In huge news for Star Wars and Toy Story fans, Disney’s Hollywood Studios are set for a major makeover with lands based on both movie franchises coming to the park.
A second Star Wars Land is also set to open at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
The awesome news was revealed during the D23 conference on Saturday.
The Star Wars areas will each be 14 acres – Disney’s largest single themed land expansions ever – and both will include an attraction that puts visitors into a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Another attraction will place guests behind the controls of the Millennium Falcon.
Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts said:
[The land] will introduce you to a Star Wars planet you’ve never seen before — a gateway planet located on the outer rim, full of places and characters familiar and not so familiar. The inhabitants of this remote frontier town — one of the last stops before wild space — will operate every store and restaurant. Every single thing will be in story.
Toy Story Land is also set to be quite the immersive experience, as the all new 11-acre expansion will encourage visitors to “think they’ve been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys” and the park will be based on Andy’s backyard.
Speaking during the event, lead creator for Walt Disney World Kathy Mangum said:
We are looking at Hollywood Studios with different eyes, taking it from a behind-the-scenes experience to one that takes you into your favourite movies.
Mangum confirmed that Toy Story land will include at least two new attractions.
She added:
One will see little green aliens pulling you around as the Claw looms over you. The other is a family coaster where you ride on the back of Slinky Dog.
Part of the development will also see a new track added to the existing Toy Story Mania! attraction, a 4D shooting game which allows guests to take aim at 3D objects.
The D23 conference has been a bit of a goldmine thus far, with news that Toy Story 4 will focus on a love story between Woody and Bo Peep, and the first images from Finding Dory being released.
