Disney unveils massive $1bn Star Wars theme park plans complete with Millennium Falcon

Since acquiring the Star Wars brand back in 2012, Disney has teased fans about plans for an entire theme park dedicated to the saga. Now the first details have been released.

On Thursday night (13 July) at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Florida, company bosses unveiled what has been described as "the most ambitious land" that Disney has ever worked on.

The parks will be built in Florida and California featuring mountains, towns and forests.

Scott Mallwitz, ‎executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering said: "As you move through the areas, you might be recruited to join one side or the other.

"Are you a spy? Are you part of the Resistance or willing to join the First Order? It's up to you. And your role inside of that will be defined by how you choose."

It is set to be the largest expansion to Disney parks ever, taking up to 14 acres of land.

As always, there will be rides. First, a Millennium Falcon simulator ride, and a second that pits the First Order against the Resistance.

Jay Burress, president and CEO of Visit Anaheim said: "Disneyland's importance only grows with time. We anticipate 'Star Wars' land to drive continued growth and development for Anaheim in the coming years."

The first look at the park comes amid a massive expansion plan that the company is already undertaking.

In 2016, Disney opened their first theme park in China, the $5.5bn Shanghai Resort, this was followed by an Avatar land in Orlando, Florida and a major upgrade to the Tower of Terror ride in California.

It is estimated the new Star Wars project will cost around $1bn and is expected to open in 2019.

The company have tried in recent years to find a balance between affordable ticket and overcrowding at parks, with only their new Shanghai resort not reporting a dip in visitor numbers.