A Galaxy Far Far Away....

Concept Art from Disney

The moment that Star Wars fans have been waiting for is here! Star Wars will get its own land in both Walt Disney World (FL) and the Disneyland Resort (CA). This is expected to be huge as Disney is investing a lot into the new expansions as the new Star Wars films get underway starting with "Force Awakens" this Christmas. 

For Disneyland, its reportedly the biggest expansion in its history. And to keep fans occupied till then, the resorts will host some Star Wars events (includes overlays and updates to existing Star Wars attractions and shows).

The biggest question in every Disneyland Fans minds were: Where would it go?

Disneyland suffers from being "land-locked" as a result of being surrounded by hotels and businesses. This forces the park to replace backstage areas or existing attractions to make room  for expansion.

Heres a map of the area where Star Wars land is set to be located in. Various fan sites have reported the land will no question be in the backstage areas located behind Big Thunder Ranch. The backstage facilities including Circle Ranch D will be most likely moved to a new area behind the resorts "Pumbaa" Lot that Disney recently purchased. But the question was "What will be replaced?". There were 3 candidates along with the probabilities:

1.) Mickeys Toontown: Possible
2.) Fantasyland Theatre: Vulnerable
3.) Big Thunder Ranch: Definite

With 14 acres being used for Star Wars Land, that meant that either 1 or 2 of these candidates would get the ax. But as it turns out, only one will get the ax. Big Thunder Ranch is targeted to be part of the new Star Wars land. A Disney Spokesperson told the media this and also that rumors about Toontown getting the ax for Star Wars was unfounded. That doesn't necessarily mean it will eventually be revisited and they will remove it for Star Wars Land. It also doesn't mean that it could be considered for a Fantasyland expansion akin to Walt Disney Worlds "New Fantasyland".

Fantasyland Theatre is a definite vulnerable location and while the area itself won't likely be absorbed into the new land, it would the home of a rerouted Railroad which is reported to be re-routed and the Rivers of America will be "modified" to accommodate the new land. So far, the Theatre news is all rumors and Disney has not officially stated whether or not the theatre will be removed despite having been remolded back in 2013.

MiceAge reported initially back in September 2015 that the Theatre would be removed for the railroad reroute but 3 months later, the plans seem to be shelved for the time being as the new report on the new land its impacts was posted. The new railroad reroute, based on MiceAges December report would instead rejoin the original route before it hits the Fantasyland Theatre via an S-Curve. MiceAge however says that the theatre area is still prime space for a small expansion area for Fantasyland that would start at the theatre and end in an area sandwiched between Star Wars and Mickeys Toontown. Needing live entertainment, its likely that they're planning a relocated theatre if the rumors are to be believed. Whatever the case, the theatre looks to be staying for the time being until an official announcement is made.

Mickey's Toontown has been the main topic of Star Wars Land even before the official announcement. Despite its stale look, its still popular with families. While Disney has confirmed that Toontown will not be bulldozed, it still leaves its future uncertain as it could be absorbed into Fantasyland just like how Walt Disney Worlds "Toowntown" version was absorbed into their New Fantasyland.

Big Thunder Ranch was always seen as a future site of expansion. Its Festival Arena only sees seasonal use and the petting zoo and its "all you can eat BBQ" restaurant made it a nice quiet place. Its removal will allow for an entrance area into the new Star Wars Land with the railroad possibly going through this area now. All animals in the Ranch will be sent to live with farm families while the Cricle D Ranch backstage will be relocated with it now being the home of the Main street Horses that will now have to be trucked into the park each morning once the relocation is complete.

The Rivers of America will see a reduction in size as some of the parts will be absorbed into the new land. Disney announced the day after it closed that it would see the north end redone with waterfalls, trestles for the train and a settlers cabin and indian village relocation. The expected redone River and Railroad is expected to reopen next year but a final date has not been determined yet. Fantasmic will return shortly after the Rivers of America reopens "reimagined".

This is no question the biggest expansion that Disneyland has undertaken and the amount its taking away has divided fans on opinion. But whatever side you're on, the Land will no question be a hit with everyone when it opens in the future.