After seven long years, Disneyland is finally elevating its Star Wars experience to a whole new level, delivering exactly what fans have been dreaming of. Galaxy’s Edge, the immersive Star Wars-themed land that opened at Disneyland and Walt Disney World in 2019, is about to undergo significant updates that will delight enthusiasts by expanding beyond the sequel trilogy era and embracing some beloved characters from the original trilogy.
Galaxy’s Edge: A New Era in Disneyland’s Star Wars Experience
When Galaxy’s Edge initially opened, it was set within one specific day in the Star Wars timeline, mainly focused on the events occurring between the recently released sequel trilogy films. This timeline restriction meant that only characters and stories from that era were featured prominently throughout the land. However, this limitation has been gradually softened over time, especially with the presence of New Republic Era characters such as Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) and Grogu.
Now, Disneyland is making bold moves to fully break free from this canonical boundary, offering a broader Star Wars experience that spans multiple eras and brings fresh life to Batuu, the fictional star system where Galaxy’s Edge is set.
Original Trilogy Characters Finally Arrive at Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2026 updates is the official introduction of iconic original trilogy Star Wars characters into Galaxy’s Edge. Fans can look forward to seeing Darth Vader and Imperial Stormtroopers joining the immersive land, marking the first time these legendary figures will be fully incorporated within the highly themed area surrounding the Black Spire Outpost.
Along with Darth Vader, other classic heroes and heroines such as Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo will be making appearances. These characters will mostly be found near the iconic Millennium Falcon, creating unforgettable moments for visitors who have waited years to engage with characters from the original trilogy within the immersive Star Wars universe of Galaxy’s Edge.
Meanwhile, fans of newer saga characters will also see familiar faces. Age of Resistance heroes like Rey Skywalker will remain near the popular Rise of the Resistance attraction, and New Republic-era figures like Din Djarin and Grogu continue to unite the narrative bridge between eras, appearing in the central marketplace area of Batuu.
In a surprise twist, Kylo Ren and his First Order troopers are set to relocate from Galaxy’s Edge to Tomorrowland, which could open the door for new storylines and experiences in that park area.
Major Attractions and Soundtrack Upgrades Coming to Galaxy’s Edge in 2026
Beyond the integration of original trilogy characters, Disneyland is planning a fresh update to one of Galaxy’s Edge’s most beloved rides, Smuggler’s Run. In 2026, this attraction will feature an all-new adventure starring Din Djarin and Grogu to coincide with the release of the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu movie. This update promises to enhance the ride’s storytelling and deepen its ties to the ever-expanding Star Wars universe.
Fans can also expect an enriched auditory experience as more of John Williams’ iconic Star Wars soundtrack will be woven throughout Galaxy’s Edge, immersing guests in the saga’s timeless musical themes as they explore the land. Additionally, various sections of Batuu will be visually updated to better reflect and support the original trilogy era and its characters, enhancing the authenticity and atmosphere of the setting.
What This Means for Star Wars Fans and Disneyland Visitors
The latest announcements demonstrate Disneyland’s commitment to expanding and deepening the Star Wars role-playing experience in Galaxy’s Edge. By introducing Fan-favorite original trilogy characters and updating attractions to align with current Star Wars media, Disney Parks are catering to long-standing fan requests for more diverse thematic content. This evolution in Galaxy’s Edge promises a richer, multi-era Star Wars story that appeals to a broader audience of fans, from nostalgic original trilogy followers to enthusiasts of the new shows and movies.
The combination of timeline flexibility, updated attractions, and enhanced character appearances will transform Batuu into a more vibrant and immersive destination, where visitors can live out their Star Wars fantasies like never before.
Conclusion
After years of anticipation, Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge is finally delivering the Star Wars experience fans have been waiting for by embracing the beloved original trilogy characters and enhancing its attractions for 2026. From the menacing presence of Darth Vader and Imperial Stormtroopers to the updated Smuggler’s Run adventure featuring Din Djarin and Grogu, the land is set to become an unparalleled Star Wars immersive experience that spans multiple eras.
Call to Action: Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more at keeperfacts.com.
