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Reservations now open for Galaxy’s Edge Experiences

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Reservations are now open for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Experiences!
All the info on how to book these ‘out of this world’ experiences is below…

If you’re planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning Aug. 29, 2019, you can now make reservations for several galactic experiences.

Whether it’s customizing your own legendary lightsaber, building a droid at Black Spire Outpost’s industrial depot or hanging out at Oga’s Cantina, there’s much to explore as you become part of the Star Wars story.

Craft a Lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop – Constructing a lightsaber is a rite of passage in the life of a Jedi, as this elegant weapon from a more civilized age is attuned to its wielder through the Force. Inside Savi’s Workshop, you will feel the presence of the Force as you craft your own lightsabers, customizing them with various hilts, accessories and the all-important kyber crystals.

For the Savi’s Workshop experience, there will be limited walk-up availability but reservations are highly recommended. A credit card deposit of $199 is required for each reservation. Cancellations can be made up to the day before without penalty; any no-shows will be charged the full price of the experience. Guests can also bring one guest to observe the experience. 

Build a Droid Inside the Droid Depot – Droids can be some of the most loyal companions in the entire Star Wars galaxy, and now you can have the chance to build and customize your own astromech friends at the Droid Depot. Patrons pick pieces and parts off a conveyor belt to construct one of two core models (R-series or BB-series), which can then interact with elements throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

At Droid Depot, reservations are highly recommended and there will be limited walk-up availability. Cancellations can be made up to the day before without penalty; any no-shows will be charged the full price of the experience. Guests may also bring one person along for the build experience.

A father holds a droid as his daughter tightens a screw

Hang Out at Oga’s Cantina – Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the notorious watering hole where smugglers, bounty hunters, and weary travelers of all ages can come partake in some out-of-this-world refreshments. To make trip planning easier, Oga’s Cantina will follow the 180-day reservation process currently offered for restaurants and experiences requiring reservations. While there will be limited walk-up availability, reservations are highly recommended. And like our other experiences, cancellations can be made up to the day before without penalty; however, any no-shows will be charged.

Reservations for the experiences above can now be made through My Disney Experience app or on www.mydisneyexperience.co.uk. Reservations will be available for dates up to 180 days out.

*Reservations for the above experiences in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are highly recommended. Walk-up availability may be limited.

Smiles Included,

Abby

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Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has an opening date!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We now have opening dates for the most anticipated land in a Disney park everrrr!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is opening on the 29th August 2019 at Hollywood Studios Orlando (and 31st May at the California park) A lot sooner than we expected to be honest!

Disney have said that the lands are debuting early due to ‘high guest interest’ however there are a few differences with this opening than past debuts (such as Toy Story Land and Pandora).. Disney are opening Galaxy’s Edge in what they’re calling ‘phases’.
On opening day of ‘phase 1’ guests will be able to experience Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run, try out all the food and drink and shop til they drop in the merchant stalls. It won’t be until phase 2 though that guests will be able to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance which is opening ‘later this year’ do you think this is a good idea by Disney or is ‘the most ambitious, immersive and advanced attraction ever imagined that will put guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance and will blur the lines between fantasy and reality.’ just not going to be ready for the opening dates?

If you’re planning on visiting the Disneyland park for the opening in May, on top of your valid theme park admission you will be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability to access the land. Information on how to make a reservation will be available at a later date.
Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels during these dates will receive a designated reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay (one reservation per registered guest); valid theme park admission is required.

But more importantly, a reservation will not be offered or required to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the Walt Disney World Resort at this time. At the moment all you’ll need is your admission and you’ll have to bear in mind that capacity is limited. I can already picture peeps camping outside days before the opening!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios WILL be available during extra magic hours though. During Extra Magic Hours guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can spend extra time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios enjoying select attractions.  Details will also be available at a later date.

Here are some tips that Disney have shared to help with planning..

Park Admission: Regular theme park admission is required to enter Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There will not be a separate ticket for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.   To visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park between May 31 and June 23, 2019, guests will need valid theme park admission and will be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, to access the land.  We’ll share information on how to make a reservation at a later date.

Land Entry: Because we anticipate galactic excitement during the opening months this year, we are planning ahead to deliver the best possible experiences for our guests.  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be open during normal park operating hours. It will not be included in Extra Magic Hour or Magic Morning at Disneyland Park.  It will be available during Extra Magic Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Attractions: For your vacation planning purposes, please be aware that Disney FASTPASS service, including access via Disney MaxPass, (at Disneyland park) and Disney FastPass+ service (at Disney’s Hollywood Studios) will not initially be offered at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. We will continually evaluate our operations and services in order to help provide a great guest experience.

Planning: You should also note that vacation packages, park tickets and Disney Resort hotel stays do not guarantee access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  The land —including participation in its experiences—will be subject to capacity restraints and other restrictions.

In a post by Attractions Magazine it looks as though the height requirements have been released too – ‘Height requirements for both rides were also released. At Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, guests must be 38 inches or taller to ride. Once it opens, guests must be 40 inches or taller to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.’

Check out this new video for more details:

Now we have an opening date you better get planning!! 😉

Smiles Included,

Abby

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in-park images, Food and Merch coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

So we said yesterday that Disney were going to be releasing more information on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and we’ve got a hell of a lot to show you!

New ‘in park’ imaged as some concept art have been released which show different locations, shops, dining and more. Let’s take a look..

new village illustration!

This is a multi-purpose transport shuttle which looks as though it is docked on top of a large hangar
  • This is a chess room that will be found in the queue for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  • Tunnels that guests will walk through in

    the queue line for Smugglers Run
  • Guests will be able to build their own droids at the droid depot

This location will be called Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities and will feature rare items from across the galaxy. Guests will be able to get their hands on holocrons, ancient Jedi and Sith artifacts, lightsabers and more.
Guests will also be able to walk through the corridors of a Star Destroyer on their way to the Rise of the Resistance attraction

We’ve also got some images and descriptions of the food you will be able to re-charge on when visiting Batuu!

These ‘out of this world’ looking food and beverages can be found at
Oga’s Cantina and the Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Beverages.

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Beverages.

  • Braised Shaak Roast

  • Endorian Tip-Yip

  • Felucian Garden

  • Ithorian Garden Loaf

  • Kaadu Ribs

  • Oven-Roasted Burra Fish

  • Yobshrimp Noodle Salad

  • Oven-Roasted Tip-Yip

For dessert guests will be able to choose between a raspberry créme puff with passion fruit mousse (left) or chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard (right).

The Phattro and Moof Juice (Non-Alcoholic)

Oga’s Cantina

Here are some drinks that can be found at Oga’s Cantina


Carbon Freeze, Oga’s Obsession, and Cliff Dweller (Non-Alcoholic)

The Outer Rim, Bespin Fizz, Yup Nub, and Fuzzy Tauntaun (Alcoholic)
These are breakfast beverages.
From left to right: Moogan Tea, Blue Bantha, Bloody Rancor (contains alcohol), and the Black Spire Brew.

Other food and drink that you’ll be able to find in Black Spire Outpost

  • Blue and Green Milk

  • The Outpost Mix

  • Ronto Wrap, Turkey Jerky and Meiloorun Juice

Merchandise

Just like at WWOHP at Universal Orlando you’ll be able to get your hands on loads of immersive merchandise and apparel. Here’s a first look at some of the merch up for grabs.

Apparel

Jedi outfits for the whole family

Personally, I think these are THE coolest ^^

Merch



At Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities guests can find loads of rare and unique items, including these Jedi artifacts.
You will be able to find Holocrons, relics left behind by the Sith and Kyber crystals can unlock even more content in both the Jedi and Sith Holocrons. These look expensive!

  • Creatures

  • Artisan-Style Toys

The Toydarian Toymaker stall in Black Spire Outpost will offer a line of artisan-style plush characters, wood and tin toys, as well as musical instruments and the Creature Stall will offer creatures from all over the galaxy, including porgs, tauntauns, and more.

  • Custom Lightsabers
  • Custom droids

Savi’s Workshop is where guests can craft their very own lightsaber – guided by ancient wisdom, but crafted based upon the decisions they make on their adventure. Each build will start with a personal connection to a cyber crystal that will ignite the lightsaber. – How cool!
Guests can also stop by the Droid Depot to build their own R-series or BB-series droids that will be their friend throughout the village of Black Spire Outpost.

Now we have more information on what to expect from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge which is opening at Hollywood Studios this Fall (with the California one opening in summer) i’m more excited than ever to step into the world of Star Wars!

Smiles Included,

Abby

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Disney Release New Details About Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Hey Thrill Seekers,

For anyone who lives in a bubble, Disney will be opening their largest ever single land development in the fall of this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be set on the planet of Batuu, visitors will be exploring the community of the Black Spire Outpost, home to some of the most notorious characters in the galaxy.

Today Disney have confirmed a few more details about where you rebels can grab a bite to eat and some of the places you can spend your hard earned credits.

Food

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs has traveled throughout the galaxy following his longtime gig as the chef at Maz Kanata’s castle on Takodana and brings exotic flavors and unusual dishes to his traveling diner “Tuggs’ Grub.”

Ronto Roasters – A recycled podracing engine fires up a spit of exotic meats, meticulously turned by a former smelter droid, 8D-J8. Guests can even sample some of the tasty Ronto fare.

Milk Stand – The place to go to get your farm-fresh blue milk or green milk, direct from Bubo Wamba Family Farms.

Kat Saka’s Kettle – One of the many street market stalls, this grain vendor sells the ever-popular Outpost Mix (blend of sweet, savory and spicy popcorn).

Stores/Market Places

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities – For those in the know, Dok-Ondar is the Ithorian you seek for selling and buying rare and uniquely-valued items from across the galaxy and spanning all eras.

Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers – Guests come to the workshop to meet with the Gatherers – a secretive group of people who have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of Jedi lore and the Force. The workshop Master guides guests to customize and build their own unique lightsabers, and instructs them on the ways of the Jedi.

Droid Depot – Visitors to Mubo’s workshop can choose parts and construct their own individual astromech droids to accompany them on their journey, and then take them home with them.

First Order Cargo – A spaceport hangar bay serves as the temporary base and landing spot for the First Order. First Order officers have brought in crates of gear, uniforms and other supplies to win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors to Black Spire Outpost.

Resistance Supply – Resistance members and local sympathizers oversee a makeshift stall that supplies Resistance uniforms, pins, badges, hats, helmets, jackets, maps, tools, training supplies, food rations and other items.

There are also several market stalls which sell a variety of merchandise such as:

  • Toydarian Toymaker (toys)
  • Creature Stall (interesting critters that you can take home with you)
  • Black Spire Outfitters (clothing)
  • The Jewels of Bith (accessories and other trinkets to treasure)

We expect to hear more news today from Disney including some of the food and beverage offerings that will be served in Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo and how the Disney cast members’ costumes will play a big part in bringing the inhabitants of this outpost to life

Smiles included…

Jamie

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Everything we know about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Last week I wrote about all of the new details we have learned about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and yesterday some anonymous sources leaked information to Attractions Magazine, especially about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and it’s sooooo cool!

I mentioned in my last post that it sounds as though there was going to be 2 parts to the attraction – a different ride vehicle for each part with a trackless section and this now appears to be true. Lets see what we have discovered from the leaked information..

Pleaseeee be aware that this hasn’t been confirmed by Disney so is still purely rumours and the below contains a hell of a lot of SPOILERS.

There is a blue transport ship currently on display at Hollywood Studios which has also previously been featured in other displays and art concepts. It is said that guests will be loaded on to this ship (first ride vehicle) which will then spin 180 degrees. Large screens and sound effects will make guests feel as though they are taking off from planet Batuu into space. During this journey the whole entire ship will be taken over by the First Order who will ensure the ship lands inside one of their Star Destroyer Hangars.

It sounds like guests will then be treated just like real rebels by The First Order as they exit into the hangar they will be told to ‘move along’ whilst trying to take in their surroundings – animatronic stormtroopers, TIE fighters and even a view of space. This will be one of the largest rooms in the attraction. The First Order will then instruct guests to enter individual load rooms (12 in each room is my guess from the image of the ride vehicles) which will be themed to prison cells. Once in the prison cells a droid will give the infamous safety talk whilst keeping you up to date with the story (i know i’d definitely be paying close attention to this so that i don’t end up asking my peers ‘whats going on now’ throughout the ride!)

The 12 in each loading room will then be split into 2 groups of 6 to board two different First Order vehicles (2nd ride vehicles) which will be accompanying each other throughout the rest of the attraction and will not be separated for more than a few seconds throughout. The vehicles are going to be trackless and will navigate through 4 showrooms. It is said that no room will have more than 2 vehicles in it at a time so this means there will be eight different ride vehicles navigating at a time meaning a continuous stream of guests going through the sequence (that is if they have more than just the 8 vehicles obviously).

The first room you enter will be a blue room where a ‘rogue droid’ will hack into the First Orders system and take over control of guests vehicles which will suddenly ‘take off’ to start the escape mission. The second room will be themed to the hallways inside a Star Destroyer and guests will come face to face with Kylo Ren (animatronic Kylo Ren might i add) who will scare off the rogue guests with his lightsaber and as the ride vehicles back up they’ll take a different route into the AT-AT room which is room number 3 of 4. The buddy vehicles will separate briefly at this point as they travel up individual lifts to more than 40feet high – the AT-AT walkers will be nearly to the size scale that they are in the films (Remember this land and its attractions are all about immersiveness!) each one of the AT-AT’s will have moveable heads which can breathe fire…

The two ride vehicles will then exit the lift and pair up again as they both go under an ‘elevated area’ which will feature both Kylo Ren and General Hux (animatronics) in deep discussion about how the Resistance have come to save the guests. It sounds as thought the pair will not hear that they have company so the guests will quickly sneak away into the 4th room ‘the gun room’ which is said to not actually feature the likes of stormtroopers wondering around like the promo video. 🙁 There will however be a row of the large guns shooting off and guests will get to feel the power on the shots and recoils. There will also be screens (windows to space) showing the resistance fleet getting blasted. Guests will then come face to face with Kylo Ren once again where he will nearly grab them but a huge blast will hit the Star Destroyer just in time causing Ren to get sucked between a broken piece of the ship and the guests :O

From there the guests will get some intel from the resistance about some escape pods – the hacked vehicles will then input the coordinates supplied by the resistance and take off. Unfortunately they have one more encounter with Kylo Ren just before they can fully escape. He uses THE FORCE to keep guests still as he makes his way toward them but luckily a wall suddenly collapses which diverts his attention letting the guests escape, each vehicle will back up into its own escape pod. From there comes another twist as this ride becomes more thrilling than i ever imagined it to be since most peoples focus has been on the Millennium Falcon attraction! Apparently the escape pods are actually lift shafts that will drop guests from the highest point in the show building (remember guests are still 40feet up!), along with the addition of giant screens guests will feel like they have just blasted off into space!! It is said that there may also be windows in the escape pods which will show other ‘guests’ falling through space back to Batuu. Its still not over though as guests will take on a crash landing into an old warehouse before entering the unloading area.

How COOL does Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance sound? I know right! remember the ‘First Order vehicles’ are trackless which i think will work sooo much better than a track for the above ride concept!

Who else is now even more excited for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to open this Autumn?!

Smiles Included,

Abby

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More details arise about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We’re calmly (not really) anticipating the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s edge in Hollywood Studios and there’s a
lot we already know about Galaxy’s edge but lots of new – what may seem small – details seem to be popping up that are getting us even more excited.

The name of the planet is Batuu which was mentioned in last years Solo: A Star Wars Story. My guess is that they went with this planet because it is not widely known which allows room for all guests to feel included with the story no matter how much Star Wars knowledge you have.
We also know the name of the village – Black Spire Outpost:
The largest settlement on the planet Batuu, Black Spire Outpost is an infamous stop for traders, adventurers, and smugglers traveling around the Outer Rim and Wild Space. Off the beaten path, this outpost has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters. Widely known for the petrified remains of its once towering ancient trees, the spires now stand guard across the river valleys and plains and have long captured the imagination of travelers to this planet. To the first settlers, these petrified spires became more than just landmarks; they became the heart of the outpost itself.

Some cool new things we have found out include a shop that will feature customisable droids which can be designed by guests through an interactive experience. It is said that the droids will then react in ways that reflect their design. For example if you design a droid to be afraid of something and that something comes near it will signal fear. There is also rumours that droids owned by members of the same group may recognise each other when near – these sound expensive right?
Another shop will be run by Dok-Ondar who is a collector (mentioned in Solo) and it sounds like this character will be an animatronic in his own booth where guests will be able to interact with him, maybe for a bit of bartering on prices? 😉
As well as these two shops will be the outdoor market which is one of the exotic market places of Batuu where you can find in-universe toys and souvenirs which are said to be exclusive. Imagineers want this part to be ‘romantic and ancient’ and have visited various marketplaces in Instanbul and Morocco for inspiration! The stall in the image below is run by a “Toydarian”(who sells toys) which Trowbridge has said was introduced in Episode I: The Pantom Menace” on Tatooine. Apparently there will also be a pod-racing engine at the market that will be used to roast meat!

Lets not forget the two rides Milennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance:

In Smuggler’s Run a pirate named Hondo Ohnaka has made a deal with Chewbacca for the use of the Millennium Falcon. Guests will fly in teams of 6 and their actions will affect the experience within the whole of Galaxy’s Edge. The attraction entrance sounds like it will be subtle so that it doesn’t stand out or become an eyesore in the immersive land. This ride will
“place guests behind the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy in one of three unique flight crew roles.”

In Rise of the Resistance guests will be put in the middle of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order. It sounds as like there will be 2 parts to this attraction with 2 different ride vehicles, firstly a shuttle to the battle ship and then (see below) a 6 person vehicle with a droid at the front which we think will be a lot like Transformers over at Universal. Groups of guests might even be “captured” ordered along by the enemy, before making their escape aboard a trackless troop transport. Maybe that’s where you will be taken from one ride vehicle to the other?

Also, we know that Oga’s Cantina  will serve  yummy food and drink to bounty hunters, pilots, smugglers, locals, galactic travellers and you when it opens next year.
Oga’s Cantina is the kind of establishment that attracts some of the most interesting and disreputable characters in the galaxy. And you never know when a stormtrooper or a familiar face will show up. Patrons of the cantina come from across the galaxy to sample the famous concoctions created with exotic ingredients using “otherworldly” methods, served in unique vessels. With choices for kids and libations for adults, the cantina will make for a great stop!

I didn’t think we could get any more excited about Galacy’s Edge set to open in fall this year but i think it’s safe to say that we can!!

Smiles Included,

Abby

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D23: Destination D – announcements!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Check out everything that was announced for Epcot and Hollywood Studios during D23 ‘Destination D’ over the past weekend!

Hollywood Studios

  • The names of the 2 rides coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s edge have been announced!  Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run & Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Check out the videos Disney have released for these below:

  • New Nighttime experience ‘Wonderful World of Animation‘ will debut in May 2019 as part of Hollywood Studios 30th anniversary. It will use state of the art tech and take you through a journey through 90 years of Disney animation.

  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – construction is expected to be finished by fall 2019. The attraction will feature an original story and theme song as it takes guests into the wacky world of the award winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts.

Epcot

  • Not one, but TWO nighttime shows were announced for Epcot! The new nighttime spectacular will open in 2020 and will celebrate how Disney music inspires people across the world. There will be floating set pieces, custom built LED panels, moving fountains, lights and lasers. Before this unnamed show debuts guests will have the opportunity to see a limited time experience ‘Epcot Forever‘ starting in fall 2019 featuring classic Epcot tunes beginning with a spark of imagination that ends in an epic spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting and special effects.

  • The name of the Ratatouille attraction was announced! ‘Remy’s Ratatouille Attraction’ set to open in the France pavilion as a dark ride in time for the 50th anniversary celebrations.
  • Also coming soon to the France pavilion, a new Beauty and the Beast sing along was announced created by Don Hahn who is the producer of the animated classic and live-action re-imagining. 

The Gondolas for Disney’s Skyliner were also revealed.

Which one of these are you most looking forward to?

Smiles included,

Abby

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Is Disney’s new patent application for Lightsabers?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Lets talk LIGHTSABERS!!

We came across a patent at the beginning of this year which looked as though it was Disney’s door to having pretty much real life lightsabers in their park when Galaxy’s Edge opens HOWEVER a new patent has recently been filed which also points to lightsabers but using completely different and more realistic technology.

Let’s take a look at what we learned in Jan and what we’ve learned today..

January Patent

Back in January Disney filed a patent called ‘audience interaction projection system’ which looked like they were developing a system that will allow guests to ‘carry a physical hilt that can interact with an augmented reality apparatus of some type.‘

According to the patent the physical hilt would contain positioning and motion sensors – like a Wii controller. The patent didn’t specifically mention Star Wars however they do look like weapons in lightsaber shapes and it mentioned ways in which users can use the technology to interact with the environment and fight enemies.

The patent stated the following:

 “An audience interaction projection system provides a lighting feature that provides a new way for an audience member to participate in an entertainment experience; e.g., theatrical performance, theme park feature, concert, sporting event, movie, etc. The audience member may actually feel as if they are launching powerful beams of laser-like light toward objects on the stage.”

The patent also appeared to discuss drones and how the ‘lightsabers’ could communicate with drones.. It stated “Multiple LEDs can be activated in sequence at various times to give the user the impression that the movement by the user of the faux lightsaber is deflecting multiple laser beams,”

From what we understood from this patent back in January, there is a projector beaming light toward it. The projector technology would then be able to project visible light that is invisible until it hits the intended device — again, a lightsaber — and “rendering the visible light as a beam that appears to emanate from the object rather than from the light source.”

Newest Patent

Now this patent shows a completely different and in my opinion, more realistic way to bring lightsabers to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Called ‘Sword Device with Retractable, Internally Illuminated Blade’ shows a lightsaber style design which allows the ‘beam’ to shoot out of the hilt and retract in a way that is more realistic than the current replica’s and toys you can purchase which are either triangle shaped or you end up having to screw the blade in.

The patent application states:

“Briefly, the inventors recognised that there was a need for a new special effects device that can be used as a theatrical prop, toy, or collector’s item that effectively simulates fictional energy swords including the lightsabers found in many popular films. Particularly, the special effects device (or energy sword, lightsaber prop, or the like) is specially configured to provide an extendable and retractable energy blade that appears to emanate from a handheld hilt due to a lighting effect that appears to provide bright hilt-based lighting.”

In a post by wdwinfo.com they break down the idea of this patent to a simpler explanation.. “The idea behind how it works is genius, because it is based in an action many of us nerds performed in our youth (or last Tuesday). Have you ever extended a tape measure and retracted it, pretending it was a lightsaber? I have, and I had no idea that what I was doing would be used by Disney inventors years later. Imagine two tape measures, both with half-circle cross sections, placed together to create a tube. Disney’s lightsaber hilt would include two spools, one for each half of a cylinder; when extended by a motor the spools would shoot out the two halves, joining them together and producing a lightsaber-blade shape. The opening of the hilt is shaped to overlap the sides or “zip” them together, making for one solid blade. A lightsaber’s gotta light, so LEDs or other lighting elements could be affixed to the “tape” to create the effect, evened out by an anisotropic diffuser to give the appearance of one long, solid light.”

This technology could be used for lightsabers to be purchased in the parks and hotel, for shows that will take place in Galaxy’s Edge and of course for collectors to add to their stashes. 😉

Now I think what we’ve seen in the second patent will be what Disney go with, do you? Obviously Disney file patents all the time with some never coming to life but I think this really goes to show that they are working real hard towards having light sabers in the parks for Galaxy’s Edge.

Smiles Included,

Abby

 

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Oga’s Cantina Coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Hey Thrill Seekers!

It’s been a while since we’ve had an update on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge but over the weekend Disney announced that Black Spire Outpost (which is the village in Galaxy’s Edge) is going to be home to Oga’s Cantina which will serve  yummy food and drink to bounty hunters, pilots, smugglers, locals, galactic travellers and you when it opens next year.

Oga Garra – an Alien Proprietor will be running the joint which will have a strict code of conduct to keep unruly patrons in check due to its past of being a safe haven and stopping point for those who are avoiding the authorities.

Oga’s Cantina is the kind of establishment that attracts some of the most interesting and disreputable characters in the galaxy. And you never know when a stormtrooper or a familiar face will show up. Patrons of the cantina come from across the galaxy to sample the famous concoctions created with exotic ingredients using “otherworldly” methods, served in unique vessels. With choices for kids and libations for adults, the cantina will make for a great stop!

Imagine eating your lunch and a stormtrooper just happens to interrupt!! Disney have said ‘you never know what will happen at the Catina!’ so be sure to look out for many surprises on your visits!

I can’t wait to see what not only the food looks like but the ‘vessels’ they’ll be served up in

It’s not just food & drink that will be ‘out of this world’ in Oga’s Catina. Musical entertainment will be provided  by RX-24 – the former StarSpeeder 3000 pilot droid (who you should know from Star Tours) who has re-envisioned himself as a quirky DJ sharing all the unique tunes he has picked up throughout the galaxies.

 

Oga’s Cantina opens its doors at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019 at Hollywood Studios!

Who’s excited?!

Smiles Included,

Abby

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Disney have revealed the name of the Village in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Over the bank holiday weekend Disney announced the name of the village within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge which is coming to Hollywood Studios in the fall of 2019.

Black Spire Outpost.

We already know that the planet is called Batuu and guests who attended a panel discussion on the 27th May at Star Wars: Galatic Nights were among the first to hear the breaking news. Disney’s Story Editor Margaret Kerrison shared the news during the discussion and also told guests the story behind the name and how it is associated with the geological formations that surround it.

Here’s Disney’s official description.

The largest settlement on the planet Batuu, Black Spire Outpost is an infamous stop for traders, adventurers, and smugglers traveling around the Outer Rim and Wild Space. Off the beaten path, this outpost has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters. Widely known for the petrified remains of its once towering ancient trees, the spires now stand guard across the river valleys and plains and have long captured the imagination of travelers to this planet. To the first settlers, these petrified spires became more than just landmarks; they became the heart of the outpost itself.

There is set to be more news in the coming months and of course, we will keep you updated. Not in the know about Star Wars: Galaxy’s edge then check out this blog. (plus where have you been?!)

Smiles Included,

Abby