Disney's 'Star Wars' Lands to Open in 2019, Same as 'Episode IX'
Star Wars fans, start planning your 2019 vacation to a galaxy far, far away! Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced that Star Wars-themed lands in Disneyland and Walt Disney World will open in 2019. "Star Wars: Episode IX" -- the third film in the new Saga trilogy -- is also scheduled to arrive in theaters in 2019, so it will be an especially big year for fans.
Iger announced the news in earnings calls, and Entertainment Weekly reports that he also said he's already seen this year's film, Episode VIII's "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," calling it, "a great next chapter in the Skywalker family saga."
Back to the theme parks, though. The Star Wars lands in the Anaheim, CA, and Orlando, FL parks are expected to be 14 acres each, with attractions including operating the Millennium Falcon and hanging out at the cantina. (Don't shoot first!)
The @StarWars-Themed Lands at @Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios Are Set to Open in 2019: https://t.co/gC74Hu0rpipic.twitter.com/nzogZNpBiF
— Disney (@Disney) February 7, 2017
Iger teased the upcoming park lands back in 2015 at the D23 Expo, saying, "We're bringing Star Wars to life in a big way, and I mean really big. We're creating a jaw-dropping new world, that represents our largest single-themed land expansion ever. We knew it needed to be big, we knew it needed to be great, so we're going to transport guests to a whole new planet." He said the world will be inhabited by humanoids, aliens, and droids, and "is one of the last ports before wild space. Every store and restaurant will be operated by local inhabitants, making each experience deeply immersive. Nothing in the land will be out of character or stray from mythology."
Here's some of the concept art shared for the park:
Since we just lost a key member of the Star Wars galaxy in Carrie Fisher (Princess/General Leia), you have to imagine they'll honor her in some way, along with others who have left us for the next adventure.
No word yet on exact opening dates, but since they'll be part of the existing Disney World and Disneyland parks, just try to book trips there in late 2019, then cross your fingers.
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