Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

I've been going to Galaxy's Edge (Disneyland, California) since the very first day it opened during the reservation period where guests only had four hours on Batuu. What an experience that was! I'm lucky enough to be an Annual Passholder, and to live close by, which allows me to make regular visits. Since the beginning, I've enjoyed sharing my experiences, reviews, stock updates, photoshoots featuring my Star Wars outfits and more with you. I just love Batuu so much! Today I'm especially excited to reveal my guide to going to Galaxy's Edge for the first time. I hope it helps you plan out your trip and if there's anything you still have questions about, please leave a comment below, send me an email or a DM on Twitter or Instagram. I'd love to hear from you!

While I'll be speaking from the experiences I've had visiting Galaxy's Edge in California (aka Batuu West), I'd suggest joining the Galaxy's Edge Facebook Group to find more information and answers to your questions about the location in Florida (aka Batuu East).


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

WHEN TO VISIT GALAXY'S EDGE

It's important to research and plan out when you'll be visiting Galaxy's Edge for the first time. Consider factors like whether or not you prefer warmer weather (there's not a lot of shade on Batuu so it feels much hotter in the Summer time) or colder weather, how long you'll be staying, and if there will be any big events happening in the park or in the area that will draw more guests in. I'd highly recommend reading through this article which is all about the best and worst months to visit Disneyland. You might also want to consider the Grad Nite events which take place on select nights in May and June. Even though they are nighttime events, the parks will be more crowded because the kids like to go and hang out before it begins. Here are the 2020 Grad Nite dates...

May - 8, 9, 15, 16, 20, 26, 27, 29, or 30
June - 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, or 13


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

MAKE RESERVATIONS

As soon as you know when you'll be visiting Galaxy's Edge, the first thing that you should do is make reservations for any of the activities you are interested in partaking in. You can currently book a reservation 60 days in advanced for Oga's Cantina, Savi's Workshop - Handbuilt Lightsabers, and the Droid Depot. To make a reservation, you can use the Disneyland app or the Disneyland website.

Oga's Cantina - I don't drink but I love the atmosphere at Oga's! It is loud inside but being a person who has sensitivities to loud noises, it doesn't bother met at all. The music provided by DJ-R3X is so fun and like the rest of Batuu, there are unique treats to try and several non-alcoholic beverages to choose from as well. There are breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that have different options so you might want to take a look at those before deciding when you'd like to go. Make sure you add every single person to your party while making a reservation and keep in mind that if you fail to cancel your reservation 24 hours before your appointment, your card will be charged $10 per person. At least one person in your group must be 14 years old. Your entire group should check in no earlier than 15 minutes prior to your reservation. Please keep in mind that there is limited seating at Oga's and you may be directed to stand at the bar unless you make a request to be seated at one of the booths. I've done this before while checking in but it did take a little extra time. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted but in most cases you will find yourself standing behind someone who is at the bar so the experience isn't quite ideal. You're limited to 45 minutes inside but you can opt to leave earlier if you wish. Drinks are not allowed outside of the Cantina. For my full review of my first experience at Oga's, click here.

My Favorite Drink/Snack at Oga's: The Hyperdrive ($6) is my favorite non-alcoholic drink available. If you like berry flavors, I think you'll enjoy this drink which is a mix of Powerade Mountain Berry Blast, White Cranberry Juice, Black Cherry Purée, and Sprite. The Bantha-inspired Vanilla Butter Sugar Cookie ($5.50) is my favorite snack there. The cookie itself is not the softest but the flavor is really good! It reminds me of Samoa cookies. The Annual Passholder Discount is accepted on both items.

Tip: If you're going to Oga's last minute, a few reservations are made available each morning at 7am pst on the Disneyland app and website. You've got to be quick though!

Savi's Workshop - Building a custom lightsaber was one of the greatest experiences I've had on Batuu! It costs $199.99 (Annual Passholder Discount not accepted) to make one and comes with a special enamel pin and a bag with a strap to carry the lightsaber in. When making a reservation you will not be charged until the day of the build. Only two guests can accompany you on your build and at least one of you must be 14 years old. It is important that you only add the number of people who are paying to build the lightsaber in your reservation. Guests who are coming to watch do not need to be accounted for. Check in 15 minutes prior to your appointment and if you need to cancel, make sure it is 24 hours before your appointment or your credit card will be charged the full cost of the lightsaber. Walk-ins are limited. The experience of building your lightsaber without the checking in and waiting times is about 30 minutes. You MAY walk around with your lightsaber on Batuu. For my detailed Savi's Workshop experience, please read my review.

Tip: The handbuilt lightsabers are the only lightsabers that allow you to change the Kyber Crystal colors. You can purchase white, blue, green, yellow, red and purple crystals at Dok Ondar's Den of Antiquities. Black Kyber Crystals can be found inside the Red Kyber Crystal viles, but you won't know if you've got on until you open it! This is also the only place that you can get the 32 inch blade (only 26 inch and 34 inch are available to purchase at Dok Ondar's.

Droid Depot - This is the best activity with a reservation for little ones to take part in! Of course, adults will have a blast building their own droid too but I always see more children here than at Savi's Workshop. I think part of this is not only due to the extra cost of the lightsaber but the hilts themselves are quite heavy and may be difficult for your child to carry. It costs $99.99 (Annual Passholder Discount not accepted) to build a droid. Only one guest is allowed to accompany the builder. It is important that you only add the number of people who are paying to build a droid in your reservation. Walk-ins are more commonly available here than at Savi's and Oga's. Check in no earlier than 15 minutes prior to your reservation, and if you need to cancel, make sure it is 24 hours before your appointment or your credit card will be charged the full cost of the droid. The experience of building your droid without the checking in and possible waiting times is about 30 minutes. You are NOT allowed to use the remote control your droid comes with to operate it around Batuu (unless a CM has a designated area for Droid races, more on that down below) but you can carry it around and take photos. For my full review on my experience building my own droid, please read my review.

Tip: There are droid chips (which change their voices and phrases) as well as stickers, accessories and specialized backpacks to carry your droids around in available to purchase.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

GUIDE MAP

Galaxy's Edge is unlike any of the other lands at Disneyland. It's meant to feel like you've traveled offworld. Because of this, there are not many signs or names of things to read that will help you to determine where things are. But don't worry, you'll quickly learn your way around, especially if you pick up a Guide Map when you're entering the Disneyland ticket gates. Like the rest of the park, everything is listed and pinpointed on the Galaxy's Edge map so that you can quickly find everything from attractions to refreshers (restrooms).

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

WHERE TO ENTER GALAXY'S EDGE

There are three entrances to Galaxy's Edge. The one I most commonly use is the one in Frontierland behind Big Thunder Mountain. It sets you right in front of the Droid Depot. There is another near Fantasyland. This is the one closest to the Millennium Falcon. It's also right where the Milk Stand and the TIE Echelon can be found so often times this entrance is the most crowded. The third entrance is in Critter Country near the Hungry Bear Restaurant. This will direct you to the Resistance Area and the new attraction, Rise of the Resistance!


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

WHAT TO DO FIRST

I predicted that the Rise of the Resistance attraction opening would be a event deal than when Galaxy's Edge first opened and I was right! The main reason is because many fans were waiting to visit Galaxy's Edge until this ride was available. There are still tons of people lining up each morning since it opened in January trying to get into a boarding group to get on the ride. It's important to know that if you're wanting to experience this ride, that getting to the parking structure at least 1 hr. and 30 min. - 2 hrs. before the park opens is crucial. You have to be in the park to try to get into a boarding group on the Disneyland app and the lines to get in are still very LONG. Make sure you have all of the tickets/passes of anyone in your group linked to the app and turn your Wi-Fi off. Since I have not yet ridden this ride myself or experienced trying to get into a boarding group first-hand (I'm still trying to decide if I'll be able to go on it), I suggest reading through this step-by-step guide. I've seen countless people refer to this guide for their success in making it into a boarding group. Good luck!

If you're not planning on trying to ride the new attraction, I would line up for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run first thing as the line can get long and there are no fast passes set up for it yet. I have also not ridden this ride due to getting severe motion sickness (it is fun to walk through the line though even if you can't ride). If you're able to ride Star Tours without any problem you should be fine. However, experiences on this ride can vary since different people will be piloting the Falcon. So, if you're placed in a group with a child who is piloting, you could be in for a rocky ride! My husband Jason reviewed his experience riding Smuggler's Run here if you're interested.

If neither of these things are at the top of your list, I would just go with whatever you're the most interested in. Believe it or not, the very first thing I did when I first went to Galaxy's Edge was get myself a Blue and Green Milk. I'm serious! I don't really regret it either.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

TIME MANAGEMENT

If you're only able to go to Galaxy's Edge one day, here are some things to consider and do to make the most of your trip.

To Ride ROTR or Not - If you're main goal is to ride Rise of the Resistance, you might not want to make reservations for Oga's Cantina, Savi's Workshop, and the Droid Depot that day. There is no way of telling what boarding group number you will get (if you get in) and what time you'll be told to get in line which could result in you missing your reservation and being charged a fee. You do get a 2 hr. window to get in line once you get the push notification on the Disneyland app that your boarding group has been called, so you could chance it but it's definitely a risk! If this is your plan, there will still be plenty for you to experience on Batuu while you're waiting to ride ROTR.

Mobile Ordering - Using the mobile order feature in the Disneyland app is a great way to save time especially if you're on the opposite end of where you want get something to eat or drink. You can use the mobile app for the Milk Stand, Ronto Roasters and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo. I've used this method at Galaxy's Edge before and it's easy to use and the service is quick!

Reservations - If you're not riding ROTR, there is time to do Oga's Cantina, Savi's Workshop - Handbuilt Lightsabers, and the Droid Depot all in one day if you carefully schedule each activity with enough time in between to take a break and eat, shop, or just look around. Oga's will take at least 1 hr (this includes the 15 min. arrival time before the reservation), Savi's is about a 30 minute experience but with paying and waiting to get in, I'd add probably another 30 minutes on top of that. Building a Droid can be anywhere from 45 min. to 1 hr. (including the 15 min. arrival time before the reservation) depending on how long it takes you to choose the parts you want to build you droid. These waiting times can also vary depending on the crowds.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

BUDGETING

This could vary from person to person and family to family but I have some tips for you to keep in mind that hopefully will help you create a game plan.

Bring Your Own Water Bottles - Water is expensive on Batuu so bring your own water bottles, jugs or whatever else you carry your water in. When you're out, there are water stations where you can fill up again!

Higher Prices Than Disneyland - I'd say that drink and food prices on Batuu are between $2 - $5 more and in some cases, you'll get less than what you could get outside of the park for cheaper. If you're wanting or needing to save some money on food, opt to at least bring your own snacks. Some of the prices for the food/drinks are questionable but it's definitely worth trying. You don't have to eat every meal at Galaxy's Edge either. Disneyland has more affordable meal options around $10.

Shopping - If you need to, set a budget for spending money and look at everything before deciding what to buy. There are plenty of reviews of the products online if you really want to do your research over some of the items you think you might be interested in. I've loved everything I've purchased so far but there are definitely some items on Batuu that seem to be made of lower quality materials are are incredibly marked up in price. For example, Padme's headdress at Dok Ondar's is $50 but I've heard it is made of plastic. There are also other items that you could get elsewhere for significantly cheaper. Jyn's Kyber Crystal necklace at Dok Ondar's is almost $100 but you can find beautifully made Kyber Crystal necklaces in various colors for $15 from my friends at Punch It Chewie Press. Definitely research and observe the items that you're wanting to purchase and always save your receipts. Only purchase what you absolutely love!


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

WHAT TO WEAR

Comfort at the parks is an important part of having the best experience. A good pair of shoes that you know won't bother your feet in any way is an essential part of your outfit because you'll be on your feet quite a bit. I wear, and highly suggest, Po-Zu for boots and Sanuk for sandals (there's actually a Sanuk shop at Downtown Disney). You'll have to determine what to bring and wear based on the weather but items like jackets, hats, gloves, sunglasses, and backpacks would be wise items to pack. And don't forget sunscreen!

Tip: There are places like the Resistance Supply and Jewels of Bith (there is no official Disneyland page for this shop) that sell jackets, water jugs, etc. for adults and kids in case you forgot yours or want to get festive and pick something up from Batuu rather than pack something.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES

If you use a wheelchair, there are a couple of ramps on Batuu so you can easily access all areas just like anyone else. One of them is near the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run ride while the other is near Ronto Roasters. Unfortunately, there is not much seating at Galaxy's Edge. Often times guests must make their own seats by sitting in shaded corners on the ground, or sitting on random props or on the edge of planters throughout the land. The place with the most seating is inside and outside of Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo. Depending on your needs, you might find it difficult to get around in the shops as they are all unfortunately tighter spaces. On a more positive note, I've only ever seen both kids and adults with disabilities treated with kindness. The characters especially are amazing at interacting with them!

Since I am not an expert on this topic, I'd suggest checking out the services for guests with disabilities guide for Disneyland and Walt Disney World.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

UTILIZE MAXPASS

If you don't have the Disney Signature Plus or Disney Premier passports which both include MaxPass, I would highly suggest paying an extra $20 for the day to add MaxPass to your ticket. There are several benefits of MaxPass but my favorite one is PhotoPass. This feature allows you to download all photos that Disney PhotoPass Photographers take for you onto your phone through the Disneyland app. I feel like for a first time visit to Galaxy's Edge, having great shots in front of the Millennium Falcon, the TIE Echelon or even the X-Wing will make for such great memories! You won't have to worry about one member from your party not being included because the photographers are taking the group photo for you! I use this feature often and absolutely love the variety of awesome shots our photographers have taken.

Tip: To learn how I got the Galaxy's Edge themed Image Data Card pictured above, read this post.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

PICTURE PERFECT SPOTS

While we are on the topic of photos, there are MANY other places to take pictures besides the obvious spots where the photographers are located. One of my favorites is the wall behind Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (pictured above). It's a long wall with blaster scorch marks, different textures and architectural shapes so you've got a lot of options. I also love the Resistance wall (also pictured above) which is just outside of the Marketplace. This spot has quickly become a favorite of many.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

SIGHTS & SOUNDS

There is so much to see at Galaxy's Edge so take your time looking whether your indoors out outdoors. Some of the greatest spots are where the life size ships are like the Millennium Falcon, the TIE Echelon and the X-Wing. You'll also hear the Falcon start up from time to time, TIE fighters fly above you (they come out of no where and are loud!), Wookiee roars and other galactic sounds. One of my favorite things to hear at Galaxy's Edge is the music that plays when you're walking in. The themes that John Williams created for Batuu are absolutely beautiful and more immersive than I would have ever expected them to be. I get emotional every time I go.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

DAY AND NIGHT

If possible, I'd highly suggest experiencing Galaxy's Edge in the day and night. It's fun being there as the suns set but even if you left to enjoy the rest of Disneyland and came back in the evening, it's just as exciting! It's like seeing Batuu through a new set of eyes. Everything looks completely different and in the most beautiful way. The Millennium Falcon and the Marketplace are a MUST see when the suns have set. Yep, there are three suns on Batuu! During the Summer it can be fun to talk about this even though you know the real reason it feels extra hot is because of the lack of shade.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

If you're worried your children might not enjoy their time on Batuu as much as you, here are some things that you may be unaware of that they can take part in.

Games - There are a few games that the characters on Batuu will play with younglings like A-Wing, X-Wing (pictured above) which is just like the game Red light, Green light. You'll also see designated areas for droid races where you can race others who have also built their own droid at the Droid Depot.

Scavenger Hunt - As of earlier this month, there is a new scavenger hunt for younglings who are 9 years old and younger called “Bina’s Guide to the Creatures of Batuu”. You can pick up this scavenger hunt at the Creature Stall which is located in the Marketplace. Once the hunt has been completed, your child will earn a cardstock paper coin. The experience takes about 30 minutes. For more information, and a look at the pages of the scavenger hunt booklet, click here!

Star Wars Data Pad - I haven't tried this at all but I know that kids and adults both enjoy this unique way of exploring Batuu. It involves using the Play Disney Parks App to find things to scan, interact with droids, etc. You can learn more about it here and here. The one thing I would suggest is downloading the Play Disney Parks App before you go to Disneyland as it's a large file and could take a while to download while inside the parks.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

DRINKS & FOODS TO TRY

The drinks and food on Batuu are all very unique and honestly can't be compared to anything outside of the land. The flavors keep me coming back for more because there's just nothing else like them. I felt it necessary for me to share with you a few of my favorite treats to pick up while you're there.

Ronto Wrap - My favorite food item, without question, is the Ronto Wrap from Ronto Roasters. It's $12.99 (or $11.04 with the Annual Passholder discount). Inside the extremely soft Pita bread is a Grilled Pork Sausage topped with Roasted Pork, tangy Slaw and Peppercon Sauce. I've purchased this many times because the flavor is absolutely incredible! Some might not consider it a meal but I find it to be very filling. If you're on a plant-based diet, they also have the Ronto-less Garden Wrap which is also really good. You can read my review here.

Blue & Green Milk - I love the Blue and Green Milk and I personally think that both are worth trying as they have very different flavors (Blue Milk is my favorite though). Kids love these colorful treats too! You can find them at the Milk Stand for $7.99 each (Annual Passholder Discount not accepted). These frozen beverages are made of a plant-based blend of coconut and rice milk. The consistency is similar to an Icee but more smooth and it's an overall refreshing treat! It may be called "milk" but it's not like milk at all. The Blue Milk has a tropical/berry taste to it with Dragon Fruit, Pineapple, Lime and Watermelon flavoring. The Green Milk has more of a citrus/melon taste as it's made with Mandarin Orange, Passion Fruit, Grapefruit and Orange Blossom flavoring.

Black Spire Hot Chocolate - This is a newer item that recently became available to order at Ronto Roasters and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo last month. It costs $3.79 (Annual Passholder Discount not accepted). The Hot Chocolate is topped with brown sugar and purple whipped cream! It's so creamy and a little sweeter than your average cup of Hot Chocolate but it's absolutely delicious! I've already purchased it twice.

Outpost Popcorn Mix - This is the original popcorn flavor that was available at Kat Saka's Kettle when Galaxy's Edge first opened. They now carry Chocolate Popcorn with Crait Red Salt as well, which is good, but the original is still my favorite. They're both $6.49 (Annual Passholder Discount not accepted). The Outpost Popcorn Mix reminds me of a candied popcorn. It's described as "a colorful blend of sweet and spicy flavors". I would say there's definitely a sweetness to it but it's not spicy in the sense that it is hot. It's more like just a little "kick".

Tip: Keep in mind that all of the menus for Galaxy's Edge can be found on the Disneyland app and website which will also help with any allergies you and your group may have.

Honorable Mentions: The Phattro drink ($5.49), Rising Moons Overnight Oats ($6.99), Smoked Kaadu Pork Ribs w/Blueberry Corn Muffin and Cabbage Slaw ($16.99), and the Batuu-bon ($6.99) from Docking Bay 7 are all very good. The Annual Passholder discount is good on everything I listed. They have the most food options which is especially handy for the younglings! The new Galma Garlic Puffed Cheese Chips available at various Droid carts for $6 (Annual Passholder Discount not accepted) throughout Batuu are also yummy and addicting! I reviewed the newest items to consume at Galaxy's Edge here if you're interested.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

BATUUAN SPIRA

Before you think about buying anything, consider purchasing a Batuuan Spira (aka a collectible Galaxy's Edge gift card). The minimum amount you must put on the Spira to activate it is $100 and it can be used ANYWHERE in the parks. They can be found at multiple different shops so just be sure to ask before you purchase something to see if they're currently in stock. The Spira is made of medal and makes a great souvenir! Some fans have even turned theirs into necklaces.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

THE BEST SHOPS TO VISIT

There are several shops that all carry different items ranging from products like mugs and magnets that specifically say "Galaxy's Edge" or "Batuu" on them to in-world merchandise like Yoda's cane or a lightsaber belt clip. There's something for everyone of all ages to be found on Batuu! Keep in mind that the shops on Batuu offer to ship the items you've purchased at the standard UPS rate so be sure to inquire about this option.

Dok Ondar's Den of Antiquities - I'd say that Dok Ondar's is the most popular shop on Batuu simply because it is the home of the legacy lightsabers (hilts owned by the characters from the cartoons and films). The hilts range in price from $129.99 - $199.99 (Annual Passholder Discount not accepted). These are the following hilts that are available though sometimes certain hilts are out of stock: Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Kylo Ren, Asajj Ventress, Rey (TFA), Reforged Skywalker Saber, Luke Skywalker, Ben Solo (TLJ), Ahsoka Tano, Obi-Wan (TPM), Mace Windu, and the Temple Guard. Please keep in mind that the blades are a separate cost from the hilts. The 26 inch is $44.99 and the 36 inch is $49.99 (Annual Passholder Discount accepted). The 32 inch is only available if you build a lightsaber at Savi's Workshop. If you're traveling, you can ask a CM to have the item shipped to you or you should also be able to ship the hilt and blade from the hotel that you're staying in. I also know people who were able to pack the hilt and make the blade their "carry on" item on the plane. Besides lightsabers, there are many other treasures to be found here including everything from Holocrons ($49.99 before the Annual Passholder Discount) and Kyber Crystals ($14.99 each before the Annual Passholder Discount) to jewelry and journals. On most days when it isn't busy, you can simply walk in. But because it is a small enclosed shop, sometimes the CMs will form a line outside and it can get kind of long. I've seen this happen when there are big events happening in the area like the D23 Expo, when Rise of the Resistance first opened and even on crowded weekend days. Have patience! It's an incredible shop filled with unique memorabilia from the cartoons and the films.

Tip: I always tell people to "Look up!" at Galaxy's Edge and this is one place that you're going to want to remember to do this!

Toydarian Toymaker - If you like plushies, cute wooden toys, games and even instruments, Toydarian Toymaker is the place to go! This is the best shop there is for little ones as well. This shop is part of the Marketplace where many other shops can be found. It's like a mini strip of shops that are all connected and have no doors, just like what you would expect to see on Tatooine!

Tip: The Star Wars Matching Game ($12.99 before the Annual Passholder Discount) is one of my favorite purchases from this shop and it comes with 60 cards that feature 30 different characters, creatures and ships. My husband and I have fun playing it and my nephew also really enjoys it!

Creature Stall - Taun Tauns, Mynocks, and Puffer Pigs. OH MY! There are so many creatures in the Star Wars universe and you can find several of them at the Creature Stall! Some are plush, some wind up, and some make noise if you squeeze them. It's a fun little shop filled with lots of faces that are both adorable and interesting.

Tip - If you purchase a larger creature from this shop, they come in stylized carrier boxes with handles for easier transportation.

Here are the names of the rest of the shops and booths that can be found on Batuu: Resistance Supply, Jewels of Bith (there is no official Disneyland page for this shop), First Order Cargo, Black Spire Outfitters and the Droid Depot


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

SOUVENIRS ON A BUDGET

Tote Bag - At all of the shops you can find black and white double-sided Galaxy's Edge Tote Bags near the register for $1.99. This is the cheapest thing that you can buy on Batuu!

Coke Bottles - Another great and very popular item are the detonator Coke bottles. I don't drink soda but I absolutely wanted one to display for my Star Wars collection! The Aurebesh writing is a great touch. These are $5.99 at various Droid carts throughout the land and anywhere that you can order food.

Jewels of Bith - The Jewels of Bith shop has several keychains, magnets, pins and other odds and ends that feature words like "Galaxy's Edge" or "Batuu" that aren't as pricey as some other items at Galaxy's Edge. These would make great souvenirs!


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

INTERACTING WITH CHARACTERS

If you go to Batuu in a Star Wars Bound (more on this below), with a lightsaber, or perhaps you even have a shoulder Porg with you, these are all things that stand out to characters like Rey, Chewbecca, Vi Moradi, Kylo Ren and even Stormtroopers, and will give you a better chance at interactions and photos with them. In fact, most of my interactions with characters have been because of all these elements. Play, be part of the story, and have your camera ready because they are always on the move. Don't just walk around Batuu once because characters could pop out and the shows (which are just minutes long) could be taking place (at the TIE Echelon and the X-WING) where you just were minutes before! Unfortunately, Disneyland doesn't provide any kind of schedule to inform you when the characters will be around or when the shows will start but in my experience, everything happens pretty regularly.

The Batuuans (also known as Cast Members) are also considered to be characters and each have their own stories to tell. They'll also play games with you, like Sabacc! They will provide the cards to play but you can also buy your own set of cards for $16.99 (Annual Passholder Discount accepted) from Toydarin Toymaker. Whether you're just walking around or purchasing something at one of the shops, make conversations with them! Ask them questions about Batuu or themselves. You'll learn more each time you go and you will most definitely freshen up on your Batuuese. Not familiar with the language? Here are a few pointers...

"Hello" = "Bright Suns" (during the day) | "Rising Moons" (in the evening)
"Farewell" = "Till the Spire" is the most commonly used phrase
"I don't know = "Only the ancients know"
"Cellphone" = "Datapad"
"Restroom" = "Refresher"
"Water fountain" = "Hydrater"
"Child" = "Youngling"
"Stroller" = "Youngling transport"

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

COSTUMES & STAR WARS BOUNDING

Costumes and masks (as long as eyes are visible) may be worn by guests who are 13 years old or younger. Anyone older must abide by the Galaxy's Edge Dress Code (except when special event costume rules apply). Making a character's outfit your own by mixing and matching pieces together that resemble the likeness of the outfit is a great way to Star Wars Bound! Just make sure your outfit doesn't look EXACTLY like the character. Keep in mind that pieces like Jedi robes, armor and uniforms are not permitted. Lightsabers are fine though! You can bring your own or any that you've purchased there. Jason and I bring our lightsabers with us almost every time that we go together! Never agree to take a photo with a guest. That's what they pay the people playing the characters there to do. If you're caught partaking in this, you could get into trouble with a CM.

Read more about Disneyland's Dress Code here.

Tip: Check out this incredible guide filled with a plethora of clothing and accessories you can purchase to put together your Batuu outfit! It was created by my friends at Always Believe.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - First Time Visit Guide | Anakin and His Angel

FIREWORKS AT GALAXY'S EDGE

The best place to watch the Fireworks from Batuu is in front of the Millennium Falcon. Even though I wasn't able to stay and watch (I'll get to that in a minute), it looks absolutely beautiful with the Falcon in the foreground. The fireworks show begins at 9:30pm and lasts for about ten minutes. The shows change from time to time so it's best to look up the current show here. Since Galaxy's Edge is much closer to the fireworks than where people normally stand to watch on Main Street, they are much louder. I tried it but it startled me so bad that I jumped and was in an instant panic. I grabbed my earplugs (which I somehow forgot to put in prior to the show) and fled from Batuu as quickly as I could. As I was leaving, I felt every single firework that went off in my body and it was the absolute worst! It definitely set off my anxiety. Those who of you who have any kind of sensitivity to loud noises might not want to watch them from Batuu unless you normally do ok with earplugs.

Thanks for making it this far! For even more of my Galaxy's Edge blog posts, click here. You can also read about my 3 favorite things about Galaxy's Edge on FarFarAwayNews.com.

2 comments

  1. Hey there Jenmarie!

    Thank you for putting this handy guide together for those of us who are planning a visit to Galaxy's Edge in the near future! All of these tips were very helpful, and I will be referring back to it many times to make sure that I can have the best experiences possible while on Batuu. I'm sure this took some time and effort to put this together, and I just wanted to extend my heartfelt and sincere gratitude to you for writing this. I hope to meet you someday and thank you in person! Until then, Bright Suns, and Till the Spires! :)

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    1. You're very welcome, I was more than happy to do it. I truly hope that it helps you have the best experience whenever you get to visit. I'm sure you'll love it!

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