Unexpected and exciting news has been received today, we now have an official opening date for Star Wars: Galaxy Edge at both Disneyland Resort & Hollywood Studios. Both lands are opening ahead of schedule with Disneyland opening now confirmed as May 31 and Hollywood Studios August 29. Previously it had been confirmed that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening dates would be summer at Disneyland in California & late fall for Hollywood in Studios Florida. However, it isn’t all good news as not everything will be opening initially!
Unfortunately, the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has been pushed back to a phase 2 opening. No date has been announced as yet, but Disney is promising that it will open this year. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is perhaps the most highly anticipated of the new attractions which promise to be “the most ambitious, immersive and advanced attraction ever imagined”.
Disney’s official reason for this unexpected early opening is “because of high guest interest in experiencing this new, immersive land”. However, a cynical opinion might be that it is more likely linked with reports of reduced hotel bookings this summer and unmanageable crowds descending on Disneyland in California. By not opening all of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge initially there is increased chance reservations will be more staggered and result in more manageable crowds.
On opening, guests will be able to experience the new attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run plus enjoy the sights and sounds of Black Spire’s Outpost. Guests will be able to taste unique galactic food and explore the interesting street markets.
Perhaps one of the most unexpected announcements is that there will be no access to Fastpass for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at either park initially. Could we expect 10 hour waits? The Fastpass situation will be monitored and revised over the following months. Previously it was rumoured that this ride’s capacity would be just 1800 guests an hour which means that each day there are likely to be disappointed guests.
To experience Star Wars: Galaxy Edge you will need a valid park ticket, but there will be no additional charge. The process of admission however will differ between Disneyland and Hollywood Studios.
To visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park between May 31 and June 23, 2019 guests will need a reservation to enter. Reservations will be at no cost and details will be released soon on how to make reservations. Presumably, the reservation system will stop the anticipated 200000 guests arriving on opening day. Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels during these dates will receive a designated reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay. Surprisingly the area will not be included in Extra Magic Hour or Magic Morning at Disneyland Park..
The process at Hollywood Studios will be different and there will be no reservations necessary. However, you are not guaranteed entry as the land will be subject to capacity restraints and other restrictions. However resort guests will receive the additional opportunity to enjoy Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during Extra Magic Hours. Expect Extra Magic Hours to run daily for at least the first few months of opening.
The excitement is certainly building up, but it is disappointing Rise of the Resistance will not be opening until later this year. Disney have released another new promo video this morning to further build the excitement.
We will bring you further news on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as we approach the opening date.
Leave a Reply