Season of the Force: Star Wars Launch Bay

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This week, Disneyland debuted a brand-new celebration of all things Star Wars–Season of the Force.

[Unless otherwise attributed, all photos and videos courtesy of Disney.]

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Taking place in Tomorrowland, a Star Wars retheming has been given to several of the locations there, including the Carousel Theater…

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The Magic Eye Theater…

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And Space Mountain.

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In addition, Star Tours–The Adventures Continue has received a new adventure on the planet Jakku with some debuting characters from the upcoming film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

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In today’s installment, we’ll look at the Launch Bay, which replaces Innoventions in the bottom floor of the now-stationary Carousel Theater, and which is the central hub of all the Star Wars activities.

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Right inside the entrance is the Launch Bay Theater, which is currently playing a great video featuring insight from a wide assortment of luminaries involved with Star Wars, such as J.J. Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy, and Gareth Edwards. Also located around the lower level are themed galleries displaying replicas of props, costumes, and models from all reaches of the Star Wars universe.

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Over in the Light and Dark Side galleries, guest can peruse replicas of helmets and lightsabers utilized by famous heroes and villains of the Jedi and Sith.

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In the Preview Gallery, exhibits from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” are on display, again with both Light and Dark sides represented.

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There is also a Starship Gallery, dedicated to iconic starships and their famed captains.

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Over in the Cantina, your typical wretched hive of scum and villainy, photo-ops abound with establishment-provided sabacc and holochess tables. Who knows which Star Wars characters may drop by to interact as well? Hopefully they’ll take to you better than Dr. Evazan took to Luke.

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Throughout the Launch Bay, you’ll note the pervasive use of Aurebesh–the writing system used to transcribe Basic, the most common language in Star Wars. (Another fun detail is revealed on a closer look at the area’s Cast Members’ name badges, and specifically at their city…or planet…of origin.)

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The Star Wars Game Center has systems set up for players to experience the latest Star Wars video games. Currently they are demoing the new Star Wars playsets from Disney Infinity 3.0, with some content and game codes available exclusively at this location.

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The heart of the Launch Bay experience is the live-action character interactions all around the building. First Order stormtroopers will be patrolling the outside of the area, while guests within may find themselves face to face with Boba Fett, Chewbacca, or the Dark Lord of the Sith himself.

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I have a bad feeling about this…

For those who want to take home mementos of their time in Launch Bay, merchandise of all price points is available at the Launch Bay Cargo.

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For the action figure collectors, vintage Star Wars actions figures were scanned and reproduced in 3-D for a new, less civilized age.

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Whether your tastes run towards a souvenir shirt…

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…Or something a bit more ostentatious, Disney has you covered.

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But of course, the Launch Bay is only a part of what Disneyland has in store for you in Seasons of the Force. More to come!

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Jeanine resides in Southern California, pursuing the sort of lifestyle that makes her the envy of every 11-year-old she meets. She has been to every Disney theme park in the world and while she finds Tokyo DisneySea the Fairest Of Them All, Disneyland is her Home Park... and there is no place like home.

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One Reply to “Season of the Force: Star Wars Launch Bay”

  1. Will there be any Star Wars additions made at Walt Disney World? Or will the Season of the Force remain on the west coast?

    ALL EARS: Walt Disney World is getting Seasons of the Force also.

    The Star Tours attraction has a new location and features people and places from the upcoming movie.

    The Launch Bay opens December 1st
    http://allears.net/tp/mgm/star-wars-launch-bay.htm