Galaxy’s Edge might seem identical at Disneyland and Disney World, but there are key differences that make one (far) better than the other.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland and Disney World look pretty much identical, both on paper and in person. After all, they feature the same attractions, the same layouts, and the same shops and restaurants. But as someone who’s visited Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Disney World, I’m here to tell you they’re quite different – more different than you might think, in fact.

Since opening in 2019, changes have come to both versions of Batuu. And though I’m no Star Wars die-hard, I’m here to share what’s probably an unpopular opinion: Disneyland’s version of Galaxy’s Edge is far, far better than Disney World’s.

Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Disney World may still seem pretty similar, but in the years since they opened, both have seen changes. And most of the key changes – and most exciting ones for Star Wars fans – have all wound up at Disneyland. So, if you want to visit the superior Batuu, here’s why you should head to Disneyland Park, not Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Why Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland is Better Than Disney World

Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Offers More Character Experiences

Photo by Jaysen White

One of the best parts of visiting Batuu at either Disneyland Park or Hollywood Studios is the fact that Cast Members and characters make the land immersive. Characters in particular roam around, giving you a chance to meet members of the Resistance like Rey, bounty hunters like The Mandalorian (and Grogu) or Stormtroopers out looking for spies and general misbehavior.

But after witnessing the character encounters at Galaxy’s Edge in both Disney World and Disneyland, I think Disneyland offers a far better experience.

Disneyland is known for its roaming characters, but that really comes to life on Batuu. Here, you can encounter the same characters you’ll find in Disney World’s version of Galaxy’s Edge – and so many more faces from the Star Wars universe.

At Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, you can meet characters who aren’t found anywhere else, like:

• Ahsoka Tano
• Sabine Wren
• Hera Syndulla from Ahsoka
• Chopper from Ahsoka
• Luke Skywalker
• R2-D2
• The BD-X Droids 

These intergalactic visitors may not stick around for very long, as many are just stopping by Batuu, but others become permanent additions to Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. And they only appear at Disneyland, which means you’ll have a chance to interact with some of the galaxy’s coolest characters here and not at Disney World.

As a result, this means Disneyland’s version of Galaxy’s Edge also gets more Star Wars exclusives, too. Many of the Star Wars characters who first appear at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland don’t make their way to Hollywood Studios. Rather, Disney World is left with its original Galaxy’s Edge characters, with the exception of The Mandalorian and Grogu. 

As a result, characters – and the general “visiting an actual planet” vibes – are far better at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park.

The Food Options Are Better and More Varied in Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland

Photo by Danny Shuster

The food on Batuu is always interesting (and usually pretty tasty, too!), but it does different at Disneyland and Disney World. As a Disneyland regular, I was surprised to find more expansive menus at Disney World’s version of Galaxy’s Edge. Both Oga’s Cantina and Docking Bay 7 offer more options and additional variety, which is something I do find lacking at Disneyland – but only when I’m trying to dine with my toddler.

Otherwise, Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge offers more variety overall. While the year-round menus may seem a little slim, there’s pretty much always something new to try. For example, Season of the Force at Disneyland Resort brings a whole host of exciting new treats to Batuu each year, and that includes special dining experiences (like those offered for Fire of the Rising Moons) along with drinks, dishes, and sweets. 

Kat Saka’s Kettle and Docking Bay 7 also tend to offer new concoctions at Disneyland first before they make their way over to Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World. The Tenoo Swirl Crunchies Cereal, for example, popped up at Disneyland first back in 2023 and then was announced for Disney World. Similarly, novelty items like popcorn buckets tend to appear at Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge before debuting at the Disney World version weeks or months later.

So, when it comes to variety and the ability to find new food, drink, and novelty items that fit the theming of Batuu, Disneyland does it better.

There’s More Entertainment (and It’s Way Better) in Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland

Lastly, if you’re looking for excellent entertainment, Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge wins by far. Trust me when I say you really can’t even compare entertainment in Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World to what’s available at Disneyland – it’s that different.

At Disney World, you’ll catch Star Wars characters roaming the paths of Batuu and appearances by the First Order. But beyond that, you won’t really encounter much in the way of entertainment (unless you want to hang out with Batuu residents outside Droid Depot to play some droid games).

However, at Disneyland, there’s plenty of entertainment to be enjoyed on Batuu when the sun sets. Here, you can catch Fire of the Rising Moons, a new view of Disneyland’s fireworks with unique Star Wars lore and special music. 

Plus, during Season of the Force in 2025, Disneyland debuted another nighttime entertainment offering called Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga. This projection show tells the story of the Skywalker saga, bringing the spires of Batuu to life in entirely new ways (and trust me, it’s well worth experiencing!).

And, of course, I can’t compare Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World versus Disneyland without mentioning Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite. Always one of the most popular events of the year, this after-hours event brings Star Wars fans to the forefront with exclusive celebrations of the stories and characters you love. And, in my experience, Star Wars Nite totally transforms Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. It comes alive, not only with lightsaber meet ups but also special entertainment, food, and out-of-this-world photo opps.

Disney World’s version of Galaxy’s Edge, on the other hand, doesn’t have anything like these entertainment offerings. In my opinion, entertainment has added a richness to Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, making it more of a must-visit destination versus a cool Star Wars inspired space to spend a couple of hours in. Now, there’s so much more to do and see that it’s easy to spend half a day – or even longer – just in Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. 

But I can’t say I find myself doing the same thing at Disney World’s Galaxy’s Edge. Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge is simply better on all front, according to my firsthand experiences on both coasts.