'Star Wars' Expansion Coming To Disney Theme Parks

'Star Wars' Expansion Coming To Disney Parks
"Jedi Mickey Mouse" leads a "Star Wars" parade May 21, 2010 during the grand opening festivities of "Star Wars Weekends" at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. May 21, 2010 also marks the 30th anniversary of the U.S. premiere of "The Empire Strikes Back," the second film in the "Star Wars" series. This year, "Star Wars Weekends" is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the film. (AP Photo/Disney, Matt Stroshane)
"Jedi Mickey Mouse" leads a "Star Wars" parade May 21, 2010 during the grand opening festivities of "Star Wars Weekends" at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. May 21, 2010 also marks the 30th anniversary of the U.S. premiere of "The Empire Strikes Back," the second film in the "Star Wars" series. This year, "Star Wars Weekends" is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the film. (AP Photo/Disney, Matt Stroshane)

"Star Wars" fans have more than just a new movie to look forward to next year. Disney says it will announce major plans for more "Star Wars" in the company's theme parks.

Disney CEO Bob Iger said during an earnings call on Tuesday that the company is "developing designs for a far greater 'Star Wars' presence in the parks," according to multiple reports.

“When we grow ‘Star Wars'' presence, which we will do significantly, you will see better bets being made that will pay off for us than were made in the past,” Iger said, according to Variety.

Details of the expansion will not be revealed until next year.

Jay Rasulo, Disney's finance chief and senior executive vice president, said attractions based on major franchises draw guests.

"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.

"Star Wars" already has a significant presence in Disney parks around the world. The "Star Tours" simulator ride is in Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida, Disneyland in California, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. The Florida and California parks also have an interactive show called "Jedi Training Academy."

In addition, Disney's Hollywood Studios plays host to "Star Wars Weekends," an annual event featuring shows, parades and a massive store called "Darth's Mall."

Rumors of a major "Star Wars" expansion or even the creation of a "Star Wars Land" in one or more Disney parks have been a mainstay of the fan community for years, intensifying in 2012 when the company acquired Lucasfilm and announced new movies in the franchise.

In other "Star Wars" news, Iger said Tuesday that "Episode VII" is on schedule for release on Dec. 18, 2015, but didn't discuss the injury to Harrison Ford that reportedly delayed filming.

"The footage we’ve seen so far is spectacular and certainly worthy of the fan frenzy and excitement this movie is generating around the world," Iger said, according to Entertainment Weekly.

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