As we continue to reflect and countdown to the top story of the year, Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a bit of a no-brainer. It had been anticipated for a few years and was teased throughout the year before its May opening. This is a highly immersive environment that has its own story.
Galaxy’s Edge Anticipation and Opening
As details spilled out throughout the year it was clear that this would have so much detail that it would be hard to take it all in on one trip. This had fans and park-goers are very curious as to what the land would hold. When it opened there were people literally crying for joy at seeing the Millennium Falcon up close and lifesize. And then to pilot it took many’s breaths away. The land was a success to those who went and visited Batuu. And this was all in Disneyland for a few months.
Then, Walt Disney World had theirs open. Still, a popular sight to see. The land was not finished, though. Earlier this month Disney’s Hollywood Studios had a huge opening with the E-Ticket Rise of the Resistance attraction. This ride is like nothing ever seen before.
Which, having ridden it, I can take the opportunity to give a bit of a spoiler-free review.
Rise of the Resistance Review
First, the boarding process is a smooth one. Though, in Florida, guests have had to get to the park before sunrise, for me it was about an hour before opening. I’ve often done that at Disneyland without a new ride having been opened. Yes, it has meant that boarding passes are out within a couple of hours of the park being opened, but it has also meant that if you do the work of going over in the wee hours of the morning you get to ride it within the day.
When my boarding pass group was called it was another smooth operation to get into and through the line. I was surprised at how short of a time it took to get into the first part of the attraction or the preshow depending on how you view it. I actually wished the line would slow down in parts in order to see the details! There were also some crates to unlock through the Disney Play app and an assignment from Finn. Again, I kinda wish I had a bit more time in the line in order to unlock everything. I estimate that it was about 20-30 minutes for me to get to the first part of the attraction, and probably more on the 20-minute side. It was very fast feeling!
I keep saying the first part of the attraction or preshow. It helps describe what this attraction is really like. It’s not just a ride. It’s an experience! Without spoiling exactly what happens the path is show, line experience, ride, show, line experience, show, and finally ride. That’s probably very cryptic but there are some amazing effects that I don’t want to spoil. I, thankfully, didn’t look at spoilers and was very surprised at all they did. There are things to see in almost any direction, so one ride is not going to give the full experience. It is hard to fully describe because it is just an amazing attraction that immerses and keeps you on your toes! After riding it I easily would have gotten back in line if it were a couple of hours long! It is well worth that amount of time, especially that the actual experience is one of the longest Disney attractions (that’s not a movie).
Legacy
So, all that to say is that Galaxy’s Edge has been on people’s minds throughout the year. It has been something that is continually drawing people into the parks. And there are some amazing experiences as people go in. It keeps appearing in social media feeds as people take many photos and selfies and post them all over. It’s certainly one of the top stories.
But, you’re probably wondering why and how this is not the biggest of the year. You’ll find out tomorrow. In the meantime, here is some of the coverage of Galaxy’s Edge we’ve had this last year:
Galaxy’s Edge Grand Opening Celebration
5 Things You Do Not Want to Miss at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Now Open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A Look at the Different Parts of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
