Strolling Through the (Theme) Park One Day: Star Wars Launch Bay!

Galaxy's Edge from the Mark Twain, photo by the author.

Thursday, I spent most of the morning at DCA with Pixar Pier. The sun was coming down and there is little shade at DCA. It was noon when I headed over to Disneyland. My foot steps were at trudging speed. I was looking for a place to eat and ended up at French Market with it’s refreshing Mint Julep. From there, I went down to Country Bear Restaurant which had a great view of Galaxy’s Edge, the opposite of the parking structure, but of course I saw the Mark Twain riverboat which is of course elevated. When I rounded the Rivers of America, the Mark Twain was about to depart, so I went up the stairs to reach the top level. This was more relaxing than trying to get a good shot at the parking structure. 

Pine trees block most of the view from the left edge, but some of the spires peek out. Some taller spires with construction platforms are behind the bridge of the railroad. Also, a large domed building possibly the Cantina. Place names were revealed for Galaxy’s Edge, it looks the Ancient Ruins will be at the far left of the park, the entrance across from Big Thunder Mountain in Disneyland, this will enable a transition from Frontierland to Galaxy’s Edge. The description says, “Remains of an ancient settlement. Perfect hideout for the Resistance.” I think the Resistance base is to the side and X-Wings and an A-Wing to the right from what I remember from the D23 diorama. This is the site of the Stormtrooper Battle Escape attraction. There is a road that is called Savi’s Path. I think this leads to the Surabat River Valley, the map says, “Navigate with caution. Treacherous turns!”

The path though leads away from the valley. This goes to Black Spire Station with the advice, “Salju will help you find the part you need.” It looks like droids are there to repair speeders or ships. It looks like Savi’s Path reaches the Saka Homestead that notes “Find blue milk at Bantha Tracks in the marketplace.” I think this is where the petting zoo is found. Central to the village is the Cantina, it is a large, dome-like building which is below a landed starship and caves. DJ Rex can be found there. The guide points out, "Local watering hole. Try the Blurrgfire.” 

Millennium Falcon model at Star Wars: Launch Bay, photo by the author.

It also leads to Smuggler’s Alley. There is a mass of buildings, but I think next is Docking Bay 7, “Food and Cargo – Food freighters come and go with tasty fare”, and to the right is the next entrance, which is next to Fantasyland in Disneyland, and Docking Bay 9 with the warning, “Stay clear! First Order troopers spotted…” which also leads to Merchant Row. At the far end is the Spaceport, “Hondo’s base of operations. He’s always in need of a crew.” The Millennium Falcon is there so this must be where the attraction queues up. 

Star Wars Launch Bay is in Tomorrowland. I was headed there to meet Rey. There are two showcase displays with Rogue One replaced by Last Jedi. Nothing from Solo. On the left hand side is a First Order display. There is the First Order Fleet Gunner Helmet, a model of the Resurgent-class Star Destroyer from Last Jedi, and below it is a model of Kylo Ren’s TIE Silencer. In the center is the large model of the First Order TIE fighter and below it is a Canto Bight Police Pistol. To the right is the model of the AT-M6 and above it is prop of the Praetorian Guard Whip. 

On the right hand display is the Resistance with a small model of the Resistance Bomber and the prop of Poe’s Blaster Pistol above it is a medium sized model of the Millennium Falcon. Next to it is a small Resistance Ski Speeder model and below it is the prop of Rose Tico’s Medallion. The other side has a Resistance A-Wing Pilot Helmet with a prop of Resistance Blaster Rifle. The helmets are weak with uniforms with the previous movies. The next room is a screen with three benches to show a video featuring Kathleen Kennedy saying how much she and everyone at Lucasfilm loves Star Wars. Rian Johnson heads over to the Galaxy’s Edge construction site and Dave Filoni talks about concluding Star Wars: Rebels.

Rey character at the Rey Meet and Greet, photo by the author.

The next sections had Slave-I, Clone Wars ships, a Rebel section with the Tantive IV and Ghost models with a X-Wing pilot uniform. The Imperial section has Krennic’s shuttle, Kylo Ren’s shuttle, Star Destroyer and TIE fighter models. There are four meet and greets now. It was just two characters before. New for me was Rey with Chewbacca on the other side. There were Jedi lightsaber and pilot helmet displays. There is a tactical screen in the rocky temple-like setting. Rey looks spot on even comparing her to Daisy Ridley photos. The reason why is that characters that are not covered have to have approval. I’m not certain if that is studio or actor approval. 

She has her staff and was completely charming, but I was worried about my cell phone. I like the Chewie meet and greet, Darth Vader and Kylo Ren are up there too, but Rey was cool. This was a must for me since it was February when I last went to the Launch Bay. Nothing for Solo. It may be like Last Jedi that the cycle goes for a half year to bring new film displays. Launch Bay is worth it just for the character meet and greets. I recommend the Max Pass for ease of having the Photo Pass photos and downloading them. I hope everyone likes the Galaxy’s Edge photos from Hungry Bear and Mark Twain.

#Disneyland, #GalaxysEdge, #StarWarsLaunchBay, #Rey