Mouse Extra

Jim Hill is stirring up quite the cauldron of speculation thanks to his article yesterday on the possibilities in store for the Disney-Lucas relationship.  The title is splashy and the article is a fascinating essay on the history between these two media giants. 

Like I am sure many of you Disney World fanatics, I immediately jumped at this article to see what may be coming to the parks.  I mean all of us Star Wars and Disney loving folks have been pining for an expansion since the Disney-MGM Studios opened Star Tours.  But when it comes to what may be added to the Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the future, it doesn’t appear as though there will be much.

That said, there are indeed plans in the works right now to significantly increase George Lucas’ presence in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. To — in effect — create a “Lucas Land” that stretches from the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost all the way to Tatooine Traders.

Right now, the engine that’s driving this plan is Star Tours 2.0. Which will feature a brand-new 3D ride film as well as elements from Disney’s Living Character Initiative. Look for this redo to officially be announced in 2008 and then go live in 2009. Just in time for the studio theme park’s 20th anniversary.

Mind you, just about the time that “Star Tours” will be going down for its rehab, the Backlot Express is also slated to receive an extreme makeover. During which all of the generic props that currently decorate this cavernous eatery will supposedly be replaced with replicas of well-known costumes & vehicles from various Lucasfilm productions. The way I hear it, the dining room closest to “Star Tours” will (of course) be “Star Wars” themed. While the dining room that’s closest to the Stunt Spectacular stadium will then feature props & costumes from the “Indiana Jones” films.

A “Lucas Land” is interesting to say the least, but from the information Mr. Hill offers the only expansion outside what has already been announced is a memorabilia filled eatery, not exactly the “Mos Eisley Cantina” I was proposing.  Here’s hoping Disney and Lucas see the potential to really bust the gates at the recently re-named park.  It would be pretty difficult to overstate the potential these two have in making something for the parks. 

The article also speaks about Disney possibly distributing the upcoming Star Wars television series.  This seems like another great idea for Disney, but I wonder what you think of this series.  Are you looking forward to it?  Have you heard about it?  Leave some comments on what you think of a live action Star Wars series.