#feels GOOD guys im sending everyone who sees this post good friday vibes | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

doesitoffendyou · 5 years

Text

Immersion in the 21st Century: STAR WARS

In the span of one weekend I was thrown into the Star Wars universe for less than $200 (granted, I could have spent more money, as well as visited Disneyland another day, in turn saving me more money). A little Star Wars background for me is I had avoided the films but had partaken in cultural references such as enjoying the Family Guy spoofs and had obviously been spoiled the grand “Luke I am your father” bit. I felt bad, but even when I was little I remember renting A New Hope and I just couldn’t get into it/understand it. Maybe it was too old school production for me, but for some reason it didn’t click. Now when my little brother felt left out, and come the upcoming release for The Force Awakens we felt it would be iconic of us to binge the previous 6 movies and join the world in its excitement of the new release. We did just that, and I almost cried in the opening credits when we saw it in theaters. I kept up with the following releases, but also fell off on watching the most recent release, Solo (even over my excitement of Donald Glover starring in it).

HOWEVER, my love for immerse experiences and the Disney theme park has had me FREAKING out over their new opening of Batuu (Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge). I’m not someone who likes waking up early, but Friday I managed to wake up at 5am and get to Disneyland before the gates even opened. The cast members actually lead a SWARM of attendees directly from the entrance of Frontierland to the Star Wars entrance. I was surprised at how well organized they kept us. Chewie was even waiting for us upon arrival to great everyone! The land was amazing. Not as big as I imagined, but that was also a nice touch because it didn’t feel overwhelming. However, many shops and posts were neatly hidden and it forced one to explore and ask questions. The entirety of the land was completely cut off, as you could not see or sense any other parts of the park - really transporting you into the world of Batuu. Cast members were friendly and engaging, others walked their pets, with everyone dressing in a unique way to help shape the story. I was thrown into the world of Star Wars like no other.

I literally helped pilot the Millennium Falcon with 5 other tourists

after I drank Blue Milk at Oga’s Cantina

took lots of pictures

hugged a Porg

and came back later at night to immerse myself some more. My favorite of which was seeing everyone with their light sabers taking pictures!!!

I think overall I returned at least 5 times to Batuu in one day! I just enjoyed walking through there. I even saw Rey running off at night, unfortunately didn’t get to grab a picture or meet her, but was super excited to see her (dressed in sneaky clothing as well as to not get caught by the Order). One of the most immersive experiences I’ve had. Disney really went above and beyond to touch so many points of the Star Wars story. So much so that tonight I’m sitting down and watching Solo. Why? Because I don’t want that immersion to end, and also I’m trilled to go back and experience it again.

Favorite moments:

I asked where the resistance outpost was so I could shop and the cast member acted all clueless and scared to give me the information (talk about character composition)

Chewie walked by me (IM ALMOST AS TALL AS HIM) and went AHHHHH. We clearly had a moment.

I was lucky enough to be the pilot on the Millennium Falcon (Smuggler’s Run) ride and got to send us into hyperspace.. :D I almost died of excitement when I pulled that lever.

The pork wrap was honestly one of the best meals ever, as well as the multitude of juices they offer throughout the park.

At night the immersive voices of crickets and animals really throw you into the land! There’s also footprints on the ground if you look close enough.

I tried to get into a closed ride (the forbidden ruins) and my interaction with the cast member was very immersive and quite hysterical. I obviously COULDN’T get into the forbidden ruins because they were.. Forbidden (duh) and also wouldn’t be open for many moon cycles

I learned Bright Suns means good morning :) and many more sayings to get you into the vibe of interstellar traveling

0 notes