Did you feel the disturbance in the Force? That’s Disneyland management pulling everything together for the full public opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. While the land has been open for nearly a month for those with reservations, June 24th marks the first day that anyone can visit the park and see the land.
We can feel your thoughts. The 24th has the potential to be a madhouse with everyone who wanted to see the new Star Wars land, but couldn’t get a reservation, all showing up at the same time.
Keep in mind that the land’s star attraction, Rise of the Resistance, is still delayed with no announced opening date yet.
We have some new information and tips for you if you plan to visit on the 24th or beyond.
A Lion or a Lamb?
While it’s quite possible that the 24th may be insane in the morning, it’s also possible that the word is out among savvy local Disneyland visitors and folks simply stay away to avoid the crowds.
We posted a MiceChat Podcast about this very issue (among others).
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We’d like to hear your thoughts on that.
Our advice is to play it safe. If you don’t need to be at Disneyland on the 24th, you might wish to schedule yourself for later in the week. No need to tempt fate unless you just can’t wait another moment longer to see Kylo Ren, the Millennium Falcon, and Oga’s Cantina.
June 24th What You Need To Know
If you’ve made the decision to visit the Disneyland Resort on June 24th to visit Galaxy’s Edge, we have some information and tips for you.
Resort Parking
Parking Garages will not open until 6am. You are strongly advised NOT to show up earlier than that.
While the new Pixar Pals Parking structure is VERY close to completion, it is not expected to be ready in time for Monday the 24th. However, it will likely be added to the resort parking network by the end of the month.
Lining Up
Disneyland opens at 8am on the 24th and NO official queueing is being planned for Galaxy’s Edge before that time. Of course, the resort will take any measures necessary if a line does start to form, but the park hopes that guests will show up as normal that day.
Getting into Galaxy’s Edge
When the park opens on the 24th, Galaxy’s Edge will be open like any other land at Disneyland. Guests will be free to flow in and out of the area . . . until or unless conditions become so crowded that the gates to the land need to be blocked off. At that point, the park will begin a virtual queuing process referred to in the park app and signage as “Boarding Groups.”
You’ll quickly be able to determine if the land is open or utilizing Boarding Groups by checking the Disneyland App or digital signage placed throughout the park.
Entry to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be from Big Thunder Trail (the Frontierland entry).
Pro tip: If you want to make sure you get into Galaxy’s Edge, you should plan to arrive at park opening. It’s quite possible that the land will fill to capacity within the first half hour of park operation and switch to Boarding Passes.
Use The Disneyland App
The simplest way to determine access and availability of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is to use the Disneyland App. A Star Wars section in the app will quickly show you if the land is open for visits or requiring a Boarding Group. You can enter a Boarding Group via the app once you have scanned your admission media at the front gate.
How to get a Boarding Group via the app:
Simply open the app, tap on the Boarding Group section, add the members of your party and you are good to go. If you have notifications enabled, you’ll get a text message when it is time to head to Galaxy’s Edge. You’ll have 2 hours to make your way to the new land.
How to obtain a Boarding Group without the app:
If you don’t have a smartphone or are having difficulty using the app, you can obtain a boarding group at several Fastpass locations throughout the park. At this time, those locations are planned to be the current Fastpass distribution for: Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Indy, Splash Mountain, and Matterhorn/Small World (near the old Motorboat Cruise Dock)
Digital signage throughout the park will show which boarding groups can now enter Galaxy’s Edge. You can also ask Guest Relations cast members.
Set up your Disneyland App now
To avoid any stress on the morning of the 24th, it’s a good idea for you to set up your Disneyland App now. Make sure that your annual pass is linked to your account and familiarize yourself with logging in.
Beginning on the morning of the 24th, you’ll see new options for obtaining a Boarding Group and general Galaxy’s Edge information.
Getting a Reservation for Oga’s Cantina and Savi’s Workshop (Lightsaber building)
These two popular attractions in Galaxy’s Edge will require advance reservations! You’ll be able to make those reservations via the Disneyland website or the Disneyland App beginning at 7am each day (from June 24th, until further notice). You will be able to select an available time slot.
We expect these to fill up fast each day.
You will not need to be in the park to make the reservation. However ,you will be charged a fee if you don’t show up for your reservation.
Here’s a neat perk. If you do obtain a reservation, it also serves as your boarding group and guarantees that you and your party will have access to Galaxy’s Edge beginning one hour before your scheduled reservation.
Savi’s Workshop allows the builder and 2 guests to enter the facility (but you can bring a total party size of up to 6 into the land). You will be charged the $200 builder fee in advance and it is nonrefundable if you don’t show up to your reservation!
Oga’s Cantina allows you to have a party of any size (yes, you can have a party of more than 6), but you will need to add their names and will be charged $10 per person if you don’t show.
No reservations are expected to be required for the Droid Depot at this time. A regular queue will be available just outside the front door.
Final Thoughts and Tips:
- Once you enter the land, you can stay as long as you’d like.
- Oga’s Cantina has a 2 drink limit and suggested 45 minute time limit.
- No Fastpass will be used for Falcon until further notice. Expect the line to be long and stay that way. Single Rider is an option and could save you some time.
What are your thoughts folks? Will you be visiting Galaxy’s Edge on the 24th? Will you wait? How crowded do you think it will be on the first post-reservation period day?
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