This month on Dispodopolis, we discuss Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge: Black Spire Outpost. We had been waiting anxiously until our trip this spring to finally experience the new land created for the world of Star Wars. I have waited 42 years to be able to walk into this environment. Ever since the creation of this galaxy appeared on screen in 1977, Generation X has been dreaming of a time when they could become apart of that world. Star Wars is probably not Fiona’s favorite subject, and she seems to be clinging to her latest obsession with the Muppets, but don’t worry, we have a great conversation about the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge as well as the Muppets.
This land is a deep dive into a new world never seen in a Star Wars movie but is also visually familiar to anyone who has experienced any Star Wars movie. We entered this area from the left side of the park. You pass Muppets 3D and travel done what is left of the New York street-front before you see the tunnel under the bridge. The tunnel is reminiscent of those built across the country before and during the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). As you pass through the tunnel you watch it slowly deteriorate into the mountain, and you come out of the tunnel surrounded by the vegetation that covers this area of Galaxy’s Edge. You are also entering into the Resistance part of this land. To the left of the walkway is the long cue created for the attraction, Rise of the Resistance.
We were unable to participate in the lottery to be placed in line for the latest attraction, Rise of the Resistance because we wouldn’t be able to return in the allotted time that was specified. I’ve heard a lot of people say this is a fair process, but I always tell my kids that nothing is fair, and that is okay. From experience, I’ve learned that fair means you able to participate in the situation, and you have a chance. It may work for you if you have one child with a disability. When you travel with multiple issues, you have to understand your limitations and lay it out carefully in advance of what will happen in this given situation.
As you move further into the space, you start to see glimpses of civilization as it rises out of the rocks. Watching it rise out of the bedrock was probably one of my favorite moments and discoveries. We decided to head to the center of the land and began moving up the staircase and slops that rose along with the spirals. As you round the corner, on the right, you see the Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities. There are statues and artifacts stacked against the facade and climbing the height of the building. To the left is Docking Bay 7. The imagineering of this restaurant is worth a meal alone. The food is tied to our comfort food with a twist of presentation. The layout of the interior is elaborately created out of discarded parts from old space ships and droids, but there was a minimalistic clean appeal to the decor. You have to ask for all your condiments and accompaniments.
Turning the corner again, you see the Millennium Falcon stretching across the center of the square towering over the many groups of people that are meandering around the breathtaking backdrop. Definitely, a spot you need to stop and take a moment to appreciate. From here, you can get on the attraction, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. We used the fast pass both times we rode the ride. Get ready to walk and journey up numerous gang planks until you enter the building and come before Hondo Ohnaka. For the preshow on this attraction, we are introduced to Hondo Ohnaka. He presented the task at hand and told us what our recruitment would entail. Next, we leave this area to travel onto the Millennium Falcon. The unmistakable white shelled walls surround you on three sides. As you enter the crew deck, you see the Dejarik table to the left with the banquet seating. Unfortunately, we weren’t provided with enough time to relax and take a picture. Having our photo taken here remains on our bucket list. The ride is a fantastic fast-paced thrill ride that sends you spinning through space with two jumps to hyperspace. There are three roles you can fulfill on this journey. You can either be a pilot, gunner, or an engineer. Each job has its cons and pros, and you need to enjoy the ride and the experience no matter the level of your interfacing with the game. It is a flight simulator that gives you a real Star Wars experience. I will be riding this every time.
As you exit the Millennium Falcon, you can continue on your path toward the First Order. Before you reach the dark side, you can slide over to Oga’s Cantina. It is a must-do at least once for all families. It is pricey, and for those with small children, under 4’10”, it can be challenging if you aren’t at a booth. Booths are allocated to larger parties. The bar is a u-shape with standing room only. There is a second row of bar height tables that flow around the entire length of the bar. The third row of seating is larger booths featured along the walls of the bar. We only partook in the non-alcoholic drinks, but they are fun and enjoyable for most pallets. They are fruity with fun touches of boba pearls, dry ice, cascading colors, and flavors. They also have an amazing option called Oga’s Obsession, which is jello with cotton candy, dried fruit, boba pearls, and pop rocks. You can’t go wrong with any of the non-alcoholic choices. The bar snacks are minimal, and you pay a lot for a little.
Exiting Oga’s Cantina, you can head into the dark side of the Black Spire Outpost. Here is where you can try the blue or green milk. We decided to give it a try. The kids really enjoyed the blue milk experience. It is smooth and refreshing with a sugary candy citrus taste. It was much more in line with my kids’ palette than mine. They wanted more, but the price was a little out of reach, and one a trip is good. There is a small storefront in this area and an A-Wing Starfighter. It is incredible how these ships tower over you. As you exit this arena, you enter into a small atrium that has a makeshift pole with flags streaming over the opening above. It was such a comfortable exit compared to the larger spaces that encompass this land. It brought your sightline down from hundreds of people to twenty. Star Wars Land is a well-designed space to make you feel like you have intimate moments along with huge gatherings.
The meet-n-greets in this area are traditional, more free-flowing, so a few people get an intimate moment. It is nice for families with children who are dressed up and excited to meet their favorite characters. It doesn’t work as well for families that are a little more awkward and need time for adjustment and preparation. If you need more time, head over to Star Wars Launch Bay, you can wait in line to meet some of your favorite characters there without the stress of pushing and shoving. When Chewbacca emerged from one of the cast members’ areas, we were nearby and had a relatively good view of him. As soon as the masses realized what was happening, a rush of people from behind me swept past us. They descended on the area and blocked our participation. We quickly left the area.
Before we have our discussion about the Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge, we discuss which position we would like to experience or which was your favorite position on the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. The three to choose from are Pilot, Gunner, and Engineer. They all are an enjoyable experience and have to do with the depth of experience you want to have with this attraction. The pilot is the most engaged. Gunner is just fun along for the ride, but I’m participating role. The engineer can be a little more relaxing and less intense for those that aren’t comfortable with video gaming or flight simulators.
We would love to hear from you and your family. If you have any comments, questions, or fun and fancy-free thoughts for us, email us at comments@dispodopolis.com. Please enjoy our latest podcast, Dispodopolis.
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