The Force (of planning a great Walt Disney World Resort vacation) is strong with you, Peggy!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios) has been a “must-visit” land for my family since it opened in 2019! My sons were 10, 14, and 14 when we first visited. It was pure Jedi magic at first sight!
Yes, I am quite certain that your 9-, 8-, and 5-year-olds will enjoy both
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. If your children are fans of Star Wars or have seen the movies, they will appreciate both attractions more than if they are unfamiliar with the tales and characters of the epic movies!
Additionally, if your children are “gamers,” then they will really appreciate Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The attraction places (up to six) Guests inside the cockpit of the iconic ship made famous in the Star Wars movies! You are then off on a galactic adventure! Guests who are familiar with “gaming” systems and navigating controls have an advantage on this attraction. I am not a “gamer,” so I always allow my sons to be the pilots while I take on the role of a gunner or engineer. Even though I'm not a “gamer,” I enjoy the attraction because I appreciate the movies and the attention to detail given to the engineering and design of the ride! You truly feel like you are inside the Millennium Falcon!
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is an attraction that I MUST do at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! This attraction immerses Guests into what feels like a nearly 20-minute-long Star Wars movie starring you! I am left in complete awe each time I experience this attraction! I am still trying to figure out how you board the transport shuttle at Batuu (the planet setting for Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios) and end up aboard a Star Destroyer in space, face-to-face with the First Order officers and Stormtroopers! And that’s just the very beginning of the attraction! The rest is equally amazing, adventurous, and mind-blowing!
Peggy, since we’re talking about Star Wars attractions, be sure to visit
Star Tours - The Adventures Continue! This original Star Wars attraction isn’t located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but it is located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! My sons and I love this attraction! We are huge fans of C-3PO and R2-D2! So, seeing them is always a highlight! We also love the mystery around which adventure we’ll be taken on as we board our shuttle. One important disclaimer: my wife avoids this attraction (and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run) due to its sudden movements and screens. She usually grabs a drink or something to snack on while she waits for us to experience the attraction!
Dreams do come true
(and may the Force be with you)!
Jonathan