Star Wars Land

It sounds like science-fiction. In a way, I suppose it still is. But it’s about to become real: A “100 percent immersive” Star Wars hotel. It’s coming in the near future (not a long time ago in this case) to Walt Disney World.

According to Disney Parks’ executive Bob Chapek they are “the most ambitious lands that we have ever built at Walt Disney Imagineering.” They’re Star Wars Land, coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World in the near future. And this weekend at the D23 convention, Disney gave fans a look at the massive model for their creation.

Walt Disney World and Disneyland already have a few Star Wars-based attractions, including the Star Wars Launch Bay, where you can interact with characters from the movies like BB-8, and Star Tours: The Adventure Continues, a simulator ride that brings guests on a journey at lightspeed through various corners of the galaxy far, far away. But that’s nothing compared to what’s coming: A full “Star Wars Land” coming to theme parks on both coasts, which will boast some of the most advanced theme-park technology to date.

The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60 was a big show. Idina Menzel sang “Let It Go.” Elton John sang a hit or two from The Lion King in the shadow of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. But for a particular kind of movie fan, the highlight of the night was an appearance by Harrison Ford (who, mercifully, did not sing) introducing what he called “The Star Wars Experience.” Those are the massive Star Wars worlds coming soon to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and the show featured some of the first looks at concept art and animation from the upcoming attractions.