The Star Wars saga spans decades of storytelling. Having a brief background on the films helps when exploring Batuu at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.
Timeline
A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, the Galactic Republic maintained peace and order in the galaxy with Jedi knights and elected senators.
*During the prequel trilogy (Episodes I - III), the Sith ( the “dark side”) gain control of the Republic and form the Galactic Empire.
*In the original trilogy (Episodes IV-VI), the Rebellion fights against the empire and forms the New Republic.
*In the final trilogy (Episodes VII-IX), remnants of the Galactic Empire return as the First Order and attempt to gain back control of the galaxy. The Resistance rises up for a final battle.
Backstory
The Galaxy’s Edge storyline takes place between the events of Episodes VIII and IX.
Batuu is located in the Outer Rim of the galaxy. The Black Spire Outpost is a hideaway for smugglers. Just outside the village is rumored to be the hidden base of the Resistance fighters.
Names to know
*The Resistance - a secret military force organized by General Leia Organa, who is monitoring the First Order.
Important figures: General Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Rey, Poe, Finn, Vi Modari
*The First Order - led by Kylo Ren and enforced by the white-armored stormtroopers. They are trying to establish themselves in the region and overthrow the New Republic.
Important figures: Kylo Ren, stormtroopers
*Jedi Order - the guardians of peace with an ability to harness the power of the Force to defeat the Dark Side. They were eradicated by Darth Vader during the Galactic Civil War.
Important figures: Luke Skywalker, Rey, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda
*What is the Force? A mystical power that can be used for good (the light side) or evil (the dark side).
Attractions
*Rise of the Resistance - a major technological breakthrough of any attraction worldwide to date. Resistance fighters are captured by the First Order. Escape before it’s too late!
Rise of the Resistance – Will You Escape?
*Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run - you are hired to fly the Millenium Falcon and obtain valuable cargo. Six recruits take on the mission, flying as pilots, gunners, and engineers.
Food
*Oga’s Cantina - run by the crime ringmaster, this cantina is full of smugglers and bounty hunters...and awesome intergalactic drinks! Mostly standing room only, travelers can enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and take in the atmosphere and entertainment by the droid DJ R-3X, a former Starspeeder 3000 pilot. (family-friendly)
*Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo - local favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
*Kat Saka’s Kettle, the Milk Stand, and Ronto Roasters offer snacks and drinks.
Shopping
*Droid Depot - build your own custom droid
Droid Building at Droid Depot in Galaxy's Edge
*Sa’vi’s Workshop - build your own custom lightsaber
Lightsaber Building at Savi's Workshop-Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
*Explore the marketplace for clothing, accessories, blasters, and even new furry friends!
Play Disney Parks App
This mobile app immerses you further in Batuu, allowing you to choose a side and complete missions as you explore the Black Spire Outpost.
Use your datapad to accept jobs, intercept and translate galactic transmissions, hack into droids and devices, and scan objects to find hidden messages.
While Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the most immersive land created at a Disney park, you do not have to understand the Star Wars story or play into the interactivity of the area to enjoy wandering around, enjoying the attractions, shopping, and grabbing a tasty bite here or there.
Till the spire!