5 Changes That Could Improve STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE

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Disney has announced some exciting updates for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, including appearances by classic characters like Darth Vader and Princess Leia, and the addition of John Williams’ famous music from the films. However, these improvements only address a larger problem with the land. While adding thematic elements to the popular Rise of the Resistance ride would help, it’s not enough. Here are five immediate changes Disney Imagineering should make to revitalize Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

1. More Kinetic Energy

Galaxy’s Edge is visually stunning and incredibly detailed, making it feel like you’ve stepped right into the world of Star Wars. However, it’s missing a crucial element: a sense of life and movement. Unlike areas like Fantasyland, with its spinning carousel, or New Orleans Square, with the moving riverboat, Galaxy’s Edge feels static – almost like a beautiful, frozen picture. To truly bring the land to life, Disney needs to add something that’s constantly in motion. Reviving the originally planned Bantha ride could be a solution, or they could create something completely new. The key is to introduce kinetic energy and make the land feel vibrant and alive.

2. Aliens in Oga’s Cantina

When people picture the cantina from Star Wars, they imagine it filled with aliens—and lots of them! Unfortunately, Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge usually just has other park visitors enjoying drinks. While it can’t quite match the crowded scene from A New Hope (or any Star Wars film), having at least a couple of alien characters at the bar—perhaps ordering a drink and avoiding bounty hunters—would really capture the authentic Star Wars vibe and make the experience truly special.

3. Characters From Across the Star Wars Saga, Not Just the OT

It’s great to see more characters from the original Star Wars trilogy appearing in Galaxy’s Edge – it’s been a long time coming! However, there should be even more. At special Star Wars nights at Disneyland, we often see characters like Anakin, Padme, the Emperor, and Darth Maul, alongside favorites like Jawas and Ewoks. These characters shouldn’t be limited to special, costly events; they should be part of the regular Galaxy’s Edge experience, even if it means rotating them to fit the budget. And Rey and Kylo Ren should definitely stay – they have a dedicated fanbase that deserves to be acknowledged. Finally, a fantastic idea from DSNY Newscast suggests using the technology behind the new Olaf animatronic from Frozen to create a Yoda animatronic – how amazing would that be?

4. The Kalakori Club

Disney once planned the Kalakori Club as a unique, multi-level restaurant with a secret, speakeasy vibe, run by a Twi’Lek performer. The club was envisioned with live alien performers and impressive decorations, including a large aquarium featuring an alien sea creature. Unfortunately, the project was canceled due to budget constraints. The space for the club still exists near Oga’s Cantina, and many believe it should be developed – either as the original Kalakori Club or a similar establishment, perhaps owned by a Hutt – in its intended location.

5. Star Tours Moved to Galaxy’s Edge

Moving the Star Tours attraction to Galaxy’s Edge could be challenging, but there’s room for expansion in that land. When Tomorrowland at Disneyland is eventually updated, relocating Star Tours would make sense. The Starspeeder 1000 has been a popular ride since 1987, and Disney has consistently added new *Star Warsthemed destinations since 2011. It’s time to not only refresh the ride but also move it to Galaxy’s Edge in both Disneyland and, eventually, Walt Disney World.

As a longtime Disney parks fan, I’m really hoping the recent updates to Galaxy’s Edge are just the start of something bigger. Honestly, no other themed land in the parks feels like it has the same incredible potential. I’m crossing my fingers that Disney’s leadership recognizes that potential and gives the Imagineers the resources they need to truly make Galaxy’s Edge everything it could be.

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2026-01-20 20:03