“Chewie, we’re home!”
The Force is finally with us ALL in Disneyland, as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will soon be opening up the land’s timeline to welcome characters and themes from the franchise’s revered Original Trilogy.
Currently, Galaxy’s Edge in both Disneyland and in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World have adhered to a strict time period including only the Sequel Trilogy stories. Within this timeline, Black Spire outpost on Batuu is inhabited by folks like Kylo Ren and Rey (and of course many First Order stormtroopers).
The timeline loosened a bit in 2022 with the addition of the Mandalorian and Grogu, and again in 2023 with the appearance of Ahsoka Tano – all of whom cross timelines between the Original and Sequel trilogies (and even a bit of the Prequel Trilogy).
Finally, Star Wars fans around the world can rejoice. On April 29, 2026, Disneyland will update the majority of Galaxy’s Edge to represent the franchise’s Original Trilogy timeline, welcoming favorite characters and experiences first introduced to the world by Disney Legend George Lucas back in 1977.
Let’s examine the details.
The Neighborhoods of Batuu
Batuu’s Black Spire Outpost will essentially be split into two “neighborhoods,” each of which will correspond to a different Star Wars timeline. The rocky spires surrounding the Millennium Falcon will follow the timeline of the Original Trilogy – a time dominated by the Galactic Civil War and the dawn of the New Republic. The forested area on the outskirts of Black Spire Outpost will continue to represent the Sequel Trilogy – the struggle against the First Order and the Age of the Resistance.
Black Spire Outpost – A Time of Galactic Civil War and the New Republic
Back to the beginning (and by “beginning” I mean middle, as in Episode 4. Original Trilogy fans get it!). A time when the Galactic Empire looms large over the remains of a failed Old Republic. The ultimate “space opera” battle of good vs. evil happens here.
Black Spire Characters
The heart of Black Spire Outpost will buzz with the presence of Darth Vader, in his search for Luke Skywalker. Vader will be joined by the classic Imperial stormtroopers, as they scour the area looking for the young Jedi.
Luke will wander around the outpost seeking knowledge of the Force and artifacts related to lightsaber building, kyber crystals, and more (reading between the lines, Luke may make an appearance in Savi’s from time to time).
Leia Organa and Han Solo will be reunited with Luke and Chewbacca near the famous Millennium Falcon. Leia will be recruiting travelers and locals to join the Rebellion, while Han may be tempted by the exotic beverages served in Oga’s Cantina (which will soon include the famous Mos Eisley “Cantina Band” song in rotation).
Ahsoka Tano, The Mandalorian, and Grogu will greet guests near the Black Spire’s marketplace.
R2-D2 – everyone’s favorite astromech droid – will continue to roll throughout all of Galaxy’s Edge.
Black Spire Shopping and Experiences
Some of the local merchants will be changing hands. First Order Cargo will transform into Black Spire Surplus, which is described as “a military salvage operation offering artifacts from across the history of the galaxy, including Imperial and Rebel items from the Galactic Civil War.”
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities will remain a prominent purveyor of curiosities, though some of the selection will shift to incorporate the change in the times.
The Droid Depot will rewind a bit, to a time when an earlier generation of the Mubo family will be prototyping the new BB style of droid. Guests will still be able to create all types of droids in this interactive experience.
Savi’s Workshop will soon be known as Savi’s Gatherers – a place where guests will continue to have the opportunity to build and purchase their own lightsaber. Don’t be surprised to spot Luke Skywalker popping in for information on lightsabers and their connection to the Force.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
On May 22, 2026, the Mandalorian and Grogu will be taking on a new mission in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The all-new attraction story will be centered around The Mandalorian and Grogu film, which arrives in theaters the same weekend.
The Outskirts – The Age of the Resistance
“Not quite as long ago,” following the short-lived age of Emperor Palpatine’s Galactic Empire, the fledgling New Republic is already failing at the feet of the First Order. Outside of civilized space, Kylo Ren is terrorizing the galaxy, including the outer edge of Black Spire Outpost. But a growing group of Resistance fighters is assembling.
Characters on the Outskirts
Just outside the semi-civilized edges of Black Spire Outpost, guests may find Rey working around the Resistance camp. She moves quickly and she’s tough to catch, but you may spot her nearby to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Curiously, Disney has not revealed plans for Kylo Ren and his First Order stormtroopers. Stay tuned to find out if they make any foreboding future appearances on Batuu.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
This feat of Disney Imagineering and storytelling will remain unchanged – putting guests in the middle of a climactic Resistance rescue mission against the First Order.
Music From a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Ever since Galaxy’s Edge opened in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the John Williams composition “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite” has filled the land with rhythmic vibes and ambient sounds of a far-off planet.
As part of the Galaxy’s Edge update, guests will enjoy the familiar sounds of six additional scores by Williams, pulling themes from the first six films in the nine-part saga (which include the three Prequel Trilogy films).
According to Disney, “Passing through the tunnels of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the iconic “Main Title” and Force Theme will beckon you to a galaxy far, far away. As you wander through the land, you’ll hear motifs from other classic tracks including “Han Solo and the Princess,” “The Desert and the Robot Auction,” “The Emperor,” and more.”
Nighttime Spectaculars
Galaxy’s Edge will continue to host the stunning nighttime spectacular “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga” projection show on the rocky spires. On select evenings, “Fire of the Rising Moons” will continue to showcase a unique view of the Disneyland park fireworks accompanied by iconic music and tales from across the Star Wars galaxy.
Disneyland is definitely using the Force this spring! At the moment, Disney has only confirmed these changes for Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. It remains to be seen whether any or all of these changes will also come to Walt Disney World.
In preparation for the Galaxy’s Edge transition, Oga’s Cantina will be closed for approximately six weeks, beginning January 20. A reopening date has yet to be announced, but it will likely be back open in time for the changes on April 29.
Stay tuned here (and to Disney Parks Blog) for major news regarding the Disney Parks.
With so much change happening to the landscape of both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, it is always best to work with an experienced travel planner who can help you prepare for the changes coming to the parks and resorts. If you are interested in planning a trip but have questions regarding when is the best time to visit, please reach out to me at Facts and Figment Vacation Planning. My travel planning services are absolutely FREE, and I can help you navigate the complex world of Disney vacationing while helping you score the best, hardest-to-get deals to make your vacation more affordable.
By the way – I also plan trips on Disney Cruise Line, as well as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, Adventures by Disney, Aulani Resort in Hawaii, Universal Orlando and Hollywood, and tropical locations all over the world. Where would you like to go today? Reach out and we get you started on the path to your next adventure!
As always, feel free to connect with Facts and Figment on social: Instagram Facebook X
