Step into a galaxy far, far away as hosts Alex Stewart and Freddy Martin explore one of the most innovative storytelling frontiers in modern theme parks: immersive retail experiences at Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

In this episode, we break down how Disney has redefined shopping by transforming it into fully interactive, story-driven environments. From Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities and Savi’s Workshop Handbuilt Lightsabers to Mubo's Droid Depot, we analyze how each retail space functions as an extension of the Star Wars universe—blending narrative, design, and guest participation into unforgettable moments.

Whether you’re a theme park enthusiast, Disney fan, Imagineering geek, or experiential design professional, this episode dives deep into how Galaxy’s Edge sets a new standard for immersive storytelling in retail. We also discuss what these innovations mean for the future of themed entertainment, brand engagement, and in-world commerce.

🔍 In this episode:

• What makes Galaxy’s Edge retail so immersive and unique
• How Disney uses storytelling to drive guest interaction and purchases
• The role of cast members, theming, and world-building in retail spaces
• Why immersive retail is the future of experiential design

We Have Merch!!
Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-Shirt

Check Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know Disney
Our Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's Dispatch
Follow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_water
Join Our Facebook Group: The Backside of Water


Production Credits
Directed By: Alex Stewart
Written By: Alex Stewart
Sound Design and Editing By: Daniel Martin

Happy holidays, everyone!! On this episode, we take a break from exploring Galaxy's Edge to do a little something different from the regular BSOW holiday antics. On this episode, we ditch the scripts and instead choose to chat about our favorite gift this year: You, our BSOW listeners, fans, and friends.

It hit us like a ton of Mandalorian Beskar bricks this week about just how grateful we are to have listeners and friends that we do (thanks to this podcast) and we wanted to devote an entire episode focused on gratitude.

We also wanted to take some time to be intentional about what to expect in our forthcoming final season of the current iteration of The Backside of Water. We talk about what we plan to happen once we reach the end of Main Street U.S.A. and beyond. So for those of you out there who are ride or dies with us, that will be a (hopefully) very meaningful part of this episode.

As always, thank you for everything, without you listeners this show would be two dads yelling into the abyss!!

We wish you and yours the most happy, bright, and blessed holiday season and we look forward to a year of happy surprises, bittersweet endings, and a whole lot of tangents!!!

We Have Merch!!
Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-Shirt

Check Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know Disney
Our Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's Dispatch
Follow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_water
Join Our Facebook Group: The Backside of Water


Production Credits
Directed By: Alex Stewart
Written By: Alex Stewart
Sound Design and Editing By: Daniel Martin

The adventure continues as Alex Stewart and Freddy Martin discuss the history of one of the most amazing hives of scum and villainy within the spires of Batuu, Oga's Cantina! Any fans of blue sky Imagineering concepts won't want to miss this episode.

We Have Merch!!
Buy: WED Enterprises Inspired BSOW T-Shirt

Check Out Our Other Podcast: Did You Know Disney
Our Star Wars Themed Podcast: The Smuggler's Dispatch
Follow Us On Instagram: @the_backside_of_water
Join Our Facebook Group: The Backside of Water


Production Credits
Directed By: Alex Stewart
Written By: Alex Stewart
Sound Design and Editing By: Daniel Martin