We love Disneyland history and looking back at memories over the years. This article is no longer being updated, but is a great way to look back and see what was happening at Disneyland when this was originally published.
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Star Wars Land Disneyland opens May 31, 2019! The Millenium Falcon ride will open first, soon to be followed by other attractions in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Star Wars Land Disneyland in California will open before the Star Wars Land at Walt Disney World in Florida opens. We also know there will be a reservation system to help with crowds, and there is no additional cost. That means if you have valid Disneyland Resort admission, you will make a reservation to get into Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at no additional cost. When we have more information about the Galaxy's Edge reservation system, we'll be sure to update you! It's a good time to be on the west coast!
For example, in 2018 when Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! opened at Disney California Adventure Park, it was promoted as a summer opening before an opening date was announced. The official opening date ended up being May 26, 2017. But this year, Pixar Pier was also being touted as a summer opening before an official date was released. When the opening date finally came out, it was announced that Pixar Pier will be opening on Saturday, June 23, 2018, nearly a full month later.
So, when does Star Wars Land open in Disneyland? We have three guesses, with one being the strongest. At first, we thought the most likely is that Star Wars Land would open in Disneyland over Memorial Day weekend 2019. If that's the case, our best guess is that it will be that Friday. We know that historically Disney likes to open as early as possible and Memorial Day weekend is the kick off for summer break for many schools.
Our second guess, although less likely, but would be super cool, is that Star Wars Land in Disneyland will open on Star Wars Day... May the Fourth Be With You. It would be an obviously cool thing to open Star Wars Land on Star Wars Day, although it may be too far fetched. With that said, I am still holding out hope that Star Wars Land may open on a limited preview basis on those dates. Here's why...
As I mentioned earlier, we know that the Star Wars Land in Disneyland is opening before the Star Wars Land in Walt Disney World. Knowing that Disney prefers to open major attractions, let alone, one of the most highly anticipated lands of all time, as early as possible, that makes us think that at least a Memorial Day opening in Disneyland is still possible. Then, when you consider May 4th is less than three weeks away from Memorial Day weekend, it seems like they may want to push for the stars to align. Not only that, but an opening in early May would give Disneyland a little bit of extra time to figure out traffic flow before summer crowds.
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Now of course, these opening dates are pure speculation at this point. As soon as an official date is announced, we will update it here and on all of our social media channels. Once again, the only thing we know for sure is that Star Wars Land will be opening sometime "summer" of 2019.
Now our third, and most probable answer to the question of when does Star Wars Land open is late June. As of June 2, 2018, Disneyland made a major change to their Annual Passholder calendar that will take affect next year. For the first time ever, certain Annual Passes will not just have blockout dates, but also will block out specific parks.
Because these changes will restrict visits to Disneyland and the changes begin in June 2019, it has begun speculation that Star Wars Land may open in June 2019. At this point, we think the most likely scenario is that Star Wars Land will open on Friday, June 21, 2019. However, with that said, NOTHING is guaranteed until Disney makes an official announcement. Not only has Disney not made an official announcement, they have not given any inkling as to when they may make an announcement.
Until an official announcement is made by Disney, we are still hopeful that Star Wars Land will open on a limited basis sometime in May, it just may not be to the public. So, what does that mean?
The Disneyland Resort will often hold special preview events when a new attraction or land opens. For example, when Cars Land opened in 2012, Disney held a number of previews for Annual Passholders, Cast Members and invite-only media and travel partners. More recently, Disney has held special ticketed events for attractions and entertainment options that are opening or closing. These are open to anyone willing to buy a ticket. For example, when Tower of Terror closed, there was a good-bye party where guests were able to purchase exclusive tickets to ride one last time. Then, there was another event when Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! opened where guests got to preview the attraction.
This summer, Disney California Adventure Park hosted the most expensive preview to date. For $299 guests were able to enter Pixar Pier for up to eight hours the day before it opened to the public. This ticket included exclusive admission, food items and entertainment. We can't help but think this is a sign of things to come. With Star Wars Land being the most highly anticipated land possibly of all time, we imagine Disney will offer a number of exclusive ticketed preview events. Assuming that construction continues to go as planned, it is quite possible previews may begin in May and the official grand opening to the public will be in late June.
Of course that's not all that we know about Star Wars Land. Here are a few other things we know about Star Wars Land.
- Star Wars Land has a name. Galaxy's Edge is the official land of the Star Wars Land that is opening in both Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida.
- Galaxy's Edge is a place that has never before existed in the Star Wars universe.
- You can get a sneak peek into Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland right now! When you ride Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, your very last stop puts you in... you guessed it, Galaxy's Edge.
- Galaxy's Edge will feature two new attractions, character interactions, and a number of shopping and dining locations.
- Star Wars Land is 14 acres and development is well underway. It is the largest addition to the Disneyland Resort in recent history.
- Star Wars Land, aka, Galaxy's Edge promises to be an incredibly immersive experience. In fact, the interactions you have with characters in the land will be based on how you act and react throughout the land.
- Rumor has it that when it first opens there will be one entry into Galaxy's Edge, but two exits.
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Speaking of rumors, rumor has it that prices will raise before Star Wars Land opens at Disneyland. Because of that, we recommend booking your tickets as soon as possible. We currently have 2019 Disneyland tickets available for purchase, and best news yet, they're available at our 2018 Disneyland ticket prices. We recommend getting yours as soon as possible.
If you are planning a trip to Disneyland when the new Star Wars Land opens, but aren't exactly sure when to go, here are some tips and things to keep in mind.
- If you want to guarantee that Star Wars Land, aka, Galaxy's Edge will be open for your visit, shoot for an early fall or late summer visit. Although high crowds are expected, you may find a "down" time at Disneyland right after schools go back into session.
- If you want to visit Galaxy's Edge closer to its opening, you can book your first choice of dates. Just add our Peace of Mind Plan to your package. That way if anything changes, like the date for Star Wars Land opening, or if prices go up, you don't have a thing to worry about. It gives you ultimate flexibility.
- You don't have to pay for your 2019 Star Wars Land vacation up front. Instead, you can use our Layaway Plan and hold your vacation for as low as $175 down. Then, you can make as many payments as you'd like up until five days before you travel. It is by far the most flexible way to pay for your vacation.
- Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instragram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel. As we get closer to Star Wars Land opening in Disneyland in 2019, we will be sharing more information and inside tips. You won't want to miss anything.
Of course, "When does Star Wars Land open in Disneyland?" is not the only question surrounding Galaxy's Edge. People want to know how it will effect their vacations. "Should I wait to visit Disneyland until after Star Wars Land opens?" "Should I visit Disneyland before Star Wars Land opens?" "Will Star Wars Land make Disneyland too crowded?" "When will Star Wars Land crowds die down?"
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
We've heard them all. While we can't make those decisions for you, we have some ideas that can help you decide what's best for your family.
"Should I wait to visit Disneyland until after Star Wars Land opens?"
No way! We never recommend putting off a Disneyland vacation. Not to mention, there is so much to experience at the Disneyland Resort this year. Pixar Fest begins April 13, 2018 and Pixar Pier opens on June 23, 2018. Not to mention, Halloween Time and Holidays at the Disneyland Resort 2018 are expected to be better than ever. If you really want to experience Star Wars Land at Disneyland, you should go again!
"Should I visit Disneyland before Star Wars Land opens?"
We covered this pretty well in the previous question, but the short answer is yes. Not to mention, there are still quite a few Star Wars experiences that are available at the Disneyland Resort right now. You can visit Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland where you can meet Chewbacca and Darth Vader, see actual props from the films and so much more. You can also ride Star Wars: The Adventures Continue and watch The Jedi Academy. In fact, kids ages 4-12 can sign up to become Jedi Knights. Also, The Void is an all-new virtual reality experience located in Downtown Disney that puts you into the world of Star Wars.
"Will Star Wars Land make Disneyland too crowded?"
It's no question that Star Wars Land will draw crowds, but that shouldn't keep you away. Disneyland will always enforce a maximum capacity and it's unlikely that it will hit maximum capacity on a regular basis. Additionally, we always give you the best tips on how to avoid crowds and make the most of a busy day at Disneyland. We will be sure to update our strategies once Galaxy's Edge opens.
"When will Star Wars Land crowds die down?"
This is a great question and one that we'll be watching. Just like there are not many real down times at Disneyland anymore, we don't expect there to be many (if any) slow times at Galaxy's Edge. That certainly doesn't mean you shouldn't go. We'll keep you up-to-date with wait times and the latest tips as they come up. And remember, making sure guests have a good experience is a top priority for Disney. We are confident that they are going to handle everything the way that only Disney can.
In the meantime, we will be anxiously awaiting the day that Galaxy's Edge opens in Disneyland and devouring any new details that are released by Disney. Make sure to check our blog regularly and follow us on social media so you can keep up-to-date all about Star Wars Land opening at Disneyland too.
And don't forget, now is a great time to visit Disneyland! If you want to sneak in a trip to Disneyland before Star Wars Land opens, we'd love to help. There is so much to see and do from the new Pixar Pier featuring the Incredicoaster to classic attractions like The Matterhorn. You can find all of our Disneyland packages online, or call our agents at 855-GET-AWAY.
Join the Conversation!
Leave A CommentJenOctober 02 2018
Do you still think that Star Wars land will open on Memorial Day weekend, even though the AP blockout calendar changes aren't in effect until June? We were planning to go in late May, but we do NOT want to be there for the insanity. We were hoping to visit before it opens. :(
Get Away TodaySeptember 25 2018
Hi K! Disney hasn't given any word on shutting down Star Wars Launch Bay. As far as we know, it will still be open this December. We'll make sure to let you know first thing if it's announced that it is closing any time soon.
KSeptember 21 2018
Will they close down the Star Wars Launch Bay? Will it still be open this December?
Get Away TodayJune 27 2018
Hi Jen, It's so hard to say! If you are certain you want to be there before Star Wars Land opens, we'd recommend traveling sometime January - April.
JenJune 23 2018
Was really hoping to get to DLR before the Star Wats craziness started. Do you think early June would be before the public opening?
Get Away TodayJune 15 2018
Hi Tiffany - great question. Just to be super clear, the Star Wars hotel is going to be in Disney World in Florida, not California. Right now they are anticipating a 2021 opening.
TiffanyJune 13 2018
Any idea of when the star wars hotel will be open?
Get Away TodayJune 04 2018
Hi there! Disney has not released an official opening date, but has said that Star Wars Land will open summer 2019 for Disneyland and late fall 2019 for Disney World.
AnonymousJune 01 2018
When dose it open the new star wars land
AnonymousApril 24 2018
I was talking on the phone with a Disney Rep yesterday - We weren't even talking about SWL, just about when we might be able to visit again and she mentioned 2021. I don't remember the month she said.
Get Away TodayMarch 30 2018
Hi Dot! Since Disney has confirmed that Star Wars Land will open in Disneyland first, we'd think a July or August opening (late summer) would make sense for Disney World. Keep an eye on our social media channels as we'll update as soon as we know. :)
DotMarch 29 2018
We are planning a September 2019 vacation to Disney world. What is your best guess of when Star Wars land will open in Disney world?