Walt Disney Studios Park is getting a Star Wars Land! This news was officially announced by Robert Iger on February 27, 2018. The area should open between 2021 and 2025.
Here is the press release on the expansion plan for Disneyland Paris.
OPENING BETWEEN 2025-2030 or not at all?!
The press release did not say what the area would be called or what attractions, shops and shows it would house. It was considered unlikely that the area in Disneyland Paris would be very similar to the two Star Wars lands that opened in 2019 at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. At least the concept art that Disney released for Paris suggested as much. In terms of appearance, this concept drawing is very similar to the designs for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge - the name of the Star Wars areas in the US parks.
Rumors quickly spread that Walt Disney Studios Park would get its own Galaxy's Edge. However, it was agreed relatively soon that it would not be a hundred percent copy of the existing lands, as it was to be smaller. And the involvement of visitors, which is an essential part of the concept in the US parks, was also seen as an obstacle for the resort in Paris, as the language barrier is simply too great.
So what would that mean for Disneyland Paris? What Star Wars-style attractions can we look forward to and what else will be on offer?
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in the US parks
The new Star Wars area is located on the planet Batuu. Batuu used to be an important hub, but today it has lost its focus and is very popular with those who do not necessarily seek the limelight. Smugglers, space adventurers and shady traders have found a new home here. It is also a place where anyone who wants to escape the increasing control of the First Order feels at home. So much for the setting.
But now to the attractions of the area. This is where the Millennium Falcon comes into play! Guests have the opportunity to fly the Millennium Falcon. Each passenger has a role to play, from pilot to gunner, which they must fulfill in order to survive a dangerous mission. There is also a second attraction: Rise of the Resistance. Here, guests will find themselves in a hangar where a battle between the First Order and the Resistance is taking place.
Of course, there will also be plenty of food and drink. Oga's Cantina will serve drinks and snacks, and there will be two restaurants where all space travelers can fortify themselves.
For many visitors to the Disney parks, meeting their favorite characters is an important part of the experience. This will also be possible at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Chewbacca in particular is always on the move in this area, as are stormtroopers and some other heroes and villains from the Star Wars saga.
Of course, there will also be shops where guests can stock up on souvenirs. Some of these are designed like a kind of bazaar, as you would find in oriental cities.
The Star Wars situation at Disneyland Paris
It has become quiet around the Star Wars area. At the latest since the Corona pandemic, this third new area and the Star Wars theme have disappeared from all press releases from Disneyland Paris concerning the expansion of the Walt Disney Studios Park. Even when asked, those responsible react with silence.
Whether this means that the plans for a European Galaxy's Edge have been completely abandoned or are only temporarily on hold is open to speculation.
Lion King instead of Star Wars
What is clear, however, is that Disneyland Paris will receive a Lion King area in Disney Adventure World (the new name of Walt Disney Studios Park) from August 10, 2024. It is located roughly where Star Wars was originally planned.
For the near future, this means that there will be no Star Wars expansion at the European Disney Resort.
