1 The Feeling of Escape
In many ways, when you enter the gates of Disneyland, you escape everyday reality. You’re entering a world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy. And to me, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge encapsulates all of those things and embodies the core of Walt Disney’s ideals. There is the nostalgia and callback to a beloved, long-running saga, the innovative technology that marks the progression of theme park engineering, and the feeling of being transported to a fantastical, cinematic world. It even feels physically detached from the rest of Disneyland, which even more amplifies the feeling of escape. There’s a tangible sense of adventure, of something vaguely familiar yet completely new.
2 The Commitment to Detail, Storytelling, and Design
At the media panel with Walt Disney Imagineering, we learned that they took inspiration from old Romantic paintings of the Middle East and even traveled to countries like Istanbul and Turkey to help ground the fantasy world into reality. Just walk through the vibrant marketplace, and you’ll notice elements of their inspiration. Moroccan-style lamps, artfully-arranged artisan goods, buildings that show age and history, and sprawling banners. There is also no sign of Mickey Mouse or even the “Star Wars” logo. You truly feel like you are on a real, thriving outpost on the Outer Rim of the galaxy rather than a Disney theme park. And that’s the point. Mostly everything is in Aurebesh, the official language on Batuu, and directional signage is very subtle. Even the Coke bottles were designed to fit the theme. Every tiny detail is helping to move the story forward.
3 The Blue Milk
It’s been less than a day since I first visited Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and I’m already craving the mysterious beverage. What is blue milk exactly? Blue milk is Bantha milk and was first introduced in “Star Wars: A New Hope.” The drink served on Batuu is completely plant-based, a refreshing slushie made from coconut and rice milk with tropical hints. They also serve green milk which has a more floral, citrus taste.
4 The Characters
Characters and cast members go out of their way to interact with guests. You might find yourself walking across Batuu with Rey, chatting with residents about which colored milk they prefer, getting questioned by storm troopers, or planning a rendezvous with members of The Resistance. Aside from humans, you’ll get to meet animals, droids, and aliens. My favorite realized character is Hondo Ohnaka, a pirate and head of Ohnaka Transport Solutions (a front for his smuggling operation). Ohnaka is an audio-animatronic that greets you right before you enter the Millennium Falcon. The technology is so advanced and impressive that I thought he was a real person when I first entered the room. You might discover another similar character inside Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.
5 The Music
If you haven’t had a chance to listen to John Williams’ latest score, composed just for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you need to! I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. It is the perfect soundtrack for your adventure on Batuu. Safe travels!
5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Experience
1 Interact
You’ll encounter an array of characters around the park from the First Order (Kylo Ren and storm troopers) and the Resistance (Rey, Chewbacca, and a rebel spy named Vi Moradi). Make an effort to interact with them as well as cast members, who are residents of Batuu. Brush up on your improv skills and don’t be shy; it may lead to interesting conversations and heart-warming memories.
2
Use the Play Disney Parks App
With the app, you can translate Aurebesh, the official language on Batuu, scan crates for contents, and eavesdrop on conversations. Playing with the app can help offset long wait times in the queue and help you find new layers to uncover at Black Spire Outpost before the rest of the land opens later this year.
3
Ride Smuggler’s Run More Than Once
This gives you a chance to play all the roles. And if you have the opportunity, try to be Pilot. You’ll have an unobstructed view piloting the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.
4
Listen Carefully
From spaceships flying above to space critter noises, the sounds of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—along with John Williams’ brilliant score—truly bring it to life. If you enter through the middle entrance, you can hear transcendental instrumentals that immediately help immerse you into Batuu.
5
Get a Group Together
With the intimate, six-person ride vehicle at Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was designed as a place to enjoy with your family and friends. You can work together as a team to complete your smuggling mission and order a variety of dishes at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo to enjoy family-style. Also, Oga’s Cantina offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, making it an all-ages experience.
Good To Know
Reservations are needed to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge from May 31 to June 23. Afterwards, there will be a virtual queuing system to visit the new land as needed. Keep updated on the latest Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge news here.
The post 5 Things We Love About Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge And Top Tips On Navigating the Land appeared first on Orange Coast Magazine.
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