In 2019, Disneyland Park opened Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This immersive new land is docked firmly in the Star Wars universe but with a story all its own. You absolutely do not need to know Batuu’s history or even anything about Star Wars to enjoy this incredible land. Still, we think knowing the story enhances the experience, and we love any chance to go on a creative journey with the Imagineers. Here is a quick primer on Batuu, Black Spire Outpost and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.
Star Wars and Disney
The Star Wars universe was imagined into reality by George Lucas with the original Star Wars trilogy of films: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977), Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983). “Wait…” you say, “These were the first three films but they are numbered four through six?”
Yes, after the massive success of those original films, more movies (plus television shows, books, comics…) came along that occurred before, after and in-between the timeline of those first stories. With each successive movie and other media, the Star Wars Universe expanded.
In 1987, Star Wars even got its first ride! Disney worked with George Lucas to open a Star Wars attraction in Disneyland Park called “Star Tours.” This simulator attraction has continued to receive enhancements over the years, though it is still located in Tomorrowland.
In 2012, the Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm, including the Star Wars franchise, and started producing Star Wars content at an accelerated pace. This creative outpouring even took physical form as Walt Disney Imagineers created a whole new land dedicated to everything Star Wars. It is called Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and it opened in Disneyland Park in 2019.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Batuu in Disneyland
First, a very simplified primer on Star Wars. The Star Wars universe is animated by something called “The Force.” Diverse individuals and groups attempt to wield this mysterious Force to live with it. Perhaps most famous among these Force wielders are the Jedi (think Luke Skywalker, Yoda and Rey) and the Sith (think Darth Vader and Kylo Ren). In the Star Wars films, the Sith use the dark side of the Force to work with the Empire and then the First Order. They attempt to exercise power and absolute control over the galaxy. The Jedi use the light side of the Force to fight with others in the Resistance to defy and defeat the Empire and later the First Order.
The Disneyland Park land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is situated in the midst of this battle for the galaxy. Princess Leia and her rebel friends have defeated the Empire, the but First Order has emerged to continue the Empire’s quest for dominance. The Resistance, along the remnants of the Jedi order, have mounted a well, resistance, to the First Order. The original conception of Star Wars” Galaxy’s Edge had it placed within a particular time frame in the larger Star Wars saga. The timeline has become more flexible over time, and this is why you may now encounter Grogu and the Mandalorian along with Rey and Chewbacca
Batuu
Now, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is physically situated in the northwest corner of Disneyland Park at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. There are three entrances into the land from Bayou Country (formerly Critter Country), Frontierland and Fantasyland. (The clever ways Imagineers found to create smooth transitions between these lands are themselves worthy of a visit.) The physical location of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge might be in Anaheim, but creatively, it is situated on Batuu.
As you enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, you are entering the Imagineered planet of Batuu. Imagineers created Batuu as a whole new location with the Star Wars universe. Batuu is cleverly tied to the existing stories but has a history independent of those stories. Batuu is a planet on the edge of “Wild Space,” a position which makes it a perfect place for smugglers, rebels and others who want to remain outside the notice of the First Order.
Black Spire Outpost
The largest village on Batuu is Black Spire Outpost. This rugged and lively settlement is built on the remnants of an earlier civilization. As you look around, you will see the old and new mixed together in gorgeous detail. Around Black Spire Outpost, you will see the petrified trees which give the village its name. In the winding streets of the village, you can find some of Disneyland’s best food. There is even a lively cantina (actually serving alcohol in Disneyland). Black Spire Outpost is also home to some curious shops and colorful characters.
The Millennium Falcon, easily the most famous ship in the Star Wars universe, is docked at Black Spire Outpost. The ship has come under the (questionable) ownership of Honda Ohnaka. This opportunistic businessman is willing to hire you for a quick smuggling mission. To take your own ride on the Millennium Falcon, line-up for the attraction, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. This attraction is also accessible with Lightning Lane Premier Pass and Lighting Lane Multi Pass.
Rebel Camp
Outside Black Spire Outpost, the Resistance has set-up their own outpost. They have hidden their camp among the trees in the wilds of Batuu. So, you will need to venture through the forests to reach it.
As you walk, listen for the wildlife. Rather than traditional background music, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has an ambient soundscape. If you hear music, it is coming from the residents of Batuu, you may also hear insects native to the Batuu forests, beasts in the undergrowth or a conversation in an alien language.
The centerpiece of the rebel encampment is the spectacular ride Star Wars: Rise of Resistance, which usually boasts the longest wait times in Disneyland Park. If you want to skip the standby line, you can opt to use Lighting Lane Premier Pass here or Lighting Lane Single Pass. We think this ride is incredible and that you will be able to enjoy it no matter how much you know, or do not know, about Star Wars.
Batuuese
Cast members around Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are all in character as residents of or visitors to Batuu. They may greet you in the morning with the local expression “Bright Suns” or in the evening with “Rising Moons.” There are also distinct characters from the films wandering the land including Storm Troopers, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, Rey and the Mandalorian with Grogu by his side.
You can participate in this imaginative environment as much or as little as you wish. You can go ahead and use the local expressions, build your own lightsaber and deal in credits instead of US dollars, or you can just enjoy the scenery and the attractions and stay in your own character. It is up to you.
The Imagineers envisioned Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland as a place where visitors could live out their own Star Wars stories. They imagined guests choosing to align with the First Order or the Resistance, and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run is a truly interactive attraction while Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is next level immersive. The Play Disney Parks mobile app is at its best in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with elaborate missions and side stories. Wearing a MagicBand+ will allow you to participate in a bounty hunter game. Again, your level of immersion is up to you.
Visit Black Spire Outpost on Batuu in Disneyland Park
To visit Black Spire Outpost on Batuu, you will need valid admission to Disneyland Park at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is located in the northwest corner of the park.
Once you arrive, you can ride Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Then, stop for some food at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo or Ronto Roasters or grab a snack on the run from one of the various stands including Kat Saka’s Kettle, Jat Kaa’s Coolers or the Milk Stand. Oga’s Cantina serves imaginative beverages with or without alcohol in an equally imaginative setting. Shoppers can visit Black Spire Outfitters, Creature Stall, First Order Cargo, Resistance Supply, Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities and Toydarian Toymaker. For an immersive merchandise experience, the stand-out shops are Droid Depot (build your own!) and Savi’s Workshop – “Handbuilt Lightsabers at the Disneyland Resort.”
For some extra Star Wars fun, you can visit Star Tours” The Adventure Continues (remember that?) still in Tomorrowland. You can also visit Star Wars Trading Post in the Downtown Disney District without using an admission ticket at all!
You get to choose your own adventure and live out your Star Wars story!
Thank you for reading! We hope that we have given you an understanding of how Batuu and Black Spire Outpost fit into Star Wars and Disneyland.
For a guide to planning your Disneyland visit we recommend Step-by-Step Disneyland Prep. If you want more information about using Lightning Lane on the Star Wars attractions, see our guide here.