Star Wars theme park a go!

As far as this blog goes new technology and Star Wars stories are always a welcome read, and it appears fans of Star Wars have more than just new films to look forward to next year.

It seems that Disney taking the reins of the Star Wars franchise is turning out to be a really good thing indeed, with the news that Disney have seen the large demand for Star Wars experiences. As a result Disney is massively expanding the Star Wars presence within their theme parks. The word expanding it is believed to be creating parks and attractions which will be a large focal attraction for fans and not simply a few new rides.

Star Wars has always been a favourite for floats in annual parades.

Apparently chairman and CEO Bob Lger has revealed to investors that the company is also planning ideas and dealings for a far greater Star Wars presence and expects to unveil details about this sometime next year. Mr Lger also confirmed when asked "if it were to be as big as Universals Harry Potter franchise parks" Lger states that it "is going to be just that" 

Some concept artwork has already been floating around and may well be used as a concept from the artist "Tom Hodges" who sketched out an entire park based around the franchise which of course will probably include the new films, and being a vast franchise there are no doubt lots of ideas to explore.

Some artwork from "Tom Hodges" which would make an amazing theme park

The news of Lgers intentions have been widely reported form multiple news sources, Jay Rasulo chief of finance and senior executive Vice President for Disney said attractions which were based on major franchisees draw guests, which means it will be a worthwhile investment for the company. "They pull people from, 'Gee, 'I’m gonna go someday,'" to 'I'm gonna go this year,'" Rasulo said, according to the Los Angeles Times. Speaking for myself I'm more among the 'I’m gonna go someday" category but no doubt business will be booming once the parks and attractions open.

Disney's popular Star Tours Attraction ride.

Let's also not forget the current presence that Star Wars currently has in its various Disney parks around the world. This includes the "Star Tours" simulator ride in Disney’s Hollywood studios based in Florida, Disneyland in California, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. Interestingly the Florida and California parks include an interactive show titled "Jedi Training Academy" The "Star Tours" have proven very popular among fans which is an interstellar flight simulator which was first developed around the late 1980's in cooperation with George Lucas himself.

 Disney’s Hollywood studios also play host to what they call "Star Wars Weekends" which is a hosted annual event which incorporates parades, shows and to top it off a massive store simply titled "Darth's Mall" no doubt sporting a host of sigh and of course Jedi merchandise!

Some of the merchandise found at "Darth's Mal"

A major expansion or the ultimate fan dream of a dedicated "Star Wars" land have been many a talk among the fan community's for years now, which increased when Disney subsequently acquired Lucas film back in 2012 and announced new movies were to be added to the franchise.

As for the  next instalment of Star Wars "Episode VII" is in schedule for its planned 18 Dec 2015 release date to cinemas Lger stated.

It really feels that the larger Theme parks in general are stepping up to meet the demands of fans everywhere and offer new experiences with parks that are dedicated or Toy Story in Hong Kong and Paris, to Disney’s Cars both of which have been very successful, you can bet it won't be long before the likes of Marvel and Pirates of the Caribbean will step up to offer newer attractions.