Visiting Disneyland’s Star Wars Land
When Disney announced that STAR WARS LAND in Disneyland would be opening in the spring of 2019 I told myself I didn’t need to be there for it—I told myself I could wait. I’m not that big of a fan. I mean, I LIKE Star Wars–I even had some Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford trading cards back in the day. But I don’t LOVE Star Wars, and I certainly would lose at Star Wars trivia (see photo caption above for verification). But then Disney ACTUALLY released the opening date and details, my FOMO kicked in, and….let’s just say I have no self control at all. I had booked a stay within 35 minutes of hearing the news!
I made my way to Anaheim just three days after the official opening date. I visited during the period of time where a reservation was required to enter the land. I was fortunate enough to get two reservations–one for first thing in the morning, and another for the last thing at night–and I was excited!! In fact, I was so excited I got a STAR WARS manicure….
Disneyland was VERY prepared for the opening and everything went very smoothly. We got wristbands, waited in line, and then were escorted into the land. People were literally giddy and I couldn’t help but join in. Because the Disneyland version of Star Wars land (officially called Galaxy’s Edge) is “hidden” from the rest of the park, walking in for the first time really did leave me amazed!
First stop was Oga’s Cantina. We had heard how popular this SMALL cantina was so we made a beeline for it—us, and about 400 other people! 🙂 We were persistent and stayed with the first group to enter the land so we were some of the first people let into the cantina for the day with only about a 10 minute wait. There is a 2 drink per person limit so we ordered 4 different drinks, as well as one of the two “food” items. Honestly, I was pretty disappointed in all of them. They ranged from meh, to totally undrinkable! But I was so in love with the ambiance and energy of the space that I didn’t care. 🤣
Infamous blue milk! 
The foam made my mouth go numb. Literally.
After the cantina we just wandered around trying to take it all in! The land is IMMERSIVE and I really felt like I was in the movies. Several people have asked me if it is as immersive as Harry Potter at Universal. In my opinion, yes, it is! The details are incredible! I just happen to prefer the Harry Potter IP (and the Harry Potter rides!!) so I personally prefer the Harry Potter lands. But that really shouldn’t take anything away from how amazing Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge actually is!
We waited about 90 minutes before trying to ride SMUGGLERS RUN. We had heard that the crowd would substantially decrease after the first hour or so, and that rumor was correct! We were able to ride in the Millenium Falcon five times during our visits, with the longest wait being 20 minutes! Honestly, walking down the hallways of the Millenium Falcon and into the cockpit was exhilarating! I was able to try all three positions (pilot, gunner, engineer). Everyone says pilot is the best, and well…the pilot is the best. But they really were all fun! The ride is a simulator that reminds me of the Star Tours ride in Disney World (but on steroids). The big difference here is that the ride truly is interactive. So when the pilot steers the ship it moves the way it is being steered! (PSA: try not to get in a group with a 5 year old pilot. You will need motion sickness medicine.) Anyway, we really enjoyed the ride and happily rode it over and over! Here are a few pictures….
PILOTS! 
I was in charge of jumping to light speed. It was pretty awesome!
It is literally impossible for me to record all of my thoughts and reactions without this blog post taking up hours of your time! I took over 1000 pictures and I know NO ONE is interested in that kind of craziness!! So I will just leave you with a few more pictures and a hearty endorsement to go and check out the land for yourself! The Disney World version will be opening on August 29, 2019. Yes, I will be there within 24 hours–I know I have a problem. But if you don’t mind waiting a little longer I would suggest going after December 5, 2019. This is when RISE OF THE RESISTANCE opens. I only know bits and pieces about this ride experience (said to last 28 minutes!!), but I have heard it is going to be unlike anything Disney has ever done. If you are only going to visit once I would suggest waiting until you can do both rides!
I would love to help you book your own trip to Galaxy’s Edge (on either coast!). Please let me know if you would like to plan a visit to this galaxy far, far away! Maybe I’ll see you there??! 😊
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