Star Wars Experiences and Land Coming to Disneyland Park in California #D23Expo

August 16, 2015 in All Posts, disneyland resort, Star Wars Land by Lisa Robertson

For the latest on Star Wars land coming to Disneyland in California, click here.

The rumors are now over and today at the D23 Expo Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced that Star Wars-themed lands will be coming to Disneyland park in Anaheim and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Although completion dates for the two new parks have not been released, each new land marks Disney’s largest single themed land expansions ever at 14 acres each. The last will transport 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. At Disneyland park, the land will be located in the Big Thunder Ranch area, inclusive of some backstage locations. For those of us who adore the Disneyland goats and the delicious food at Big Thunder BBQ, this is indeed theh little, gray rain cloud in this announcement.

“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.”

Concept art of the new Star Wars land coming to Disneyland

Star Wars-Themed Lands Coming to Disney Parks Ð Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced at D23 EXPO 2015 that Star Wars-themed lands will be coming to Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., and DisneyÕs Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Fla., creating DisneyÕs 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. 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. (Disney Parks)

Concept art for the new Star Wars Land coming to Disneyland.

The Star Wars lands will have two signature attractions: one with a thrilling battle experience and another that puts guests behind the controls of one of the most recognizable ships in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, as they take on a customized secret mission.

Star Wars-Themed Lands Coming to Disney Parks – Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced at D23 EXPO 2015 that Star Wars-themed lands will be coming to Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Fla., 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. 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. (Disney Parks

Images courtesy of Disney Parks and Resorts.

It will likely take years to develop and build these exciting new lands. In the meantime, Star Wars fans will be able to experience several new enhancements and experiences at Disneyland (and Walt Disney World). For the sake of this post, we are focusing on what will be happening at Disneyland.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Later this year, Star Tours will include a new adventure featuring locations and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, giving guests a new adventure in the Star Wars galaxy.

Jedi Training Academy — Although I am not sure how you can possibly improve on something so incredibly perfect, Jedi Training Academy will be reimagined with a new experience that includes new characters and a new villain to battle from the popular Disney XD series “Star Wars Rebels.”

Star Wars Launch Bay – This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings. Star Wars Launch Bay will share the space with the reimagined Super Hero HQ, featuring opportunities to meet and take photos with super heroes like Captain America and Thor, as well as experience the returning Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries. This is expected to open later this year in the old Innoventions building.

Season of the Force – This, my friends, is HUGE. I don’t know about you, but my family (and by “family,” I mean “husband) has been complaining for years that there is no Star Wars Weekend for us west coasters. Finally, we are getting something better than a Star Wars Weekend–we are getting a whole season!!! In early 2016, Disneyland park guests will get to explore the Star Wars galaxy with special entertainment throughout Tomorrowland the land, themed food locations and more. They will also get to experience a rethemed Space Mountain that will become “Hyperspace Mountain,” in which guests will join an X-wing Starfighter battle.

Season of the Force Coming to Disney Parks -- 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 throughout the land, themed food locations and more. Guests also will be thrilled to climb aboard Hyperspace Mountain, a reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction, in which guests will join an X-wing Starfighter battle. At DisneyÕs Hollywood Studios, guests will close out weekend nights with a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic score of the Star Wars movies. (Disney Parks)

Season of the Force Coming to Disney Parks. Images courtesy of Disney Parks and Resorts.

We are so excited for the new Star Wars enhancements and ultimately the new land! We will keep you updated with all of the Star Wars news as it becomes available. What are you looking forward to most?

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About Lisa Robertson

Lisa is the publisher and editor of Babes In Disneyland. She loves all things Disney and really loves hearing from fans who have learned from the blog or have questions. She can be contacted via email, the Babes In Disneyland Facebook fan page and Twitter. She can also be followed on Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.