This weekend was a holiday weekend and the unofficial start to summer. Schools are getting ready to end for the year and Disneyland is bracing for a large onslaught of summer tourists. The most popular spot this summer is going to be Star War’s Galaxy Edge, the new addition to Disneyland Park. On a very last minute one day trip to the park this past weekend, I learned from some close friends that the Cast Member previews have been going well.
The same procedures for the Cast Member previews are going to be in use when the land officially opens to its first set of Guests beginning May 31. What are these procedures? Keep reading to find out more. Before going on further, please note that if you were unable to obtain a no-cost reservation to the land by either through the Disneyland App or by having a hotel reservation at the Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier Hotel or Grand Californian Hotel, you are at the moment going to have to wait until after June 24.
Check In Procedures
If you already have a reservation for the land, great! You will also need to ensure you have a valid ticket or admission to Disneyland Park for that day as well. You will have likely already received the e-mail, but on the day of your reservation, you will be required to check in with a Disneyland Cast Member 2 hours before the beginning of your reservation. The check in point is currently slated to be in Tomorrowland by the Star Wars Launch Bay, across from the Tomorrowland Terrace.
You must have all members of your party present with government issued photo IDs for anyone in your party over the age of 18. Make sure you have the QR code from your reservation or e-mail confirmation as well. When you made your reservation you were asked what members of your party would be with you. The names on the reservation must match the IDs of the people in your party.
The Cast Member will issue you a wristband with the 4 hour window you can visit the land. Each wristband has to be on you and is unique to your time slot. There are two entrances into the land that are going to be used, the Cast Member will let you know where to head. For the Cast member previews, only one entrance and two exit areas were used. It is my guess that the entrance will be by the Hungry Bear Restaurant or the on by Big Thunder Railroad.
Disneyland Park is going to allow guests with reservations beginning at 8 am into the Tomorrowland area as early as 6 am every morning. No other areas of the park are going to be accessible, however, until the park opens at the designated time. Once your 4 hours are up, you will not be allowed into the land and will be asked to leave. Trust me when I say they are experts are clearing out the land!
The Line Up
Once you have checked in, don’t worry about lining up an hour before your time. Enjoy Disneyland! The earliest you will be able to get in is your designated time. The line to get in moves swiftly (from Cast Member accounts). You will again be asked to show your wristband, QR code and government issued ID.
What to Expect
I have heard the land is a place where it feels separate from the rest of Disneyland. The Cast Members working in Galaxy Edge have been hand picked and trained to ensure you have the full Star Wars experience. You can expect long lines for the one attraction, Smuggler’s Run, as well as long lines for the Cantina and the shops. I have been told the merchandise is spread out with the most expensive item being a $25,000 R2D2 unit.
My friends have had mixed reviews of either loving the land or hating it. I’m going in myself with no expectations. I have been warned that the Smuggler’s Run attraction can be similar to the Star Tours attraction in that it is very immersive. I can’t wait to take pictures next month and share them with you all. Disneyland has been strict about having Cast members put their phones and any smart watch or other technology items in sealed plastic bags to ensure there are no early spoilers.
Wrapping Up
If you do not have a reservation, don’t fear. After June 24, everybody will be allowed in until Galaxy Edge hits capacity. When the sister land opens in Disneyworld this fall, you can expect it to help relieve some of the burden of Disneyland. I personally would recommend waiting until after summer, but if you can’t wait, make sure you pack your patience. Hope this guide helps you! Until next time, happy travels!