DISNEYLAND UPDATE: Galaxy’s Edge Awakens—Vader, Music & A New Hope

May the 4th Be With You! Today is Star Wars Day, and we’ve got a lot of Star Wars news to share! From the expanded Galaxy’s Edge timeline we’ve all been waiting for (complete with new characters and new music) to all-new novelties and merch from a galaxy far, far away… there’s a lot to uncover. 

Plus, we’ve got a shriek peek at Halloween Time (and Oogie Boogie Bash) merch, and we’ll tell you how you can win a fabulous Disneyland Resort vacation… we’ve got a good feeling about this!

May The 4th Be With You

As we celebrate Star Wars Day, let’s also celebrate that Disneyland has finally loosened the reins on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, allowing your favorite characters from across the timeline to finally appear in the park’s Star Wars land. 

Even former Disney CEO Bob Iger was there to check things out. He spent time watching the characters, observing the crowd’s reaction, and taking more than a few photos with guests who spotted him. 

Expanded Galaxy’s Edge Timeline

Since its 2019 grand opening, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been locked in a very narrow timeline during the sequel trilogy era; however, on March 29, the land’s timeline constraints were unshackled, finally allowing Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Darth Vader to arrive at Black Spire Outpost.

Although they haven’t quite nailed the look of some of the characters yet, it’s absolutely wonderful to have them interacting with guests and each other in the land. Particularly around the parked Millennium Falcon. 

But the real star of this revived Star Wars land is Darth Vader… The baddest of the baddies that we all love to hate…

Just seeing Lord Vader with the Stormtroopers instantly connects this land to Star Wars nostalgia, which fixes many of the issues we had with the land when it first opened. 

But don’t worry, Rey, Ahsoka Tano, The Mandalorian, and Grogu are all still on Batuu, along with Chewbacca and R2-D2.

Who won’t you see? Vi Moradi and Kylo Ren have departed Batuu. 

And while we may not see Vi Moradi for a while, Kylo Ren is available to meet in Tomorrowland at the Disney Visa photo spot in the Star Wars Launch Bay.  

It Finally Sounds Like Star Wars

But perhaps more important than even the characters is the new musical score of the land. Walking into Galaxy’s Edge now sounds like watching the beginning of a Star Wars film… and throughout the land, you’ll hear that beautiful John Williams music playing. You may not always notice it, but it’s there, setting the mood and instantly connecting what you are seeing with the Star Wars films.

(our Insiders share this great video of the refreshed Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge… music, characters, and fun)

Aside from the total lack of entertainment (still unforgivable), it was the absence of music that made this beautiful land feel so hollow before. The heart of Star Wars is finally pumping. And, while we would still like to see more attractions, food options, and theatrical details come to this land… it finally feels like a place you want to spend more time in… instead of just a land you walk through to get to Rise of the Resistance.  

More Subtle Star Wars Land Changes

When Galaxy’s Edge opened, nothing could have the Disney or Star Wars logos on it. It was all Black Spire Outpost, Batuu, etc. But now, some items in Galaxy’s Edge shops do have Disney and Star Wars logos, so they didn’t just drop the strict timeline, they are also loosening the rules about what’s allowed in the land. And that’s actually good news for theme park fans, as it means you can find more Star Wars merch in the actual Star Wars-themed land.

There are even Star Wars items written in Aurebesh, the Galactic alphabet used on Batuu.

There’s even some very popular Mandalorian and Grogu merchandise in Dok Ondar’s shop as the land ramps up to promote the film and the enhanced version of the Millennium Falcon ride (which will feature the dynamic duo starting May 22nd).

And while we’re talking about merch…

All-new Star Wars–themed popcorn buckets, sippers, and other novelties launched in Galaxy’s Edge and at select locations throughout the park. These items are also available during Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite (limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply).

The new Jabba’s Sail Barge Bucket ($31.99) featuring light-up elements and hidden characters is available at the following locations (limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply):

• Popcorn Cart near Star Trader
• Galactic Grill’s Seasonal Novelty Release (through Mobile Order on May 4, 5, and 6)
• Alien Pizza Planet
• Kat Saka’s Kettle
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Beverage Carts

The Salvaged Protocol Droid Bucket ($27.99) features light-up eyes (limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply). 

Available at the following locations:

• Popcorn Cart near Star Trader
• Alien Pizza Planet
• Kat Saka’s Kettle
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Beverage Carts

Also available during Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite.

The Bantha Sipper with sound effects ($29.79) is available at the following locations (limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply). 

• Milk Stand
• Galactic Grill
• Alien Pizza Planet
• Tomorrowland Fruit Cart

Rechargeable Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader Lightsaber Swizzle Sticks ($14.49 with fountain beverage; $16.79 with slushee) are available at the following locations (limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply):

• Galactic Grill
• Galactic Grill’s Seasonal Novelty Release (through Mobile Order)
• Ronto Roasters
• Milk Stand
• Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Also available at Oga’s Cantina for $9.49.

During Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite, the Lightsaber Swizzle Sticks will also be available at Harbor Galley, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, and Stage Door Cafe.

A new DJ R-3X Mug is available at Oga’s Cantina (limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply). But that’s the only change at Oga’s. The soundtrack remains the same. 

One final piece of Star Wars merch news is that the Disneyland 70th-anniversary droid is on sale for 30% off. We found these at one of the merchandise carts at the entry to the land. 

Disney Visa Photo Opp

As we mentioned, Kylo Ren has departed Galaxy’s Edge for Tomorrowland, where he’s taken over the exclusive Disney Visa Cardmember photo opportunity (must show Disney Visa Card for entry).

Kylo Ren will appear daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the outside of Star Wars Launch Bay (across from Autopia). Cardmembers also receive complimentary downloads of their photos.

In Case You Didn’t Know: The heroic Disney Visa photo opportunity in California Adventure Park takes place daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Hollywood Land (near Stage 17).

Also in Tomorrowland, the Hyperspace Mountain overlay for Space Mountain is back until June 1st.

Galactic ID

A new Star Wars Galactic ID photo booth has landed at Star Wars Trading Post in Downtown Disney… and it’s a HUGE hit with Star Wars fans, who have been lining up for the opportunity to have their photos taken. 

The cost is $15 and there are six different ID options to choose from: Jedi Knight, Fighter Pilot, Stormtrooper, X-Wing Pilot, Bounty Hunter, and New Republic Pilot.

We’ve seen several of these pop up around the parks and they’ve been very popular, but last week, the queue for the Star Wars-themed booth was excessively long, snaking around the side of the trading post building.

MagicBands Are Disappearing

It took until 2022 for Disneyland to introduce MagicBand+, but they’re already on their way out.

While the wearables can open hotel doors, pay for food and merch, and scan into theme parks and Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World in Orlando, they aren’t nearly as helpful at Disneyland. Here, wearers can only use their MagicBands to scan into the parks and Lightning Lanes, and activate a few interactive elements in the parks. But rather than adding more functions in Anaheim, Disneyland is discontinuing on-property sales of MagicBand+ (although guests will still be able to use the MagicBands they already have, including for Batuu Bounty Hunters in Galaxy’s Edge).

Currently, MagicBands are only available at Elias & Co. in California Adventure, Emporium in Disneyland, and World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District. The resort isn’t expected to restock once the remaining inventory is gone. So, if you’ve been considering buying a Disneyland-specific MagicBand+, now’s the time!

When we checked World of Disney last Thursday, there were only two styles left.

MagicBand+ will still be available to purchase at Walt Disney World Resort and on disneystore.com if you’re desperate to obtain one.  

Shriek Peek

Disney revealed some of the spooky merchandise that will be available at Disneyland for Halloween Time, including Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 items.

The short-sleeved Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 T-Shirt depicts Oogie Boogie, Jack Skellington, Sally, and the Mayor from The Nightmare Before Christmas, and the pullover hoodie features the host with the most along with green stitching, the event logo and year, and a neon patterned lining.

Constructionland

And now for the construction and refurbishment updates at the Disneyland Resort. If you’re excited to visit to experience the changes in Galaxy’s Edge, be prepared for what’s behind walls… or will be soon…

Downtown Disney Construction

LEGO STORE: A new Avengers-themed LEGO sculpture is taking shape behind the construction walls on the circular building’s facade, which is embracing its colosseum feel.

PORTO’S: The long road to bring the Cuban sandwich shop and bakery to the Disneyland Resort has entered the pile of dirt phase. You can spot the huge pile just beyond the construction walls. 

Disneyland

MAIN STREET: The scrim covering the west side of Main Street is still mostly in place; however, Carnation Cafe is now uncovered.

But there are still some construction walls up between the cafe and the outdoor seating area… though, all of the shops and eateries remain open in this building.  

BUZZ LIGHTYEAR ASTRO BLASTERS: Work also continues on the major refurbishment project at Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.

California Adventure

There are projects big and little at Disney California Adventure. Some facade work, like this project in Hollywood Land, has scrims up around the corner of the Mickey’s PhilharMagic building. 

But the big project is the Avengers Campus construction, where you can see cherry pickers working on the electrical on the ceiling of the show building. 

Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar 

Both Roger Rabbit and the Monorail have reopened, but Pirates of the Caribbean and Blue Bayou start their refurbs today. New to the list this week is the Little Green Men Store Command, which will most likely reopen with Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.

 

Unfortunately, Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin reopened without the spinning component (which is right there in the name of the attraction). Guests no longer control their ride vehicles, which now turn on and off on their own. We asked Cast Members if this is a permanent change, and we were told that it is. If that’s the case, perhaps they should remove the steering wheels to reduce disappointment. 

 

You can spot the previous steering wheels in our video from a few years ago:

Currently Under Refurbishment

• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: January 5 – TBA
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: April 13 – TBA
• Silly Symphony Swings: April 27 – TBA
• Pirates of the Caribbean: May 4 – TBA
• Blue Bayou Restaurant: May 4 – 20 (When Blue Bayou reopens, a construction wall will likely separate the restaurant from the ride. Since much of the appeal is the waterside view, diners may want to consider other options until Pirates reopens.)

Upcoming Refurbishments

Little Green Men Store Command: May 10 – TBA

Big Anniversary for Small World

The beloved “it’s a small world” attraction will celebrate its 60th anniversary on May 28th.

The charming boat ride was originally created for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair to support the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and after two successful seasons at the fair, “it’s a small world” was shipped across the country, where it officially opened at Disneyland on May 28, 1966.

Created by Legends

Walt selected Disney Legend Mary Blair as art director to bring “it’s a small world” to life in her trademark whimsical style, including the now-iconic facade featuring spinning flowers, whirligigs, and a 30-foot-tall clock tower that opens to reveal a parade of 24 animated figures.

Disney Legend Alice Davis was chosen as the attraction’s costumer, and with the help of her husband, Imagineer and Disney Legend Marc Davis, designed 300 authentic costumes representing each region’s traditional attire.

The ride’s theme song was written by the Academy Award-winning duo, Disney Legends Richard and Robert Sherman, who took a break from their work on “Mary Poppins” to write a song that could be sung by hundreds of Audio-Animatronics figures in multiple languages.

Today, “It’s a Small World (After All)” plays approximately 1,200 times a day at Disneyland, and has become one of the most well-known songs of all time. In 2024, Richard Sherman added a brand new last verse.

You can learn more about the Sherman Brothers inside the Main Street Cinema.

RELATED READING:

• 60 Years of Wonder: Celebrating Disney’s 1964 New York World’s Fair Triumph!
• It’s Still a Small World: New Last Verse For Beloved Disney Song
• MiceShots: It’s a Small World After All

This & That

Now for one of the most unpredictable sections of our Update. There’s always a little more Disney news just for you…

MiceChat Live @ Five – A Disturbance in the Force

Dusty Sage and Julie Tremaine take you on a journey to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge to see… and HEAR… what’s new. Are these the changes they’ve been looking for? Watch to find out. They are very, very opinionated. Then they head out into the park to see what else is going on. It’s a fun romp through the park and a chance for you to experience a full hour at Disneyland without leaving your couch. 

Don’t miss our videos, like & follow our YOUTUBE and/or FACEBOOK PAGES

Front Gate Face Scan

The rollout of Disney’s new facial recognition technology at park entrances is still ongoing, and if you had any questions as to why Disney was going down this road, look to the current staffing. Each gate previously had one staff member assigned, but now each cast member must juggle two gates at once. And while that seems to work just fine when the gates aren’t busy, when they are packed, it becomes more difficult for the cast to keep up.  

Hopefully, Disney can work through some of these issues quickly. Having guests take selfies in the app for use on new tickets (and special event tickets) would help address many of the issues as it would allow guests to be set up prior to making it to the front gate. Also, making it easier for guests to see which dates they have reservations scheduled and/or to make or change existing ones would be good for the gate cast, as guests showing up without a reservation brings everything to a standstill. 

Strawberry Specials

Parkside Market Coffee in Downtown Disney has two new May specials: A Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Roll and Strawberry Crumb Cake Latté with Strawberry, Marshmallow Swirl, Fluffy Cold Foam, topped with Strawberry Cookie Crumbles.

Both strawberry specials are available every day in May.

Cheers to Cinco de Mayo!

Paseo and Centrico are celebrating Cinco de Mayo this week with the Tropical Breeze margarita made with Don Ramon Tequila Blanco, Lime Juice, Guava, and Coco Lopez.

In addition, Paseo will be hosting live Mariachi music for guests to enjoy while sipping their Cinco de Mayo margaritas.

Jamba is Out; Bopo Go is In

Bopo Go (a new concept from Bopomofo Cafe) is coming to Downtown Disney, specifically in the mid-district space formerly occupied by Jamba Juice.

While you may already know about Bopomofo for their boba, the Downtown Disney location will bring “a broader experience rooted in quality and craft,” including:

• Real fruit & vegetable juices
• Lactose-free whole milk
• Premium matcha
• Loose-leaf teas

Disneyland After Dark Ticket Tracker

Both dates for Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite are still available at $169 per person.

There’s still no news on when Oogie Boogie Bash tickets will go on sale, but we do know the 2026 parties will be on the following 33 nights starting in mid-August:

• August 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, and 30
• September 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, and 29
• October 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, and 31

Two and a half months of Halloween time… excited? Or too much pumpkin spice exposure? 

Read our 2025 guide to get ready for Oogie Boogie’s big bash:

Disney California Adventure: Oogie Boogie Bash 2025 Event Guide

Disney Week of Wishes

Last week was the “Disney Week of Wishes,” an annual celebration of the 45-year partnership between Disney and Make-A-Wish to grant life-changing wishes for kids around the world.

“We’re honored that so many wish kids choose Disney,” said Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro. “Our work with Make-A-Wish speaks to the connection that generations of families have with Disney and builds on Walt’s legacy of using storytelling to spread joy when it’s needed most.”

Did You Know? Disney is the world’s largest WishMaker, granting a wish every hour of every day. Since the first official wish was granted at Disneyland 45 years ago, Disney and Make-A-Wish have granted more than 175,000 wishes.

On Wednesday, Disneyland hosted a first-of-its-kind “Wishes Assemble” experience, where 40 Make-A-Wish kids and their families experienced an exclusive, one-of-a-kind party in Avengers Campus featuring appearances by MCU stars Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson) and Paul Bettany (Vision).

The day began with a comic book art lesson, where Captain America actor Anthony Mackie surprised the kids with Captain America Action Figures. He also rode Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT with 9-year-old Coen, who wished to meet Mackie—his “favorite Super Hero!”

Content creators also participated in the event:

• MrBeast led a scavenger hunt before welcoming wish kids to his signature-style Beast Games.
• Mark Rober hosted a hands-on egg drop experiment from Avengers Headquarters, giving kids the rare opportunity to participate in a science experience at Avengers Campus.
• PrestonPlayz and Clix played Fortnite and Minecraft with wish kids in custom-designed gaming spaces.
• Sam & Colby hosted a spooky story time with special guest, Agatha Harkness.
• The Dude Perfect Fan Zone featured themed trick-shot stations, games, and challenges.

Enter the Make-A-Wish Sweepstakes

A Make-A-Wish and Charitybuzz fundraiser sweepstakes gives fans the opportunity to donate to Make-A-Wish and enter for a chance to win a VIP weekend featuring the global premiere of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday and a Disneyland Resort vacation, including:

• Roundtrip airfare for up to four guests
• Up to four 2-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Tickets
• A 2-night stay in The Pirates of the Caribbean Suite at the Disneyland Hotel for up to four guests
• An official VIP tour of the Disneyland Resort with a private tour guide, including a special visit to Walt’s Apartment for up to four guests
• Dinner for four at Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• Four tickets to the global premiere of Marvel Studios: “Avengers: Doomsday” with red carpet access
• Private glam squad services for up to four guests before the premiere
• Private ground transportation

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. PST on November 15, 2026, and winners will be drawn on November 16, 2026. You can enter the sweepstakes HERE.

Disney Week of Wishes kicked off with the debut of Drawn to You, a new spot inspired by true Make-A-Wish stories:

MiceShots

Here are a few more photos from Galaxy’s Edge… May the 4th (and the Force) Be With You! And our huge thanks to our dear friends Ando Kala and Sara Anne Imagery for their help with today’s photos. 

How did Disney do with the in-park representation of these iconic characters? Did they pick the right costumes, hair, and makeup to make it immediately clear who the characters are?

We think they could have chosen costumes and hairstyles that make it easier to identify the characters. Use the force, Disney… You can do this… 

If you visit one shop, make it Dok Ondar’s.  The Imagineers have spent a lot of time and effort adding new details that widen the timeline for the shop… not just new merchandise, but lots of props scattered about this beautiful antique shop. 

The crowds have been showing up for the new Star Wars land. We haven’t seen Batuu this busy since the opening of the land. 

Theme park guests DO want to be surrounded by the things they know and love. They want to hear the music, eat the foods, meet the characters, and be entertained by the stories that they know and love. And few films or characters are more iconic than the original Star Wars films. That they were intentionally cut out of the initial version of this land was a misstep that will be discussed and dissected in theme park design circles for decades. But, even Walt Disney made mistakes. As long as you learn from them and correct them, something even better can come out of it. 

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