Taking The Kids: To a galaxy far, far away, with Disney

Bob Iger, Walt Disney Company chairman and CEO, already has announced that "Star Wars"-themed lands will be coming to Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios with groundbreaking next year. The 14-acres of land in each park will be the largest single-themed land expansion to date.

I met Darth Vader in the new interactive Tomorrowland Space called Star Wars Launch Bay, packed with props and models that fans will love, videos interviews with those who have brought "Star Wars" to life, only-get-it-here merchandise (everything from a "Star Wars" purse to a Darth Vader helmet -- $675, in case you are wondering), and most important to kids, and big kids, the "Star Wars" Game Center where guests can play the latest video games, including Disney Infinity 3.0 with park-exclusive Toy Box Levels.

At the Galactic Grill, kids can order a Jawa turkey sandwich or a Force Power Pack with yoghurt, carrots and more.

Jedi Training opens this month too with Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor, a new villain kids know from the popular Disney XD series "Star Wars Rebels." By the way, if you're a light side guy or gal, you can opt to meet (and take a selfie with) Chewbacca rather than Darth Vader. There are light side offerings at the Galactic Grill, too.

No worries if you live closer to Orlando. At Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios, you'll find Star Wars Launch Bay, the same cinematic overview of the "Star Wars" saga; and the cool, new enhancements for Star Tours -- The Adventures Continue (you'll never know where in the galaxy you might go!) and, of course, there's Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. (Check before your trip to see if you can pre-book any of these experiences as you can other popular attractions.)

Starting Jan. 5, 2016, look for storm troopers patrolling the Orlando park and the "Star Wars"-inspired food already being scarfed up in Calfornia (maybe a Darth Tamale for breakfast) already available in California, plus a fireworks show called the "Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular."

There's plenty for Star Wars fans aboard Disney Cruise Line too. On certain cruises aboard the Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral (January to mid-April) you can join the day-long "Star Wars" celebration at sea with a special deck party with the heroes and villains, screenings of the films and the Disney XD animated series "Star Wars Rebels," "Star Wars"-themed youth activities in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, a shipboard version of Jedi Training, and for grown-ups, specialty cocktails and music.

Aboard the Disney Dream, just returned from dry dock, there is a newly themed area in Disney's Oceaneer Club, complete with a "spaceship" where kids can join the Rebel Alliance, piloting the spaceship to different areas in the galaxy. Expect "Star Wars"-themed crafts, games and activities, a high-tech interactive space based on the Disney Infinity video game and the chance to hone their light saber skills.

Disney officials won't say how long Season of the Force will last, though Strong said the Imagineers certainly will be looking at what works -- and presumably what doesn't -- as they plan their new lands.

They would be pleased to know that first-time Disneyland visitor Angelica Soto, 17, who knew nothing about "Star Wars" had become a fan after exploring "Season of the Force." Her friend Christopher Morales, my intern, meanwhile, a self-described "Star Wars fanatic," was even more enthusiastic after his Thanksgiving visit. "This couldn't have been better," he declared. "I will prepare to combat the Dark Side."

Another Darth by Chocolate, please.

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.) If you are visiting Southern California or Orlando, check out Eileen's Kid’s Guides.)