A long time ago, in a theme park far, far away. Okay, so it seems longer than it’s actually been, but we are finally getting some word on just when we can expect to see more Star Wars in Disney theme parks. In 2012 the Mouse House bought Lucasfilm for over $4 Billion Dollars. The company then fast tracked several new films in the franchise, the first of which to hit theaters Christmas of 2015, but there has been very little news of Star Wars coming to the theme parks. Until now.
According to Variety, we could know what’s coming to Disney Parks and when in 2015. Sure, that seems like an excruciatingly long time, but it’s definite progress. In a conference call with analysts to discuss the record third quarter results, Bob Iger said that a greater presence will be felt in the Walt Disney Parks. He went on to say that the first look at new attractions will be revealed next year.
It’s hard to pinpoint when, but there are several opportunities coming in 2015. Star Wars Celebration will happen in April in Anaheim, and then there’s the D23 Expo in August which celebrates all things Disney, which will also be in Anaheim. The huge year will be capped off in December by the release of Star Wars:Episode 7.
Disney recently capped off it’s huge Fantasyland project with the opening of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The chain has also revealed plans for Avatar Land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While there is no official word on just where the new Star Wars attractions will start, many believe that it will start at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as part of an all new “Star Wars Land” that will encompass the current Star Tours area, as well as the soon to close “American Idol Experience” and the long running Indiana Jones Stunt Show.
The Florida parks are facing stiff competition from the rapidly growing Universal Orlando, who opened their all new land and attraction based around Harry Potter. Diagon Alley brought a huge new attraction, along with themed shopping, and dining in less than two years. Diagon Alley also bridged the two Universal parks with The Hogwarts Express, which requires guests to have a two park ticket to ride. The resort also opened it’s fourth onsite hotel, and revamped their entertainment and dining district, CityWalk.
While many say that Disney is so big that it doesn’t have to worry, the park frantically threw together a Frozen celebration, based on the hit animated film, in less than a month. The results have been a huge success for the park. A Star Wars themed land in one of the smaller of the four Disney theme parks would be a huge shot in the arm for Disney, and help them keep their theme park crown.
So what would you like to see come to a Star Wars themed land? Let us know in the comments below!
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