Is Attendance at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland Low Because The Last Jedi Was Disliked?

Contrary to what some may believe, attendance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland is not low due to the mixed reception of The Last Jedi. In fact, recent wait times suggest that visitor interest remains high. The only reason it may not match expectations is the high cost of the experience.

Overall Attendance Trends at Disneyland

It’s important to note that attendance at all of Disneyland park, including Galaxy’s Edge, was lower in the summer of 2019. This was more a result of Disney’s strategic marketing decisions aimed at managing visitor traffic, especially for the soon-to-open Rise of the Resistance.

Disney’s Strategies and Their Effect

Disney implemented several measures to control the influx of visitors, such as:

Widening walkways Building a new parking structure Raising ticket prices Implementing a reservation system for access to Galaxy’s Edge Blocking out annual passholders for much of the summer

These actions communicated to the public that the summer of 2019 might be a less desirable time to visit Disneyland, and many expected a large surge in attendance once these controls were lifted.

Wait Times and Visitor Interest

Despite these precautions, recent data shows that Disneyland visitors are not avoiding Galaxy’s Edge. My Disneyland app reports a 40-minute wait for the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, longer than some other popular attractions but shorter than others. This indicates that Galaxy’s Edge remains a popular destination.

The Last Jedi’s Impact on Attention

While some argue that the negative reception of The Last Jedi contributed to lower attendance, the evidence suggests otherwise. The movie received a solid reception from the average moviegoer, receiving an "A" grade from Cinemascore and becoming the domestic box office champion in 2017. Only a small faction of hardcore Star Wars fans disliked it, which wouldn’t significantly impact overall park attendance.

Lucasfilm’s Response and Fan Perception

The criticism of The Last Jedi and Lucasfilm’s handling of fan feedback is a separate issue. Fans felt that the film did not respect the Star Wars franchise or its characters, particularly Luke Skywalker. Rather than address these concerns, Lucasfilm employees dismissed the criticism, calling fans terms like "manbabies," "bigots," and "sexists." This approach alienated both critics and supporters, as seen in comments from fans who were angered by how Lucasfilm treated detractors.

Financial and Franchise Impact

While The Last Jedi was financially successful, its polarizing nature had an impact on the Star Wars franchise. The film didn't receive the warm reception from the fan base, and the company's aggressive response heightened the negative perception. This alienated a significant portion of fans, some of whom might otherwise be visiting Disneyland.

The controversy surrounding The Last Jedi is just the tip of the iceberg. Galaxy’s Edge faces additional challenges, including high costs, limited ride options, and a disconnect from familiar Star Wars lore. These factors contribute to the perception of Galaxy’s Edge as an expensive and potentially disappointing experience.

Conclusion

In my view, The Last Jedi is not the primary reason for lower attendance at Galaxy’s Edge. While the film’s reception contributed to some fan dissatisfaction, it was more a matter of mismanagement by Lucasfilm. The franchise’s future success relies on understanding and respecting its fan base, rather than alienating them.

Going forward, it’s crucial for Lucasfilm to learn from these mistakes and focus on positive fan engagement, ensuring that each new venture respects the legacy of the original Star Wars series while also appealing to the evolving tastes of a new generation of fans.