Disneyland Bringing Exciting Classic Trilogy Vibes to their ‘Star Wars’ Land
Anaheim, California’s Disneyland is going in a new direction with its “Star Wars” land. Lately, it seems like Disney is unsure what to do with “Star Wars.” Many of their recent “Star Wars” shows on Disney+ have failed to grasp the public, and the upcoming “Star Wars” movie, “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” is merely a continuation of the Disney+ show, “The Mandalorian.” However, the changes at Disneyland could mean a resurgence of the original trilogy is coming.
The Original Trilogy is Coming to Disneyland!
The “Star Wars” land at Disneyland is called “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” and it has previously been focused mainly on the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy. Its flagship ride, Rise of the Resistance, focuses on a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Rise of the Resistance will be temporarily closing for refurbishment on Jan. 20th, which has led to rumors that the ride is closing permanently or being changed to fit Galaxy’s Edge’s new original trilogy theme, but Disney has confirmed that it is just a routine closing for refurbishment.
However, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the land will soon be focusing more on the original trilogy and less on the sequel trilogy. Beginning on April 29, 2026, guests will be able to meet and greet with the beloved original trilogy characters such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, and Han Solo. John Williams’ iconic score for the original trilogy will also be playing all over Galaxy’s Edge, so expect to hear that ultra-catchy cantina music. Some of the restaurants and stores will also receive modifications.
These changes at Disneyland will likely please original trilogy fans who might have felt left out for the last several years. Lately, Disney has been focusing largely on the Disney+ series in “Star Wars” merchandising. However, Disney should remember that the franchise began on the big screen, and its heart has always been in film.
Could This Be Hinting at the Future of “Star Wars”?
“Star Wars” will be returning to the big screen with “The Mandalorian and Grogu” this May, and the standalone film “Star Wars: Starfighter” will be coming to theaters next year. Disney seems interested in “Star Wars” making a resurgence. However, it seems like they are realizing that the sequel trilogy has not resonated with audiences in the way that Disney hoped it would. The sequels have been heavily criticized for uneven storytelling and mistreating the original trilogy characters.
Of course, as time passes, the fans who first saw the sequels as children will grow up, and they will be nostalgic for the sequel trilogy. A similar thing happened with the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy. The prequels were infamous in the fanbase for several years, but then, as the fans who grew up with the sequels got older, the prequels started gaining more respect. Disney might want to prepare for when the same thing happens to the sequels in a few years.
In any case, the new arrivals at Disneyland seem to indicate that Disney wants to return to the franchise’s roots. Millions of fans grew up with the classic trilogy, and they will undoubtedly love getting their pictures taken with Luke, Leia, and Han. The original trilogy’s appeal is timeless, and Disney seems to be realizing that.
Will the Original Trilogy Come to Disney World?
The changes at Disneyland beg the obvious question: will the original trilogy characters be coming to Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida? While there is currently no word on whether or not Disney World will get the original trilogy treatment, there is a good chance that it will happen eventually. As “Star Wars” continues to grow, it’s important to always remember the trilogy that made the franchise such a giant in the first place.
