Disney to open ‘Star Wars’ theme parks

CNN  — 

A galaxy far, far away is now closer than you’d think.

Disney has announced it’s building two huge “Stars Wars” attractions at Disneyland, California, and at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Visitors will be able to fly in a Millennium Falcon, drink at a Mos Eisley-style cantina, and get stuck into an epic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.

MORE: Why has the Millennium Falcon crashed in Manhattan?

Fantastic roaming beasts

Each of the 14-acre immersive lands will be staffed by droids, “fantastic roaming beasts” and other inhabitants of the “Star Wars” worlds, Disney CEO Bob Iger told the crowd at the company’s D23 Expo on August 15.

The “jaw-dropping new world” will transport guests to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space.

It’s Disney’s “largest, single-themed land expansion ever.”

Walt Disney said it would build two new Star Wars theme parks at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The announcement was made Saturday, August 15, 2015, at the company's D23 Expo. The themed-land expansion, at 14 acres each, will be Disney's largest ever.
Disney to open 'Star Wars'-themed parks
01:12 - Source: KTLA

Sadly no timetable has been announced for completion of the new sites, so don’t don your Jedi robes just yet.

Eager fans can console themselves with separate “Star Wars” attractions appearing in Disney’s parks later this year, to coincide with the release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

MORE: ANA launches awesome new “Star Wars” airplane

New “Toy Story” and “Avatar” attractions

Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and at Disneyland takes visitors into the world of the new movie through special exhibits and behind-the-scenes peeks.

And in early 2016, guests can also ride Hyperspace Mountain, which is the classic Space Mountain ride reimagined as an X-wing Starfighter in battle.

There was even more good news for movie fans at the D23 Expo, with plans also unveiled for “Toy Story Land” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and “Pandora – The World of Avatar” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida.

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Welcome to Disney World!
08:58 - Source: CNN