Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is now open at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. In each case, this land represents a massive expansion for its respective parks. The land is built around the Black Spire Outpost along with the Resistance encampment just outside of town. When guests visit, they can find themselves face to face with Kylo Ren and his stormtroopers from the First Order. They can also find themselves teaming up with Rey and Chewbacca to help defeat the first order. Local cuisine can also be enjoyed and there are local merchants selling their wares. On top of all of that, guests can pilot the Millennium Falcon and go on a mission to collect coaxium.
All of these things are the same at both versions of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. However, there are also subtle differences. Recently, I was able to visit the Walt Disney World Resort and see for myself the similarities and differences between these two lands of the same name. There are a few differences that are very noticeable, others that are more subtle. Below are two videos, each taken on the same day, that give tours of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. One video is from the Disneyland Resort, the other is from the Walt Disney World Resort. They were taken within about an hour of each other. Watch them both and see if you can notice the differences. Then, I’ll highlight SOME of the differences after.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Disneyland
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Comparisons
Walking into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios after visiting the Disneyland version for months was a surreal experience. While a LOT is the same, there were definitely differences. The most obvious is the difference in the entrance. Coming off of Grand Avenue in Disney’s Hollywood Studios was a much different experience to enter the Resistance camp than entering through Critter Country at Disneyland. Beyond the entrances being different, the encampment was set up differently as well. The two fighters were parked in different locations. Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ version felt more like a circular camp while Disneyland’s version of the land feels a bit more stretched out. In both cases, the entrance to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance was in about the same general location. Then, the pathway leading towards town is slightly different in each land as well.
As one pays closer attention to the two lands of the same name, the color scheme is noticeably different. Obviously, with different climates in California and Florida, this is a necessary thing. Various props around the land are also slightly different. There are Coca-Cola droids to be found helping the locals selling beverages at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that aren’t at the Disneyland version. In the Market Place, the central statue is much smaller in Florida than in California. Move over to the area near the Tie Echelon and apparently the First Order hasn’t been around as long in Florida as there seem to be fewer First Order banners draped around Black Spire Outpost. The exit/entrance near the Tie Echelon is also shut in Florida’s version where in California that is a way to get to Fantasyland and the Big Thunder Trail. Over by the exit into Toy Story Land in the Florida version, a crash can be found. Supposedly this is how Rex found his way to the local cantina!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a land chocked full of Easter eggs, details, props, and more fun finds as one explores it. While technically both versions of the land represent the exact same place, they also represent the same place days apart. There are some differences that really are fun to check out and explore. Visiting both Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge version was a fun and surreal experience (that definitely did mess with my head a little bit). What is your favorite detail in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that is similar or different? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
