By Emily Gilburt ’16

In extensive efforts to broadcast the news as much as possible, Disney is using all its resources to promote its new movie, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which kicks off the revival of their Star Wars series.

The movie takes place 30 years after the events of 1983’s “Return of the Jedi.” New lead characters Finn, Rey and Poe Dameron fight alongside Han Solo as they attempt to defeat the new villainous leader, Kylo Ren, and his army of stormtroopers.

The movie will be officially released in theaters on December 18 in 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D. With advance ticket sales beginning on October 19th, the rush of IMAX purchases not only resulted in numerous ticket websites crashing but a record breaking amount of IMAX tickets pre-sold in a single day.

It’s been roughly a decade since the release of their last Star Wars film in 2005, “Episode III, Revenge of the Sith.” Therefore, Disney is sparing no cost in order to make this movie absolutely perfect, with a whopping budget of $200 million for the production of the film and an additional $423 million spent in marketing, printing and advertising. Marvel comics, Del Rey and Disney Publishing Worldwide are working together to publish new Star Wars comic books and novels featuring the new plot of “The Force Awakens.”

In celebration of the movie release, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be featuring a brand new Star Wars–themed festival during winter called “The Season of the Force.” Disney is also changing numerous Disney Park attractions and rides in attempt to better publicize the new film and attract die-hard Star Wars fans awaiting the release of the movie. Erin Glover, Social Media Director of Disneyland Resort announced that by January 8, “park guests will have the chance to jump to lightspeed with Season of the Force, featuring an exciting twist on a favorite attraction and more.”

Popular rides, food, merchandise and attractions guests know and love are being remodeled to fit the theme of the new Star Wars movie, such as Space Mountain, a well-known roller coaster in Magic Kingdom, soon to be Hyperspace Mountain. In addition, Disney’s renowned Star Tours ride is being tailored to depict a scene from “The Force Awakens.” Disney is truly putting all faith and its money into the new Star Wars film.