Finally, Disneyland Reveals Major Upgrades to Galaxy’s Edge

A New Era for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Back in 2019, Disneyland experienced a major transformation with the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. I had the opportunity to preview the land and was immediately captivated by how it transported me into a galaxy far, far away. However, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm for the original concept, particularly its setting.

The world of Batuu, the planet guests visit when exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, is a new location within the Star Wars universe. It was set during the then-unfinished sequel trilogy, which disappointed many classic Star Wars fans who hoped to see characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader roaming through the land. Starting in April, this will change as these iconic figures make their way to Batuu.

Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge Is Transforming, And It’s About Time

Over the past few years, Disneyland has been gradually shifting away from the initial time period of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Characters such as The Mandalorian, Grogu, Ahsoka Tano, and even Luke Skywalker have made appearances in the park. Now, Disneyland has officially announced plans to move away from the sequel trilogy timeline for most of Galaxy’s Edge and introduce the Galactic Civil War and New Republic Era. These changes will take effect starting on April 29.

While I don’t have anything against the sequel trilogy (except for that last movie), I believe using an original setting like Batuu is the perfect location for a Star Wars theme park land. However, as someone who grew up with the original trilogy, I’m excited about the prospect of experiencing a period that follows those movies, complete with the characters that made and continue to make Star Wars great.

For fans who disliked the original concept, this is exactly what they’ve wanted all along. For others, it’s simply a welcome change that will bring fresh life to the land and make it feel new again for those who have visited before.

Han Solo, Leia, And Darth Vader Will Join Luke Skywalker On Batuu

One of the things that made Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge so special when it first opened was the sense of immersion it provided. The denizens of Batuu would interact with guests in character, making the experience feel alive. Rey and Kylo Ren weren’t just standing at the end of a line for a photo; they were wandering around and engaging in in-world conversations (though Rey would still stop for a photo when she wasn’t hiding from the First Order).

This immersive experience will remain with the upcoming changes. What will change are the characters you may meet. Luke Skywalker, who made a brief appearance during last year’s Season of the Force at Disneyland, will now be a regular visitor to Batuu. He’ll be joined by his dear friend Han Solo and his sister Leia Organa.

Even more exciting is the return of Darth Vader, who will be on hand looking for Luke. Seeing him walk around Batuu will truly make you feel like you’re standing in the middle of a Star Wars adventure.

Major Batuu Locations Will Change Along With The Story

These changes will also affect the storytelling around Batuu. In the original era of Galaxy’s Edge, Oga’s Cantina was run by a woman who had total control over the criminal underworld of the planet. Decades earlier, Oga will be relatively new to the planet, only just beginning to find her place.

Other locations, like the merch store First Order Cargo, will become Black Spire Surplus, offering a new collection that fits its era. The same will be true for Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.

The Droid Depot and Savi’s Workshop, where guests can build and purchase lightsabers, will undergo light story changes to match the new timeline. It sounds like running into Jedi Knight Luke at Savi’s Workshop is a distinct possibility.

One complaint from some fans has been the lack of the franchise’s iconic music. This will also change with the new update, as John Williams’ incredible scores will play throughout, putting fans in the right frame of mind.

Sequel Trilogy Characters Will Still Hang Out Around Rise Of The Resistance

Rey and the Resistance won’t be gone for good, of course. There’s still a massive attraction called Rise of the Resistance, arguably the best ride at Disneyland that isn’t going away. For that reason, the area around the ride will still be dedicated to the Age of Resistance.

Rey and any other sequel trilogy characters who might get added will simply be found in this part of the land. Essentially, walking between the two attractions of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will see you travel in time as well as space. With Galaxy’s Edge being so large, there’s absolutely no problem with this concept. The two parts of the land won’t infringe on each other, and each one should make you feel like you’re in its specific era.

Disney World’s Galaxy’s Edge Will Remain, Giving Fans A Choice

That sound you hear in the distance is thousands of Walt Disney World fans shouting, “Be Fair To Florida.” Unfortunately, fans hoping that Batuu East will undergo this same change are out of luck, at least for the foreseeable future. Disney World’s Galaxy’s Edge will not see any of these updates.

While that will likely upset some, I think it’s great. I’ve always felt that creating two identical Galaxy Edge lands at Disneyland and Disney World was an error when they could have made the land the same, but set both in different times, when different versions of the same attractions.

While I’m still waiting for that last part, the fact that the two versions of Galaxy’s Edge will have more differences is a good thing, as it gives people more of a reason to visit both locations. I’d love to see Disney World’s land introduce more sequel trilogy era characters and really begin to offer more that can’t be found at Disneyland.

These Galaxy’s Edge Changes Are Coming At The Perfect Time

All of this is happening as Star Wars is about to launch what has to be seen as its second wave under the Disney brand. Following a new movie trilogy and a couple of spinoffs, we’ve been without Star Wars movies for several years, but that’s all about to change.

Alongside the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu in theaters, the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run attraction will gain a new mission focused on the popular characters. Given everything else that’s changing about Galaxy’s Edge, it’s a safe bet that, at least at Disneyland, this is not a temporary change.

Now is the perfect time to give Galaxy’s Edge some attention and make it something a little different, and a bit more special. I’m excited for April 29 as I can’t wait to see how all these changes manifest. I’m looking forward to my next trip to Batuu.