D23 Expo 2015: “Star Wars” land announced for Walt Disney World and Disneyland, 14-acres of new attractions

in Disney, Disneyland Resort, Entertainment, Events, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World

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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.

Today at the D23 Expo 2015, Disney CEO Bob Iger finally announced that Star Wars Land is coming to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

It will be the largest expansion ever at Disneyland, 14-acres including the Mos Eisley Cantina, Millennium Falcon ride, and a battle between the First Order and the resistance.

Update: It was later revealed that Star Wars Land at Disneyland will be taking over Big Thunder Ranch and nearby backstage areas to comprise that 14 acres. It will begin construction by the end of 2017. Toontown will not be replaced or affected by Star Wars Land. (Source: @DisneylandToday)

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“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.”

These authentic lands will have two signature attractions. Along with the thrilling battle experience, another attraction 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.

Iger also shared concept images of the Star Wars-themed lands, giving fans a glimpse at what is to come for Disney parks.

The partnership between Disney and Lucasfilm dates back to 1987, when the successful Star Tours attraction, inspired by George Lucas’s legendary Star Wars film series, opened at Disneyland. The attraction was then redesigned, emerging as “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” in 2011 and featuring more than 50 different story outcomes and the possibility to visit five different planets.

Guests will interact with characters in immersive environments, bringing the “Star Wars” worlds to life.

Photo credit:Danielle Ernest

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