‘Star Wars’-Themed Lands Coming to Disney Parks

The Star Wars universe is ready to invade ours.

At D23 Expo 2015 Disney chairman Robert Iger announced the creation of two Star Wars-themed lands. The 14-acre parks will feature humanoids, aliens and droids. He called it the company’s “largest single-themed land expansion ever.”

One of the single-themed lands will be featured at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Fla., with the other coming to Disneyland in Anaheim. Iger said attractions would include a Millennium Falcon ride and iconic settings like the Creature Cantina.

“Everything we create will be part of our storytelling,” said Iger, who added every store in these parks would be operated by local inhabitants — in other words, actors in character as aliens or droids.

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“Nothing in the land will be out of character or stray from the mythology.” 

Iger said guests will “truly become a part of their favorite Star Wars stories.”

“These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance,” said Iger.

Earlier in the Star Wars presentation, J.J. Abrams brought out his Force Awakens cast, to thunderous applause. 

Harrison Ford made a surprise appearance, receiving a huge standing ovation from the enraptured crowd. 

“I’m very happy, yesterday following in the footsteps of George Lucas, the author of the early chapters of my story,” said Ford. “It’s a great thrill to be with you, who made this whole thing happen.”

John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and Lupita Nyong’o were also on-hand to talk Star Wars: The Force Awakens and show off a new poster featuring Ford.

Abrams spoke about going to composer John Williams‘ house: “He played me on the piano music he was going to conduct. It was like hearing music from the gods.”

Disney chief Alan Horn showed off a cast photo for spinoff Rogue One, which stars Felicity Jones, Ben Mendelsohn and Diego Luna. It’s being directed by Gareth Edwards. It’s slated for a December 2016 release. 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters Dec. 18.