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News Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Historical Construction/Impressions

DavidDL

Well-Known Member
Just copy and pasting my thoughts from the other site over here after having had a night to dwell on it and discuss Star Wars stuff with my wife and friends.

"I feel like the answer at this point is to just do away with trying to keep anything "canon" in-park. Adjust certain elements of the land to turn the entire area into a more "neutral" space where all of Star Wars is celebrated and just have some fun with it. Would it make "sense" for Kylo Ren and Darth Vader to have an interaction if they crossed paths? Not in the slightest. But you know what else doesn't make "sense"? Switzerland's Matterhorn next to Sleeping Beauty Castle connected to a 20th century, early American street. Or Vader dancing to Thriller at Hollywood Studio's Star Wars Weekends. It's fine to have Rise of the Resistance stay a Sequel-era ride and then let Han take over the Falcon at Smuggler's Run if they just relent and allow the area to become a giant playground for all of Star Wars.

There is a lot I like about the original Galaxy's Edge concept. But if they want to muddy the waters and do away with all that, then I say just fully commit to the bit of "not caring" and confirm that, while the characters and locale are inspired by canon stories, whatever happens within it is just people having fun with Star Wars. Let's get that viral video of Kylo totally "fan-girling" over accidentally bumping into Vader. Mando and Grogu talking smack against General Grievous in the marketplace while Duel of the Fates plays and I enjoy my Ronto Wrap? Why the heck not? Sounds like fun!

It's worth noting that no matter how hard they try to make any sort of "canon" work, there will always be holes one could poke in it if they really try hard enough. Why does Dok Ondar have hundreds of Vader's lightsaber to sell? Where did I acquire this Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzel from? -and so on.

I'd also like to point out real quick that Tomorrowland used to have the Jedi Training Academy show where Vader would show up and randomly summon Darth Maul to assist him in fighting a bunch of kids and no one batted an eye or needed a timeline/canon explanation for why it was happening. Because it was just cool and fun!"
 

mickEblu

Well-Known Member
The main Star Wars theme or an arrangement of would be more appropriate over by the Falcon. Not at the entry tunnels. Ideally on an attraction and not as atmosphere music. I guess they’re thinking opening crawl = entry tunnel. It’s not a 1:1. They’re different mediums. I’d like to apply for the position of Theme Park Psychologist. That seems to be lacking at WDI.
 

DrStarlander

Well-Known Member
The main Star Wars theme or an arrangement of would be more appropriate over by the Falcon. Not at the entry tunnels. Ideally on an attraction and not as atmosphere music. I guess they’re thinking opening crawl = entry tunnel. It’s not a 1:1. They’re different mediums. I’d like to apply for the position of Theme Park Psychologist. That seems to be lacking at WDI.
It's a good point. I think coming in from Bayou Country or Fantasyland/Big Thunder it should ease you in a bit...an audio transition zone. I'd like the classic score at the heart of the land and especially where there are big reveals (Millennium Falcon) or as you are gathering your crew outside an attraction to get the energy and enthusiasm rallied up.
 

Professortango1

Well-Known Member
The main Star Wars theme or an arrangement of would be more appropriate over by the Falcon. Not at the entry tunnels. Ideally on an attraction and not as atmosphere music. I guess they’re thinking opening crawl = entry tunnel. It’s not a 1:1. They’re different mediums. I’d like to apply for the position of Theme Park Psychologist. That seems to be lacking at WDI.
The issue with the Falcoln has never been the music, its that there isn't anything to do in that corner. No shops, no restaurant, no show. Just a stationary vehicle behind guard rails and a big empty queue that goes behind it. The land lacks any type of town square. They try it with both the MF and market, but they are separated without anything to do in either location.

They designed a land that wants to reward exploration. But doesn't actually feature any rewards. And instead feels like a lot of empty liminal spaces that are too big for an immersive intimate feeling and too small and lifeless for anything to happen there.
 

mickEblu

Well-Known Member
he issue with the Falcoln has never been the music, its that there isn't anything to do in that corner. No shops, no restaurant, no show. Just a stationary vehicle behind guard rails and a big empty queue that goes behind it. The land lacks any type of town square. They try it with both the MF and market, but they are separated without anything to do in either location.

Well I didn't say it was the problem or that it would fix all the problems in that area. With that said, the Falcon area is the best part of the land so it its never gotten too much criticism from me. Could it be improved? Sure. Buts its so iconic, massive and visually striking that it gets the job done without some of the other things you mention that would of course make it better.

They designed a land that wants to reward exploration. But doesn't actually feature any rewards. And instead feels like a lot of empty liminal spaces that are too big for an immersive intimate feeling and too small and lifeless for anything to happen there.

Yeah this is what the land is missing more than just about anything. Too many shut windows and doors. Everything is inside. No kinetic energy. Imagine taking a little path next to Jabbas's Palace (dinner show restaurant) down to a dungeon with an AA rancor. If they weren't going to have aliens walking around all the time they should have at least included two AA creatures that we discover in the land. Sorry, but much better use of resources than Dok Andar. Maybe a walk through attraction where Yoda is hiding out and talking about the force where they could showcase some cool tech where he appears and disappears. Sporadic Lightsaber duels etc.
 

DavidDL

Well-Known Member
Happy about the John Williams music just slightly concerned about the main theme being blasted over and over again in the entry tunnels. Seems a little strong of a theme to have at the entry tunnels and I hope it’s nothing like the Avengers theme playing over and over and over at AC. I like the entry tunnel music as it is today.

I would hate for the music they currently have in the entry tunnels to go away.

My understanding is that they'll be blasting the "opening crawl" theme in these tunnels now. At least, that's what I had heard reported. Which is a real shame because I believe said reporting also mentioned the current tunnel music was one of the few original pieces created by John Williams FOR Galaxy's Edge.
 

SuddenStorm

Well-Known Member
The main Star Wars theme or an arrangement of would be more appropriate over by the Falcon. Not at the entry tunnels. Ideally on an attraction and not as atmosphere music. I guess they’re thinking opening crawl = entry tunnel. It’s not a 1:1. They’re different mediums. I’d like to apply for the position of Theme Park Psychologist. That seems to be lacking at WDI.


If you want to deep dive into the psychology of Disneyland...
 

Distorian

Member
The issue with the Falcoln has never been the music, its that there isn't anything to do in that corner. No shops, no restaurant, no show. Just a stationary vehicle behind guard rails and a big empty queue that goes behind it. The land lacks any type of town square. They try it with both the MF and market, but they are separated without anything to do in either location.

They designed a land that wants to reward exploration. But doesn't actually feature any rewards. And instead feels like a lot of empty liminal spaces that are too big for an immersive intimate feeling and too small and lifeless for anything to happen there.
If only the Falcon had a ramp you could walk up.
 

DrStarlander

Well-Known Member
it just needs something to do other than take a photo. People taking selfies isn't great land interaction.
The Millennium Falcon is like the Trevi Fountain in Rome. You walk though the tight streets and alleys and then suddenly it opens into a plaza and there it is: a marvel to behold. People look at it for a few minutes, they definitely take photos. But the gawking crowd is one-sided and it's not at all interactive or immersive (unless someone jumps in 🤣). It's a moment, then you walk away, as staying long would be awkward.
Trevi_Fountain_in_Rome-2.jpeg


I compare that to the Spanish Steps in Rome, where people also go to gawk at the view. But because it's steps -- there's a place to sit -- it's not a transitory "liminal" space between one activity and another. It's a place "to be" not just "to see." There's social energy and interaction (you may even meet people), it's not awkward to be there -- even though everyone is facing the same direction just like at the Trevi Fountain -- because you're sitting. What you're doing (resting) is obvious.
image.jpg


If they'd put some Star Wars cargo crates around the MF and give people a chance to sit for a moment the space wouldn't be so transitory and awkward.
MillenniumFalcon.png


If they had a variety of animations happening with the Falcom (a refueling tank spilling fluid, engine flushing) which acts as a fountain, or the satellite dish going through diagnostic/tuning moves so it's a "show," that would also help. The Tinguely Fountain in Basel, Switzerland offers a great example of simple but mesmerizing industrial/mechanical kinetics in a public plaza setting.
Screenshot 2026-01-16 at 8.09.07 AM.png

Basically, all the ways to create a great, active urban space have been figured out already. Send them on one of those research trips back to Europe 🤣.
 

EPCOTCenterLover

Well-Known Member
The Millennium Falcon is like the Trevi Fountain in Rome. You walk though the tight streets and alleys and then suddenly it opens into a plaza and there it is: a marvel to behold. People look at it for a few minutes, they definitely take photos. But the gawking crowd is one-sided and it's not at all interactive or immersive (unless someone jumps in 🤣). It's a moment, then you walk away, as staying long would be awkward.
View attachment 903008

I compare that to the Spanish Steps in Rome, where people also go to gawk at the view. But because it's steps -- there's a place to sit -- it's not a transitory "liminal" space between one activity and another. It's a place "to be" not just "to see." There's social energy and interaction (you may even meet people), it's not awkward to be there -- even though everyone is facing the same direction just like at the Trevi Fountain -- because you're sitting. What you're doing (resting) is obvious.
View attachment 903009

If they'd put some Star Wars cargo crates around the MF and give people a chance to sit for a moment the space wouldn't be so transitory and awkward.
View attachment 903023

If they had a variety of animations happening with the Falcom (a refueling tank spilling fluid, engine flushing) which acts as a fountain, or the satellite dish going through diagnostic/tuning moves so it's a "show," that would also help. The Tinguely Fountain in Basel, Switzerland offers a great example of simple but mesmerizing industrial/mechanical kinetics in a public plaza setting.
View attachment 903025
Basically, all the ways to create a great, active urban space have been figured out already. Send them on one of those research trips back to Europe 🤣.
LOVE Rome! I'd go back in an instant.
 

Professortango1

Well-Known Member
The Millennium Falcon is like the Trevi Fountain in Rome. You walk though the tight streets and alleys and then suddenly it opens into a plaza and there it is: a marvel to behold. People look at it for a few minutes, they definitely take photos. But the gawking crowd is one-sided and it's not at all interactive or immersive (unless someone jumps in 🤣). It's a moment, then you walk away, as staying long would be awkward.
View attachment 903008

I compare that to the Spanish Steps in Rome, where people also go to gawk at the view. But because it's steps -- there's a place to sit -- it's not a transitory "liminal" space between one activity and another. It's a place "to be" not just "to see." There's social energy and interaction (you may even meet people), it's not awkward to be there -- even though everyone is facing the same direction just like at the Trevi Fountain -- because you're sitting. What you're doing (resting) is obvious.
View attachment 903009

If they'd put some Star Wars cargo crates around the MF and give people a chance to sit for a moment the space wouldn't be so transitory and awkward.
View attachment 903023

If they had a variety of animations happening with the Falcom (a refueling tank spilling fluid, engine flushing) which acts as a fountain, or the satellite dish going through diagnostic/tuning moves so it's a "show," that would also help. The Tinguely Fountain in Basel, Switzerland offers a great example of simple but mesmerizing industrial/mechanical kinetics in a public plaza setting.
View attachment 903025
Basically, all the ways to create a great, active urban space have been figured out already. Send them on one of those research trips back to Europe 🤣.
The problem is that these areas grow over time for a variety of reasons. Number one, being a city with dense population and people creating havens in gathering spaces where community can commune. Disneyland is a theme park with almost entirely communal spaces and shared experiences from vibey out of the way gardens to the weenies like Sleeping Beauty's castle.

Speaking of the castle, that brings me to the second issue; location. These spaces are not only respites from business, but also grew because of where they were located. Gathering points within a city. Sleeping Beauty Castle is one at Disney because of the structure, surroundings, and its central location. People naturally gather there.

With the Falcon, it is in the back corner of the park. The very back corner. I'm not trekking all the way back there to hang out and see what rolls through. Especially as the land itself is pretty sleepy, so unless I'm going to Smuggler's Run, I am never in that half of the land. Typically, I walk from Pooh to Rise and then leave GE because there isn't anything to see or do.

If they put a big show where the giant double doors to nothing are, it would help. Guests gathering for the show and releasing out of it on a regular basis. Or aliens soapboxing and speaking to the crowd. Heck, even Universal's citizens of New York interacting out the windows is far more fun to sit and watch than a still prop photo op.

Last, many of these real world locations have history. The Falcon does not. It's a theme park prop that was made less than a decade ago. It represents something fictional that means something to people, but it feels like a photo op and not anything historic or important. Indy's queue has a far more important piece of movie history in its queue and they don't bother making it long walk to see the truck from Raiders.
 

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