Two years ago, Disney announced that they were going to be adding a massiveStar Warsthemed attraction to their theme parks. Details have been coming here and there, but the park that will take fans to a galaxy far, far away has largely remained a mystery. No longer. Disney has officially revealed thatStar Wars Landis officially titledStar Wars: Galaxy’s Edgeand that it will open in 2019. You may want to start standing in line now.
Disney is currently holding theirD23 Expo, which happens once every two years. During their Disney Parks and Resorts panel they decided to finally reveal the name of theirStar Warsattraction. So we can all stop calling itStar WarsLand now.Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edgefeels like an appropriate title, since the attraction will be a planet located in the Outer Rim. It was revealed that the attraction will open in 2019, but no specific date was revealed. But it will be opening inDisneylandfirst, then in Disney World. Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts had this to say about it.
“It’s unlike anything that exists today. From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”
Other details that were revealed during the panel make it clear thatStar Wars: Galaxy’s Edgewill honor the long legacy ofStar WarsatDisney Parks, as well as embracing the modern age. Rex from the original Star Tours ride is going to be part of this new attraction, which is a nice little throwback. He will be the DJ at the cantina this time around. And yes, there will be blue milk! It was also confirmed that both Chewbacca and BB-8 will have a presence atStar Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Someone has to co-pilot the Millennium Falcon, right? Hondo fromStar Wars: The Clone WarsandStar Wars Rebelsis also said to be part of the attraction, so they are bringing in characters from all over theStar Warsgalaxy.
In terms of what to expect from the attraction? There will be plenty ofStar Warsthemed food and shops, but there is going to be some hands-on experiences for fans as well. Visitors will be able to “take the controls of the Millennium Falcon on a customized mission” and partake in “anepic Star Wars adventurethat puts guests in the middle of a climatic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.” The second one is intended to make it feel like you are on a Star Destroyer inside of a hanger bay. Do good on these missions? You’ll be rewarded. Perform poorly? You may wind up on a bounty hunter’s most wanted list. This park was a collaboration between the Lucasfilm Story Group and Walt Disney Imagineering. So it should be pretty awesome.
A couple of days ago, a scale model of theStar Wars: Galaxy’s Edgeattraction leaked online, giving us a look at the entire park. After the announcements were made at the panel, a video was released giving a full tour of the model, providing our best look at the attraction yet. If you are aStar Warsfan, this is something you are not going to want to miss. Though, it will probably require waiting in some pretty long lines. Be sure to check the video out for yourself below and keep your eyes peeled for more news from D23 throughout the weekend.
