Tag Archive: Star Wars

  1. What To Expect In A Post-Galaxy’s Edge Disney World

    Photo Credit: Disney Parks

    Have you heard about a little thing called Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that’s coming to Disney World later this year?

    Disney surprised the fan community when it announced that the new “Star Wars land” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would open ahead of schedule on August 29th. 

    For better or worse, Galaxy’s Edge will change your vacation experience at Walt Disney World. Here are six things to expect in a post-Star Wars land Disney World. 

    1) There Will Be Long Waits Just To SEE Galaxy’s Edge

    I’m sure many people expect that they will be able to amble into the new land just to check it out..

    Well, this likely won’t be the case for quite a long time after Galaxy’s Edge opens. As soon as the opening date was announced, Disney threw a warning up on it’s website that went something like this: capacity at Galaxy’s Edge is limited and you may not be able to get in.

    I expect waits of MANY hours just to get into the land right after it opens. Disney will control how many people are in the land at once and likely will only let more people in when others leave.

    So even if you only want to snap a few pictures or sip some blue milk, you may have to wait in a long line. There will be Extra Magic Hours offered for Galaxy’s Edge, and I expect they will be extensive. So visiting during those times and very early in the morning or late at night will be your best bet to see the new land.

    2) There Will Be More People Visiting Disney World

    Star Wars fans will show up for Galaxy’s Edge and they will likely visit other theme parks. This means increased crowds at all of Walt Disney World starting August 29th. 

    What’s not clear is HOW much the other theme parks will be affected. There may just be a slight increase compared to previous years at Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom. Or the parks might feel a lot more crowded. 

    There’s no way to know for sure but if you plan for holiday crowds at the end of September then you at least won’t be disappointed. You can still have an incredible time visiting the parks with heavy crowds, but you have to have a game plan. Check out this post for tips on enjoying the parks during busy times. 

    3) It May Be Harder To Find Availability

    Thanks to #2, you might have a harder time finding availability at your favorite DVC Resorts. Your 7- and 11-month window will become even more important after Galaxy’s Edge opens. 

    If you have any desire to stay at a non-home resort during during the 2019 holiday season, be ready to book in April (for November dates) and May (for December dates) to take advantage of your 7 month window. 

    This particularly applies to the Beach Club and Boardwalk resorts due to the easy access they provide to Hollywood Studios. I think studios will be particularly in demand, so be ready to book those at 8:00 am EST either 7 or 11 months in advance to the day. 

    4) Availability (And Prices) At Skyliner Resorts Will Be Affected

    Disney has been hard at work on it’s new transportation system, the Disney Skyliner. This gondola system will connect Hollywood Studios and Epcot with Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and the new Riviera DVC resort. 

    In the past it was easy to add a day (or a few) at Pop Century or Caribbean Beach on to your DVC stay since there was almost always availability at these huge resorts. We often stay a few nights at Pop Century before moving over to our favorite resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

    Stays like this will become increasingly difficult to book and likely more expensive. The resorts on the Skyliner will offer easier access to Hollywood Studios than resorts that require taking a bus. The traffic in and around Hollywood Studios will likely be horrendous. 

    The Skyliner will reportedly be able to transport up to 5,000 guest per hour in one direction which exceeds bus capacity by an ridiculous amount. Because of the ease of getting to Hollywood Studios from the Skyliner resorts, expect that it will be difficult to book these resorts and that, much like the monorail resorts, Disney will be able to charge a premium price to stay in them. 

    5) Hollywood Studios Fastpasses Will Be Hard To Get

    Disney has announced that there will NOT be Fastpasses available for the one attraction that will be open during “phase one” of Galaxy’s Edge: Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. The other attraction (Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance) will not be open in August, but is slated to open later in the year. 

    Since folks will already be in Hollywood Studios for Galaxy’s Edge, they will want to make the most of their park day and experience the rest of that park. This means that Fastpasses in Hollywood Studios will be hard to get, especially for Slinky Dog Dash (which was already pretty hard to get). 

    Be ready to book your Fastpasses at 7 am EST on the day your 60-day window opens if you plan on visiting Hollywood Studios after August 29th. I also suggest visiting Hollywood Studios later in your trip if you are staying for many days, since Fastpasses will be easier to get. 

    6) The Immersive Experience Will Be Unprecedented

    I know the crowds and increased demand for Disney resorts are a bummer. But the immersive experience at Galaxy’s Edge will be truly incredible (even if you aren’t a Star Wars fan). This land will raise the bar for future developments at Disney World and other theme parks. 

    I am surprised at how excited I am to experience Galaxy’s Edge. I have seen the movies but am by no means a Star Wars fanatic, yet I am really looking forward to seeing a new level of Disney storytelling. 

    Do you have plans to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge this year? Or will you wait for the crowds and excitement to die down before you even try to visit? Please head over to our DVC Chat Facebook group and join the discussion!

  2. Star Wars Intergalactic Guide – Walt Disney World

    Star Wars Guide

    There is a disturbance in the force at Walt Disney World, have you felt it? For Padawans & Younglings, Jedi & Sith, Rebels & Imperials, Aliens & Bounty Hunters, Star Wars at Disney is expanding. Therefore, I’m extremely excited about this article: Your intergalactic guide to Star Wars at Disney World, and future events happening.

    Star Wars Land ‘Galaxy’s Edge’

    Star Wars Land constructionComing to Hollywood Studios in 2019, Star Wars Land aka ‘Galaxy’s Edge’ will be opened, ‘there is no bad feeling about this.’ Expect to be transferred to ‘A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away’, with two main attractions planned; a chance to fly in a Millennium Falcon and an e-ticket space battle adventure between First Order and The Resistance. There are also plans for a Star Wars themed interactive hotel to allow guests the chance to feel / live the SW experience during their stay.

    However, before we get too excited about what’s to come, let’s talk about now. The main Star Wars attractions are all immersed into Hollywood Studios, therefore if you can’t wait for 2019, then here is my definitive guide to Star Wars at Walt Disney Word.

    Hollywood Studios Star Wars “It’s a Map”

    Below is the latest map (Summer 2017) and I have highlighted the main SW attractions with this symbol: 

    Star Wars Map WDW

    Rides/Attractions

    Star Tours (#13 on map): The Adventure Continues –  Located in Echo Bay, a great 3D simulation ride led by C-3PO and R2-D2 transporting you in the middle of a SW adventure, there is a height restriction (40”) and use your FastPass+ for this ride.

    Force Tip — The area around Star Tours offers some lovely Star Wars views, PS – listen to the Ewok Village at night.

    Launch Bay (#35 on map): Located in Animation Courtyard, Launch Bay gives you several different SW experiences.

    • Character Experiences: Where you can meet the sinister Kylo Ren, Cuddle Chewie or see BB-8 , just watch out for First Order Stormtroopers roaming around. Force Tip – The characters and CMs will remain in Character.
    • Theatre Show: Watch a 10 minute show celebrating the extraordinary creation of SW.
    • Movie Props: Host of SW movie props, costumers, scenery and artwork to view and take photos.
    • Merchandise : Launch Bay Cargo – Purchase SW collectibles, memorabilia, movie prop replicas, sculptures and other merchandise.

    Force Tip – Use your memory maker for Character meets & greets.

    [envira-gallery id=”30204″]

    Shows

    Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular: Located Centre Stage in DHS, an extravagant movie, light & musical firewords display that lasts approximately 14 minutes. See times guide for fireworks.

    Force Tip — Arrive 20/30 mins early, and do (as there is no try) get a spot in the middle, 15m back from the stage to experience all, closer if with children.

    Or if you would like to do fireworks in style, you can have a SW dessert party – treats and alcohol with VIP viewing area.  Here is the link for more details https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_GB/dining/hollywood-studios/galactic-dessert-party/

     

    Jedi Training Trials of the Temple (#12 on map): Located in Echo Lake, Younglings experience jedi lightsaber training, and battle Darth Vader/Seventh Sister. Watch the show or if you have children aged 4-12 yrs, then they can become part of the show. See times guide for show times.

    Force Tip — Here is a step by step guide to enable your child(ren) being part of the show:

    1. Arrive at DHS close to Rope drop (20 mins before)
    2. Once park opens, head to Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost (#20 on Map) for signing your child(ren) up.
    3. Look for the below signs and start queuing (ensure your child(ren) is with you).
    4. Wait on the ‘Jedi Spot’ and head to next available Cast Member (CM).
    5. CM will ask your child(ren) age/name, can they follow directions whilst they’re on stage, preferred time slot, etc. Force Tip – Choose time slot based on your daily schedule, accountng for weather conditions as shows are subject to extreme weather.
    6. You will be given a slip (receipt) indicating time of check in.
    7. Return to the check-in desk (where you signed in) at designated time.
    8. Request your child(ren) to stay on a Blue spot until CM directs, children will be ordered into height and given Jedi robes and CMs will lead Younlings to the stage (#12 on map next to Star Tours). Force Tip — A Photo Pass CM will give you a card as they will be taking professional photos of the show.
    9. Enjoy the show: Our son Harrison managed to battle both Darth Vader and Seventh Sister. Force Tip — Ensure your child(ren) are hydrated/visited restroom prior to show.   

    [envira-gallery id=”30217″]

    SW Shows Centre Stage: Subject to change, located Centre stage on map two shows from morning til late afternoon (see time guide for show times):

    • March of The First Order: Watch on as Captain Plasma and Stormtroopers show their strength and obedience with a dautning demonstration.
    • A Galaxy Far, Far, Away : A Galaxy Far, Far Away: Many SW iconic characters take the stage for a live action 20 minute show.

    Force Tip — Arrive slightly earlier for good viewing. Central and close to the stage is the best location.

    [envira-gallery id=”30234″]

    SW: Path of The Jedi (#9 on Map): Located in Echo Lake, a 10 minute moving film highlightng Jedi paths.

    Force Tip — Watch this if raining or you have 25 minutes to spare.

    Dining

    Backlot Express (#19 on Map): Located in Echo Lake, Experience a Star Wares themed menu at efficient prices.

    Force Tip — Try the delicious infamous Darth Vader Peanut Butter Cupcake

    Backlot Express

    Shopping

    Tattooine Traders (#22 on Map): Located in Echo Bay, this quirky-themed shop sells many SW merchandise, and enables you to custom build your own lightsaber/droid.

    Force Tip — If staying on WDW property you can have any purchases delivered to your resort with no charge.

    Please note there are many other shopping location across DHS and WDW that sell SW merchandise, e.g Galactic Outpost, The Landing, Disney Springs.

    Tattooine Traders

    With more changes expected, I can’t wait to experience all what Star Wars and Walt Disney World has to offer. With this in mind, May The Force Be With You!

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