Photos credit: Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks.

ANAHEIM — Disney has outdone itself with its hugely anticipated Star Wars-themed lands, currently under development at Disneyland Park in Anaheim and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando. Although not scheduled to open until 2019, die-hard fans and movie buffs were given a sneak peek at this weekend’s D23 Expo 2017.

What was presented by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek was a richly detailed, three-dimensional model, complete with the Millennium Falcon. The model will remain on display in Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ ‘A Galaxy of Stories’ pavilion at D23 Expo throughout the weekend to give visitors an up-close look at what’s to come on this never-before seen planet.

“To say we are excited for the Star Wars-themed lands to open in 2019 is an understatement,” Chapek said. “All along, we have said this will be game-changing, and through the model we can begin to see how truly epic these immersive new worlds will be.”

Chapek plans to share exciting new details about the project during the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Hall D23 Presentation on Saturday.

At D23 Expo 2015, The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced the Star Wars project to the delight of thousands of fans in attendance. The jaw-dropping new lands will open with two anchor attractions – one that gives guests the chance to pilot the Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and one that puts guests right in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. This represents the largest single-themed land expansion at 14 acres each.

However, guests don’t need to wait until 2019 to be immersed in the Star Wars galaxy. From special character encounters to fan-favourite attractions like Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, and interactive entertainment like Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, guests of all ages can experience Star Wars stories at Disney parks and resorts around the world.

Check out the photos from the event: