UPDATE: For all the latest information on Rise of the Resistance, read this!
If you’re a Star Wars fan, or any kind of Disney fan at all that likes it enough to read a blog like this, you probably heard all about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
This past spring I wanted to get a quick trip to Disneyland in, so we booked a 3 night stay beginning on June 1st. I thought it would be good timing to visit before the madness of Star Wars. Well, with the announcement that Galaxy’s Edge will open there on May 31st… we were there for opening weekend!
I also visited Galaxy’s Edge in Florida during the passholder previews in August, and then again this past December for the opening of Rise of the Resistance.
There’s a lot of info you should be aware of if you want to visit Galaxy’s Edge. Particularly if you want to be there in the next few months, but also in the next few YEARS. That being said, I want to do my best to prepare myself – and YOU – if you’ll be visiting either coast in 2019 and beyond.
California is still in a PHASE ONE opening
“On opening day for phase one, you’ll be able to live your own Star Wars story and take the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, sample amazing galactic food and beverages, explore an intriguing collection of merchant shops and more.”
This means that not everything in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be open right away. In particular, the major item missing is Rise of the Resistance, one of the two attractions coming to the land and what they’ve been touting as their main attraction. Rise of the Resistance will open January 17th in Disneyland.
You should book now
Whether you want to be there as soon as possible or any time in 2020, you should book your trip NOW. Send me an email today and we’ll get it done – as a travel agent my services are totally FREE for you and I can help you plan the trip and ease some of that stress!
But it’s best to get it done ASAP. Prices for the year are sure to go up and we may see availability for the resorts go quickly, especially at the values. When you book a package through me you only need to make a $200 deposit that is totally refundable up to a month before travel – so if you’re thinking about it, I really recommend at least making a booking to lock in rates and availability as soon as you can.
You can join a “boarding group” to get onto Rise of the Resistance in Florida
Full details can be found here.
No fastpass will be available
“For your vacation planning purposes, please be aware that Disney FASTPASS service, including access via Disney MaxPass, (at Disneyland park) and Disney FastPass+ service (at Disney’s Hollywood Studios) will not initially be offered at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run or Rise of the Resistance.”
No fastpass, no MaxPass. Right now Millennium Falcon is standby or nothing, so be prepared to wait. I wouldn’t be surprised if they make an announcement about a different kind of fastpass that you pay for in order to get in a shorter line, but for now that is rumor only. There is a single rider line for Millennium Falcon. Rise of the Resistance only has the virtual queue right now.
Extra Magic Hours
While Galaxy’s Edge WILL be open during Extra Magic Hours, but Rise of the Resistance WILL NOT be open.
There’s no denying it – the parks will be crowded. Not just opening week, but through the end of 2019 and beyond. This is going to see a huge boost to the number of people attending the parks. Big Star Wars fans who have been waiting to travel until this was announced, and there are a lot of them. Even though Disneyland didn’t see as high numbers as they expected, I really think Disney World will be crowded. Much of the smaller crowds in California were due to annual passes being blacked out and not as many locals coming in – something that is not an issue in Florida.
And I hate to say it, but don’t think that “oh, maybe Magic Kingdom will be empty since everyone will be at Hollywood Studios!” Nope. Lots of people will be traveling down and they’re going to want to visit all the parks while they are there. Everything will be more crowded. So may the force be with you.
And hey, I’ll plug myself again – just another great reason why you should consider using a Disney expert and travel agent to book your trip – with the extra crowds you might appreciate the help with dining reservations, fastpasses, and all of the logistics!
Other resources
If you want to know more of what to expect at Galaxy’s Edge, make sure you check out these posts too:
Are you thinking about visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? Or will you avoid the parks for awhile?
Fun read! I bet the crowds will be HUGE for this. I have several friends who are longtime Star Wars fans, and I need to share your post with them. Thanks!!
The crowds are going to CRAZY! I’m honestly a little scared to be there opening weekend, but I guess we’re just jumping in feet first!
Is that your husband in that picture?
I’m gonna wait until later next year to experience Hollywood Studios because by then all the Star Wars phases should be over, all the crowds should subside a bit, and the Mickey Mouse ride should be up.
No, it’s a friend of mine I met up with for the Star Wars dessert party because he is a huge SW fan!
I don’t blame you for waiting – it’s definitely going to be crazy.
I’ve never been a huge Star Wars fan, but after seeing the last few movies, going to a part of the Disney park that includes just Star Wars goodness sounds like a lot of fun – and maybe a way to even get more interested in the fandom. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts AFTER you visit and see what it has to offer!
Yeah – Star Wars is something I enjoy, but it’s not my absolute favorite – but it’s clear the land is going to be incredible. I can’t wait to write about it after I visit!
It sounds like it’s going to be really cool, but I’m staying far away for opening, and waiting until things settle down a little before I check it out!
This is great information! We have plans to go to Disneyland in October.