5 Thrilling Experiences in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

It’s been a few weeks since the final episode of the Mandalorian’s second season aired on Disney+ and we’re still reeling. In honor of that, we thought we’d take a look at some of our favorite experiences at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. Attractions like Rise of the Resistance andSmuggler’s Run are a given, so we’ll be focusing on other areas. Savi’s Workshop is such an involved experience that it really deserves its own article. We’ll tackle that one another time. In addition, last year we took an in-depth look at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities. To read more about that location, check out this article:
Step Inside Dok Ondars Den of Antiquities/

1. Oga’s Cantina

Cantina’s are an indispensable part of the Star Wars universe. There is Javyar’s Cantina, Chalman’s Spaceport Cantina, and the Upper City Cantina to name just a few. Then, of course, there is the Mos Eisley Con Tatooine. You’ll never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy than the Mos Eisley Cantina.

In Black Spire Outpost, located on Batuu, your source for libations and music is Oga’s Cantina. Like the Mos Eisley Cantina, Oga’s is a haven for smugglers and other ne’er do wells. That means the owner, Oga Garra, is used to keeping people in check. The Blutopian owner also has a reputation as a vicious crime boss, so be sure to mind your manners in her establishment.

Oga’s is a popular spot, so you’re going to need reservations to get in, but it’s more than worth the effort. Once inside, you can dance to music played by DJ R-3X. He might look a little familiar if you’re a long time fan of Star Tours. In earlier years, he was a pilot for Star Tours and went by the name RX-24. Lucky for us, he’s better at spinning music than he was at flying.

Over at the bar, you can buy drinks with and without alcohol. Beverages like the Fuzzy Tauntaun (Cîroc Peach Vodka, Bols Peach Schnapps, Simply® Orange with Tangerine, Pure Cane Sugar, and “Buzz Button Tingling” Foam) and the Yub Nub (Malibu Pineapple Rum, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Citrus Juices, and Passion Fruit served in a souvenir Endor mug) are a few of the stronger drinks. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, you can also order Batuu Bits (Crispy Galaxy Snack Bits with Spiced Chermoula Dip) or the Happabore Sampler (Cured and Roasted Meats, Cheese, Pork Cracklings).

2. The Creature Stall

I love the Blackspire Outpost Marketplace. I love the hustle and bustle of people as they move through the narrow lane of the market. It’s a hive of activity and the theming completely immerses you in the world of Batuu.

One of my favorite places to stop is the Creature Stall. The moment you step into the store you are greeted by a life-size loth cat in a cage. It is sleeping, a contented smile on its face and looks as though it would be wonderful to cuddle up with.

You can purchase your own pet porg, loth cat, worrts, neebrays, puffer pig, or any of a whole menagerie of creatures. There are plush wampas and banthas, tauntauns, mynocks, dewbacks and more. If it slithers, creeps, or crawls in the Star Wars universe, you can probably find it here.

3. The Toydarian Toymaker

Another favorite location within the marketplace is the Toydarian Toymaker. As you likely know, Toydarian are consummate business men and those skills are on full display at the toymaker’s shop.

The experience starts the moment you walk in. Above your head, a variety of lights hang from the ceiling. Some resemble paper lanterns, while others look like woven wicker cages. It’s these sorts of details that make the area feel like you’ve truly stepped into another world. Nothing has been neglected. There are small nooks and crannies with a variety of toys. There are models of Jabba’s ship and X-Wings. At the top of a small staircase, you’ll see a rocking horse that resembles a fathier which stands beside a wampa dressed in a Jedi robe.

Then there are the toys available for purchase. You can buy a wooden Stormtrooper doll like the one seen in Rogue One, plush figures of Jabba the Hutt, Ahsoka Tano, and others. There are also sabacc cards and Dejarik boards available for purchase.

4. Droid Depot

If you plan to do any adventuring in the Star Wars universe, you’re going to need the help of a good droid. It’s just common sense. In Black Spire Outpost, the best place to acquire a droid is at the Droid Depot.

There are an assortment of items available for purchase at the depot, including t-shirts, mugs, gift cards, and for those with a healthy number of credits to their name, a $25,000 scale model of R2-D2. Most importantly, you can custom make your own droid.

You don’t have to have a reservation to build a droid, but it’s highly recommended. It costs $99.99, which includes your droid and a carrying box. There are also packs available for purchase, which may make toting your droid around the park a little easier.

When building your droid, you’ll choose between an R Series (like R2-D2) and a BB Series (like BB-8). Once you’ve made your selection you will be directed to a conveyor belt which functions as the parts station. Parts move by on the belt, and you snatch up the pieces you need. Easy to read graphics will walk you through which pieces you need for each series.

After you collect all the pieces you need, you will take them to the assembly station. This is followed by the activation station, where you’ll receive the remote control for your droid. You’ll also have the option to add a personality chip to your droid, which will change how it interacts with you.

Be aware that park rules forbid the use of droids inside the parks. Because the droids utilize bluetooth technology, they can also interact with their environment and other droids. The experience is recommended for ages three and up, and Guests under 7 years of age must be accompanied by a Guest age 14 or older. To avoid congestion, each paying customer must limit themselves to one additional Guest during the experience.

5. Star Wars: Datapad

While you wander through Black Spire Outpost, you might want to bust out your smartphone. If you have the Play Disney Parks app, you can access the Star Wars: Datapad. It provides a whole new interactive element to your trip to Batuu.

The app will allow you to interact with droids, scan crates found around Black Spire Outpost, listen to transmissions and more. You’ll be able to decrypt communications, translate languages, and even hack into some of the mechanical devices found throughout the land. You’ll also be able to help local residents by completing specific missions, working for either the Resistance or the First Order.

Essentially, the app makes you part of the Galaxy’s Edge adventure. If you’re a Star Wars fanatic like me, that’s basically a life long dream come true.