THE AVION
B3 Technology
Oliver Du Bois Copy Editor
Opinion: Galaxy’s Edge (In a galaxy… not so far away)
On Aug. 29 2019, Disney World debuted Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, just a month after Disney-land did the same. Construction for Galaxy’s Edge began in both parks during 2016, and has been highly anticipated ever since. When entering Galaxy’s Edge, guests are instantly thrust into the village of Black Spire Outpost, located on the planet Batuu. This looks like outposts depicted in the franchise, complete with shops, droids, mountainous structures, cantinas and more. Cast members all act as if they are from the Star Wars universe, referring to money as “credits” and dressing in traditional Star Wars clothing. Galaxy’s Edge has its own story to further the experience, which takes place between the sequel
films Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi and Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker. How this story will change with the release of The Rise of Skywalker is unknown. The presence of both the First Order and the Resistance are made known through various decor and characters set around the outpost. The Millennium Falcon is a breathtaking attraction entitled Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where riders are able to control the infamous Falcon in a secret mission. Six guests are placed together and will either be a pilot, a gunner or an engineer. From there, guests are entrusted to fly a 28-minute-long smuggling mission between the Resistance and the First Order. How guests perform will later affect how they are treated when entering Oga’s Cantina. Those who perform with skill will earn extra credits, and those who perform with lesser abilities will be put
down as a bounty hunter (which may cause problems upon entering the cantina). On Dec. 5 2019, a new attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will open at Disney World’s Galaxy’s Edge. The same ride will open at Disney Land on Jan. 17 2020. Rise of the Resistance is said to be one of the most advanced and immersive experiences at Disney and will allow guests to battle against the First Order. For food, Galaxy’s Edge has a lot to offer. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo holds Tugg’s Grub, run by Chef Strong “Cookie” Tuggs. If Chef Tuggs does not offer anything you find appetizing, guests can always go to the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace. Ronto Roasters is in the middle of the marketplace, and uses a pod racing engine to fire up a barbecue pit, as settler droid 8D-JB turns spits of meat. Within the
The Millennium Falcon at Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
browse. They can adopt stuffed versions of famous Star Wars creatures at Bina’s Creature Stall. From there, guests can go to Toydarian Toymaker, which houses a variety of souvenirs made by Zabaka the Toydarian. If guests wish to dress more appropriately for the experience, Black Spire Outfitters is a small apparel shop filled with Star Wars themed outfits. The First Order has erected a temporary base of operations in a TIE Echelon on Docking Bay 9. Here, guests can purchase both uniform costumes (such as arm-bands displaying ranks, helmets, armor, etc) and First Order-affiliated items (such as mugs, propaganda posters, action figures and more).
In a forested area near the ancient ruins, members of the Resistance have a secret a makeshift post for those wishing to defeat the First Order. Here, guests can purchase costumes (pilot jackets, helmets, etc) and a variety of Resistance-themed items (such as a Smugglers Run set and pins). Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities is a shop where guests can pick up rare items from across the galaxy, such as Jedi and Sith relics, Holocrons powered by kyber crystals, and legacy lightsabers. Dok-Ondar himself sits behind his desk, where he is busy checking inventory, han-dling calls, talking to assistants, and more. Depending on how much respect guests show him, Dok-Ondar may
even respond to guests. Mubo’s Droid Depot allows for guests to create and purchase their own custom R2 or BB unit. The droids are remote controlled and can interact with elements in the outpost, including other droids. Personality chips are available for the droids to alter the way in which you droid behaves. Guests can also purchase pre-made droids. Arguably the most exciting part of Galaxy’s Edge takes place in Savi’s Workshop, where guests build their own custom lightsaber during a guided tour. After choosing from four different lightsaber types (Peace & Justice, Power & Control, Elemental & Nature and Defense), guests are guided by the Gather-
marketplace is Kat Saka’s Kettle, where guests can get Outpost Mix (a popcorn snack with spicy and sweet flavors). Guests can indulge in Ronto Wraps, Smoked Kaadu Ribs, Roasted Endorian Tip-yip Salad and more. Many themed drinks are also provided, and are the specialties of both Oga’s Cantina (which requires a reservation) and the Milk Stand. While at Oga’s Cantina, guess can meet patrons from across the galaxy and enjoy the music of DJ R-3X (REX), who was once the Starspeeder 3000 pilot droid from Star Tours. If that is not your style, guests can instead retreat to the Milk Stand where they can get the infamous Blue Milk made famous by Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, and the Green Milk made famous by Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi. In the Marketplace, there are a multitude of shops for guests to
Oliver Du Bois/ The Avion Newspaper
ers, who are dedicated to balancing the Force. The Gatherers assist guests in building their lightsabers, from choosing their own kyber crystals (which are red, blue, green and purple), to actually putting pieces on the hilt and attaching the blade. All the while, guests receive an inspiring speech from Master Yoda himself. Overall, Galaxy’s Edge is a remarkable innovation by Disney for Star Wars fans all around the globe. The immersion is fantastic and the experience is even greater. Visiting it is certainly a necessity for everyone who holds love for the Star Wars universe.