Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Had a Busy First Day Open to the Public
Although Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland was officially unveiled to the public a few weeks ago, until today the only people who could actually get in were those with reservations. Guests with these all-valuable reservations got four-hour windows to enjoy the first-ever Star Wars theme park. Well, today, the reservation system ended and the free-for-all began. Now, anyone with a Disneyland ticket could theoretically go check out the Millennium Falcon ride, the cantina, and the lightsaber workshop.
The key word is theoretically, because unfortunately for some latecomers, the land was so popular that it filled up very quickly. According to The Hollywood Reporter, in less than an hour, the area had reached capacity:
Guests would be allowed to come back at a later time in the day with a "boarding party," or a virtual queue, but the land was packed almost immediately. The immensely popular land was even opened 30 minutes early, at 7:30 a.m. By 8:20 a.m., no more walk-ins were allowed. And the Disneyland app made it clear some people may not get in at all. "Entrance to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge or its experiences is not guaranteed."
That also resulted in the wait for the Falcon ride reaching three hours long at one point, although it later did go back down.
The feedback I heard from people who went with reservation windows was that the land was amazing and pretty well-organized for the crowds. But this is the real test, I supposed; how well things go now that it’s become more like the Outer Rim, where anything goes. And after that, we’ll have to wait and see how the crowds are at the second Galaxy’s Edge that’s opening at Walt Disney World in Florida at the end of the summer. And oh by the way, there’s a second ride, Rise of the Resistance, that isn’t even open yet in California. So the crowds could theoretically get even bigger.
Gallery — Images From Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: