Disney World has been in the news lately. Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis now has the power to appoint the members of the board that supervises the development of the state’s Disney World theme parks. As he says, "there's a new sheriff in town." But don't worry, the new measure would permit Disney – one of Florida’s largest private employers – to retain its special tax district status. The Happiest Place on Earth (all 25,000 acres) doesn't seem to be missing a beat. We visited on a relatively hot Saturday in February, ready to celebrate Disney World's 50th anniversary.
Steven had come to Orlando for a scientific conference. Benjamin and I came for the weekend. First the grotto pool on Friday, then Hollywood Studios on Saturday. I chose Hollywood Studios because I wanted to see Galaxy's Edge, on the planet Batuu. According to my Unofficial Guide to Disney World, it's a "dusty backwater filled with bounty hunters, smugglers and those who make a living by not being recognized." When we visited it was a lot of people in mouse ears and Disney t-shirts trying to find the restrooms. Galaxy's Edge believes in inconspicuous signage. More immersive. Also, the stormtroopers assist in setting the mood. Here they are interrupting our photo shoot.
To really get the full experience, we rode Star Tours three times, Smugglers' Run twice, and Rise of the Resistance once. The latter ride is a "super headliner" with a line wait of 105 minutes. That's why we just did it once. I know I will berated for saying this, but I enjoyed Star Tours and Smugglers Run more. Above you see Ben and Steven in the almost empty entry to Star Tours. (Because everyone was in line waiting for Rise of the Resistance). Above them are a list of departures for foreign galaxies. Just like at a regular airport, but with hyperdrive.
While daytime Batuu has you wandering around in circles (where are those bathrooms?),
night time Batuu is magical and immersive. It makes you want to buy that $60 X-Wing Rebel pilot helmet, make your own light saber (Star Tours gift shop) and walk around like the smuggler/Jedi/rebel you really are. Here you see Ben and Steven lit up by the Millenium Falcon, and same shot (pretty much) during daylight hours. I think you can guess which experience I prefer.
Of course, you don't have to *just* do Star Wars stuff. We did other stuff too. Tower of Terror, the haunted Hollywood hotel, is a classic (see it in the distance behind us), as is the half hour Beauty and the Beast musical (all the important songs are there), Muppet Vision 3-D (best 3-D fun ever), Mickey and Minne's Runaway Railway, Toy Story Mania! and Slinky's Dog Dash (delightful coaster even for the coaster-shy). And Ben's FitBit said we only walked nine miles to see it all!
p.s. to Emily. Above is as close as we got to Olga's Cantina. It is just too popular. Next time, for sure.
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