Report: Disney Moving Ahead With Star Wars Land In Florida

Posted by Eric on

Robert Niles of Theme Park Insider is reporting that the long-rumored Star Wars park at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida is now past the "serious consideration" stage and into the planning phase:



Multiple sources have told me the long-awaited dream of theme park geeks everywhere is actually happening. Disney's moving ahead with both Cars Land and Star Wars Land at the Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.

Rumors of such an addition to the Disney World site in Florida have been swirling for years, and they intensified to a fever pitch when The Walt Disney Company bought Lucasfilm last October. But now it seems like I's are being dotted and T's are being crossed.I spoke to a Disney Cast Member who not only confirmed Niles' report, but added some new information. This Cast Member heard directly from Disney supervisors that Disney is discussing building a Cantina-themed restaurant in the new Hollywood Studiosarea. Last April, the blog Disney and More reported that a restaurant modeled after Chalmun's Cantina in Mos Eisley was being considered for Disneyland Paris. It makes sense to bring a major renovation like a Cantina restaurant to multiple locations, in the same way thatopened at several Disney parks around the world in 2011.Speaking of, it seems like that attraction will be receiving upgrades as part of theland. "Expect to see new levels added to Star Tours and some more interactive attractions, possibly an additional ride," my Disney source said. However, my source added that "most of the expansion will be environments and character meet-and-greet areas."Given the amount of work involved in this project, it's no surprise that Disney plans to bolster their higher-profile additions (the Cantina restaurant) and modifications (the newcontent) with simple, easy-to-add features like new meet-and-greet opportunities and additional "environments" (e.g. the life-size speeder bike with Endor backdrop).Stay tuned and we will bring you updates as we get them.