Disneyland Resort opened its long-awaited Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction a little more than a week ago and in addition to the eateries and snacks, guests can expect a plethora of merchandise to help bring the experience home.
But don’t expect too much in the way of Star Wars-branded gear.
“It seemed crazy to have hundreds of products across nine retail spots and not have Star Wars products, but that’s the one thing we didn’t need,” said Brad Schoeneberg, director of merchandise strategy at Walt Disney Imagineering, during a media preview of the park in late last month.
The idea instead was to offer products that could “deliver a level of authenticity, realism and storytelling” exclusive to the attraction.
There’s plenty of ways for guests to spend money during their visit.
Visitors can create their own lightsabers for about $200, and build their own droid at the Droid Depot. There are also opportunities to purchase robes inspired by the ones worn by Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, as well as belts—for carrying your lightsaber, of course.
Special gear is also available at the park’s restaurants including a $42 collectible souvenir mug at the cantina—Disneyland’s first public bar at the attraction.
Coca-Cola participated by creating droid-inspired packaging for its soda products at the park.
Reports from the park on opening day noted that lines at the Galaxy’s Edge first ride, the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, were relatively manageable, but the largest waits were at some of the stores.
Why? News reports indicate a host of the site-specific memorabilia was listed on eBay last week, at hefty markups.
