Disney’s grand plans for Star Wars land were revealed at D23 Expo in August. But since those additions to Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios would be significant, construction will take time. To keep Force enthusiasts happy, Disney also announced they’d be dropping new Star Wars experiences into theme parks on both United States coasts in the near future, including a special event called Season of the Force. Disneyland will get Season of the Force first, and much sooner than most people anticipated: the event will kick off on November 16.
More Star Wars at Disneyland in less than two months? So much yes.
Guests to the Anaheim theme park will be able to experience limited-time opportunities and an addition to “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.” Season of the Force includes the opening of the Star Wars “Launch Bay” (this will likely be housed in the Innoventions building in Tomorrowland). The Launch Bay will host meet and greets with Star Wars characters, “special exhibits,” and peeks at Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Then there is the Space Mountain overlay. The attraction will become “Hyperspace Mountain,” and guests will join in an X-wing battle in space.
And there’s more! The Jedi Training Academy will be updated to “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple” in December to introduce new characters and a new villain from Star Wars Rebels. I’m guessing Ezra Bridger will play a role and perhaps the Inquisitor from season one, or maybe one of the new Inquisitors from the upcoming second season. While your kid is participating in the Jedi Training, you can drink and eat specially themed food and beverages. There will also be special merchandise available for purchase. When you’re tired of experiencing all of Season of the Force, you can rest in the Tomorrowland Theater and watch scenes from Star Wars films.
Let’s not forgot the best part! Star Tours: The Adventures Continue will be updated to include a new scene from The Force Awakens. I wouldn’t expect the addition to give away any spoilers. It will likely feature a planet we’ve already seen in teasers and photos — somewhere like Jakku.
The opening date for Season of the Force in Disney’s Hollywood Studios hasn’t been announced yet, but it probably isn’t too far off.
How soon will you be lining up for the opening of Season of the Force? Any theories on which characters from The Force Awakens will appear in Star Tours? Talk to me in the comments or on Twitter!
—
HT, Images: Disney Parks