5. Exclusivity of the resort

Image: Disney

Galaxy's Edge isn't the only expansion coming from the Star Wars universe. Disney is also bringing a spectacular Star Wars themed resort unlike any ever been attempted before. The concept will hold more similarities to an all-inclusive cruise than the typical Disney hotel where meals, tickets, and even clothes are usually paid for piecemeal. According to the information we have so far, at the Star Wars resort, these will be included with your stay. The other reason the Star Wars resort will be different is that a stay there will actually be a sort of roleplaying experience where guests will feel like they are staying on a galactic luxury cruiser. Similar to many Renaissance festivals, guests will even have Star Wars-appropriate clothes for their stay (we are so curious if some elements of cosplay will be allowed). Basically, the resort is another attraction, but one that will prove very exclusive due to price.

It is not clear yet if guests not staying at the Star Wars themed resort will be able to just stroll into the lobby and explore. This has been allowed at all previous Walt Disney World resorts, but this concept is something entirely new. It may be closed off to anyone who isn’t a guest. Early estimations on price have already made it clear this resort will be expensive—the type of place you only stay a couple nights rather than a whole week. Some of the cost will be offset by the fact park tickets will be included, but it will still prove prohibitive for many visitors. Like the immersion elements, the role-play factor may also prove off-putting to some visitors as well. We are very, very curious to see how the first year of stays at this unique resort will play out and what issues will bubble to the surface with the concept, cool though it is.

6. The gaming elements will annoy some

Image: Disney

It is hard to call some of these elements downsides, but for every pro, there are some cons. We’ve made it no secret how excited we are about the elements of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that seem to be inspired by video games, especially MMORPG’s. Guests riding Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run will actually leave that ride with a score of how well they did piloting the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. This isn’t anything particularly new to Disney—Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Toy Story Mania, and Test Track all involve scoring systems—but the way it will affect the rest of your visit will be different.

The choices guests make on attractions at Galaxy’s Edge will affect something like a faction system stored in your MagicBand. Characters and elements in the park will react differently to you depending on what you did on the ride. Do too well on your smuggling run, for example, and you may draw the attention of bounty hunters perusing the parks and the cantina. You’ll actually have a reputation.

For us, this is one of the neatest concepts in Galaxy’s Edge, one that will introduce fascinating new territory for guests and character interaction (and even character dining). However, there have already been signs that some guests are skeptical about the gaming elements. Indeed, they will likely annoy some visitors.

On one hand, some are frustrated that Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run may rely heavily on video gaming elements. Some have voiced this feels like a cop-out on Disney’s part instead of exploring new technologies (as much as I personally disagree with this viewpoint). It is also likely that some guests will be extremely confused by the gaming element. You have to wonder if your Millennium Falcon run can get busted by a fellow guest who just doesn’t want to touch the controls or doesn’t understand the ride. Others may find the way your score follows you disconcerting, preferring a more traditional theme park experience. If video games just aren’t your thing, you may not be thrilled with this part of Galaxy’s Edge.

Image: Disney

Overall, we are unabashedly excited about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. For longtime fans, it’s the theme park expansion we’ve been waiting for, and everything Disney has put out regarding it so far looks downright magical. While Galaxy’s Edge may not prove everyone’s cup of tea, it will undoubtedly change the landscape of Walt Disney World and open many new doors for what guests can experience in expansions to come.

What other downsides of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are you concerned about? What are you looking most forward to?