Page 29 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – May 2020

where guests can assemble a custom Astromech Unit. Builders have the choice between the R-Series and
the BB-Series. Each droid costs about $100 and, like at Savi’s, requires a reservation. This activity is appropriate for anyone 3 and up. At both locations, young ones must be accompanied by someone 14 or older.
Star Wars characters and merchandise are plentiful.
Where once upon a time, guests were only lucky enough to meet movie characters on Star Wars Weekends,
they can now see fan favorites every single day. You can expect to see Stormtroopers, Kylo Ren, Ray, Chewbacca and select others roaming around at any given time. There also are several places throughout Galaxy’s Edge to buy souvenirs and gear, including Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, where you’ll find an eclectic assortment of trinkets and treasures.
There are several experiences beyond Galaxy’s Edge. At Hollywood Studios, Star Wars entertainment, attractions, characters and merchandise can be found outside of the Planet Batuu. If you have little ones who are looking to join the force, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple can be found in Echo Lake. Only young Jedi
between 4 and 12 years of age can participate in this activity, but the good news is, this isn’t something you have to book before you go. Jedi Training registration happens when the park opens for the day at the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost. Star Wars Launch Bay, found in Animation Courtyard, offers opportunities for guests to see exhibits of costumes, concept art and actual props from the films. Plus, you can even meet Darth Vader, Chewbacca and BB-8. Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away is a stage show that happens several times throughout the day at the end of Hollywood Boulevard with appearances from classics like R2-D2 and C-3PO. Of course, Disney doesn’t ever end your day at the
park without some fantastical nighttime extravaganza. Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular is a light show which features lasers, pyrotechnics, and state of the art projections. Tip: Look at the schedule ahead of time if you can, A Galactic Spectacular is only on select nights. Showtimes for this and other exclusive shows are available at disneyworld.disney.go.com, on the My Disney Experience App and in your Times Guides (available at several locations at parks and resorts).
Know before you explore: Galaxy’s Edge is going to be crowded no matter when you go. Entry does NOT include a separate park ticket, but certain aspects do require planning and reservations, so get ahead of the curve. If you’re planning to hit up this new land while at Walt Disney World®, know your timeline for reservations and make them as soon as you can. Keep in mind – While Galaxy’s Edge is open during Extra Magic Hours, Rise of the Resistance does open and close with regular park hours. Star Wars fan or not, you’ll at least want to check it out.
Photos: ©Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd
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Emily Gnacik is an editor at AAA Hudson Valley and a Disney Parks enthusiast.