By Joseph Longo / Associated Press
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Disney Parks isn’t letting Han Solo or Luke Skywalker save the day at their new Star Wars-themed lands.
“When you step in to the world, you’re the hero,” Chris Beatty, Disney Imagineer and executive director of the new expansions said.
Beatty was just one of many Disney representatives who spoke Saturday on the new Star Wars-themed lands at the Disney fan expo D23 in Anaheim, California.
Bob Chapek, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, led a joyous panel where he unveiled many new projects for both domestic and international parks. New “Ratatouille,” ”Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Tron” attractions are headed to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Discussion of the Star Wars land came early in Chapek’s presentation, pleasing an eager audience. A video detailed a model on display at the expo’s “A Galaxy of Stories.” Then, Chapek revealed the name for the expansions.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will first open at Disneyland, followed shortly by a second, identical location at Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Chapek said both are expected to open in 2019.
He introduced the lead designer of the project, Scott Trowbridge, who said Galaxy’s Edge focuses on two major rides allowing guests to lead their own adventures. The first is a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. The second allows riders to take control of the Millennium Falcon.
Trowbridge echoed Beatty’s sentiment that Galaxy’s Edge is all about the guest experience. Beatty said developers quickly ruled out focusing on any specific film or character arc in the franchise.
Instead, they’re building a brand new, unnamed planet.
The new planet is set on the outer rim of the galaxy, hence the name Galaxy’s Edge. Beatty said they created a place where both beloved characters from the franchise could mix with new, unknown members of the galaxy. He called it “a smuggler’s planet,” something quintessential “Star Wars.”
“It’s kind of forgotten about. People in the know like Han and Chewie, they knew of this place,” he said.
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