The food at Galaxy’s Edge isn’t changing — just the way guests read the menu

The changes recently made at a Galaxy’s Edge dining location at Disney World aren’t as controversial as they might appear.

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is one of several opportunities guests at Galaxy’s Edge in Disney World have to eat “authentic” Star Wars-inspired food.

This is an important part of the immersive experience for everyone who travels from all over the world to experience Star Wars IRL for a day. If you can build your own lightsaber and fly the Millennium Falcon, you should be able to eat Smoked Kaadu Ribs on your way to the droid depot. Right?

News that Galaxy’s Edge had changed the names of its Star Wars cuisines — at Disney World, at least — confused many and infuriated plenty more. But this change likely isn’t as controversial as some have made it seem.

On the Disney World Docking Bay 7 menu listed online, for example, what was formally called Fried Endorian Tip-yip is now simply Fried Chicken. Felucian Garden Spread is now Hummus Garden Spread. And if you were hoping to order a Yobshrimp Noodle Salad, you’ll just have to settle for a Shrimp Noodle Salad instead.

Comparing old and new menus, the descriptions for each menu item are identical. Yet potential diners across the galaxy were furious when they heard Disney was trying to “dumb down” the otherwise immersive Galaxy’s Edge experience.

What many outraged fans initially didn’t notice was that the “immersive” Star Wars menu item names weren’t actually removed from the menus at the park — though they have been removed from the online menu.

Guests will discover innovative and creative concoctions from around the galaxy at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. From left to right, alcoholic beverages: The Outer Rim, Bespin Fizz, Yub Nub, and Fuzzy Tauntaun can be found at Oga’s Cantina. (Kent Phillips/Disney Parks)

Where the Star Wars names of each item were originally listed first, followed by the “normal” name, the two have now simply switched places. The “normal” name (Fried Chicken) is listed first, followed by the Star Wars name (Fried Endorian Tip-yip) below it in smaller print.

Nothing else appears to have changed.

There haven’t been any official announcements from Disney World explaining why menu item name displays have changed so that the “normal” name appears first.

However, some fans are speculating that the park is anticipating larger crowds once Galaxy’s Edge’s second ride opens this December, and it is trying to make reading the menu a more user-friendly experience.

While it might seem completely logical that someone could just read the “normal” name or skim the description to decipher what they’re ordering, keep in mind that even trying to eat at Galaxy’s Edge is not going to be a calm, quiet, stress-free experience.

For one thing, many — not all, but many — Disney World and Galaxy’s Edge guests include families with small children. Imagine being in a crowded location with your hungry, fussy kids trying to figure out what they want to eat while attempting to decipher the menu item names mostly at a glance while fending off multiple tantrums. (It happens to the best of us.) Having simple names in larger font right there makes it easier for everyone involved.

Also, frequent guests and former cast members have pointed out that having a menu where food item names aren’t clearly spelled out makes it that much harder for guests whose first language isn’t English — of which there are many.

Disney World has one goal: To make the guest experience as simple and enjoyable as possible for everyone. This includes making sure all guests can order and enjoy their food — even if that means switching the order of which names appear on a restaurant menu.

If your goal in visiting Galaxy’s Edge is to leave the real world behind and travel to Batuu for a day, there are plenty of ways to fully immerse yourself in the experience — even when it’s time to eat. You still have the option to pay for your food with special currency. The cast members serving you will still remain in character. All the scenery around you will remain the same.

Seeing Fried Chicken listed on the menu probably won’t completely ruin your trip. It’s still the same familiar food with a Star Wars-sounding name attached (just not prominently displayed). You’re still eating fried chicken in the middle of Orlando Florida in close proximity to hundreds of other people hoping to do the exact same thing.

Enjoy that chicken. Or Endorian Tip-yip. Does it really matter what you call it as long as it tastes like it’s worth the price?

Have you had a chance to try any of the ‘Star Wars food’ at Galaxy’s Edge? Is it worth all the fuss and angry tweets?