A long time ago in a boardroom far, far away (California), a 14-acre Star Wars theme park at Orlando Disney World was decided upon. We found out about such plans in 2015 and since then an arrival time has been harder to obtain than blueprints for the Death Star.
But now we have it: it’s coming in 2019, the same year as Star Wars Episode IX, the final part of the current ‘Skywalker Saga’ arc of the sci-fi series, with Disney CEO Bob Iger having this to say on the venture:
“Nestled between towering spires of rock, this thriving port contains a seemingly familiar architecture of markets, landing zones and buildings. Look closely and you may find hints of some of the thrilling experiences that are coming – like the Millennium Falcon peeking out of one of the cargo bays, marking the location where guests will get the opportunity to pilot the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.”
We’ve only just been given the title for the second instalment of this current arc, The Last Jedi, due out this December, but clearly bosses at the Mouse House are keen to capitalise on the fandom and runaway success of the recent films.
So what can we expect? Well apart from your sunburnt dad hugging the life out of a stormtrooper, quite a lot actually.
Entrants to the 14-acre park will not only be faced by inhabitants of those worlds - aliens, humanoids and droids - but will also be able to taste some local cuisine. Presumably while the Cantina Band serenade you with their one hit wonder.
At the heart of all this will be two fantastic signature attractions, one being a 3D adventure that puts you front and centre of a major battle between good and evil. The other will let you take the controls of the Millennium Falcon and pilot the craft on a customized mission, so expect to see grown men jostling children out of the way.
To tide us over in the meantime we’ll have to keep reading fan theories and perfecting our lightsaber noises. Shhhvvuu. See? Uncanny.
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