Disneyland’s new Star Wars projection show in Galaxy’s Edge is a mix of technical marvel and wonderful storytelling told in a difficult venue with a messy schedule.
The new “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga” nightly projection show debuted over the weekend during the launch of the Season of the Force seasonal event that drew a massive crowd on opening night.
“Shadows of Memory” uses projection effects on the rockwork in Galaxy’s Edge paired with narration to present moments from the Skywalker saga in chronological order from “The Phantom Menace” through “Return of the Jedi.”
The stories of Anakin, Luke and Leia are told like an epic poem with a mix of animated cave drawings and visual special effects.
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The combination of the ancient and the modern makes for a compelling retelling of a sweeping saga that most Star Wars fans know by heart.
Young kids dragged by their middle-aged parents to the 10-minute show may be a bit puzzled by the story – but they will still be mesmerized by the spectacular scenes playing out on the massive rockwork screen.
The visual special effects are the star of the show – with animated snow, leaves, lava, stars and rockslides turning the Galaxy’s Edge rockwork into a canvas for the poetic retelling of the Skywalker saga.
The best part of the show: The shadows of droids and spaceships that look like ancient cave paintings come to life.
While the show is a great success, Disneyland will face challenges with the venue.
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On opening night, “Shadows of Memory” drew a capacity crowd that filled the plaza in front of the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction – making it difficult for most fans to see the entire show.
You’ll have to show up early to snag a spot in front of the Millennium Falcon – or be forced to stand on the fringes in the restricted viewing areas.
On most nights, the best spot to watch “Shadows of Memory” will be on the elevated patio in front of the Docking Bay 7 restaurant.
Disneyland knows this as well and will make reservations available on April 3 for the $89 Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Nighttime Gathering dessert party that comes with a prime viewing spot for the fireworks show.
When can you watch “Shadows of Memory”?
You will need a calendar to keep track of the show’s schedule.
Disneyland has struggled to distinguish between the new “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga” nightly projection show and the ongoing “Fire of the Rising Moons” fireworks show – which both play in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Are the two shows the same thing? Or are they two different shows?
The answer is confusing and complicated.
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“Fire of the Rising Moons” is an overlay that only plays in Galaxy’s Edge while the rest of Disneyland is watching another fireworks show – usually “Mickey’s Mix Magic” at this time of year.
“Fire of the Rising Moons” pipes in music from Star Wars symphonic scores by composer John Williams to create an alternative version of the pyrotechnics show just in Galaxy’s Edge on nights when Disneyland has fireworks.
“Shadows of Memory” adds another layer of complexity to the nighttime entertainment schedule in Galaxy’s Edge.
On some nights, “Shadows of Memory” plays at 10:15 p.m. after “Fire of the Rising Moons.” On other nights, it plays in place of the 9:30 p.m. fireworks show. On a few nights, it does both.
Disneyland has promised “Shadows of Memory” will play nightly throughout the Season of the Force seasonal event that runs through May 11 – but the show schedule isn’t complete just yet.
Here’s the current schedule for “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga” nightly projection show:
- Monday, March 31: 9:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 1: 9:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 2: 9:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 3: 9:30 p.m.
- Friday, April 4: 10:15 p.m.
- Saturday, April 5: 10:15 p.m.
- Sunday, April 6: 10:15 p.m.
- Monday, April 7: 9:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 8: No times available
- Wednesday, April 9: 9:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 10: No times available
- Friday, April 11: 10:15 p.m.
- Saturday, April 12: 10:15 p.m.
- Sunday, April 13: 10:15 p.m.
- Monday, April 14: 9:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 15: 9:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 16: 9:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.
- Thursday, April 17: 9:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.
- Friday, April 18: 10:15 p.m.
- Saturday, April 19: 10:15 p.m.
- April 20 through May 11: No times available
Those slots with “no times available” are expected to be filled in as the dates grow closer.
As always, check the Disneyland website and mobile app for the latest showtimes that can change at the last moment due to weather or other factors.
The “Shadows of Memory” projection show will continue after the Season of the Force seasonal event comes to an end on May 11.