Significant ‘Star Wars’ Presence Planned for Disney Theme Parks

[Micca]

The Disney/Star Wars marriage is brilliant on many levels. The appeal of Star Wars is multi-generational, like so many of Disney's other franchises. Star Wars leans more male in its appeal, which Disney needs in its princess-heavy parks.

In addition to the massive draw of the actual attractions, consider the potential draw to the property when they begin to organize major Comic-con like events.
Star Wars weddings? Don't think that won't happen. At the very least you can expect a SW overlay on one of the existing resorts.

And then there's the merch. OMG the merch. Consider the killing Disney made on Cars merchandise, and think in terms of how huge the Star Wars franchise is before Disney even releases the first of the new movies. The movies will succeed financially no matter what. If the movies are actually good???

Star Wars + WDW redefines "juggernaut."

 

[thorp8]

I'm all for Star Wars / Lucas Films expansion at DHS, I think it is a place that "fits" to some degree, and I'd much rather have it there than in Epcot or Tomorrowland.
However, I personally think it would be a huge mistake to not expand the park when putting in more Star Wars attractions.
First, I don't necessarily think I would like to have Star Wars basically take over the park, for instance, when you walk up Hollywood Blvd, I don't want to overwhelmed by it (like taking over Echo Lake).
I don't have a huge attachment to a lot of the attractions around the Star Tours area, besides the Muppets, which could just be moved I guess. BUT, I do actually enjoy the theme of old Hollywood, so I'd rather keep that around.

But Second/Third? and most importantly. If they are going to spend all this money infusing Star Wars into DHS, I really thing they need to expand the park - build into the parking lot and wooded area to the south of the park (would have to move entrance road). The reason? increase capacity.
It's been a couple years since I've been down there, but from what I remember, and what I hear, when the park is busy, it feels PACKED, and really, if they are spending all this money, they are going to want to have even more guests in the park, which means they need more space!

Just my 2 cents

 

[Twin Dad]

The Disney/Star Wars marriage is brilliant on many levels. The appeal of Star Wars is multi-generational, like so many of Disney's other franchises. Star Wars leans more male in its appeal, which Disney needs in its princess-heavy parks.

In addition to the massive draw of the actual attractions, consider the potential draw to the property when they begin to organize major Comic-con like events.
Star Wars weddings? Don't think that won't happen. At the very least you can expect a SW overlay on one of the existing resorts.

And then there's the merch. OMG the merch. Consider the killing Disney made on Cars merchandise, and think in terms of how huge the Star Wars franchise is before Disney even releases the first of the new movies. The movies will succeed financially no matter what. If the movies are actually good???

Star Wars + WDW redefines "juggernaut."

Great points. There's a lot of parents saying Disney needs to do more for older boys. The pirate thing didn't work all that well so it makes sense to purchase the biggest movie franchise that appeals to males 5 to 50 (especially when you have a working relationship with the owner and he's looking to sell it and retire).

You can already see the merchandising part coming to fruition. I'm already having trouble hold onto my wallet. Last time I was at the Disney Store it took all my self control not to buy all the new WWII propaganda style Star Wars t shirts.

I'm all for Star Wars / Lucas Films expansion at DHS, I think it is a place that "fits" to some degree, and I'd much rather have it there than in Epcot or Tomorrowland.
However, I personally think it would be a huge mistake to not expand the park when putting in more Star Wars attractions.
First, I don't necessarily think I would like to have Star Wars basically take over the park, for instance, when you walk up Hollywood Blvd, I don't want to overwhelmed by it (like taking over Echo Lake).
I don't have a huge attachment to a lot of the attractions around the Star Tours area, besides the Muppets, which could just be moved I guess. BUT, I do actually enjoy the theme of old Hollywood, so I'd rather keep that around.

But Second/Third? and most importantly. If they are going to spend all this money infusing Star Wars into DHS, I really thing they need to expand the park - build into the parking lot and wooded area to the south of the park (would have to move entrance road). The reason? increase capacity.
It's been a couple years since I've been down there, but from what I remember, and what I hear, when the park is busy, it feels PACKED, and really, if they are spending all this money, they are going to want to have even more guests in the park, which means they need more space!

Just my 2 cents

There were rumors flying last year when Disney canceled the parade at DHS it was in, part due to a park expansion like you mentioned. I hope its true. That area is pretty tight if you try to put in a couple of bigger rides.

 

[FlipHipster]

If there's a DVC portion, I'm adding on!

Something about Death Star Villas just doesn't sound that appealing to me


I'm excited. Should be fun watching this unfold.

The video was hilarious can't wait to show DD, but now I'm singing that dang song...

 

[JoWiJo]

As much as this article says, there is a lot more that it doesn't. It basically substantiates the rumors we've had that they are going to put more Star Wars into the parks. That's pretty much it.

But reading between the lines, it was said that they are going to grow the SW presence in the parks. To me, that says "add in stages" instead of "build at once and open to the public when ready." It could start with something simple, like meet and greets, build the cantina, maybe add a float to a parade, and then add new attractions over time.

As far as the concerns with the Disney-Star Wars relationship go, I'm more concerned what they are going to do with the movies than I am the added presence. And I'm most certainly looking forward to VII when it comes out in 499 more days.

Sure, they could botch up the parks project, but I don't exactly see them planning a M&G with Jar Jar Binks as a top tier FP+ selection.

Duh...its the new Theme Park they are opening in Texas! You know with Star Wars Land, Marvel Land, Pixar Land, and...and... and...

Nah, it's just Dark Kingdom that they will build over here in Texas.

Jk

 

[AquaDame]

I think most people have seen this coming and for the most part I think most people will welcome it.

They could easily upgrade DHS with a Star Wars land. Using either/or Backlot Tour and Lights Motor Action. I would love to see and E ticket ride. Maybe not a coaster but a fast ride based on the pod race or the speeder chase on Endor. One or two smaller style rides to go along with Star Tours. Take the upper areas of Star Tours with AT-AT and maybe a permanent character spot. Heck they could even have a live action show based along the Hyper Space Hoopla they used to run on the Star Wars weekends.

Most of all, well for Disney, a much bigger shop or two. i would also put in a Mos Eisley Cantina area. Could be character dining all day. Or maybe character breakfast and then regular site down place rest of day. Maybe a line of awesome different style burgers and/or bar foods.

That could really up the ante on how much time people stay at DHS.

Yeah, not surprising at all.

And in typical Disney fashion, this project will move as slow as molasses.

DHS is in major need of a revamping, so the sooner the break ground on whatever they are going to do there, the better.

I much prefer Universal's recent approach to announcing big new projects...get started on construction first (see Diagon Alley and whatever Kong-related thing they have started but not announced) and announce later. Then we are not waiting years and years for whatever the next big thing is.

An AT AT petting zoo. Or AT AT pony rides. MAKE IT HAPPEN DISNEY, lol!

Ok, these comments I found very interesting. I believe that's the first time I've seen Iger admit that maybe the things they've been doing lately aren't all they're hyped to be.

I thought Disney was licensing Avatar.....if not, when did they buy it?

That's a good point. He is at the very least being quite dismissive of Avatar.

I think that was because its the one they DIDN'T just buy outright. New way of doing things now.

I could see Disney doing two separate announcements for Star Wars in the parks. In April Celebration VII, celebrating the launch of the new movie, will be at the Anaheim Convention Center. That would be a great spot to announce anything happening at DLR. Then Disney has everyone frothing for details for what will be happening at the other parks. Which, they can announce at D23.

I'm hoping Disney goes big in both parks since it is actually slightly cheaper for us to go to LA than Orlando.

Ugh, why can't they just do it during the race weekend? There is already a themed weekend set up and everything (plus we will be there...)

 

[WikiWiki]

I kind of like the idea of the xwing dumbo! Would love to see a Star Wars themed kiddy ride!

 

[Twin Dad]

I kind of like the idea of the xwing dumbo! Would love to see a Star Wars themed kiddy ride!

I know that Dumbo has been repurposed to death at Disney but any Star Wars Land and to a larger extent DHS needs some kind of kiddy ride like that.

 

[jcemom]

I kind of like the idea of the xwing dumbo! Would love to see a Star Wars themed kiddy ride!

Though I would hope to eventually see MORE than just a kiddie ride, I agree that DHS is sorely lacking in rides for small children. A Star Wars kiddie ride would be awsome!

 

[smcabee]

As much as this article says, there is a lot more that it doesn't. It basically substantiates the rumors we've had that they are going to put more Star Wars into the parks. That's pretty much it.

But reading between the lines, it was said that they are going to grow the SW presence in the parks. To me, that says "add in stages" instead of "build at once and open to the public when ready." It could start with something simple, like meet and greets, build the cantina, maybe add a float to a parade, and then add new attractions over time.

As far as the concerns with the Disney-Star Wars relationship go, I'm more concerned what they are going to do with the movies than I am the added presence. And I'm most certainly looking forward to VII when it comes out in 499 more days.

Sure, they could botch up the parks project, but I don't exactly see them planning a M&G with Jar Jar Binks as a top tier FP+ selection.



Nah, it's just Dark Kingdom that they will build over here in Texas.

Jk

Aww come on you could have Big Darth overlooking the Texas State Fair now that would be a destination.

 

[Twin Dad]

As much as this article says, there is a lot more that it doesn't. It basically substantiates the rumors we've had that they are going to put more Star Wars into the parks. That's pretty much it.

But reading between the lines, it was said that they are going to grow the SW presence in the parks. To me, that says "add in stages" instead of "build at once and open to the public when ready." It could start with something simple, like meet and greets, build the cantina, maybe add a float to a parade, and then add new attractions over time.

As far as the concerns with the Disney-Star Wars relationship go, I'm more concerned what they are going to do with the movies than I am the added presence. And I'm most certainly looking forward to VII when it comes out in 499 more days.

Sure, they could botch up the parks project, but I don't exactly see them planning a M&G with Jar Jar Binks as a top tier FP+ selection.

Nah, it's just Dark Kingdom that they will build over here in Texas.

Jk

I share your concerns but so far Disney has done just about everything right. I'm still sore over the EU mess but it had to be done. They are bringing in talent to write and direct the films. They got Indiana Jones away from Paramount so Harrison would sign on. They shut down the train wreck that was Lucas arts and have a developer going on games. You have a new tv series coming in the fall. Plus the specials for kids. The whole canon thing has been settled. Lots of fans are not happy about it but it should have been truly addressed 25 years ago. You also have an expanded presence during SW Weekends which, I think, is just a precursor of things to come.

We'll see how things plan out but so far I'm liking what I see.

 

[JoWiJo]

I share your concerns but so far Disney has done just about everything right. I'm still sore over the EU mess but it had to be done. They are bringing in talent to write and direct the films. They got Indiana Jones away from Paramount so Harrison would sign on. They shut down the train wreck that was Lucas arts and have a developer going on games. You have a new tv series coming in the fall. Plus the specials for kids. The whole canon thing has been settled. Lots of fans are not happy about it but it should have been truly addressed 25 years ago. You also have an expanded presence during SW Weekends which, I think, is just a precursor of things to come.

We'll see how things plan out but so far I'm liking what I see.

Actually, I need to amend what I said. I'm more concerned what Abrams will do than I am about Disney messing around. Sure, he is good at what he does, but I don't trust that he won't pull some storytelling stunt that goes too far for SW fans. I'm still not happy with the Trek reboot, even though I liked the movies.

I expect Disney to do a fine job within the parks. Only time will tell.

I never got into the EU. So I won't notice the difference there. Although I did watch the Clone Wars series the last few seasons and want to know about Ahsoka.

 

[sabrecmc]

An x-wing/Dumbo-esque kiddie ride spinning around a Death Star that let kids make the x-wing go up and down and maybe make laser noises would be great. God, we'd never get my nephew off of it.

Droid carousel?

 

[Twin Dad]

Actually, I need to amend what I said. I'm more concerned what Abrams will do than I am about Disney messing around. Sure, he is good at what he does, but I don't trust that he won't pull some storytelling stunt that goes too far for SW fans. I'm still not happy with the Trek reboot, even though I liked the movies.

I expect Disney to do a fine job within the parks. Only time will tell.

I never got into the EU. So I won't notice the difference there. Although I did watch the Clone Wars series the last few seasons and want to know about Ahsoka.

I get it. I loved the reboot but he got too cute with a few things. Way too much lens flare and Star Trek 2 homages. I like what I see in the leaked photos with all of the homages to Ralph McQuierre.

An x-wing/Dumbo-esque kiddie ride spinning around a Death Star that let kids make the x-wing go up and down and maybe make laser noises would be great. God, we'd never get my nephew off of it.

Droid carousel?

Pod race coaster and a speeder bike coaster. Let's add in an Ewok village for the kids to climb on.

 

[sabrecmc]

They desperately need to replace HIStK play area with an Ewok Village play area. That would be fantastic!

 

[MissDaisyofTexas]

Since Disney Cruise Line is under the Disney Parks umbrella, my husband is convinced that DCL should make part of the kids' clubs on the Disney Dream a Star Wars themed area (similar to what happened on the Disney Magic with the Avengers). The Disney Dream has a drydock scheduled that is a month long in Sept-Oct 2015.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

They desperately need to replace HIStK play area with an Ewok Village play area. That would be fantastic!

OMG I had the EXACT same thought yesterday!!

 

[Twin Dad]

Since Disney Cruise Line is under the Disney Parks umbrella, my husband is convinced that DCL should make part of the kids' clubs on the Disney Dream a Star Wars themed area (similar to what happened on the Disney Magic with the Avengers). The Disney Dream has a drydock scheduled that is a month long in Sept-Oct 2015.

I've got a geek in training who would never leave the kids club if they did that

 

[rteetz]

The spirit a very trusted source in theme park rumors and news has said don't expect a star wars announcement in the next 6-9 months. So that would be sometime after May 2015. I think the best bet is 2015 D23 event in August. Even then though I have heard from sources including the spirit that Disney wants to incorporate the new film and might wait until around that time so that would be December.

 

[jar]

pod racers is all DS could ever wish for!