With its iconic characters, memorable music, and exciting storylines, Star Wars has become a cultural phenomenon. Fans are excited to see the latest installment of the saga on the big screen. They can embark on a galactic adventure with the various theme rides and experiences around the Disney family of parks.
We gathered a list of the best Star Wars experiences you can have at the parks in no particular and including the international locations. The Force is strong with this one, so strap in for an intergalactic thrill ride!
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Hollywood Studios, Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris
Star Tours is a simulator ride that takes you to multiple planets. The original Star Tours, which opened in 1987 at Disneyland, was an actual flight simulator where riders would sit in a cockpit that moved and shook as it simulated flying around the galaxy. The new version of this ride has been updated with 3D technology and takes place during its own story within the Star Wars universe.
This newer update takes guests on the StarSpeeder 1000 using AI-enhanced randomization to generate more than 60 different combinations of flight patterns. That means you could re-ride this experience multiple times during your visit and end up with a different journey every time.
Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain
Hong Kong Disneyland, Disneyland Paris
This is a roller coaster that takes you through space and time during a dogfight between X-Wing Starfighters and TIE fighters at the start of the Battle of Jakku. It used to be featured in the United States. All it takes is a quick overlay of the famous Space Mountain ride in Disney’s Tomorrowland.
With so much demand for Star Wars-related experiences, the overlay remains in place at Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. As this feature only takes minor adjustments to get up and running, Disneyland loves to do it every once and a while as a press promotion for upcoming films or Disney+ series.
Star Wars Launch Bay
Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Shanghai Disneyland Park
Star Wars Launch Bay is a great place to meet your favorite characters. You can also see props and models from the movies, as well as interactive games you can play. There are photo opportunities with characters in this area of Disney's Hollywood Studios Park.
An essential feature of this attraction, besides the fantastic memorabilia, is the preview section where you can find all kinds of exciting new concepts for upcoming projects. Many of the best Star Wars projects are often hinted at in this attraction and then brought out later on at D23.
Jedi Training: Trials of the Tempe
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Paris
The Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple is a show where young padawans can learn to use the Force and lightsabers. The show takes place on stage in front of The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park. It's only available from 10:30am to 4:15pm daily, but if you're lucky enough to catch one during your visit, we highly recommend it!
The show lasts about 15 minutes and consists of two parts: Jedi Training (with Darth Vader) and Lightsaber Dueling with Kylo Ren or Rey (depending on which day you go). During both parts, there are several spots where audience members are invited onstage.
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular is a fireworks show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's a nighttime spectacular that features music from the Star Wars films, plus projections on an iconic Chinese Theater building. The show features music, iconic movie clips, laser lights, and often hints at new releases for fun.
Everything is topped off with incredible fireworks displayed with spotlight beams that mimic the lightsabers of our heroes. This is a nighttime show, so you’ll want to find suitable seating as early as possible.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge land is the most significant expansion of any Disney Park, and it's entirely focused on the galaxy far, far away. You’ll find the Droid Depot, lightsaber building station, restaurants, shops, and a lot more inside this unique area.
This is also where the newer rides based on Star Wars are featured, including a near life size replica of the Millennium Falcon. You want to check for passes to these rides as early as possible when planning your trip to the parks because they fill up way too quickly. Also, be sure to have your camera ready, as daily parades and character meets and greets are frequent.
Star Wars: Millennium Falcon – Smugglers Run
Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction is a simulator ride that puts you in the pilot's seat of the fastest ship in the galaxy. You can choose to be a pilot, flight engineer, or gunner and navigate a thrilling journey from the spaceport in Black Spire Outpost to meeting with the dreadlocked space pirate, Hondo Ohnaka.
During your ride, you can battle TIE fighters, pilot the Falcon around ships and asteroids, and use your engineer to activate all kinds of features. The entire experience is immersive and interactive, not to mention incredible visuals, sounds, and motion simulators.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disneyland
Get ready for the most immersive Star Wars experience in this latest attraction at the Disney parks. What is unique about this attraction is you move through a trackless vehicle, motion simulator, walk-through environment, and elevator drop.
Your job is to explore the Resistance military outpost until you enter space and are snagged up for a Star Destroyer. Then, you have to successfully make it out of this predicament as enemies like Stormtroopers and even Kylo Ren attempt to stop you. This is a must-do if you visit Disney.
Conclusion:
There are so many unique experiences around the Disney-themed parks that you will not be disappointed. You want to always have your mobile or camera ready because the photo opportunities are crazy good.
Our top suggestion is to bring one of your lightsabers with you to the parks. Many of our clients enjoy cosplaying as their favorite characters when touring the parks, and a lightsaber form SabersPro is the perfect way to enhance your look.
Whether you are a die-hard resistance fighter or toying with the idea of the Dark side, theme parks are the way to enjoy your next Star Wars experience!
