Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge creates more than 7,000 Florida jobs

The construction of the 14-acre Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land at Hollywood Studios in Disney World contributed in bringing more than 7,000 jobs to the Central Florida area since 2016, according to Disney.

Among the jobs were 1,700 new operations roles, including leadership positions, entertainment performers, attractions engineers, and food and beverage and merchandise hosts and hostesses.

In addition, more than 5,500 local trade, artisan and construction r jobs were created due to the support of both small and large Florida-based companies.

“The anticipation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is unlike anything else we’re experiencing at Walt Disney World Resort,” Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president, Walt Disney World Parks said in a news release. “Our Cast Members make our parks uniquely special and we couldn’t create any of the memorable and immersive experiences for our Guests without their talents, passion and dedication.”

As part of the opening, the 1,700-member team had opportunities to learn about the story of the new land, received specialized name tags and could customize their costume by hand-selecting apparel and accessories from an array of Resistance- and First Order-themed options, creating a unique Batuuan look.

“I have such pride in our Cast Members and am so confident in the opening team as they bring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life,” said Phil Holmes, vice president of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.