There's actually a very good reason you can't wear costumes at Galaxy's Edge. Credit: Disney/LucasFilm

If there's one thing Star Wars fans love to do, it's dress up as their favorite character whenever they get the chance.

Going to see the new Star Wars film? Better put on that Luke Skywalker Jedi robe or that Kylo Ren mask. Whether it's a Stormtrooper, a Sith or a Jedi Master, there's no shortage of costumes Star Wars fans love to dress up in. When we go to The Rise Of Skywalker, I'm sure my family will be just as costumed as we were when we saw The Last Jedi.

So it's definitely a little weird to have a brand new Disney Star Wars theme park launch in LA (and soon, Orlando) and not be able to wear a costume when you visit. After all, Galaxy's Edge is supposed to be this huge, immersive experience that makes you truly feel like you've landed on a planet in the Star Wars universe. Wouldn't more people in costume make that even more immersive?

Disney has a no-costume policy for its theme parks, however, and it's no different for Galaxy's Edge. Once you hit the ripe old age of 14, you're no longer allowed to dress up like Anakin Skywalker or any other fictional character. Kids 13 and younger are the only ones allowed to wear costumes—and it's actually for a pretty good reason.

Galaxy's Edge Credit: Disney

According to Disney:

"The current Disneyland Resort costume policy will be in effect in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Costumes may not be worn by guests 14 years of age or older. Appropriate Disney bounding — dressing in outfits inspired by favorite characters — is permitted."

Inappropriate attire includes:

Costumes may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older

Masks may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older (unless they are for medical purposes)

Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics

Excessively torn clothing or loose fitting clothing which may drag on the ground and create a potential trip hazard

Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment

Clothing with multiple layers are subject to search upon entry

Visible tattoos that could be considered inappropriate, such as those containing objectionable language or designs

Bare feet

There are exceptions to the costume rule for special events at other Disney parks for special events, but it's not clear whether that will be the case at Galaxy's Edge.

The thinking behind this policy is actually pretty straightforward. If guests showed up in costume, it would be difficult to tell who was a costumed employee and who was a costumed guest. If the only adults at the park in costume are employees, you can rest assured that the person you're taking a picture with or getting an autograph from is an official representative of the park.

Only employees and children can dress like this at Galaxy's Edge. Credit: Disney

If anyone could dress up in a costume, ill-intentioned guests could make a great deal of mischief, disrupting other guests with pranks and other deceptions and possibly doing much worse. It's a shame, because it really would be fun if more people were in costume, but the policy is in place to protect the majority of guests from any potential bad apples. Such is life.

Galaxy's Edge is now open in Los Angeles. All guests are given four-hour time slots for their visit to keep crowds at a minimum. I'm excited to go check it out one of these days—costume or no.