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Disney Parks' Creative Force Awakens

Thursday, 17 August 2017 19:22

Disney Parks' Creative Force Awakens


February 2016 update: Disney presented a Disneyland 60th anniversary celebration TV special on ABC (the network that is part of its vast media empire) and included a segment about the Star Wars lands hosted by none other than Harrison Ford. The special didn't reveal too much that hadn't already been divulged. Although Disney is still referring to the projects as "Star Wars-themed lands," Han Solo, er Mr. Ford, called them "The Star Wars Experience." That may or may not be the official name.
Previously written in 2015: After many months of vague promises from company honchos and speculation by rabid fans, Disney CEO Bob Iger finally made it official: Star Wars rides are on the way.

Speaking at the 2015 D23 Expo, Mickey's boss said that Star Wars-themed lands -- and yes, that's "lands" with an "s," as in more than one -- will be built at both the original Disneyland Park and at Disney's Hollywood Studios , part of Walt Disney World in Florida. Big Thunder Ranch...


Based on the renderings, the 14-acre lands will include vast amounts of rockwork and other architectural flourishes. That's the Millennium Falcon in the foreground. The iconic starship will be featured in one of the lands' two major attractions.
Disney has not revealed any costs. But the ambitious, elaborate-looking and -sounding Star Wars project will surely cost in the hundreds of millions dollars -- and possibly in the billion-dollar range. That's for each land. That's a lot of Galactic Credits. 
​Next up: Bustling Frontier Town
  • Don't look now, but isn't that C3PO and R2D2 chatting with a certain princess? When they open, the lands will include alien creatures, humanoids, and other assorted Star Wars characters. Expect pervasive themeing throughout the new areas.
    ​Next up: Line Up


  • Disney released this piece of concept art in February 2016. It appears to be one of the queues, perhaps for one of the major Star Wars attractions. Whatever it is, it sure looks sweet.
    Next up: Guarded by storm troopers


Another piece of concept art released in February 2016. Storm troopers will, apparently, be scattered throughout the lands.


In another piece of concept art released in February 2016, you can get a sense of the scale of the land. Note how the young visitor in Mouse ears is dwarfed by the ship. Is that the Millennium Falcon?

The temporary Star Wars Launch Bay exhibits opened in California and Florida with the release of the new Star Wars movie in December 2015. They will likely remain open until the permanent Star Wars lands open.

As part of Season of the Force, Space Mountain at Disneyland has been re-themed to Star Wars. For a limited time, the classic ride is featuring new digital projections, new effects, and enhanced onboard audio.

Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the new Star War lands at the 2015 D23 Expo. He and his team also made a bunch of other park announcements at the event, including:
  • New Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios - A Slinky Dog coaster, alien saucers ride, and an expanded Toy Story Mania! are coming.
  • Pandora – The World of Avatar - More info was released about the new land coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom.
  • Soarin’ Around the World - Instead of sticking with California, the fabulous Soarin' ride will take off to locations far and wide starting in 2016.










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