Here’s What We Know So Far About The Star Wars Theme Parks
Since George Lucas sold his intergalactic empire to Disney in 2012, anticipation for a Star Wars section of DisneyLand has been building. We’re all desperate to immerse ourselves in the world of the Galaxy, to interact with Ewoks and shiver in fear over approaching Stormtroopers.
In 2015, we found out that the parks are set to inhabit 14 acres of land, making it the largest single theme expansion in DisneyLand history. So we knew it was going to be huge.
Now, Disney has released extremely exciting updates on the Star Wars Land development. This is what we know so far:
The parks are set to open in both the California and Florida branches of DisneyLand in 2019. The launch of the parks will coincide with the final instalment of the most recent Star Wars trilogy.
We also found out where the theme park will be positioned. Star Wars Land will be set somewhere on the Outer Rim, at the edge of the Unknown Regions. While it’s a planet that hasn’t been introduced in the movies, it’s pegged as a forgotten outpost that was left behind due to the rise of hyperspace travel. Now, it’s frequented by rogues, traders and all those looking to escape the First Order. Including visitors like you.
According to Asa Kalama, Executive Director of Walt Disney Imagineering” “One of the areas we’re paying particular attention to is the story. We’re creating a place that is an extension of the Star Wars universe, not a recreation of an experience that you might have seen on screen, but something totally brand new.”
Another cool detail? The only way to enter the park is via a door that leads into a tunnel, eventually spitting you out into the fully immersive Star Wars universe. In fact, the horizon will be filled by galactic mountains, meaning the universe expands as far as the eye can see.
The Lucasfilm and Disney team behind the Star Wars Land experience heavily emphasised the feeling of “immersion”, giving all visitors to the park the feeling of stepping into a whole new world.
They also offered an idea of what the attractions would be like, suggesting that park visitors would be able to enjoy “an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.” You’ll also get to fly the Millenium Falcon on your own mission, interact with animatronic characters and wander amongst full size AT-AT walkers.
There’s also whispers of a resort opening up that lets you stay inside a spaceship. Sign us up!
This is all we know for now, but boy is this news making us boil with excitement. While we have to wait another two years to experience it for ourselves, at least we have the release of Episode 8: The Last Jedi at the end of this year to tide us over.
(Lead image: Disney)
[qantas_widget code=LAX]Check out Qantas flights to DisneyLand.[/qantas_widget]
