Star Wars has been part of Walt Disney World since 1989 when Disney’s Hollywood Studios first opened (though, it was known as MGM Studios at the time!). And, the ability to visit a galaxy far, far away has only expanded over the years! Now you can go far beyond a ride on Star Tours and visit a Star Wars planet yourself in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. But, with so much to do and see from the popular franchise, how do you know if you’ve done it all? Well, here are the top 10 must-dos for any Star Wars fan (or anyone traveling with a Star Wars fan!).

Pilot the Millennium Falcon

One of the most exciting experiences for Star Wars fans visiting Disney World is piloting the Millennium Falcon on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. This motion simulator ride takes you inside a recreation of the iconic Millennium Falcon starship for a secret interactive smuggling mission, with each passenger playing a role in the completion of the mission.

While there are three positions available for guests to choose from, including pilot, engineer, and gunner, piloting the Millennium Falcon is the most coveted position. It’s important to note that you could get assigned to any of the positions, and with only two pilot seats out of six, you may not get to be the pilot every time you ride. But, For those lucky enough to secure the pilot position, you’ll have the chance to actually pilot the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy!

And – don’t worry – the experience is just as fun whether you’re flying the Millennium Falcon, fending off enemies, or helping collect coaxium.

Join The Resistance

For Star Wars fans, no trip to Disney World is complete without joining the Resistance and experiencing the epic adventure on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This immersive attraction, located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the Resistance and the First Order onboard a First Order Star Destroyer. Your journey starts with a ride on a transport ship that is then overtaken by the First Order. You’re then taken as “prisoners” by Cast Members who have made their allegiance to the First Order clear. But, luckily, you’re not alone – the Resistance is ready to help break you out…and that’s just the beginning of your journey!

This attraction is far more than a ride – it’s an entire experience! From the moment you step onto the transport ship to the final showdown with Kylo Ren, even someone who has never seen Star Wars is sure to be wow-ed after riding. Just note that this is one of the most popular attractions in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. So, we recommend getting in line early or utilizing the Lightning Lane entry by purchasing it as an Individual Attraction Selection through the My Disney Experience app.

Ride Star Tours…Then Ride It Again…And Again…

As the first Star Wars attraction in Disney World, riding Star Tours is another must-do when you’re in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This 3D motion simulator ride takes you on an adventure through the Star Wars universe, with stunning visuals and realistic sound effects that make you feel like you’re really there.

This attraction has been in the park since it first opened (and George Lucas helped work on it himself!). However, it has been updated multiple times over the years. So, it’ll feel like a brand new ride even if you’ve been on it hundreds of times before! What makes Star Tours even more exciting now than when it first opened is that there are over 250 storyline variations. So, each time you ride, you get a different experience. You could visit the planet Seatos from the Disney+ series, Ahsoka. Or, explore other corners of the galaxy far, far away.

Build Your Own Lightsaber

For Star Wars fans, building your own lightsaber is an essential experience when visiting Disney World. At Savi’s Workshop in Hollywood Studios, you can create their very own custom lightsaber. Inside the covert workshop on Batuu (a.k.a. The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge planet), you’ll select parts that have been collected from “far reaches of the galaxy,” to build a lightsaber that is completely unique to you. The whole experience takes about 20 minutes and costs $249 plus tax. But, you’ll walk away with your very own 31” lightsaber blade and custom hilt! Just note that reservations are required.

For a more affordable option, you can also build a lightsaber at Black Spire Outfitters in Hollywood Studios or at Star Wars Trading Post in Disney Springs. While these options are not as customizable as Savi’s Workshop, they offer a fun experience for those who want to create their own lightsaber without breaking the bank.

Build Your Own Droid

What’s better than having a Droid as a friend? Well, now you can make your own at Droid Depot in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios! This immersive experience allows fans to construct their own customized droid. You’ll get to choose from a variety of parts and accessories to create a unique and personalized companion.

The experience takes approximately 30-45 minutes. It is available to guests of all ages, though anyone under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to participate.

The cost to build a droid at the Droid Depot starts at $119.99, which includes all necessary parts and accessories. You can choose between building a BB-series or R-series droid. And, then you can customize your droid with different colors, designs, and accessories. Additional accessories are also available for purchase, including personality chips that can give your droid unique sounds and behaviors.

Become a Bounty Hunter

Not only can you experience the world of Star Wars on the planet of Batuu in Hollywood Studios, but you can also become part of the local scene and join in on missions by using the Play Disney Parks app. Using the app throughout Galaxy’s Edge you can:

• Translate a variety of languages from across the galaxy—including Aurebesh signs throughout Black Spire Outpost.
• Scan objects all around the spaceport to discover precious cargo.
• Tune and decrypt communications sent by the planet’s many residents.
• Use the Star Wars: Datapad to hack into—and interact with—select devices, control panels and droids.
• Complete jobs for its many residents of Batuu and “off-worlders” alike

Plus, if you have a MagicBand+, you can take your missions a step further and become a Bounty Hunter! To start the game, you need to find the bounty board, which is located next to Black Spire Station. The Play Disney Parks app will have a map showing the way. Once the bounty board is located, just tap your Disney MagicBand+ to the medallion on the board. You’ll then be assigned a bounty.

Then, using your MagicBand+, you’ll make your way through Black Spire Outpost to seek virtual bounties hidden across the area. The MagicBand+ acts as a guide, with green lights indicating the right direction and red lights indicating that you should turn around. You’ll know you are getting closer to the bounty when the band flashes green faster and faster. There are a total of 20 bounties in the game and you can find as many as you’d like throughout your day!

Try Blue and Green Milk

A visit to Disney World isn’t complete for a Star Wars fan without trying some of the iconic eats and drinks! And, blue and green milk are perhaps the most quintessential snacks in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as they are both taken directly from the movies.

The Blue Milk is a fruity drink with hints of pineapple and watermelon. Whereas, the Green Milk has a more citrusy flavor with hints of mandarin orange, passion fruit, grapefruit, and orange blossom. Both drinks are dairy-free and vegan-friendly, made with a blend of coconut and rice milk. And, you can take your drink up a notch with alcoholic versions of each as well.

You can try all these drinks yourself at the Milk Stand in Galaxy’s Edge. Prices range from $8.49 to $15 depending on what you order.

Visit Oga’s Cantina

Oga’s Cantina is the local watering hole in Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios. And, Star Wars fans don’t want to miss out on experiencing this unique lounge that transports you straight into the Star Wars universe! With music blaring, standing room only (through a few booths are available), and exotic menu items, this immersive bar serves up some of the best drinks (and atmosphere) in the galaxy.

To ensure a spot at Oga’s Cantina, reservations are required and can be made up to 60 days in advance. It’s important to note that there is a 45-minute time limit for each reservation, so plan accordingly.

Once inside, visitors can choose from a variety of themed drinks and snacks. This includes the famous Jedi Mind Trick and the Fuzzy Tauntaun. The bar’s atmosphere is lively and bustling, with a mix of Star Wars music and sound effects playing in the background. And, be sure to say hi to DJ R-3X! Long-time Disney and Star Wars fans will recognize him from the original Star Tours attraction.

Try The Local Fare

Star Wars fans visiting Disney World have plenty of options when it comes to food and drink with menu items inspired by the unique eats in the movies. For example, you can grab a famous Ronto Warp from Ronto Roasters. Or, head over to Docking Bay 7 for a more filling meal. And, if you’re visiting during any of Disney World’s extra Star Wars celebrations (like May The 4th), you’ll find even more specialty treats and drinks available at select locations throughout the parks. These offerings change from year to year, but past options have included Darth Vader cupcakes, BB-8 souvenir cups, and Lightsaber Churros.

Meet Your Favorite Characters

What’s better than running into your favorite Star Wars characters on your Disney World vacation? Not much for a big Star Wars fan! Luckily, there are several opportunities to do so at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

One of the best places to meet Star Wars characters is at the Star Wars Launch Bay. Here, fans can meet BB-8, Chewbacca, and even Darth Vader himself. And, while you’re there, be sure to check out all of the props and displays that are set up from the movies!

In addition to the Launch Bay, you can also encounter other characters out and about in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. For example, you might see Chewbacca, Rey, Vi Moradi, R2-D2, The Mandalorian, Baby Yoda, Kylo Ren, and Stormtroopers. Be sure to stop and interact with them – you might even be asked to help them on a mission!

Comments

What is your favorite thing to do in Disney World as a Star Wars fan? Are there any eats and drinks that you can’t go without? Let us know in the comments!