D23 Unveiled Huge Star Wars Expansions For US Theme Parks

What would a trip to D23 be without any discussion regarding the nature of Disney’s biggest properties. Literally, biggest properties. That of course would be Disneyland in Anaheim, CA and Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.

With the upcoming Star Wars movie coming closer to release with each passing day, the excitement and passion for that world that was “a long time ago, in a galaxy far away” is growing exponentially. With that the Disney company unveiled what would be the largest expansions that either of these parks have seen.

Both versions will be the largest-ever park expansions, at 14 acres each. (You can find good speculative info hereabout where these expansions are likely to go.)

But the size is actually less important than the attractions. Star Wars Land will be a wholly in-character experience, with alien servers and workers at all parts of the attraction, including a Cantina. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy two signature attractions, including one that puts fans inside the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon.

Bob Iger said (bold emphasis ours), “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.”  

Bob Iger also said at the panel,

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.

Here’s a gallery of three pieces of concept art, from the Star Wars feed:

We will see some of the new characters from the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens as well as some old familiar faces from earlier movies from the space opera saga. These areas of the park will entirely staffed by characters and aliens from the movies all in an ambitious attempt to create the most immersive Star Wars experience possible for the guests, including the possibility of drinking blue milk.

The setting is “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.” An official from Disney said:

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.

So get your tickets, annual passes, and space passports ready for what looks like to be the biggest, most exciting new adventure that Disney can offer at their theme parks.