A long time ago in a galaxy far far away…
We visited Batuu, a planet located at Galaxy’s Edge, or at least we really and truly felt like we did. Okay, so we weren’t really at Black Spire the last outpost before Wild Space on the planet Batuu, but rather in Disneyland, located in Anaheim, California.
In true Disney fashion no detail was spared, and we all agreed that our visit to Disneyland’s new Star Wars themed land was the most immersive theme park experience we’ve ever had.
During our visit we flew the Millennium Falcon, explored the market place, sampled the food and met the citizens of Black Spire, who very impressively don’t break character. Careful, you don’t want to catch the attention of a stormtrooper.
Galaxy’s Edge
Located within Disney’s Magic Kingdom, you’ll need a theme park ticket to visit Galaxy’s Edge*. Access points are just next to Critter Country and Frontier Land. From the moment you walk through the entrance archways you are transported to another world, complete with two official languages, Aurebesh and Huttese.
If you listen carefully you’ll hear the citizens using them and see that many of the signs and items for sale are also labeled in these languages. English translations are posted, but if you’re interested in learning the native tongues you can download a handy app which will translate for you.
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
There is one ride attraction within Galaxy’s Edge, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, with another attraction set to open later this year.
Smuggler’s Run is an interactive ride experience where guests (the minimum height requirement is 38 inches) will work together to pilot the Millennium Falcon on a smuggling mission.
While you’re waiting in line you’ll be treated to stunning views of both Black Spires and the Millennium Falcon. Decide whether you’ll be the pilot, the gunner, or the engineer, but remember you’ll need to work together to ensure a successful mission.
Once you get through the line you’ll find yourself walking through the passageways of the Millennium Falcon. Next thing you know you’re onboard!
Dining
Food choices in Black Spire (Galaxy’s Edge) are plentiful including, vegetarian options, unique snacks and even a cantina, which serves alcohol. If you are at all familiar with Disneyland you’ll know this is big news.
Shopping
The market place includes multiple shops including, a toymaker, a creature shop, and an outfitter. If you’re in the market for a light saber or a droid you’ll have the opportunity to build your own, but you should know that these items are a hot and expensive commodity.
Keep your eye out for Planet Batuu’s many mysterious and unique creatures.
If your tastes run to the Dark Side you’ll want to visit First Order Cargo, which you’ll find just to the left of this Tie-Fighter.
Stick around to see Galaxy’s Edge after dark:
*Galaxy’s Edge officially opened on May 31, 2019, and as you can imagine its a popular destination. Access will be limited to those with a reservation until June 24, 2019.
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I spent an incredibly relaxing day at Disneyland the other day! Yes, you heard me… incredibly relaxing… at Disneyland. Yes, there were crowds, lines and heat, after all it is summer and I was in Disneyland. However, having visited more times than I can count with every combination of people imaginable I feel like I’ve got a pretty good handle on keeping calm and Disneyland at the same time and you can too!
I know some of you might be thinking, how is this even possible? Yes, Disneyland is crowded, expensive and touristy, but it’s also magical, beautiful and fun!
It’s all in the mindset… understanding that it’s just not possible to do it all, especially if you only have one day, and that trying would only serve to ruin the day and everyone’s good time… basically the same philosophy I use when traveling to far away places when time is an issue. Time is always an issue. There is never enough time in disneyland! However, it’s still very possible to see many of the attractions and feel like you’ve gotten your money’s worth while at the same time keeping calm and enjoying yourself!
I love Disneyland! I really do and I’m not embarrassed to admit it! There’s a reason they call it the Happiest Place On Earth! Lucky for me, we’ve often (okay too many times to count) had the good fortune to visit the parks in Southern California as well as a one time visit to Walt Disney World, but I’d always wondered what it would be like to visit an international Disney park.
A few years ago during a trip to Paris my wish came true! Not only did we get to visit 
Considering we had only one incredibly rainy day to spend at the park I was surprised at how much we were able to see. Though at first look everything seemed somewhat familiar there are definitely differences.
Due to its more northern location the weather isn’t as sunny or hot as the Original Disneyland. The rainy weather and forest like environment reminded me a lot of Seattle. The cooler weather and lack of palm trees wasn’t a negative, but it definitely gave the park a unique feel when compared to Walt Disney World and Disneyland in SoCal which are both located in warm weather locations.
