Galaxy's Edge: Review — Glamdom Fandom

As Disneyland traditionalists and supreme Star Wars fans, we have been conflicted over the addition of Galaxy’s Edge. We have spent a lot of time hemming and hawing on the podcast but wanted to approach our first visit with an open mind. Here is our honest review…

When it was announced that people with DLR hotel reservations would get first dibs on visiting Galaxy’s Edge, we immediately signed up. We tried to avoid social media spoilers, as much as we could, prior to our visit. We were assigned an 8 am - Noon reservation time slot, on the day of our visit. Without going into all of the nitty-gritty about what that entailed (mostly because it is no longer applicable and would definitely bore our readers), we found the process to be smooth and efficient.

We entered Batuu (the name of the planet that one visits when in Galaxy’s Edge), via the Frontierland entrance. Immediately, we found ourselves immersed into an entirely different world. The sounds of mechanical noises surrounded us as we took in the sites. We do not want to spoil this experience to anyone who has not been able to visit the land so we won't be showing any walk through videos or photos of what we saw in that moment. In fact, this experience varies depending on which of the three entrances you use. Each are worth checking out.

We had 3 goals that we wanted to accomplish during our reservation time window: 1) Visit Oga’s Cantina, 2) Have a meal (or two) at Docking Bay 7, and 3) Ride Smuggler’s Run. We were successful on all three and also had plenty of time to shop in the Black Spire Marketplace, drink blue AND green milk and take in all of the sites.

Disneybounding as a Cantina Band Member, about to enter Oga’s Cantina

We really enjoyed our first visit to Oga’s Cantina. It was dark, moody and came to life with the music of DJ Rex (formerly of Star Tours). The reservation system has changed since we were there and if you are interested in going, you can now make reservations via Disney Dining or via your Disneyland App, up to 30 days in advance.

We have been pretty vocal about our displeasure over Disney’s decision to allow alcohol to be sold at the Cantina. Walt Disney often spoke about wanting Disneyland to be a dry park. We feel strongly that one of the things that sets Disneyland apart from all the other amusement parks is that alcohol has not been accessible. Obviously, there are plenty of other places to enjoy cocktails all around the Disneyland Resort but Disneyland has been an oasis. We hope that this new introduction is not a sign of things to come. After all, this is a good way for the Parks to make more money. But at what cost?

That being said, we decided to approach the Cantina like we would at any other DLR restaurant. We tried things off both the alcoholic and non alcoholic menus. We also tasted the two snacks that they had to offer.

Here is the straight truth… if you enjoy a cocktail or two, partaking will enhance your Cantina experience. If you are seated at a table or placed at a standing table, it may take awhile to get your drink order. We had to wait 20 minutes before our beverages arrived. But there have been reports of MUCH longer wait times. So having a beverage to take the edge off, wasn’t such a bad thing. Did we feel like hypocrites? Yep.

Ordering at the bar is a MUCH better way to go. We were served, almost immediately on our second visit. Just beware of grouchy bartenders. This is Batuu, after all.

The drinks are not strong but they are very sweet. In the two times we have visited we have tried the Jedi Mind Trick and the Outer Rim. Both were quite good. But our favorite thing, by far was the Batuu Bits. It is an elevated bar snack and it is fun to share with a group of friends.

This is like a mini trip to another planet, in your mouth. This unique mix of flavors is out of this world!

There are two places to get intergalactic grub in Batuu… Ronto Roasters and Docking Bay 7. Docking Bay 7 has a more extensive menu that includes breakfast (Friday-Sunday), lunch and dinner offerings. In our opinion, the Disney food Imagineers have done an incredible job with the food and beverages here. We are reluctant to post a menu because we have heard that it may be changing from time to time. For the latest menu, check out this link to Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo. Be sure to pay attention to what is offered and when, to save from being disappointed.

Disneybounding as Han Solo. Contemplating who actually shot first…

This quick service restaurant is very cleverly themed. You genuinely feel like you are in an otherworldly outpost. If you are lucky enough to visit, we suggest really taking your time to appreciate this space. It is incredibly immersive. The food is outstanding. We have not had anything that we have not liked. It may not be the best place for picky eaters but there is a nice kid’s meal with Mac and Cheese, seasonal vegetables and chicken. There was a family next to us that was happily proclaiming how great their meal was and it was refreshing to see people surprised by their experience.

The Batuu-Bon, Felucian Garden Spread and the Oi-oi Puff

Our favorite thing on the menu, by far is the Felucian Garden Spread (lunch menu only). It is a plant-based "Kefta", Herb Hummus, Tomato-Cucumber Relish, Pita. The “meatballs” are made with Impossible Burger meat and quinoa. It is a satisfying meal for vegetarians and carnivores, alike. On the dinner menu is another vegetarian offering that we adore… The Ithorian Garden Loaf which is a plant-based "Meatloaf", Roasted Vegetable Potato Mash, Seasonal Vegetables, Mushroom Sauce. It is really filling and delicious.

For dessert, they offer the same options for lunch and dinner. The Oi-Oi Puff (Raspberry Cream Puff, Passion Fruit Mousse) and the Batuu-Bon (Chocolate Cake, White Chocolate Mousse, Coffee Custard). Both are delicious!

The Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. Can you guess what Heidi was Disneybounding as?

If you want a photo like the one above, have no fear. There are several photographer cast members on hand to help you snap individual or group pics.

Smuggler’s Run is a lot of fun. We have enjoyed it most when we are with a group of friends. There are 6 riders on each “mission”… 2 pilots, 2 engineers and 2 gunners. If you are prone to motion sickness, we suggest you do NOT take one of the pilot spots. Job assignment cards are handed out as you board the ride. If you are unhappy with your position, ask one of your fellow travelers if they would mind switching places. Heidi prefers the gunner spot and Ella likes to be an engineer. Rumor has it that the left pilot is the best spot to be in.

Originally, we were pretty meh on this attraction. The cue is outstanding. But we have issues with the story and the ride itself. In subsequent visits, we have softened on that position and we think it is worth doing… especially if you don’t have to wait in a ridiculous cue.

Our personal opinion… Star Tours is better.

The second attraction called “The Rise of Resistance” is set to open in January of 2020.

There are a lot of other things to do while visiting Batuu. You can make your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop (advance reservation required via the Disneyland website. You can also build a custom droid at the Droid Depot. Also, be sure to use the Disney Play App when in Galaxy’s Edge. Just be prepared that this activity WILL drain your device batteries, so consider bringing a backup power supply.

The shopping at the Black Spire Outpost is lots of fun. It is very well Imagineered and themed.

Or maybe something a little less high maintenance

Near the entrance to Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities

One experience that should not be missed is a visit to Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities. We do not want to reveal too much here because it really is a one-of-a-kind experience. It is part museum/part gift shop. If you are a fan of Star Wars, you will LOVE this place.

Other things worth mentioning…

It sounds strange, but you need to visit the bathrooms. The theming is perfect and we love that something like this can exist in a Disney Park.

The character experiences are very immersive and unique. Just TRY to not get arrested because the Storm Troopers are a little intense.

And if you aren’t in the mood for a big meal, there are snacks. You probably have heard of the blue and green milks. We weren’t all that impressed but it is worth trying if you are a first time visitor. They also have popcorn from Kat Saka’s Kettle (a mix of sweet and savory) and cleverly packaged soft drinks (multiple locations).

If you are a shutterbug, you will be delighted by all of the places there are to take pictures. Instagram or bust!

Our overall thoughts… we LOVED Galaxy’s Edge. We found it to be a completely unique and immersive experience. As Star Wars fans, we appreciated all of the work and thought that went into creating this land. BUT we still wish that it was not connected to Disneyland. That may sound contradictory, but we just think it would have been better as its own Park with its own entrance. Or attached to California Adventure. Even though the IP stuff isn’t overt, it does feel like it doesn’t match with the Disneyland experience that we love so much. It is especially jarring when you happen across a Mickey balloon or an adorable kid in a princess dress in this foreign land. It just feels disconnected and it distracts from the immersion.

Obviously, Galaxy’s Edge is here to stay and we just have to embrace it. One thing that we appreciate is how hidden this land is from the rest of the Park. And when you are inside, you forget about Disneyland (until the before mentioned balloon floats past you).

We definitely encourage people to check it out. The best times to visit seem to be in the early part of the day and at night, around the fireworks show. We hope you love it as much as we did!