May the 4th Be With You: A Star Wars Adventure in Orlando

May 4 is Star Wars Day and fans around the world will celebrate with memes, cosplay, and perhaps a screening of their favorite episodes. Lucky fans vacationing in Orlando can step into the action with a trip to Walt Disney World to experience some of the most epic Star Wars adventures yet. Check out our break down of all the Star Wars-related things to do at Hollywood Studios, plus a tip on where to enjoy Star Wars attractions without a theme park entrance fee.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Located inside Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been delighting fans since it opened in August 2019. This immersive new land is home to two rides, several eateries, and even the iconic Millennium Falcon. You’ll walk down Hollywood Boulevard when you enter the park, continue straight through animation Courtyard, then go left towards Commissary Land and hang right to follow the path to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Attractions at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

There may only be two rides in this new land, but they offer some truly extraordinary experiences. Both rides are extremely popular so you’ll likely spend some time waiting in line, which means you’ll have ample time to admire the intricate theming. You’ll definitely want to get on one, if not both, of these rides:

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

If you’ve ever wanted to fly in the Millennium Falcon and take the leap into hyperspace, this is your chance. As the first ride to open in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, it offers a thrilling and interactive motion-simulated flight as you collaborate with other riders to successfully complete a smuggling mission.

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

This ride debuted in December 2019 and is quite possibly Disney’s most immersive attraction every. You’ll find yourself in the middle of the action as the First Order and the Resistance battle it out. Expect to come face to face with AT-ATs, Stormtroopers, and even Kylo Ren himself. At the time of writing, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is still using the virtual Queue, so make sure to download the My Disney Experience app to reserve your spot in the queue before your visit.

Eateries at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

You can’t save the galaxy on an empty stomach! Fuel up at one of these eateries:

• Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

This working hangar bay is the main dining option in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You’ll find options such as Smoked Kaadu Pork Ribs, Felucian Kefta and Hummus Garden Spread, and Roasted Endorian Chicken Salad. If you’re an early riser, you can also stop here for breakfast to enjoy items such as Mustafarian Cinnamon Rolls and Tuggs’ Overnight Oats.

• Oga’s Cantina

Oga’s Cantina fills up quickly, so you’ll probably need reservations in order to enter this popular bar. Even so, it’s worth the wait as once you are inside you can enjoy the musical stylings of DJ R-3X and lots of fun design elements. There’s no food available here but the menu includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options such as Blue Bantha (featuring the blue milk Luke Skywalker drinks in A New Hope) and Outer Rim (an inter-galactic take on the margarita).

• Ronto Roasters, Kat Saka’s Kettle, and Milk Stand

These open-air stalls offer a few more dining options including Ronto Wraps, specialty popcorn, and blue and green milk, respectively. These are ideal places to stop for a quick bite if you want to avoid the long lines at the other eateries.

Shopping at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

The shops in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are almost as exciting as the rides. The hands-on Droid Depot lets you build your very own BB-series or R-series droid, while Savi’s Workshop: Handbuilt Lightsabers lets you step into a covert Jedi workshop to create your very lightsaber. Both of these experiences include a hefty price tag but if that’s not in your budget, there’s still many other shops you can enjoy.

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities has excellent theming that is worth admiring even if you aren’t planning on bringing home any souvenirs. An animatronic Dok Ondar oversees the shop near the cash registers along with several other features including a taxidermy wall. Another fun place to explore is the marketplace. It is home to several stalls and vendors including the Creature Stall, the Toydarian Toymaker, and Jewels of Bith.

Things To Do Beyond Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

While there is plenty to do in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you’re unlikely to feel the need to spend your whole day there. That’s doesn’t mean your Star Wars experience is over – the force is present throughout Hollywood Studios. Don’t forget to take part in these other Star Wars attractions:

• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

An updated version of the original Star Wars attraction at Hollywood Studios, this motion-simulator ride takes you on an eventful ride through the galaxy. You’ll be joined by C-3PO and R2-D2 on this 3D adventure.

• Star Wars Character Encounters

Throughout Hollywood Studios you’ll have opportunities to encounter your favorite Star Wars characters. You might briefly encounter some famous First Order or Resistance fighters on Batuu, but if you’re looking for a formal meet and greet, you’ll want to head to the Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard.

If you are visiting with young padawan, or a Jedi knight-in-training, you can register them for Jedi Training: Trails of the Temple. They’ll learn how to use the power of the force, then showcase their skills in a special show by Echo Lake.

• Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

You can wrap up your Star Wars adventure with dazzling evening show. Enjoy pyrotechnics and a laser light show as you watch a beautiful projection show with scenes from the iconic movie, all to the awe-inspiring tunes of John Williams’ famous soundtrack.

Star Wars Fun at Disney Springs

While the majority of Orlando’s Star Wars experiences are found at Hollywood Studios, that isn’t the only place you can go to enjoy some intergalactic excitement. Disney Springs also offers some Star Wars fun. Plus, free entry and free parking make Disney Springs an excellent option for all vacation budgets.

Star Wars^™ Galactic Outpost

If you didn’t get a chance to explore the shops on Batuu – or if you forgot to pick up a souvenir – you’ll find lots of unique gifts at Star Wars^™ Galactic Outpost. Located in the West Side, this store sells everything from MagicBands to wall art and even lets you assemble your own lightsaber.

The VOID: Step Beyond Reality

This virtual reality experience is one of the newest attractions at Disney Springs. Using innovative 3-D technology, you’ll become part of the action during Star Wars™: Secrets of the Empire, as you go on an undercover mission to help the Rebellion.

Your Hotel near Disney’s Hollywood Studios

After a long day of using the Force and embarking on secret missions, you’ll need a good nights’ sleep at clean and safe hotel. Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is located minutes from Disney Springs and Hollywood Studios, making it ideal for anyone planning a Star Wars adventure in Orlando. To book your room, give us a call at 407-996-7236 or click on the red button at the top of the page.