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A few years ago, in a theme park far far away (for most) Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios gave us Galaxy’s Edge, on the planet of Batuu. Batuu is located on the edge of the galaxy’s Outer Rim. It can be seen in a recent comic by Timothy Zahn, called Thrawn Alliances (based on his novel of the same name). If a trip to Disney World is in your near future, then this is the article you’re looking for.
Between Galaxy’s Edge, and the other Star Wars attractions throughout Hollywood Studios, any Star Wars fan can find out of this world fun all day long. And if you happen to be there on May the Fourth, it may be more packed than a trash compactor on a Death Star, but it will be more magical than seeing your recently deceased father in his younger form right after his body was burned on a planet of storm trooper eating adorable Ewoks.
May the Fourth
If you’ve visited Galaxy’s Edge before, then don’t expect much more from Disney themselves on May the Fourth, outside of special merchandise, and extra themed snacks throughout the park. However, the real beauty of this joyous occasion are the other Star Wars fans. While Disney has a no costumes allowed rule for anyone over 14, they seem to be lax on May the Fourth. Last year I saw the entire crew of the Ghost from Star Wars Rebels. However, take this with a grain of spice, as you don’t want to end up having to leave or end up being forced to spend all your credits on a new outfit (no pun intended).
Disney bounding is always allowed (where specific colors and accessories are worn to mimic your favorite character), and lightsabers are always permitted! Just beware the stormtroopers. They are much more likely to stop and question you if you have a lightsaber out. If it contains a red kyber crystal then they will most likely take it easy on you. If you think you’re safe in the Cantina, you’re not. They frequently make appearances in there as well.
If you’re hoping to grab some special merchandise, last year they did a virtual queue, and the store was located in the Muppets area. They have not announced their plan this year, so make sure to download the Disney World app to see what they decide. The merchandise last year included pins and shirts with May the Fourth on them. They also released some new Starbucks mugs featuring different Star Wars planets. The Mustafar one I got, keeps my coffee extra hot.
Lightsaber Meetup
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to the ice planet of Ilum to find your kyber crystal. Although depending on the time of year you visit, you may wish that’s where you are. In the past on May the Fourth at Hollywood Studios there have been massive meetups organized by Galaxy’s Edge Discord (@swgediscord). They host virtual events throughout the year, and occasional meetups at the Galaxy Edges at both Disney World and Disneyland. Ashley Eckstein herself has even shown up to their Ahsoka day meetup.
While Disneyland will be hosting their lightsaber meetup on May the Fourth, Hollywood Studios’ this year will occur a week early on Saturday, April 27th. Seeing as May the Fourth coincides with the Saturday after the anniversary of Hollywood Studios, this will most likely be for the best from a crowd standpoint. Make sure to give them a follow on Instagram to see when future meet ups are. Seeing an insane amount of lightsabers lit up near the Millenium Falcon all at once, is truly magical! Even for someone who refuses to call Grogu anything but “Baby Yoda.”
In 2022 on May the Fourth, we exited the park under a slew of lightsabers held by fellow fans chanting various things, such as “Jar Jar Binks.” You truly never know what could happen when so many Star Wars fans are in the most magical place on earth.
Purchasing a Lightsaber
If you want to purchase a lightsaber on Batuu you have a couple options. For a custom (non plastic one), you need a reservation at Savi’s Workshop. It’s $250 plus tax (and no passholder discount). You can bring one person in with you. This experience is short and sweet. I recommend looking at the options ahead of time, so you don’t feel pressured to just pick something. The lightsaber comes with a bag. The experience of putting it together, and hearing the history of certain pieces and colors can warm the heart of even a Sith. If you still have any credits left, and want a fancier bag, or other colored kyber crystals, head to Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities (you should do this anyways because it’s really cool in there and they have a baby sarlacc).
Reservations for Savi’s can fill up fast. Last minute cancellations do happen, so there is always hope, but if you know you’re going 60 days beforehand, that’s the best time to book. You can do this on the app. If this option is too pricey or sold out, Dok Ondar’s is your next best bet (or Disney Springs).
If you’re traveling with any younglings, I highly recommend having them build their own plastic lightsaber at Tatooine Traders (the gift shop exiting Star Tours). This is an option too for any adults not granted the title of master. Throughout Hollywood Studios you’ll also find lightsabers with both quality and cost in between Savi’s and the plastic lightsabers. You just have to listen to what speaks to you. I am one with the force, and the force is with me.
Other Tips & Tricks for getting the most Star Wars out of Hollywood Studios
As a local who loves Star Wars, I could make this article last longer than the lifespan of whatever species Yoda and Grogu are. So instead, here’s some bullet points that I hope make your next visit a bit more, magical. This is the Way.
Tips for Galaxy’s Edge:
- Mobile order your food from Docking Bay 7. You can do this throughout all the parks on the app, and it can save you a lot of time. You can even mobile order just a beer (which will cost you $15 on Batuu, because I was told it’s the only place in the Galaxy you can find that particular lager). If you want a slightly cheaper beer with more options, hit up BaseLine Tap House. You can’t mobile order there, but they have giant pretzels, beer from California, and charcuterie boards. It’s located between Star Tours, and the entrance to Galaxy’s Edge.
- In addition to the Disney World app, download their parks play app. In the lines, you can play themed games for each ride. You can even talk to Hondo while waiting to board the Millennium Falcon.
- If you want to feel more immersed, go to the Droid Depot, and purchase the Batuuan Spira. It’s the ancient currency of Black Spire Outpost. It’s a small little fun souvenir, that’s basically just a gift card, that costs $5, and you have to put $100 on it. You can also custom build a droid there. You can book that on the app too.
- Don’t skip Rise of the Resistance. The line time can look intimidating, but it tends to go quick, and it’s amazing. You can also purchase Genie plus to skip the lines.
- Take your time through black spire outpost. Play sabacc, watch the Loth cat take a nap. Talk to the locals. Buy the Cold Brew Black Caf at Kat Sakka’s Kettle. You can also buy the popcorn from Bad Batch here. If you have a popcorn bucket, it’s only $2 for a refill.
- Book Oga’s cantina early on the app. However, if it’s sold out, check randomly on the day of, as there are always cancellations. You can sometimes get in close to the park closing as well. Don’t expect to sit and order a meal. It’s mostly standing, with snacks and drinks. However, it is amazing.
- My last Galaxy’s Edge tip (for now): take it in and look around! No detail was spared.
Batuu is not the only Star Wars fun at Hollywood Studios
- Star Tours has been around forever, and it’s always a lot of fun with different scenes each flight. New characters were recently added including Ahsoka, Andor, and purrgils! If the line says more than 20 min. Leave and come back. That ride is often only 10 minutes even on busy days. However, don’t skip it.
- Back by the Disney Jr area, you can find Star Wars Launch Bay. There are meet and greets there, as well as some mini replica ships, and an area almost set up like an actual museum. Vader, Chewy, and BB8 are the current meet and greets. *If you have a Disney Visa you can get a picture with Vader on Mickey’s camera. It’s generally a shorter line too. Just check the app for times.
- The night time show, Wonderful World of Animation, has a few Star Wars scenes, that definitely get you in the magical force feels. It’s a great way to end a Star Wars filled day.
If you want more Disney World Star Wars articles, let us know. May The Fourth Be With You. I have spoken.
For more information head to Disney.com.
Lauren is half of Hops GEEK News: a weekly podcast that discusses all things geek pop culture, while enjoying a craft beer of the week. They also interview many different people from the comic book world and beyond.
