Star Wars: Season Of The Force Event Coming In 2016; Star Tours Gets 'Episode VII' Update [D23 Expo 2015]

By Angie HanAug. 15, 2015 3:36 pm EST

If there's one downer to the Star Wars Land news announced today, it's that we've still got a while to wait before we can actually go to there, as Star Wars nerd Liz Lemon would put it. Fortunately, Disney's got a couple other Star Wars-themed treats in store for park visitors in the near future.

At D23, Disney announced a Star Wars: Season of the Force seasonal event coming to Disneyland and Disney World in early 2016. Season of the Force will turn Space Mountain into Hyperspace Mountain, a Star Wars-themed attraction.

And if even that's too long to wait, later this brings a Star Tours upgrade, which will incorporate new locations and adventures from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, plus a Star Wars Launch Bay interactive experience. Get all the details after the jump.

First up, here are a few pieces of concept art to show you what the new attractions might look like.

Here's the official press release from StarWars.com:

Following up on today's exciting news about Star Wars-themed lands coming to Disney Parks, the worlds, stories and characters of the Star Wars galaxy will come to life through new and enhanced experiences at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California beginning this year.

Star Wars Launch Bay – Opening later this year, this interactive experience will take guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida and Disneyland park in California into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as well as the first six films in the Star Wars saga.

Season of the Force – This new seasonal event, beginning early 2016, brings new experiences to both coasts. In Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, guests will explore the Star Wars galaxy with special entertainment, themed food locations and Hyperspace Mountain – a reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction in which guests will join an X-wing starfighter battle. Disney's Hollywood Studios will feature a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic score of the Star Wars movies on weekend nights.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Later this year, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida and Disneyland park in California will include a new adventure featuring locations and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.