This week one member of The Theme Park Podcast got the opportunity to take part in the Annual Passholder sneak preview of the highly anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Here is his first hand account of what he experienced and what theme park fans should look forward to!
"holy everything this place is massive"
When you first walk into the area the first thing you realize is "holy everything this place is massive" and when I say massive, its 14 acres! And what did Disney do with all that space you may ask? Well they filled it with spaceships, full of life-size spaceships. Now before you think you'll need to ask your friends to take your photo in front of an X-Wing, there is no shortage of photo pass photographers to take your picture.
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Once you head into the marketplace of Batuu; that is the planet you are now on, you'll see numerous shops offering a variety of items. You can get some creatures that will just sit on your shoulder. How about a Porg that you can make his wings flap.
Everywhere you look there is attention to detail to the 10th degree. They included toys sold from the previous movies in the decorations!
Chewbacca Just Enjoying The Grill
Oh you were wondering about characters? You'll see them out and about, just look at Chewbacca checking out the grill while patrons enjoy some Ranto Wraps. I also got to see Rey strolling around talking to a young traveler that happened to be wearing the same attire as her.
BUT be on the look out for the First Order Stormtroopers, if they are around trouble is sure to follow.
THAT IS THE MILLENNIUM FALCON!
Like no joke, when you see the Millennium Falcon for the first time it is an awe-inspiring experience, this is probably the most famous spaceship in history? And Disney put it right there for everyone to see! Not only that because this is Star Wars you'll hear the sounds of spaceships FLYING AROUND! That level of detail help you feel like you aren't at a theme park but that you've been transported to another planet.
Alright enough burying the lede, just behind the spaceship is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run aka THE RIDE WHERE YOU ARE ON THE MILLENNIUM FALCON!
The queue for the ride is very reminiscent to Star Tours, spaceship parts and droids to look around at. Further along you'll get the gist of the ride. You and you crew will be trying to "acquire" some coaxium. Each member of your crew will be assigned to different tasks: pilot, gunner, and engineer.
Everyone will receive a boarding pass while labels what you will be doing throughout the ride. I was assigned the role of pilot of the Millennium Falcon, yeah no pressure right!
The basics of each role: pilot steers the ship, gunners will defend the ship, and engineers will be in charge of firing the harpoons.
The cockpit is perfect, like you straight feel like you just walked into the movies.
Once the ride begins it is now game time and you have to bring your A game. Periodically you'll be asked to performed certain tasks. Remember how you and your crew during the ride will determine your overall experience.
Bonus tip: if you are the pilot you can pull the level to travel to lightspeed!
GET THAT BLUE MILK
After getting the chance to take a ride on the Millennium Falcon you should defiantly go get some blue milk. I still haven't quite figured out what the blue milk tastes like, but I did enjoy it. It has a slurry consistency, and is fairly sweet.
And for those interested there is a few alcoholic versions.
Now the food! I purchased a Ronto Wrap, and in the most basic of terms it is a hot dog that is wrapped in pork and then served on a pita.
You should absolutely get one as you stroll around Batuu because it is able to eaten while you walk!
KNOW THE LINGO
Now because you are on a new planet you'll want to know how to greet everyone and you'll how to learn to how to say “hello.” Batuu has two greetings depending on the time of day. “Bright suns” during the day. “Rising moons” for the evening.
The other thing you're likely to hear is “Til the Spires.” This is essentially one of several ways of saying farewell.
If you want to hear more about my travels to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge you'll want to enjoy this weeks podcast!