Yesterday my friend Blake Goad and I got to preview Star Wars:Galaxy's Edge at The Disney Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World. From the moment we walked through the gateway, we were immersed into a land "far, far away." Being a long time Disney fan as well as a fan of Star Wars from the beginning of the franchise, It was a blast to see the worlds collide to bring together Batuu, where I even forgot we were in a theme park.
The sights and. sounds when you step into Batu, transport you to the Star Wars Galaxy. From seeing Land Speeders to Tie Fighters to (my dream come true) the Millennium Falcon, you feel you have stepped into the world you always wanted to be a part of. It is truly an amazingly visual fantasy that we have always wanted.
We were given our reservation for Savi's workshop before we came into Batuu. Since it was close to our arrival time we made a beeline to get checked in. Once we checked anew found out we had about 20 minutes to wait so we went up the steps toward the back of the building and I really don't think I breath for a moment. Sitting right there in front of us, was the Millennium Falcon, full size, the way I always imaged it would look. The ship is so detailed it looked like it was ready to lift off into space on it's next run. Of course "Smugglers Run" is the attraction that is housed in the ship and you can be one of three needed positions on the run to be successful. each flight takes 2 pilots, 2 gunners and 2 engineers and you must work together to retrieve the shipment needed to get back to HONDO OHNAKA at Ohnaka Transpost Solutions.
But back to Savi's. Savi is a "scrap metal dealer" dealing in salvaged scraps from around the galexey.
Savi's is about a 25 minuet experience where "gatherers" help in the build. The experience will cost you $199 "credits" and reservations are recommended and can be made 180 days in advance,
The 4 themes for the hilts are:
Peace and Justice
Salvaged scraps from fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships in these Republic-era designs honor the galaxy’s former guardians.
Power and Control
Originally forged by dark side warriors, this style features rumored remnants from the Sith homeworld and abandoned temples.
Elemental Nature
This theme embodies the Force—an energy created by all living things, like Brylark trees, Cartusion whale bones and Rancor teeth.
Protection and Defense Hilt materials bear mysterious motifs and inscriptions that reconnect users with the ancient wellspring of the Force.
The Gatherers will also present the kyber crystal, which is available in red, blue, green or violet. These crystals are the heart of your lightsaber.
Once we were done at Savi's, it was back to the Millennium Falcon. it was time for use to complete our "Smuggler's Run."
The que line for Smugglers Run is mainly indoor twisting you around the maintenance area of the loading dock. Again the sights, sounds and smell put you in the middle of the action. Walking through you can even smell the destined oder of oil that they would use on the Falcon itself. As you wind through you also get another view of the "fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy." There are observation windows where you can see the landing zone and really get a feel for how large the ship really is. As you are about to enter the ship for the first time (and even the second,) the anticipation is overwhelming. You will get your assignments as you board and then you are assembled in the equipment storage area and you see the iconic Hologram Board with the curved lounge. I will admit I geeked out a little. but we did not have too long to ponder a game because our run was about to happen and we needed to get into the cockpit and get on our way. There is something about going into Hyperspace that will always bring up the memories of Luke, Han and Chewy as they sped across the galaxy to save the rebellion. Of course we were successful in getting the cargo back to Ohnaka and even made little, very little, "profit."
Back from our "Smugglers Run" adventure, we headed over to the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace for a glimpse of what fares the had to offer for travelers. Ronto Roasters is a great spot to sample some of Batuu foodie favorites on the go. Ronto Wraps can be had for early morning runners with a breakfast theme or for those who have later schedule runs, there is a lunch and dinner theme wrap. Other noted of interest of Black Spire Market are the merchant stalls that feature "local" handcrafted items that are always a hit as gifts.
Of course as you wander around Batuu, be very careful if you are a supporter of the resistance. Storm Troopers often stop travelers who have suspicious packages such as from the scrap metal dealer Savi. You will also find some great artifacts at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities. you knwo it is special from from moment you walk in and see the intricate carvings on the wall of the entrance. Dok-Ondar has collected antiquities from across the galexy and brought them to Batu. Because of the lagetamancy of some of the aquisitions, being on the edge of the galexy can have it's benifits. from famed lightsaber hilts to costume peices and everything in between, it can be found here. But agian be aware of Storm Troopers as you leave. Dok-Ondar is known to care contriversal merchandise.
As we wondered from Dok-Ondars we found ourselves on the back side of Batuu where the galactic empire had set up shop. Sitting next to a galactic ship, is a small merchant who carries approved galactic merchandise. In the same court yard we refreshed ourselves with the famed Blue Milk. This plant based drink was refreshing and cool on a hot Batuu day. Even though travelers who are not able to ingest earth dairy, this drink is safe for you, but beware that if you have an earthly nut allergy, you will want to stay clear of both the blue and green milk.
Before our time in Batuu was done, we wandered through Droid Depot and watched new droids come to life as their owners built them from scratch. We decided to do another run on the Millennium Falcon and met some new friends who are also part of the resistance. We had a great time and I know if you are even a passing fan of Star Wars you will have a blast at Galexys Edge.
Galexys Edge will be open to the public August 29, 2019. Reservations are now open for Oga’s Cantina, Savi’s Workshop, and Droid Depot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.Inquire with your travel professional or visit https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/08/droid-depot-savis-workshop-and-ogas-cantina-at-disneys-hollywood-studios-accepting-reservations/
Comments