Disneyland Park continues to refine how it tells stories after dark, and Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga stands out as one of its most thoughtful additions. In early 2025, this projection-based experience debuted and immediately reshaped how Galaxy’s Edge feels at night.
The Story Behind Shadows of Memory
Shadows of Memory acts as a reflection rather than a simple retelling. Within Galaxy’s Edge lore, Batuu serves as a crossroads planet. Travelers pass through, stories spread, and legends endure long after events fade. Because of that, Shadows of Memory builds naturally on Batuu’s identity. The experience presents the Skywalker saga as a story shared with the Outpost.
Bard, an old astromech droid in Black Spire Outpost, delivers the narration. In-universe, Bard carries recordings from his original owner, Tohan Lege, known as the Lore-weaver. Through Bard, Tohan’s voice and stories live on, allowing guests to experience legends as if someone is sharing them around a campfire. This framing matters, because it turns the Skywalker saga into oral history while keeping the land fully immersive.
Why the Skywalkers Matter on Batuu
Galaxy’s Edge takes place on the planet Batuu, which Disney intentionally positioned outside the core events of the films. Because of that choice, guests step into their own Star Wars story. However, Shadows of Memory connects Batuu to the larger saga. The Skywalker story sits at the heart of Star Wars. Themes of hope, fear, redemption, and destiny resonate across the galaxy. Through projections and music, those themes ripple across Batuu and remind guests that the Force connects all places and all people. Rather than disrupting Batuu’s timeline, the experience feels like a cultural memory that people on this remote world would naturally know.
How the Experience Unfolds
Guests gather near the Millennium Falcon as night falls. Once the show begins, projection effects sweep across the spires of Batuu. Light and shadow reshape the rockwork and turn it into a living canvas. Meanwhile, familiar musical themes guide the emotional arc and carry viewers through moments of triumph, loss, and legacy. Bard, the astromech droid, guides the experience through narration. In-universe, Bard plays back stories recorded by his original owner, Tohan Lege, the Lore-weaver. Because of this choice, the Skywalker saga feels like a legend shared on Batuu rather than a timeline-breaking recap. As a result, the show feels intimate, reflective, and purpose-built for Galaxy’s Edge.
A Purposeful Design Choice
Disney designed Shadows of Memory to respect Galaxy’s Edge instead of overpowering it. The show uses no fireworks, towering screens, or visible stage elements. Instead, the technology integrates directly into the land’s existing structures. Consequently, the experience feels organic rather than imposed. This approach works especially well in Galaxy’s Edge, where immersion depends on maintaining the illusion of another world.
Showtimes and What to Know
Shadows of Memory runs on select nights when conditions allow. However, weather or operational needs may cancel performances. Therefore, guests should always check the Disneyland app or the entertainment schedule for the latest information. Like many nighttime offerings, Disney does not guarantee availability.
Sam’s Disney Diary Take
Shadows of Memory focuses on remembrance rather than spectacle. By emphasizing mood, music, and memory, Disneyland created an experience that feels personal and respectful to the Star Wars saga. Moreover, it adds emotional depth to Galaxy’s Edge without breaking immersion. Longtime fans will recognize powerful moments, while new visitors will discover the legacy that defines Star Wars. Ultimately, this is Galaxy’s Edge after dark, done right.
For more from Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge be sure to check out the Story Behind the Story, Opening Day interviews, an interview with Doug Chiang, 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.
