Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open at Disneyland in California on 31 May 2019 and then at Walt Disney World in Florida on 29 August 2019, according to Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Iger announced the official opening dates for the theme park area at both parks in Disney shareholder meeting to the surprise of some observers, who had not thought it would open quite so early at either park.

The opening at both parks will only see one of the two major attractions in the area open, however, that being Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.

The Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride will open later in the year at both, with no date announced as yet, with Disney pointing to demand as the reasoning for a phased opening.

"In light of tremendous demand, Disney made the decision to open the land in phases to allow guests to sooner enjoy the one-of-a-kind experiences that make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge so spectacular," said a Disney statement.

Disneyland will require visitors to make a free reservation to get into the land and on the ride. This reservation will require visitors having a valid admission for dates between 31 May and 23 June – a period that may be extended.

"Guests planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park between 31 May and 23 June 2019 will need a valid theme park admission and will be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, to access the land," said the statement.

"Information on how to make a reservation will be available at a later date on Disneyland.com and the Disney Parks Blog.

"Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels during these dates will receive a designated reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay (one reservation per registered guest); valid theme park admission is required."