Disney’s recent Q4 2021 Earnings call revealed some new information about Genie+, a comment on shrinking portion sizes, and possibly a hint at an expansion in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
While discussing upcoming costs for Disney’s theme parks division, CFO Christine McCarthy specifically mentioned Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge under new projects and initiatives.
“…while we continue to pursue strong cost mitigation efforts, certain costs will be elevated in fiscal ’22 versus pre-pandemic levels, including, for example, inflationary pressure on wages, costs related to new projects and initiatives such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avenger’s Campus and the Epcot expansion…”
It’s not surprising to hear Avengers Campus in Disneyland and the transformation of Epcot mentioned. Avenger’s Campus is still waiting on its marquee attraction and Disney is still in the thick of the Epcot overhaul.
But Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? Did McCarthy intend to mention the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which is set to open in 2022?
It’s unclear if this was a simple case of mixing up two similarly-named concepts or if something new is planned for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Numerous concepts were scrapped for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in its development, including attractions and a table-service restaurant, which leaves the door open for future additions.
Remember this concept art that depicted a table-service restaurant from a galaxy far, far away?
Here’s another look at the planned restaurant.
The plot for the restaurant is in an area that Disney could develop relatively easily. For reference, the rectangle-shaped hole in the aerial photo below was the planned location for the table-service restaurant near Oga’s Cantina.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was billed as the greatest achievement by the Walt Disney Company. In many ways it succeeds, such as in the Rise of the Resistance attraction, but it falls well short in other areas. The lack of overall atmosphere and things to do in Galaxy’s Edge makes it feel like Disney overpromised and underdelivered.
Is Disney planning an addition to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that could help round out the experience?
