Disney’s Hollywood Studios is my favorite park at Walt Disney World in Orlando. The old-school Hollywood glam vibe that permeates the front of the park is electric. Then as you walk further into the theme park, you begin to realize that not only are you seeing your favorite movies and characters coming to life, but you’re also living out adventures that can only happen in the movies with those characters. One place where this is most evident at Hollywood Studios is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
This immersive Star Wars land (and its twin in Anaheim) is the only place in the world where Star Wars fans young and old can fly the Millennium Falcon, mingle with Star Wars characters, and build their own custom astromech droids and lightsabers. For a little background, the “story” of the land takes place on the outer-rim planet of Batuu in a village known as Black Spire Outpost. The village is a haven for all types of people from the galaxy. Think everything from smugglers and scoundrels to Resistance fighters and First Order troopers.
Star Wars theme park guide
There are so many things to see and do during your time at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. A few of those things require advanced planning and reservations, so here’s everything you should know before you visit a galaxy far, far away.
Jump to a Section:
- Tips for visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Orlando
- Shopping at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Food and restaurants at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Rides at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- How to have the best Star Wars experience
- What’s the difference between Galaxy’s Edge in Orlando and Anaheim?
Tips for visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Orlando
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is one of the immersive lands at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are two entrances to the Star Wars-themed land. One is at the back of Toy Story Land and the other is past Muppet Vision 3D on Grand Avenue. The Toy Story Land entrance is closest to the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction, while the Grand Avenue entrance puts you closer to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. All the shops and restaurants are located in the middle section of the land.
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If you’re looking for a real showstopping moment, consider entering the land from Grand Avenue. Walk past Rise of the Resistance, then go through the alleyways and marketplace to do a bit of window shopping before turning the corner to see a full-sized Millennium Falcon. I can tell you that the first time I saw the iconic ship I couldn’t speak for a few seconds. Seeing the Falcon in all of its glory beaconing me to come into the queue to be able to fly the ship was incredible and a Disney memory I won’t soon forget.
Shopping at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Orlando
The shops at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are just as authentic as the Star Wars land itself. Find interplanetary garb, fighter pilot helmets, and fuzzy animal pets (okay, those are just stuffed animals). This is where to find the droids (or anything else) you’re looking for to take back to your home planet.
Savi’s Workshop
This is a “secret” workshop where you can build your own custom lightsaber. Walk-ins may be accepted based on availability, but reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 60 days in advance. Full payment is due at the time of booking. You can also bring one guest, but the guest cannot build a lightsaber. During the experience, you’ll choose from a variety of parts to make the lightsaber your own and bring it to life with your chosen kyber crystal. Lightsabers come with a carrying case, so you don’t have to worry about wielding it in and out of crowds on busy park days.
Droid Depot
One of my favorite interactive activities inside Galaxy’s Edge is the Droid Depot. Here, you can build a custom BB-series unit or R-series astromech droid. Like Savi’s Workshop, there are various parts to choose from. Reservations are recommended, and one builder plus a guest may enter the shop for each reservation. Each droid comes with a storage box. Backpacks and other accessories are available for an additional fee.
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I loved picking out my parts from the conveyor belt, interacting with Cast Members who helped me build my droid, and bringing him to life with the push of a button. Even better is that there are often droid races outside of the Droid Depot. If you want to show off your skills with your new droid, that’s your moment to do so.
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, Dok-Ondar’s shop is worth a visit. The walls feature galactic memorabilia, and you’ll find things like lightsabers, holocrons, kyber crystals, character costumes, and accessories here. And be sure to get close to the Dok-Ondar Audio-Animatronics figure in the corner. He’s quite impressive and there’s a lot to see behind his desk too. On busy days inside Galaxy’s Edge, there may be a wait to get inside the shop, but the line usually moves quickly.
First Order Cargo
Unfortunately for the Resistance, the First Order has also come to Batuu and they brought plenty of gear with them. This small shop has all your First Order clothing, accessories, and souvenirs if you tend to lean toward the dark side of the Force. You can find the small shop near the TIE Echelon ship. This is also where you can usually spot a few stormtroopers and Kylo Ren making the rounds to gain recruits for the First Order.
Resistance Supply
If you’d rather fight the First Order than join them, head to Resistance Supply. You can get costumes, accessories, and other souvenirs emblazoned with the symbol of the Resistance. The small stand is close to the exit of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and the blue X-Wing.
Fun Fact: The blue X-Wing was a screen-used ship in the popular Disney+ series, The Mandalorian.
Street Market Stalls
Near Docking Bay 7 lies an open-air street market where you can browse the wares of assorted shops. Black Spire Outfitters sells robes and other clothing, Toydarian Toymaker is filled with kid-friendly toys, Jewels of Bith sells Black Spire Outpost branded souvenirs, and at Bina’s Creature Stall, you can bring home your very own Porg, Kowakian Monkey-Lizard, and other alien creatures. I love the cute character stuffed animals. In the past, there have even been ones themed to my favorite Star Wars character, Ahsoka Tano.
Food and restaurants at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Orlando
The food in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is unlike any other theme park food on the planet (or the galaxy). Here’s a look at the quick-service dining, drink, and snack kiosks.
Oga’s Cantina
Oga’s Cantina is an energetic and vibrant bar scene, with DJ droid R-3X (or DJ-Rex) spinning tunes for the crowd. Guests in the know will remember R-3X as the former captain of Star Tours. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available, as well as a selection of snacks. I like the Fuzzy Tauntaun, which is a galactic take on a fuzzy navel, though it will make your lips tingle thanks to the foam on top of the drink. And if you’re looking for a snack at Oga’s, look no further than the Umbaran Cheese Roll, a spice-dusted pretzel bun stuffed with herbed cheese.
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Before you go into Oga’s you should know there’s a maximum of two alcoholic drinks per guest. Due to high demand, there’s also a time limit of 45 minutes per party. If you order a second drink, it’s likely to come in a to-go glass. You can make a reservation in advance, up to 60 days before your visit. This will guarantee your spot inside the popular bar. If you want a more free-flowing day, you can join the walk-up waitlist from Galaxy’s Edge. When you get the return text, head back to Oga’s to gain entry into the bar.
Additionally, you can get a great view of Galaxy’s Edge completely empty at night because Oga’s Cantina is open an hour after the park officially closes for the day. I often like to get a late-night reservation for just after Fantasmic. After the show is over, I make my way to Oga’s to enjoy a cocktail, take some pictures with an empty Galaxy’s Edge, and then get on Disney transportation back to my resort hotel.
Ronto Roasters
Situated inside the street market, Ronto Roasters serves a variety of pita wraps, cocktails, and snacks. My favorite Galaxy’s Edge menu item is found here – the Ronto Wrap. The wrap combines sausage, sliced pork, a peppercorn sauce, and slaw inside a pita for a filling meal. Reservations are not required and mobile ordering is available. Just know that Ronto Roasters
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
Docking Bay 7 serves up plated meals like ribs and chicken salad that require a knife and fork. After 3:00 p.m., it’s also home to the Ronto Wrap since Ronto Roasters closes after lunch. Docking Bay 7 also has kid-friendly meals like crispy chicken and pasta with red sauce. Reservations are not required and mobile ordering is available. I like to take my meal outside to the patio seating if it’s a nice day to take in the ambiance of Galaxy’s Edge.
Milk Stand
This outdoor stand near First Order Cargo is the spot to find the Blue and Green Milks you’ve seen all over Instagram. These Batuuan beverages are more like fruit smoothies than milk. Even better, grown-ups can order Blue Milk with rum or Green Milk with tequila. I suggest trying both milks to see which one you like best.
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Kat Saka’s Kettle
Kat Saka’s Kettle is inside the marketplace. You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you smell popcorn. While you can get just buttered popcorn (though it is colored blue), the best option is the Outpost Mix, which combines sweet and spicy flavors into a fun blend. Just be careful with the Outpost Mix because it does get sticky like caramel corn.
Rides inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Though there are only two rides in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, they are by far two of the most immersive and technologically advanced attractions at Walt Disney World. Here’s what you need to know about each ride before you blast off.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Take up your rightful place in the Millennium Falcon’s cockpit in one of three roles: pilot, gunner, or engineer. Each role has different responsibilities during the experience. If you want to be the one to “punch it” to hyperspace, try to get the right side pilot’s seat. The minimum height requirement for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is 38 inches and rider swap is available. If you’re traveling solo, the attraction also offers a single rider line, though you’re likely to only get engineer as your role since you’ll be paired up with other people who usually get assignments first.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
I don’t want to give away too much about this Star Wars ride, so I’ll just tell you Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a trackless dark ride with many, many surprises. Rise of the Resistance is the most popular attraction at Hollywood Studios. Your best bet for actually getting a spot on the ride is via Lightning Lane, which can cost as much as $25 extra per person. While that’s a steep price to pay, it’s one of the true don’t-miss experiences at Disney World.
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If you don’t want to buy a Lightning Lane Single Pass, you still have other options. You can wait in the standby line, or there’s a new single-rider line that’s great for solo travelers. The single rider line does skip the first two pre-shows. For that reason, I don’t suggest doing this if you’ve never been on Rise of the Resistance. For the lowest stand-by wait times, head to the attraction first thing in the morning during Early Theme Park Entry or just before the park closes for the evening. The minimum height requirement is 40 inches and rider swap is available.
How to have the best Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Experience in Orlando
You don’t need to be a Star Wars expert to have a good time at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but these tips and tricks will definitely enhance your Star Wars land experience.
1. Plan ahead if you want to see all of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in one day
If you plan to build a droid or lightsaber and visit Oga’s Cantina, secure your reservations 60 days in advance. I recommend making a late-morning reservation for Savi’s Workshop or Droid Depot so you can hop in line for one of the attractions before your reservation. I like to arrive at reservations about 10 minutes before the actual start time to ensure I’m checked in correctly and not missing any of the fun.
Plan to arrive at Hollywood Studios about 30 to 45 minutes before the posted opening time so you can already be through the gates when the park opens. Head straight back to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run inside the Star Wars land and knock that out. If you are ready for brunch after your flight, grab a Ronto Morning Wrap at Ronto Roasters.
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Now you have plenty of time to explore the shops, grab a drink or snack, and check out the fun PhotoPass opportunities. Some of my favorites are the Grogu photo near the Toy Story entrance of Star Wars Land, a photo with the Millennium Falcon, and the Super Zoom Magic Shot video near First Order Cargo. There are no standard character meet-and-greets, but as you wander, you’ll likely encounter Storm Troopers, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Rey, or Resistance spy Vi Moradi.
I like to ride Rise of the Resistance in the afternoon and since I often travel solo, I hop in the single-rider line. If you’ve booked a Lightning Lane Single Pass for yourself or your family, be sure to get in line at your appointed time. Rise is also a great one to ride at night since the final scene is outside and it makes you feel like you’re really in space.
If you have a reservation for Oga’s Cantina, head there for the galaxy’s most interesting cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. If you need a little more to fill you up, stop by Docking Bay 7 after your visit. Now you are free to see anything you missed or leave Disney’s Star Wars land to check out the rest of Hollywood Studios.
2. Get a little Batuu backstory before your visit
There are a few fun books you can read if you want to catch up on the Star Wars land characters and backstory of Batuu before you visit. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Traveler’s Guide to Batuu and The Art of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge delves into the details of the land itself, while Galaxy’s Edge: Black Spire and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are fictional adventure stories that take place on Batuu.
3. Look for Star Wars Easter Eggs and nods to the films
There are entirely too many to list (and giving them all away diminishes the fun of searching for them), but here are a few favorites:
- The droid tracks embedded in the pavement were made using R2-D2’s tread. Disney Imagineers took rubbings of the tread, turned them into wheels, and rolled them through wet cement.
- There is a tiny Millennium Falcon hidden underneath the real Millennium Falcon. Look for it underneath the cockpit (or maybe ask a Cast Member for assistance).
- The numbers 77, 80, and 83 are painted on the cargo ship above Docking Bay 7. These are a nod to the years the films in the original trilogy were released.
4. Play Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters with your MagicBand+
One way to pass the time inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is to play Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters. This interactive game is played through the Play Disney Parks app, but you’ll also need a MagicBand+ that’s fully charged. The game is simple. To start scan your MagicBand+ at the Bounty Board to accept your first mission, and follow the instructions. Your MagicBand+ will light up and vibrate throughout the experience. Red lights mean you’re going the wrong way, while green lights mean you’re getting close. Bounties are always behind doorways, and you’ll use your phone to see an augmented-reality clip of what’s behind the door. There are 20 bounties total around the Star Wars-themed land.
5. Get some incredible photos with a private PhotoPass session
If you’ve ever wanted to get some great photos inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge consider booking a Capture Your Moment: Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Batuu session. These private PhotoPass sessions are 20 minutes long and can include up to eight people. You can take pictures around Batuu, including in front of the Millennium Falcon and the marketplace.
Photos are not included in the price of the session. If you have Memory Maker or Photopass downloads as an add-on to your vacation package or annual pass, photos can be downloaded at no extra cost.
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This story includes additional reporting from Tarah Chieffi.
