One of Disney's top executives says construction on the massive bi-coastal expansion for Star Wars will start in 2016.

Disney Chief Operating Officer Tom Staggs told shareholders at the Bank of America Merill Lynch Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference that while construction at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland will begin next year, there's no opening date yet.

"Bob [Iger, Disney CEO] and I are saying really, really soon but others are saying it's going to take a while," Staggs said.

Disney announced the massive expansion -- 14-acre lands at each park -- at the D23 Expo in Anaheim last month.

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Staggs said the project represents the biggest single-themed development that Disney has ever undertaken, and it will also be the most immersive plan they've ever built. It's project that Staggs says has everyone excited.

"When we announced the acquisition of Lucas, if you heard a roar it was probably coming loudest from the halls of Disney Imagineering," Staggs said.

Staggs said the lands will include a ride where people will get to fly in the iconic Millenium Falcon, but there will be other attractions. And there will be a cantina.

"We want people to feel like they've stepped into the world of Star Wars and that's really sparked our imaginations," Staggs said.

It's all part of a move that has Star Wars touching every aspect of the Walt Disney Company, Staggs said. The first in a new series of Star Wars films comes out December 18. Aside from Episodes VII-IX in the Star Wars saga, there will also be standalone films. Disney also has an animated TV show, Star Wars Rebels. Merchandising will also be a juggernaut for Disney.

Staggs also touted some of the other big projects at Disney's Parks, in particular Pandora: The World of Avatar, which is currently under construction at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Staggs said he, Iger and James Cameron recently rode the simulator that will take guests for a ride on one of Pandora's Banshees. The 10-acre project also has other attractions and innovative features. Staggs compared the size and scope of Pandora to Carsland at Disney's California Adventure.

Staggs also praised Rivers of Life, the new nighttime show coming to Animal Kingdom. Staggs said it was as breathtaking and innovative as World of Color at Disneyland.

Staggs also said another major franchise would get more theme park love: Marvel. But Staggs acknowledged restrictions in Florida that existed before Disney acquired Marvel, aka Universal's contract for Marvel Superhero Island at Islands of Adventure.