PILOT THE FALCON ON A TRIP TO STARS
small extras such as droid tracks on the ground to look at and the atmospheric background music composed by John Williams.
The exact same land and attractions open in Walt Disney World, Orlando, later this year.
From the moment I arrived on the planet of Batuu (the specially created setting for this land), I was mingling with smugglers, Stormtroopers from the First Order, and members of the Resistance.
As a huge Star Wars fan, it was pretty overwhelming.
You’re treated like a real character, give the Stormtroopers some lip and you could face some questioning, help a Resistance member to hide and you may be rewarded with tips to find the land’s hidden gems. So, what are the highlights?
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: The chance to fly the galaxy’s most famous hunk of junk is any Star Wars fan’s dream and honestly, this ride delivers.
You’re assigned one of three roles – pilot, gunner or engineer – and throughout the ride you’ll be given separate instructions to navigate the galaxy, complete a mission and make a few jumps through hyperspace along the way. The mission? Help smuggler Hondo Ohnaka to get his hands on some precious cargo.
I tried all three roles but pilot was easily my favourite, if only because you’re controlling the direction of the ship and get to do all of the jumps (move over Han, it’s my time to shine).
There are six of you in the ship, two for each role, and you have to work as a team.
Play Disney Parks App: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge doesn’t actually have much in terms of rides, there’s Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and then a Rise Of The Resistance attraction yet to open.
But what’s special is that you can spend your time interacting with it through the Play Disney Parks app (free but you will need to create an account).
The food (and cocktails): You won’t go hungry on Batuu – there are so many different food options whether you’re after a snack or a heartier meal.
Top of my list was to try their take on the famous Blue Milk which Luke Skywalker drinks. As for cocktails, you need to head to that hive of villains Oga’s Cantina. Think cosy booths, a droid playing the role of DJ and heaps of Instagramworthy drinks whether you opt for the alcoholic or non-alcoholic versions.
The merchandise: For those looking to splurge, there’s Savi’s Workshop where you can handbuild your own lightsaber to take home. Know the droids you’re looking for? Head to the Droid Depot where you can build your very own.
The verdict: Star Wars fans will love it. It’s a nod to both the classic and newer films, it’s immersive, and you get to pilot the Millennium Falcon! May the Force be with you.