LAKE BUENA VISTA (Florida Today) — The "Star Wars" universe may Awaken in theaters on Dec. 18, but it's already out in full Force at Walt Disney World.
Disney's new Star Wars Launch Bay opened Monday at Hollywood Studios, giving fans a chance to interact with characters such as Darth Vader and Chewbacca.
It also includes various exhibits, such as conceptual artwork, replicas of "Star Wars" artifacts and much more.
"To me, Star Wars Launch Bay is all about finding your inner fan, finding that little corner of the Star Wars galaxy that you love," said Brent Strong, creative director of Walt Disney World's Imagineering team. "We have a little bit of something for everybody. Even if you haven't been a ‘Star Wars' fan before, this is the perfect place to find your inner fandom. And if you are a ‘Star Wars' fan, this is that nexus where you all come together and celebrate year round."
Of course, with a new exhibit comes a new gift shop packed with all kinds of "Star Wars" merchandise. The Launch Bay is just one of several new "Star Wars" experiences rolled out by Disney this week.
"Star Wars: Path of the Jedi" is a short film that looks back at the first six movies in the series. It also foreshadows the next movies.
"Someone new to the films can come here to see ‘Path of the Jedi' and brush up on Star Wars 101," Strong said. "We want to make sure we have that entire array of ‘Star Wars' experience because there's so many ways to experience the ‘Star Wars' galaxy."
Fans of the ride "Star Tours: The Adventures Continue" are in for a treat.
The 3-D experience has added scenes from the new movie, "The Force Awakens." But don't worry – the favorites are there too.
"You can see some new characters and a new destination already," Strong said. "When the movie comes out, those characters and that destination will take on new meaning, and, of course, we're always looking for additional planets far, far away that we can journey to."
New mouth-watering "Star Wars"-themed food by chef Christine Weissman add another layer to the expansion of the brand. Chicken and Darth Vader waffles, anyone? Perhaps theme park goers could soothe their sweet tooth with cupcakes adorned with Chewbacca, Darth Vader and new droid BB8.
"We have the fun stuff," Weissman said. "We were able to offer all these galactic food offerings inspired by the dark and the light side."
The Jedi Training Academy has a reimagined set that is in the form of an ancient Jedi training temple, and it certainly gets kids involved.
It also adds a new villain named Seventh Sister from the "Star Wars Rebels" show that airs on Disney XD on the Disney Channel.
Tony Giordano, Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts creative entertainment and show director, said the possibility of more villains could come after the movie's release.
But that's not his favorite part of the experience.
"Kids get to be a Jedi, and they are going to face their fears," Giordano said. "One thing I really love about this show is it's cool to have a light saber and fight these villains, but the idea that you're facing your fear and standing up to your fear is amazing to me. The kids are the heroes of the show."
On Dec. 18 – aka #StarWarsDay – Hollywood Studios will kick off festivities with a bang, a fireworks show called "Symphony in the Stars."
When reporters asked whether there will be any new John Williams music to accompany the new fireworks show, Giordana paused and said: "Am I allowed to answer?" Then he drew out his answer as he said, "yeees."
Theme parkgoers and "Star Wars" fanatics won't be disappointed with all the fanfare, he said: "It's fireworks like only Disney can do. We're the only ones that can have ‘Star Wars,' so come and experience it."
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