by Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering
In the past, you may have heard us share that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the largest single-themed land expansion at both Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and that they are opening this summer and fall, respectively. We have previously shared that while the land is epic in size, every detail in the land has been designed to have an authentic Star Wars feel. You hopefully have also seen the teasers of our two anchor attractions – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, where you will find yourself in the middle of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, which allows you and your flight crew to take the controls of the fastest ship in the galaxy on a special mission. We have also said that Oga’s Cantina is a great place for guests to grab a beverage, catch up on the latest gossip while R-3X, formerly the Starspeeder pilot on the original Star Tours, DJ’s a collection of new music.
Today I’d like to introduce a new series on the Disney Parks Blog called “Building Batuu.” Batuu, as you may know, is the home of Black Spire Outpost, the location you will visit when you arrive at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters. Over the next several months, we will be providing you with more details about this entire new land, the offerings and attractions and how you can live your own Star Wars adventure in a galaxy far, far away.
We will show you how you can dive deeper into Star Wars storytelling by engaging with the land through the Play Disney Parks app, if you desire a deeper level of immersion. But there is also plenty to see and do (and taste!) throughout Black Spire Outpost that we haven’t previously shared.
While we’re on the subject of taste, there will be several locations in our land to satisfy the appetites of most rogue adventurers:
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs has traveled throughout the galaxy following his longtime gig as the chef at Maz Kanata’s castle on Takodana and brings exotic flavors and unusual dishes to his traveling diner “Tuggs’ Grub.”
Ronto Roasters – A recycled podracing engine fires up a spit of exotic meats, meticulously turned by a former smelter droid, 8D-J8. Guests can even sample some of the tasty Ronto fare.
Milk Stand – The place to go to get your farm-fresh blue milk or green milk, direct from Bubo Wamba Family Farms.
Kat Saka’s Kettle – One of the many street market stalls, this grain vendor sells the ever-popular Outpost Mix (sweet and salty popcorn snack with a hint of spice).
For those looking to purchase in-story Star Wars merchandise and rare finds from across the galaxy, you need to look no further than our many different Outpost stores and market stalls.
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities – For those in the know, Dok-Ondar is the Ithorian you seek for selling and buying rare and uniquely-valued items from across the galaxy and spanning all eras.
Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers – Guests come to the workshop to meet with the Gatherers – a secretive group of people who have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of Jedi lore and the Force. The workshop Master guides guests to customize and build their own unique lightsabers, and instructs them on the ways of the Jedi.
Droid Depot – Visitors to Mubo’s workshop can choose parts and construct their own individual astromech droids to accompany them on their journey, and then take them home with them.
First Order Cargo – A spaceport hangar bay serves as the temporary base and landing spot for the First Order. First Order officers have brought in crates of gear, uniforms and other supplies to win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors to Black Spire Outpost.
Resistance Supply – Resistance members and local sympathizers oversee a makeshift stall that supplies Resistance uniforms, pins, badges, hats, helmets, jackets, maps, tools, training supplies, food rations and other items.
There are also several market stalls which sell a variety of merchandise such as:
Toydarian Toymaker (toys)
Creature Stall (interesting critters that you can take home with you)
Black Spire Outfitters (clothing)
The Jewels of Bith (accessories and other trinkets to treasure)
I look forward to sharing additional details about these and much more through our “Building Batuu” series with some additional news coming later today on some of the food and beverage offerings that will be served in Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo and how the Disney cast members’ costumes will play a big part in bringing the inhabitants of this outpost to life.