In August the highly anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios finally opened at Walt Disney World. There are so many things to love about this new land including Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, the unique dining and drinking options, and the ability to become a part of the Star Wars story like never before just to name a few. Of course, no new land in Walt Disney World would be complete without some themed merchandise, and in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney has really outdone themselves. On my recent visit, I spent quite a bit time wandering the marketplace checking out what they had to offer, and there was plenty for Star Wars fans of all ages. Here’s some background and more details about all of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge merchandise courtesy of Disney:
Merchandise available in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge plays a vital role in the overall storytelling within the land. The Disney Parks product development team was integrated with the overall project team throughout the creation of the land to ensure the retail program delivers an immersive, authentic and connected Star Wars experience.
Unique merchandise expands the fun of playing in this land, allowing guests to live their own Star Wars adventures through new story-driven retail experiences, role-play products and environments. Retail comes to life for guests as they construct a lightsaber or build a droid in authentic spaces. The products deliver a level of authenticity, realism and storytelling that can only be achieved at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Merchandise available in this groundbreaking new land includes:
Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers
- Guests can customize their own legendary lightsabers as they choose their paths in this immersive retail experience.
- A group known as the Gatherers ushers guests into a covert workshop packed with unusual parts and whimsical pieces collected from the far reaches of the galaxy. Under the Gatherers’ guidance, guests construct one-of-a-kind lightsabers and bring them to life through the power of kyber crystals.
- Guests select from the following lightsaber themes:
- Peace and Justice – Utilize salvaged scraps of fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships in Republic-era lightsaber designs that honor the galaxy’s former guardians.
- Power and Control – Originally forged by warriors from the dark side, objects used in this lightsaber style are rumored remnants from the Sith home world and abandoned temples.
- Elemental Nature – Craft a lightsaber from special components born from the Force, such as Brylark trees, Cartusion whale bones or Rancor teeth.
- Protection and Defense – Incorporate hilt materials bearing mysterious motifs and inscriptions that reconnect a lightsaber’s wielder with the ancient wellspring of the Force.
Droid Depot
- Building a droid is a guest experience offered at the Droid Depot. For this custom astromech adventure, guests enter a workshop stocked with stacks of parts, chips and manuals to construct their own droids, some of the galaxy’s most indispensable sidekicks.
- In this immersive retail experience, guests construct either the BB-series or R-series astromech.
- Droid parts come and go on conveyor belts as guests make choices to construct their own units.
- Once built, guests place their droids in an activation station to bring them to life, allowing the droids to be operated via remote control.*
- Droids can be further customized with personality-affiliation chips, color panels and other accessories.
- Once activated, droids may interact with other astromech droids and with certain other Bluetooth-enabled elements and devices throughout Black Spire Outpost.*
- In addition, Droid Depot offers prebuilt droids, housewares and apparel, all inspired by the design, engineering and building of droids:
- Premium Droid Action Figures – Featuring R2-D2, BB-8, DJ R-3X and C-3PO, these hero-scale droids are loaded with interactive functionality. DJ R-3X is both a fully functional remote-control droid and Bluetooth-enabled speaker, with classic DJ sound effects.
- Color Changing Droids Figure Packs and Play Set – Built to classic 3 ¾ scale, these droids are ready for an undercover mission in Black Spire Outpost.
- Droid Light-Up R2-D2 or BB-8 Headbands – No droid part goes unused, as these motion-activated dome headbands inspired by favorite Star Wars characters respond with lights and sound.
- Droid Depot Work Shirts and Apparel – Available for droid fans of all ages.
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
- Guests can shop for mysterious and unique galactic artifacts collected by Dok-Ondar, a legendary antiquities dealer who is as mysterious as many of the objects he collects. The Ithorian’s den is packed with racks and crates of items with their own stories to tell:
- Legacy Lightsabers – This elegant weapon from a more civilized age is most commonly associated with the Jedi and Sith. Dok-Ondar has collected replicas of some of the most famous – or infamous – warriors in the galaxy’s history, including Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul.
- Lightsaber Accessories – Lightsaber clips, carrier bags and display stands are used to carry or display a lightsaber when not in use.
- Kyber Crystals – At the heart of every lightsaber is a kyber crystal. This crystal is attuned to the Force. Colors include blue, green, purple, red, yellow and white.
- Holocrons – The Jedi and Sith have curated enormous amounts of information about the galaxy and the Force. Holocrons store this valuable data, which when paired with kyber crystals can be unlocked and accessed by the owner of these rare artifacts.
Creature Stall
- At this exotic marketplace stall, guests will discover creatures and critters from across the galaxy. While Bina, the stall’s proprietor, is out traversing the galaxy for more exotic creatures to bring into her stall, her assistants keep this storefront stocked with unique companions for customers who may want to take one home, including:
- Kowakian Monkey-Lizard – This cackling, rambunctious creature comes in multiple colors and can sit on a shoulder.
- Porg – This small, flat-muzzled, naturally inquisitive avian creature hails from the cliffs of secluded Ahch-To. Watch as it chirps and flaps its wings.
- Loth-cat – A member of the tooka family and native to Lothal, this feline is a small, temperamental creature. While at times friendly, it is still a capable hunter with sharp teeth.
Black Spire Outfitters
- At this colorful apparel shop, guests can find outfits for a galactic adventure, selecting from stylish, functional clothing suitable for many occasions and worlds:
- Robes – Inspired by those worn by Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, these are available in both brown and black, and are sized for all.
- Tunics – Often worn under robes, these are available in both neutral and black, sized for all.
- Belts – Available in a variety of styles and colors and sized from youth through adult, these are the perfect accessories for wearing a lightsaber hilt.
Toydarian Toymaker
- In this whimsical shop, guests may browse for handcrafted toys and collectibles from the busy toymaker, Zabaka the Toydarian:
- Artisan Plush Characters – Famous icons of the galaxy are brought to life through stylized plush, including Yoda, Chewbacca, Ewoks and many more.
- Games – With fun for all ages, shoppers can choose from Cards of Sabacc, Dejarik, Chance Cubes and more.
- Vehicles – Famous vessels of the galaxy are crafted in materials such as wood and metal.
Jewels of Bith
- A must-stop destination for local goods and tiny treasures, this shop offers a wide variety of souvenirs and gifts for tourists wishing to commemorate a visit to Batuu:
- Batuuan Cooling Fan – Stay cool on hot days with this hand-held fan inspired by the moisture vaporators of Tatooine.
- Gifts of Batuu and Black Spire Outpost – Apparel and drinkware featuring the sights and graphics of this remote planet and its most heavily populated village.
First Order Cargo
- The First Order recently arrived in Black Spire Outpost and established a post to win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors alike. Guests can show their support by purchasing clothing and more:
- Accessories – First Order-branded caps, pins, patches and other gear.
- Toys and Vehicles – Models and metal replicas of the First Order.
Resistance Supply
- Members of the Resistance set up a secret makeshift post where guests can join the cause to defeat the First Order by stocking up on essential gear and supplies to prepare for their next mission:
- Accessories – Resistance-branded caps, pins, patches and other gear.
- Toys and Vehicles – Models and metal replicas of the Resistance fleet.
- Resistance MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) – On-the-go snacks for Resistance fighters.
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There will soon be magic gliding above the treetops of Walt Disney World Resort when the new Disney Skyliner takes flight September 29, 2019. As much a magic carpet as a complimentary transportation system, Disney Skyliner will soar above waterways and wooded areas alike on its way to theme parks and Disney resort hotels, while wide-eyed guests will be treated to views never before seen.
Nearly half of the approximately 300 Disney Skyliner cabins will be wrapped in whimsical Disney scenes – with beloved characters, fan-favorite movies, attractions and more – giving the appearance that Disney pals are riding along with guests. The cabins will be easy to spot overhead, because each gondola will shimmer in one of eight vibrant colors and feature sleek curved lines.
The Epcot International Gateway station is inspired by the nearby European pavilions in the park. Covered metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals themed to flight and ornate metal detailing are all in the Art Nouveau style.
Disney Skyliner joins the network of complimentary Walt Disney World transportation benefits for resort hotel guests allowing them to travel effortlessly around Walt Disney World with a touch of Disney magic. The gondolas join other favorite options such as the world-famous Walt Disney World monorail system along with ferry boats and water taxis, and one-of-a-kind motor coaches.
I just returned from a stay at the new Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Walt Disney World. If you have been following along, you have probably heard mixed reviews from fellow Disney bloggers, vloggers, and fans that either love it or hate it. Personally, I loved it! Gran Destino has the deluxe Walt Disney World resort hotel feel for a moderate resort hotel price. The most common complaints that I have heard is that the Gran Destino Tower isn’t “Disney” enough. Yes, it’s true, Gran Destino isn’t overly “Disney” in fact, it isn’t overly themed at all. It reminds me a bit like staying at Bay Lake Tower, the Disney Dream cruise ship, the Bellagio in Vegas, or a high end Marriott anywhere in the world. So while Gran Destino Tower might not have the detail and theming that guests come to expect at Walt Disney World from resorts like Art of Animation, it definitely has its place in the line up of hotels. The Gran Destino is a great fit for solo travelers and couples looking for quiet elegance, subtle theming, luxurious rooms, and 
The new Gran Destino Tower rises dramatically on the southeastern shores of Lago Dorado (“Golden Lake”), the resort’s 22-acre lake. The tower offers 545 modern guest rooms (including 50 suites and club-level services), a grand two-story lobby, new meeting venues, and a rooftop restaurant and lounge with spectacular views. The distinctive tower becomes the stylish new gateway to the 2,385-room resort.
Past its grand entrance and signature ribbon-patterned design that climbs up the side of Gran Destino Tower, guests step into a stunning lobby – an homage to the Catalan Modernism style. On their way to check in, new arrivals pass intricate wooden screens with rows of beautiful Moorish hanging lanterns, while decorative bronze screens inspired by Spanish tile patterns accent the rear wall of the lobby.
The Catalan theme extends to the tower’s stylish new guest rooms and suites. A wall covering in each room is inspired by Spanish tile medallions, adding an Old World touch to a contemporary design. The new tower also offers club-access rooms for guests who want to enjoy the benefits of the Chronos Club. The club boasts commanding views of Walt Disney World Resort and cast members who can assist with vacation planning. Light refreshments are available throughout the day.
Gran Destino Tower is crowned by dramatic rooftop dining locations, Tolédo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood and Dahlia Lounge, offering breathtaking views of Walt Disney World from the tower’s 16th floor. Named for the storied Spanish city home to avant-garde writers and artists of the 1920s and ’30s, Tolédo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood is a table-service dining experience. The Spanish-inspired menu features entrees like chuletón, a 32-ounce, Spanish-style ribeye for two, as well as sustainable seafood and classic Spanish sides. It’s all served in a setting that features live olive trees, vibrant colors and an intricate vaulted ceiling with stained-glass accents. There’s also an onstage tapas kitchen inspired by the flavors of Spain, specializing in small plates, charcuteríá and cheeses.
As part of the broader re-imagining of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, three new pedestrian bridges now extend across Lago Dorado, allowing for quick and convenient passage to and from all parts of the resort. In the middle of the lake at the nexus of these new pathways is Villa del Lago (“Lake Villa”), home to a new outdoor restaurant, Three Bridges Bar & Grill. The open-air, waterfront dining location offers delicious entrees and shareables, along with refreshing cocktails and signature sangria pitchers. Three Bridges Bar & Grill features a rustic, Old World charm anchored by a large stone hearth behind the central bar.
The Dig Site – a sprawling pool complex with a Mayan-ruins theme – is fed by water cascading dramatically down a Mayan pyramid and features a water slide that evokes the spirit animal of a jaguar. The Dig Site can be accessed via the new bridges over Lago Dorado.
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