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The happiest place on earth might just be getting even happier for Star Wars fans. In a post on the Disneyparks Blog, the house of mouse has revealed the concept art for the new Star Wars themed land that's being built in both the California Disneyland and Florida's Disney's Hollywood Studios.
This new area will be set on a planet that has never been seen in the Star Wars galaxy but it definitely won't feel, well, alien. "Nestled between towering spires of rock, this thriving port contains a seemingly familiar architecture of markets, landing zones and buildings," says the post. "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". Can I just be the first to say EEEEEEEE?
At a whopping 14 acres, this will be the biggest single themed land expansion ever for Disney and, unlike other areas of the park, will be fully immersive. Disney staff - or cast members as they are better known - will be transformed into inhabitants of the planet. Humans, droids and animatronic shopkeepers will fill the land, meaning that nothing can take away from a true Star Wars experience.
"It's going to bring even more of the Star Wars story to life with an entirely new planet on the outer rim, a frontier town that's one of the last stops before wild space," Bob Chapek, the Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts tells the Orlando Sentinel . "It will be full of characters both familiar and not-so-familiar. Everything will be in story from the food to the entertainment to the attractions."
The two rides announced for the area so far include a Millennium Falcon experience that'll let us actually take control of the ship and another ride that takes participants through a battle between the First order and the Resistance. Plus, we'll be able to sample the tastes of the Star Wars universe at a cantina and a slightly more up market dinner club. And yes, there's going to be a chance to taste a certain colour of dairy product...
"You'll have the chance to truly step into this amazing galaxy and take in the iconic sights and sounds, but now for the first time ever, you'll be able to experience it with all your senses - the smells, the tastes," says head Imagineer on the project Scott Trowbridge, also speaking to the Orlando Sentinel. "Just what does blue milk, taste like anyway?"
Given the fact that the teams only broke ground in April this year, it looks like we're going to be waiting a few years but you know it'll be worth it. And yes, when you get there, you're allowed to say "Chewie, we're home".
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