Why Disney is Unlocking the ‘Star Wars’ Timeline at Disneyland Resort. For years, the spires of Black Spire Outpost have been anchored to a single point in the Star Wars chronology—but the Force is finally shifting. In a landmark move that bridges decades of storytelling, The Walt Disney Company has announced it is “unlocking” the rigid sequel-era timeline at Disneyland Resort to welcome icons like Darth Vader and Han Solo.
By evolving Batuu into a multi-era “platform for storytelling,” Disney is trading strict canon for creative freedom, inviting guests to step out of a fixed moment in time and into a “multiversal” experience that spans the full breadth of the galaxy.
The following updated article combines the initial announcement from the Disney Parks Blog with new exclusive insights and quotes from The Walt Disney Company regarding the future of Batuu.
A Galaxy of Eras: Classic Icons Arrive on Batuu
Since its opening in 2019, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been strictly set between the events of The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. That “sacred timeline” is officially expanding.
Starting late April, guests at Disneyland will encounter legendary figures from the Galactic Civil War. Darth Vader will lead a hunt for Luke Skywalker throughout the outpost, accompanied by Imperial Stormtroopers. Meanwhile, the Millennium Falcon will serve as a backdrop for a long-awaited reunion between Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Chewbacca.
“Since the very inception of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, we really always imagined it as a platform for storytelling,” said Asa Kalama, Vice President and Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering. “One of the great things about the Star Wars universe and the Star Wars canon is that it is expansive and it continues to grow.”
Revitalized Locations and “Sonic Landscapes”
The expansion isn’t limited to character sightings; the physical environment of Black Spire Outpost is evolving to reflect this multi-era history:
- Musical Overhaul: For the first time, John Williams’ iconic film scores will permeate the land. Guests entering through the tunnels will hear the “Main Title” and “The Force Theme,” while motifs like “The Emperor” and “Han Solo and the Princess” will play in specific sectors.
- Black Spire Surplus: The shop formerly known as First Order Cargo is being transformed into a military salvage operation run by two retired clone troopers—one a Rebel sympathizer and the other an Imperial loyalist.
- Droid Depot Evolution: The shop will now be operated by an earlier generation of the Mubo family, featuring prototypes of the BB-unit droids.
- Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities: The Ithorian collector is rotating his inventory to include screen-used props from recent Disney+ series like Ahsoka and The Mandalorian.
Why the Change? A Milestone Year
The decision to break the timeline comes as Lucasfilm prepares for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope in 2027.
“There was this sort of critical mass of more classic-leaning characters, and it felt like the right time to celebrate those in the land as well,” Kalama explained. He noted that the ability to bring on-screen stories into physical environments is “uniquely Disney,” allowing the parks to deliver both “linear media and experiential storytelling at this scale.”
A Tale of Two Coasts
While Disneyland’s timeline is expanding, The Walt Disney Company confirmed that Walt Disney World’s Galaxy’s Edge will remain in the sequel era.
This creates two distinct experiences for fans. While West Coast guests can immerse themselves in the Galactic Civil War and the New Republic, East Coast guests will continue to engage with stories inspired by the Rise of the First Order.
“Our guests now have two different experiences on either coast where they can explore the full breadth of the canon,” Kalama added.
Looking Ahead
The new era officially kicks off on April 29, 2026—just weeks before the theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu on May 22. On that same day, a new mission featuring Din Djarin and Grogu will debut on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, ensuring that even as the timelines diverge, the newest stories remain accessible to everyone.
