Ever since Disney acquired the Star Wars properties, they have been focusing synergy into the Parks. Most of you will have heard about the construction of the new Star Wars Land on both coasts, but how can a self-respecting Star Wars fan celebrate the 4th of May (otherwise known as Star Wars Day) before the new lands open? Well, it just so happens, I have the Star Wars touring plan for you.
Finding the Force at Disneyland
Disneyland is hosting ‘Season of the Force’. There is currently no set end date to this event but experiencing on May the 4th would be a thrill for any Jedi or Sith. For more information on ‘Season of the Force’, please see: Season of the Force at Disneyland.
So, let’s drop out of hyperspace at Tomorrowland, Disneyland’s current Star Wars base.
- Star Tours: the Adventure Continues – This is a simulator ride themed to take you into the 3D world of Star Wars. Since it was updated in 2011, riders are no longer subject to the same adventure each time they ride (with multiple beginnings, middles, and ends the adventure has many different permutations to entice riders to repeat their adventures). With the opening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, even more of our beloved Star Wars characters have been added. This is a spectacularly themed queue and even in summer, is air-conditioned through a good part of it. [40” (102 cm) or taller height requirement; this attraction has FastPass]
- The Star Trader – This Star Wars themed shop is ‘the’ place to come for droids, Jedi, Sith, and anyone else with a Star Wars merchandise need. Conveniently, Star Tours exits through this shop.
- Star Wars: Path of the Jedi – You are invited to take a quick trip through the Star Wars universe. For those not familiar with the franchise, this is your one stop shop to catch up. For diehard fans, this is your chance to see where the story is going. This is a 10-minute movie experience.
- Hyperspace Mountain – This overlay of Space Mountain is controversial. Star Wars fans seem to love it, flocking to it in great numbers. The new sound track, storyline, and visuals meld well with the ride. However, there are those who begrudge the overlay, enjoying the original storyline and normal soundtrack (this is a similar set of complaints to when the attraction goes through its Ghost Galaxy transformation for Halloween time). [40” (102 cm) or taller height requirement; this attraction has FastPass]
- Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port – After your adventures so far, you might be interested in refueling. Redd Rockett’s is a pizza and pasta location with ample seating. This counter service restaurant is currently serving several Star Wars inspired dishes including: ‘the fields of Naboo’, ‘forest of Endor’, and ‘Darth by chocolate’.
- Galactic Grill – If pizza and pasta is not your thing, you can trundle over to Galactic Grill. This seasonally opened, counter service restaurant has a menu completely given over to the Force. As this location is open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, you are sure to be able to find something to delight your taste buds. Why not try the Bantha Blue Milk Bread?
- Jedi Training: Trial of the Temple – For those padawans 4 to 12 years old in your party, this experience is a must. Here the kids undertake training and help to defeat the dark side in an epic battle. If you are looking to purchase PhotoPass, this is the day to do it. Registration for participation in this program fill up fast. Go to the kiosk outside the exit to Star Wars Launch Bay early in your day to avoid disappointment.
- Star Wars Launch Bay – No tour of this Star Wars takeover could be complete without checking out Launch Bay. Here you will see props, costumes, and set pieces from the new Star Wars universe, have the opportunity to purchase limited edition and special merchandise, and meet characters from both the light (Chewbacca) and dark (Kylo Ren) sides of the Force.
For those Star Wars Fans who need a bit more, the new Star Wars Land is being built behind Big Thunder Mountain. Good locations to see glimpses of the build include:
- the walkway towards the old Big Thunder Ranch (there is a wall but you can see behind it)
- Hungry Bear Restaurant’s lower dining area
- the second story of the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure
Experiencing the Force at Walt Disney World
Disney’s Hollywood Studio is the Star Wars place to be on the East coast. Experiencing the amazing offerings at the Studios on May the 4th would be a thrill for any Jedi or Sith. For more information, please see: A Guide to the Season of the Force.
Your navigation computer has brought you to the gates of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here you are about to embark on your Star Wars Adventure.
- Star Tours: the Adventure Continues – This is a simulator ride themed to take you into the 3D world of Star Wars. With multiple beginnings, middles, and ends, your adventure has many different permutations and is enticing to the Star Wars fan to ride it again and again. With the opening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, even more of our beloved Star Wars characters have been added. This is a spectacularly themed queue and even in summer, is air-conditioned through a good part of it. [40” (102 cm) or taller height requirement; this attraction has FastPass+]
- Tatooine Traders – This Star Wars themed shop is ‘the’ place to come for droids, Jedi, Sith, and anyone else with a Star Wars merchandise need. Conveniently, Star Tours exits through this shop.
- Star Wars Photo Opportunities – There are several fun and unique photo opportunities by Star Tours. You can mount a speeder bike and zoom through Endor in your photo, or you can avoid the AT-AT’s step. There are Tatooine walls and Ewok villages to use as back drops as well.
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Jedi Training: Trial of the Temple – For those padawans 4 to 12 years old in your party, this experience is a must. Here the kids undertake training and help to defeat the dark side in an epic battle. If you are looking to purchase PhotoPass, this is the day to do it. Registration for participation in this program fill up fast. Register at the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost (located between the 50’s Prime Time Café and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! early in your day to avoid disappointment.
- Backlot Express – After your adventures so far, you might be interested in refueling. On your track to the next Star Wars location, stop at the Backlot Express as this quick service restaurant is currently serving several Star Wars inspired dishes including: Bantha Blue Milk Bread and ‘Darth by chocolate’.
- Star Wars: Path of the Jedi – You are invited to take a quick trip through the Star Wars universe. For those not familiar with the franchise, this is your one stop shop to catch up. For diehard fans, this is your chance to see where the story is going. This is a 10-minute movie experience.
- Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away – This is a new stage show brings out some of the favorite Star Wars characters to create vignettes from the movies.
- Stormtrooper March – At various times each day, Captain Phasma leads a squad of First Order stormtroopers who march in formation from Star Wars Launch Bay to the Center Stage area in an intimidating demonstration of the First Order’s indomitable strength.
- Star Wars Launch Bay – No tour of this Star Wars takeover could be complete without checking out Launch Bay. Here you will see props, costumes, and set pieces from the new Star Wars universe, have the opportunity to purchase limited edition and special merchandise, and meet characters from both the light (Chewbacca) and dark (Kylo Ren) sides of the Force.
- Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular – Enjoy this amazing display of fireworks synchronized to music from the Force Awakens. This nighttime spectacular is available on select nights (conditions permitting). Amazingly, May the 4th is a scheduled night for the show. Grab your padawans and prepare for the 9:45 pm start.
Catch a preview of what you can expect in relation to Star Wars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
What would your ultimate Star Wars Day include? Share in the comments section!