Not really a long time ago and not in a galaxy far, far away, actually, in Anaheim, California, Disneyland Resort  opened Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This land in Disneyland has attracted fans of the franchise and immersed them in the planet of Batuu. When it opened in 2019, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge took guests on an exploration of this planet, complete with exotic galactic food and drinks, character meet and greets, plenty of merchandise, and  two fan favorite attractions: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. And with the background music by John Williams, guests feel like they are stepping into the movies.

There are two nighttime experiences in the land: a nightly projection show, “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga” and on select nights, “Fire of the Rising Moons.”

 

The folks at Disneyland Resort have made some updates to the land. 

Black Spire Outpost is rolling back in time several decades, enabling guests to experience multiple eras of the planet’s rich history, including the Galactic Civil War and New Republic, as well as the Age of the Resistance and First Order. Darth Vader, Leia Organa, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker join some existing characters that roam the Outer Rim outpost. Visitors are further transported into the world of Star Wars with the addition of selections of beloved scores from legendary composer John Williams, pulling musical themes from the first six films. 

And coming on May 22, 2026, a new mission featuring Din Djarin, the titular Mandalorian from The Mandalorian, is coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in celebration of the release of Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and Grogu. For the first time, the crew will be in control of the destination, leading to potential adventures on Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor or the bustling city-planet, Coruscant. 

With the new additions, including new characters to meet and greet, as well as fun food, fabulous libations, a journey to a new galaxy, and don’t forget the merch, the update to the land is one guests have been anxious to experience. Now, they can!

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry, including travel, for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Disneyland has been in a bit of a quandary when it comes to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The story in the land is a different timeline than the original movies with Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Darth Vader, yet these are beloved characters from the franchise. So, to honor the legacy of these characters and add to the enjoyment of the land for true die-hard Star Wars fans, the legendary characters will be coming to the park beginning April 29, 2026.

Now, this is a bit of a tricky situation, considering the stories playing out in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are not from the time of Luke, Leia, Han, etc. So to keep guests immersed in the different timelines of the franchise, the new characters, aka the ones from the original films that launched the Star Wars phenomenon, will be relegated to specific locations so as not to confuse guests. 

Younger guests are probably more aware of the newer characters, specifically Grogu and the Mandelorian. But older guests – you know who you are – who were brought up with the original saga and characters, might not be as well versed in the later stories. So adding the original characters to the land is a great idea for those guests. 

And the music by John Williams from the original films transport guests into the legend and history of the franchise.

Disneyland is not removing the fan favorites: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Fire of the Rising Moons, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.  They are simply adding the characters and flavor of the original six films.

The characters of Grogu, the Mandelorian, Chewbacca, R2-D2, and others have been greeting guests in Batuu all along. Now, in other areas of the land, guests will come across Leia, Luke, Darth Vader, and Han Solo.

Simply put, the original trilogy that has become part of Hollywood history will now be added to Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land. This means guests will be able to immerse themselves in multiple timelines, which should boost the enjoyment of fans of the original Star Wars as well as the later stories. 

So, welcome Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Darth Vader. Disneyland is now your land too (to add to Walt’s opening day remarks). And, may the force be with you.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image: Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort

 

For a limited time Star Wars fans have even more to be excited about in Disneyland. There are special events celebrating all things Star Wars!

Space Mountain has been turned into Hyperspace Mountain through July 4. And to celebrate its 35^th anniversary, Star Tours: The Adventures Continues as guests experience the Star Wars galaxy. And in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, there is a battle brewing between the Resistance and the First Order on the Millennium Falcon.

Guests always enjoy encounters with the characters, and for this special event R2-D2, Kylo Ren and Rey, Chewy, Ewoks, and more are on hand to greet guests and take photos. Plus special Magic Shots (with the assistance of Disney photographers) are offered featuring Grogu (the adorable child from The Mandelorian), Stormtroopers, and K-2SO.

During this celebration Disney has not forgotten the best part (in my opinion), which is the food! Ha. Disney Chefs are incredible and have come up with some imaginative and interesting offerings. Some of the offerings include: New Bubo Wamba Family Farms Cup (Milk Stand at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), Blue Milk: Mon Cala Swirl (Milk Stand at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), Parfait of Mustafar (Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland), Ishi Tib-style Pasta with Braised Beef Banthak (Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), and Sullust Garlic Chips (Jat Kaa’s Coolers at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge). And keep your eyes out for a Wookie cookie!

Over in Tomorrowland Stormtroopers are on the march. They will surprise even the most vigilant guest.

New merchandise will be on sale throughout the event and the Grand California Resort and Spa has decorated its lobby with a Star Wars theme.

This tribute to the movie and TV franchise does not stop in Anaheim. Even Alaska Airlines has changed one of its planes to celebrate Star Wars. Talk about out of this world. Well, I guess it’s not really out of this world, but it is off the ground.

The force is strong at the Disneyland Resort. And guests are really getting into the spirit. With special performances along the Rivers of America by The Cantina Band, a group of Stormtroopers marching through Tomorrowland, transformations of attractions, food and merchandise, this is what Star Wars fans have been waiting for. True fans are on top of the world with this event.

Click below to see a preview video of this event:

If you are a fan of Star Wars, this is a must-do for you. And on May 27, 2022 catch the Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite. This is a very special event:

Early Admission
Enjoy Disneyland Park admission beginning at 6:00 PM, no theme park reservation required.

• Star WarsFireworks Spectacular
  Fan of the dark side or the light side? Watch an amazing pyrotechnical spectacle illuminate the skies!
• Character Experiences
  Enjoy sightings of belovedStar Wars Characters throughout the evening.
• Galactic Dance Party
  Bust a move at an epic event sure to makeStar Wars history!
• Strike a Pose
  Let Disney PhotoPass photographers capture shots—and incredible memories—against event-themed backdrops.
• After-Hours Access to Attractions
  Ride some of the park’s most unforgettableStar Wars-themed attractions—including Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (subject to availability, which may vary and is not guaranteed) throughout the event, usually with shorter wait times.
• Themed Eats
  Gobble goodies that are out of this galaxy—purchase unique dining experiences with sweet and savory menu options at select Disneyland Park locations.
• Themed Merchandise
  Attendees will have the opportunity to purchaseStar Wars-themed items, while supplies last.
• Commemorative Keepsakes
  Receive a souvenir credential and event guide as well as unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass digital photos taken during the party*. (Credentials and guides are limited to one per ticketed person.)
• Inspired Attire
  Dust off those lightsabers! Dress up as your favoriteStar Wars  (See Costume Guidelines on the website.)

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.  Follow her on Twitter.