Share your story from visiting DHS’ SWGE!

Did you update the app?
Yes, I did, and I checked for updates earlier today to be safe. It started working later and I got a pop up message saying they were testing it during previews & how to report issues with the app. We went through the standby line later and the game in the app is nice! It just makes you look around a lot but it’s fun.
 
It's at the discretion of the CM but as a general rule they've been told to say no.
I just don't want people thinking that they can request pilot and be allowed to wait. I mean, people can always ask, the worst they can say is no, just don't get upset if they do

Two girls in our second ride did but honestly there is no room to step aside. They really were in the way.
 
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Sadly not going TIL November; but it’s getting closer!
Would anyone care to share their experiences if they have mobility issues and use an ecv or wheelchair..

Thanks,
 
Do you have specific questions?

I was watching a YouTube walk through of the area earlier & unless I was not paying attention properly (easily done) there appeared to be many stairs around GE..
So I guess I’m wondering about ramp access and also space in the cantina and on smugglers run
 
I was watching a YouTube walk through of the area earlier & unless I was not paying attention properly (easily done) there appeared to be many stairs around GE..
So I guess I’m wondering about ramp access and also space in the cantina and on smugglers run
The Smuggler's Run single rider line is not accessible to wheelchairs because it has stairs. Outside of that everything should be wheelchair accessible.
 
I was watching a YouTube walk through of the area earlier & unless I was not paying attention properly (easily done) there appeared to be many stairs around GE..
So I guess I’m wondering about ramp access and also space in the cantina and on smugglers run
There's only one area with stairs and it does gave a ramp next to it, this is by docking bay 7
Oga does have wc accessibility set up on the bar and along the wall.
MFSR queue is wc accessible, has a dedicated pod for wc accessibility where you'll have extra time to transfer. You cannot ride on your wc, after the ride they have an elevator to bring you back down
 
Well, we’re back in our room at Gran Destino - what an incredible afternoon and evening! DH and I were booked for the 5-9 slot, so we headed to HS around 2:15 (we spent the morning in MK). I grabbed a FP for Toy Story Mania earlier today, so we rode that first. While we were waiting to board TSM, I grabbed a FP for SDD. So it was fun to hit both those rides before our Star Wars adventure started.

After leaving TSL, we stopped by Launch Bay to buy passholder shirts and a pin. Be forewarned - they’re out of everything except small and medium in the dark shirt. We made it over to the SWGE entrance right at 4. The CMs told us we wouldn’t be allowed in until 4:30. They actually let us in at 4:10. We were directed to the Oga check-in line and got return cards for 5:20.

Walking in really did feel like going to a different place. It all looks so “alien.” First things first, we stopped and grabbed our cute Cokes. Then we had Photopass photos at multiple locations as we walked through. We found ourselves at the popcorn stand soon enough, so we procured some of that in the adorable mouse droid holder. I know others have been iffy on the popcorn, but we really liked it. It tastes sort of like Fruity Pebbles with a spicy kick.

We spent the first hour or so just wandering around taking it all in. It was SO HOT this afternoon - just miserable. At that point, wait for MFSR was showing 85 minutes. We wanted no part of that, so we passed on by. Around 5:10, we got in line for Oga’s. We heard them tell multiple walk-ups no, but we waited less than five minutes before we were taken inside. We got to stand at the bar, which was fun. The animatronic was working today, btw. For drinks, we each ordered the fuzzy tauntaun and enjoyed it.

We probably stayed 25-30 minutes and then headed to MFSR. Wait time was showing 45 minutes, and it took exactly that. During the wait, we spent time talking with a gentleman in line behind us. He was one of the contractors who has worked on the land for the last 2.5 years, and he shared all sorts of interesting tidbits. He said ROTR will blow everyone’s mind and will change the theme park product forever. So that sounds exciting. :-)

For our first MFSR ride, we were both gunners. And that was probably good for a first ride - gave us time to get oriented. Afterward, we both rated it a “good” but not FOP-like great ride. We then went to Docking Bay for dinner. We split the roast and both enjoyed it.

After dinner, it finally started to cool down some, and the crowds of the earlier part of the day seemingly vanished. From about 7:15 to closing, SWGE became our virtual private playground. There were no lines for anything. We wandered in and out of Droid Depot, the antiquities shop, other shops - pretty much everything. And we rode MFSR three more times. By our final ride at 8:30, it was a complete walk-on - and we even got a ship to ourselves! Let me tell you, having a private ride piloting the MF changed our opinion of the ride. That was truly one of our best Disney experiences ever - we know what a rare treat we were blessed with.

We could have kept riding, but we decided to spend the last few minutes taking photos and soaking in atmosphere. We helped Rey hide, and we sassed some StormTroopers. It was just awesome.

For those of you who have the 5-9 pm slot, don’t worry too much about the crowds. Yes, it was pretty crowded from 4:30-7. But once the sun started to set, people just disappeared. And we had two magical hours we’ll never forget. That’s why we chose the evening slot, and we’re so glad we did!

Now to pack and head for home tomorrow. We’ll be back to WDW for our weeklong vacation in exactly two months!
 
Well we did it today ... and I will say ... I completely forgot we were at Studios and this felt like a complete experience on it's own.

SIDENOTE: I have seen the three later movies, not Solo. I saw the original movie IN THE THEATER OPENING NIGHT. Not like now ... we had to go hours early to get a ticket then stand in line because seats were first come first serve. My DS who is the big SW fan no longer has an AP (Grad school .. never enough time) so it was myself and other DS (who is disabled). We did do several of the last years of SWW and LOVED those. DS who was with me has been so excited about this land ... he just is fascinated by it, stood at that wall mural each trip and today was his day. But we are not knowledgeable to understand everything we saw.

Our time was 1-5, kicked myself after for picking storm hours but we didn't have a drop today. So lucky. But it was brutal hot, I was miserable (I stay inside in summer) and the complete lack of air conditioning through most the land is hard to comprehend. I honestly felt that was my only real complaint. I expect the alphas to be busy once this land opens and is very full of people.

We arrived to the shrubs at 12:15 and they sent us through to the Oga check in umbrella. Without details I was really surprised at the check in system. Not very attentive. She did scan my MB and then handed us two cards with our Cantina time which was in 30 minutes. Entering through land immediately on Chewie who was interacting with guests playing a game of some kind. We watched a minute. The First Order ride queue is to the left and looks huge before you can't see it by the building.

I was in fact FaceTiming my other DS so he could enter with us and we walked the entire land showing him everything. Even via the video he was impressed with the rocks in particular, colors and forced perspective. The rock work is HIGHLY IMPRESSIVE. They nailed it. The details everywhere ... you could spend days photographing it all. Lots of photopass photographers and lines not too bad.

I liked how they spread things about and had their own nods like all the droids outside by the droid factory. We went inside and watched a few minutes, looks like a fun option. I can us doing that another trip. The milk was good to be apart and the line didn't impede anything else. Loved the antiquities shop, would like to spend more time there. Have to say reminded me of Harry Potter shops. Prices were high for most part.

Oga's - I know has gotten lots of negativity and I didn't expect to enjoy because I wanted the original one. I really liked it. We were put at the bar and DS got a kick out of that. We bought a couple things to bring home souvenirs for DS2. I liked the Yub Nub and he had the Jabba Juice. DS2 doesn't know I also got the Rancor Beer Flight. He will be shocked to get that thing. Pricey for sure but it's a nice piece. The beers .... IPA (I don't normally like was good), Gamorrean Ale I really liked, Lager I thought was gross and the White Ale tasted like water. DJ Rex was working and as much fun as any DJ and we were lucky he was right behind us. At one point lights dimmed and staff all clapping and yelling then it came back up. People around us friendly but easier to be with others at bar rather than table together.

We ate at Docking Bay .... I think that is once and done. Nothing looked appealing at all. We went with the chicken and while the meat was good it was nothing special. The potato mixture, not sure what all was in it and the gravy was green. There was a strong spice I didn't care for. I noticed most families were not getting full meals, many kids nothing. And some were just trying the desserts. We got both. Pretty but nothing I'd get again. Chocolate one was predictable. The other .... dry unsweet popover filled with raspberry creme that tasted like yogurt. Lemon icing was fine and the swirl a strong jam. With the cake bland the other two flavors fought each other. I think long run there isn't enough indoor seating. Disappointed no coke dispensers like Satuli'.

Marketplace clever and love all the little shops but they were packed, I don't know what it will be like when fully open. Again no AC so I just wanted to move through. Long line for popcorn and at Ronto. All tables there full as well. Decor was great in that area.

The ride ........................... I wasn't pumped about another simulator ride. I wasn't happy with all the reports of folks rides ruined by pilots who didn't have a clue (and that obviously would be happening). We got in and handed Pilot. Ummmm. DS plays video games well but not flying. I turned and we were with two couples. I asked who is a gamer. The one couple didn't say a word and the guy in back lit up and said something like "I can be pilot?" Yes. I told them to switch with us and he can drive and we'll be engineers. Sitting in back was perfect for DS. Well this guy was awesome, we had a super ride and def got a thanks. I don't know why folks don't understand what to do the buttons you need to push light up. Even DS was doing it. Impressive. The screen was great and honestly Star Tours is looking like a mall simulator. We got to ride again because a very nice couple saw us sitting in shade trying to regroup and offered us a paper FP+ they were not going to use. So excited because DS wanted to go. This time we had a couple young girls who had requested Pilot and a father/daughter. We got gunner. DS liked the back seat and I know we'll be back so I asked the father/daughter if they want gunner they could have we didn't care. They were happy because they had already been engineers. The girls did pretty well. They hit lots of stuff but we got through without any huge crashes. From 12:30-4:30 while we were there the line was 60, 65, 80 and 120 minutes long. If this is an indicator ... FOP will look like a cake walk. I can't imagine First Order.

Out was Chewie (organized interaction), Rey, Kylo and two Storm Troopers. All animatronics were working.

PLUSES: They built with huge wide walkways and open spaces, unlike Pandora. It should handle crowds better. / Lots of cast members with great costumes and they stay in character ... that makes a difference. / Water stations for free / Lots of places to sit. / 4:30 at Muppets Shop they still had plenty of everything. Shirts were in huge piles on multiple counters, boxes full of everything else. I opted for just the hat for DS2, he wanted tshirt but they were cheap feeling.

CONS: Limited A/C / Oga's is going to be packed so hoping they find a way to add another draw ... I mean they are rolling in money in there / Limited food choices - I don't see us eating there again and maybe that is the plan to push us out elsewhere.

Everyone enjoy! :chewy:
 
I will echo the two posts above! This was an absolutely amazing experience tonight. The land was empty after 7pm ish. We, too, ride the MF many times. We loved it. The theming was really incredible. Glad we got to see it in the day and at night. Oga’s was great (drinks were not! Way too sweet and tiny!), Blue milk was a refreshing hit. Seeing Chewie hanging out in front of the MF was like a dream come true! One unexpected (extremely positive) surprise were the castmembers! The stayed completely in character, knew lots of Star Wars stuff and made it really fun. Wonderful job! It was weird coming back out that tunnel at 9pm- you truly did forget you were at HS. We spent 4 1/2 hours there, did everything we wanted but probably missed some details and I think I would have enjoyed talking to the CMs even more. Easily could be a full day experience. I wish Star Wars has been its own park entirely. But this was really an incredible experience. Sooo grateful and happy to have had this opportunity!
 
What an amazing day today at SWGE!

We had 9am-1pm reservation with Oga’s option. Since today was also an EMH morning at DHS, I was concerned about security lines, etc. To ease my anxiety, we took the 7am bus from WL. Everything proceeded in accordance with others “just back reports” from the day before. A minor hiccup was that Oga’s didn’t send return time cards to check-in yet so we were held to side. I was really bummed bc we lost our spot being so close to front of line in tunnel. Plus, they told us if land opened that we couldn’t go in yet bc we wouldn’t be able to get into Oga’s. But, it sort of worked out bc cards arrived before the land opened and they allowed Oga’s line to join in on side versus going to the back of line through tunnel.

At land open time, MFSR took less than 15 minutes. We were pilot right, pilot left and gunner (we asked for these based on CM recommendations). Hondo was working fine this morning in MFSR. Oga’s return time was 9am ... had to wait about 5-10 minutes b4 they took us in for our reservation (we were placed standing bar side). Overall, was not impressed with offerings at Oga’s, and definitely not at 9am in morning. My DD got Oga’s Obsession. It was like Powerade in jello form with liquid bursting pearl beads. After, Oga’s (around 9:40-ish) MFSR posted time was 50 minutes. But, while taking PhotoPass in front of MF, time dropped to 25 minutes so we rode again. DD used Play Disney Parks app this time in spaceport (MFSR queue).

Ate at Rhonto Roasters. The sausage wrap was delicious. It had a little spice kick but not bad, my DD ate it.

My DD made a droid next (Resistance BB series). This was one of the best things we did this morning. She had a blast and absolutely loves it! No AP discount on droid but yes discount on accessories for droid (eg, personality chips). Droid backpacks were still out of stock ... waiting for the next cargo ship and they didn’t know when they might be back in stock. As an aside, the Loungefly backpack in Droid shop was cute. Also, took lots of pics with R2D2 in shop.

My DD interacted with Stormtroopers, she had a great interaction with Sabine from Clone Wars, and a nice time with Rey and Chewy. Rey posed for pictures with DD, so DD was super excited.

Learned later from some CMs, that on MFSR gunner position, you can pick whether to fire in manual mode. You can then apparently see your shooting percentages, etc. — so can be competitive with other gunner if you know each other. As right pilot, taking MF into hyperdrive was fun (also steering up and down) but left pilot (moving MF left and right) had more impact on ship.

We did everything we wanted, including browsing stores, by 11:45-ish. So left around noon.

So super exited to have done this today. Many thanks to these boards and all the great folks for posting link for reservation, S well as providing great advice and commentary.
 
Just wanted to post our experience from last night’s 5-9 viewing. My daughter and I arrived at 3:55 for our 5:00 preview. They starting letting the line in at 4:10. After showing ID having our bands scanned, we went to the right side to get out Cantina return time which was 4:25. We walked into the land and had our photo taken with the red and blue cruisers. They both had two photopass workers so the already short lines moved quickly. Please note- we are not up to date on the new movies so the names of thing will be missing. We immediately saw Rey our and about hiding from the troopers which were roaming about. We must have looked lost because a cast member asked us “travelers” if we needed any help finding anything. We were directed to the cantina line in which they took our name and then called us five minutes later to go in. Cantina was AMAZIING! Lively and crowded- just as it should have been. My daughter and I stood at the bar. She had two of the kid friendly drinks. The citrus one tasted like straight up OJ - not impressed. The drinks I had were the something other Rum Fiz— it was really good, and then the drink that comes in the glass for $45. I did not pay$45 to keep the glass- I paid $15 for the drink. I liked the first drink better. We also ate the Jello with bursting balls in it. It was fun and decent. Would have been great to have been able to order some bar type food - but there was none. Probably best —to keep people moving in and out. We were told two drinks each and 45 minutes as instructions when we went in. No one checked our times and people were definitely having more than two. We actually were there about 40 minutes and had two drinks each. Service was good. We then went to thenride ans waited about 50 minutes. We then got in line and waited 30 minutes. First time we were gunners, second time pilots. Later in the night - about 8:00 the ride was a walk on and we rode two more times- Engineers and then we swapped with kids in our group so they could be pilots. Pilots is by far the most interactive position. It is difficult in our opinion to have other roles and actually watch out the windows to what is really happening. We spent time in the market place- very cool! We had popcorn and droid soda. Popcorn was good and interesting. Water bottle stations were nice and one was actually interactive. We went into the droid shop but did not build. We went into other stoes as well.. and the Star Wars fans will not be disappointed! Lots of amazing merchandise- including housewares. We stayed until 8:50 so we could beat the Fantasmic crowds out of the park. It was a great evening with perfect crowd level and weather. Disney nailed the preview!
 
For the 5-9 slot on Sunday, we got there at 5:15. Spent the first hour or so wandering around checking everything out. They had plenty of merch, a lot of items have a purchase limit. Initial reaction was that it was extremely realistic and felt truly like an immersive land, but not enough shaded areas. We were drenched in sweat and it was early evening.

We looked into standby at Oga’s but it was too crowded. Every shop and eatery had a line but they moved fairly quick. Grabbed a Ronto Wrap and a Coruscant Cooler. The wrap was pretty good if overpriced (as expected). I could have easily had two of them but held back to spend more credits elsewhere. The cooler was refreshing and turned out to be a favorite alcoholic beverage in the land.

Ventured back through the market, took some pictures, then meandered on over to MFSR. Posted wait was over an hour, silently cursed everyone staying past their allotted time (it’s rude and counter productive to the entire process whether you want to acknowledge that or not), and got in line.

The posted time was accurate, we ended up as gunners. An hour later we stumbled out slightly dizzy and disoriented. Was it worth the wait? Ehhh I wouldn’t wait again. I haven’t seen anyone mention it so maybe I’m alone but the ride made me feel a bit sick. Like Mission Space orange line.

We swung by Oga’s again and the cast member seemed optimistic that the crowd was moving and we could get in line for stand by. Very exciting surprise. We waited maybe 5 minutes before being led to a tiny spot at the bar. Squeezed in and ordered Black Spire Brew, Jet Juice, Slug Slinger, and Batuu Bits. The brew and bits were our favs. The vibe in Oga’s was very cool, I really wish it was a full blown restaurant.

After this we wandered a bit more and ended up back at MFSR. Now with only a 20 minute wait! We felt like we basically walked on the ride by the time we got through the queue. This time around we were pilots and enjoyed the ride so much better. I still felt a bit dizzy/queasy afterward. The ship seemed a bit hot inside? Maybe it was just me. Maybe it was just a long day in the sun. But nevertheless the ride is vastly different depending on your position (pilot, gunner, engineer) and I don’t know how they will manage this once it fully opens. I guess just more incentive for people to want to ride again to get a different experience. After going through it twice though I def prefer sitting up front.

At this time, a bit past 8pm, the area was fairly emptied out. It was nice to explore in the dark getting a completely different feel for the land. I can’t emphasize enough how excellent of a job they did making this feel completely immersive. Truly feels like another world. The attention to detail is amazing. We spent the rest our time just walking around taking it in. There was no wait for MFSR at this point so if you are in there definitely consider staying till the end. Don’t get too discouraged if the posted wait time is high earlier in the day, I believe it will substantially drop come 8.

Overall we loved it and look forward to droid building and light sabers next visit. I’ll probably pass on MFSR though. Disney succeeded in making a great land where the highlight to me was not the ride itself and I could thoroughly enjoy just being present in the land. We are glad we came to the preview, it was nice to take our time walking around without the crowds.
 
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Easily could be a full day experience. I wish Star Wars has been its own park entirely. But this was really an incredible experience.

THIS!

Honestly if it weren’t for the heat we could have stayed hours more. No doubt in my mind with all the tremendous material in those movies this could be a stand alone park. Each land a different location. You didn’t have to know much about SW to be blown away and enjoy.

They should have skipped inserting this in to Disneyland and used a chunk of land here for full park. It would’ve been a destination from all around the world.
 
Bright Suns!

I have not read through all the posts, so I may be sharing a few tips that others have already mentioned...

We had the 9-1 spot on Saturday 8/17 and they did let us in a bit early (8:30 ish). We actually arrived at the park WAY early...7am. The only benefit was our chance meeting with Adam the Woo 8-) We probably could have slept another hour - but we really enjoyed the people we were in line with. Everyone was excited and smiling! It was just a great place to be on a Saturday morning.

We had the Oga's option and we did have to show our id's, passholder card and printed out email when we went up to get our return time. We were given a card for 9am and told that "no" we could not pick a later time. Other's were told that 9am was the only time available...not sure how that worked LOL.

When they decided to let us in, everyone was cheering and excited. Castmembers were lined up, waving, and calling out "Bright Suns." All the castmembers we met throughout our time in Galaxy's Edge appeared genuinely excited to be there and were very engaged with the "travelers." We stopped often to take quick pictures as we moved with the crowd towards the Millenium Falcon.

As we passed the Cantina, we figured that we might as well see if we could check in. We were walked in and up to a nearly empty bar. We were given one menu (the breakfast menu)...and so here is a BIG tip...if they only give you the breakfast menu, BE SURE TO ASK IF THERE IS ANOTHER MENU! Even though I had read that the Lunch/Dinner menu items were available, I was still feeling a bit "star struck" and didn't think things through. Thus, our first drink was from the (not very exciting) Breakfast menu. We both got the Black Spire Brew...which was ok. We also enjoyed the Mustafarian Lava Roll. Which was also - just ok. We got the second menu while drinking our first drinks. My husband, being a coffee guy, decided to stick with the Breakfast side and get the Spiran Caf. I don't think he would get it again. I went for the Jedi Mind Trick - and instantly regretted it BECAUSE even though they were not listed on the menu, they had some of the souvenir mugs!!!!! GAH! Again ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU ORDER!!!! LOL I expressed my frustration and regret to our bartender who said that yes, they did have to stick to the 2 drink maximum and that unfortunately I could not get the Yub Nub with the souvenir cup to go. We told him we COMPLETELY understood and we were honestly not upset because we have plans to be back at least 2 more times over the next year. We were wrapping up and ready to pay...and our lovely bartender came back and informed me that he talked with his "Supreme Commander" and was given authorization to allow us the extra drink (and souvenir cup) as a "to go" drink. I am pretty sure he got a really good tip from my husband :-). I will say that Yub Nub was also my FAVORITE drink. I, of course, do not recommend that anyone TRY for a 3rd drink. I think he recognized the situation and we were given a little extra Pixie Dust for the morning :-) (Is it still Pixie Dust in Black Spire?!) Again, just make sure you ask about souvenir mugs and additional menus BEFORE you order :-).

We left Oga's at around 9:15am and felt like we had ALL THE TIME in the world. Of course we didn't...and the next few hours went by fast!!!! We hit the Antiquities shop...This was a favorite! Be sure to really spend some time in here, expecially if you walk in and it's nearly empty! Our second trip in was CRAZY BUSY and it's not as enjoyable when it's packed with people. I'll also encourage those with strollers to consider leaving them outside and carry your child...it's a small space and I noticed many parents with highly frustrated looks on their faces as they attempted to manuever around the store.

We checked out several of the smaller shops, purchased way too much, and built a Droid. We were still within the first couple hours and we walked right in at the Droid Depot. My husband said that was one of his favorite experiences of the trip. At 10:30 we hit the line for Smugglers Run. I believe the posted time was 35 or 45 minutes and we were in and out within 25 minutes. When we got off the ride, it was definitely noticeable that the next group of travelers had arrived for their slot 11-3 timeframe :-).

Smugglers Run - SO MUCH FUN!!!!!! I will no longer do Star Tours because it makes me feel sick...I can do Soarin' without a problem. I have yet to ride the Banshee... I did have a moment about half way through where I felt a little off. I was able to center myself and enjoy the rest of the ride. The castmember was allowing people to wait for certain roles when we were there. We opted to be gunners for the couple in front of us who wanted to be pilots. Another couple volunteered to be our Engineers and the 6 of us had a great time together! I am not sure if your could have a "bad crew" but our crew genuinely had a great time together.

Another tip, hit EVERY Photo-pass you see! They lines were quick and they all did magic shots. Some of the photogs were AMAZING! One particular one we watched at Millenium Falcon really took LOTS of time with each person. They were all fun and we got some great pics!

Blue Milk - We tried it...with rum! And it was REALLY GOOD!!!! A castmember told us that blue was best...unless we liked the taste of grass ;-).

Ronto Wrap - We did the lunch version...it was good. I would eat it again. I kind of wish we would have tried the breakfast version too.

Souvenirs - So many amazing things!!!!! My best find was the Japor Snippet necklace. LOVE IT!! My husband had a hard time not walking out with a lightsaber...but we have to save SOMETHING for the next trip ;-).

Characters - we saw Kylo once, Rey briefly, Storm Troopers often. We did see Vi Moradi a few times roaming around, but we didn't chat with her. No Chewy this time around (But we were told he was proud of us at the end of our mission on Smugglers Run! HA)

Overall...our impression was that this was such an amazing and totally immersive experience! For two old school Star Wars fans, this was something we could have never imagined possible. My husband definitely channeled his 8 year old self...and we both were geeking out the entire time. We are so excited to go back during our Oct/Nov trip...and both of our adult children are itching to come with us for a future trip :-)

I hope my tips and suggestions were helpful for any future travelers!
 












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