Star Wars: Galactic Nights 2017
What has now become a tradition with the opening of a new Star Wars film, the “after party” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year was no different. Starting at 5pm guests who purchased a special ticket for Galactic Nights were permitted to enter a “hive of scum and villainy” and enjoy special photos ops, food, and entertainment till midnight.
Star Wars: Galactic Nights 2017 Red Carpet
As with any great Hollywood event the fun started outside with a red carpet complete with Disney PhotoPass to capture the big moment.
Star Wars: Galactic Nights 2017 Credentials
Once inside, the park guests were given credentials and a program of the evening. One of my favorite parts of the entire was the “Seize The Saga Scavenger Hunt” that encouraged guests to visit the photo spots throughout the park and collect stickers of each of the planets to put on the back of the credential for a special message.
Star Wars: Galactic Nights 2017 Credential Seize the Saga Scavenger Hunt Complete
The real draw of this evening was to see the stars of the saga throughout the park including a rare appearance of Darth Vader and a battalion of Stormtroopers marching down Hollywood Blvd.
The evening was full of Star Wars fun from a few roaming characters to an updated Star Wars: Path of the Jedi. In addition, Star Wars: Launch Bay featured added pieces from Star Wars: The Last Jedi. One of the biggest, literally, draws was the Hollywood Tower Hotel being transformed into different locations from the Star Wars Universe.
As I said with the Seize The Saga Scavenger Hunt the photo opportunities were plentiful for everything from a visit to Hoth to Jedha and a chance to have a photo with K-2SO.
The true highlight of the night was the “Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” panel that gave us a look inside the biggest expansion coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park. This presentation gave so many hints at the new land to open in 2019, I think we all walked away hoping it would be open and we could explore Batuu that night.
This party really was a Star Wars fan’s dream, the only complaint I had was the capacity seemed a bit high. I spent more time in lines for the photo backdrops than anything else, even with so many of them lines were upwards of 30 minutes for some. I didn’t get (want) to stop to try some of the amazing food offerings they had but it all smelled so good as I was rushing from planet to planet, and I only was able to ride the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster with the special Star Wars soundtrack once… again too many people not enough time.
Star Wars: Galactic Nights 2017 A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks
The night was capped off with a updated Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular that included additions from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which just made my favorite nighttime spectacular even that much better.
Star Wars: Galactic Nights 2017 Parting Gift
Of course just like with all good events all guests were giving a beautiful poster as we exited the park. This event, while not close to taking the place of Star Wars Weekends, is a fun night in the park, the price of $125 per person is a little much in my opinion, but every guest I saw was having a great time and will sure to be back next year for Solo: A Star Wars Story.