Earlier this year, the world was graced with a brand new interstellar experience — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the Disneyland Resort and at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. The expansion was wildly anticipated — from kindergartners just learning the ways of the Jedi to moms like me anxiously awaiting to live out their Leia fantasies. Since the grand openings on both coasts, Park goers and Star Wars fanatics have been pretty damn thrilled to set foot into the first-ever totally immersive Star Wars-themed experience and they’re going to be even more so with the addition of the brand new attraction Rise of the Resistance. With the debut of what is now being considered one of the most ambitious and and immersive theme park rides EVER and with holiday season fast approaching, a visit to Galaxy’s Edge is an ideal getaway or gift for those with the yearning to jet off to California or Florida.

I’ve been lucky enough to have visited Galaxy’s Edge six times already, but sadly, before the grand opening of Rise of the Resistance. Barring the new ride, I feel as if I know the land like the back of my hand. While I was struck with the beauty and the grandeur of their fictional planet of Batuu and their Black Spire Outpost, I also had the distinct impression that this land was not built for that little kid getting their first taste of the Force, some might see it more as a destination for the well-heeled and wallet wielding pop-culture nerd.

This is not to say that Galaxy’s Edge is some sci-fi Mecca purely for the over 21 set, far from it. But with the high concept interactive storytelling, the sophisticated styling, and the addition of alcohol, it certainly does skew towards an older demographic. This IS Disney, so no matter which way the wind blows, there’s always something for the kids; with Galaxy’s Edge, you may need to work a little harder to find it. That’s where we come in; we have a variety of useful tips on how to do Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with your young and eager Padawans.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Pick the right position for your kid on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. On this ride, you and your crew fly Han Solo’s prized ship on an epic, and bumpy adventure. There are three positions that are assigned to guests – Pilot, Gunner, and Engineer. If you have younger children, you might want to make sure that they are the Gunner or the Engineer, two roles that involve pushing buttons. The role of Pilot is a more adrenaline-filled experience, and younger kids might find it stressful. Star Wars loving adults like me LOVE that position though and will strategize on how to nab that spot.

Rise of the Resistance

The second attraction in Galaxy’s Edge did not open at the same time as the lands did, this was part of phase two. At Walt Disney World, the Rise of the Resistance opened on December 5, and at Disneyland the attraction will open on January 17. It should be noted that this ride is a commitment. While a classic Disney ride like Peter Pan’s Fligh takes less that three minutes to ride, the Rise of the Resistance takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Factor in the long lines that will undoubtedly form, and your looking at a significant amount of time you’ll need to invest to experience it. According to the stellar reviews and our friends who had the chance to go on it, it’s apparently an experience not to be missed. Kids, and adults alike, will be thrilled to come face to face with iconic Star Wars characters, see full size AT-ATs, and feel as if they’re actually IN a Star Wars movie. Keep in mind, Children will need to be over 40″ to go on this particular adventure. (Photo: Walt Disney World)

Savi’s Workshop: Lightsabers

Don’t be seduced by the Lightsabers. It’s hard for kids of any age to resist a lightsaber, they’re sleek, they’re shiny, and just totally cool. At Savi’s Workshop, they don’t just sell lightsabers; they provide an awe-inspiring and immersive lightsaber experience. The thing is, the opportunity to build your own will cost you $199.99, another clue that this isn’t a regular old toy. Thankfully, the store is hidden from view, so kids won’t start begging to go in from the get-go. You’re required to make a reservation, so that does make it a wee bit harder to wander right in. If one of your life goals is to obtain your own state of the art lightsaber, you do have the opportunity to bring someone with you, so if you’re up for it, you and your kid can bond over lightsaber making together. 

Droid Depot

Only go into the Droid Depot if you really want a droid. If you aren’t ready to bring home a new family member in the form of a Star Wars-inspired droid, I would steer clear of letting your kids little eyes peer into the Droid Depot. At this particular spot, guests are invited to build their own droid by selecting the various elements needed to build it via a conveyer belt. Then, by using an eclectic drill, you assemble your new pal. Kids will love using the tools and witnessing their droid come to life. When you create your droid, you select a personality type, so when you bring the droid into Batuu, it will interact with its surroundings, such as making nervous sounds when they approach something from the dark side. If you’re not up for spending that much cash on a bucket of bolts — and your child’s able to show restraint — there’s a large droid themed gift shop surrounding the droid making experience so you can pick up a little something for much less.  

Oga’s Cantina

Go to Oga’s Cantina for you, not them. The creation of a real-life cantina is the wish-fulfillment for almost every Star Wars fanatic. When designing the watering hole that’s frequented by scoundrels, smugglers, and spies, Disney decided that in order to lend more authenticity, they needed to include alcoholic drinks. This is a first for Disneyland, a park that has been notoriously dry since it opened (save for the private Club 33). First off, there’s a long line to contend with in order to enter this booze friendly place (even with a reservation, and MAKE a reservation), but really, there are lines everywhere in Disneyland, so this should not come as much of a surprise. Kids might be dismayed that there isn’t a thrill ride as the payoff of the wait. Thankfully, the space is beautifully appointed and features an entertaining robot named DJ Rex. There are plenty of non-alcoholic options for the little ones as well as a souvenir mug upgrade; for the kids’ drink, it is a tall ceramic Porg mug (and yes, I SO bought that). The other thing you should keep in mind about a visit to the Cantina is that they will place you in a designated space for your 45-minute window. Much of the placement is at tall tables or at the bar, which isn’t that suitable for kids that have yet to hit a growth spurt. It would be wise to ask to wait to be sat at an actual table.

Disney Play App

Get out the phone and download Disney Play. One of the high-tech advancements with Galaxy’s Edge is that you can create an interactive story experience by interfacing with the Play App. Your child, if they’re like most and like to push buttons, will probably want to play the lead on this experience. But you should only allow that if you’re comfortable with them galavanting around the area with your pricey phone. While using what the locals call a “data pad” you’re able to hack various consoles and virtually see what’s inside the boxes and crates that are strewn about.

Shopping

The cynic might say that Galaxy’s Edge exists purely as a highfalutin Star Wars mall and that shopping is the main reason why this whole new land exists. And really, in some respects, they could be right, especially with only one ride being open (at the time of the writing of this piece). As you see people leaving, almost every single one of them will have a Black Spire Outpost bag in their hands. Keeping that in mind, you have to prepare yourself emotionally, and your souvenir obsessed offspring, to not grab everything in arms reach for you to buy them. While there are many things that you want to steer your child away from, such as the $25,000 R2-D2, there are a couple of stores that are geared way more towards the smaller demographic. The Toydarian Toymaker sells adorable handmade looking versions of Chewy, Rey, Kylo Ren, and others, each having a one of a kind look and feel to them. At the Creature Stall, a variety of unique animals can be purchased to take home from a Loth-Cat to the Worrt to a Porg.

The Food

The theming of Galaxy’s Edge continues to the food, and the offerings tend to skew a bit more adult with spicy flavors and exotic touches. Adults will be drawn more to the Smoked Kaadu Ribs and the Yobshrimp Noodle Salad at the Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, the kid’s options are limited to the Yobshrimp Noodle Salad, A Taste of Takodana (black bean hummus with veggies), or Fried Endorian Tip-yip (a fancy way of saying chicken fingers with mac and cheese). Ronto Roasters offers up spicy hot dogs in a pita, Kat Saka’s Kettle sells a unique popcorn mix, and the Milk Stand pours blue and green milk, which isn’t animal milk at all but rather plant-based mix of coconut and rice milks.

The Characters

To make up for the land being a bit more geared for grownups, there are several character interactions that seem designed to delight kids of any age. Rey is often found wandering the land and is especially keen on playing with the children and teaching them how to avoid the First Order. Speaking of the First Order, if you have a sensitive kid, the in-character harsh-ness of Kylo Ren and the Stormtroopers might be a little off-putting. But if kids are familiar with the dark side, it’ll come as no surprise and will be amused by the interactions.

This all said if your children like or love Star Wars, Galaxy’s Edge really is a must if you’re in Disneyland or Disney World. The experience of strolling through the carefully curated area really does transport you to another time and place. On December 5, the grand opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will take place in Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World, and it will be followed by the opening of the ride in Disneyland on January 17, so if you’d like to have the complete Galaxy’s Edge experience, timing your visit after these dates would be a good move. But even as it stands now, with just one attraction open, it’s very much worth the price of admission.

Photos:  Josh O/ DisneylandPanda