Star Wars: Season of the Force takes place at Disneyland April 5th through June 2nd.
It has been nearly 40 years since Star Wars first entered the Disney theme parks, and since then, the franchise has had an ever-growing presence. As the fanbase grows, so does the number of offerings at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
When Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, it opened the door for endless possibilities in how Disney incorporates the Star Wars universe into its parks. In recent years, it has led to park expansions, new rides, and entertainment.
In late 2023, Disney Parks Blog revealed a season-long festival devoted to the Star Wars franchise and its fans. The festival features enhancements to some of the park’s attractions, limited-time food and beverage items, and exclusive entertainment.
The latest fruition of this multi-decade collaboration is Season of the Force.
Rides Receive Star Wars-Themed Updates
During Season of the Force, guests will experience beloved attractions in new ways. In Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, two rides will change, one permanent and the other exclusive to the festival.
The first is Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. The simulator ride, which opened in 1987, escorts passengers to popular destinations from the Star Wars universe. On April 5, Disney will upgrade the attraction to include characters and scenes from three Disney+ original programs — Ahsoka, Andor, and The Mandalorian.
Star Tours’ malleability gives the ride the unique potential to stay fresh as it introduces new characters. Gavin Doyle, founder of Mickey Visit and bestselling author of Disneyland Secrets, is excited to see this latest update. “The best part of this version of Star Tours is the ability to add new show scenes. These new adventures help make this attraction a favorite you can ride again and again.”
Space Mountain is the other Tomorrowland ride that gets a temporary Star Wars makeover. The indoor roller coaster becomes Hyperspace Mountain, incorporating sights and sounds from the epic space opera. Doyle notes, “I have always loved Disneyland’s Space Mountain because of the soundtrack onboard. When the attraction becomes Hyperspace Mountain, the fantastic Star Wars score from John Williams plays during the ride. It heightens the thrills of the ride in a whole new way.”
Specialty Food Items
Season of the Force will also feature specialty food and beverage items. Most of these limited-time galactic goodies, announced via Disney Parks Blog, can be found in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an area within both United States Disney parks devoted to the famed media franchise.
Galaxy’s Edge eatery Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo will sell exclusive food and drinks in addition to its standard fare. Oga’s Cantina, a bar and lounge space specializing in Star Wars-themed cocktails, will have a customized menu for Season of the Force. New items include the Chandrilan Orb Glass and Chandrilan Chalice, each sold with a unique souvenir glass.
Galaxy’s Edge is not the only place to find Season of the Force food and beverage items. In the Tomorrowland section of Disneyland, the Galactic Grill quick-service restaurant also sells themed eats. Limited-run novelties like Lightsaber Pretzels and Wookie Cookies will be available at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.
Doyle cites the exclusive offerings as one of Season of the Force’s significant draws. “The foods coming to Season of the Force look delicious and a great addition to the wide range of park offerings.”
Other collectible items include seasonal souvenir popcorn buckets, sought-after items sold throughout Disneyland Resort. For Season of the Force, character-shaped buckets and salvaged Stormtrooper helmets will be hot commodities once the festival begins. Doyle notes, “We love when they get creative with the best Disneyland restaurant offerings and even more when they debut fun new popcorn buckets like they are for Season of the Force.”
Exclusive Nighttime Experiences
Season of the Force poses exciting opportunities for guests day and night. At sundown, fans can head to Galaxy’s Edge for a brand-new offering. Debuting on April 5, “Fire of the Rising Moons” will bring a new viewing and listening experience to Disneyland fireworks. Musical accompaniment from John Williams’ Star Wars scores will play throughout Galaxy’s Edge.
Doyle notes how special “Fire of the Rising Moons” will be for Star Wars fans and considers it a festival highlight. He adds, “This will be the first time that there is a special fireworks soundtrack themed to Star Wars specifically for that part of the park.”
In addition, the springtime festival includes Star Wars Nite, an after-hours party at Disneyland Park. Admission to this separately ticketed event includes event-exclusive food, character meet and greets, cavalcades, and more. Tickets for the multi-night event are on sale now.
