When will this wall come down?Update: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open on May 31 in California and on August 29 in Florida. But is will open in phases, Rise of the Resistance will NOT open at that time, and there is no word on when it will be up and running.
There is one complaint that I have heard repeatedly the past few days. At the moment it has to do with the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but I’ve heard this same complaint about Toy Story Land, Pandora, and even New Fantasyland. The words might change slightly, but the general complaint is, “I wish that they would just tell us when they’re going to open Galaxy’s Edge. I can’t plan my trip. Disney is trying to ruin my vacation!” Let me assure you, Disney is not trying to ruin your vacation. Just the opposite is true, they are trying to make sure your vacation is fantastic.
In 2018, it was announced in the middle of February that Toy Story Land would open on June 30. I’m sure it seemed like there was plenty of time to get everything done. Then we had an extra-rainy spring in Central Florida, and those four and a half months flew by. I was part of a monthly media preview in March, April, and May, and it was obvious that they were crunched for time. Passholder “Previews” ended up being pushed off until September. I’m sure that they don’t want a repeat of this with Galaxy’s Edge.
I’m just like everyone else, I want to know when Galaxy’s Edge will open so I can start officially counting down. But I also know what it’s like to live in the Orlando area in the summer. There are strong storms almost every afternoon. Hurricanes and tropical storms are a real concern. I know that Disney is equipped to deal with hurricanes with minimal damage, but one storm could put them behind schedule. Remember as well that there have been years when more than one hurricane has hit the area. Disney is erring on the side of caution, which is a very good idea. There are too many factors that are beyond their control.
Think of it this way. What if Disney released a date for Galaxy’s Edge to open, but things were not ready and they changed the date? If you had booked a trip to be here opening weekend, how upset would you be if it then got pushed back? Disney is trying to avoid having that happen. Also, what if the new land opened on time, but one or both of the rides were not yet operational? It would be a nightmare for Disney, as well as all those who had their hearts set on flying the Millennium Falcon and fighting the First Order.
My advice is this. Plan your vacation assuming that Galaxy’s Edge will not be open. Take another vacation next year, when you know for sure that Galaxy’s Edge will be up and running. Or plan your trip this year for late December, after winter has officially arrived. (You’ll then be able to brave both the Christmas crowd and the Galaxy’s Edge crowd!) If you schedule a vacation after Fall, 2019, you should be good. December 21 is the official first day of winter this year.
Galaxy’s Edge is going to be unlike anything that we’ve ever seen before. Be patient, I’m trying to be as well. It will be worth the wait. As soon as an opening date is announced, I’ll let you know.