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ANAHEIM, Calif. — Visitors to Disneyland will soon be able to travel to a galaxy far, far away. In January of 2016, Harrison Ford broke ground on Disney's upcoming Star Wars-themed land, an attraction that promises to satisfy the Jedi or Jawa in all of us.
In August of 2015, Disney executives announced plans to build the Star Wars-themed land (name pending) in two of their theme parks. Concept artists hired by the company sketched out plans that include a Star-Warsian planet for visitors to explore. While no official completion date has been announced, construction is underway and speculation is at galactic heights.
"Star Wars is, for lack of a better word, awesome," Ford said in a video promoting the new land. "I'm so blessed that I got to be a part of it, to walk in these iconic locations, and soon you'll be able to do that as well."
The new Star Wars land is under construction in what used to be Big Thunder Ranch and will encompass 14 acres of Disneyland. Big Thunder Ranch closed permanently to make room for the new attraction and park officials said the Rivers of America section of the park will be redesigned as part of the new layout.
Visitors to the new Star Wars land will be able to pilot a Millennium Falcon replica, visit the iconic Mos Eisley Cantina and walk (and talk) with Wookies. Storyboard concepts show a newly imagined planet located somewhere on the outskirts of the Star Wars universe that will immerse visitors in a totally state-of-the-art sci-fi experience.
"Soon you'll be able to do what I've done," Ford said. "Not in a galaxy far, far away, but close to home."
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'Star Wars' themed land planned at Disney parks
Disney theme parks have their sights on a galaxy far, far away.Disney bought the rights to the Star Wars empire in 2012 from George Lucas for a reported $4 billion. Disney took over production of the newly rebooted film franchise and announced plans to build the galactic icon into its theme parks.
As a sort of teaser for what's to come, Disneyland has assimilated large elements of the franchise into the existing Tomorrowland. Currently, guests can walk through interactive Star Wars exhibits and meet Chewbacca, Kylo Ren and other characters from the new and old movies.
Another Star Wars land is set for construction at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.
Robynn Garfield worked as a staff writer for KSL.com before relocating to the Bay Area with her husband and three young sons. She currently works as a freelance writer and digital media consultant. Robynn started her career in journalism as a radio news anchor. In her spare time Robynn can be found sewing, hiking, or playing at the beach with her family. Contact her at robynn.garfield@gmail.com or visit her website.
