In a move that only shocked people because it took so long, today at D23 Expo Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced to an audience filled with thousands of fans that Star Wars-themed lands will be coming to both Disneyland and Disneyworld. These ambitious plans to recreate the world of Star Wars in their two parks include their biggest land expansions ever at 14 acres each, transporting fans to a never before seen planet, a remote trading port, and one of the last stops before wild space. Ever since Disney bought the Star Wars brand this has been an exciting thought in fans’ heads, and finally now a reality.
“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.”
These lands with have two exciting major attractions including the ability for fans to take the Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission and an epic adventure that drops fans right into the middle of a climactic battle. The concept art they showed was quite impressive, and I know Star Wars fans will love this.
UPDATED –
It looks like Tomorrowland will be getting Star Wars themed “enhancements” as well. To coincide with Star Wars: The Force Awakens Disneyland and Disneyworld will be getting a Launch Bay which will feature behind-the-scenes looks at the new film with special exhibits, special merchandise, and food offerings. The Launch Bay will be located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and in Tomorrowland at Disneyland, and will share the space with the reimagined Super Hero HQ later this year.
But that’s not all. The new seasonal event, Season of the Force, will bring fans special entertainment, themed food locations, and a lot more throughout Tomorrowland. The popular rollercoaster Space Mountain will be reimagined as Hyperspace Mountain, and guest will get to will join Rebel Forces in an X-wing Starfighter battle. And Disneyworld will be getting an all new fireworks show featuring the music of Star Wars to close out the night on weekends.
And there’s even more! Star Tours – The Adventure Continues will be getting a new adventure featuring characters and locations from Episode VII, with the popular with children Jedi Training Academy being slightly reimagined to include new characters, and a new villain, from the Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels. Disney is really committed to Star Wars, and this just shows how committed. It looks like I’ll finally be getting a Disneyland season pass. Hyperspace Mountain!
