What’s Going on at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland?

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 1px; “][x_text class=”center-text “]by John Roiniotis[/x_text][/x_column][x_column bg_color=”” type=”3/4″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]With Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge now open at Disneyland in California, we have a better idea of what to expect on wait times and attractions at the happiest place on earth in a galaxy far far away. I’ve been back several times since the opening and have an updated perspective of how to navigate the smuggler’s paradise that is Black Spire Outpost.

First thing to address since the opening of Galaxy’s Edge is the lower than expected attendance for the area of the theme park. Initially, Galaxy’s Edge was supposed to be operating on a “Landing Time” system of reservations to enter the area to mitigate the congestion in the park. This lasted for several days before it was abandoned unless needed.

Galaxy’s Edge is now open to the public to enter and leave as they will. Park attendance hasn’t been as high as predicted and this could be due to a number of factors. Fears by many that the opening of Galaxy’s Edge would lead to insane wait times and attendance may have scared away many people, as well as a current black out period on lower level season pass holders, could be to blame.

Honestly, it’s most likely a combination of all of these factors leading to the park being sparsely occupied except for the Smuggler’s Run Ride and Oga’s Cantina. Add to that a hot Los Angeles Summer and perhaps people are waiting until the opening of the area’s main attraction “Rise of the Resistance” on January 17, 2020 in California; the same ride will open earlier at Disney World in Orlando on December 5th, 2019 (Walt’s Birthday).

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Savi’s workshop and Oga’s Cantina remain some of the more busy parts of the park, but thanks to a new reservation system (similar to restaurants in the park) you can make reservations up to 14 days in advance (60 days coming soon) for the cantina and to build your own lightsaber. This will help to lead to better management of the area.

Currently, Galaxy’s Edge is relatively open for people to wander and explore the immersive area and get an appreciation for the details and special Easter eggs (see the Antiquities Shop for some special artifacts that belong in a museum) that help to make this area one of the best in the park. Wait times for Smuggler’s Run are high, but the single rider line seems to max out at a 15 minute wait to get your fix of the Falcon.

Overall, Galaxy’s Edge may have a softer-than-usual opening in terms of attendance, however, it gives visitors a better chance to get in and explore it for themselves. Many people have been quick to call out the lower attendance as a flaw, but I see it as better than expected planning at mitigating crowds and a chance for more people to enjoy the park in a relaxed and less crowded experience.

If you have the opportunity, get out to Disneyland and experience Galaxy’s Edge during its unexpected lull. A slow day at Disney helps to add to the already magic-filled atmosphere.

Galaxy’s Edge in Disney World in Orlando will open to the public on August 29, 2019 and since it’s practically identical, you’ll soon have two ways to experience the new land.

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