On October 22, 2024, my friend Kris and I decided to fulfill a childhood dream—experiencing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Anaheim in Los Angeles, California. We’re both over 40, but that didn’t stop us from diving into the world of Star Wars with the excitement of kids visiting Disneyland for the first time. We hopped on a plane from Australia to immerse ourselves in the incredible details of this galaxy far, far away, and with Halloween season in full swing, the timing couldn’t have been better for adding a festive twist to the whole experience.
Upon entering Galaxy’s Edge, it was as if we’d stepped right onto the planet of Batuu. The architecture, the costumes, and the characters were designed to pull you straight into the Star Wars universe. Every corner seemed to hold something iconic, whether it was a droid whirring by or the unmistakable sound of a TIE fighter screaming overhead.
Our first big mission? Building our own lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop. This experience was far more than just a souvenir shop—it felt like a ceremony. Guided by “Gatherers,” we chose our lightsaber parts and crystals, assembling them while surrounded by the whispers of Jedi and a sense of connection to the Force. I chose a purple Kyber crystal, while Kris went for green. When we activated our sabers, the room glowed with purple and green light, and for a brief moment, we were Jedi Knights.
With lightsabers in hand, we couldn’t resist creating our very own droids at the Droid Depot. This, too, was more than just an assembly line; it was a chance to build a little Star Wars companion, tailored to our preferences. I chose a BB-8 unit, while Kris opted for an R2 model. We hand-picked each part from conveyor belts filled with components, then assembled them under the guidance of staff who treated our droids like genuine recruits in the Resistance. Watching our creations come to life was as thrilling as any Star Wars movie scene.
Of course, no visit would be complete without experiencing the famous rides. We boarded the Millennium Falcon on Smuggler’s Run, a ride that had us navigating and battling through space, shouting instructions, and laughing at every bump and jolt. Later, Rise of the Resistance took immersion to a new level, throwing us into a Rebel escape mission, complete with life-sized AT-ATs and run-ins with the fearsome Kylo Ren. It felt less like a ride and more like an epic adventure within the Star Wars saga itself.
Amid the excitement, we tried the local cuisine, including the infamous “green milk” that’s a must for any Star Wars fan. To me, it tasted surprisingly like a refreshing pine-lime splice—a quirky mix that somehow fit perfectly with the otherworldly vibe of Batuu.
For anyone considering the trip, know that it’s an investment but absolutely worth it if you’re a Star Wars enthusiast. From the detailed theming to the hands-on experiences, Galaxy’s Edge goes above and beyond, allowing fans to feel like true members of the Star Wars galaxy.
