Here's 11 New Things We Learned About "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" At Star Wars Celebration

    Yes, there will be Bantha milk for sale.

    Allie Hayes
    by Allie Hayes

    BuzzFeed Staff

    This week BuzzFeed attended the "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge — Bringing Life to the Disney Parks" panel at Star Wars Celebration in Chicago. The panel, which was hosted by Josh Gad, was compiled of all the biggest names working to bring Star Wars to life. Here's just a bit of what we learned:

    Disney Parks

    1. Imagineers opted to create a new planet — rather than use an existing one — so that guests could truly "create their own stories."

    Disney Parks / Via youtube.com

    The new land will be based on a yet-to-be-seen planet named Batuu, where the central focus is a place called Black Spire Outpost. While the land itself may be new to fans, the Imagineer pioneering this project, Scott Trowbridge, was very quick to point out that this particular planet used to be poppin' with old favorites as an outpost for "Smugglers, rogues, and scoundrels...you know, the most interesting people."

    2. You will, in fact, be able to pilot the Millennium Falcon...unless you'd prefer to be a "gunner" or an "engineer."

    View this video on YouTube
    Disney Parks

    If you've been waiting your whole life to sit your butt down in the front seat of the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy...now's your chance! The attraction, titled "Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run," will give us ordinary earth-dwellers our long-awaited chance to fly the Falcon in all her glory. That is, unless flying's not your thing, in which case you'll have the option to be either a gunner (fending off foes a la Luke. Just, you know, don't get cocky) or an engineer (a la Rey, making sure the ship stays in the air). You know, she may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, kid.

    3. The other large attraction, "Rise of the Resistance," will see guests as captured Resistance members trapped on a First Order Star Destroyer with one simple goal: Escape.

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    Disney Parks

    If you've ever thought you could go toe-to-toe with the First Order...why? Why are you like this? Okay anyway, you'll get that wild opportunity when you ride "Rise of the Resistance." The story sees you as a captive aboard one of the most treacherous ships in the galaxy, and your mission is to get the heck out. When Gad asked Trowbridge directly if we'd see "Kylo, Rey, Finn, and/or Poe" on the ride...Trowbridge smiled and nodded, without giving up any more info. “If you make it back from the mission, you’ll be treated like a hero by the Resistance,” Trowbridge said.

    4. There will be MANY new places to eat and drink and, yes, Bantha milk will be available.

    Disney Parks / Via youtube.com

    But if blue milk isn't your scene, don't worry, Disney also announced that they've teamed up with Coca-Cola to bring some truly amazing products that will ONLY be available in the Galaxy's Edge section of the park. Other, more ~adult fare~ will also be available at Oga's Cantina. Not thirsty? Okay, have a bite to eat via Ronto Roasters, where the re-purposed engine of a Podracer will serve as a spit of sorts serving you what Trowbridge and Gad lovingly referred to as "space meat." "It tastes like shwarma," Trowbridge reassured the audience.

    5. Force ghosts will be present in the land though, like the Force itself, you may not be able to SEE them.

    LucasFilm Ltd.

    “Not every character that we hear is a character we can see,” said Trowbridge. Executive Creative Director of Imagineering, Chris Beatty, continued by adding: “The force is a very mysterious thing and sometimes maybe Jedi from the past can visit us and be part of your experience. Maybe a small, green Jedi...”

    6. And the voices you will hear around the park WILL be all the original actors.

    LucasFilm Ltd.

    It was confirmed by Trowbridge that, when you hear the wise words of Yoda it will, in fact, be brand-new recordings from Frank Oz. Another deep-cut-but-beloved character, Nien Nunb, will also appear in the park with new dialogue courtesy of his original voice actor, Bill Kipsang Rotich, whom the Imagineers traveled all the way to Kenya to find and record.

    7. Speaking of "original," the blaring, epic score we hear while walking through the land is all composed by the ultimate mastermind, John Williams.

    Gerardo Mora / Getty Images

    "It wouldn't be a true Star Wars experience without the music, so we got John Williams. John has composed some amazing new music for Galaxy's Edge," said Trowbridge. "And I've got to tell you, the music itself feels like its a character in the way that it brings these experiences to life throughout the land."

    8. Even purchasing merchandise promises to be an immersive, interactive experience.

    Disney Parks / Via youtube.com

    "If you really want that one of a kind, unique piece of merchandise...you're going to have to barter for it. You're going to have to work for it. You're actually going to have to go and purchase something from the shop," said Beatty. "It doesn't matter when you're coming into this world. If you love the prequels, if you love the original trilogy, if you love the current trilogy...We've hid things in the shops for all of you. There are so many easter eggs in the shop, I've honestly lost count."

    9. You will NOT be able to simply ~purchase~ a lightsaber...you will, however, get a chance to built a one-of-a-kind lightsaber yourself.

    LucasFilm Ltd.

    No fan can hear the phrase "Star Wars merch" and NOT automatically wonder whether or not you'll be able to get your hands on your very own laser-sword (excuse me, "lightsaber"). The good news is, yes you absolutely will be able to, but the BETTER news is, similarly to the above sentiment, creating your lightsaber will be an intimate, individual experience. “You can fully customize the lightsabers, so they really will be one-of-a-kind,” Trowbridge said.

    10. You will have the option for a more personalized, interactive, roleplay-esque experience through a brand new app.

    LucasFilm Ltd./Disney Parks / Via youtube.com

    "One of the key ways we're going to be able to do this is through the 'Play Disney Parks' app," said Asa Kalama, Executive Creative Director of Imagineering. Basically, the app is built around four key functions. First is a "hack" tool which will give you the ability to interact with droids, light pads, and ships. Next is the "scan" tool, which will allow you to scan cargo crates to look inside for useful items. Then there's (of course) a "translation" tool, which will allow you to translate BOTH text and sound. And finally, there's the "tune" tool, which will allow you to eavesdrop on satellite sequences from the surrounding areas.

    11. And finally, the much-beloved and incredibly missed droid, Rex, from the original "Star Tours" ride will be BACK and better than ever as the new DJ of Oga’s Cantina.

    Disney Parks / Via youtube.com

    Every old school, O.G. "Star Tours" fan remembers sweet, gentle, baby Rex. The droid, who was charged with piloting your vessel, often found himself in over his head and couldn't quite cut it as a pilot; however, it appears he's found his true calling! Rex will be back and looking better than ever as the official DJ of Oga’s Cantina! We were treated to some of his sweet tunes at the panel and, I gotta say, Skrillex better watch his back. Oh, and in case you forgot about the "original voice actors" part: The droid will be voiced by his original actor, Paul Rubens, who recorded new dialogue for the project!

    What are you the most excited to see, do, and experience in this new land? Share in the comments below! And don't forget, "Star Wars: Galway's Edge" will be opening May 31st at Disneyland and Aug. 29th at Disney's Hollywood Studios!

    LucasFilm Ltd.