The Grand Opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland – A Celebration for the Galaxy

A Galactic Celebration Years in the Making

The Force was very strong at Disneyland for the official grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—and if you’re a Star Wars or Disney fan, this is a moment you’ll never forget.

The opening ceremony brought together some of the biggest names in the galaxy. George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, and Billy Dee Williams joined Disney leadership on stage to officially dedicate Batuu’s Black Spire Outpost to fans across the world.

Star Wars Royalty and Disney Legends on One Stage

What made this opening so special wasn’t just the land itself—it was the people who made Star Wars what it is.

• George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars universe, spoke about watching his world become a real, physical place fans could visit.
• Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) shared their emotional connections to the franchise.
• And in a truly moving moment, Harrison Ford (Han Solo) stepped on stage and officially powered up the Millennium Falcon—paying tribute to the late Peter Mayhew, the original Chewbacca.

A First Look at Galaxy’s Edge Attractions

During the event, Disney gave media and guests an early look inside the two headline experiences:

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – A hands-on simulator ride where you pilot the Falcon on a mission for Hondo Ohnaka.
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (still to come at the time) – A next-generation dark ride putting guests in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order.

Beyond the rides, we explored:

• Oga’s Cantina – with DJ R3X spinning beats
• Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities – home to some of the galaxy’s rarest artifacts
• Savi’s Workshop – where guests build their own custom lightsabers
• Mubo’s Droid Depot, Ronto Roasters, and so much more

A Historic Night for Disney Parks

The opening of Galaxy’s Edge marked the largest land expansion in Disneyland history. More importantly, it cemented Disney’s commitment to creating fully immersive, story-connected spaces. The storytelling goes beyond rides—it’s in the food, the cast interactions, the architecture, and even the soundtrack.

As Disney Chairman Bob Iger said, “This is not a ride. This is not an attraction. This is a place. You are not watching the story… you are living it.”

For more from Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge be sure to check out the Story Behind the Story. Opening Day interviews. a special D23 Expo look at creating the Music of Galaxy’s Edge. DJ Rex in action at Oga’s Cantina. An Overview of Batuu. a look at creating galaxy’s edge with an Imagineer, merchandise. Star Wars Comic Books. Star Wars Myths & Fables. Galaxy’s Edge Cookbook. a look behind the Galactic Starcruiser. a Galaxy Far Far Away stage show. and Star Wars Galactic Fireworks from Hollywood Studios.