At a Glance
- Original trilogy Star Wars characters debut at Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge starting April 29, 2026
- Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia will roam Batuu in classic 1977-1983 looks
- John Williams’ iconic scores will now play throughout the land, including “Main Title” and “Force Theme”
- Why it matters: Fans can finally meet the heroes and villains that defined the saga inside the immersive park
Starting in April, Disneyland visitors can step into the same frame as the rebels and Sith Lords who launched the Star Wars phenomenon nearly five decades ago. The Anaheim resort announced on January 14 that Galaxy’s Edge will welcome characters from the original trilogy-A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi-beginning April 29, 2026.
Meet the Classic Crew
Guests will encounter:
- Darth Vader and Imperial troops marching in formation
- Luke Skywalker searching for Force artifacts and kyber crystals
- Princess Leia Organa recruiting allies near the Millennium Falcon
- Han Solo lingering close to his ship and thinking about Oga’s Cantina
Their arrival widens the land’s timeline. When Galaxy’s Edge opened in 2019, storylines placed guests between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker at Black Spire Outpost on planet Batuu. With the new additions, Disney says the land now spans “the Galactic Civil War and New Republic, as well as the Age of the Resistance and First Order.”
Soundtrack Upgrade
Music composed by John Williams will underscore the experience. Visitors will hear:
- “Main Title” and “Force Theme”
- “Han Solo and the Princess”
- “The Desert and the Robot Auction”
- “The Emperor”
The cantina band inside Oga’s continues its regular set list.
Who’s Already There
The new arrivals join current characters already wandering Batuu:
- R2-D2
- Chewbacca
- Rey
- Ahsoka Tano
- The Mandalorian and Grogu
Disney notes that appearances remain unscheduled to keep interactions spontaneous, though typical zones-such as the Falcon’s landing pad-offer reliable sighting spots.
More Additions in 2026
Other upgrades planned for the land include:
- Fresh artifacts inside Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
- A BB droid prototype under development at Droid Depot
Park-Wide Expansion
The Star Wars refresh is part of a broader 2026 slate for Disneyland. In March, the Fantasyland Theatre will host an immersive Bluey celebration. The resort’s 70th Celebration runs through August 9, featuring the “Paint the Night” parade, “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade,” and “Wondrous Journeys.” Mickey, Minnie, and friends will wear anniversary costumes. Later seasons bring returning favorites: Halloween Time and Holidays at the Disneyland Resort.
Key Takeaways
- April 29, 2026 marks the first time classic 1977-1983 film characters officially appear inside Galaxy’s Edge
- Visitors can expect spontaneous encounters rather than fixed meet-and-greet schedules
- Musical cues from the original scores deepen immersion
- The expansion signals Disney’s willingness to fold multiple eras into one immersive land
