‘Star Wars’ considered for Disneyland but no MagicBands
As Walt Disney Co. executives prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Disneyland, they hinted at what new attractions are coming to the Anaheim park and what won’t be making an appearance.
In an interview, Chief Operating Officer Tom Staggs said Disney is considering plans to introduce characters from the blockbuster “Star Wars” films into the park in “large and small ways.”
He declined to offer details but said he does not plan to remove any favorite features to make room for new “Star Wars” attractions.
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“We will look at ‘Star Wars’ to be a plus while not taking away from things that people love,” he said.
Since Walt Disney Co. purchased Lucasfilm from “Star Wars” creator George Lucas in 2012, Disney fans have speculated about how Disneyland would incorporate the “Star Wars” films and characters into the park. Executives for the company have not denied that there are plans to bring more “Star Wars” characters and storylines to the park, although they have yet to offer specifics.
But the future of Disneyland will apparently not include MagicBands, a wristband that uses microchip technology to let guests use the bands in place of theme park tickets, hotel room keys and even credit cards. The wristbands debuted at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., in 2013.
Disneyland does not plan to offer the wristbands at the park anytime soon, said Mary Niven, vice president for Disneyland Park.
She said the wristband won’t work with Disneyland’s guest demographics. Many visitors are local residents who do not stay for long periods at the nearby hotels, where the bands would be used heavily.
“We are constantly looking at what is next on the horizon,” she added.
MORE:
What to expect for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebration
Disneyland braced for crowds during 60th anniversary celebration
Disneyland 2055: What the future may hold for the original Disney park
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