Coming soon to a Disney Park not so far, far away. Star Wars Lands have officially been announced for Walt Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland in Anaheim.
Today at the D23 EXPO 2015, Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced to an audience of more than 7,500 fans that Star Wars-themed lands will be coming to Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
“I am thrilled to announce the next chapter in the long and exciting history between Disney Parks and Star Wars,” said Iger. “We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever. These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.”
Ambitious plans to bring Star Wars to life in the two parks include creating Disney’s largest single-themed land expansions ever at 14-acres each, transporting guests to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life.
Iger said the new land will be “occupied by many inhabitants; humanoids, aliens and droids … the attraction, the entertainment, everything we create will be part of our storytelling. Nothing will be out of character or stray from the mythology.”
There were hints at the panel of creatures just walking around the land, going about their own business, for guests to encounter. The Cantina concept art showed a water tank with an alien swimming around inside. Lucasfilm, Disney’s Imagineers, and ILM are all collaborating on the project, and they’re starting to cast actors for roles in the park.
These authentic lands will have two signature attractions, including the ability to take the controls of one of the most recognizable ships in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle.
The new lands will be Disney’s largest single-themed land expansion in the history of the parks. The following was also announced at D23 EXPO 2015:
Following up on today’s exciting news about Star Wars-themed lands coming to Disney Parks, the worlds, stories and characters of the Star Wars galaxy will come to life through new and enhanced experiences at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California beginning this year.
Star Wars Launch Bay – Opening later this year, this interactive experience will take guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Disneyland park in California into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as well as the first six films in the Star Wars saga.
Season of the Force – This new seasonal event, beginning early 2016, brings new experiences to both coasts. In Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, guests will explore the Star Wars galaxy with special entertainment, themed food locations and Hyperspace Mountain – a reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction in which guests will join an X-wing starfighter battle. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will feature a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic score of the Star Wars movies on weekend nights.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Later this year, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Disneyland park in California will include a new adventure featuring locations and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
