A Whole New Disney World
More stories from Emma Van Horn
Yet again, Disney has created a world where we can go to forget about all of our troubles. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was a 14-acre expansion added onto the Disneyland Park. The land was rumored to cost $1 billion to build. The land will open on May 31.
It is the park’s biggest land expansion since Disney opened in 1955. As of 2012, this land has been in the making. The Disney Franchise bought Lucasfilm, which was a $4 billion deal. Since the deal, Disney has released four movies so it was not a surprise that they wanted to add a land to the park.
“The third movie is my favorite because of Hayden Christensen, ever since that movie I have always loved the series,” said Emersen Soler.
Disney wanted to offer a new land to their guests because one has not been added in a long time. Star Wars is such a big franchise on its own and people wanted a land to be able to experience what the movies characters go through.
This land takes guests to a settlement called Black Spire Outpost located on planet Batuu. It is a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge. It is a thriving port for smugglers, rogue traders and adventurers. Rebels hide from the Empire in this settlement.
“I am excited to see the new land because ever since I was little I have loved Star Wars. They have created a world where I could escape to,” said Mike Lee.
There is a catch. When the land opens on May 31 to June 24, guests will need a reservation to get into Galaxy’s Edge. This reservation will require no cost, however you will need a valid theme park admission in order to reserve a spot. Online reservations are no longer available, but if you purchase a hotel room you may still be able to reserve a spot.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will feature two rides, four food spots, one cantina and five retail shops.
“I think the rides are going to be really cool because I am going to feel like I am in the movie,” Gabe Aburto.
All of the food locations and retail shops are inspired by Moroccan and Turkish bazaars.
Out of the two rides, only one will be operational on opening day. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run puts riders on Han Solo’s famous ship. It is a interactive smuggling mission. Each rider will have a certain task in order to complete the mission.
Opening later this year will be Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
This ride has not exceeded Disney’s “expectations”, they want to “push the boundaries of technology”, according to Disney.
They only want to open the ride when they know Disney guests will appreciate the amount of hard work they have put into these new innovations.