Over the weekend, Disney unveiled plans for two massive Star Wars theme expansions. But that's not all the company has planned. While it will likely be a while before anyone steps foot into the new Star Wars Land in Disneyland or Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios, there will be other ways for park visitors to travel to a galaxy far, far away.
For starters, Disney is opening a Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios and in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park. Here, guests will get a closer look at the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force AWakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the scenes, special merchandise and food offerings, and opportunities to meet new characters.
In Disneyland, Star Wars Launch Bay will share space with the reimagined Super Hero HQ, featuring opportunities to meet and take photos with iconic Marvel Super Heroes like Captain America and Thor, as well as experience the return of Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries.
Both of these new experiences will be open for guests "later this year."
Disney also unveiled plans for Season of the Force, a new seasonal event beginning in early 2016 which will invite guests to explore the Star Wars galaxy with special entertainment throughout the park. In Disneyland's Tomorrowland, the classic Space Mountain attraction will be transformed into Hyperspace Mountain where guests will join an X-Wing Starfighter battle. At Disney World's Hollywood Studios, a new fireworks spectacular show set to the score of the Star Wars movies will close out the night.
Also getting an update is the Star Tours motion simulator. Coming later this year, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will include a new adventure featuring locations and characters from the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
And finally, the Jedi Training Academy will be reimagined with a new experience that includes characters and "a new villain" to battle from from the Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels.
