Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Disney World- Opening Date Announcement

Image from CBS10

Opening Date Announced for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World.

August 29th, 2019. 

However, with this news comes more questions. How much of the new land will be operational by this August date? How are they planning to regulate the crowds in the land? 

More information as it becomes available. 

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge- What we know.. and what we guess.

 Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: What we know.. and what we guess!

This is pretty much the news I've wanted my entire life, a land completely devoted to Star Wars. It's like my childhood dream came true, so while I haven't had time to sit down and really put together a comprehensive post about it.. I have been following the news rather closely. So now it's time to sit down and really put together a list of things- What we know and what we're guessing on. Which is still a LOT of speculation sprinkled in with what Disney has released so far.

 Planet Batuu and Black Spire Outpost.

This is the 'setting' which Galaxy's Edge will be based around. According to Disney, it will be a rouge trader port on the edge of the galactic frontier. Bordering the Outer Rim and Wild Space. It's the last stop full of creature and notorious characters.
The outpost its-self is settled around a petrified forest, in a river valley which is where the outpost is located.  It seems, Disney is going with a familiar theme from the heart of Star Wars here. That of Mos Eisley Spaceport on Tatooine, just set in a new location.

What about the Star Wars Timeline?

With the Star Wars Timeline is a bit of an uproar due to the Disney takeover from Lucasfilm and many things being cut from the previously accepted 'canonverse' it's certian that the setting for this expansion is sometime during the newest movies. Making it on par with the First Order being in power, rather than the setting being from a previous portion of the Star Wars universe. By doing this, Disney can update easily and toss out more movie tie-in's for whatever happens past the current saga (meaning movies 7, 8 and 9).

Opening Date
'Fall of 2019'

 However, knowing Disney- We can make some educated guesses!
'Fall of 2019' generally means September but allows them the option to push the time back as late as needed in case of delays. Although if we follow how Disney opened their last few major expansions, we can expect to see a soft-open as early as late August and an official 'Grand Opening' sometime in November or December. That does leave the problem of a possible 'staggered opening' which means while construction is done, the area is 'open' some aspects may not yet be operational.
The simple fact is this: We don't know... yet.

What about the rides?!

Galaxy's Edge will feature two attractions (or 'rides' if you prefer). The one we know the most about is the attraction featuring the Millennium Falcon. The working title for the attraction is 'Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run'  which Disney has promised guests the controls of the Falcon for an action-packed 'secret mission' and a battle between the First Order and the Resistance.  The second attraction is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which will be a dark ride on a trackless ride system. This will include some form of a rescue and another portion which will involve the landing bay of a Star Destroyer, beyond this, not much is known.

Smugglers Run

From what can be pieced together, this will be an interactive simulator that will seat six people per cabin. Much like 'Mission: Space' at Epcot, it's almost certain that each person will be in control of some aspect of the Falcon which will interact with the simulation. Likely this will have no real effect on your 'mission' if it's anything like 'Mission: Space' since the effects will work regardless of pushing buttons or not, However, Disney has promised an interactive incentive to play along with the controls of your very own Falcon. Supposedly how well you do during the ride will give you a 'reputation' which will follow your around your visit to Galaxy's Edge and Black Spire Outpost.
 As for time, this is the more confusing angle of things. If you run the numbers multiple times (which we did) in order to hit the magic number of 1080 we have a breakdown of how the ride with operate. 6 riders per car, with 12 total ride vehicles with a 4 minutes ride.. you have your numbers.

(This still leaves the question of 'How are you going to put 12 ride cars with room to maneuver into that building' but we'll touch on that in another post!)

Rise of the Resistance 

This second attraction coming to Galaxy's Edge is more along the lines of traditional Disney. This is a classic style dark-ride which features a trackless ride system, very similar to the new Ratatouille attraction going into Epcot (Also similar to Mystic Manor in Tokyo Disneyland, SpiderMan and Transformers at Universal Orlando).
While few details are still known about what ride elements or features will be included, speculation includes that it will be a single floor attraction while other groups believe that it will incorporate 3D elements as well as special effects.  We have rough details that a First Order fleet will be involved with a battle between the Resistance and the First Order with most of the show taking place in the likely setting of a Star Destroyer.

Oga's Cantina

Oga's Cantina is easily a huge draw, because who didn't want to visit the cantina scene in Episode 4? No one. The answer is NO ONE. 

So Disney is providing our very own chance to visit a shady place to make deals, hosted by Oga Garra. A full-blown, (but family friendly) bar will allow both adults and kids to 'belly up' and pick a drink of their choice from a themed menu. It also promises to have a 'colorful cast of characters' which leaves you wondering if Disney plans to plant in actors for local 'color'.  Along with this, fans of the original Star Tours will be thrilled (I am) to see that entertainment is provided by RX-24 (Rex). Who they promise will provide both chatter and tunes to waiting customers. 


Shopping
...because who isn't going to spend a fortune? 
While Disney hasn't announced a set name for the shopping haven which will inundate the area, it's not hard to guess multiple 'shops' will be present and themed for the area. Rumors run the gauntlet of 'haggling traders in street-lined stalls' to a 'Star Wars Emporium'.  Frankly, I think we'll see a more typical pattern for Disney where exit lines will empty into stores as well as more 'themed' locations for Black Spire Outpost. 

Restaurants
Even people on the edge of Wild Space need to eat!
So this is bound to happen. While nothing has been said from official channels, the rumor mill is always ripe with guesses. Some of them are as wild as a full sit-down, reservations only dining option to the other corner who states 'it won't have anyplace to eat'.  Personally,  I expect to see something very similar with what Disney did with Cars Lands in California. If we use that model, we'll see one 'counter service' restaurant with themed (but familiar) food choices, much like Flo's V-8 Cafe. For quick service and snacks, likely several other spots where one can grab something for 'on the go' food options. 

Star Wars Land Announced for Disneyland and Disney World Hollywood Studios!

Yep, you read that headline right. Just a short while ago, at Disney's annual D23 Expo, the announcement of the long anticipated Star Wars Land was finally made. It was never a matter of "if", but always when with this one.

Now, though? We have the details go along with it and just what guests will be able to expect from this massive new project that will be going on at not just Disneyland but also Disney World.

Since this is a breaking story, we don't have all the details yet, but here's what we do know!

So, just what can we expect? Well, here's the breakdown on things. Both parks will be a massive 14 acres in size. If that doesn't sound big, just think of the fact that this will be taking up most of the space in the existing Disney Hollywood Studios at Disney World for starters.

The Millennium Falcon on Landing Pad

“We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever," Iger said. "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.”

There's at least two new rides coming along with this, and one of them, you'll be able to pilot the Millennium Falcon in one of two new signature attractions coming to each land. The other attraction will put guests right in the middle of a climactic battle. I think the last pic is possibly from that? Hard to say.

Now, for a few more concept pieces to show off just what the future looks like in a park not so far far away.

More Star Wars Land Concept Art!

Possibly for the Millennium Falcon ride?

Stay tuned for more details as we get them on this monster announcement out of Disneyland and Disney World!

Disney Parks- Star Wars Land Likely Delayed?

 Disney Parks- Star Wars Land Likely Delayed?

 New rumor circling today, regarding the much rumored 'Star Wars Land' which may show up at Disney Hollywood Studioes as well as other Disney Parks.

 Rumors have been going around since this one broke the surface, with fans and fanatics going bonkers in regards to the idea. Some love it, others hate it. Well, it looks like we're all going to be waiting a while longer before hearing anything more concrete on the matter.

 With new movies being released, we'll likely have to wait until those are underway. On top of the fact another blog (Disney and More) believe that the final update of Star Tours will be Disneyland Paris but not until 2016.  They make some valid points, we'll likely not see a full 'land' coming until this point due to updating the current rides. When you toss out the idea that Disney World, the most likely park to receive a new 'Star Wars Land' first, is still in the middle of working on AvatarLand.. it's unlikely that they'll take on two massive construction projects at once.

 So, we can rest easy (or upset) for a while. We likely won't be seeing changes or announcements for some time!

Disney Hollywood Studios- Yup, Star Wars is Coming..

 Well outside of a massive press release, this is about as much conformation as we can get.

 On Sunday- November 10th Bob Iger, the talking-head in charge of the Walt Disney Company stated this bit to  Bloomberg.  "There is a fair amount of development going on at Disney Imagineering right now to expand the Star Wars Presence in Disneyland and Walt Disney World and eventually other Disney theme parks around the world".

 So what does this mean?

 Simply that Disney Hollywood Studios will change massively. In the past we've speculated about the topic of both Star Wars Land and a Cars Land coming to Hollywood Studios and we suspect we know where this will take place. However, without a full press release we can't tell you if we're right or not.  We also now believe this massive change will effect Disneyland also, although where they plan to stuff this in.. I can't tell you till March!

 Never Fear, I'll either find out or make my own guesses!

 It's an educated guessing game.  If you'd like to take a look into the past when we've talked about this topic, check this post from June: Rumor Alert- Star Wars Land coming to DHS?  Inside you'll find maps and various speculation about where I personally suspect the changes will happen.. but again, that's just my guess.

 My Early Guess- This will happen sometime near after the opening of the train wreck new movie in 2015. So likely Disneyland in 2016 and Disney World in 2017.

 Information from the cool folks over at Disney and More!

Rumor Alert :Disney Hollywood Studios getting a Star Wars Land?

...RUMOR ALERT...

Disney Hollywood Studios to get Star Wars Land?

image from MickeyTravels.com

UPDATE 8/15/15: Star Wars Land Announced for Disney Hollywood Studios!

  Well Folks, if you read anything on the internet you've probably heard the newest rumor mill gossip over at Disney World's Hollywood Studios. This one has flown wild and free, faster then stink on a skunk, it's everyplace I've looked for the last two days. So I guess that means I need to stop groaning in horror at the idea of how Disney can ruin this one and address the issues here. 

  Back in March the internet collectively gasped when the Walt Disney Company purchased LucasFilms and all the other companies associated with George Lucas. Many squealed in joy while the rest of us collectively face-palmed. Like Disney didn't own enough of our collective childhood's already, they HAD to get Lucas too? I understand that they've had a long relationship with Lucas and a 4 BILLION dollar retirement fund is nice, but as we've all seen, it hasn't gone exactly as hoped. The first blow came when LucasArts was shut down, the games handed over to the second biggest Game Designer Jerks on the Planet, EA. 

  Then we got news of new Star Wars movies, we rejoiced. Only to suddenly groan when hearing it's going to be a 'saga' movie every two years, on the same time line but 'spin-offs'. Then some other kind of Star Wars movie, based on who knows what, every other year. So basically one Star Wars themed movie per year. The fate of our original beloved characters are unknown and the idea of a new movie every two years is cringe worthy. Who knows, it could be good but I'm braced for impact myself.

  Now we've got  a rumor of "Star Wars Land" floating wild on the internet. 

  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE this idea. I've wanted it since I was old enough to understand Star Wars and fall in love with the series. However, Disney doesn't exactly have the best track record with these kind of things. CarsLand did well but we're under a dire and looming threat of "Avatar Land" happening over in Animal Kingdom. Part of what made Star Wars such an great addition to Hollywood Studios (or MGM Studios for those of us from the old school) was the fact Lucas controlled it. Every little part had to be approved of by him, to be sure it held up to the name of Star Wars before it was built. Now, that fail-safe check is gone. Disney has the reigns and as we can see, they've gone wild with the brand.  

  While I'm hoping for nothing but good to come out of this rumor (as in an awesome new land) I've got concerns. Serious Concerns. One of them is very serious indeed, where in the HELL are they going to put this new land?! 

  Well over on Theme Park Insider, Robert Niles' version of thus rumor is that we're not only getting a themed land for Star Wars but the earlier rumor of CarsLand coming to Disney Hollywood Studios is happening also. Leaving a bigger problem, where the 'rumor' says their going to stuff it!

Behold! My awesome Paint Skills!

  

 Alright, I made yet another cool little map for you! The area above in RED is the area rumored for CarsLand. In BLUE we have the rumored area/areas for the Star Wars Land. Do you see the problem here yet? Maybe a few major attractions that draw huge crowds going under the axe? How about the other problem? Go ahead, try to spot it. 

  It's the simple fact of doing either one of these proposed lands at a single time (rumored to be 2018) would shut down roughly 1/4 of the park at any given time. We don't need to worry about them doing both at once since we all know that Disney is entirely incapable of opening an project in a single shot. Plus this would close between 2-4 big attractions, some just for the construction and some completely under the chopping block. 

Another amazing map!

   By looking at the above map you can see the major attractions in the questionable areas for the proposed new lands. Now, no one even knows if this will happen (read: probably) nor what attractions would be chopped (read: probably most of them). For CarsLand we'll be loosing Lights, Motors, Action the stunt show as well as the already now lack-luster (after they demolished half of it for the stunt show) Backlot Tour.  While neither of these is a really huge loss but it's still a matter of closing 1/4 of the parks area. 

  Next we look at the area rumored for Star Wars Land.  This would chop out Muppets 4D, Honey I Shrunk the Kids Play Area and possibly even the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. Also would also create a hellish flow path to get to and from the newly refurbished Star Tours attraction.  Now, this idea would also close roughly 1/4 of the park also.  To loose Muppets would be a nightmare and a travesty, more so since the show has gotten more popular with the newest Muppets Movie in 2011 and another coming in 2014.  Loosing Indiana Jones would be a nightmare, that show is hugely popular and the stage area is often used for multiple other events during the year.

  So between the two areas, roughly 1/3 to 1/2 of the park would be under construction in a very short time span. Allowing 2 years to complete each land fully before you'd have to close down and demolish the next area to keep to the 2018 rumored opening and that's assuming they close it down in 2014 just after the construction in FantasyLand is finally complete.

  As I said, I love the ideas. I've wanted a Star Wars themed land forever and I hope it does happen, I just hope Disney does it right and makes it a credit to the Star Wars name. As for CarsLand, I hope that isn't all we maybe looking at with such a huge area. With some luck maybe we'll see MORE Pixar themed attractions then just a copy of CarsLand from California Adventure. 

  However, As Always Disney is denying everything until they are damn good and ready to announce to us little people what's going on.  This is proved by Central Florida News 13 and what happened when they asked Disney about the rumors.  Note, they aren't DENYING anything just saying they have "nothing to announce at this time".

  I leave you to draw your own judgements but... please make sure you cross your fingers, maybe sacrifice a chicken or even offer up your sanity to the elder gods but do something so they don't screw this up!