First model of Disney's Star Wars-themed lands revealed

During a special preview of D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled a first look at the model of the Star Wars-themed lands under development at Disneyland park in Anaheim, California and Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida.

The exhibition is now on display in Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' "A Galaxy of Stories" pavilion at D23 Expo, with Chapek planning to share new details about the project during the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Hall D23 Presentation on Saturday.

The model will remain on display at the pavilion throughout the weekend to give visitors a look at what’s to come on the new planet. In addition, the pavilion will also display models, artwork and media that provide a first-ever look at some of the locations, starships, creatures, and droids that guests will encounter when they visit the new planet.

"To say we are excited for the Star Wars-themed lands to open in 2019 is an understatement," Chapek said. "All along, we have said this will be game-changing, and through the model we can begin to see how truly epic these immersive new worlds will be.”

The Star Wars project was announced to fans by The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger at D23 Expo 2015, with the new lands set to open with two anchor attractions. One gives guests the chance to pilot the Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, while the other puts guests in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. The Star Wars-themed lands represent the largest single-themed land expansion at 14 acres each, and will open in 2019.

More information about the range of Star Wars attractions currently on offer at Disney parks is available here.