I basically have been limiting myself to reading press releases instead of more in-depth coverage of Galaxy’s Edge, since I’ll be at the land next week and I want to go in kind of fresh. Thankfully, Disney has issued a bunch of press releases in advance of the opening. If you want Disney’s official take on the new land, there are thousands of words about it in these listings. Some of the highlights include:

“In Their Own Words” features quotes from Imagineers involved with the creation, including:

“In designing the Star Wars universe, we don’t consider it science fiction or fantasy – we think of it more as a period piece, and we look at it almost from a documentary point of view. Star Wars design is grounded in reality, and we’re creating a place that is believable, authentic and real. Then we exaggerate that reality and add in a distinct visual vocabulary to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. For this land, we wanted to create something fresh and also timeless – just like our films.”

and

“The A1000 Audio-Animatronics figures inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge were asked to do more lifelike movements than we’ve ever done before – sensing your presence, stepping and turning around. How do we make a figure look like he’s actually walking? We were so used to the feet being permanently bolted to the ground. These new figures provide incredible performance and repeatability – you’re getting a figure that looks the same on day one as it does in year five or year 20.”

Iconic Ships and Other Vehicles Feel Right at Home in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lists the various vehicles in Galaxy’s Edge and where to find them, while Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Serves New and Exotic Flavors from a Galaxy Far, Far Away lists the various food items that are available in Galaxy’s Edge.

Creatures, Droids and Aliens – New and Familiar – Populate Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge features a rundown of some of the characters you’ll find in the land, including Dok-Ondar:

A larger-than-life collector of all things odd and hard to find, Dok-Ondar buys, sells and trades valuable items in his intergalactic antiquities shop. The Ithorian is a proud curator, amassing a collection unrivaled in the galaxy. He is also known as the “gatekeeper” of the black market in Black Spire Outpost, so locals know not to cross him. Guests can see him working at his desk, taking inventory and barking the occasional order at his assistants between incoming calls.

The Gatherers:

As believers in the ways of the Force, the Gatherers are a group of men and women dedicated to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on ancient knowledge. Part of their mission is guiding the next generation of Jedi-hopefuls in building their own unique lightsabers.

and Vi Moradi: (who I am just reading about in the new Galaxy’s Edge book)

Vi Moradi is a spy and intelligence officer for the Resistance who traveled to Batuu to scout the planet for its viability as a potential Resistance recruiting station. This strong-willed, hot-tempered, quick-witted woman is trying to stay one step ahead of the First Order while recruiting for the Resistance as she traverses the twisting pathways of Black Spire Outpost.

Other press releases:
* Research and Inspiration for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
* Merchandise Extends Storytelling in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
* Hidden Gems and Attention to Detail Create Authenticity in Highly Anticipated New Land
* 10 Must-Do Experiences Inside the New Land
* Fun Facts
* Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Makes Thrilling Debut at Walt Disney World Resort