5 Ways to Fix Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

4. Activities or Entertainment That Do Not Require Additional Fees

Every activity at Galaxy’s Edge seems designed to get more and more money out of guests and after awhile, it’s utterly ridiculous. Want to build a droid? 99 bucks! Want to make a custom lightsaber? 200 bucks! Can I just build a droid for fun without a fee? Or can I create a lightsaber just for the joy of doing it and then decide later if I’d like to make a purchase? 

Main Street at Disneyland still has a barbershop quartet that sings their heart out to guests entering the park. The band from the Cantina at Mos Eisley should be on the streets of Galaxy’s Edge playing a familiar tune or two to park-goers upon entering.

“Consider giving Galaxy’s Edge attendees something to do other than shop and eat.”

What about an adventure story that can be followed throughout the park? Let’s witness some smugglers making an escape from the Empire and see the story unfold before our eyes. Better yet, the votes of guests determine where the story goes, kind of like an improv adventure. What about a scavenger hunt at Watto’s junk shop? It could involve building something that results in a reward only given to those who solve the puzzle. Perhaps the reward is a secret door that gains one access to the Cantina without waiting in line? (And once that secret is leaked onto the internet, change it.)

Consider giving Galaxy’s Edge attendees something to do other than shop and eat. And be sure those activities do not require an additional fee. The official app that allows one to play in the park is fine but it’s really just a series of puzzle games intended to kill time while you’re waiting in line. The app is not a bad idea and I’m sure it will be exploited in better ways in the future, but it’s just not enough. And it just further takes Disneyland guests into a downward spiral into their phones. Build an adventure that can involve park guests who wish to know what it’s like to live in a galaxy far, far away. 

5. Offer Rewards and A Range of Lower-Priced Options for Food and Merch

The biggest complaint heard over and over are the prices of food, drinks and merch. I mean, three patches for $45? It’s a bit out of control and this cash grab comes off as borderline offensive. At the very least, provide a range of prices so a family doesn’t need to go into debt to visit. Discount offers, family meal deals, club promotions, discount days or some kind of incentive program to encourage repeat visitors and to make it more affordable for a wider range of fans.

I can’t imagine what it must be like for a family of four to attend and at least walk away with some piece of memorabilia. If the Star Wars franchise is going to survive under Disney, they must embrace the original films and characters that built this galaxy, get back to the basics of pleasing guests and share the magic of the Force. 

Don’t forget to check out this video of my experience at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Based on what I’ve seen so far, they’re not far off from actually selling “Han”kerchiefs. It’s so obvious, why did no one at Disney think of it?