up today. Do you think this is part of an interior AT-AT?
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/SWL-Mar-10-W-17-610x407.jpg)
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Here is an overlay from a map discovered on the construction site and a overhead view of what has currently been done. The green is the Battle Escape building. The purple is the Falcon ride. The orange are restraunts, shops and jedi training theater. The yellow is where the train will go and the boarder of the land including the Fantasmic boat/prop storage off the river.
(http://forums.wdwmagic.com/attachments/upload_2017-3-10_15-47-53-png.193342/)
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Sure looks like it! Or the Endor bunker entrance...
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I've confirmed with a friend of mine that works construction there. Those are indeed two AT-ATs.
(http://forums.wdwmagic.com/attachments/at-at-inside-jpg.194005/)
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AT-ATs are in the house.
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Star Wars-Themed Lands Come To Life as Construction Progresses at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts (https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/03/star-wars-themed-lands-come-to-life-as-construction-progresses-at-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-resorts/) @ Disney Blog
Neat little video shot of the in-progress AT-ATs they have there.
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Friends in wdw right now. Sounds like droid bins are awfully picked over. :-\
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Friends in wdw right now. Sounds like droid bins are awfully picked over. :-\
Yeah, there was not a whole lot of variety when I was at the store in Disney Springs last week. I came away with two droids total, both different from anything I'd seen there on previous stops. They had lots of parts, but mostly the same ones.
I still find it pretty fun though, when it's not all crazy hectic at the station.
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I've managed to get every part, most in multiples, thanks to friends who go frequently enough to do that for me. I've mixed/matched some parts with the multi-pack parts too, to make a pretty seemingly endless variety. Throw in some Hasbro BAD parts too and it's even better. Add to that some minor "customizing" to parts I had plenty of and it can get even more absurd.
It sounds like this recent trip has me 100% caught up on parts at this point I think. That's a good feeling... It'll end as soon as that R5 pack comes out. ::) I'd love to have some extra parts to swap onto those too. I already have a slight plan there.
I wish they had more "generic" domes readily available all the time, regardless of wave. A solid white, solid silver, and perfectly clear R2-R3 dome would be neat things to have, from a customizing perspective. I could see buying many of the bodies and just slapping those "generic" domes on. I'd probably rebuy MANY of what I already have, actually.
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Latest video of Star Wars land construction at Disneyland.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dOIj58uN_w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dOIj58uN_w)
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The Star Wars land model is on display at D23. I think the UGP crew could have done a better job. ;)
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_3525-610x407.jpg)
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_3539-696x464.jpg)
(http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_3581-610x407.jpg)
(http://cdn.wdwmagic.com/imgstore/ElementGalleryItems/attractions/Fullsize/Star-Wars-Land_Full_30555.jpg?width=800&quality=90&encoder=freeimage&progressive=true)
(http://cdn.wdwmagic.com/imgstore/ElementGalleryItems/attractions/Fullsize/Star-Wars-Land_Full_30556.jpg?width=800&quality=90&encoder=freeimage&progressive=true)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJxDQVnOyx4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJxDQVnOyx4)
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I think Disney/Hasbro needs to make one of these. Imagine having it full of Stormtroopers for a diorama.
(http://www.behindthethrills.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/20050493_10212641941777399_1669882632_o-800x500_c.jpg)
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More droid testing going on in Disneyland.
(http://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1011_nws_ocr-l-swldroid-04-1.jpg)
http://www.ocregister.com/2017/10/10/a-droid-named-jake-roams-disneyland-will-this-and-other-droids-follow-you-around-in-star-wars-land/
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More construction.
(https://forums.wdwmagic.com/attachments/upload_2017-10-5_15-33-52-png.236129/)
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Check out THIS HOLLYWOOD REPORTER ARTICLE (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/disney-reveals-drone-footage-star-wars-land-construction-1093267?utm_source=twitter&utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral). They give some updates on the status of Galaxy's Edge, along with some HD drone footage of the construction site at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.
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My friends I think are gonna do the stay in the park experience thing with costumes and a storyline. I heard the price and I’m pretty sure I won’t be doing it but I still wanna get to the park to see the attraction at least.
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Flyover of construction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWz-2p83shY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWz-2p83shY)
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7 things we've learned about Star Wars land. It looks like we are getting a Loth-Cat and other animals to pet. Some of them you can take home. Pictures of the skinned full size AT-ATs. The original voice of Nien Numb is back. A second dark ride element will be a full size Resistance Troop Transport. I assume that is from when you leave your droid controlled vehicle midway through the Battle Escape ride and board this thing.
https://www.slashfilm.com/star-wars-galaxys-edge-details/
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Video of rock work at Disneyland's Galaxy Edge. I believe a ship can be seen too. The Falcon is being built outside now. They are getting pretty close for a summer 2019 opening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zHam-pb16k (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zHam-pb16k)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i5yEx_RsZU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i5yEx_RsZU)
(https://forums.wdwmagic.com/attachments/1540058096969-png.320996/)
I like the R2-D2 building dome.
(https://go.nearmap.com/hubfs/overhead-views/overhead-view-star-wars-land-progress_anaheim-ca_2018-09-30.jpg?t=1539741762611)
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dpp56iNUYAACfja.jpg:large)
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The Falcon is coming along nicely!
We are planning a family getaway next October during the kids' school break. Don't tell them...it's a surprise!
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Check out this update on Star Wars Galaxy's Edge (https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/11/exciting-star-wars-galaxys-edge-news-from-destination-d/?CMP=SOC-DPFY19Q1wo1115181121180030C). They've posted some videos that are previews of the experiences that park-goers can expect:
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssgGCjpFP4Q)
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSxE-b2YDAQ)
And very notably? The Star Wars maestro himself, John Williams, has composed music that will be featured in Galaxy's Edge:
John Williams Creating New and Original Star Wars Themes Exclusively for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryorxnoVWxQ)
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I just found Reverse Imagineering website. The link below will lead you to an interactive model of the Galaxy Edge. I suggest that you load it to full screen.
https://www.reverseimagineering.com/models/
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(https://i.imgur.com/na5g6zT.jpg)
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Hello beautiful.
(https://forums.wdwmagic.com/attachments/abebce63-6a81-420d-b640-b7850c7150ae-jpeg.331815/)
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Latest video from Disney. Shows some of the rides.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=134&v=SowdvPryB2g (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=134&v=SowdvPryB2g)
(https://i2.wp.com/micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG_2526.png?resize=768%2C355&ssl=1)
(https://i0.wp.com/micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG_2531.png?resize=768%2C355&ssl=1)
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Interesting information from Barron's. Thanks to Ken Coates for pointing this out! - By Jack Hough (Barron's)
* This is talking about the Disneyland version
Barron’s recently spent an afternoon touring Galaxy’s Edge—a first for the press this late in construction—with executives from construction, operations, and “imagineering,” or creative design, along with a Star Wars expert in a holiday R2-D2 sweater. Here are some scattered notes from that visit, including previously unreported details, some of which might be subject to change.
(1) Visitors will enter Galaxy’s Edge through one of three entrances near the park’s Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Critter Country themed areas, with the expansion turning what are now dead ends into a circuitous route.
(2) Building exteriors in Galaxy’s Edge are designed to look weathered from the first day of completion
(3) Galaxy’s Edge will open in Disneyland this summer, perhaps by early June. (not confirmed!)
(4) At the Disneyland site, there are about 600 workers now, down from a peak of 1,000 to 1,100. During our visit, one team was preparing to weld joints and seams to cover screw heads on the Millennium Falcon, which was recently assembled from the contents of 93 crates. Another was lifting an ornamental radar dish to a control tower. Another was attending to the ceiling in Oga’s.
(5) Access to the construction site is strictly controlled; some key executives say their family members haven’t been able to visit. Laborers are told background stories of the areas they build to help instill pride in the work.
(6) For real trees, a team of horticulturalists has taken pains to choose and obtain—and protect—particular species. One sign for the crew on a potted tree awaiting transplanting read, “The cost to replace this tree is $9,000. Please respect all trees and keep this area clean.”
Millennium Falcon : Smuggler's Run
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(1) The attraction entrance will be subtly marked, so as not to disrupt the look of the land.
(2) Visitors will fly the ship in groups of six, and see the real-time results of their actions, such as knocking over a spire during takeoff. The flight will be different each visit.
Rise of the Resistance (ROTR)
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(1) Visitors waiting in line for this attraction will wind through highly themed interiors that evoke rundown rooms the Resistance has repurposed as a base for operations against the First Order.
(2) Groups of guests might be “captured” at one point and ordered along by the enemy, before making their escape aboard a trackless troop transport.
Oga's Cantina
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(1) Oga’s is relatively small for aesthetic reasons, and is likely to be popular. To maximize capacity and keep visits from becoming all-afternoon affairs, most guests will stand.
(2) There will be a handful of booths with seating around the outer edge of the restaurant; no decision has been made yet on whether or how these can be reserved.
(3) We heard a mention of a "Fuzzy Tauntaun", named for the furry snow lizards ridden in Empire Strikes Back, although it’s unclear if that’s a hypothetical drink or a planned one, and the menu is still being decided.
Other Retail
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(1) Shops will be supplied from a common stockroom, and restaurants from a common kitchen, to increase efficiency.
(2) One shop will feature droids that visitors can customize through an interactive experience. A droid that is made to be, say, afraid of stormtroopers might signal its fear when one comes close. Droids owned by members of the same group might recognize each other when they meet. Prices have not been set. The shop might also sell a full-size R2-D2 for well-heeled fans, perhaps costing thousands.
(3) There will be another shop presided over by Dok-Ondar, a collector who is briefly mentioned in Solo. This character, likely animatronic.
Full article source ->https://www.barrons.com/articles/he...kYveSBHo9W8bamRChDMQ3i_HYkqdAB-2Qai75wqDQFsnA (https://www.barrons.com/articles/he...kYveSBHo9W8bamRChDMQ3i_HYkqdAB-2Qai75wqDQFsnA)
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Latest rumor is a June 21st opening for Star Wars land at Disneyland. Disneyland also has upped their prices and added more blackout dates accordingly. For the price of a premier pass, you can buy three Jabba's sail barges.
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Latest rumor is a June 21st opening for Star Wars land at Disneyland. Disneyland also has upped their prices and added more blackout dates accordingly. For the price of a premier pass, you can buy three Jabba's sail barges.
We're planning a trip out there this fall....luckily, I can take advantage of the USAF and get tickets through them.
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Disneyland Resort is saluting active and retired U.S. military personnel by offering Military Promotional 3- and 4-Day Park Hopper Tickets. You can visit both theme parks each day of your ticket!
Purchase from November 1, 2018 through December 18, 2019, and receive admission for 3 days for just $178 or 4 days for $198 from January 1 through April 13 and April 23 through December 21, 2019.
These are amazing deals considering these prices below:
(https://i2.wp.com/micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Disneyland-Single-Day-Tickets-2019-mc.jpg?resize=768%2C283&ssl=1)
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I do give Disney a lot of credit far taking care of military. Last time I was there, we got free two day passes for being active duty military!
That was an independence day special back in 2003.
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(https://forums.wdwmagic.com/attachments/jex9ot2l-jpg.343838/)
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(https://forums.wdwmagic.com/attachments/2959d33c-de83-4a81-a09a-0d18bc89a066-jpeg.343839/)
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(https://forums.wdwmagic.com/attachments/4a53f52e-5760-4797-bd4c-91f406ac559f-png.345054/)
(https://forums.wdwmagic.com/attachments/arch-jpg.345065/)
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(https://i.imgur.com/kPngdaC.jpg)
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I must be going blind...
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Does anyone know if Disneyland will have a Star Wars themed resort or is it just Disneyworld?
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If I’m not mistaken, and I don’t think I am, only WDW has the resort that is like a spaceship and that whole experience with costumes and stuff if you stay there. I’d like to do it before I’m dead. It’s about. G only goal at this point besides just staying alive. 🤔
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It is...I did some more research. We're surprising the kids with a trip to Disney Land, Lego Land and Universal this fall...next time we'll go to WDW to stay at that resort.
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Sounds like a fun trip man.
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Disney Hollywood Studios get the Star Wars hotel. That's ok since Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge is bigger and fits in it's environment better and it is DISNEYLAND!
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Flyover of Epcot and SW:GE over in Florida.
https://www.facebook.com/news6/videos/566844703821055/ (https://www.facebook.com/news6/videos/566844703821055/)
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The TIE Fighter has been installed.
(https://forums.wdwmagic.com/attachments/yensid55-47-png.352274/)
(https://forums.wdwmagic.com/attachments/hardhat-01-jpg.352524/)
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This is the ship you enter that gets captured by a Star Destroyer and you find back home in the Rise of the Resistance ride.
(https://forums.wdwmagic.com/attachments/its-2-26-19-png.352660/)
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I have a few friends who go to Disney World a few times a year and one of them shared this with me tonight... thanks Jim! Awesome stuff. Lots of details.
https://d23.com/galaxys-edge-announcements/
Really neat stuff and I hope I’m able to do the resort experience some day in the future. It’s a lot of $ to blow on myself but it’s definitely a bucket list thing for me at this point.
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I'm going to piss off my kids when we first go on the Millennium Falcon ride and I have to sit in the front left seat on the first go round. Sorry boys....I've wanted to do that since I was six years old! :D
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Hondo is in the house!
There will be an AA robot of Hondo in the Smugglers Run ride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=5qteMlMAaNM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=5qteMlMAaNM)
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TIE Echelon ship from Galaxy's Edge.
(https://i.redd.it/600g64urgdj21.png)
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"According to all the press releases today, Hondo will be part of the Millennium Falcon attraction as the new owner. The Falcon details sound just amazing, like the echoing of the floor as you walk across it (implying secret compartments underneath). When you reach the front of the queue and are put into groups you are given a number and you have the chance to wander around the main room of the ship until your number is called. Also, you can use your phone to scan Hando's freight and see what's inside."
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I love it!
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Galaxy's Edge opens May 31st at Disneyland and August 29th at Disney Hollywood Studios.
It seems only the MF Smuggler's run will be open initially at Disneyland then Rise of the Resistance a month later. This is to keep crowds under control. You will also need to have a valid Disneyland ticket and a free online reservation to enter the land for the first few months.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=30&v=ouc5wjK3sZo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=30&v=ouc5wjK3sZo)
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(https://i.imgur.com/1g0Q4gQ.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/rVnf2YH.png)
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We already had a WDW trip planned for the first week of October to take advantage of free admission for my 2yo daughter as well as free dining. I was hoping we’d get a shot at a soft opening or something otherwise I’d have planned a weekend in early 2020. Now it’ll be open when we go! So excited!!
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SMOKING:
Disneyland and California Adventure currently each have one designated smoking area. Those areas will be eliminated and smoking will only be allowed outside the secure areas of the Esplanade.
That essentially will make Disneyland a smoke-free resort as of May 1.
This pretty much means you have to go back to the parking lots to smoke. That also means that Downtown Disney becomes no smoking too.
https://abc7.com/society/disneyland-prepping-for-star-wars-galaxys-edge/5221633/ (https://abc7.com/society/disneyland-prepping-for-star-wars-galaxys-edge/5221633/)
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Also effective May 1st, Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks and ESPN wide world of sports complex will be smoke free.
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I got the sense that Walt Disney World and Disney Hollywood Studios were like that already. The parks are geared towards families with kids, and a smoking ban seems entirely appropriate. And considering Walt Disney himself died from lung cancer which is attributed to him being a heavy smoker? I could see why the company would take that stance.
I'm beginning to look at going to WDW with the family next spring. But they don't seem to be accepting bookings for 2020 yet, and there do not appear to be options for booking hotel rooms at the Star Wars themed resort. What I've been able to find is limited (http://blogmickey.com/2019/03/infrastructure-work-begins-on-star-wars-hotel-at-walt-disney-world/), but it looks like construction of the hotel is slowly getting underway. Land has been cleared and they seem to be dealing with the major utility connections and foundation work. But I don't think the hotel will be open for quite some time. And the estimates on the number of rooms at the Star Wars hotel seem EXTREMELY limited.
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We are mulling over plans now. Prelim stuff but I am hell bent on staying and having the in park experience at the resort. That’s a dream come true thing so I cannot pass it up. It’s gonna be amazing. Something to work towards with my gf and my friends who go all the time.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D35WYcaWwAAFwSv.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D35WYcZWAAIYraD.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D35WYikWkAEdZlp.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D35WYoLXsAAJ48K.jpg)
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24 days until opening at Disneyland
(https://i.imgur.com/L6lmPll.jpg)
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No construction equipment in site. Looks like it's ready. This is of course Disneyland.
(https://i.imgur.com/fzQd57O.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jtugUvy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NI9P3Fo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iwOktt5.jpg)
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Opening day cast and crew of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland.
(https://i.imgur.com/QCN04JM.jpg)
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It's been announced that build your own lightsabers at Galaxy Edge will be $200 and will be die-cast. I'm thinking the quality will be slightly higher than the Hasbro plastic build a lightsaber but no where near as nice as SaberForge or UltraSabers.
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(https://i.imgur.com/T4XnduYl.png)
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Dedication ceremony will be streamed live on May 29th at 8:20PDT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=59&v=AxYRuj2PVJ4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=59&v=AxYRuj2PVJ4)
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I didn’t see a specific thread for this subject and felt it might get lost under the similar topic for the Star Wars Resort at Disney World, so started a new thread. Anyways, this past Sunday, I had the opportunity to visit the soon-to-open Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area at Disneyland, California. I was able to visit thanks to my brother, a Disney Cast Member, while the park was doing a “dress rehearsal” for the operations of the new area and attractions. As the new “land” isn’t officially open to the public, cellphones and photos were not allowed and we had to put our electronic devices into a sealed bag for the duration of our stay... Thus I’ve included a photo of my wristband below ;)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rpZX3kht/B1-E8-DE55-328-B-4-BBA-B080-34-E8228-A6-D29.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/t4DLnbGm/D259-F153-F07-E-4351-B36-B-B5-A313352-A4-F.jpg)
I won’t divulge too much, but in short, this new area of the park is awesome - basically a Star Wars Nerd’s fantasy come to life. The new area is immersive and a lot more like one of those living history areas (think Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia) than one of the other “lands” in Disneyland like Adventureland or Fantasyland. You have to reserve a specific time to enter and are allotted four hours for a visit.
The new area is centered around a spaceport/village called Black Spire Outpost. It is set in the Sequel Trilogy era and the architecture and details of the spaceport and village look amazing. Like something you’d see in the films or a movie set. The centerpiece is a life-sized (1:1 scale) Millennium Falcon, recreated right down to the smallest pipes and wiring. There is also a First Order Shuttle in another part. There are cast members in costumes of various movie characters, FO stormtroopers walking about, etc. The outpost village has a variety of shops and a couple restaurants, all themed to look/feel like something from Star Wars. The shops sold a lot of unique merchandise - not so much the action figures and toys, but more like costumes and props, etc. I did not do the build-a-lightsaber function as I didn’t have $200+ to spare! Moving out from the outpost you come to a Resistance base with a full-sized T-70 X-Wing and A-Wing. This part looked like it was still under development somewhat and a Resistance-themed ride is set to open next year (I think). Tons of great photo opportunities through the entire place.
The main attractions are the cantina and the simulator ride - Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run. I wasn’t able to get into the cantina due to a long line, but did do the Millennium Falcon ride a couple times. This was a blast! The ride involves flying a smuggling run in the Falcon and riders are assigned crew specialties (e.g. pilots gunners, engineers). You sit in a recreation of the famous cockpit and are given control over certain aspects of the ship using buttons and controls. Its a far more interactive ride; a lot more like a flight simulator. Again, it was really fun ;D
Overall, I really enjoyed the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge themed area immensely. It was awesome seeing the full-sized ships, the buildings, and especially the Millennium Falcon ride. It was really an immersive experience and Disney has done a superb job at making you truly feel like you’ve been transported into the Star Wars Universe...
I’ll be anxious to hear the experiences of everyone else that gets to visit this new park in the coming weeks and months. While I was lucky enough to get in for free thanks to my brother, getting a chance to see it would definitely be worth the Disneyland ticket price 8)
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Cool you got in to see it man and thanks for sharing that with us. I knew you lived out that way so that’s awesome your brother was able to get you in early. I’ve heard he food lines so far have made the ride lines look small haha. Go figure right?
I’m hoping to someday get to go to the Disney world resort attached to the park and do the immersive experience they’re planning there. I guess it’s like $250 a night per person though but I’d like to do it before I croak anyway haha.
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Article and clip on CNN (https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/disneyland-star-wars-galaxys-edge-preview/index.html) was pretty cool.
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If you haven't gone to Disneyland yet to see Galaxy's Edge now is a great time. You no longer need to make a reservation to enter the land before coming to the park. The park has very low crowds thanks the virtual queuing system they setup to enter the land. Once in the park, you choose a four hour window and they fast pass you into the new land. The Falcon ride is averaging about 45 minutes and has very little down time. The rest of the park is remarkably uncrowded. This is in part thanks to the internet trolls keeping people away and the fantastic crowd management system Disney has set in place.
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I have a couple of questions for the Disneyland regulars:
What are the crowds like in mid-October? We’ve planned a trip for that time (we’ll be in DL in the middle of the week) and I’m curious to how busy it will be.
Can you go into the static display of the Millenuim Falcon? I thought I saw a video online of people touring inside the Falcon, but I saw another video of someone touring Galaxy’s Edge and it looked fenced off. I’m also trying to plan things for us to do while we’re waiting to build our lightsabers! (I’m going to be so broke after this trip!)
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There are actually a good number of Disney fan forums that have tips about how to visit the parks, both in California and Florida. I know when we looked at going to Disney World we found that two of the months where the crowds were not as bad were in November and April. We opted for early November and it was pretty manageable. But after Thanksgiving through New Year's is pretty crazy. Disney has their own travel agents who can help because the whole process can easily seem overwhelming.
From what I've read about Galaxy's Edge? The Millennium Falcon is a HUGE draw. The vehicle as we've seen it in the photos and video is not part of the ride, but at the entrance to the lines for the ride. You make your way through what looks like the Falcon's interior before you get to the cockpit, and the main hold with the Dejarik table and the engineering station are a waiting area before you get into the cockpit. There are also some indications that there might be several cockpits (each of which holds 6 people per ride).
I've also read that Disneyland is limiting people to about 4 hours in Galaxy's Edge. Make sure you get a reservation in Oga's Cantina ahead of time. And save the Falcon for the end of your 4 hours so that you don't spend all of your time on line.
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Thanks Nick....from what I've read the need for reservations is only for a limited time and will be done by the time we go. I'm hoping that the Rise of the Resistance ride is open by then...that looks like fun too.
Not sure what we're doing about food yet. Both my wife and oldest son have very limited diets. Luckily, Disney is very good at working with people with food sensitivities and even allow you to bring your own food.
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Disney has never enforced the 4 hour thing since GE opened. No reservations are needed. Disneyland is having a really slow summer. The park crowds are extremely light right now. Wait times on the Falcon Target Run are around a half hour. This is pretty amazing since the resort in general should be packed for the summer but it's not. In fact, Galaxy's Edge is almost a ghost town for most of the day.
Tip. If you go, leave GE for the afternoon or evening. Everyone goes there in the morning. The place is dead in the evening. The only place that is constantly packed is the new cantina. Disney fans like to get sloshed it seems at the parks.
In fact there are 10-15% discounts on Disneyland Hotel and Grand California Hotel room rates though the end of September.
Basically the Disney trolls are calling Galaxy's Edge a failure since it is open with just one ride and a too small bar. The signature ride doesn't open until next year. They are having extreme technical problems.
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It looks like the reasons that Galaxy's Edge is empty is due to the Annual Pass blackout dates until sometime in August, the price hikes Disney has put in place for passes, The Rise of the Resistance Ride not being online yet (I'm particularly bummed about this one because it's not coming online in DL until January and we have a trip planned for mid-October), and that Disneyland is more of a regional park compared to Disney World.
I'm guessing that Disney World's opening will be more crowded, especially in December when The Rise of the Resistance attraction opens.
I'm just hoping that all the sold out merch (kyber crystals, droid backpacks, dejarik boards, etc) are restockec in Disneyland by October....I plan on spending a small fortune there! :D
One thing I see as a possibly fatal flaw in Galaxy's Edge is that, due to the immersive nature of the land, the timeline is set between TLJ and TROS. With TROS being released in December, the land becomes obsolete in December....before the Rise of the Resistance is even open in both parks! I'm sure someone at Disney has thought about this and there's a plan to deal with this....I'm just curious as to what it is.
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I’m so excited to go to the wdw one someday and stay at the park for the whole shebang. I’m kind of treating it as a bucket list thing that I will likely only ever do one time and enjoy it as much as I can while I am there. It has looked like so much fun already. I just can’t kmagine living there and going all the time though, haha. I wonder if that would diminish it some for you?
Working there seems like it would be kind of cool, ****** unlivable pay aside of course.
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I lived in Orlando for three and a half years when I was a student at UCF. I went to Epcot twice in that time...both times were when family were visiting.
Of course, I did not have a car at the time either. :)
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I was there when I was 5 and 12. Haven’t been back since but friends go all the time and have a share there so I have had opportunity but not with Star Wars land which I’ve been anxiously awaiting. And I really wanna do the in park thing since it’s so immersive. If I get that then I’m fine I think if I never got there again, though I wouldn’t mind more trips. It just is too much for me generally.
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I agree Jesse, that the Immersive Hotel that will be at DW will be a bucket list item. It will be extremely expensive though.
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Yeah the per night cost was high... it was very high. Haha.
I’ve been lucky to have so many friends go who are more than happy to shop for me. I really want one of those spiders from SWLand tho. They look decently 4” scale.
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What spiders do you speak of? I've been so focused on the custom lightsabers, build-a-droids, kyber crystals, holocrons, Jynn's toy stormtrooper, dejarik board and blue milk, I must have missed it. :D
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See if I can dig up a pic but they were on Rebels and were reused McQuarrie art of the “Dagobah Spiders”... they showed up on the toon Rebels tho. Pretty big and looked poseable to boot but haven’t heard many folks mention them and I’ve never seen one next to a Hasbro Figure for comparison.
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And don't forget the squealing Puffer Pig toys from "Rebels," too. Also think there might be Lothcats..?
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See if I can dig up a pic
Krykna Spiders - battery operated walking toy at the Creature shop at SWGE.
(https://cdn7.wdwnt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/creature-stall-star-wars-galaxys-edge-opening-day-merchandise_24-1200x900.jpeg)
image source link (https://wdwnt.com/2019/05/photos-every-adoptable-creature-at-the-creature-stall-in-star-wars-galaxys-edge/) (good info here on the toys in the Creature shop)
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See if I can dig up a pic
Krykna Spiders - battery operated walking toy at the Creature shop at SWGE.
(https://cdn7.wdwnt.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/creature-stall-star-wars-galaxys-edge-opening-day-merchandise_24-1200x900.jpeg)
image source link (https://wdwnt.com/2019/05/photos-every-adoptable-creature-at-the-creature-stall-in-star-wars-galaxys-edge/) (good info here on the toys in the Creature shop)
WOW! I wonder how big these are relative to the action figures?
Disney made a Happabore that was reasonably to scale with the 3.75" figures.
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They look like the Kinrath from KOTOR!
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Whaaa? :D
I never knew about these either! And I need at least two.
Dare I even hope these might make it to the ShopDisney app at some point?
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WOW! I wonder how big these are relative to the action figures?
Disney made a Happabore that was reasonably to scale with the 3.75" figures.
They scale well with 3.75
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Jeff found the exact pic I recalled seeing and couldn’t find lol. I had it on my phone for a while but must’ve deleted it. I’m anxious to get a couple of those since they’re right up my alley as concept art collectibles. I was hoping by now anomie took a pic with a figure for comparison.
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Only 2 listings for them on eBay, both absurdly overpriced. >:(
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I've been looking at all the items you can purchase at Galaxy's Edge (https://wdwnt.com/2019/06/photos-every-merchandise-item-from-dok-ondars-den-of-antiquities-at-star-wars-galaxys-edge/) and have come to the conclusion I will have no money by the nd of October.
Between 3 lightsabers (me and my sons), 3 droids (again, me and my boys), Kyber crystals for the lightsabers and holocrons, and add that we're also going to Universal Studios, Legoland and the rest of Disneyland....yeah, I'm going to be completely broke. :D
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Yeah it’s not like the trip is t expensive on its own but there’s sooooooo much stuff to buy that is really cool. They did a fine job with the souvenirs for these places.
I follow a GE group on Facebook and they’ve been posting pics from preview night at the Florida location comparing differences in the two places. I guess there’s a crashed ship or escape pod at Florida that isn’t at Anaheim. Just small differences but it’s kind of interesting to see. I’m so anxious just to have a drink in a “Star Wars cantina” haha.
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Yeah it’s not like the trip is t expensive on its own but there’s sooooooo much stuff to buy that is really cool. They did a fine job with the souvenirs for these places.
I follow a GE group on Facebook and they’ve been posting pics from preview night at the Florida location comparing differences in the two places. I guess there’s a crashed ship or escape pod at Florida that isn’t at Anaheim. Just small differences but it’s kind of interesting to see. I’m so anxious just to have a drink in a “Star Wars cantina” haha.
The Kyber crystals are sold out at Disneyland unless you buy a holocron/lightsaber. Drinking at the Star Wars cantina is a very cramped affair. They really pack you in. Don't expect any aliens or bounty hunters to interact with you because there aren't any. Cut from the budget. Drinks are really expensive and the hostess are rude and unaccommodating.
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Paul,
Have you been to GE since the grand opening? I've heard the horror stories about the cantina have changed considerably since the opening when it comes to crowds and how the cast members are acting. The drinks are still expected and you don't have aliens or smugglers to interact with (that would be awesome to add along with the reputation system from the Disney Play app), but it's apparently a lot more fun now.
I need those Kyber Crystals, droid backpacks and personality chips to be restocked by mid-October!
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Just like the bar over at DCA, the bar still has a long line to get in. The ride however is still a walk on in the afternoons or evening. The bar staff is understaffed and stressed. They still have no live entertainment or even star wars music in the land. Hopefully that will change soon as the lower level AP groups return to the parks.
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I'm curious to see how the Disneyworld opening goes.
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My guess is it will be packed because of the trapped tourists. Tourists go on everything. Locals are a bit more choosy.
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On Monday, the great unwashed Deluxe and lower Annual Pass holders are allowed to enter Disneyland again. We will see if business picks up at Star Wars land or Disney rethemes it to Star Crash. Everything is better with The Hoff.
(http://deadshirt.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/StarcrashRobotFencing.jpg)
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Concept art of the transportation system from the immersive hotel to Galaxy's edge released. (https://wdwnt.com/2019/08/concept-art-first-look-at-immersive-guest-transport-system-for-the-star-wars-hotel-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/)
It's going to be odd if you want to spend the day at Epcot!
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https://youtu.be/ExxxOmajklE
Kinda trippy haha
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I've been looking at all the items you can purchase at Galaxy's Edge (https://wdwnt.com/2019/06/photos-every-merchandise-item-from-dok-ondars-den-of-antiquities-at-star-wars-galaxys-edge/) and have come to the conclusion I will have no money by the nd of October.
I should not have looked at that link. I literally want 90% of that merch.
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And that's just Dok Ondar's. It doesn't cover the Droid Depot, Toydarian Toy maker, Republic Outfitter, First Order Outfitter and the Resistance kiosk.
Then there's Blue Milk, Cantina drinks, and food.
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My friends are going in sept and taking a suitcase just for stuff. I’ve been told to make a list and honestly I feel bad asking for even just the Droids cuz it’s a lot of stuff itself. 😕
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TSA bans Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge ‘thermal detonator’ Coke bottles (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/28/tsa-bans-star-wars-galaxys-edge-thermal-detonator-coke-bottles.html)
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The TSA employees just want free collectible soda bottles.
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The crowds last night at wdw’s were nuts as expected. Just saw a social media buddy who lives in Orlando zipper over after work tonight. I was jealously living vicariously through his posts. Looks like fun in any active natural disaster. 🤷♂️
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I'm just hoping with the opening at WDW will they can now un-**** their supply chains. I'm going to need a couple of droid backpacks, personality chips and kyber crystals!
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You would think that at a land that was build exclusively to sell expensive stuff they would stock their land better than my local walmart.
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The TSA employees just want free collectible soda bottles.
In my state, that's supplemental income.
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TSA bans Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge ‘thermal detonator’ Coke bottles (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/28/tsa-bans-star-wars-galaxys-edge-thermal-detonator-coke-bottles.html)
TSA reverses ban on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge 'thermal detonator' Coke bottles (https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/tsa-bans-star-wars-galaxys-edge-coke-bottles/index.html)
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Just got back from vacation, which included a stop at Disneyland and Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. :D
Long story short, our end of summer family trip to San Diego turned into a SoCal adventure - my wife used Costco travel to set-up three days at Disneyland to surprise me with a chance to see Galaxy's Edge and The Millennium Falcon (and the rest of Disneyland, which I'd never visited).
It's all still a bit of a whirlwind with vacation and now school tomorrow, but maybe later this week I'll get a chance to type up a larger post with some of my thoughts - overall, it was awesome. Just amazing to see, especially the Falcon. Smuggler's Run was a blast - a definite A+. We rode it enough times to try each spot at least once (piloting was my favorite). My wife also set up a time for my three boys and I to do the lightsaber building experience at Savi's Workshop. It was so nerdy (in a good way) and so much fun. An amazing experience. Disney gets an A+ on that one too.
Overall a totally nerdy experience (again, nerdy in a good way). I would recommend it to anyone who loves Star Wars and doesn't have a stick up their butt about the sequel trilogy or Rey or Disney. If you hate TFA/TLJ/Rey, you are probably not gonna like the Black Spire storylines.
For me, it was a ton of fun dorking out and just going all out Star Wars for parts of the day. Seeing the Millennum Falcon in person, sitting in front of me? Was like the dream come true for the kid in me (not gonna lie - I got a little misty seeing it too - damn California dust, I assume). We got hassled by FO Stormtroopers, ran into Rey, Chewbacca, and the new Rebel Spy Vi (from a new book about Black Spire Outpost I guess) at different times. Kids and I (and even my wife, surprisingly) all had a blast - at Galaxys Edge and the rest of the DL park (Downtown Disney, California Adventure, etc).
TSA reverses ban on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge 'thermal detonator' Coke bottles (https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/tsa-bans-star-wars-galaxys-edge-coke-bottles/index.html)
We were able to get quite a few deadly Thermal Detonator Coke bottles from San Diego to MSP safely. :P
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Very cool Jeff. I think my family is aiming for a late winter trip to Disneyworld to check it out.
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Awesome Jeff! I do have a quick question. Has Disney fixed their supply issues with respect to Kyber Crystals, personality chips and droid backpacks? We'll be there in 6 weeks....I'm so excited to see it!
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Obviously I’m hyper jealous Jeff, but glad you got to have an experience like that.
My close local friends are going Thursday and are going to pick up some toys for me. I feel bad even asking because I know their senses will be on overload and they really just need to enjoy themselves. It looks like just a ton to take in.
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Has Disney fixed their supply issues with respect to Kyber Crystals, personality chips and droid backpacks?
There were plenty of Kyber Crystals and accessories for droids when we were there. Pretty much everything is limited to one of each item per person to make it harder for scalpers. I heard some things were still sold out in the toymaker shop but I can't recall what that was.
I think between me and the three boys, we bought at least one of every crystal except white (no one wanted that one :P). I even lucked into the rare chase black crystal so we all dorked out about that. For the Droid Depot, I went back and forth about a backpack for my droid but opted to spend that money on other things instead (so many things to buy).
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That's awesome news Jeff! Thanks for filling us in.
I want one of each kyber crystal. I think the backpacks for the droids will make it easier for my kids to carry theirs around the park (I want one too).
I'm also hoping to get the dejarik board....I haven't heard anything about those being sold out.
So what does your lightsaber look like? :D
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFaYvJTW4AARb4e?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
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So we got back today from our grand California adventure that included 4 days at Disneyland, 3 Days at LEGOLAND an day at Universal Studios and some time in San Diego.
Galaxy's Edge is awesome! I highly recommend building a lightsaber (an incredible experience), building a droid (not as much of an experience, but still really fun), and going to the cantina at least once. Just walking around th area was great! I was wearing one of my stormtrooper shirts and one of the FO stromtroopers walked up to me, looked at my shirt, said "Impressive", and moved on!I spent a ton of money on Dok Ondar's picking up extra kyber crystals, holocrons and extra lightsaber blades (I picked up a long one for my Savi's saber and a short blade for my 5 year old's). The best part was Smuggler's Run. I got to sit left seat in the Falcon with my 9 year old as my copilot. I have wanted to fly the Millennium Falcon for 42 years. After the ride was over, I had to sit in the seat for a second just to appreciate it!
One of the coolest things happened on our last night in Disneyland. We went to Galaxy's Edge to watch the fireworks....BTW, when you do that, you are EXTREMELY CLOSE to the fireworks. My kids have issues with loud sounds so both of them were covering their ears while watching the fireworks. The day prior, we did a character meet and greet with Chewbacca near Star Tours (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsfClqP8-zE&t=3s). Colin kept saying how Chewbacca was his friend and would say hi to him when we went to Galaxy's edge. Well in the middle of the fireworks all of a sudden, Chewbacca was standing behind us and he was covering his ear as well! Once Colin saw this, Chewie took his hands off his ears and kept walking through the crowd. Colin watched the rest of the fireworks without covering his ears! I was in awe of it!
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I'm looking for advice from the crew here that has made it to Galaxy's Edge. I'm headed to Orlando with the family in January and am interested in your recommendations.
- Should we do lightsaber building, droid building, or both? Do we need to bother with reservations?
- What are the best times of day to go to Galaxy's Edge? They "guides" are always telling you to go first thing, but I thought I recalled hearing from people here that by mid-afternoon it clears out a lot
- Any other sweet SWAG I should be looking to pick up or must stop restaurants/cantinas we should hit?
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I went to GE in the first week of October. It was AWESOME. Here's my hints:
Take your time strolling around. There are a million little details fans will recognize and appreciate. Make sure to go in each shop, even if you don't buy anything. There is a lot of cool stuff to see.
I did not do droid or saber building. The droid building does not require an appointment, you can go in and see others building. There are some awesome full size droids on the scrap heap here too like K2-SO, etc. Saber building is a closed event where only two people (I believe) can go in. There were TONS of people carrying lightsabers though. Seemed pretty popular.
I went early, and I went late. The wait for Smuggler's Run was not bad at either time. When I went in the evening, I went in the single rider line and literally walked right on. A little wait here isn't bad as there is a ton to see in the queue area. The way the place is lit up at night is something to make an extra trip for (and on a side note, so is Pandora in Animal Kingdom).
We went into the cantina, but without reservations, it was standing tables only, and my 3-YO daughter wasn't having any of that. The bar itself is pretty awesome. We did eat at Docking Bay 7 and the food was just decent, but the atmosphere was very cool.
I did buy a gift card at the droid depot. It is a small metal "chip" that is "intergalactic" meaning it can be used anywhere in the resort.
Make sure you interact with the stormtroopers. See if you can find the rebel spy.
I can't really express how awesome I thought this was. My wife said I had a stupid grin on my face the entire time.
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I'm looking for advice from the crew here that has made it to Galaxy's Edge. I'm headed to Orlando with the family in January and am interested in your recommendations.
- Should we do lightsaber building, droid building, or both? Do we need to bother with reservations?
Hey Dave, we went to Disneyland not Disney World, so my answers might vary. I would definitely do both Lightsaber building and the droids. Savi's workshop is a better experience because of the "show" they put together plus the lightsaber you build is definitely worth the money. (I have MR/Black Series Force FX sabers that cost close to what you pay for the Savi's lightsaber and they don't have color changing removable blades!). The droid building is fun and the droids are pretty cool. Plus, if you leave them in close proximity to each other, they interact. Definitely get extra personality chips for them.
- What are the best times of day to go to Galaxy's Edge? They "guides" are always telling you to go first thing, but I thought I recalled hearing from people here that by mid-afternoon it clears out a lot
I would suggest downloading the Disney Parks app and watch the trends on the wait times. You can also use the app to make reservations.
- Any other sweet SWAG I should be looking to pick up or must stop restaurants/cantinas we should hit?
Definitely go to Oga's Cantina...it's a lot of fun. Dok Ondar's Den of Antiquities is another must see place, plus it's pretty much designed to separate you from all your money. I bought a lot of kyber crystals, holocrons and a long and short lightsaber blade for mine and my youngest's lightsabers. Docking Bay 7 has good food (I had the Shaak Roast which was really good), but definitely walk through Ronto's Roasters. Check out the creature stall and the Toydarian Toymaker...that's where I got the Dejarik board and the sabbac decks, plus they have a lot of things the kids will like.
I hope this helps....Florida's experience is similar to California, but a lot of things are different with respect to fast pass (not available in either Galaxy's edge, but I mean for the rest of the park) and just how things are handled overall (for example the magic bands are only used in Florida). I'm happy to help with other questions if you have them.
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Make sure you interact with the stormtroopers.
What's the extent of the interaction? I was at Universal Studios as a little kid when the old school Cylons roamed the park. My cousin and I approached one and he knocked our heads together, lightly, but still not cool.
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They will just talk with you.
I was wearing my t-shirt with a bunch of stormtroopers taking a selfie with Vader and Obi-Wan dueling in the background. One of the FO Troopers walked up to me, looked at my shirt, and said "Impressive"...then he continued on his patrol.
I've heard if you have your lightsaber out away from Savi's, they will escort you away and you get a cool photo op.
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They cautioned me to make sure my daughter did not cause any trouble (accurate assessment of her- first Stormtrooper to ever hit the mark). They have a set of canned phrases that they can somehow choose.
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Disney Hollywood Studios Rise of the Resistance ride threw videos are up. It is extremely impressive. It would be better if it was set in the OT and included Darth Vader instead of Kylo. It should be a fairly easily overlay to do that someday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pArXPrwa-rc&feature=emb_logo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pArXPrwa-rc&feature=emb_logo)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlqcpXqP8b8&feature=emb_logo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlqcpXqP8b8&feature=emb_logo)
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All of Galaxy's Edge could be rebranded to the OT practically overnight.
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Now that Rise of the Resistance has opened at Disneyland I've noticed a strange trend. You must have a boarding group in order to ride. You get one being in the park at rope drop. At 8am, you must press the boarding group button on your Disneyland app to get assigned. Unfortunately, those boarding groups are lasting about ten seconds. At 8:10am there is mass exodus from the park by people that didn't get a boarding pass. The park has low attendance the rest of the day. If you don't plan on going on that ride, you will enjoy a wonderfully not crowded day at the park. If you do get a boarding group, they will call you when it is ready. Once in line for the ride, it's only about a twenty minute wait.
The best way to get a boarding pass is to make sure all of your party is linked to your phone. Check your data speed before 8am. It might be better to use 4G instead of the park's wifi. It is also best to move to Tomorrowland instead of Main Street for a better wifi signal. At 7:59:59 refresh the app and press the button. If you get a boarding group under 81 you are good for the day. If not, you are not riding that day. Most people leave if they aren't in a low enough boarding group.
If you don't have a smart phone, you have to use the FP machine in Tomorrowland. If you are not within the first five people at that machine, you don't get a boarding pass at all.
It is the Disney lottery. Hotel guests and disabled don't have any advantages over anyone else.
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Since Disneyland has been seeing low ride waits because of SWL, Knotts has been packed. Over the holiday weekend, Disneyland has been showing low waits on rides like Space Mountain (35), RSR (50) and Pirates (15) while Knott's filled all of their parking lots by 10am.
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I wonder how long that boarding pass method will run for. We're planning on going back to DL in fall of 2021, I'm sure it will be just like any other ride by then!
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Starting today, WDW is offering FastPass for Smuggler's Run.
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Nice....that's a fun ride, and the queue is fun as well!
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My friends just got back from WDW again (got me the first, of what I assume will be all 4 for me, RotR playset ::)). It was like 60 for a high there I think the whole week. They had on beanies and coats. I lol'd at the pictures. So weird in Florida to see that I think. They've loved the park every time they've been there (3 times down now anyway). It's always busy at Battu East I guess, but fun. They got two RotR runs in. I forget how many Smuggler runs... I really get more excited to go every time they go and tell me stories, show me pictures. Killing me kinda, haha. I want to drive down I think, or take a train maybe. Try something different. I haven't driven to Florida before... Wouldn't mind seeing some of Georgia and SC maybe.
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Once you hit the Georgia/Florida border....you're halfway there! :D
Galaxy's Edge was busy when we went to DL back in October, but it wasn't horribly packed. I definitely wanted to call all the youtubers that hate Disney liars for calling it a ghost town though! We're already planning a trip there next fall (2021).
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Yeah every time my friends are down to WDW it’s pretty full. They managed two rides on RotR tho so that seemed to make them happy about the last trip down despite the weird weather. At least they avoided falling iguanas and stuff.
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I just got back from WDW / Hollywood Studios and it was totally packed with temperatures not getting above 40 on two of the days.
It was a hassle needing to be in the part at 7AM to get your boarding pass to Rise of the Resistance, so we only did that one day, but it was a really fun experience. Smugglers run was consistently 60 -80 minutes wait all day long. That is a fun ride too, and sitting in the chess table in the Falcon gave me goose bumps.
My wallet is still screaming from all the stuff I bought - color changing droids, droid factory, First Order Short-Range Evacuation Vehicle ($75!!!), mouse droid popcorn holder and thermal detonator coke containers, magnetic stuffed Porg, Rebels Spider, and t-shirts for the kids. I'm glad I was with a Disney Vacation Club member and got 20% off most items as the markup on most of the toys is pretty ridiculous.
The best part was Savi's build a lightsaber. The lightsaber is so cool, and the theater and experience of it was off the charts cool. Goose bumps again. I picked up extra kykber crystals for different color blade options, including gold. I didn't do the Droid Workshop, but watched people doing that and it looked pretty cool too.
Oga's cantina was off the charts cool. I think I was smiling the whole 45 minutes we were in there (you need a reservation and can't stay longer). All the shops, and food areas were neat too.
Running in to characters like Rey, Kylo Ren, FO Stormtroopers, Chewie, etc. were fun too.
Its really not about the rides at Hollywood Studios. Its all about the experience and the ambiance. The kids loved every minute of it too and they're only 20% the Star Wars fan that I am.
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The best part was Savi's build a lightsaber. The lightsaber is so cool, and the theater and experience of it was off the charts cool. Goose bumps again. I picked up extra kykber crystals for different color blade options, including gold. I didn't do the Droid Workshop, but watched people doing that and it looked pretty cool too.
What style did you build?
I went with the elemental/nature....I just thought the rancor tooth was too cool.
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What style did you build?
I went with the elemental/nature....I just thought the rancor tooth was too cool.
I was torn between elemental/nature and protection/defense. I chose protection/defense but kinda wished I had booked two build sessions and done both. Both have fantastic elements but I went with protection/defense as I really liked the old school KOTOR Jedi feel. The online description is a perfect pitch for what it is - "Hilt materials bear mysterious motifs and inscriptions that reconnect users with the ancient wellspring of the Force".
If I go back I'll do an elemental/nature with the leather wrappings and rancor tooth.
I have no idea what the margins are on this experience, but I'd pay a pile of dough to be able to get a real "build-your-own" lightsaber mail order kit that allowed you to do all the swapping at home with parts from all of the themes. The solid metal hilts have a fantastic feel to them that is so much cooler than an FX saber. You'd miss all the cool theater involved, but the kit itself would be sweet.
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My 9 year old chose protection and defense....it's a cool look. We're planning on going back to Disneyland fall 2021, so that's what I'll build next time. :D
I own a few Force FX sabers and I agree that the Savi's lightsaber alone is worth the $200....the experience that goes with it is even better! I doubt they'd ever sell kits you could have shipped to you, because I'd have purchased a dozen of them by now and other than an Indiana Jones hat from adventure land, there wouldn't be much of a need to go back!
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Once you hit the Georgia/Florida border....you're halfway there! :D
Galaxy's Edge was busy when we went to DL back in October, but it wasn't horribly packed. I definitely wanted to call all the youtubers that hate Disney liars for calling it a ghost town though! We're already planning a trip there next fall (2021).
Halloween time and Christmas are the two busiest times of the year. Last summer it was completely dead. Actually right now, it is pretty dead too considering they just opened Rise of the Resistance. Disneyland is using the boarding group virtual queue. You have to get a boarding group as soon as the park opens at 8am from the DL App. Boarding groups disappear with ten seconds of Disneyland rope drop. You must be in the park at rope drop to get one.
What Disneyland is seeing is the place is packed at 8am as everyone plays the boarding group lottery on their phones. If they don't get a low enough number, thousands leave the park. By 9am the park is pretty deserted and very pleasant the rest of the day.
If you plan on going to Disneyland for the next few months (maybe all year) be prepared to be in the park at rope drop and ready to press the boarding group button on your phone. If not, pretend Rise of the Resistance doesn't exist and have a great day doing everything else.
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A couple of my coworkers just did a trip to Disneyland and they picked me up a spork from docking bay 7! This is currently in the running for the oddest Star Wars collectible in my collection. ;D
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I made a review/comparison video of our Savi's lightsabers. Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3evr4zPz8Tc&t=3s) to see it.