With all the hype surrounding "Star Wars" in advance of the latest installment in the iconic film series, people are looking for ways to experience their favorite saga set a long time ago in a galaxy far away.
In a galaxy a little closer to home, "Star Wars" fans will find plenty to see and do - all in the heart of the Sunshine State. Here are just some of the "Star Wars" attractions and events you can experience in Florida.
LEGO Star Wars at LEGOLAND Florida
Credit: LEGOLAND Florida
See the world of "Star Wars" come to life in millions of your favorite building bricks. LEGOLAND Florida's MINILAND USA area, which contains more than 32 million LEGO bricks, features famous landmarks and scenes from around Florida, the United States and the world, all constructed with the tiny plastic bricks. The area also features a LEGO Star Wars area, where you find life-sized replicas of Darth Vader, Darth Maul and R2-D2, along with famous scenes from the "Star Wars" films built to 1:20 scale.
"Star Wars" at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios has become the epicenter for all things "Star Wars" at the Walt Disney World Resort. Here's a brief look at the attractions, characters and dining options you'll find at the park.
Star Tours - The Adventures Continue
On Star Tours - The Adventures Continue, guests will tour the "Star Wars" galaxy aboard a Starspeeder 1000. The 3D motion-simulated space adventure sends guests through famous spots in the "Star Wars" universe, such as Hoth, Tatooine and Naboo. The best part? The ride has multiple story combinations, so almost every ride is different.
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
Young guests get the chance become Jedis in training at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, an interactive show that has new recruits learning the ways of the Force and eventually crossing lightsabers with Darth Vader himself.
Star Wars Launch Bay
Credit: Walt Disney Company
Have you ever wanted to meet Darth Vader or Chewbacca? You can at Star Wars Launch Bay, one of the newest additions to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Here you'll find movie props from the "Star Wars" films, play games, watch videos and meet some of your favorite characters. This is a must for true fans.
Star Wars: Path of The Jedi
Relive the excitement of the "Star Wars" film franchise at Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, a 10-minute retelling of the saga and a peek at "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular
End the day with "Star Wars"-inspired fireworks at "Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular." The show is set to Academy Award-winning composer John Williams' classic "Star Wars" themes. The nightly show starts Dec. 18, 2015.
For a complete list of new "Star Wars" offerings at Disney's Hollywood Studios, click here.
"Star Wars" at Disney Springs
You'll find the largest assortment of toys and games in all of Walt Disney World Resort at Once Upon a Toy at Disney Springs, including a whole room filled with "Star Wars" merchandise. One of the more interesting "Star Wars" souvenirs in the store is something you have to build yourself.
The Build Your Own Lightsaber kiosk invites guests to construct a custom lightsaber with different blade, hilt covers and adapters to choose from. You can even construct a lightsaber with a crossguard like the one Kylo Ren wields in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" or a dual lightsaber like the one Darth Maul uses in "Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace."
Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side
Enjoy a weekend of "Star Wars"-themed runs with the inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon happening at the Walt Disney World Resort April 14-17, 2016. Like other runDisney events, the races will route runners through the Disney theme parks, only this time with special "Star Wars" surprises along the way. The weekend will have events for all ages and skill levels from the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge, a two-day, 19.3 mile-run, to runDisney Kids Races for the smallest Padawans.
The Future
Credit: Walt Disney Company
While there are plenty of attractions for "Star Wars" fans now, the galaxy is about to get bigger. Disney's Hollywood Studios will undergo a major expansion in the form of a "Star Wars land" that will boast new attractions, shops and restaurants themed around the new films that will be released in the coming years. Disney has announced two signature attractions for the future land - one that sends you on a secret mission and puts guests behind the controls of the Millennium Falcon, and an adventure that has guest placed in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance.
______________________________________