In the years following the 1977 release of Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope, Star Wars has become a global sensation, and in 2012 it became part of Disney, when Disney acquired Lucasfilm. That acquisition opened the door to a massive expansion of the Star Wars entertainment universe.
Plans were made, construction commenced and, in 2019, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at the Disneyland Resort in California and at Walt Disney World in Florida. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a land representing the planet of Batuu, with immersive Star Wars theming, buildings, props, characters, rides, entertainment, food & beverages, memorabilia and two fantastic, extensively themed rides: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and the absolutely mind-blowing Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
This year, Star Wars: Season of the Force celebrations run from April 5 to June 2, with “specially themed food, beverages, merchandise and more for a limited time.” Expanding upon the Star Wars theme are Star Tours in Tomorrowland with new adventures, and the Star Wars-themed Hyperspace Mountain high-speed rollercoaster.
On selected dates special after-hours, extra-cost, ticketed Star Wars Nites are also offered with additional special entertainment and more.
However, one day of the year in particular is more special than all of the rest, and it is a day that all park guests may enjoy. It is May fourth, the unofficial Star Wars Day, channeling that iconic line from the Star War movies with a play on words: “Let the Force be with You!” I made the necessary reservation well in advance and then celebrated Star Wars Day at the Disneyland Resort.
As I often do, I rode several of the Star Wars-themed rides, but what I hoped would be the highlight of this special day would be viewing Disneyland’s evening fireworks show from a vantage point within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, instead of from a vantage point that had a view of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and the projections on the storefronts of Main Street USA.
Thankfully, in official recognition that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is another great place to enjoy the evening fireworks show, the special Fire of the Rising Moons version of the fireworks show was created, complete with synchronized, Star Wars-themed music by John Williams; narration and dramatic lighting of the twin mountain peaks of Planet Batuu. The only caveat is that the evening fireworks show will only be held if the weather permits. The fireworks will not be launched if the wind is too great at high altitudes (even if there is no wind at ground level, which happens). The decision to cancel the fireworks is often made as late as just before the scheduled start time — just in case the weather improves, making the cancellation especially disappointing for guests who had occupied their great viewing spots very early and had been waiting in anticipation for a long time, instead of going on more rides.
Hoping for the best, and aware that the weather forecast was favorable, I ed hundreds of my fellow Star Wars fans around the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Many of those present proudly wielded colorful lightsabers, lighting up the night sky. Even more of us celebrated this special day with themed Star Wars clothing and paraphernalia. There was an intense, palpable feeling of excitement as the time for the start of the fireworks grew closer. Finally, the lights dimmed and the spectacular show began.
With the Millennium Falcon in the foreground, at the foot of the twin peaks of Batuu, the large crowd of fans — many waving lightsabers — cheered and roared their approval as round after round of fireworks burst overhead. John Williams’ Star Wars-themed music — amplified by the surrounding structures — filled the air. One could literally feel the music and the explosions of the fireworks. The combined visual and aural experience was absolutely breathtaking.
I shot video of the fireworks show and will add a link to it on the AutoMatters.net website, when that video has been edited and is posted on the AutoMatters & More YouTube Channel.
For more information about STAR WARS: Galaxy’s Edge, visit: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/star-wars-galaxys-edge/.
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