A Visit to Batuu: Star Wars’ Galaxy’s Edge
As someone who has grown up on the Star Wars movies, when Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge was announced I was beyond overjoyed. Unfortunately, just as time to plan had started to unfold, so too did the COVID-19 pandemic, an unfortunate stopper in said dreams. Between that and other unfortunate circumstances that life had decided to throw in my way, it wasn’t until September last year where I could go back to the Happiest Place on Earth, and thus it was then when I had the joy of experiencing Batuu for myself for the first time.
The fact of the matter is that Galaxy’s Edge isn’t merely a Star Wars land. It is a snippet of the land of Star Wars. Every second you spend in there you spend immersed in that universe, whether it be getting a blue milk from the milk stand, or eating at Ronto Roasters. For the more classical Star Wars fans, like myself, you can head over to Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities or to the various stalls throughout the market like streets of the outpost, for items such as lightsabers, Luke’s x-wing helmet, or jedi robes, as well as resistance AND rebel gear. Meanwhile, for those of us with a leaning for the dark side, perhaps you could head over towards the First Order Cargo and secure yourself some Kylo Ren inspired gear or First Order armour.
The attention to detail is simply immaculate, and while it’s difficult to group all the movies together into a realistic land set in the current Star Wars era, I’d like to think that Disney did a decently good job of doing it without making it too juxtaposing within itself. Simple details that hint towards earlier movies without outright stating where they’re from, like a landspeeder like we see Luke use in A New Hope, or the X-Wing we see near Rise of the Resistance.
Needless to say the entire experience was entirely enrapturing. Disney has always been more than just the rides, it’s always had a magic to every single detail, and I believe that’s why Galaxy’s Edge succeeds so much. Even if you initially only head in its direction for the rides, you could spend a long time just sightseeing, memorising every tiny detail and figuring out where it links to the greater universe that Batuu is but a small part of.
I’m sure that for most, attractions are the main draw of a theme park, and while I loved the rides, for me there’s just simply more to Disneyland than that, and Galaxy’s Edge is a place where that is especially true. Disneyland is a place where you can let go of the worries of the now, and immerse yourself in a world of imagination that it’s hard to find elsewhere, and nowhere else is this more true than Galaxy’s Edge. Water bottles with wrappers written in Aurebesh, and Coca Cola and Sprite in galactic orbs, and queues that feel like more of an adventure than ever before. While sure, at most Disneyland rides, even the queues have easter eggs and immersion, Galaxy’s Edge takes it to a new level, by making it into a more positive experience for the guests. While everyone hates waiting, between the rooms in the Falcon, and being hunted down by the First Order in the queue for Rise of the Resistance, it’s not just a mere line anymore, and that’s something that, as someone with ADHD who struggles (a lot) with long line, I much appreciate.
And with that, comes the time to discuss the attractions. Currently, there are just the two of them, and both of them are absolute showstoppers.
The Millenium Falcon is the ride that a nine year old me would have sold a kidney to go on, and is perfect fun for the whole family. While I have to admit that I find the controls difficult, even if you completely crash or fail to shoot the TIEs in your way, the experience is still fun and memorable. The only thing missing is Han Solo, but, considering the events of the sequel trilogy, it makes sense as to why he’s not there (as much as it irks me).
And if you’re looking for something that’s easier to focus on when you’re as poorly co-ordinated as I am? Well, just line up for Rise of the Resistance and enjoy the ride! Your role in the story may be passive, and yet the tale itself is anything but! As you’re taken around the First Order’s base in a daring escape, the design of the ride makes it so that it feels as though you really are in that world, escaping the First Order with the help of Rey and the Resistance.
Star Wars has always had a special place in my heart, and I cherish my time spent at Galaxy’s Edge. I really hope to visit again soon, and recommend that any of you with a love for Star Wars also visit if ever given the chance!
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