During the D23 Expo last month, the Walt Disney Company made major waves when they announced that they would be bringing ‘Star Wars’ to their trademark theme parks in a big way. After many years of rumors and speculation, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger revealed that they would be partnering with Lucasfilm to bring another unique experience to guests from a galaxy far, far away with a massive 14-acre ‘Star Wars’ expansion at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This addition is described as a “remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space” that will be filled with themed food areas (like a certain cantina), new entertainment, inhabitants of planets throughout the galaxy, and a ride aboard the iconic Millennium Falcon. However, Iger never mentioned when construction would begin on this monumental undertaking. Now, we have a vague idea for when the walls and tarps will go up.
While speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney COO Tom Staggs offered updates on the company’s television networks, as well as the plans for the upcoming ‘Star Wars’ lands. After calling the areas the biggest single-theme improvements at the parks in their history, Staggs said that construction would begin in both California and Florida next year. Although, the executive failed to give an exact date for the building to commence or for when the new attractions would be opening to the public. Instead, when promising that old and new fans of the franchise will enjoy what’s to come, he added that “China will embrace [it] in a big way.” Take that as you will, I guess.
Though we don’t have any concrete dates at the moment, it’s still pretty exciting to hear that the ball is rolling on Star Wars Land. Many thought that it wouldn’t happen at the Happiest Place On Earth, but now there’s just more to be excited about on top of our hauls from ‘Force Friday’ and the release of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ at the end of the year.
Are you excited for the ‘Star Wars’ expansions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World? What are you most excited about seeing when these new areas are open? Let us know in the comments below.
