Disney World and Disneyland promise major updates to their “Star Wars” offerings as part of the broad celebration of the first movie’s 50th anniversary.
The Force has always been with me, and even “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” brought me as close to the famous movies as I have felt since being a little kid dueling my brother with a plastic lightsaber.
When Disney World said it was bringing an immersive “Star Wars” land to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I was so excited that I read the novelization, which provided the backstory behind the planet the attractions are set on.
Once “Galaxy’s Edge” opened in the summer of 2019, I became a regular visitor. I’ve had the Blue Milk and the Green Milk (neither one tasted like what I’d hoped for), eaten at Ronto Roasters, and had drinks at Oga’s Cantina.
It has taken all of my willpower to not buy a $250 lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, and I’ve ridden on “Millennium Falcon” and “Rise of the Resistance” more times than I can count.
But having been to “Galaxy’s Edge” many times, there’s a level of sameness to it. Disney has already made some changes to freshen things up, and more are coming as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration for “Star Wars: A New Hope.”
Here’s what Disney has already done
While it’s only being offered at Disney World, the company did roll out a new change to “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” earlier this year. It added a new mission themed to “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” as well as a new opportunity to meet the stars of that film.
Disney will also celebrate “Star Wars Life Day” on Nov. 17.
“A traditional Wookiee holiday meant to celebrate family, harmony, and joy, Life Day was first introduced in the 1978 ‘Star Wars Holiday Special.’ Complete with dazzling lights, festive decor, and all people (and Wookiees) joining together to share hopes and dreams around the Tree of Life on Kashyyyk, this peaceful holiday unites all of us across the galaxy,” the company shared in a press release.
Merchandise previews are already rolling out, and the first one has been released:
- Limited-edition Ezra Legacy Lightsaber Set: “Star Wars Rebels”: This set contains two Legacy Lightsaber hilts with sound effects inspired by Ezra Bridger. When attached to a Lightsaber blade (sold separately), the hilts individually illuminate in green and blue. The set comes in an illustrated box that plays scenes from “Star Wars Rebels.”
- Galactic Archive Series: K-2SO Premium Electronic Head: This replica electronic head of a reprogrammed Imperial security droid, K-2SO, comes with movie-accurate phrases, lights, and sounds. The highly detailed droid showcases your allegiance to the Rebellion.
- Hasbro: Ultimate Grogu Animatronic: A 1:1 first-of-its-kind animatronic of the beloved character, Grogu, this premium animatronic comes with moving arms, legs, ears, blinking eyes, a mouth that opens and closes, and more. Complete with advanced technology like motors and sensors, Ultimate Grogu has three modes of play, including responsive sounds and waving.
- Mandalorian Super Commando Helmet for Adults: Have an allegiance to Maul? You’re in luck, as coming this Life Day 2026 debuts the Mandalorian Super Commando Helmet with horns atop and black and red detailing. This highly detailed replica also features voice-changing effects and plays character phrases.
Most items are available Nov. 17 at 8 a.m. PST on DisneyStore.com and at Disney Parks beginning Nov. 17 during regular park operating hours (with pre-orders for Ultimate Grogu starting online Nov. 17 ahead of a spring 2027 park release).
Daniel Kline/TheStreet
Disney promises more “Galaxy’s Edge” changes
Disney World has promised changes to “Galaxy’s Edge” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “Star Wars” release, but the company has not shared many specifics.
“Starting in January, the global celebration will honor five decades of storytelling with new project announcements, anniversary merchandise, dedicated fan events, archival releases, and reimagined Disney Parks and Cruise Line offerings,” the company shared in a press release.
That timetable does not allow for new attractions at either Disney World or Disneyland, so think new character meet-and-greets, limited-time food offerings, perhaps more ride missions for “Smugglers Run” and “Star Tours,” which is Star Wars-themed, but not actually inside “Galaxy’s Edge” in either park.
“While Star Wars fans want more rides, that’s not something Disney has even hinted at for ‘Galaxy’s Edge,’ but the company will likely make lots of smaller additions throughout the year,” PostCard Travel Planning co-owner Dennis Post told TheStreet.
He noted that you shouldn’t book a Disney World or Disneyland trip just because of the anniversary, but said the company will make it special for big fans.
“New rides get announced far enough in advance that people can book travel around their availability. For the Star Wars 50th, Disney used the word ‘reimagined,’ so I assume they make meaningful changes, and they will blow out all sorts of merch and food,” he added.
Disney has promised further announcements about the parks.
More “Star Wars” programming coming soon
While these aren’t theme park-related, Disney’s other “Star Wars” releases could impact which characters appear at “Galaxy’s Edge.”
- On Jan. 20, 2027, Ahsoka Tano returns to Disney+ for a second season. “Ahsoka,” which once again stars Rosario Dawson in the titular role, is set after the fall of the Empire and the rise of the New Republic, and has Ahsoka confronting what it means to be a Jedi, while the galaxy faces a formidable opponent in Grand Admiral Thrawn.
- On Feb. 19, 2027, Lucasfilm will release a restored version of the original “Star Wars” (1977) in theaters on thousands of screens globally.
- On April 2-3, 2027, Lucasfilm, Disney Concerts, AMP Worldwide, and Live Nation Hewitt Silva will bring the musical legacy of “Star Wars” to life with “Star Wars in Concert: The Skywalker Saga” at the Hollywood Bowl, which hosted the very first official “Star Wars” concert in November 1977.
- On May the 4th, 2027, Lucasfilm will release a brand-new documentary, “The Hero Awakens,” from acclaimed filmmaker R.J. Cutler on Disney+. Detailing the making of “Star Wars,” this film will be a unique treat for fans, as it exclusively features archival footage and audio captured during and around the making of the historic film in 1977.
- Source: Walt Disney
While it’s nice to see Disney celebrate the original movie, the company is missing opportunities to expand its theme parks with more Star Wars rides.
A Lightsaber experience would make a lot of sense, and something like the artificial intelligence (AI) experience that was once at Disney Springs (before the company behind it went bankrupt) would be a good place to start.
