When you step into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you don’t just visit Batuu; you live it. Every detail, from the sounds of starships to the peculiar market stalls, pulls you deeper into the story. And guess what? The food plays a huge part in that magic!
Meet Chef Maria Colon Cabrera, the head chef for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. She’s the culinary force making sure every single bite tastes like it came straight from Black Spire Outpost. Her mission? To blend creativity, storytelling, and her incredible craft, making even a garnish feel like part of the world-building. As the Star Wars universe keeps expanding, including the upcoming film Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, Maria and her team always ask the same crucial question: what would you genuinely eat in a bustling galactic marketplace?
A Journey that Grew with the Galaxy
Maria’s connection to Disney runs deep. Her parents both built their careers with the company before retiring, making her a second-generation Cast Member. « Knowing my parents are proud means everything, » Maria shared. « Leading a team here and creating something so meaningful feels incredibly full circle for me. »
She never imagined her path would lead her to guide the culinary team at Galaxy’s Edge, a place where food isn’t just sustenance, it’s an extension of the Star Wars saga.
« Joining the opening team for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, » Maria recounted. « As a Star Wars fan, seeing it built from the ground up, from dirt to props to menus, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime thing. » What an incredible experience for her!
Supporting her every step of the way is her wife, Olivia. They met while working at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Olivia continues her own Disney journey today as a leader at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Food Tells a Story on Batuu
Developing a menu for a galaxy far, far away starts with tons of ideas. Then, it’s a careful process of tastings and deep dives into the story. The team considers what guests already love, what type of food a galactic outpost on the edge of Wild Space would serve, and how small tweaks can turn a familiar comfort dish into something perfectly at home on Batuu.
Sometimes, this means using colors in surprising ways. Other times, it’s about rethinking ingredients to reduce waste. And often, it involves adding a unique twist that makes guests pause for a photo before taking that first bite!
« Pot roast, carrots, and potatoes are classic comfort food, » Maria explained. « But what’s the Batuu twist? We add turmeric for a warm, golden color. Suddenly, it looks like something you’d find in a trader’s stall in Black Spire Outpost. Food is a huge part of the story at Galaxy’s Edge. If it doesn’t make sense for Batuu, it simply doesn’t belong. » It’s this dedication to authenticity that really makes the difference.
Collaboration Beyond the Kitchen
One of the most rewarding parts of Maria’s job is collaborating with Lucasfilm. This ensures dishes not only look and taste amazing but also perfectly align with the broader Star Wars universe. « It’s an honor, » she said. « We’re continuing the story they envisioned for Batuu through food. »
This amazing collaboration extends to naming dishes, refining their presentation, and adjusting tiny details that keep Batuu feeling utterly authentic. And for us fans, it’s especially cool when something you’ve tasted in the parks could easily appear alongside your favorite characters on screen!
Leading with Curiosity and Care
For Maria, leadership is just as important as creativity. Many of the Cast Members who helped open Galaxy’s Edge are still creating and learning together on her team today. She takes immense pride in helping them grow their skills, try new ideas, and bring their own unique backgrounds and perspectives to the land.
« You don’t know your potential until you try, » she advised. « Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Learn from them and be better than you were yesterday. The best storytelling happens when many voices help shape the experience. » What a fantastic mindset!
This philosophy reflects not only her leadership style but also her own impressive journey from a part-time cook to helping lead one of Walt Disney World’s most immersive culinary teams.
As fans celebrate Star Wars stories both on screen and in the parks, Chef Maria and her team continue their amazing work behind the scenes. They craft flavors that feel genuinely authentic to Batuu, making the galaxy feel a little closer and tastier than ever before.
