James Hanis is an Orlando, Florida, resident who holds responsibilities as design manager with Walt Disney Imagineering. In this position, James Hanis is part of a team that creates theme parks, rides, attractions, and other aspects of the Disney experience worldwide. One high-profile ongoing project overseen by Imagineering team members involves the creation of a new Star Wars-themed land.
Building on the 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney, the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge attraction will be integrated into Disney’s California and Florida theme parks and is set to open in summer and late fall of next year, respectively.
As revealed in a promotional video showing progress of the Anaheim construction, the project goes well beyond simply creating connected rides. Visitors will be transported to a Star Wars universe set across 14 acres that represents the remote galaxy outpost of Batuu. This location is one that attracts “rogue adventurers” and bounty hunters, and likely will include elements such as Han Solo’s craft the Millennium Falcon and a colorful canteen. Interactive aspects include the ability of guests to engage in support of either the First Order or the Resistance and gain a “reputation” within the attraction.
