By Marie Gilmore
Growing up a child of the 70s and 80s with Trekkie parents, I am not ashamed to admit we are a Sci-fi family. And now, with Dr. Who, Star Trek and finally, the iconic Star Wars releasing new movie installments, we, as parents, get to share our sci-fi adventure with the kids.
And, just in time for the release of the latest Star Wars feature film, The Force Awakens, Star Wars is welcoming families to reveal their Dark Side or stay a hero with the Good Side at the new attractions at Hollywood Studios that embody the emotion, the awe and the amazing features of the full-length films.
At the new Star Wars Launch Bay, located in Animation Courtyard, guests enter an interactive space, lined with special concept artwork where guests can interact with beloved Star Wars characters, tour galleries featuring treasured memorabilia and replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts and even play the latest Star Wars video games.
Guests can journey to the Dark Side and encounter Star Wars characters such as Darth Vader in a 360-degree immersive area themed around the Star Destroyer, or they may choose the Good Side by stepping into a makeshift rebel base and coming face to face with Star Wars characters such as the most famous co-pilot in the galaxy, Chewbacca.
In addition to the Launch Bay, Hollywood Studios will reveal a new fireworks spectacular, “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular” on Friday, December 18 set to the famous composer John William’s Star Wars music to coincide with opening night at the movies.
“Launch Bay is about finding your inner fan,” explained Walt Disney World Imagineer Brent Strong.
And, that’s not all, Star Wars: Path of the Jedi is a cinematic overview of the entire saga and Star Tours has been enhanced with scenes from the new film.
Jedi Training, Trials of the Temple has also received an update to enhance the experience. For more information, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com.
