At the end of August, in the days ahead of Walt Disney World's newest land opening to the public, I got to have the experience of a lifetime...exclusive access to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. As a long time Star Wars geek, I thought my heart couldn't have been happier than when walking through the entrance and immersing myself into Batuu. (Psst, I was wrong by the way.) I joined approximately 100 other agency owners & representatives on an opportunity that was truly out of this world.
Here are some of the highlights...
We started our evening activities off with a sales reception at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and then were transported over to Disney's Hollywood Studios for our land experience. I'm not ashamed to admit that as I came through the entrance to Batuu that I got a bit misty-eyed. Disney's Galaxy's Edge is yet another immersive park adventure and it is filled with the magical touches we come to expect and love about the Disney parks. We had two hours to "play" that evening and the next day we had a private breakfast at Toledo, a new restaurant at Coronado Springs Resort before heading back to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge for more exclusive access.
So, what is Batuu or Black Spire Outpost? From Disney Parks© ~ The largest settlement on the planet Batuu, Black Spire Outpost, is an infamous stop for traders, adventurers, and smugglers traveling around the Outer Rim and Wild Space. Off the beaten path, this outpost has become a haven for the galaxy's most colorful and notorious characters.
Travelers (aka guests) can experience flying the most famous hunk of junk in the galaxy, enjoy some blue milk, come face-to-face with a stormtrooper, build your own droid or become one with the Force by building your own lightsaber, and more!
Here are some suggestions to help make your visit to Batuu a fun one!
Get yourself in the mood for Star Wars by watching some (or all if you plan accordingly) of the films ahead of your visit.
Immerse yourself into this land by wearing a Star Wars shirt or even Disney-bounding your favorite character from the Star Wars Universe. #ChooseYourSide #LightSide #DarkSide
Download the My Disney Experience app and loosely plan out your visit ahead of time. Also, download the Play Disney Parks app for additional fun and to enhance your experience during your visit.
Make a reservation for Oga's Cantina, the Droid Depot, or Savi's Workshop in advance!
At this time, Fastpass+ is not available for Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run. (Rise of the Resistance in a few months at both Walt Disney World Resort© and Disneyland Resort©.) If you have one or two travelers wanting to ride, consider the single rider line to save some time.
One of the most fun things about spending time in Batuu is the residents of the land (aka the Cast Members). Spend some time talking with them, learning from them, and having fun with them. The immersive experience means you will be paying by "credits" vs "dollars" or you may be told that special item you are looking for is "off planet" (meaning outside of Galaxy's Edge). You will be greeted with "Bright Suns" or "Rising Moons," which mean good morning or good evening. The restroom is called a "refresher." And for those who are part of the Resistance, if you hear "Ignite the Spark" respond with "Light the Fire" as a Resistance greeting & callback. "Til the Spire" means farewell.
As a Star Wars fan, who went into Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge with an open heart and an intention to have one of my favorite Universe's come to life before my eyes, I found the experience to be incredible. It was fun & exciting, and I got to meet up with some of favorite characters. I got chills as I observed the ceremony of lightsaber building at Savi's Workshop and couldn't help but dance a little as I heard that famous cantina music inside Oga's Cantina. I love how the land is put together, with winding pathways and little touches around so many corners. All of it made the land come alive for me. And when I said I couldn't have been happier than walking into the land for the first time....well, I was wrong. As I was preparing to leave Batuu on my second day in the land, I ended my experience with the best character hug I've ever had in my 20+ years of visiting Disney Parks.
If you are considering a visit to Batuu yourself, Reach for the Magic Destinations would be honored to help you get there. Contact us today for your vacation quote and let's get started planning your adventure!
May the Spires Keep You,
Denise Lang, Owner
Reach for the Magic Destinations is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency.