Saturday, June 24, 2023

Possibilityland: Attractions (Part 1)

 

64 - Jet-Pacs
Guests board two-person chairs surrounding a glowing orb. After strapping themselves in, they can move up and down as they fly around it.
65 - Buzz Lightyear's Laser Blast
Join Star Command as they battle against the Evil Emperor Zurg on this shooter ride.

QUEUE:
Guests approach a building done in Space Age style, which has a model of Buzz on top of it. This marks the location of the attraction. They walk over to it and then go inside.

Upon entering, they move past a picture headset, where an Audio-Animatronic Buzz Lightyear gives them their mission. Zurg has stolen batteries from across the galaxy and it's up to them to take them back. However, Zurg has an army of robots, and in order to combat them, they must shoot lasers at them. They can only shoot places marked with the letter 'Z.'

After journeying past Pizza planet aliens working on weapons, the guests enter their loading bay. Here, they board their omnimover vehicles and take a seat, getting ready for the ride to begin.

RIDE EXPERIENCE:
This version of the ride features an improved laser, which glows in the dark to help guests know where they're shooting. Bigger targets are worth more points, and depending on their points, guests will be ranked differently in the end.

The ride begins by passing a giant battery, which turns the vehicles on. After that, they go through a wormhole and into space, passing by several of Zurg's robots. They shoot them as they proceed to the surface of a planet. Here, the aliens give them a hand as they make their way past more robots and into Zurg's lair.

The vehicles travel through robot-infested tunnels before arriving in Zurg's control room. There, the evil emperor attempts to fire at the vehicles, but he is distracted by Buzz, who leaps around in a screen behind him. While Zurg is distracted, guests can fire at his weapon.

Soon, guests will go through a star-filled tunnel and appear in space once more. Here, Buzz is dueling with Zurg, who is on a giant, octopus-like robot. This has several targets that guests can shoot. In the next scene, guests return to the station, where the aliens celebrate. Buzz, in the meantime, congratulates them while Zurg is behind him in a cage.

Before leaving their vehicles, guests will get their ranks:
  • 0-999: Space Cadet
  • 1,000-9,999: Junior Ranger
  • 10,000-99,999: Medium Ranger
  • 100,000-999,999: Senior Ranger
  • 1,000,000 and up: Galactic Hero
POST-RIDE:
Guests get off their vehicles and walk into a room where photos taken of them are. They can purchase these photos before they leave. They enter into Galactic Goods, a gift shop.
66 - Stitch Encounter
Interact with the blue alien in this Turtle Talk-esque show. Guests go into the alien research center, where scientists are learning about aliens and their interactions with humans. Then, guests are asked to take part in one of these interactions with Stitch. He selects kids from the audience and they can ask him questions. After the show, they exit into Galactic Goods.
67 - Mission: SPACE
See if you have what it takes to be an astronaut in this motion simulator ride to outer space. Guests can go on an intense mission to Mars (orange) or a gentler ride around the Earth (green.)

QUEUE:
Guests enter a building with large replicas of planets. This includes Mars, Earth, Jupiter, and the Moon. From out there, they choose which mission they want to do. Orange has simulator elements to it while Green is just nice and relaxing. Orange goes left and Green goes right.

Both lines are decorated with replicas of German space tech. They also contain a pre-show, in which a space commander will explain the mission to guests. They go past astronaut suits, and then they enter the vehicles, which are designed after real-life astronaut training simulators.

RIDE EXPERIENCE:
Both missions have the same style. Guests are given certain roles, either an engineer, mechanic, or navigator. The vehicles, which sit up to four people, offer guests with these roles. If they fail to do a certain task in time, the ride automatically does it for them.

For the Orange Mission, guests blast off and travel to Mars. They go through a meteor shower and a dust storm on the planet before landing on the surface. For the Green Mission, guests fly around the orbit of the earth before landing in Florida, during which they narrowly escape a tropical storm.

POST-RIDE:
After the ride, guests will go into the Astro Shop, a gift shop selling themed merchandise to the attraction.

Possibilityland: Overview and Layout

 

OVERVIEW:
The world of the future is one that is rapidly approaching. In the future, there shall be great changes, such as advancements in technology and space travel. Aside from this, many people may find a new kind of lifestyle.

But how can we predict such a distant time period? Well, this area, made up of science fiction stories and scientific attractions, is the answer. Here, guests can ponder the many possibilities of the future, and how it might be.

This area aims for a Space Age architecture. The buildings are designed in 1950s style, evoking the science fiction stories of that time. Not only is this style popular in Germany, but it is a good type to create a futuristic area.
LAYOUT:
The depiction here is different than the layout, but only a little. Autopia is at the bottom of the land while a space building is at the top. Between them are the Jet-Pacs. TRON is located in the southeast part of the land near an entrance to Galaxy's Edge. In short, the area is space-themed to the north and tech-themed to the south.

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: Entertainment

 

Street musicians play exotic instruments.

Jawas, stormtroopers, and droids roam the streets.

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: Shopping

 

Some of the galaxy's most unique shopping experiences are found here in Galaxy's Edge.

BL - Droid Depot
Build a customized Astromech droid at this small workshop. Here, guests can create an R or BB unit and give them their own personality with either Resistance, Scoundrel, or First Order chips. They can also witness it being brought to life.

BM - Savi's Workshop
Create your own lightsaber at this location. Here, guests can choose a kyber crystal, helm, and blade (blue, green, yellow, or purple for Jedi and red for Sith.) They can even add their personal touches, like multiple ends.

BN - Cargo Bay
After their flight on Star Tours, guests can come into this shop selling Star Wars merchandise. Here, they can see antiques, pre-made lightsabers, and other galactic gifts.

BO - Black Spire Bazaar
In this large bazaar, guests will find a fine collection of merchandise from around the galaxy. From toys to creatures (especially cute ones like porgs,) to outfits and jewelry, this is the place to go.

BP - Resistance Supply
Located near the exits to Rise of the Resistance is a bunker selling Light Side souvenirs. Here, guests can find merchandise themed to the Jedi, Republic, Rebellion, and Resistance.

BQ - First Order Cargo
Pledge your allegiance to the Dark Side in this station near Kylo Ren's shuttle. Here, guests will find villainous merchandise themed to the Sith, Separatists, Empire, and First Order.

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: Dining

 

Here are the dining options in Black Spire Outpost.

BI - Hangar Mess Hall
In a Resistance hangar, grab some burgers or chicken tenders and take a seat at a table. In the meantime, droids are working on ships, which adds to the atmosphere.

BJ - Black Spire Cantina
In a round building, guests come sit in chairs and eat exotic food. In the meantime, a robotic DJ plays music and a selection of Star Wars relics are found around the room.

BK - Snack Stands
Around Black Spire Outpost are several places to eat. This includes colored milk, themed snacks, and other treats from a Galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: Attractions

 

59 - Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Join the Resistance on a special mission, but beware the First Order. This is a different version of the ride with a different storyline.

BACKSTORY:
After almost being completely wiped out during the Battle of Crait, the Resistance is desperate to recruit more members. In order to do this, General Leia has commanded that they set up a base on Batuu. Despite some conflict over this idea, they've agreed.

However, word got out that they were hiding there. This drew the First Order to Batuu, hoping to destroy the remains of the Resistance. Kylo Ren will stop at nothing to conquer the galaxy, and he sees them as his biggest threat.

With Ren's star destroyer directly in orbit, the Resistance has hatched a plan to drive them out. It is risky, but hopefully, it'll work.

QUEUE:
Guests enter the Resistance base through a nearby forest. They move around several ships before going into a cave, where machines are set up. They move past computers, maps, and other tech before entering a room.

In this room, BB-8 plays a holographic message from Rey. She explains the plan, where guests will board the star destroyer and blow up its signalling device. She says how Finn has boarded the destroyer and awaits them, and a Resistance commander named Lik will bring them there. To distract the First Order, Poe Dameron will lead a squadron of X-Wings around the ship. She wishes them luck and the message ends.

After this, the guests go outside. They approach a vehicle designed to look like an Imperial shuttle. Once they get inside, they grab on to bars and hold on tight.

PRE-SHOW:
As the vehicle moves into space, the place vibrates. In the meantime, Lik gets in contact with General Hux, saying how he has captured some Resistance members and is turning them in. Hux believes this lie and lets them approach. Lik tells guests that this is part of the plan, and then they land.

When the doors open, guests walk into the hangar of the destroyer, where stormtroopers stand. They are led by First Order officers down a hallway, where they enter multiple interrogation rooms. There, Kylo Ren and Hux stand above them, wondering what to do with the prisoners. Before they can make a decision, however, blasters are heard and someone warns of an attack. The two of them leave to check out the manner.

Suddenly, a wall breaks open and a Resistance member leads them out of the room. There, they board one of two transports with a black astromech commanding it. They sit down and buckle their seatblets before the ride begins.

RIDE EXPERIENCE:
As they move down the hall, a screen appears nearby. Finn tells them how to get to the signal room, as well as how to escape when the time comes. The vehicles then move backwards down the hall and then turn into another hallway, where they encounter stormtroopers. They try to shoot at them, but they escape through a tunnel.

Unfortunately, that tunnel leads right to a pair of AT-AT walkers. They go up an elevator and try to move away, just as the machines fire. From there, they move past a giant cannon, which is firing at X-Wings moving by.

Then, they enter the signal room. A large, electric current is ahead, and nobody is there. Suddenly, Kylo Ren jumps down and tries to come after them. Luckily, while he is distracted, the signal is deactivated with Finn saying "I've been wanting to do that ever since I left this stupid ship." The vehicles try to escape through another elevator, but Ren's blade comes from the top. Luckily, they escape before he can cut the ceiling open.

They are just about to get to the escape pods when Kylo Ren stops them with the force. Before he can do anything to them, the floor explodes and he falls through. The vehicles enter the escape pods, where a simulator part of the ride begins. After a sudden drop, they navigate their way back to Batuu. Lik congratulates them as they exit the pods and move out into a cavern. From there, the guests get off the vehicles and walk out to Galaxy's Edge.
60 - Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Travel on a Starspeeder 3000 on a randomized tour of the galaxy. This version of the ride introduces Chronium, a substance that makes vehicles travel through time. This is because Galaxy's Edge is set during the Sequel Trilogy, and this makes it possible for them to visit locations during the Original and Prequel Trilogies.

BACKSTORY:
In the mines of Batuu is a rare substance called Chronium. When sent through Hyperspace, it can send anyone to a certain time.

Also on Batuu are the headquarters of the Star Tours travel agency. These galactic pilots send people all over the galaxy, and their newest type of ship, the Starspeeder 3000, is ready to go. Rumor has it that there's a bunch of Chronium hidden in there, but it is unknown.

In the meantime, C-3PO and R2-D2, asked by Leia to lay low while the First Order is near, have been hired by Star Tours as pit droids. However, when a rebel spy comes on board, things might get out of hand.

QUEUE:
Guests enter a hangar-bay resembling building behind the Millennium Falcon, where the attraction is housed. After moving around outside, they go into the building, which resembles an airport. In the meantime, the droids are tinkering with a Starspeeder. Guests go through many rooms before entering a loading bay, where they wait to be let on.

In a video, the captain says how a bunch of Chronium is stored on the Starspeeder, and he tells C-3PO not to mess with it. The droid agrees and then goes to inspect the ship before it launches. However, while he is onboard, it rises. Guests recieve a safety spiel, grab a pair of 3-D glasses, and then board the ship. They then store belongings under their seat and strap themselves in.

RIDE EXPERIENCE:
Like all versions of the attraction, guests will have a different ride every time. They have three acts, each one with different possibilities.

Act one: the ship goes up despite C-3P0's protests and they get in trouble with villains, who are looking for a rebel spy (someone random in the audience is chosen for this.) These are the villains:
  • Darth Vader and Imperial Stormtroopers
  • An Imperial scout droid
  • Kylo Ren and First Order Stormtroopers
  • A First Order scout droid
Act two: after escaping from the villains, the Starspeeder will activate the Chronium and travel to one of five locations:
  • A battle between the Rebellion and the Empire on Hoth
  • A podrace on Tatooine
  • A clone attack on Kashyyyk
  • A TIE Fighter chase on Jakku
  • A ride into the ruined Death Star on Kif Bir
After this, guests will get a message from a character, either Yoda, Princess Leia, BB-8, Maz Katana, Lando, or Obi-Wan Kenobi. They give them coordinates, which they take to the location of the third act:
  • A plummet into the core of Naboo
  • A Separatist attack on Coruscant
  • A dogfight in front of the Death Star
  • A Resistance battle on Crait
  • A stand against the Final Order on Exegol
After landing somewhere, an exit speil will be given and guests gather their belongings. Afterwards, they leave the ship and take a passage to the Cargo Bay, a gift shop.
61 - Millennium Falcon
In this walkthrough attraction, explore the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. See the guns of the ship, sit in the cockpit, and take a look at the holochess table.
62 - Cave of the Force
Hear the echoes of the Force in this enchanted cave, a former Chronium mine that is now a place where people can connect with the heroes and villains of the galaxy. There are three lines, each with their own set of characters. The Light Side features Chewbacca, Rey, and the Droids. The Dark Side features Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, and Captain Phasma. Finally, the Scoundrel section features Boba Fett, the Mandalorian, and Grogu.
63 - Trials of the Jedi Temple
Enter the lost Jedi Temple and be tested to see if you can possess the knowledge within.

BACKSTORY:
A long time ago, a group of Jedi built a temple containing several holocrons on the planet of Batuu. For centuries, they guarded this place, but following the Jedi Purge and the formation of the Empire, the temple was abandoned.

However, Rey has discovered the temple. Using notes from Luke Skywalker as a guide, she plans to get inside and obtain the knowledge, but she needs some help to do it. Guests must pass the trials too, or else great harm shall come to them.

QUEUE:
In the outskirts of Black Spire Outpost is a mysterious temple carved into the rock. Guests go through an overgrown, weed-filled garden to get to it. Once they arrive, they will go inside a large foyer with mosaics of ancient Jedi warriors on the walls. They take a ramp up to the second floor, where they wait for a cast member dressed like a Resistance soldier to let them into the next room.

PRE-SHOW:
Guests enter a small room with a balcony overhead. Here, guests stand in front of it and wait for something to happen.

Soon, Rey will come up to the top of the balcony and explain why they are here and what is inside the temple. She needs them to go through the trials of the Jedi Temple to get the holocrons within. She believes that with such knowledge, the Resistance could stand more of a chance against the rising threat of the First Order. She wishes them luck and they proceed into the room beyond.

In a former hangar bay, they board "speeders." These are designed in the same style as Test Track and Radiator Springs Racers, although the vehicles slowly move up and down to give guests the impression that they are floating. Each vehicle seats up to six people, three in each row. After strapping themselves in, they wait for the ride to begin.

RIDE EXPERIENCE:
The vehicles move slowly down a dark hallway, where the voice of an unknown being comes from overhead. They welcome them to the temple and request that they go through the trials. They are, in this exact order, balance, power, wisdom, and courage.

To test their balance, guests go through a hall of darkness, where they are guided in a meditation. Looking around, they see images of light and darkness, and between it all, balance. The voice sees this as a success and asks them to move on.

Next up, their power is tested. The vehicles move quickly through a hallway while guns fire at them. Some explode to create the illusion that the speeders are fighting back. After escaping from the hall, the voice congratulates them and asks them to go to the next task.

They soon enter into a chamber with five hallways leading out of it. The voice says how one chamber leads to the vault while the others lead to death. The hall moves and they choose a different one, but it is always correct. The voice congratulates them once again and allows them to proceed to the final trial.

For courage, they go down into the darkness. There, they encounter a giant droid guardian, which fires at them as they move past. They encounter it more times and barely survive. However, after the third encounter, they grapple its legs and trip them in the same way they trip AT-ATs during the battle of Hoth. A sound of crashing creates the feeling that the robot has fallen.

After this, the voice congratulates them and allows them to enter the room. In there, they find a vault full of holocrons. Another door opens and Rey enters. She thanks them for their help as the vehicles head into a separate room, where guests get off and take a passageway back to Galaxy's Edge.

Friday, June 23, 2023

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: Overview and Layout

 

OVERVIEW AND BACKSTORY:
A long time ago, there was a place called Black Spire Outpost, a spaceport located on the petrified spire planet of Batuu. Originally, it was a bustling area where travelers from all over the Outer Rim would stop for a charge, but with the invention of Hyperspace travel, the place lost its popularity. Nowadays, it's just a place for people who don't want to get in anyone's business, a den of scoundrels and thieves.

Despite the dodgy atmosphere of this place, the Resistance has come to recruit new members. Here, they plan to gain more support to take down the First Order. However, the presence of the rebels has drawn the First Order there, hunting them down to make sure they don't pose a threat.

Although this is a lot like the versions of the land found in Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios, it has a few differences. This is where all of the Star Wars things in the park are, including Star Tours. While it doesn't have Smuggler's Run, it does have a different ride where you explore a Jedi temple.
LAYOUT:
The land is entered from behind Discoveryland and Possibilityland. One entrance is near the German square in Discoveryland while the other is near TRON Lightcycle Run in Possibilityland.

Up north is the Resistance camp. Here, guests can go on Rise of the Resistance and eat at a themed restaurant. Dow south is Black Spire Outpost, which features several shops. Instead of Smuggler's Run, there is a model of the Millennium Falcon that guests can explore. It is in front of Star Tours. In the southernmost part of the land is the Jedi Temple, next to which is the Cave of the Force. This time-traveling place is where guests can meet Star Wars character, going down three lines, the Light Side, the Dark Side, and scoundrels.

Sneak Peak of Global Adventure.

  I'm going to wait to post about this. However, I will offer a small sneak peek on what can be found in the second park. I will show si...