Disney has finally unveiled how it plans to incorporate Star Wars into its theme park master plan.
UPDATE: At an afternoon panel hosted by Disney Chairman of Parks and Resorts Bob Chapek, we learned some more about the Mouse’s theme park plans for Star Wars, including some upcoming attractions that will premiere in the coming months before the new expansions are added.
Chapek announced that a seasonal event called Season of the Force will arrive at both Disney World and Disneyland in early 2016. It’s a limited-time event that will feature Star Wars attractions, although the only one announced at this time is Hyperspace Mountain, which is a retooled version of Space Mountain that will now put riders in the middle of a X-Wing space battle.
Here’s some concept art of the ride and a promotional photo for Season of the Force:
Disney also revealed that its Star Tours ride at both parks will be updated to include locations and characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens later this year.
Both parks will also get the Star Wars Launch Bay, which will function as an interactive museum featuring props and costumes from the old and new movies. Chapak also said that fans can play the latest Star Wars video games and watch all the movies there, although it’s unclear if there are any add-ons or extra features to these options.
Finally, the Jedi Academy at both parks and the fireworks show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will both be updated with new content later this year.
Original post: At this morning’s live-action panel, Disney CEO Bob Iger wrapped up the event with an earth-shattering announcement: Disney would be installing its largest theme park expansion ever…at BOTH of its theme parks in Orlando and Anaheim.
"“I am thrilled to announce the next chapter in the long and exciting history between Disney Parks and Star Wars. Through each new attraction and new land we create, we push the boundaries of what is possible. And as you can imagine, with Star Wars, we are taking that to a whole new level, with a whole galaxy to explore.”"
The Mouse will be building a 14-acre expansion at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and at Disneyland. So far, there are two big attractions announced. One is a Millennium Falcon ride where fans will fly the ship on a “customized secret mission.” The other will plunge riders into a battle between the First Order and the Resistance.
As you can tell, the parks will incorporate characters from the sequel trilogy as well. They will also have a fully-staffed cantina with actors dressed up as Star Wars characters throughout the park and an elaborate cantina experience to help with the immersive adventure.
H/T StarWars.com