The biggest expansion project in Disneyland history is well underway. Let’s take a few moments to get caught up on the nitty gritty of Star Wars Land. There’s a lot to glean from hints here and there.
What’s In A Name?
There are all sorts of rumors on what the new Star Wars Land may be called. Harrison Ford called the expansion “The Star Wars Experience” on the Wonderful World of Disney‘s “Disneyland 60” special.
If this is true, it goes against a tradition of naming areas of the park “Lands”. But there are plenty of exceptions to that rule: Toontown, Critter Country, Condor Flats, Grizzly Peak, Paradise Pier . . . Nothing has been officially announced regarding the name and the Disney Parks Blog referred to it as the “Star Wars-themed land.” I’ll just call it Star Wars Land until something official is announced.
Rebels Running Around The Resort?
Disney Parks Blog teased that there may be an announcement on May 4th about a new Star Wars Rebels Role-Playing Adventure coming soon that starts in the rooms of the resort hotels in both California and Florida. It’s described as “An augmented reality experience to the Star Tours attraction guided by Ezra Bridger”. More info coming soon!
A Little Background…
Ezra Bridger is the teenage male lead character in the Disney XD animated series “Star Wars Rebels”. His likeness can be seen in toys and collectibles in the park as well as the banners that line Tomorrowland for the Season Of The Force.
And for any of you out there who are not aware… up until the The Force Awakens, all of the Star Wars movies opened in theaters in May. So, since May the 4th sounds a lot like “May the Force”, it became the unofficial Star Wars holiday. There will hopefully be a lot of chatter on that day.
Why is C3PO’s Arm Red
A common question after The Force Awakens was, ”Why is C-3PO’s arm red?” That story is told in a new book in the exploding Star Wars comic line. There’s a great short video that explains it all from Star Wars Minute.
Or, if you prefer to read the story, the comic is available at most comic book stores. There are three locations at the Disneyland Resort that carry a small mix of the comics: in California Adventure at Off The Page, in Disneyland at Star Trader and in Downtown Disney at D Street.
Star Wars Land Is Pushing Boundaries
The Disney Parks Blog groundbreaking announcement of “Star Wars-themed lands” was accompanied by a 360 photo that includes some awesome easter eggs.
It works great with your phone. Once loaded, when you move your phone around you, it gives you a different view of the construction site.
We recently saw another group of backstage buildings removed and the cement and asphalt around them is now removed.
And the big Cat Scrapers were called into action.
And what are those big boys doing? Well, they are making familiar areas like the land behind Big Thunder unrecognizable.
And around the Rivers Of America, the Scrapers have also been doing their work.
A couple of the Scrapers were working what used to be the Circle D Corral.
But the really big work is the relocation of Disneyland’s famous berm. The following pictures show the Scrapers are taking down the old berm and building up a new one on the River.
It’s amazing to see the progress happening so fast. But Star Wars Land is still far, far away.
That’s it for now…May the Force be with you!