5 reasons Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge could be struggling
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge isn’t bringing in the crowds the way Disney thought it would. Here are five reasons for the struggles.
Maybe we didn’t want to believe it, but we the facts are there. Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is struggling in its opening at Disneyland.
People mentioned the crowds weren’t as crazy as expected and now Fox Business is citing sources saying employees are getting their hours cut due to lower-than-expected attendance.
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It’s probably not what the executives at Disney thought would happen when they opened a theme park dedicated to one of the biggest franchises in the world. Star Wars has been immensely popular since its release in 1977. So, giving fans a chance to immerse themselves in that world should have been a no-brainer.
But it makes us wonder. What exactly is the problem? Here are the five reasons that could explain the park’s struggles.
It’s not ready
Galaxy’s Edge simply wasn’t ready at the time of opening in May. It opened with just one main attraction with the Smuggler’s Run, but The Rise of the Resistance ride is still not functional.
With part of the park still not under construction, there may be many Star Wars fans who are waiting on the full experience before they will go to the theme park.
Price of admission
It’s not cheap. The lowest-priced ticket to Disneyland is $149. Disney recently raised those prices too. That’s a hefty cost especially if you’re taking a family, and it may have actually priced out some people.
While there are many who can afford it, you also need to consider some attractions in the park that are also pay-to-play. While the admission price gets you a number of things, if you want to build your own lightsaber or build your own droid, you need to shell out more dollars.
Warnings of how busy it would be
Leading up to the opening of Galaxy’s Edge, we heard the warnings of how busy it would be and Disneyland was only taking reservations.
If all people heard about was how crazy the place was going to be, the expectations on the experience could have driven some to stay home. Why would they want to go to the park when it’s going to be crazy and not all the rides are completed?
Little marketing
I remember a recent Disney earnings call before Galaxy’s Edge opened where CEO Bob Iger said it wasn’t going to do much marketing for the theme park because it wasn’t going to need it. It seemed the Disney execs thought the park would sell itself.
Perhaps it’s time to re-think that strategy. If you want people to come, they have to know about the park first.
I do see commercials for it on Disney Junior, but my 3-year-old isn’t going to Disneyland anytime soon. Especially not on his dime.
Disgruntled fans
Some fans are just so unhappy with Disney right now, they refuse to support Galaxy’s Edge. That’s their right.
The only way to change things is with your wallet. Companies understand dollar signs more than anything else. While the park is immersive, it’s also representative of the new trilogy, which a number of fans would rather have seen more elements from original trilogy be part of the theme park.
Next. Star Wars: 4 under-the-radar souvenirs you can find in Galaxy’s Edge. dark
Are you planning on heading to Galaxy’s Edge? Why or why aren’t you making the trip to the Star Wars theme park?