I ended part 1 of this trip report right after we ate lunch at Docking Bay 7. I had been periodically checking the app to see which groups were boarding for Rise of the Resistance, and I knew ours was coming up soon so we decided to stay in the area and go check out the shops. If you have been reading my blog for a long time, you will know that we love gift shops!
On the way, we spotted some characters. They are not doing character meets at any of the parks right now due to Covid, but characters do still make appearances from a distance. We saw these guys and they were fun to watch for a few minutes:
There are 6 shops in Galaxy’s Edge: Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, the Droid Depot, Jewels of Bith, Creature Stall, Toydarian Toymaker, and Black Spire Outfitters. The latter 4 are all grouped together, and there was one line to enter all of them. Just like the rides, there are lines for the shops and they only allow a certain number of people in at a time. The line was pretty long, and we knew our group was about to be called for Rise of the Resistance, so we went over to Dok-Ondar’s because the line was much shorter. This store was so neat! It is small, but the theming is incredible and it had some really cool merchandise. My husband took tons of photos.
We ended up buying the Jedi & Sith holocrons:
When you insert a kyber crystal, they light up and you hear dialog and sound effects dependent on which crystal you use.
I think it was while we were shopping that we got the alert that our boarding group was up.
As you can see, group 41 was called at 1:30. This can vary from day to day, depending on if the ride ever shuts down (which happens to all rides from time to time) and for how long. But, it gives you a general idea of what you can expect.
We walked over to Rise of the Resistance and got in line. Yes, you still have to wait in line even with the virtual queue. I didn’t time it, but I would guess we waited at least 30 minutes before beginning the experience.
I’m not going to go into detail about the experience, because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone. I’m sure there are plenty of online sources that can walk you through step by step if you really want to know. I am just going to give a brief overview of what the experience entails, and show a few pictures of the beginning part of the experience but not show any of the amazing stuff. In fact, I don’t think I even took pictures of anything after the really cool stuff started.
This is the first room you enter, and the story starts to be explained. Each party was told to stand on a colored dot on the ground, and there is plexiglass in-between parties.
Next, we moved to an outdoor area for a minute or two and waited for the door of this transport shuttle to open:
We entered the shuttle and while we were being “transported” to safety, we were captured by the First Order.
Next we were taken from the shuttle to one of the First Order’s ships:
We walked through the ship and were placed in a holding cell, all the while being ridiculed and chastised by First Order Officers.
After this, all of the really cool stuff started so no more pictures. In a nut shell, we were rescued by the Resistance, which started an action-packed immersive experience including realistic laser blasts, an army of storm troopers, plenty of light saber action, and experiencing the power of the Force. The whole experience took about 20 minutes and included walking, vehicle transport, and “flying”. It was truly an amazing experience for Star Wars fans.
After this, we decided to leave Galaxy’s Edge and go do some rides in other parts of the park. On the way out, we stopped to buy these adorable drinks which look like thermal detonators and are exclusive to the parks. They had Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite, and we got one of each to take home as souvenirs.
I got another picture without masks while we were distanced and stationary during our beverage break:
The first place we went was to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Our youngest and I sat this one out, and while we were waiting on the others we did some shopping and got this delicious peppermint milkshake from Hollywood Scoops:
Next, they wanted to ride the Tower of Terror and once again the youngest and I sat this one out. At this point, she still thought she didn’t like thrill rides. However, the following day at Magic Kingdom, she discovered that she actually does.
We never buy photos anymore, but my husband did take this one of their group. As you can see, there are plexiglass dividers between parties.
Next we went over to ride the newest ride in the park, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. I hadn’t really heard anything about this ride before we went, so I was very curious to see what it is all about. The verdict: it is awesome! It is basically like being inside of the Mickey cartoon shorts, which my girls love to watch. In fact, they first discovered these cartoons while on a cruise (there’s an entire channel dedicated to them) and still watch them every time we sail. I was very impressed with this ride and would have ridden it again if we had time.
However, it was now 5:00 and we had a reservation at Droid Depot for 6:15. There was still one ride left that was a must: Slinky Dog Dash. I had been checking the wait times all day and I don’t think I ever saw it lower than 70 minutes, which is what it was right now. We had 75 minutes until our reservation, and we decided to go for it. It ended up taking more like 60 minutes, and we arrived at the Droid Depot with 10 minutes to spare.
The Droid Depot is an experience in Galaxy’s Edge where you build your own droid. You must have a reservation, and each builder can bring one guest. So, I had reserved 2 spots (which accommodates 4 people) and I was going to sit this one out. When I made the reservation, 6:15 was the only time available and I ended up really liking that fact that we did it towards the end of the day because it meant that we didn’t have to carry our droids around all day. The droids start at $99.99 and there are all sorts of extras that you can add on, like accessories, stickers and backpacks to carry your droid. I remember the backpacks were $50 (we declined) but I don’t think I looked into the prices of the other accessories. We didn’t buy any of them. Once you arrive, you get in line to pre-purchase your droid and select between 2 types: and R-series (like R2-D2) or a BB-series (like BB-8). Here we are in line, where they have parts on display so that you can begin to get ideas.
When you pay, you get a basket based on which type of droid you chose. We chose one of each:
Note that I was still able to be with them at this point, even though I was neither a builder nor one of their guests.
Next, you go over to a conveyer belt that has all sorts of parts in all different colors passing by. Based on the drawings on your basket, you select the pieces you need and put them in.
At this point, a cast member shooed me away (nicely of course) but I was able to walk behind a railing and watch from a distance.
After they selected their parts, they were assigned 2 stations to build their droids.
I used my zoom lens to get some pictures of my crew.
There were several cast members walking around helping people when they needed it. When we finished we got the standard cardboard carrying boxes:
Here are the finished products:
They come with a remote control that allows you to control their movement and sounds. As you leave the experience, there is a shop dedicated to all things droid (you don’t have to do the experience to go into the shop).
The entire experience probably took about 30 minutes. By the time we were done, we had about an hour until our 7:45 reservation at Savi’s Workshop to build lightsabers and we needed to eat dinner. Unfortunately, all of the quick service places in Hollywood Studios were closed by 6:00, except for Docking Bay 7 which was right next door. We had gone there for lunch and didn’t really want to go there again, but we had no choice if we wanted food.
As we rounded the corner, we were treated to a breathtaking sight – the Millennium Falcon at night!
It is absolutely stunning and I highly recommend going to Galaxy’s Edge after dark, if park hours allow. It looks totally different at night!
We used the app to place a mobile order and got our food pretty quickly. The crowds had gone way down by this time. It was about 7:00, and the park closed at 7:30. This time, we got the Batuuan Beef Pot Roast (Braised Beef Pot Roast, Cavatelli Pasta, Wilted Kale, Mushrooms):
The Smoked Kaadu Pork Ribs (Sticky Pork Ribs, Blueberry Corn Muffin, Cabbage Slaw):
Another Ronto Wrap (Roasted Pork, Grilled Pork Sausage, Peppercorn Sauce, and Tangy Slaw wrapped in Pita Bread. Served with a side of Plantain and Assorted Root Vegetable Chips):
Also, 2 of the girls got the same chicken dish that they had for lunch, the Endorian Fried Chicken Tip Yip (Crispy Chicken with choice of Vegetable Mashed Potatoes with Herb Gravy or Macaroni and Cheese and Roasted Vegetables). I didn’t take another picture, but here is one from lunch:
We ate inside this time, and I think there was only one other party in there while we were there. All of the food was great.
After dinner, we headed next door to Savi’s Workshop for our lightsaber experience at 7:45. We were a few minutes early and the long day was catching up with some of us (we ended up walking 21,000 steps that day).
Our reservation was for 7:45 (the only time available when I booked), and the park closed at 7:30 so by this point we are practically the only people there, except for the other participants. When you check in, you pay (you cannot pay in advance) and look at a menu and select your theme. The 4 themes available are Peace and Justice, Power and Control, Elemental Nature, and Protection and Defense. We chose Elemental Nature and Protection and Defense (you don’t pick out your kyber crystal color until you are in the workshop). It was dark so I didn’t get any pictures of the options, but here is a complete guide with great photos.
Just like the droids, each builder can have 1 guest, so we had 2 spots (4 people total) and I sat this one out, again. Unlike the Droid Depot, where I could watch from a distance, I could not even enter the building this time and had to wait outside (and rely on my husband for pictures). The lightsabers start at $199 and of course there are optional accessories available. The only thing we purchased extra was a stand for each one, and I think they were $20 each. I know this price might seem crazy, but you are really paying for the experience just as much as the lightsaber (which is very high quality). I had $200 in gift cards intended for our May cruise that never happened which helped soften the blow.
Once inside, the experience begins.
First, you select your crystal (the choices are red, blue, green or violet):
Next, you are presented with a tray of parts based on the theme that you chose. You are able to customize the sleeve, emitter, pommel cap, and activation plate/switch.
Next, you put your lightsaber in a slot where the blade is magically attached.
All done!
The experience took about 20 minutes, not including check in/theme selection/payment. When you finish, you get a padded carrying case with a strap. I recommend doing this experience as late in the day as possible, so you don’t have to carry them around all day (like the droids). But, the carrying case does make it pretty easy to carry. I also recommend doing this after dark, if park hours allow (after park closing like we did is even better) for this reason:
You can get some really great pictures with nobody in them!
In hindsight, we should have walked over to the Millennium Falcon for even better pictures.
By this time it was about 8:30, and we were practically the only ones there (remember the park closed at 7:30). I think we saw one other family walk through, as well as a few cast members heading to backstage areas. It was so neat seeing Galaxy’s Edge after dark, with no people! I highly recommend it!
Here is our set up at home of all of our goodies:
Unfortunately, it was time to leave. We walked through a completely empty park towards the entrance.
Remember in part 1 when I said we forgot to look and see which section we parked in? Well, it ended up not mattering because when we got to the parking lot we saw this:
Ours was literally the only car left, except for the employee parking in the very back. I think we shut down the park!
This was such a great day, and probably our most favorite park day ever. For us, our enjoyment of the day was not really affected by the Covid precautions. Other than the absence of the Beauty and the Beast show (which I don’t think we would have had time for anyway), I don’t feel that we missed out on anything. I can see how masks would be uncomfortable in hot weather, but we didn’t find them bothersome (temps were in the 60s/70s). I think that considering the circumstances, we were still able to have an awesome day.
In my next post, I will review our resort (the cabins at Fort Wilderness). Stay tuned!
Click here for my review of the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort
I always love reading your posts! Seeing your pictures from night made it look so magical and so fun! Also got tickled by the parking lot picture!