Top 15 Galaxy's Edge Tips for a Fully Immersive Experience
Amy Baranek
9.9.21
With so much to see from the moment you step on the planet of Batuu, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start and how to best enjoy your visit to this immersive galaxy far, far away. Below are some of my favorite tips when my family visits!
- Be up early: The resistance recruits its members early and if you hope to get a boarding group to join the resistance, you will need to be up at 7am to secure your boarding group to ride Rise of the Resistance. This is no easy task, which is why, as your agent, I am up with you (trying from my home), to also secure you this pass the morning of your visit! Unsuccessful at 7am? Don’t worry! You will have another chance at 1pm!
- Be Creative with your Outfit: This is entirely up to you; but, you WILL NOT go wrong dressing with your favorite Star Wars character in mind! A note that you cannot be in full costume, but definitely can be inspired by your favorites. For example, I have worn a Vader dress, had Ahsoka themed hair, ears and outfit, and have even dressed as a Batuu native. If you’re not quite ready for that big of a commitment, wear your favorite Star Wars shirt, or maybe consider some smuggler inspired clothing! I can assure you, the more you commit to your outfit, the more the cast members (residents of Batuu) will engage and interact with you.
- Make a Savi lightsaber (reservation required): This is not an inexpensive experience, but it is an unforgettable one for any Star Wars fan. These high quality lightsabers are truly customizable, down to the kyber crystal color you choose. (Lightsaber newbie? A Kyber crystal is the energy and color source of your lightsaber.) The best part? You can purchase other kyber crystals and change the color of your saber! Click here for a video of when I made a lightsaber.
- Stop in at Dok Ondar’s: Speaking of kyber crystals, this is the place you can purchase different colors. This is also the place to obtain any legacy lightsabers you may be interested in-like Luke’s, Rey’s, or Kylo Ren’s. Take some time to explore the walls in Dok’s. Star Wars fans will notice many hidden gems like Ezra Bridger’s helmet, Mandalorian armor and helmets, and even some familiar Star Wars creatures. This is also the place to buy all your authentic gear like jedi or sith robes, lightsaber belt clips and belts to hang those lightsabers from. That’s right; don’t forget to wear your new lightsaber during your visit!
- Visit Oga’s Cantina (reservation required): Oga’s is a family-friendly bar where you can get non-alcoholic and drinks with alcohol while enjoying some fun music and amazing décor. Really pay attention at the bar; there are so many fine details here, you will start to wonder if you did end up on another planet! A note that there is a snack or two you can order, but this is definitely not a destination for a meal.
- Create Your Own Droid (reservation required): First you will need to decide if you are making a BB or R2 unit, and then head over to the conveyor belt where you will pick out all the parts you will need. Once you have that, you will head over to an assembly station where you will put your droid together. After a cast member helps you activate your droid, they will put it in a cardboard carrying case to bring with you. If you purchased one of the backpacks for your droid, you will place it in there and listen as you walk around Batuu and your droid interacts as you walk through different areas. Want to really test your droid out? Across from the exit, there is a small area where other droid creators will try out their new droids.
- Purchase Your Credits: On Batuu, the preferred method of payment is by credits. These credits can be difficult to find. Here is the secret; in the droid depot gift shop, head to the cashier stand in the back of the shop (NOT where you pay for your droid). Ask them if they have a credit or gift card credit available for exchange. You will be given the best free souvenir! This golden coin credit will function as a regular Disney gift card you can use anywhere. The only catch is you must put at least $100 on the credit (gift card) at the time of purchase. I have had mine for 2 years and just keep reloading it!
- Eat at Docking Bay 7, Ronto Roasters and Stop at the Milk Stand: If you only have time for one of these, I recommend Docking Bay 7. The theming in the restaurant is fun and unique and delicious and different theme park food options make this one of my favorite quick serve restaurants anywhere! If you are looking for a quick bite- Ronto Roasters is a great option! The menu here is limited, but absolutely delicious, and a must for my husband every time we visit! Don’t forget to try some of the famous blue and green milk! A nice cold glass of strangely colored milk can be just the thing to refresh you on a hot day!
- Obtain as many Image Scans/Image Captures (photos) as Possible: Batuu has some of the best photopass photographers and spots available, with some great special effects! So be sure to stop at all of them! Do you have a lightsaber? Ask for this to be included in the pictures, I have seen some fabulous creativity from the photographers. Be sure to stop by in the evening for a whole different perspective in your photos. This is a definite requirement for any lightsaber photos once it gets dark!
- Speak the language: When visiting a new country or planet, it helps to know some commonly used phrases. Here are some of my favorites:
-Bright Suns! - Good morning
-Til the Spire! - Good bye and until we meet again
-Rising Moons! – Good evening
-Only the ancients know – I don’t know (so much better than this, right?)
-Hydrator – water fountain
-Refreshers – bathrooms
Don’t worry if you forget a phrase, most natives are fluent in both languages!
- Help Hondo: Hondo is always getting into trouble and needs your help to use the Millennium Falcon to retrieve some cargo for him. Everyone gets a job; either pilot, gunner, or engineer, and you all must work together in this interactive ride that responds to how well (or how poorly) you do. Don’t forget to ride Smuggler’s Run!
- Interact with the characters: Throughout the planet, you will find many different characters at many different times. Don’t be afraid to talk to them and ask questions. You just may get a famous Chewbacca noise, some sound advice from Rey, or a First Order Trooper thinking he is quite clever interacting back with you!
- Visit the Marketplace: This small, cute area has several different shops with some very unique items, like toys for your youngling, a special pet, or a special souvenir that you may not find anywhere else on the planet.
- Use the Disney Play App: In Batuu, this is an especially cool place to have out your data pad (smart phone) and really use the Disney Play app. You can activate antennas, interact with Finn, and so much more, it really is a fun and creative way to experience the world!
- Stay Late: If your travel group allows it, I love an empty Batuu! You can take some amazing personal photographs here before departing the planet. A couple tricks I have used in the past is to schedule a late night Oga’s reservation….you can often find one right at closing time, which is perfect; or right before close hop in line for Smuggler’s Run, by the time you get off the ride, many people have already started to leave the park!
There you are, my top 15 tips to have a fully immersive, fabulous time in Batuu! Can’t wait to get there? I’d love to help! Please email Amy Baranek at amyb@wishesfamilytravel.com . Follow my Facebook , YouTube, and Instagram to stay up to date on all the fun!
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