We’re on the verge of another massive opening at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and though the first grand opening of this land at Walt Disney World saw a lot of guests get to the park early in the morning, guest levels during this new land’s opening weeks were ultimately not as large as many had predicted. However, Disney has the rare opportunity to have ANOTHER grand opening for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and this time, it looks like they’re really going all out!
1. Flying X-Wing drones to take off from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for one day only
Earlier this month a WDWMagic forum poster hinted that one of the big “surprises” Disney had in store for the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance would be a special ceremony that would feature massive car-sized X-Wing drones. And now Blog Mickey has obtained photos of these drones in action, which you can check out here.
These drones certainly look impressive, and though we would love to see this type of technology used regularly at Disney Parks, rumors suggest that these special flying X-Wings will only be used once for the special opening day ceremonies, and after that, will not be seen again. Unfortunately, there is some precedent for this, as an amazing dragon flew over New Fantasyland when it opened several years ago, and was then never seen again.
Right now it is unknown if this special X-Wing flight will be part of a VIP/media-only event or will be available for regular park guests to enjoy, but hopefully we’ll know more soon as the December 5 opening date for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance draws closer and more details are shared!
2. Plenty of characters will be present at this new grand opening
Image: Disney
In addition to the high-flying special entertainment, recent casting calls have shown up that indicate this grand opening event will feature a special one-time-only show with iconic characters like Rey, Kylo Ren, and Vi Moradi stopping by for the celebrations, which is in line with the character appearances we saw at the initial grand opening for Star Wars: Gaalxy’s Edge earlier this year.
3. Extended hours (but not THAT extended) across Walt Disney World
As you might expect on opening day, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have extended hours, opening at 8:00 AM and closing at 10:00 PM. While this isn’t as early as the 6:00 AM opening for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge earlier this this year, this is still a longer operating day than normal and should allow plenty of guests to experience this new attraction on its first day open.
Interestingly, around the rest of Walt Disney World, hours at other parks will also be extended on December 5th due to the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will now open at 8:00 AM on that date with Extra Magic Hours beginning at 7:00 AM and Epcot will also be opening at 8:00 AM with Extra Magic Hours available at 7:00 AM.
Disney has a rare opportunity to get a second shot at a massive grand opening for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and it looks like the park is taking full advantage!
