What I Might Add to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Since going to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in January, I’ve been thinking about what Disney might do with the land of Batuu now that it’s been up and running for several months. Supposedly there’s area available in the land to add a third ride, but that’s a long-term plan. Here are a few ideas I think might help fill out the experience that don’t involve major construction.
Non-Human NPCs. Chewie, Rey, Artoo, Kylo Ren, and a squadron of Stormtroopers are already on Batuu. I think that’s enough for known characters. I’d like to see generic droids accompanying cast members as they make their rounds through the park. Are there Star Wars aliens who can look convincing in costumes just walking from point A to B, or moving trash carts around, or whatever? Right now it’s basically all humans.
Activities. Aside from interactions with Stormtroopers or Rey, most of the experience of being in Black Spire Outpost revolves around walking around and looking at stuff (and using the app to hack into radios, which is really clever). I’d like to have more on-world stuff going on that visitors can stop and watch. A daily space-yoga class that park-goers are invited to join. A booth where kids can play laser darts. A hustler who sets up a table to play space-three card monte until Stormtroopers chase him away. A big screen showing pod racing, complete with a gambler who’s behind on debts with Oga getting carted away by enforcers.
Storyline Skits. When the park opened, the actors playing Resistance spy Vi Moradi, Rey, Chewie, and Kylo Ren staged a full storyline for the press to see, complete with a choreographed lightsaber fight. I’d love to see that come back as a regular event.