Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland has captivated fans since its 2019 debut. It offers an immersive experience on the planet Batuu. Some visitors have explored every corner of this iconic land. They feel that its story might not be complete.
Unused spaces and lingering hints have sparked rumors of a potential Phase II expansion. While no official plans have been announced, let’s explore the speculation, potential concepts, and challenges surrounding Galaxy’s Edge’s future.
The Speeder Garage and the Mysterious Unfinished Ride
One of the most discussed elements in Galaxy’s Edge is the speeder garage. Observant fans have noticed what appears to be an unfinished ride entrance in this area.
The Speeder Bike Ride Rumor
- Concept: Early designs for Galaxy’s Edge reportedly included a high-speed speeder bike chase. Guests would race through iconic Star Wars environments, such as Endor’s forests or the bustling streets of Corellia.
- Clues: The speeder garage features parked speeders and a layout that suggests a ride queue could be integrated seamlessly. Imagineers’ attention to detail lends weight to the idea that this space was designed with future use in mind.
- Status: Currently, the area is used for atmospheric theming and photo opportunities, but its size and positioning make it a prime candidate for a new attraction.
The speeder bike ride remains unconfirmed. The concept would provide a thrilling counterpart to the slower-paced Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. It would also complement the immersive Rise of the Resistance.
The Rumored Creature-Based Ride
Another intriguing possibility lies in the wooded area along Galaxy’s Edge’s southern border. Fans have speculated about a ride path in this space, sparking rumors of a creature-focused attraction.
The Concept of a Creature Ride
- What It Could Be: A slow-moving, family-friendly attraction where guests could ride animatronic or vehicle-based creatures native to Batuu or the Star Wars galaxy. Imagine riding a docile bantha or encountering mischievous loth-cats along the way.
- Setting: Batuu’s lush wilderness would provide a perfect backdrop, immersing guests in a serene, exploratory journey.
- Clues: While some speculate the path was simply a design element, its size and shape align with the footprint of a smaller, omnimover-style attraction.
This concept would appeal to families and younger fans, balancing the more intense experiences offered by existing rides.
Phase II’s Potential Lineup
If these rumored rides materialize, Phase II would introduce an exciting mix of experiences:
- Speeder Bike Ride: A high-speed, adrenaline-pumping adventure.
- Creature-Based Ride: A tranquil exploration of Batuu’s natural world, rich in Star Wars lore.
These additions would make use of underutilized spaces, increasing the land’s capacity and variety without disrupting its immersive theming.
Avengers Campus: A Blueprint for Phased Expansions
Disney’s Avengers Campus at California Adventure offers insight into how a phased approach could work for Galaxy’s Edge.
- Phased Rollouts: Avengers Campus debuted with Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure in 2021, saving its E-Ticket attraction for a later phase. Similarly, Galaxy’s Edge could follow this model by introducing its third ride and other enhancements years after the land’s initial opening.
- Story Evolution: Avengers Campus regularly updates its meet-and-greet lineup to reflect new Marvel films and shows. Galaxy’s Edge could adopt a similar strategy, incorporating characters and stories from The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, or other Star Wars media.
What Else Could Phase II Include?
Beyond new rides, Galaxy’s Edge Phase II could feature enhancements to dining, shopping, and interactive experiences:
Expanded Dining
- Canto Bight-Inspired Restaurant: A sit-down dining experience themed around the opulent casinos of Canto Bight could add a touch of luxury.
- Galactic Street Food: Stalls offering diverse, intergalactic dishes could deepen the immersion.
Shopping Upgrades
- Customizable Apparel: Exclusive, made-to-order Star Wars outfits could cater to die-hard fans.
- High-End Collectibles: Limited-edition items and replicas from the films could attract collectors.
Interactive Experiences
- Bounty Hunting Adventures: Using MagicBand+, guests could track targets across Batuu, unlocking rewards and stories.
- Jedi Training: Interactive challenges could let guests hone their Force skills in a narrative-driven quest.
Challenges to Galaxy’s Edge Phase II
While the possibilities are exciting, several challenges could delay or derail an expansion:
- Budget Constraints: Post-pandemic financial adjustments have led Disney to reassess large-scale projects.
- Space Limitations: Disneyland’s compact footprint means expansions must be carefully planned to avoid disrupting neighboring areas.
- Maintaining Immersion: Any new additions must blend seamlessly with Galaxy’s Edge’s theming and timeline.
Speculated Timeline
If Disney proceeds with Phase II, a realistic debut would likely fall between 2026 and 2028, aligning with new Star Wars films and Disney+ series. This timing would maximize cross-promotional opportunities and allow for sufficient planning and construction.
The Allure of What’s Next
Galaxy’s Edge Phase II represents the boundless potential of the Star Wars universe. Whether it’s a speeder bike ride, a creature-based adventure, or expanded dining and shopping, fans’ imaginations continue to fuel excitement for what could come next.
For now, Batuu stands as a testament to Disney Imagineering’s creative genius—a living world brimming with stories yet to be told. Until Disney provides official confirmation, these rumors and speculations will keep fans dreaming of what lies ahead in a galaxy far, far away.
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