There are some park days that are simply fun, and then there are others that stay with you long after you leave the gates. My January 15 visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Branton was definitely one of those days.
I had been looking forward to visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ever since Disney first announced it back in 2015. For years, I watched the updates roll in, saw photos from afar, and imagined what it would be like to finally step foot on Batuu for myself. So when that day finally arrived, it felt like one of those full-circle theme park moments you do not forget.
The weather was a little chilly by Central Florida standards, but honestly, it made for a great park day. I still wore shorts, but I had on long sleeves with my Yoda shirt, which felt very fitting considering where this trip was headed. It was one of those cooler days that made walking the park a lot more comfortable, and it gave the whole visit a different kind of vibe than the usual hot and humid Florida afternoon.
What made it even better was getting to spend the day hanging out with Branton. A good theme park day is always about more than just rides. It is also about who you are sharing it with, the random things you laugh at along the way, and the little moments that end up becoming some of the best memories.
This trip also had a layer of nostalgia built into it from the start. The last time I had visited this park, it was not even called Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Back then, it was still Disney-MGM Studios. That alone says a lot about how much time had passed and how much this park has changed over the years. In a way, this trip felt like both a first-time visit and a return to something familiar.
Arrival
Once we arrived at the parking gate for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of the first things I noticed was that the Christmas decorations were still up even though it was already a few weeks after the holiday. That caught my attention right away. It felt a little unexpected at first, but it made more sense knowing Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend had just wrapped up the weekend before. Disney was clearly in that in-between phase of still transitioning out of the holiday season.
It actually added something fun to the day. There was this leftover holiday energy still lingering around the park entrance, and it made the visit feel like it was landing in a unique little pocket of the calendar. Christmas was technically over, but it had not fully disappeared yet.
As we drove into the parking lot, I also got a nice look at the Skyliner moving overhead. Usually, I only catch glimpses of it while driving on Buena Vista Drive toward Disney Springs or passing through the area, so it was nice seeing it up close in action. That is definitely a Disney transportation experience I still want to make time for on a future trip. I already know I would rather do that on one of these cooler days than in the middle of a blazing hot summer afternoon.
As we made our way toward the entrance, I had one of those early trip moments that immediately sets the tone for the day. A security guard was holding a sign that said, “This is the way.” I could not help but laugh. That was the perfect way to kick off a Hollywood Studios visit that was mainly built around finally experiencing Galaxy’s Edge.
Heading Toward Galaxy’s Edge
As we made our way toward Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge through Grand Avenue, it was nice to see Star Tours still standing there with the AT-AT towering nearby. Before Galaxy’s Edge existed, Star Tours was the Star Wars anchor of the park, so there was something cool about seeing it still holding its place even as the park has evolved around it.
That walk also brought back memories of what used to be there. Grand Avenue is where the former Muppets Courtyard once lived, and that area had a lot of personality. I still remember the fun chaos of the Muppets, the Miss Piggy fountain, and the little details that made that section of the park feel quirky and unique. There was also Al’s Toy Barn, which was a Toy Story meet-and-greet location long before Toy Story Land became its own fully realized area.
Now that whole section is in transition once again as construction continues for the future Monsters, Inc.-themed land, Monstropolis. That is going to be a major change for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and I am really curious to see how it all comes together. The thought of eventually flying through doors with the monsters sounds like it could be a lot of fun.
Since we were there early, we had a little time before the land fully opened, which gave me a chance to really slow down and take in some of the design details around Grand Avenue. One thing that stood out was the bridge leading toward Galaxy’s Edge. It acts as more than just a pathway. It really feels like a transitional piece between one world and another.
I found myself paying attention to the stylized emblem on the bridge featuring a bear, star, eagle, and other symbols. It is a neat little detail tied to the Los Angeles-inspired design language of the area. It is exactly the kind of thing many guests probably pass right by, but for me, that is one of the best parts of going to theme parks. The little details matter. They help tell the story. They help create the mood. They help make the world feel believable.
That is what I love most about theme parks in general. When they are done well, they let you step away from reality and into imagination, fantasy, and immersive storytelling. That is what makes them special.
First Steps Into Batuu
I honestly do not know if there is a perfect way to describe that first walk into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
It is overwhelming, but in the best possible way.
The level of detail is just unreal. Everywhere you look, there is something to notice. The architecture, the soundscape, the weathered textures, the markings on the ground, the tracks from droids and creatures, the ships, the market stalls, the hidden corners — it all comes together to create a place that does not feel like a theme park land at all. It feels like a real location.
That was probably my biggest takeaway right away. Batuu feels lived in. It feels active. It feels like a place with its own rhythm, its own story, and its own history. Nothing about it feels fake or overly polished. It feels worn, layered, and authentic to the Star Wars universe.
Within just a few steps, it really does feel like you have left Earth and landed on a remote planet. Disney and Imagineering absolutely nailed that part of the experience. It was one of those moments where I just wanted to stop, look around, and take in everything all at once.
After waiting so many years to finally see Galaxy’s Edge in person, I can honestly say it lived up to the anticipation.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
We started the day by heading straight to Rise of the Resistance, which felt like exactly the right way to begin our Batuu adventure.
Even before you get on the attraction itself, the queue does a fantastic job of immersing you in the story. This is not just a line you stand in while waiting for the fun part to begin. The queue is part of the attraction. As you make your way toward the Resistance base, there is already a lot to take in from the outdoor portions alone. The rockwork around the base, the equipment scattered around, the ships parked outside, and the details built into the environment all make it feel like an active outpost.
One thing I really appreciated is how much detail Disney put into every level of the space. You are not just meant to look straight ahead. You are supposed to look around, look up, and even look down. There are droid tracks, creature footprints, signs of activity, and all kinds of small thematic choices that reinforce the idea that this is a functioning place inside the Star Wars universe. Even something as simple as the trash cans being themed goes a long way in helping maintain the illusion.
Inside the Resistance base, the queue continues to impress. You move through rooms filled with tactical screens, equipment, gear, and artifacts that help establish the setting. It has the vibe of a hidden military base preparing for something major. The atmosphere shifts as you move further inside, and you can feel the story gradually building before the ride even officially begins.
Once the pre-show starts, that is when everything really kicks into motion. BB-8 appears with his signature beeps and boops, and soon after, Rey delivers the mission briefing. A Resistance team has infiltrated a First Order Star Destroyer, and you are now part of the evacuation effort. Just like that, you go from visitor to participant.
It was also nice seeing Poe Dameron and Nien Nunb appear in the transmission. Nien Nunb has always been one of those classic original trilogy characters I have had a soft spot for, so that was a fun detail for me.
After the briefing, we were escorted outside to board the I-TS transport ship. Even that loading area is an experience in itself, especially with Poe’s X-Wing parked nearby. Seeing Black One up close was awesome. It is one thing to see these ships on screen, but standing near a life-size version makes it hit differently. It makes the world feel real.
Once aboard the transport, things seem to be under control for about a minute before the First Order intercepts the ship and everything goes wrong. Lieutenant Bek appears, and the tension builds quickly as the mission unravels. Then comes one of the ride’s most unforgettable moments: the arrival inside the Star Destroyer hangar.
Walking off the transport into that massive room is absolutely jaw-dropping. The scale is enormous. Rows of Stormtroopers stand in formation. A TIE fighter is parked nearby. Star Destroyers can be seen beyond the hangar windows. It is one of those theme park reveal moments that genuinely takes your breath away.
The interrogation sequence that follows is another strong part of the attraction. Being split into groups and led into the interrogation room with Kylo Ren and General Hux helps keep the story moving while making you feel even more like a captured prisoner. The effect where the Resistance breaks through the wall to rescue you was especially cool and one of those little “how did they do that?” moments.
Once aboard the trackless ride vehicle, the full escape begins. The motion of the vehicle adds so much to the experience because it never feels locked into one predictable path. That unpredictability makes everything feel more alive and urgent. From the towering AT-AT walkers to multiple encounters with Kylo Ren to the lightsaber effect cutting through the ceiling, the ride throws one big moment after another at you.
Visually, Rise of the Resistance is incredible. The scale, the set pieces, the transitions, and the overall storytelling are all top tier. If I had one critique, it would be that a few scenes could use more physical effects to match the visual intensity. When blaster shots are flying and a battle is happening all around you, a little more smoke, wind, heat, or physical impact would make those scenes hit even harder. The projections look fantastic, but there are moments where you want to feel the chaos just as much as you see it.
Even with that critique, this attraction is still one of Disney’s most ambitious and immersive rides ever built. It is not just a ride. It is a full experience.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
After leaving Rise of the Resistance, we explored a little more before making our way toward the life-size Millennium Falcon. And yes, seeing it in person is every bit as impressive as you would hope.
It is huge.
You can see photos and videos of it all day long, but none of that fully prepares you for standing there in front of the Falcon for the first time. It is one of those instantly iconic theme park visuals that makes you stop and just appreciate where you are. We also found the hidden mini Millennium Falcon, which was fun to spot in person. It was covered in dirt and debris, but honestly that fits Galaxy’s Edge perfectly.
We jumped right into the queue for Smugglers Run while the posted wait was around 25 minutes, which felt like a great time to take advantage before the crowds got heavier. The queue is long and mostly indoors, but it is loaded with details. One of the best visual moments is when you get a look at the top of the Millennium Falcon from the queue. That alone is worth keeping your eyes peeled for.
As you continue through the line, the environment moves through different shop and engine room spaces before you eventually arrive at the command center where Hondo Ohnaka and R5-P8 explain the mission. I really loved the gritty, lived-in feel of these interior spaces. Everything feels worn, functional, and believable in exactly the way a Star Wars environment should. It almost feels like Han Solo could walk through at any moment and start complaining about something needing repairs.
Then comes the really special part: actually stepping inside the Millennium Falcon.
That moment lands.
Seeing the interior and spotting the Dejarik table instantly taps into that Star Wars fan excitement. Even before the ride begins, just being in that space is an experience.
When it came time to board, Branton ended up as one of the gunners while I was assigned as the only engineer in the back row after joining another party. Honestly, for a first ride, I was totally fine with that. Sitting in the back gave me the chance to absorb the overall energy of the experience while still having a role to play.
That is one of the coolest things about Smugglers Run. Everyone has a job, and your performance actually affects the mission. It is not just pressing a random button and letting the ride do the rest. There is an interactive element that makes it feel personal. And because there are different positions — pilot, gunner, and engineer — the ride has built-in replay value. You want to come back and experience it from a different seat.
For a first ride, it was a lot of fun. Is pilot probably the best position? Most likely. But even from the back as an engineer, the ride was a blast. It really does make you feel like you are part of the crew.
If Rise of the Resistance is the cinematic blockbuster of Galaxy’s Edge, Smugglers Run is the hands-on fan fantasy. You get to fly the Falcon. That alone makes it worth doing.
Exploring Batuu
After knocking out both major attractions, Branton and I took our time just exploring Batuu, and honestly, that ended up being one of the most rewarding parts of the entire day.
As great as the rides are, the land itself is the true main attraction.
That might be my biggest takeaway from this visit.
Black Spire Outpost is built for wandering. There are narrow pathways, open courtyards, hidden corners, market stalls, and scenic views that make the whole place feel layered and alive. It is not a land you rush through. It is a land that rewards slowing down and taking it all in.
We got the chance to meet Mando and Grogu for the first time, which was a really fun surprise. We also met Rey, which was nice since I had previously met her on the Disney Wish with Chewbacca. Seeing Stormtroopers patrol the land and interact with other guests also added so much life to the experience. Those spontaneous character moments help the whole area feel active rather than static.
What makes Galaxy’s Edge so impressive is that it does not just work for hardcore Star Wars fans. Yes, there are references everywhere, and longtime fans will get even more out of it, but the land is so well designed that anyone can appreciate it. The architecture, the atmosphere, the layout, and the immersive storytelling all work even if you do not know every character or every piece of lore.
Batuu feels new, but it still speaks the visual language of Star Wars perfectly. It feels familiar without being repetitive. That balance is not easy to pull off, and Imagineering absolutely nailed it here.
For me, immersive environments are what make a great theme park experience, and Galaxy’s Edge delivers at the highest level.
Oga’s Cantina, Shops, and Marketplace Details
We also had the chance to check out Oga’s Cantina, which felt like one of those must-do experiences while visiting Black Spire Outpost. This is Batuu’s watering hole, a gathering spot for smugglers, bounty hunters, pilots, travelers, and locals. From the moment you step inside, it feels like you are in the middle of a Star Wars scene.
The atmosphere is a huge part of the appeal. With themed drinks, music, and DJ R-3X running the entertainment, Oga’s has the right energy to feel like more than just a themed bar. It feels like a place with personality.
As we walked through the rest of the land, we also passed by food spots like Ronto Roasters and the Milk Stand. Ronto Roasters stands out immediately because of its wild visual setup, using a podracing engine and smelter droid to grill meats over a giant barbecue pit. That kind of weird, creative storytelling detail is part of what makes Galaxy’s Edge so much fun to explore.
The Milk Stand is one of those iconic stops that everyone talks about, but I passed on trying Blue Milk or Green Milk this time around. Since I am not big on coconut, I figured I would save that experiment for another day.
The shops throughout the marketplace were also a big highlight. I had to be careful not to spend too much because there were definitely some tempting items around every corner.
Droid Depot was awesome. Even just watching guests build their own droids while pieces moved along the conveyor belt made the whole shop feel interactive and alive. There were droids everywhere, and it felt like a full experience rather than just another store.
The Creature Stall was a lot of fun too, packed with odd creatures from across the galaxy and the kind of weird charm you would expect from a Star Wars marketplace. Toydarian Toymaker was another standout with handcrafted-feeling toys and games that looked like they belonged in-universe instead of on a standard gift shop shelf.
Then there was Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, which may have been my favorite store in all of Galaxy’s Edge. That place is incredible. It feels like part museum, part treasure room, part mysterious shop filled with relics from all across the Star Wars saga. Every corner seemed to have something interesting to look at, and the overall mood inside was just fantastic. It is easily one of the most immersive shops Disney has ever created.
Toy Story Land
After spending so much time in Batuu, stepping into Toy Story Land felt like entering a completely different world, and that contrast is part of what made the day so much fun.
One minute you are surrounded by weathered stone, ships, and galactic outposts. The next, you are toy-sized in Andy’s backyard with giant building blocks, colorful decorations, and oversized playsets all around you.
Toy Story Land does a really good job of selling the illusion that you have shrunk down to the size of a toy. The perspective tricks work well, and the whole land has an energetic, playful personality that stands in total contrast to the grounded realism of Galaxy’s Edge.
We had hoped to ride Slinky Dog Dash right away, but it was temporarily down, so we headed over to Alien Swirling Saucers instead. The queue there was neat in its own right, especially with the way it makes you feel like you are standing inside toy packaging for the aliens.
While waiting, I kept an eye on the Walt Disney World app and noticed that Slinky Dog Dash had reopened. So naturally, we bailed and made our way over there. By then, the wait had already climbed to around 40 minutes, but at that point we were committed. We were not leaving Toy Story Land without riding it.
The queue for Slinky Dog Dash is full of great details once you really start paying attention. From the Elmer’s Glue to the ride blueprints overhead to the toy package theming, it all helps tell the story that you are about to ride a roller coaster built by Andy using his toys and imagination.
When we finally boarded, Slinky Dog Dash turned out to be a lot of fun. We sat in the middle section, which felt like a great spot for a first ride. The coaster is family-friendly, but it still has enough movement, speed, and a little airtime to make it exciting. It is smooth, colorful, and just plain enjoyable.
It may not be the biggest thrill ride in the park, but it absolutely works for what it is trying to be.
Pixar Plaza
After Toy Story Land, we spent a little time around Pixar Plaza, which was another fun stop during the day.
We happened to find Frozone and of course I had to blame him for the colder weather in Central Florida. He got a good laugh out of that, which made for one of those little spontaneous moments that help define a fun park visit.
We also saw Joy and got a photo with her, and she absolutely lived up to the role. It was a quick stop, but a good one. Pixar Plaza feels like one of those spots I would definitely like to spend more time in on a future visit, especially for more character photos.
I would love to come back and catch Sulley next time, and honestly getting a photo with Edna Mode just sounds like fun.
Lunch at Backlot Express
I have to give Branton credit here because he absolutely nailed the lunch stop.
When it comes to knowing where to go for something quick, affordable, and easy during a park day, he had it down. We stopped at Backlot Express near Star Tours, and it turned out to be a smart choice all around.
I went with the one-third pound cheeseburger, and after getting our food, we sat down in a spot where we could look out toward Star Tours and the AT-AT nearby. That was one of those simple but memorable park moments. Just sitting there, eating lunch, taking in the surroundings, and appreciating the fact that this was our day.
You could also spot the Endor Forest Village set nearby, which added another fun Star Wars touch to the break before we headed back into attractions.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Even with Galaxy’s Edge now being the headliner Star Wars area of the park, Star Tours still holds its own and still feels like a must-do for me.
I had ridden it in the past, but there is just something about Star Tours that still works. Part of that is the nostalgic connection. The ride system reminds me a lot of Body Wars from the old Wonders of Life pavilion at EPCOT, which is one of those lost attractions I still think about from time to time.
As you enter Star Tours, you are not just stepping into a ride queue. You are entering a spaceport terminal and preparing for an intergalactic trip. That whole setup still works really well. Seeing C-3PO and R2-D2 again instantly brings the attraction to life, and the cargo bay section of the queue still has plenty of fun details to notice.
Once it was our turn, we picked up our 3-D glasses, or “flight glasses,” and headed to our gate. The pre-boarding video still has that humorous in-universe charm to it, which is part of what makes Star Tours memorable even before you board.
Our ride sequence ended up taking us to Tatooine in the middle of podracing against Sebulba, which was a lot of fun. I love that the attraction can still surprise you thanks to its randomized segments. That gives it replay value in a way many older simulator attractions do not have.
And of course, C-3PO being his polite, overwhelmed self as he somehow ends up in charge never gets old.
By the time we exited into Tatooine Traders, we were already keeping an eye on the clock, so I did not spend much time looking around. Still, Star Tours was absolutely worth making time for.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway was another attraction I was really curious about, mostly because of what used to be there.
When The Great Movie Ride closed, I had mixed feelings. That attraction had so much history and atmosphere, so naturally I wondered how this new Mickey ride would fit into that space and whether it would really connect with guests of all ages.
When we got there, the posted wait was around 45 minutes and a good chunk of the queue was outside in the chilly air. The first part was manageable, but the longer we stood there, the more that January breeze started to sink in.
Once inside the Chinese Theatre, though, things picked up. The queue and pre-show do a solid job of setting the story. Guests are attending the world premiere of a Mickey cartoon short called Perfect Picnic, and that concept works really well inside the old theater setting.
Then comes the standout effect.
When Goofy’s train appears to burst through the movie screen and tear open the theater, it is one of those effects that genuinely makes you stop and admire the creativity behind it. It was so seamless that it left us scratching our heads in the best way.
From there, the ride takes you into a cartoon world where one scene flows into the next with a lot of visual energy and clever transitions. One of the sequences that stood out most to me was the waterfall scene, especially the way the ride handles that shift in perspective and environment.
Overall, it is definitely a cute attraction and one that is very well done. That said, I still personally miss The Great Movie Ride. That will probably always be the case for me. But I can still appreciate what Disney created here. The pre-show alone is worth talking about, and the attraction as a whole is imaginative and technically impressive.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
A big thank you goes to my wife here because she got off work early and was able to pick up the kids, which gave Branton and me just enough time to squeeze in one more big ride before leaving the park.
That ride was Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
We especially wanted to ride it before it closed for refurbishment and before future changes fully take over. The queue is a mix of outdoor and indoor space, and while the outside portion is mostly just functional, things get more interesting once you move inside. You also get some nice views of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror nearby, which is always fun.
Inside the building, the record label office theme is still there, with posters and music-industry details around the walls. At the same time, you could already tell changes were in motion. The old Aerosmith pre-show room had already been stripped down and replaced with a more transitional setup, which gave the attraction a slightly in-between feeling.
Still, once you get into the limo, none of that matters.
That launch is still the big moment. Going from zero to sixty in just a few seconds is a rush every single time. Then you are immediately thrown into darkness, twists, inversions, road signs, and neon-lit chaos. It is fast, loud, and a whole lot of fun.
By the end, when you roll into the red carpet scene, it feels like the perfect exclamation point on a day that already had a lot going for it.
Final Thoughts
By the end of the day, I walked away feeling like Disney’s Hollywood Studios delivered one of those park visits that just hits on every level.
There was nostalgia in returning to a park that I still remember as Disney-MGM Studios. There was excitement in finally getting to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge after looking forward to it for so many years. There was fun in bouncing between lands, attractions, character moments, and all the little details in between. And most importantly, it was simply a great day to spend with Branton.
Galaxy’s Edge absolutely lived up to the hype for me. Batuu is one of the most immersive themed environments I have ever visited. Rise of the Resistance is a standout experience. Smugglers Run is a blast, especially for Star Wars fans. The marketplace, the characters, the shops, and the atmosphere all work together to make the land feel alive.
Outside of Batuu, the rest of the park also gave us a strong mix of experiences. Toy Story Land brought playful energy and a fun coaster. Star Tours still proved why it remains a classic. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway surprised me with how creative and polished it is. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster gave us that final adrenaline rush before heading out.
If I had to rank immersive theme park lands, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge now easily lands in my top three. Diagon Alley is right there too, with Hogsmeade not far behind. But Batuu has something truly special about it. If I could live there, I probably would.
I would just need to figure out how to open a Publix on Batuu first.
And the best part is that the adventures are not stopping here. Branton already has a future trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom lined up, and I am already looking forward to checking out Expedition Everest, Pandora, and Zootopia: Better Zoogether.
Hollywood Studios gave us a memorable day, but the next Disney adventure is already calling.