A cultural phenomenon since Episode IV: A New Hope premiered in 1977, the Star Wars saga has captivated audiences for almost 50 years through movies, TV shows, cartoons, and theme park experiences. Ramping up in recent years with the additions of Galaxy’s Edge in 2019, the Star Wars-Disney connection goes back to the mid-1980s with the development of the Star Tours attraction. A self-proclaimed fan of Disneyland (having visited the park on its second day of operation as a kid in 1955) George Lucas partnered with Disney Imagineering to build a novel attraction for Tomorrowland, and the rest was theme park history.
A long time ago, on both coasts of the USA…
“That’s no moon.” – Obi Wan Kenobi, A New Hope
Star Tours opened in Disneyland January 9, 1987, and in Walt Disney World on December 15, 1989, forever changing how fans can experience the Star Wars story. This first of its kind 3D simulator ride brought guests directly into the action as we ventured out on a tour to the forest moon of Endor, piloted by droid RX-24, only to find ourselves inadvertently in the middle of the epic Death Star battle from A New Hope. This blending of cinematic storytelling and (at the time) cutting edge technology marked a revolutionary step forward in Imagineering, that continues to be built upon today.
The bi-coastal Star Tours attractions closed in 2010 and were replaced by Star Tours: The Adventure Continues in 2011. The next generation version utilizes the same ride system with C-3PO as your pilot on a galactic quest through one of a multitude of possible different combinations of scenes. Recently, Disney added even more updated scenes and story lines to this ride, bringing fan-favorite characters like the Mandalorian and Ashoka Tano for the adventure. Guests can now experience fifty-four different combinations of locations and story lines, making this ride one of the more “re-rideable” attractions in the parks. (I personally have yet to encounter Mando on my adventure, and I’m always excited for Star Tours.)
The nostalgia lover in me must point out that while the classic safety instruction video was updated with the attraction, the Imagineers held true to the peak 80s quirkiness from the original safety video. The costumes and makeup used to portray space beings and creatures boarding the attraction is top notch, and I appreciate that they re-filmed this in the same spirit and vibe as the original safety shpeel video. This simple yet effective clip brings you both into the story, and back in time. (Watch the original below!)
Bright Suns! Welcome to Black Spire Outpost
“You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.” – Obi Wan Kenobi, A New Hope
With the addition of Galaxy’s Edge in 2019 at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World and Disneyland in California, travelers can explore the Outer Rim in new and highly immersive ways. A unique planet imagined specifically for the Disney properties, Batuu is still recognizable as distinctly “Star Wars.” As you enter Black Spire Outpost and take in your surroundings – from the Resistance Base in the forested edge of the land to the marketplace that evokes scenes from Tatooine – you are enveloped in the sights and sounds of a living, breathing galactic community.
Everything in this land is highly detailed, from blaster marks on the walls down to the droid tracks in the ground (some of which were created by the original R2-D2 droid suit). As you move through Black Spire Outpost, you’ll notice slight changes to the background theme music as the scenes around you transform from the resistance outpost to the First Order base, all created by none other than John Williams, the legendary composer behind the Star Wars soundtrack (among many others). You can easily spend hours looking at the droids, creatures, and other details that bring Batuu to life – not to mention the X-Wing, TIE-Fighter, and transport ships parked around the outpost.
If your schedule allows, visit Batuu at night. This land takes on another feeling when the sun sets and the thematic lighting can be clearly seen, with the occasional lightsaber cutting through the dark.
From Padawan to Jedi Knight – The Evolution of Immersive Star Wars Attractions
“Rebellions are built on hope.” – Jyn Erso, Rogue One
As Imagineering has evolved over the years, so has the ability to bring you into the story in physical ways that have not been possible before. Building off the technology of Star Tours, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run advances the motion simulator technology to put you in the pilot’s seat. As you make your way through Batuu, and set your eyes on the Fastest Hunk of Junk in the Galaxy for the first time, you might find yourself getting more emotional than your first sight of Cinderella’s Castle. Absolutely stunning in scale and detail, the Millennium Falcon is a true gift to fans of the Star Wars universe. Childhood dreams come true as you board the ship, wander its hallways, sit at Chewy’s chess table, and pilot the Falcon on a galactic heist of coaxial cables for famed smuggler Hando Ohnaka. The queue is truly amazing, and you really feel like you’re prepping the Falcon for an excursion.
Travelers of Batuu can look forward to a new ride update coming in May 2026, when The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters. In addition to a new story line, characters, and locations, there will be new interactive elements for the engineer seat (which currently is just a button-mashing “job” and is sadly the only spot I’ve ever sat in!) that will allow guest in the back of the ride to have a couple of fun responsibilities: 1. Select the destination location and 2. Interact with Grogu! This upgrade will take this immersive attraction on step further, and I look forward to seeing what the Imagineers dream up for Grogu. (You can find more information about the upcoming enhancements in the recent Disney Parks Blog Post about the Star Wars Celebration in Japan. This is the way.)
“The First Order wins by making people think they are alone. We’re not alone. Good people will fight if we lead them.” – Poe Dameron, The Rise of Skywalker
I am not sure that we can even refer to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance as a “ride” or “attraction.” A true feat of Imagineering and storytelling with multiple ride systems, audio animatronic characters and jaw dropping technological effects, Rise of the Resistance can only be referred to as “an experience.” From the moment you enter the queue and meander through the Resistance Base, seeing lockers of blasters, pilot gear, and other galactic weaponry, you begin to feel yourself becoming animated and excited to battle The First Order. After your briefing from Rey about the dangers ahead, and a quick dash to your transport, you’re taken prisoner by the First Order and will need to escape from a Star Destroyer.
Rise of the Resistance showcases some of the most advanced technology and audio animatronics Disney has to offer – from the fluidity of Kylo Ren’s movements to the blaster effects, it really is one jaw-dropping scene after another in this 15-minute experience. Including three ride ride systems, role-playing cast members, and set designs that tower stories above you, this is a fully immersive adventure that sets a new bar for Walt Disney Imagineering. Imagine every time you played “Star Wars” as a kid, using a paper towel role as a light saber and trying to outrun your cousin or friend who was playing a Stormtrooper; now imagine that is real. That is what Rise of the Resistance is like.
I have been lucky enough to join the Resistance many times, and my personal favorite scene is the room with the enormous AT-AT Walkers – the scale of these always blows my mind, and I appreciate that the Imagineers when to such heights to make this experience feel so real.
Fuel Up & Stay Out of Trouble
“Can I offer you a libation to celebrate the closing of our shared narrative?” – The Client, The Mandalorian
There is no shortage of thematic food & drink found at Galaxy’s Edge, and the Imagineers have found a way to bring details of the stories to life with quick service locations like The Milk Stand (serving up Blue or Green Milk) and Ronto Roasters (which uses an old speeder engine as an oven).
For me, the highlight of these immersive dining experiences is Oga’s Cantina, a location akin to Mos Eisley Cantina on Tatooine. A dimly lit cavernous space with creatures in tanks and the occasional Storm Trooper questioning patrons, Oga’s Cantina has an immersive vibe that immediately makes you forget you are in a theme park (if you hadn’t already forgotten that from your time in Galaxy’s Edge). You may even recognize a familiar droid if you were lucky enough to ride the original Star Tours – our old friend REX has been reprogrammed to a DJ and has really found his calling spinning all day at Oga’s. (He was a terrible pilot anyway!)
As you enjoy a snack and libation and take in the cantina, you can imagine smugglers wheeling and dealing at a corner table, while rebels exchange information in hushed tones near the bar. So many iconic scenes in both the movies and TV shows happen in spaces just like this – Han shooting Greedo, Mandalorian telling his bounty he can bring him in warm or bring him in cold, Obi-Wan and Anakin following a would-be assassin through Coruscant – that it really feels like anything could happen at any moment to alter your story. Oga’s Cantina is not necessarily a wow moment from a palate perspective. There are a couple of thematic snacks that are visually interesting and tasty, and the cocktails each have a unique Star Wars-tilt to them. The alcoholic drinks are batched, though, so if you are looking for a standard cocktail, you won’t find it here. Because of its popularity, this location also has a 45-minute time limit, but you are welcome to take your second (or third!) drink with you to go.
Become a Jedi Knight
“An elegant weapon for a more civilized age.” – Obi Wan Kenobi, A New Hope
The next entry is not for everyone due to the cost-prohibitive nature of the experience, but for those who are able and willing to shell out extra cash to build a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, it is truly a memorable experience. Organized in relatively small groups, this feels like a personal experience where you are lead through the process of selecting and building your own lightsaber. Through storytelling, music, and well-themed lighting effects, this experience will give any Star Wars fans goosebumps. I was looking forward to this experience, and I was blown away by how unique and moving the workshop was. Though, the cost has increased substantially since I was able to build my lightsaber, as of publishing date ringing in at $249.99 +tax. (Like I said, cost-prohibitive…)
Character Interactions
“I find your lack of faith disturbing.” – Darth Vader, A New Hope
Among the things that makes Galaxy’s Edge so immersive and compelling in a storytelling sense is the fact that characters wander around and interact with travelers throughout Batuu. Whether you encounter Stormtroopers as they patrol the land, or team up with Rey and Vi Moradi to aid the Resistance, there’s really no telling who could be around the corner and where your next turn will take you. If you’re lucky, you’ll run into the Mandalorian and Grogu by the marketplace – This is The Way.
However, my favorite Star Wars character interaction isn’t found in Galaxy’s Edge. Easily one of the best character meet and greets in all of Walt Disney World and located in the Star Wars Launch Bay on the other side of the park, pledging allegiance to Lord Vader himself is a must-do for any Star Wars fan, rebel or imperial. Towering well over 6 feet tall with perfect costume and voice animation, Darth Vader intimidates me every time I meet with him to file my reports (because clearly I have been spying for him all day on Batuu). I do hope they find a way to move this character experience closer to Galaxy’s Edge (along with Chewbacca and BB-8 who you can also say hello to in this area). I think it can sometimes be forgotten because of its off-the-beaten-path location and lack of any other driver of traffic ever since the previously housed movie memorabilia was moved to the Rise of the Resistance queue.
Update Fall 2025: Star Wars Launch Bay is now closed. Guests can meet Darth Vader by the entrance to Star Tours: The Adventure Continues, and interact with Chewbacca in Galaxy’s Edge. BB-8 is currently not available as a character meet-and-greet, but you can see him when you ride Rise of the Resistance.
Gone but Not Forgotten
“Rejoice for those around you who transform into The Force. Mourn them do not, miss them do not.” – Yoda, Revenge of the Sith
It would be remiss of me if I did not mention a couple of Star Wars experiences from years past that are no longer available at the parks:
- Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular – Nighttime fireworks which included scoring by John Williams ran from June 16, 2016 through COVID closure in March 2020 and has not returned. Currently only Fantasmic is available as a nighttime show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (which is a must-see) but who wouldn’t love to cap off an epic day of playing along in your favorite Star Wars story with this extravaganza?
- March of the First Order – A brief daytime show where a battalion of Stormtroopers would march in front of the Chinese Theater lead by Captain Phasma. Whether it was because of the impending opening of Galaxy’s Edge in late 2019, or a logistical issue with this large march of actors, it was a bummer when this came to an end. I vividly remember seeing this show immediately upon entering the park one day and it was such a wow! moment for me.
- Jedi Training Academy – This fun kids’ experience let padawans learn to wield the force from Jedi Knights, and the stage sadly sits empty next to Star Tours at Hollywood Studios. Not only would I love to see this return – I’d like it to be an all-ages experience so I can participate as well! (Just kidding… sort of.)
“Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future.” – Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back
There are so many ways to immerse yourself in the Star Wars story in Disney World, it’s not even possible to highlight all of them in this post. In addition to my favorites above, you can also build a droid, complete missions on your DataPad (aka cell phone) using the Disney Parks app, utilize the PhotoPass Cast Members to capture your favorite Star Wars moment, and put together your perfect Jedi-vibe at the merchandise stalls. With upcoming enhancements to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and the fairly recent addition of the Mandalorian and Grogu as character interactions, fans can look forward to the future as the Star Wars saga continues.
Ready to Join the Resistance? This is the Way. Let’s map out your next Magical Quest today!
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