Disney announces creation of 'Star Wars' theme parks

R2-D2 will be rolling into Mickey Mouse's neighborhood as the amusement park giant opens parks with a "Star Wars" theme adjacent to existing venues in Florida and California.

Disney CEO Bob Iger said Saturday that after Disney's $4 billion purchase of Lucasfilm three years ago, "we wanted to bring 'Star Wars' to every corner of our company... Not only on screens but in real life."

The attractions will have a battle experience, as well as giving visitors a chance to drive "one of the most recognizable ships in the galaxy," the Millennium Falcon, on a secret mission.

"We'll transport guests to a whole new planet," Iger said at the D23 EXPO 2015 jammed with fans and reporters.

"You'll have a chance to run into all the droids and fantastic beasts."

The Star Wars parks will be in Orlando, next to Disney Hollywood Studios, and in Anaheim, next to Disneyland.

The 14-acre (5.6-hectare) sites will have their own staff and restaurants will be staffed by wild creatures from the space saga.

The three-day D23 expo at the convention center in Anaheim -- home to the original Disneyland Park -- has drawn Disney fans and media representatives from around the globe.

Shanghai Disneyland Park is due to open next year.