On Sunday at the D23 Expo Japan, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Bob Chapek revealed more details about the much-anticipated Star Wars-themed hotel being built at Walt Disney World.
Perhaps most exciting is the news that the hotel “will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.” The location of the hotel has yet to be unveiled, so this announcement likely indicates the hotel is being built adjacent to the theme park — or even inside the theme park. No opening date has been announced, though Galaxy’s Edge, often called Star Wars Land, will open in 2019.
Chapek also said:
** The hotel will offer a multiday immersion experience.
** Guests’ journey through space begins as they board a starship together.
** The ship will have characters and stories that unfold during the trip through the galaxy.
** At the hotel, guests immediately become active citizens of the galaxy and can dress up in the proper attire.
** Every resort window will have a view into space.
At the D23 Expo, Chapek also shared information about Galaxy’s Edge, which is being built at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
The back story of Galaxy’s Edge is that guests are visiting “the planet of Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge that was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes,” according to the Disney Parks Blog. Two attractions will give guests the opportunity to fly the Millennium Falcon and to join a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.
Chapek added that “guests will also be able to explore a street market run by a Toydarian, a character first introduced in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.” Among his wares will be handcrafted toys made by local artisans.” Some Star Wars; Galaxy’s Edge merchandise — mostly apparel — has already been released in the parks and online at shopDisney.
Want to get a peek at Galaxy’s Edge yourself? A model is on display at the end of the Walt Disney Presents exhibit at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
I can’t wait to see what this will cost per night.