“Star Wars” fans learn details of a Disney party for the film saga’s next debut.
Disney World is planning a two-pronged “Star Wars” celebration, teaming the debut of the upcoming film and a private party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park Dec. 17.
Ticketholders for the special event will watch “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at the AMC Disney Springs 24 theater and then attend an after-hours party at Hollywood Studios that runs until 2 a.m.
The park event will include the planned Star Wars Launch Bay exhibit, the existing Star Tours simulation ride, a dance party and a preview of a fireworks show set to the “Star Wars” score. Event-goers will also receive a souvenir ticket.
Tickets went on sale Monday
Tickets went on sale Monday after the new trailer for “The Force Awakens” debuted during halftime of the “Monday Night Football” game on Disney-owned ESPN.
night after the new trailer for “The Force Awakens” debuted during halftime of the “Monday Night Football” game on Disney-owned ESPN. Event tickets cost $94.99 to $99.99, depending on whether the 3-D version of the movie is desired.
“The Force Awakens” officially premieres in Los Angeles on Dec. 14 and opens in wide release in the U.S. on Dec. 18.
In the fine print for the opening-night event: Disney will not sell party-only tickets; participants must provide their own transportation between the theater and the party; at the theme park, some merchandise and food outlets will be open, but Disney does not plan to operate other non-“Star Wars” attractions that evening; and costumes are encouraged for the event — with some safety restrictions, including limitations on masks.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios eventually will be home to a land dedicated to the “Star Wars” franchise. The 14-acre area, announced in August, will be part of the park’s makeover, which also includes a “Toy Story” land. The Disney-“Star Wars” connection predates the company’s purchase of Lucasfilm for $4 billion in 2012. The Star Tours attraction opened in 1989, and the Star Wars Weekends event debuted at the Studios in 1997.
The upcoming Launch Bay, which will be in the park’s Animation Courtyard, will feature behind-the-scenes peeks, special merchandise and chances to meet “Star Wars” characters. The company will enhance the Star Tours ride with scenes and characters from the new films.
In addition, Disney plans to debut an event called Seasons of the Force in early 2016.