Trip Report from 8am Reservation Opening Day:
We were allowed into the park very early (5:40am) and were escorted via backstage to Launch Bay. I thought this was very smooth. When they began issuing wrist bands at 6:00 the line moved very quickly. We were then lined up adjacent to Matterhorn/Nem area and waited there until 7:40 when the line was walked (briskly, but no one was pushing) all the way to Galaxy’s Edge. There was NO scanning of bands, but this may be just because of the massive excitement. We were asked to have bands held high and visible, but honestly there were too many people and we were walking too quickly for them to have noticed if someone wasn’t credentialed. I must say, I appreciated it because we were in the Batuu before 8am. The entire route was lined with cast members there to enjoy the opening day festivities, which added to the build up.
Once in the land, we made our way immediately to the Cantina where we were in the initial seating/group. I do NOT recommend being led to the in between tables (not at the bar and not in a booth) because you get lost in the shuffle. The theming was like nothing I had every seen before, but without the interaction of the bartenders, it was lacking and the service was terrible. We went with it and downed our drink before leaving (total of 40 minutes to get served 1 drink). Others were served much faster.
We then went for shopping in the Den of Antiquities, but wish we had gone to Savi’s. The cost of a legacy lightsaber after adding the blade and stand was more than going to Savi’s and you didn’t get a case to carry, which made walking with a bag to insufficiently support the blade box really awkward. We actually returned my husband’s lightsaber to try Savi’s next time instead.
By then, the line to ride the Falcon was only 30 minutes, so we jumped at the chance. As has been said, the theming in the line is awesome, but I’d be good doing singe rider in the future. The boarding areas are really where it’s at! We had a toddler who was given the pilot seat. Cast members, PLEASE don’t do that to other people. It made for a really jolting experience to say the least. BUT, it was still fun and we had a blast.
From there, we had mobile ordered a wrap, which was delicious and took to the streets to take it all in. We had tremendous interaction with the residents of Batuu because we were Star Wars bound. Everyone will talk to you, pleased with your efforts.
Next, we built a droid before they let in the 11am group and our little “R-13” is incredibly fun to interact with. I have to say, I love the controller because it’s super easy to use! He can rollturn/chirp all at the same time! TIP: Pick out your added items BEFORE you get in line. This includes the personality chip, backpack (which they had when we asked them to check in back for us), etc. The build experience was my daughter’s favorite and the moment when your droid comes to life is quite a treat.
In the back of droid depot is R2. Easy to miss, so go visit with him. He and I had quite the chat and he even followed me around the store a bit. Again, because of the Star Wars Bound outfit and talking to him in character, the cast member working his controls really got into it!
We ended the visit with another walk around the park and were rewarded with the best interactions with characters: Rey (who asked me if I would spy for her because I was Rey Bound), Chewbacca (he acted afraid of my Diet Coke bomb) and the Kylo Ren show (11:45 for us).
All in all, I am stunned that the land is already in such great shape for a soft opening. As for the opening day merch, we purchased AP limited edition pins and shirts in the afternoon. No problems getting items, but it wasn’t super exclusive.
I can’t tell you about the app play because mine wasn’t working. Even after reinstalling after latest update. Next time!
Can’t wait to go back! I hope this helps you all plan wonderful visits. Til the Spires.