Light versus Dark: The two sides of the force collide at Hong Kong Disneyland starting on June 11.

Hong Kong Disneyland offers chances to young Padawans to join the war against the Dark Side in a place not too far far away from the galaxy.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, an evil empire led by Sith Lord Palpatine and his apprentice, Darth Vader, was about to conquer the universe.

In the empire’s inter-galactic armory was the Star Destroyer battle ship, and one of them was
flying near the orbit of the planet Jakku. A fight then ensued between the Star Destroyer and the rebel alliance fleet protecting Jakku.

Using a strategy of inter-galactic guerilla warfare, deception, a little bit of luck and the guidance of the Force, the rebel alliance fleet managed to destroy the Star Destroyer, bringing a halt to the empire’s advance to universal rule.

The battle is one of the chapters from the science-fiction-cum-modern-mythology Star Wars saga and now loyal and devoted fans of the saga have the chance to experience a life-like simulation of the epic fight between the Dark side and the Light in Hong Kong Disneyland’s Hyperspace Mountain ride.

The ride officially launched on June 11 at the Tomorrowland complex in Hong Kong Disneyland. It is the main attraction for Star Wars fans looking for high-octane thrills that will kick their adrenaline level to the roof.

The ride is basically an indoor roller coaster in the darkness.

As guests enter Hyperspace Mountain, completely reimagined from Space Mountain, Tomorrowland’s classic attraction, they will walk past a gigantic X-wing Starfighter, flight suits and pilot helmets on their way to try out their skills as a rebel pilot.

Imperial guards: The imperial Stormtroopers regularly patrol the Tomorrowland complex in Hong Kong Disneyland.

After a mission briefing from Admiral Ackbar, they prepare to fly to outer space on a reconnaissance mission to survey an Imperial Star Destroyer, which turns out to be a trap. Riders will then experience an epic dogfight between Imperial TIE fighters and Rebel X-wing Starfighters.

Like all roller coaster rides, the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain consists of several phases. The first phase is more like of an introduction, in which the ride slowly takes you on a steep angle upwards. In this particular part, the experience begins by seeing the Death Star space ship from below.

A moment later, the ride plunges downward and the action begins. Roller coasting in the darkness
provides more sensation because you cannot clearly see what will happen next and every single twist or turn becomes one surprise after another.

The dark atmosphere also brings out more excitement in the climax phase of the ride as the roller coaster carts take the riders through endless loops, circles and roundabouts while laser beams from the animated imperial battle ships come from all directions.

Hyperspace Mountain is one of three new Star Wars-themed attractions at Hong Kong Disneyland. The two other attractions — the Star Wars Command Post and Jedi Training: Trials Of The Temple —are more family oriented and kid friendly.

At the Star Wars Command Post attraction, visitors can take their pictures with two of Star Wars’ most iconic characters: the android R2-D2 and the wookie Chewbacca.

Meanwhile at the Jedi Training: Trials of The Temple, which will open on June 25, aspiring younglings from age four to 12 will have the chance to don Jedi robes and join a secret training session with Jedi masters on how to use the Force, and their wit, to wield lightsabers.

The training is a brand new entertainment experience adapted exclusively for Hong Kong Disneyland. After the training, they will use their new skills to face Darth Vader from the Star Wars saga, the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from Star Wars Rebels and fend off Kylo Ren from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Other than the attractions, the Tomorrowland complex also adds additional details and services that will thrill the geekiest Star Wars fan. For example, from time to time, visitors can see imperial Stormtroopers patroling the complex and interact with them.

The restaurants and kiosks in the complex also serve Star Wars-related food and beverages, including Star Wars Lightsaber Churros, Darth Vader Burger Combo, Star Wars Cotton Candy or BB-8 Slush.

The launch of the Star Wars-themed attractions and facilities is part of a celebration between Disneyland and the Standard Chartered Bank. Both companies decided on June 10 to extend their 10-year strategic alliance during a special ceremony.

X-Wingers: Visitors can take selfies with a real-life size X-Wing jet from the Star Wars saga at the entrance to the Hyperspace Mountain attraction.

“The launch of our brand-new ‘Star Wars: Tomorrowland Takeover’ will offer guests experiences found only in this part of Asia, promoting Hong Kong as a world-class tourist destination,” Hong Kong Disneyland executive vice president and managing director Samuel Lau said during the ceremony.

Standard Chartered Bank greater China and north Asia regional chief executive officer Benjamin Hung said during the ceremony that the extension of the strategic alliance would also kick off the bank’s planned expansion to provide special Disneyland-related deals to its clients in countries other than Hong Kong.

“With this alliance, we will expand our collaboration not only in Hong Kong, but also in six other Asian markets, namely Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam,” he said.

The partnership, he added, gave the bank the right to leverage Hong Kong Disneyland’s intellectual properties in selected banking products and services as well as allow its banking clients and credit card holders to enjoy special promotional offers at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

“We hope to bring the successful experience to these Asian markets, and to bring guests from different countries in the region on Disney’s magical journey.”

— Courtesy of Hong Kong Disneyland