Disneyland’s 'Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge' Opens With Tribute To Chewbacca Actor Peter Mayhew

Ed Mazza
Updated

Disneyland opened its long-awaited “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” expansion on Wednesday night with a ceremony featuring some of the biggest names in the iconic franchise.

“Star Wars” creator George Lucas, along with actors Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) and Harrison Ford (Han Solo), joined Disney CEO Bob Iger for a ceremony in front of the Millennium Falcon, the centerpiece of the 14-acre land.

Hamill recalled thinking at the opening of the “Star Tours” ride in 1987 how “inconceivable” it was to be in a film that was made into a Disney ride.

“I better savor the moment because it’ll never be surpassed,’” he remembered thinking. “And yet, look at where we are today. We get our own land.”

Before ceremonially opening the land, they honored Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew, who died last month at the age of 74.

Iger called up to the cockpit, where someone portraying the beloved Wookiee attempted to fire up the ship. When it faltered, Iger asked for some help ― which is what brought Ford to the stage.

“She may not look like much, but she’s got it where it counts,” he said as he approached, citing a line from the first film.

As fans cheered, Ford paid tribute to his old partner in the cockpit.

“Peter,” he said. “This one’s for you.”

Then he banged the side of the ship to “start” the engines and kick off the opening of “Star War’s: Galaxy’s Edge.”

The land opens to the public on Friday, but fans hoping to see it may have to wait a little longer: It’s available by reservation only through June 23.

Online reservations to access the land were filled within two hours. The only other way to get one at the moment is by booking a room at one of Disneyland’s three official hotels.

A twin version of the land opens at Walt Disney World in Florida in August.

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The Millennium Falcon

The Millennium Falcon is the centerpiece of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and sits outside the entrance of the Smuggler's Run ride at Disneyland. 
The Millennium Falcon is the centerpiece of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and sits outside the entrance of the Smuggler's Run ride at Disneyland. 

Hondo Ohnaka

An animatronic Hondo Ohnaka recruits guests to fly the Millennium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland. 
An animatronic Hondo Ohnaka recruits guests to fly the Millennium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland. 

Night Flight

The Millennium Falcon seen in the evening at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
The Millennium Falcon seen in the evening at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

Keeping Watch

An animatronic Dok-Ondar keeps an eye on things at the Den of Antiquities shop at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland.
An animatronic Dok-Ondar keeps an eye on things at the Den of Antiquities shop at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

A street scene at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland. 
A street scene at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland. 

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

A creature in a tank above the bar at Oga's Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland.
A creature in a tank above the bar at Oga's Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland.

Snoozing Away

A Loth-Cat snoozes at the Creature Stall, an intergalactic pet shop at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. 
A Loth-Cat snoozes at the Creature Stall, an intergalactic pet shop at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. 

DJ Rex

R-3X, aka Rex, serves as the DJ at Oga's Cantina. Voiced by Paul Reubens (aka Pee Wee Herman), Rex was part of the original Star Tours attraction. 
R-3X, aka Rex, serves as the DJ at Oga's Cantina. Voiced by Paul Reubens (aka Pee Wee Herman), Rex was part of the original Star Tours attraction. 

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

A detail from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. 
A detail from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. 

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.