Brandon Fletcher
We fully appreciate the significance of John Williams’ music, the iconic characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, and the exciting updates to the rides. However, one particular alteration to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge feels oddly out of place, and it’s somewhat disappointing for fans of the franchise. This shift alters the essence of what makes the experience special.
This week, the Star Wars-themed area at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, has undergone a significant timeline revision. Initially designed to reflect an immersive experience set between The Last Jedi and Rise of the Resistance, the park has now adjusted its narrative to include elements from the original trilogy. This means that guests will encounter Darth Vader, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia instead of characters like Kylo Ren and Vi Moradi. The previously atmospheric music crafted to evoke the planet Batuu has also been changed to compositions that evoke the broader universe of Star Wars.
While some may find this change contentious, it’s easy to see the reasoning behind Disney’s decision. This adjustment creates a more straightforward and accessible experience for visitors, which likely enhances engagement. Recently, numerous photos showcasing these new features have surfaced on social media platforms, with one image in particular standing out.
A look at Dok Ondar’s in Galaxy’s Edge West as of today. Nearly all of the sequel trilogy merchandise has been switched out, but Kylo Ren’s lightsaber remains available. In a change from when the land opened, some items say “Star Wars” or have show titles printed on them. pic.twitter.com/Wn7Te5xqvV
— Raider Lost in the Parks (@TustinRaider) April 30, 2026
In this notable image, we can observe an array of new water bottles, Mandalorian apparel, and multiple shelves filled with Funko Pops.
Indeed, the presence of Funko Pops has become quite prevalent within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Why does this matter? To be honest, it may not seem significant at first glance, but it highlights a shift in the park’s philosophy. When Galaxy’s Edge first opened, one of its standout features was the absence of merchandise explicitly labeled “Star Wars.” The intent was to immerse visitors in the Star Wars universe itself. Why would you purchase an item that says “Star Wars” if you are already surrounded by it? Character dolls of figures like Rey or Darth Vader were available because they are revered figures in that universe. You could even build a droid, emphasizing the functionality of droids in our lives. The concept was a bold approach to creating a fully immersive experience that resonated deeply with fans.
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, featured in the images above, represented the pinnacle of this immersive experience. It was a store dedicated to selling items that an in-universe character, Dok-Ondar, had amassed over the years. Here, visitors could purchase a lightsaber hilt inspired by their favorite heroes, a Holocron, or a kyber crystal to unlock the galaxy’s mysteries. It was a true Star Wars paradise.
However, in recent years, even prior to this timeline alteration, the boundaries that made Galaxy’s Edge unique started to shift. Star Wars merchandise featuring the logo “Star Wars” began appearing in the stores of Galaxy’s Edge. To be honest, there may have already been Funko Pops in the store at that time as well. Although we can’t say for certain, witnessing the introduction of Funko Pops in Dok-Ondar’s shortly after this timeline change feels like a significant departure from the original vision.
Altering the timeline is one thing, and using music from the movies is another. However, incorporating merchandise that has become synonymous with the commercialization of popular culture feels like a step too far. This change is undeniably disappointing.
Will the presence of Funko Pops impact 99% of those who visit Dok-Ondar’s? Probably not. It may not matter to you, either. Yet for individuals like us, who cherish the fact that this bold, engaging Star Wars themed park area exists, this unfortunate change highlights the ongoing trend towards the homogenization of the park experience.
Are you interested in more io9 news? Discover when to expect the latest releases from Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, find out what’s next for the DC Universe in film and television, and learn everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Daniel Mercer
