(Review) Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland is new again with expanded characters and movie music
When a land dedicated to “Star Wars” originally opened at two U.S. theme parks, Disney attempted to give the area its own story. Over the years, fans have voiced their desire to feel immersed in movie moments they love, rather than experience unfamiliar characters.
Now things have changed in Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with a lot of updates, including classic, beloved characters who are new to the land, a new mission on ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run,’ a new shop and more.
When a tremendously detailed story like the original one created for Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu changes its timeline, one small change can create a domino effect. With this new story timeline, we get to experience what was happening on Black Spire Outpost before the First Order and Resistance arrived. The galaxy is changing. The Empire is falling and the New Republic is rising.
This change in story affects every detail of the land, including which Star Wars characters can be visiting the land, the purpose of a ride mission, what sort of merchandise a shop should be selling, and more.
Here’s a look at some of the recent changes following a hosted media visit I experienced.
From the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace through the First Order area near the TIE Echelon, this is the space in the land dedicated to the classic Star Wars era made popular in the original film trilogy, including “The Mandalorian” timeline.
What’s new at Disneyland’s “Galaxy’s Edge?”
Characters
Along with The Mandalorian and Grogu wandering the land, you can now expect to find Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and the infamous Darth Vader making appearances in this section of Galaxy’s Edge.
While most are found simply exploring the land as they meet with guests, Darth Vader makes a grand entrance at various time during the day as seen in the video below. Check the Disneyland app for his entrance times.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
The original mission of this ride has now been officially retired, given its story is tied to the land’s original timeline. Instead, Hondo Ohnaka has made a deal with the New Republic to track down Imperial scum who are doing a cargo deal on Tatooine. The Mandalorian and Grogu are along for the ride as enforcers.
The new version of the ride includes an update to the pre-show where Hondo continues to run his “completely legitimate shipping business”, upgraded video graphics, and various locations to visit during your ride. The role of choosing the destination for your journey goes to the Engineer, a position that was previously criticized for not having enough agency in the experience.
There is also a ‘Grogu mode‘ that both pilot roles can activate.
Unlike ‘Star Tours: The Adventures Continue,’ where the locations you visit are chosen at random, this change to ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ now gives the Engineer a lot of power. The desire to re-ride Smugglers Run has now been tremendously plussed for guests who want the whole experience. It’s a bigger world and there’s a lot more to explore.
Stores
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities has been a popular shop since the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The shop continues to feature screen-used props and memorabilia. But the specific props and merchandise inside have been changed in a lot of cases to reflect the new timeline. Replacing the First Order Cargo store is Black Spire Surplus. There you can find military surplus supplies.
Music
One of the most iconic pieces of a Star Wars movie is the music score composed by Disney Legend John Williams. But when the land first opened, you wouldn’t hear any of these melodies playing throughout the land. Instead, every sound you heard was “in world”, creating the feeling of a lived-in atmosphere.
With these recent updates to the land, John Williams’ music has been added as well. With it comes the addition of some nostalgic emotion that was previously missing. The atmosphere music includes recognizable pin drops from Star Wars films and television shows. Curiously missing is the “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite” composed by Williams for the opening of the land.
The thoughtful addition of music is delicate and feels natural when wandering around. This isn’t just random selections from the Star Wars music catalogue. Pieces of music were rethought and rearranged to add to the experience and not distract.
Even with the addition of this music, the land continues to include the sounds of spaceships, creatures, and more atmospheric sound effects, giving the feeling of a living planet.
Nighttime Spectacular
When the sun sets on Black Spire Outpost, guests can witness the spectacular projection show ‘Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga,’ sharing the story of the Skywalker Family. Recently added as a tag at the end is ‘The Curious Child,’ a new projection piece featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu. Spectators will see some of Grogu’s classic adventures as seen through their eyes. The Child rearranges floating debris to create tableaus of memorable moments throughout his journeys.
Sequel Era
All of these changes and updates in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge arrive in time as Star Wars fans get ready to celebrate the original film’s 50th anniversary in 2027. But if you’re someone who still wants to celebrate and experience the newer films in Galaxy’s Edge, not to worry.
From the forest and beyond, you can still experience sequel-era offerings. Most notably, the land’s most popular attraction, ‘Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.’ In this area of the land, you will continue to see characters from the sequel era, including Kylo Ren and Rey.
With these new additions now added to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park, this now diversifies the experiences you can have at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World even more. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues to stick with the original storyline and timeline (for the most part). At least for now. It’s a big planet with a rich history. There are plenty of opportunities for even more changes in the future.
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