Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run - Ride/Queue Details and Discussion

[RobWDW1971]

Well put

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I always recommend people go at night - the land looks so much more dramatic with the lighting. At night, there may be less activity (which isn’t saying much), but you get less of that “abandoned movie set” vibe because the Falcon area its pretty to look at and the ground level buildings/closed doors are less prevalent.

 

[Darth Snips]

Well put

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I've seen this criticism a lot, and I'd love to hear you elaborate on it a bit. I agree that they shouldn't have cut the droids, drones, live actors, etc. However, what does Hogsmeade have that GE doesn't in this category? When you visit Hogsmeade after sunset, you won't see any live actors either. You'll just see what was described above: beautiful scenery.

In your opinion, what would you say GE does differently that makes it feel less alive? Is it just the music? Or is something less tangible?

 

[marni1971]

I've seen this criticism a lot, and I'd love to hear you elaborate on it a bit. I agree that they shouldn't have cut the droids, drones, live actors, etc. However, what does Hogsmeade have that GE doesn't in this category? When you visit Hogsmeade after sunset, you won't see any live actors either. You'll just see what was described above: beautiful scenery.

In your opinion, what would you say GE does differently that makes it feel less alive? Is it just the music? Or is something less tangible?

Wish I could put my finger on it. Both us, and our friends, all agreed but couldn’t agree why.

 

[RobWDW1971]

Wish I could put my finger on it. Both us, and our friends, all agreed but couldn’t agree why.

I think it is a function of the design of the land, where all of the buildings are windowless and have closed doors so that there is no light, motion, or “life” coming from any of the space. Add the lack of music throughout the land and it just always feels “closed”.

Whereas the Harry Potter Lands or New Orleans Square, for example, feel alive with music, all of the shops and restaurants are lit up, you see people in the shops and restaurants, the riverboat floating by or HP rides wizzing around/dragon breathing fire, and the lands just feel “alive” and inviting vs SWGE feels abandoned and cold like a static set piece.

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to walk through Disneyland or a theme park in the middle of the night when it’s empty and the lights are on, but the music and effects are turned off, that’s what SWGE feels like.

 

[Mickeyboof]

I've seen this criticism a lot, and I'd love to hear you elaborate on it a bit. I agree that they shouldn't have cut the droids, drones, live actors, etc. However, what does Hogsmeade have that GE doesn't in this category? When you visit Hogsmeade after sunset, you won't see any live actors either. You'll just see what was described above: beautiful scenery.

In your opinion, what would you say GE does differently that makes it feel less alive? Is it just the music? Or is something less tangible?

The music is motion, certainly. It swirls, it builds, it holds you tight.

At night, the windows are alive with motion and magic. The warm light dancing against the snow topped roofs is dazzling. Through the trees you can see a parade of motorcycles flying about! Owls all around, shifting on their perch. Dishes in the windows cleaning themselves. There’s a few little dark alleys to explore. It’s wonderful.

There are no characters (unless the Death Eaters show up!) but I don’t pay much mind at night. Me, with my wand in hand, is truly my own character. For I can sip on warm butterbeer, practice spells, and journey to forbidden places.

Hogsmeade, intrinsically, is absolute escapism. In the Harry Potter stories, it’s the place you run to after a long month of study and hardships. It’s a place to eat and drink, frolic and snuggle up with your love. It’s happiness in the darkest of times. It’s peace.

So at night, the music signing with the light that dances with magical fervor mixes like an intoxating cocktail that warms your bones.

At Galaxy’s Edge, it’s close to being wonderful at night... If only we could use the force to move a bolder, to levitate a lightsaber, send a torch aflame... If there was a glorious battle overhead- good defeating evil... if there were treehouses abovehead, glowing warm with fire, where a celebration for another day closer to defeating the New Order is singing loudly...

The creators of Galaxy’s Edge constantly talk about story. But there is no story. For the first moments of the day look the absolute same as the last moments. Why can’t the Resistance run the First Order out of Batuu by 7pm? Then after 7pm we celebrate Star Wars. We hold our sabers up high, play music, dance, ect.

 

[Tom Morrow]

Perhaps it might be the openness and huge scope of the land? Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley both have close quarters and narrow fields of view. When you can only see smaller sections at a time, your mind wonders if things are happening where you can't see, vs. seeing a huge open area like the canyon around the Falcon where it's more obvious that things aren't happening.

Kinetic movement is strongly needed in the land. A couple of moving turrets or spinning satellite dishes on rooftops would go a long way, along with movement in the display only areas. For example, the droid display areas should have droid movement as well as the landspeeder repair bay. The Falcon itself performs a handful of audio and visual effects, but even they are far too infrequent and should be increased in how often they occur.

The soundscape of the land is awesome and something I really love about it, and I don't want to see it ruined by having the main musical themes be omnipresent. I always pay close attention to audio-visual design and one thing I've noticed on a recent visit vs. back in August is that in August there wasn't much ambient noise at all and I think this is why a lot of the initial reports called it dull and lifeless. They seemed to increase the prevalence of the ambient audio and sound effects since then, as, on my last visit a few weeks ago, there was much more. It seems they are trying to find a balance of making sure people hear things but not having them play too often to feel fake or repetitive.

 

[Tom Morrow]

I don't know how having guests use the force would work. You could use motion capture technology, but unlike with wands, there isn't a device needed to manipulate the force with and thus nothing to limit which guests are trying to perform the tricks. If every guest can attempt it then either you would have total chaos of everyone trying to get an effect to work or you would need a CM to stand there and regulate a line to use the force to lift a boulder which would be lame. It also doesn't make thematic sense at all, even if they were to open up the timeframe of the land to be more vague, force-sensitive individuals were already rare in the prequel trilogy, mostly a legend in the original trilogy, and almost entirely forgotten in the sequel trilogy.

 

[Mickeyboof]

Perhaps it might be the openness and huge scope of the land? Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley both have close quarters and narrow fields of view. When you can only see smaller sections at a time, your mind wonders if things are happening where you can't see, vs. seeing a huge open area like the canyon around the Falcon where it's more obvious that things aren't happening.

Kinetic movement is strongly needed in the land. A couple of moving turrets or spinning satellite dishes on rooftops would go a long way, along with movement in the display only areas. For example, the droid display areas should have droid movement and the landspeeder repair bay should also have some visual movement. The Falcon itself performs a handful of audio and visual effects, but even they are far too infrequent and should be increased in how often they occur.

The soundscape of the land is awesome and something I really love about it, and I don't want to see it ruined by having the main musical themes be omnipresent. I always pay close attention to audio-visual design and one thing I've noticed on a recent visit vs. back in August is that in August there wasn't much ambient noise at all and I think this is why a lot of the initial reports called it dull and lifeless. They seemed to increase the prevalence of the ambient audio and sound effects since then, as, on my last visit a few weeks ago, there was much more. It seems they are trying to find a balance of making sure people hear things but not having them play too often to feel fake or repetitive.

Music doesn’t equal the soundtrack.

I don’t think anyone here wants to hear them plug the Spotify playlist on repeat.

But the themes, the notes on the page, are too important and too deeply bonded to the Star War DNA to ignore.

The themes could and should be played softly, carried by the wind, with instrumentals that fit Batuu. The marketplace should play new and fitting Star Wars themes played with the instruments one might encounter in a genuine Moroccan Marketplace. Ect.

In Critter Country, the music is played be land-appropriate instruments. Batuu can also have this. And should.

It should NOT play the scores as recorded for the films.

 

[Mickeyboof]

I don't know how having guests use the force would work. You could use motion capture technology, but unlike with wands, there isn't a device needed to manipulate the force with and thus nothing to limit which guests are trying to perform the tricks. If every guest can attempt it then either you would have total chaos of everyone trying to get an effect to work or you would need a CM to stand there and regulate a line to use the force to lift a boulder which would be lame. It also doesn't make thematic sense at all, even if they were to open up the timeframe of the land to be more vague, force-sensitive individuals were already rare in the prequel trilogy, mostly a legend in the original trilogy, and almost entirely forgotten in the sequel trilogy.

It’s not a mess at Universal. There’s a medallion on the ground where you stand, and their employees do monitor and help young wizards learn how to cast a spell.

Technology can find its place in creating these effects. Wether you have to wear a glove with a tracking device, or real time motion tracking. I don’t know, but it exists perfectly fine.

Disney said live YOUR Star Wars adventure.

In my Star Wars adventure, I can use the force. That’s my story.

If they’re going to keep telling us to live our stories, create our own adventures, they better create avenues to do so.

 

[RobWDW1971]

Music doesn’t equal the soundtrack.

I don’t think anyone here wants to hear them plug the Spotify playlist on repeat.

But the themes, the notes on the page, are too important and too deeply bonded to the Star War DNA to ignore.

The themes could and should be played softly, carried by the wind, with instrumentals that fit Batuu. The marketplace should play new and fitting Star Wars themes played with the instruments one might encounter in a genuine Moroccan Marketplace. Ect.

In Critter Country, the music is played be land-appropriate instruments. Batuu can also have this. And should.

It should NOT play the scores as recorded for the films.

Of course not, anybody making that argument is being disingenuous as they know that is a straw man.

They should, however, creatively use the countless Star Wars themes and weave them in magically to the experience. Each area, emotion, and experience can leverage the iconic music in a myriad of creative ways that can be both noticeable and invisible. Disney obviously knows how to do this, they just (in a disastrous decision) chose not to.

 

[SplashJacket]

I've seen this criticism a lot, and I'd love to hear you elaborate on it a bit. I agree that they shouldn't have cut the droids, drones, live actors, etc. However, what does Hogsmeade have that GE doesn't in this category? When you visit Hogsmeade after sunset, you won't see any live actors either. You'll just see what was described above: beautiful scenery.

In your opinion, what would you say GE does differently that makes it feel less alive? Is it just the music? Or is something less tangible?

Hogsmeade is very quaint and cozy. Everything is compact and you can always see people moving around based on where your vision is directed when walking through the land.

Galaxy's Edge, on the other hand, is both colossal and beautiful, but it is the scale that hurts it.

Huge portions of Galaxy's Edge have insanely detailed buildings that serve no apparent purpose. The primary offenders being the southern expansion pad and the eastern area around the Imperial shop.

Additionally, when you walk in from Streets of America and Toy Story land there is nothing apparently Star Wars, incredible, or eyecatching. Comparing it to both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley you have a massive castle atop a mountain and a dragon sitting atop a roof which you instantly see as you enter the land.

Car's Land is absolutely amazing, one of my favorite lands. It is also colossal. The scale of the mountain range is incredible. The only difference is when you look at a mountainous landscape you do not expect movement, even still, you have cars whizzing about every so often adding much appreciated kinetic energy to the scenery.

Star Wars land is so big that its size works against itself. I spent a large sum of time admiring the land and yet my mental map of the lang is slightly untangible.

Hopefully, RotR will resolve some of the issues on the West entrance, the easiest fix would be to fluff the land with new attractions, especially those which add kinetic energy.

 

[Kram Sacul]

The land is fine without the music. You have the natural ambiance stuff, ship effects and a few radios playing the DJ Rx station. Soak it in.

As far the land needIng more movement. Well, duh. The Kylo show and the handful of characters roaming around are great but they really need to bring the Phasma parade over to intimidate everyone. Having Hondo out on the deck overlooking the Falcon area would also be nice.

The “space battle” in the sky at DL is amazing. I wish they would play it up and have audio to accompany it.

 

[Tom Morrow]

The themes could and should be played softly, carried by the wind, with instrumentals that fit Batuu. The marketplace should play new and fitting Star Wars themes played with the instruments one might encounter in a genuine Moroccan Marketplace. Ect

That... is a really good idea. I’ve never been against adding some music. I just want it to be used sparingly and effectively and not omnipresent. I want original arrangements. If they’re going to use the famous themes then I like this idea of having hints of them float in here and there.

Some seem to be advocating for the use of the actual scores from the film the way WWoHP does and I’m strongly against that.

 

[Tom Morrow]

It’s not a mess at Universal. There’s a medallion on the ground where you stand, and their employees do monitor and help young wizards learn how to cast a spell.

Technology can find its place in creating these effects. Wether you have to wear a glove with a tracking device, or real time motion tracking. I don’t know, but it exists perfectly fine.

With the wands there is the fact that you have to purchase the wand that adds exclusivity to performing the tricks, which stops it from being a total tree for all.

They could make you purchase a glove or something for it to work but I can’t imagine it feeling much at all like you’re using the force if you have to use a device.

 

[Rich Brownn]

I've seen this criticism a lot, and I'd love to hear you elaborate on it a bit. I agree that they shouldn't have cut the droids, drones, live actors, etc. However, what does Hogsmeade have that GE doesn't in this category? When you visit Hogsmeade after sunset, you won't see any live actors either. You'll just see what was described above: beautiful scenery.

In your opinion, what would you say GE does differently that makes it feel less alive? Is it just the music? Or is something less tangible?

Interactive wands with displays that actually do something visible, the projection show on Hogwarts,and of course there's still the kinetic energy from the two coasters which are outside.

 

[RobWDW1971]

Interactive wands with displays that actually do something visible, the projection show on Hogwarts,and of course there's still the kinetic energy from the two coasters which are outside.

Can you imagine if Universal had made the decision to have all wizards, wands, and public uses of magic illegal in the Harry Potter lands? It sounds so insane, but that’s exactly what DIsney did.

Universal execs must just laugh in disbelief when they see what Disney has done with Star Wars in the parks.

 

[drizgirl]

I don't agree, but that was only directed at RobWDW1971 because he won't stop his tirade. You have posted your criticisms of the land in the level-headed way.

And apparently you won't stop your tirade about his tirade.

 

[ProjectXBlog]

Wish I could put my finger on it. Both us, and our friends, all agreed but couldn’t agree why.

i’ve said it before, but (personally) it’s because hogsmeade is a place i would actually want to visit, as opposed to galaxy’s edge - a place that i feel that i’m visiting against my will. the whole war-torn atmosphere, complemented by near-lifeless environments and laser-cratered walls, really makes for a setting that, in our current global political climate, does not equate to “fantasy vacation getaway.”

 

[nickys]

Wish I could put my finger on it. Both us, and our friends, all agreed but couldn’t agree why.

I haven’t visited yet, but I have a theory as to why it might be, at least for those who are HP and Star Wars fans, however casual.

Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are places that are familiar, from the books, from the movies. They’re places I want to visit, and they have been built in such a way as to transport you to a place you feel you know. Effectively they are a movie set. The presence of other people add to the feeling of being there before the start of term (Diagon Alley) or during a visit from Hogwarts. There are wizards casting spells and magical effects happening all around you. You are part of the story.

Galaxy’s Edge has amazing scenery, and intricate details to excite the fans, like signs in Aurebesh. It has Tie fighters and the Millenium Falcon parked there. But you aren’t really part of the story. And because it’s a new location it isn’t familiar. That might not be a problem, except that to feel like you are actually part of the story there needs to be something happening that draws you in. Like alien characters, droids and storm troopers roaming around, sounds and voices emanating from hidden places, all creating a story arc of sorts.

A bit like Harambe in AK. It’s the combination of sights (signs on walls, little details all around you) and the sounds (the baby crying, the voices from the houses) that add up to help you feel like you are in an African village. That was, IMO, a result of great Imagineering.

When I do visit GE, I’ll be trying to clear my mind of the pre-conceptions. I want to be excited by it, and I will be to see the Land. I hope I’m also excited by what I discover while I’m there.

 

[Movielover]

And apparently you won't stop your tirade about his tirade.

When he stops we'll stop.

i’ve said it before, but (personally) it’s because hogsmeade is a place i would actually want to visit, as opposed to galaxy’s edge - a place that i feel that i’m visiting against my will. the whole war-torn atmosphere, complemented by near-lifeless environments and laser-cratered walls, really makes for a setting that, in our current global political climate, does not equate to “fantasy vacation getaway.”

Sorry that visiting a place set in the Star Wars universe has too much wars related imagery...