Galaxy's Edge Performance and Evolution Discussion

[Monykalyn]

Jumping in...

I think it was a major mistake to not base the land off of stuff people have seen in the movies, especially epsisode 4-6. Batuu comes from the Trawn book which most people are not familiar with. I have read the book but I still didn't feel much connection to the book and when I went to the land. When you read something it may not look the same as you visualize it in real life. The land is Star Wars looking but nothing I have ever seen on screen. It was cool and the Falcon view is awesome but I feel it would make more of a connection if it looked like something I had seen in a movie. It is almost like a generic Star Wars land.

Generic Star Wars Land is apt description. IMHO-they missed a HUGE opportunity to do a different land/setting in each park around the world. Kinda like what they have planned for Avengers Academy. Instead the cheap no risk no frills option of carbon copies

I would love to see more performances or skirmishes added other than storm troopers walking around like how Hogsmeade added the Death Eaters and the show that lights up the castle or the frog choir. It'd be really cool to have some creatures walk about or one day the resistance takes control and beats the first order or such. They have a lot of potential and I think that's what is best about GE.

Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley feel "alive" with all the activity. SW:GE just feels...less than.

I think one of the biggest issues with SWGE is that it's a brand new way of doing Disney, the Disney fan does NOT know how to interact and get in the sstory, and obviously to get the most out of the land you have to open yourself to some role playing.

And yet Star wars Weekends were so fun and really picked up in fan base and attendance. But yeah I do agree with you here. When you go to "Harry Potter world" you expect to get a wand, see people walking around in robes and casting spells...

My DD is into drama, improv, theater and LOVES SW, so she's in heaven when she can interact with guests while still giving the right answers in a fast way.

She was born for this!! I don't know if you remember we met you and your daughter the last year of SWW-my oldest was already a scifi fan-now my middle is far more into cosplay than her older sister-I think partly because she saw your DD as Sabine and realized she could do it too-she has pulled together an Anime character from Black Butler (her first comic con she was constantly asked for photos) and now is doing Cruella DeVille (she found some great pieces at thrift shops on her own). So happy for your DD!!

That's a bit where I kinda question the light sabers' price point. It would be awesome if the sabers interacted in some special way with SW land, as wand bearers get special opportunities at Universal.

And part of the disconnect with the land I believe. Not sure a saber would do it but the data pad has possibilities

I've read a lot about how not having a good person in their role can ruin the experience but that cuts both ways as I've read people getting too competitive can do the same. This split would cut that issue.

ugh yeah-my first (and only) run on MF was with peeps who'd obviously been a few times and were competitive-being screamed at about how bad you are doing as a pilot kinda diminishes the experience. I was just geeking out on being on the Millennium freeking Falcon and instead had to deal with hyper competitive peeps. To the point that both my DD and I didn't care to do another try the second day we were there-even with a wait time of 30 minutes.

got ours for opening night. Thursday at 6:30. Not the Dolby theater we wanted but it's not like we won't go see it several times

I enjoyed TFA but really didn't care for TLJ (saw TFA a few times in theater, TLJ once) but I am a JJ Abrams fan (most of his stuff, there's been a few big bombs) so looking forward to getting this story back on track

I *think* they thought the target audience would be diehard Star Wars fans....the folks that go to SW conventions, CC, and dress the part when they do.

They had that group with SWW. But i highly highly HIGHLY doubt that anyone designing this land ever stepped foot in the park during SWW or ever ever ever attended a convention. If they had they would have understood the organics a heck of alot better. Or maybe that part was cut due to money (and back to the idiots who decided they knew better without getting to understand that fan base)

The datapad should be advertised better as well. So many don't know about it and it is a very easy and common way to interact with the land using something everyone uses on a daily basis.

Actually this is a huge missed opportunity. Disney is so dang fond of upcharge events now-remember My Pal Mickey? Rent Mickey to interact with queue/land/games and either forfeit deposit and keep Mickey or return and get money back? Why not do something similar with the data pad?

September was dead,

It was fantastic!! Uni was down too-got EP for HHN and sailed through every night.

vs not enough castmembers to interact remains to be seen.

Entertainment is lacking for sure

As I understand it, the Harry Potter attractions are so well-liked because they recreated the places that are so familiar (I haven't been).

You have to experience. and yeah-you are literally in the action, casting spells, lots of people in robes, Knockturn Alley is hidden as is Diagon Alley kind of. I have seen in FB groups where people literally have walked right by Diagon Alley and didn't know it was there and many who didn't know about Knockturn Alley. And they add stuff like the Deatheaters roaming Hogsmeade and the dark arts on the castle. I've been several times and they keep adding/changing stuff to make it fresh!

The list of WDW's permanently closed attractions supports my point:

I think many of those are EPCOT attractions that weren't given the attention and time and money to keep updated that they deserved, not from lack of connections to IP.

While I still liked it and am glad I got to go I think part of my less than enthusiastic response to GE is just that it felt dead. Part of that may be due to fact we went during EEMH (every ride in DHS done by 9:30!) but I was expecting a cross between Hogsmeade/SWW interaction and there was NOTHING. Heck Rebel Hangar during SWW had lots of characters roaming and was a fun interaction. The Galactic Breakfast was a blast with the characters. Seeing people decked out in cosplay added the feel. And yet you could totally enjoy the atmosphere of SWW (or Hogsmeade/DA) without knowing the story backwards/forwards/inside out. We have a trip planned for January (may or may not actually happen as DH hasn't seen the land yet) and maybe I will feel different after RotR, or if the added elements actually happen (supposedly there are a lot of interactive elements not "turned on") and the roaming droids/characters get added/continue.

 

[yulilin3]

@Monykalyn of course I remember you. That's great that your daughter has found a passion. Cosplaying is so much fun, my DD hasn't done it much after her Sabine during SWW but she does often go to the thrift shops and Salvation Army/Goodwill in search of piece to put together.
SWW was a very Con like experience, SWGE is something completely different. Maybe we will get SWW back in an effort by Disney to bring in the fans, I am hoping for more characters, droids, aliens walking around, I think that simple change would make a ton of difference

 

[monkyby87]

I’m confused. The backlot tour had IP influences. Mr. Toad still exists in Disneyland. Snow White still has a presence and is the original disney Princess. Up! A Great Bird Adventure never closed it just got a script change.

While it's true that Disney likes to include their current IP's in the parks, and many of those attractions were replaced with different IP offerings, it's not because there was a lack of a connection or emotional impact, which I think is the point they were trying to make. I mean, to this day people still complain about Mr. Toad having been closed at WDW. Most all of those rides they listed are simply old. Disney, logically, wants to keep rides fresh and interesting for people. I just really don't think the "emotional connection" that they're talking about is as big of a deal as they think.

 

[rteetz]

While it's true that Disney likes to include their current IP's in the parks, and many of those attractions were replaced with different IP offerings, it's not because there was a lack of a connection or emotional impact, which I think is the point they were trying to make. I mean, to this day people still complain about Mr. Toad having been closed at WDW. Most all of those rides they listed are simply old. Disney, logically, wants to keep rides fresh and interesting for people. I just really don't think the "emotional connection" that they're talking about is as big of a deal as they think.

That emotional connection is big in some cases though. Even in a non-IP attraction. Something like the speedway hasn’t been changed or removed because so many think of it as a “right of passage”, kids grow up and then want to take their kids on it.

 

[monkyby87]

That emotional connection is big in some cases though. Even in a non-IP attraction. Something like the speedway hasn’t been changed or removed because so many think of it as a “right of passage”, kids grow up and then want to take their kids on it.

That is true, definitely. I just don't think emotional connection is why those rides they listed were closed.

 

[BrianL]

Hondo’s character is developed. I bet he’s got more screen time than some characters that are in just one film, and he’s in a few books.

Absolutely. He's had more screen time than Boba Fett! He's a fan-favorite character. Still, I am sure the ride gets enough of the point across. Case in point:

If I didn’t know Hondo from anything other than the Smugglers Run pre-show, I would think he’s a pirate and a smuggler, and not too trustworthy. So basically you get what the character is about just fine without having to do any homework.

It's not that complicated. Though Hondo is actually surprisingly trustworthy - if he likes you. He has a soft spot for younglings too.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Most all of those rides they listed are simply old. Disney, logically, wants to keep rides fresh and interesting for people. I just really don't think the "emotional connection" that they're talking about is as big of a deal as they think.

If WDW only wants fresh new rides, then why are so many 1970's MK attractions still operating today?

If our emotional connection to characters isn't valuable, then why does WDW offer so many character greets? and 13 different character meals?

I'm surprised. I truly didn't think it was remotely controversial to say WDW visitors have a valuable emotional connection to WDW characters they know.

Have you seen how people react when Mickey waves to them from a parade float?

 

[monkyby87]

If WDW only wants fresh new rides, then why are so many 1970's MK attractions still operating today?

If our emotional connection to characters isn't valuable, then why does WDW offer so many character greets? and 13 different character meals?

I'm surprised. I truly didn't think it was remotely controversial to say WDW visitors have a valuable emotional connection to WDW characters they know.

Have you seen how people react when Mickey waves to them from a parade float?

My point, which I probably didn't make very well, was that your list of closed rides wasn't due to their lack of emotional attachment. You cited those to make some sort of argument as to them not having IP's or something, I don't even know.

 

[Miffy]

The comments about music not being blasted everywhere. It's a space port, there WOULDN'T be music in every corner of the market. I mean most ports of call are like that, music bouncing off in different parts of the marketplaces but not uniform.

Wait . . . you mean there isn't music constantly playing there? OMG, what a relief. WDW is over-musicked. Yes, I like have background music some of the time. But not all of the time.

 

[monkeymostpurple]

We spent last Friday at Hollywood Studios, then Sunday at Epcot and Monday at Magic Kingdom for MNSSHP.

I don't understand how anyone could think that Galaxy's Edge isn't busy? There were lines for everything, all day long, at least equal to or probably more so than I saw in the other two parks we went to. But Galaxy's Edge is built for those crowds...and that's a good thing. There's so much space to absorb them that I can see how it could seem "empty" at times, but that's a pretty glass half-empty way to look at it IMO.

My husband is a huge SW fan from childhood (he's 43), and my boys (11 and 7) are huge fans as well. I'm supportive of their fandom, don't really share it, and still dressed up in cosplay and got right into it. We had a BLAST and loved everything about SWGE. We will return to Disney because of it.

 

[sponica]

Wait . . . you mean there isn't music constantly playing there? OMG, what a relief. WDW is over-musicked. Yes, I like have background music some of the time. But not all of the time.

I wouldn't know, honestly. I just remember reading comments expressing disappointment there wasn't an ever present john williams score overlaid over your stay at Batuu.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I think people are measuring the success of the Star Wars land on the insane hype that these “disney influencers” were elevating it to.

I think if they have a consistent line for Savis, Ogas, and the droid depot that’s more than good enough.

I just don’t know what people were expecting, furthermore where are the rides for the little kiddos too, you gotta draw everyone in.

Magen rose opensup I’m assuming it’s going to draw some in for a bit. However, again, don’t elevate it to where itwon’t be.

allso for me it’s a one and done awesome experiences just a bit expensive esp for what you get.

the hot dog wrap wasn’t that good

 

[sponica]

@monkeymostpurple I think it was viewed as "slow" because the falcon wait time wasn't constantly at 120 minutes. But it lacks FP (which is critical), loads efficiently, hasn't experienced a lot of down time. Right now based on what MDE says the wait is 50 minutes, which seems reasonable-ish to me for 2 PM in the afternoon at a busier time of the fall compared to early September.

Once they introduce FP, everyone will be grumbling at what a mistake it was as the wait time WILL more than likely go up.

 

[yulilin3]

Wait . . . you mean there isn't music constantly playing there? OMG, what a relief. WDW is over-musicked. Yes, I like have background music some of the time. But not all of the time.

There's music when you enter the land, this is where you can hear the special John Williams SWGE suite. You can also hear music in the restroom and at Oga's. Other than that is busy outpost sound with the occasional ship landing or taking off

 

[monkeymostpurple]

Specific likes/dislikes (some that surprised me):
1. The Datapad. I totally thought my kids would love that, especially in line, but they found it confusing and overwhelming. Also the CMs are constantly moving the line along, which means you can't actually stand in front of the things that the data pad can hack, etc. I think there's a learning curve to it which we didn't expect, and figuring it out in line wasn't the way to go. But for repeat visitors, it adds a huge depth of engagement with the park. Next trip, we'll do park hoppers so we can spend a bit of time in SWGE each day and use it in a low pressure way.
2. The line for smugglers run is one of the best queues in the parks!!! We didn't need distraction while we waited.
3. Food. Other than the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, SWGE has the best food we had in the parks. And the mobile ordering worked better in SWGE than anywhere else, maybe because they've always had it? I had two mobile orders just not be noticed at all at Magic Kingdom--that was super annoying.
4. Oga's Cantina was a blast. TIP FOR PEOPLE WITH KIDS: don't just ask for a table (may not get), request a table or the bar. There's a foot rail around the bar that is perfect for little butts to park themselves down on while parents have a drink. And honestly, as long as Oga's retains the otherworldly drink names, I don't care about the food names at Docking Bay 7.
5. I thought the Droid Depot experience was a bit rushed, but my kids haven't said that and I kept that observation to myself.
6. The coin gift card thing was a stroke of genius. We bought two, one for each kid, and they used them at all three parks for their souvenirs. They really loved all the reactions they got off-world.
7. My kids got a ton of engagement with the cast, especially the roving storm troopers. That was an absolute highlight, having a stormtrooper squad surround my kids and go toe to toe with them. Watching Rey and Chewie work on ships, etc ... awesome.

(And that's all off the top of my head. I haven't even started on a trip report yet.)

 

[monkyby87]

@monkeymostpurple I think it was viewed as "slow" because the falcon wait time wasn't constantly at 120 minutes. But it lacks FP (which is critical), loads efficiently, hasn't experienced a lot of down time. Right now based on what MDE says the wait is 50 minutes, which seems reasonable-ish to me for 2 PM in the afternoon at a busier time of the fall compared to early September.

Once they introduce FP, everyone will be grumbling at what a mistake it was as the wait time WILL more than likely go up.

The idea that low wait times = failure is ridiculous if you aren't taking into account everything. People talked about it as if they WANTED long waits. And like you said, the lack of FP and efficient loading has greatly contributed to low times. When FP does start up I expect lots of topics saying "So mad, couldn't get SR fast pass" etc etc, lol.

 

[monkeymostpurple]

On the "does it matter if you know the IP" topic, my husband and I were amused to discover just how many of the older rides my kids had no idea about the back story for. Splash Mountain, Tower of Terror. And their reactions to It's a Small World... and yet, that's part of the fun! Discovering new things! My husband had no idea what Space Mountain was (he thought it was an actual mountain, apparently?), and so there was a moment of hilarious disconnect as we approached it.

(But the kids knew all of the SWGE characters. So for our family, at least, this IP was more familiar than others!)

 

[sponica]

The idea that low wait times = failure is ridiculous if you aren't taking into account everything. People talked about it as if they WANTED long waits. And like you said, the lack of FP and efficient loading has greatly contributed to low times. When FP does start up I expect lots of topics saying "So mad, couldn't get SR fast pass" etc etc, lol.

I'll take a 50 minute wait in an impressive queue with a ride that loads efficiently with little downtime over a ride that has long waits because it can't seem to operate normally (cough Hagrid cough)

 

[yulilin3]

If WDW only wants fresh new rides, then why are so many 1970's MK attractions still operating today?

If our emotional connection to characters isn't valuable, then why does WDW offer so many character greets? and 13 different character meals?

I'm surprised. I truly didn't think it was remotely controversial to say WDW visitors have a valuable emotional connection to WDW characters they know.

Have you seen how people react when Mickey waves to them from a parade float?

I don't think anyone said that visitors don't value emotional connection, MK only has a couple of original attractions, Jungle Cruise (getting a boost from the new movie soon) Pirates got a big boost from the movies, Carousel of Progress and IASW (people would riot if taken away) Indy Speedway. Country Bears and Tiki Room (sits half empty every performance but again, the people would just riot) HoP has the ability to change script every 4/8 years. Haunted Mansion, Dumbo and Tea Cups are still popular. The difference about MK with the other 3 parks is that it is the "kids" park. All the original attractions that remain are kid friendly and obviously keep that nostalgia for many. BUT I can bet if it was up to the Disney Co they would close and change many of these attractions.
Now from the 9 listed only Dumbo and Tea Cups are connected to original Disney movies and characters
It is fine to introduce new characters and people will love them in the long run just like people love the family from CoP or Madame Leota or Big Al, or The Red Head. All these characters were introduced as brand new when the attractions open. Same with Figment, and it's been fine.
Hondo is easy to understand, you know from the 5 min pre show who he is, RotR will have a better character feel since all the characters are better known to the main stream guest

 

[fatmanatee]

We spent last Friday at Hollywood Studios, then Sunday at Epcot and Monday at Magic Kingdom for MNSSHP.

I don't understand how anyone could think that Galaxy's Edge isn't busy? There were lines for everything, all day long, at least equal to or probably more so than I saw in the other two parks we went to. But Galaxy's Edge is built for those crowds...and that's a good thing. There's so much space to absorb them that I can see how it could seem "empty" at times, but that's a pretty glass half-empty way to look at it IMO.

My husband is a huge SW fan from childhood (he's 43), and my boys (11 and 7) are huge fans as well. I'm supportive of their fandom, don't really share it, and still dressed up in cosplay and got right into it. We had a BLAST and loved everything about SWGE. We will return to Disney because of it.

I was at GE in DL last week and it was very busy. The whole park (including California Adventure) was though, crowds were pretty evenly spaced out for the most part.