There's only one place I'd want to celebrate Star Wars Day.
Ah, yes. It's Star Wars Day! May the Fourth be with You!! How and where will you celebrate the day? Personally, I'm not traveling far from home anytime soon. But if I could be anywhere else right now, I'd want to celebrate this day in Galaxy's Edge.
NOTE: All photos within this blog post were taken PRIOR to the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2019.
About This Holiday
The original Star Wars trilogy were live-action theatrical films written and directed by George Lucas. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope premiered in 1977. It was in that film where General Dodonna uttered the phrase, "And may the force be with you!"
It only seemed fitting to celebrate Star Wars Day on May the Fourth as it resembles the phrase, "May the force be with you." But when was the phrase first used in celebration of this day?
On May 4th, 1979, a newspaper advertisement was printed to congratulate Margaret Thatcher as the newly elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The advertisement read, "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations!" This was the first documented use of the phrase that quickly caught on.
Every year, fans celebrated Star Wars Day in different ways. Some movie theaters organized costume contests and host Star Wars marathons to draw fans to their locations.
Local radio stations hosted trivia game questions after every few music tracks. Stores offered one- or two-day sales on Star Wars merchandise.
The Walt Disney Company first observed the holiday in 2013 after acquiring Lucasfilm and the rights to the Star Wars franchise.
After Galaxy's Edge was opened in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, it wasn't uncommon for Disney and fans to celebrate Star Wars Day there.
About Galaxy's Edge
Galaxy's Edge is a themed are located within Disneyland, California and Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, Florida. Galaxy's Edge, also known as Batuu, encompasses over 14 acres of land on both coasts.
There are only two rides within the land. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is an interactive ride simulator. It lets you take partial control of the ship and ride experience as an engineer, gunner, or pilot.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a trackless ride that makes many unexpected turns as you escape Kylo Ren on the First Order Star Destroyer.
The themed land is also home to other venues and experiences that creates an immersive environment perfect for celebrating Star Wars Day in my opinion.
Top 10 Things I Love About Galaxy's Edge
When I first visited Hollywood Studios Galaxy's Edge on the East coast, I fell in love with the land! I spent much of my trip in the land thanks to my park hopper tickets.
I've yet to return to Hollywood Studios Galaxy's Edge since my September 2019 trip, but I thought I'd share ten things I loved about the land and wish I could do/see to celebrate Star Wars Day today.
Theming. The overall theming is remarkable to my eyes! The prop details, sound effects, structural designs, colors, and animatronics helped keep me immersed in the land's fictional story and lore.
Star Wars characters. When I visited prior to the pandemic, it wasn't uncommon to see Vi, Rey, Chewbacca, Kylo, and Storm Troopers wandering. I enjoyed watching Vi sprint for cover when a guest informed her of Storm Troopers heading her way. Since the pandemic, it's my understanding the characters aren't wandering the land, although they can still be spotted throughout.
Cast members. The cast members are crucial characters to the immersive experience at Galaxy's Edge. Their costumes, mannerisms, and lingo made my first visit to the land feel extra special.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride. I've yet to ride this myself. However, POV videos I've watched online encouraged me to ride this on my next trip if possible. The animatronics, effects, and overall experience makes the ride seem like a lot of fun to experience.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The gamer in me loved the interactive nature of the ride. Seeing Hondo's lifelike animatronic and digital guidance on the ride was remarkable to me. I rode many times as an engineer in the back row. I also rode as a pilot once. It felt like a completely different experience when I controlled the navigation of the ship.
Savi's Workshop. I was fortunate to take part in crafting my own custom lightsaber after I asked where I could find "scrap metal." I used "scraps" of fallen Jedi temples symbolizing peace and justice. In addition to crafting my lightsaber, I participated in an immersive experience that was part show and part 'OMG, this is totally awesome!' The feeling of lighting my personal lightsaber for the first time in the workshop is one that can't be beat.
Droid Depot. I passed on a chance to craft my own custom droid during my last visit. However, I hope to build an R-series droid and get a few accessories on my next trip. I'm also determined to custom paint it after I return home.
Ronto Wrap. I only tried the Ronto Wrap because I wasn't sure I'd like the food in Galaxy's Edge. Fortunately, this entree pleased my taste buds. It consists of roasted pork, grilled sausage, peppercorn sauce, and slaw wrapped in pita bread. I'll have to try other options on my next trip.
Datapad. The Play Disney Parks app includes a section just for Galaxy's Edge. When I was within the land, I'd run the app to play mini games that unlocked animatronic movements, lighting effects, and sound effects nearby. This helped make the experience within the land that much more immersive for me.
Blue and green milk. Honestly, I hated these drinks. I'll never drink them again! However, it was part of the experience being in Galaxy's Edge. It didn't seem right to visit and not try the two milk flavors made famous during the Star Wars franchise!
If you're wondering why Oga's Cantina didn't make it on my list, it's because I don't know if I should visit it since I don't drink alcohol. I'm usually accompanied by someone else who also doesn't drink alcohol. If my friends and I go together one day, and they decide they want to go, then I'd be on board with visiting Oga's Cantina!
I don't feel comfortable making a hard-to-come-by reservation for a bar that specializes in alcoholic drinks. I'd feel like I'm taking a reservation away from someone else who wanted to try the drinks available.
If Oga's Cantina didn't require reservations that were difficult to get in the first place, then I'd happily head there to try a unique non-alcoholic drink while enjoying DJ Rex's jams.
My Thoughts
I miss Galaxy's Edge. I miss Walt Disney World. I miss traveling and road trips in general.
At least I had an opportunity to experience Galaxy's Edge when it opened. If I could choose anywhere in the world to celebrate Star Wars Day, I'd celebrate in Galaxy's Edge for the theming and immersive experience I enjoyed during my first visit.
"Till the spire!"
What's Next?
I need to decide whether I'm going to celebrate Revenge of the Fifth or Revenge of the Sixth next. I've heard the debates, but I don't yet know which day is appropriate for celebrating the Dark Side.
If you were to celebrate the Dark Side, which day will you celebrate it on? Login and Sign up to share if the Dark Side should be celebrated on Revenge of the Fifth (May 5th) or Revenge of the Sixth (May 6th).
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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