In 2019, Walt Disney World unveiled Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a sprawling 14-acre land within Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. This ambitious project, mirroring its counterpart in Disneyland, California, came with an estimated price tag of around $1 billion. The substantial investment reflects Disney’s commitment to delivering an immersive experience that transports guests into the Star Wars universe. Today, that investment has helped Disney generate an estimated 20 billion ever since purchasing the rights to the Star Wars series from Lucasfilms. 

Image sourced from wikipedia

Why build Galaxy’s Edge?

Disney’s decision to create Galaxy’s Edge was driven by the immense popularity of the Star Wars franchise and the opportunity to turn decades of fan devotion into a physical experience. Rather than base the land on existing film sets, Disney Imagineers chose to build an original planet—Batuu—complete with its own backstory, characters, and role within the Star Wars timeline. This allowed them to create something new while staying true to the spirit of the saga. 

From custom-built lightsabers and droids to real-time interactions with Resistance and First Order characters, the land was designed to blur the lines between theme park and theatrical immersion. By constructing an entire land dedicated solely to Star Wars, Disney not only capitalized on the franchise’s global fanbase but also created a powerful draw for casual visitors looking for something they couldn’t find anywhere else in the world.

Annual attendance

While Disney doesn’t publicly disclose specific attendance figures for individual attractions, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, home to Galaxy’s Edge, has seen a significant uptick in visitors since the land’s opening. In 2023, it was reported that Hollywood Studios saw approximately 10.3 million visitors.

Top 10 Attractions in Galaxy’s Edge

Galaxy’s Edge offers a variety of attractions and experiences that immerse guests in the Star Wars universe. Here are ten must-visit highlights:

1. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run  

Step aboard the iconic Millennium Falcon and take on the roles of pilots, gunners, or flight engineers in a thrilling interactive mission. Your team’s performance affects the outcome, making each ride unique. 

2. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance  

Join the Resistance in an epic battle against the First Order. This groundbreaking attraction combines multiple ride systems and life-sized sets to create an immersive experience.

3. Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers  

Craft your own custom lightsaber in a clandestine workshop. This personalized experience allows guests to choose their path and build a unique weapon. 

4. Oga’s Cantina  

Relax in this lively cantina offering exotic beverages and musical entertainment from DJ R-3X, a former droid pilot. The cantina’s atmosphere captures the essence of a bustling Star Wars tavern. 

5. Droid Depot  

Assemble and customize your own droid companion. These interactive droids can be personalized and are capable of interacting with elements throughout Galaxy’s Edge. 

6. Black Spire Outpost Market  

Wander through a detailed open-air marketplace filled with themed shops and merchant stalls. From handwoven goods to Star Wars apparel, this area is packed with storytelling through design.

7. Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities  

Browse rare relics from across the galaxy—including Sith and Jedi artifacts—in this atmospheric shop run by the legendary Ithorian collector, Dok-Ondar.

8. Milk Stand  

Taste the famous blue and green milk, served frozen. It’s a quick stop but a must for fans looking to try one of the most iconic drinks from the films.

9. Character Encounters  

Keep your eyes open for Rey, Kylo Ren, Stormtroopers, and even Chewbacca as they roam the land and interact with guests. These unscheduled meetups bring Galaxy’s Edge to life.

10. Star Wars: Datapad via the Play Disney Parks app  

Use your phone to hack droids, translate languages, scan cargo, and accept missions. The datapad turns Galaxy’s Edge into an interactive game layered over the physical environment.

Bottom line

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge shows just how dedicated Disney is to immersive storytelling and innovative design. The substantial investment has resulted in a destination that captivates guests while driving substantial profits. As may the 4th passes, this destination should be a bucket list item for all the Star Wars fans out there.

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