The Force is Strong With the Tomorrowland Makeover
The Force is Strong With the Tomorrowland Makeover
Exciting rides, experiences and sneak peaks - oh my!
By: Samantha Meyers
If you are not a Star Wars fan you may soon become one and if you already have an attachment to the films, you are in for a warm feeling in your heart and a hole in your wallet, thanks to Disneyland’s newest endeavor: Seasons of the Force.
This “force”-ful takeover of Tomorrowland, officially opens Monday, November 16, but much to our surprise was mostly in full swing at the park this weekend while Disney practiced with a soft launch.
From rides and experiences to food and merchandise, I’ll be updating you on everything you need to know about everything you are going to want to do, eat and buy on your next visit to Disneyland.
First up: Rides and Attractions
We were lucky enough to be wandering around when they opened the ride today unexpectedly, as part of the soft launch. Talk about a lucky day, we walked right on and right into the front row of the updated Space Mountain.
I am not going to go into too much detail here, as it’s something you really need to experience yourself. But I will tell you that we loved it and everyone came out clapping and cheering for this new and amazing Star Wars rollercoaster.
Disney will have a hard time ever making this just Space Mountain again, because not only is Star Wars awesome, but it was such a natural addition that it just made sense. The added projections, light elements, music and story gave the original ride (as much as I love it) a life it never really had. Overall it’s the same ride, but feels new and revived and I think it will be enjoyed by everyone whether you care about Star Wars or not.
Replacing “Captain EO,” in the theatre that previously belonged to, “Honey I Shrunk the Audience,” is “Star Wars Path of the Jedi.” It’s a movie experience, with slight rumbly movements (don’t worry there are no moving “rats” or spraying water – like I always fear in this theatre.)
Here’s why I love it:
If you are newer to Star Wars or it’s been awhile since you’ve caught up on the movies, like myself, this will give you a great overview of who and what you need to know in a short but action and emotion packed sequence. It’s like a watching a trailer for the entire series.
If you are a life-long lover of Star Wars, like my husband, you will get to relive all of your favorite moments on the big screen while literally feeling the force in your seat. You also get to see clips from the new movie on a big screen. Warning based on actual events: You may become emotional. As my husband put it (with tears in his eyes) “I didn’t expect to be taken on a trip down memory lane.”
Is it brand new and original? No, not really, but it’s very well done and a perfect excuse to sit for 15 min after waiting in lines. Most importantly it will get you energized and geared up to see the new movie and may inspire you to revisit the classics.
It seems they are keeping this one under lock and key until opening day, but we did get a really nice explanation from the cast member guarding the entrance, on what to expect.
The bottom floor of what used to be Innoventions and is now the Marvel Experience has been transformed into a Star Wars, walk-through experience. Visitors can choose from either the light or dark side and will get a different experience based on their choice. The walk-through will feature a meet and greet with Chewbacca or Vader and will have special merchandise and props from the new movie.
Marvel fans don’t fear, the Avengers are still here – however Captain America is saying goodbye to make way for Spiderman.
Trials of the Temple
Currently under construction, but the Tomorrowland Terrace Stage is getting a makeover that is rumored to be an updated Jedi-training center more in line with the Star Wars Rebels TV show that the kiddos love. More to come as the force awakens on this one.
UP NEXT – What You Want to Eat and What You Need to Order to Get the Star Wars Souvenir Merchandise You Have to Have.
-Disney Pins Blog
