Disneyland's Star Wars makeover

[Octoberist]

Star War Makeover of Tomorrowland Involves Relocations, Demolitions, and a Wookie Meet and Greet

The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim has a lot on it's plates right now. They are gearing up for Disneyland's 60th anniversary, planning a Car Land-like Monstropolis remodel of Disney California Adventure, and trying to integrate as much Star Wars into Tomorrowland at Disneyland as possible. We have already discussed the two tiered plan of attack with the Star Wars remodel, but now Mice Chat is reporting a few more juicy details that include; relocating the Astro Orbiter, removing Autopia, gutting Innoventions, and bringing the Millennium Falcon and her famous co-pilit Chewbacca to the "Happiest Place on Earth."

The Star Wars makeover is a bit more challenging than the Monstropolis facelift in that they will be doing their renovations in a highly trafficked area of the park. They will be moving the entrance to Space Mountain and transplanting the Astro Orbiter Rockets from the entrance of Tomorrowland to the top of the Space Mountain Concourse. The move will also involve a new and improved Starcade on the second level as well. The move, once completed, should make a big difference in alleviating traffic going into the land, as it is currently one of the most congested areas in the park.

Even more exciting are the park's plans to turn the current Rocket Jets spinner and People Mover platform into a Star Wars Spaceport, complete with the iconic Millennium Falcon perched in on top. The area will be re-purposed into an intricate walkthrough, complete with a meet and great with everyone's favorite Wookie Chewbacca. Next door the Tomorrowland Terrace will be transformed into the Mos Eisley Cantina, complete with a Tattooine theme and rowdy patrons.

The biggest change though may be to the back of the land. If rumors are to be believed, Autopia will be removed from Disneyland. The new area which would also see a shortened Monorail track would house the forest moon of Endor of Return of the Jedi fame. A walk through Ewok village is planned for the space, with themed dining and shops celebrating the rebels greatest victory over the tyrannical Empire with the help of the cuddly Ewoks. The marquee attraction of the Ewok Village will be the Speeder Bike thrill ride. It appeared that the original plan for the attraction was to utilize the Peaople Mover track already in place, but now it looks like Disneyland will gut the interior of the poorly attended Innoventions, and use that area as a loading area/pre-show staging area. The actual ride will take place within Innoventions and outside in the Ewok Village.

While I will be slightly sad to see Autopia go, or be heavily modified for the new attractions, they all sound like amazing additions to the park. I have always been jealous of the park in Orlando, with their Imperial Walkers and Endor area, but now we will make them envious of us.

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