Any links in this post to a merchant may contain an affiliate link, which means that if you click on that link and then buy something, I may earn a commission from it. However, all opinions in this link are 100% mine and 100% honest. If I didn't believe in a particular product, I wouldn't recommend it to you.
If you are a Star Wars fan, you must visit Disney World to experience Star Wars Land, which is called Galaxy’s Edge, at least once! The Disney parks are the only place in the world where you can step right into the Star Wars movies and experience them in real life. And to make sure you don’t miss the best of the best when it comes to Star Wars attractions, here are the best things to do at Disney World for Star Wars fans.
1. Star Tours
Star Tours is the oldest Star Wars attraction in Hollywood Studios, but it is still one of the best things to do at Disney World for Star Wars fans.
This 3-D motion simulator starts when you board a StarSpeeder 1000 and travel to multiple locations from the Star Wars movies. Many beloved characters from the franchise make appearances in the attraction.
The locations that you visit are random, so you can potentially travel to new planets with each ride.
Even if you are not a Star Wars fan, you will have fun with this one. I will caution you, however, if you are bothered by motion simulators, you may want to sit this one out. It is quite rough at times.
This ride is so well done that my son has a hard time distinguishing the difference between fantasy and reality when he rides it!
It is periodically updated in order to incorporate new characters and locations from the television and movie screens.
2. Jedi Training Academy
Jedi Training Academy is one of the best things to do at Disney World for Star Wars fans who are between r and 12 years old. It is a great opportunity for them to live out their dreams of fighting against the Dark Side.
After signing up, kids are given a robe and light saber. They are then taught a choreographed routine. After their training, they take the stage and take turns fighting either Darth Vader or Seventh Sister.
This is a fun little show which is performed about 15 times per day on a small stage next to Star Tours. Photopass photographers are on hand to get some great shots of your kids at they star in their own Star Wars battle.
Kids will love participating in this show, while parents will have a blast watching their little Jedis at work.
3. Rise of the Resistance
Next on our list is probably the best of the best things to do at Disney World for Star Wars fans: Rise of the Resistance. This is the headline attraction in Galaxy’s Edge. It is also the most innovative and immersive ride Disney has ever created.
This is one of those rides that will blow your mind, even if you go into it with high expectations. It is definitely one not to be missed, even if you are not a huge Star Wars fan.
I recommend heading here first thing in the morning on your day at Hollywood Studios.
4. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
The other ride in Galaxy’s Edge is Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. While this motion simulator is not as innovative as Rise of the Resistance, it is also a must-do for all Star Wars fans.
I don’t know of any Star Wars fans who haven’t dreamed of piloting the Millennium Falcon themselves!
Your experience on this one will vary depending on whether you are assigned to be a pilot, gunner, or navigator. It will also vary depending on the other people riding with you. But, if you go into it with an open mind and embrace it for what it is, you will have a great time!
5. Enjoy the details of Galaxy’s Edge
As you cross over into Galaxy’s Edge, you land at Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu. This planet may not appear in any of the Star Wars movies, but you won’t be able to tell that by looking around at what you see.
Galaxy’s Edge is one of those Disney lands that is rich with details. The entire area is filled with things for Star Wars fans to geek out over. Each time you walk through this area, you will see something new that you never noticed before. So take some time to just walk around and enjoy the environment.
You will find amazing details in the paint jobs, the props, the signs, and many other things. And if you look closely enough, you can also spot some of the creatures from the various Star Wars planets in and around Galaxy’s Edge.
Additionally, you may find some well known and beloved Star Wars characters walking around the area. In particular, you may see Chewbacca, Rey, and some storm troopers. Kylo Ren also makes appearances. While none of these characters are available for meet and greets at this time, if you are lucky, you will be able to snap a picture of them as they pass you on the streets of Batuu.
6. Oga’s Cantina
There is no proper table service restaurants in Galaxy’s Edge, but Star Wars fans will enjoy grabbing a drink at Oga’s Cantina.
Oga’s Cantina is loosely based on the Mos Eisley Cantina from the movies. Inside this fun and lively bar, you can get an out-of-this-world drink, have a small snack, or just enjoy the tunes being played by DJ Rex, the droid who originally piloted the ship in Star Tours.
Like all of Galaxy’s Edge, Oga’s Cantina is full of details that any Star Wars fan will enjoy.
The downside to Oga’s is that there are very few seats. Most tables are standing tables. Plus, it tends to get very crowded inside.
Please note that you will need a reservation to get into Oga’s Cantina. You can make a reservation up to 60 days in advance of your visit on the My Disney Experience app or the Disney World website.
7. Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
This is a fireworks show that also has lasers, projections, and fire, all set to the iconic music of Star Wars. The screens for the projections are the Chinese Theater and the surrounding buildings.
It is one of the best nighttime shows I have ever seen! My husband is not a fan of fireworks, and he was blown away by this show! It is simply incredible! Words can’t do it justice. I highly recommend taking time to see this show, regardless of whether you are a Star Wars fan or not! It is amazing!
Unfortunately, this fabulous show is currently not running due to covid restrictions. Hopefully it will be returning soon, but there is no word yet on when.
8. Make-Your-Own Lightsaber
You can never underestimate how important light sabers are to Star Wars fans, young and old. And at Disney World, you can do create your own custom lightsaber.
You have two options to do this, depending on your budget and the quality of lightsaber you want.
At the Tatooine Traders, next to Star Tours, in Hollywood Studios and Once Upon a Toy in Disney Springs, you will find a make-your-own lightsaber station. These are made of plastic and cost $29.99.
These are a little confusing to put together, but there are cast members on hand to help.
Our son has made his own light saber a couple times. They are fun to make and are a unique souvenir to take home.
Tip: the station in Disney Spring is less crowded than the one in Hollywood Studios.
The other option is at Savi’s Workshop in Galaxy’s Edge. The lightsabers at Savi’s are made of metal and cost $219.99. A reservation is required to build a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop. Each reservation will allow the builder and one guest to enter the workshop. This is recommended for guests age 5 and older.
9. Make-Your-Own Droid
Another unique souvenir that you can find at Disney World is the make-your-own droids. Every Star Wars fan needs at least one droid that they make themselves.
Like the make-your-own lightsabers, you have two options for this, depending on your budget.
The first option is available at Tatooine Traders and Once Upon a Toy. These small droids come with their own plastic packaging that you can put them in after creating them. They also include stickers so you can add the name of your droid to the packaging.
You can make two droids for about $15. These are easy to transport home. In my opinion, they are even more fun to make than the lightsabers.
The second option is in Galaxy’s Edge at Droid Depot. These droids are larger and cost $99.99. Like at Savi’s Workshop, each builder may bring one guest with them to watch. Reservations are highly recommended for this experience.
The droids at the Droid Depot come with a remote control, which can make them a lot of fun to play with. These are recommended for everyone over the age of 3.
Conclusion
Hollywood Studios is definitely the place to be for Star Wars fans who visit Disney World. This above list of the best things to do at Disney World for Star Wars fans will make any Star Wars fan happy!
For more lists of must-do attractions at Disney World, see my lists of the best things to do in Magic Kingdom, Epcot’s new neighborhoods, Epcot’s World Showcase, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Also check out my list of the best things to do with toddlers, for kids, and outside of the parks.
If you would like help planning your trip, see my step by step guide to planning your trip, quick tips for Disney trips, and advice for first timers.
Happy travels!
Leave a Reply