Destination Spotlight: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney Hollywood Studios (Florida)

Spring Break 2022!!  We found ourselves back in Florida and we had a mission this year…Relaxation AND hitting up Disney’s Hollywood Studios to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. I need to be honest with you all…I like Star Wars but my dad and my daughter LOVE Star Wars. They have watched all the movies, The Mandalorian, and Bobba Fett together! I hope you enjoy the photos of them making memories in the post!



We think this destination was worthy of a spotlight post because IT IS INSANELY WELL DONE and definitely worth the investment to visit!

The Experience:
Disney has spared no expense in creating immersive experiences for their guests at Galaxy’s Edge! From the second you begin your visit to Batuu (a planet on the edge of the Star Wars Galaxy) you feel like you really are in a galaxy far far away. You will find yourself submerged in an existing settlement on Batuu called, Black Squire Outpost. Shopping is so much fun and all the cast members are completely in character! Be sure to just take it ALL in and spend some time at The Market. You will find stores like the Creature Stall, Toydarian Toymaker, Black Spire Outfitters and Jewels of Bith. I don’t want to give too much away but if you have ever wanted a Porg or a Jedi robe, this is the place for you!





Droid Depot (Build Your Own Droid): A MUST DO for a Star Wars Fan



This is the one thing (other than rides) that I knew my dad and daughter would absolutely adore BUT we could not get a reservation and I was devasted. HOWEVER, when we walked into the Droid Depot, I asked if there was availability and there was the shortest standby line I had ever seen. We immediately got into line with tons of excitement.



The Droid Depot was extraordinary and it was their favorite memory of our entire trip. The entire shop looks like a bunch of random droid parts that are all over the place. You can choose the traditional R2 unit or a BB unit. The cost was $99 (plus tax) and we spent the extra money on the cutest backpack to carry it around in (total cost with tax was $183). Watching my dad and daughter pick out their customized droid parts was a highlight. There is a conveyor belt full of parts that the designer can choose from and then cast members assist in constructing and programming your personalized droid. My daughter had so much fun controlling her droid and moving it backwards, forwards, spinning, shooting blasters, etc. Definitely worth the cost!






Make Your Own Lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop:
This was one experience that we would have LOVED to do but unfortunately there was no availability. We saw so many fans walking around with carrying their custom lightsabers and I heard from others that it was an outstanding experience and to make sure to do it the next time.  The cost for the experience is $219.99 (plus tax).

**There was an opportunity for my daughter to make her own lightsaber when we got off the Star Tours ride (which is not in Galaxy’s Edge but is at Hollywood Studios). It is a far cheaper option ($30) and is plastic, lights up, makes noises, etc. We thought for this trip, it was perfect!



The Rides:
Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run: Family Fun
We were able to select this ride with our Genie + option and we were happy that we did! Being over spring break, we were there during a “peak” season and the standby wait time never fell below 90 minutes. With our Genie + reservation we reported to our ride between 9 and 10am and we used the old Fastpass lane to get to the front of the line quickly!
Be sure to take in the sights and sounds of galactic life as you make your way through a life-size replica of the Millennium Falcon. When you get to the front, you will be assigned one of three roles (we were pilots and gunners) for your mission. Using real-time video technology, you and your flight crew will work together to fly the ship using cockpit controls.



Rise of the Resistance: Absolutely Epic
Don’t want to build it up too much but…this is the best attraction and most immersive experience I have ever been on! When we visited (March 2022) this was not included in our Genie + ticket and we did not want to pay the extra fee to ride in the Lightning Lane. When I asked a cast member about that, he told me at 7am there are literally 20,000 people willing to pay and there are only 4,000 spots available. Yikes. The line never died down from 120 minutes but we decided to bite the bullet and wait. I am SO HAPPY to report that it did not take even remotely close to that wait time! We were in line for 60 minutes when we found ourselves at the front.
What makes this ride so unique is that you are completely drawn into the story and you feel genuinely included in it. Cast members aren’t just guiding you through the line, they are legit actors and in character the entire time. In terms of technology, Disney has upped its game yet again and this is a show stopper. I do not want to say too much more on this attraction because I want you to experience it yourself and I do not want to spoil anything!





Dining:
We used the Disney App and were able to order food for lunch in Galaxy’s Edge but the area is not loaded with dining options and the food is pretty eclectic (especially for your picky eaters)! Docking Bay 7 and Ronto Roasters are the two main restaurants. Docking Bay 7 boasts a very Asian inspired menu and Ronto Roasters has lots of barbeque options.

Special Mention: Oga’s Cantina
The bar here is outstanding! There are so many drink options (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and kids are welcome! The seating is pretty limited so be prepared to stand but this place is full of life and there is a DJ that keeps that vibe going. The drinks are colorful and delicious (although a little on the sweet side).
Pro-Tip: Make a reservation beforehand to ensure you can get in!





Special Mention: Milk Stand
My daughter and dad were so excited to try the blue milk that Luke Skywalker drank…it’s hard to describe the taste but it is delicious!



Special Mention: Refreshment Stands
Everything on Batuu is like something you have never seen before including refreshments! Stop by a Coca-Cola Cart and you will see what I mean!





Final Thoughts:
Disney is expensive BUT this was worth every penny to see my dad and daughter make memories that will last a lifetime! You could spend pretty much an entire day just at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Whether you are a fan of Star Wars or not this is definitely a MUST SEE destination!

If you are interested in reading more about Disney, check out htis article about Epcot

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