Beginning April 29, 2026, Disneyland’s Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge will undergo a significant transformation, introducing characters from the original film trilogy, including Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. This expansion marks a pivotal shift in the park’s narrative, moving away from the sequel trilogy focus that has characterized the attraction since its opening.

The upcoming changes are part of a broader strategy to enhance the guest experience by allowing interactions with iconic characters from over 40 years of Star Wars history. The timeline expansion will not only feature original trilogy figures but will also see the removal of Kylo Ren‘s First Order influence, replacing it with storylines centered around the Imperial and Rebel factions.

In conjunction with the timeline shift, the comic series Echoes of the Empire will launch on April 22, 2026, providing context and narrative depth to the changes. This five-issue series aims to bridge the gap between the previous and new storylines, offering fans a richer understanding of the evolving universe.

As part of the refurbishment, Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities is currently closed to prepare for the new timeline. Meanwhile, Oga’s Cantina has recently reopened after minor updates related to the expansion. The atmosphere will be further enhanced with recognizable selections of John Williams’ iconic music throughout the land, creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience for visitors.

Additionally, the original version of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will be replaced with a new mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, debuting on May 22, 2026. This change is expected to draw even more fans to the park, eager to experience the latest additions to the Star Wars saga.

Currently, only Disneyland in California is set to receive this timeline expansion, leaving Disney World unchanged for the time being. Disney has not announced plans to implement similar changes at their Florida location, raising questions about the future of the Star Wars experience at Disney World.

As the expansion approaches, excitement builds among Star Wars enthusiasts and Disneyland visitors alike. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding whether the original version of Smugglers Run will remain in rotation after the new mission debuts. With only 16 days until the timeline expansion begins, fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their favorite characters and the new adventures that await.