Walt Disney World Resort has its eyes set on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the immersive Star Wars land inside of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, opened its doors to an eagerly awaiting public on August 29, 2019. This immersive land transported guests to the distant planet of Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge filled with adventure, exotic creatures, and the unmistakable allure of the Star Wars universe.
The land was a dream come true for many fans who had long wished to step into the world of their beloved franchise.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is nothing short of a technological and creative marvel. The Imagineers at Disney went to great lengths to ensure that every detail was meticulously crafted to transport guests into the Star Wars universe. The land spans 14 acres and is filled with attractions, shops, dining experiences, and interactive elements that bring the story of Batuu to life.
One of the most talked-about attractions in Galaxy’s Edge is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
In this ride, guests have the opportunity to pilot the iconic Millennium Falcon in a thrilling interactive smuggling mission. Each guest plays a role, from pilot to engineer, and the outcome of the mission is influenced by their performance. The realistic controls and detailed recreation of the Falcon’s cockpit provide an unparalleled immersive experience.
Another major attraction is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This ambitious ride is a multi-phase adventure that puts guests in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. With groundbreaking ride technology, detailed set pieces, and an engaging storyline, Rise of the Resistance quickly became a favorite among visitors. The attraction’s complexity and the sheer scale of its experience set a new standard for theme park attractions.
The Star Wars land also features various shops and dining establishments that contribute to the immersive experience. Guests can visit Savi’s Workshop to build their own custom lightsaber, explore the Droid Depot to create a personalized droid companion, and browse through the many market stalls offering Star Wars merchandise.
For dining, the land boasts unique options such as Oga’s Cantina, where visitors can enjoy exotic beverages while mingling with the galaxy’s most interesting characters, and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, which serves up dishes inspired by the far reaches of the galaxy.
Guest Impressions and the Call for Change to the Star Wars Land
Despite the immense anticipation and initial excitement, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge received mixed reviews from guests over time. Some visitors felt that the land did not live up to their expectations, citing several factors contributing to their disappointment.
The high cost of experiences such as building a lightsaber or a droid, the lack of classic Star Wars characters and iconic locations, and the overall feeling that the land was missing a certain magic led to a more subdued reception than Disney had hoped for.
One of the major criticisms was that Galaxy’s Edge felt incomplete or somewhat sterile compared to other themed lands like Pandora – The World of Avatar or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Some guests expressed that while the attention to detail was impressive, the overall atmosphere lacked the vibrant energy they had come to expect from Disney’s themed areas. This sentiment was reflected in various reviews and discussions on forums and social media, where fans shared their thoughts and suggestions for improvement.
Will it still be Galaxy’s Edge? A Look to the Future
In response to the feedback and in an effort to enhance the guest experience, Disney has been making adjustments to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a single rider line for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This development has piqued the interest of many fans and frequent visitors, as it represents a significant shift in how the attraction is managed.
The single rider line allows guests to bypass much of the preshow elements that are a hallmark of the standard queue.
While this can significantly reduce wait times and improve overall efficiency, it also means that those opting for the single-rider experience may miss out on some of the immersive storytelling and detailed environments that are integral to the attraction’s charm. The trade-off between shorter wait times and a potentially diminished experience is a point of consideration for both Disney and its guests.
The testing of the single-rider line on Rise of the Resistance could lead to broader changes within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disney is known for continually evolving and updating its attractions to meet guest expectations and improve operational efficiency. If the single-rider line proves successful, it might prompt further modifications to the attraction or even the introduction of similar lines for other rides within the land.
Moreover, this move could signal a broader strategy to address some of the criticisms that Galaxy’s Edge has faced.
By improving ride efficiency and potentially freeing up more capacity, Disney might be able to enhance the overall guest experience and address some of the concerns related to wait times and accessibility. These changes could also pave the way for additional updates or new experiences that bring more of the classic Star Wars elements that fans have been longing for.
However, it is important to consider that these changes might mean single riders won’t be completely immersed in the storyline of Galaxy’s Edge.
The rich, narrative-driven experiences that are part of the full queue are integral to the storytelling aspect of the attraction. Bypassing these elements could result in single riders missing out on the detailed backstory and interactive moments that set the stage for the ride. This could potentially detract from the overall experience, especially for first-time visitors who are looking for the complete Star Wars adventure.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has undergone significant changes over the past few years. The Disney park remains one of the most crowded in all of Disney World.
They need to add more of the original IP characters to the land. They also need another attraction. Maybe the rumored Mandalorian coaster.