The long awaited Star Wars themed Disney park expansion opens in less than a week and well.. it looks..
I'm a big star wars fan.. not so much of the Disney empire/media monopoly. So, I completely expected to be disappointed by how they've commercialized the "Galaxy Far, Far Away...". And at first glance, it did seem to be headed in that direction. You see, instead of placing the park in the setting of Tatooine or Hoth or some other familiar Star Wars backdrop, the chief imagineers behind the project have created a whole new planet called Batuu for park-goers to explore.
At first I was upset about this.. This means that we won't get to see any of the fan favorite characters or locale that we know and love. But upon further reflection, I've come to believe that they have made the right choice.. in fact.. the more that I heard about Galaxy's Edge, the more I want to go there.. It looks.. mind-blowing!
As stated, this is by far Disney's largest park extension ever. And by all accounts, it feels massive. Apparently, when you enter the park, you learn that the area has been overrun with First Order Stormtroopers. You are split up into teams of six and asked to take the Millennium Falcon on a secret mission for the Resistance by one of the top smugglers in the town.
According to sources, you really have to control the ship in the simulated ride, and you can FAIL the mission. Supposedly, whatever outcome you achieve will impact how the characters/actors in the park interact with your team throughout your time there. This concept does seem original and enticing.
By setting the park in a new world with unique character, and making it kind of like a 'choose your own adventure story', make Galaxy's Edge appealing for repeat visits and also future-proof to an extent. Disney wants you to return over and over again...
They want your money...
Especially because part of your journey involves acquiring a droid and building your own customizable lightsaber!
The droid must be constructed by you in The Droid Depot, and it looks to be like a Build-a-bear type experience. Except once completed the droids will be able to use bluetooth tech to interact with each other as well as with other elements around the park. They don't come cheap though, at $99 plus tax. While you don't have to buy one, try telling that to your six year old.
The lightsaber experience seems to follow a similar vein.. you are led, 14 ppl at a time, into a secret hideout known as Savi's Workshop. There, under the guidence of Gatherers, you will construct your own lightsaber; choosing the hilt, 36' lightsaber blade and core crystals, and fashioning them together yourself. This nifty piece of equipment will set you back $199 plus tax ..ouch..
There are plenty of other Merch and collectable items to be found around the park, all accompanied by similarly astronomical price tags..
All-in-all, the whole concept seems like a fanboy's dream come true, and the massive world they've created is enough to salivate over. John Williams has composed all the music, whenever you hear it. Most of the time there is silence and sounds of blasters or tie fighters flying overhead. I would love a chance to go.. however..
Aside from the massive price tag associated with it... I also foresee a major problem with the fact that they only let six at a time in here, or 20 in this standing only cantina bar there, or no more than 14 max at the lightsaber booth.. The LINES ARE GOING TO BE MADNESS! I would say expect to spend HOURS trying to get into any of these attractions/rides. What are they thinking??
perhaps that's why this is Disney's first park ever to serve alcohol to general vistors...
What do you think? Does Disney have a hit on their hands with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge? or is it too expensive and poorly thought through to make any major headway? Would you visit the theme park? also, let us know who your favorite Star Wars character of all time is in the comments below!
