While at the 2017 D23 Expo in Anaheim, California we got a peek at all of the INCREDIBLE things coming to Walt Disney Resorts and Parks over the next few years. Here's the scoop!
Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek took the stage at the D23 Expo to share what's new and what's next at Walk Disney Parks and Resorts and this was probably one of the things I was anticipating the most during the expo. Sure, I love the films and cartoons as much as anyone, but living right outside of Orlando means that I get to visit Walt Disney World Resort pretty regularly. I couldn't wait to see what was coming to the most magical place on Earth and what would be happening at Disney Parks and Resorts around the world.
What's coming to Walt Disney Resorts and Parks
TWO new Star Wars themed lands coming to Disneyland in Anaheim, California and Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. The name of these lands was revealed during D23 Expo and they'll be called Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. Chapek said, "Our imagineers are pushing the boundaries and we can't wait until they open in 2019."
If you're wondering what they'll be like, Chapek gave us a few details. He shared an exclusive look at the model of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge and even showed us a cool video to take us through the layout of this new land that will be at Disneyland in California.
Chapek also told us that this new land will include an attraction where guests can fly the Millennial Falcon and have complete control. Some of your favorite characters will be there too, including: BB-8, Chewbaccs, Kilo Ren and Rex.
Representing the largest single-themed land expansion at 14 acres each, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in 2019, with the first land debuting at Disneyland, then at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
A few more Disneyland California updates:
In the summer of 2018, Paradise Pier will become Pixar Pier, giving all of our favorite Pixar characters a place to call their own.
Next Summer - paradise pier becomes Pixar pier. Chapek also mentioned that Pixar Fest would be coming to Disneyland Resort. Starting in 2018, this limited-time offering will include a new fireworks spectacular as well as special characters and entertainment moments.
To celebrate, "Pixar Play Parade" will return to Disneyland Park while the fan favorite "Paint the Night Parade" will move to Disney California Adventure, one of Disney’s longest parade routes.
There's even more magic coming to the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios in the next few years. We learned that
the first-ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will come to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new state-of-the-art ride-through attraction will take guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel's Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies that transform the flat cartoon world into an incredible dimensional experience. Instead of 3D, Chapek called this a 2.5D experience with no glasses required. He also said that they were, "Inventing new technologies to create a display of amazingness." I can't wait to experience this new ride!
And for all you hidden Mickey fans:
In a very fitting fashion, there will be more hidden Mickeys on the new ride at #HollywoodStudios than anywhere else! #D23Expo #Disney #WDW
— Ruth V. (@vivaveltoro) July 15, 2017
Guests can also get ready for some heart-pounding adventure as the highest rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland is coming to Walt Disney World Resort. A thrilling, Tron-themed attraction will be added in a brandnew area near Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom. I was wondering what was coming to Tomorrowland since the Incredibles dance party was retired earlier this summer, so this is really exciting news! We were told it will open in time for the park's 50th Anniversary.
Also, a new live entertainment theater will be coming to Main Street, U.S.A., based on the iconic Willis Theater in 1920s Kansas City. This new addition will bring world-class entertainment to the world’s most popular park.
First ever ride-through attraction built entirely around MICKEY MOUSE called Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway to open at Hollywood Studios! You'll get to ride inside the wacky and wild ride of Mickey's cartoon short. Dazzling visual effects. You're not going to believe what you see.
Chapek gave us LOTS of news for EPCOT!
New vision for #Epcot at @WaltDisneyWorld! #D23Expo pic.twitter.com/fsIMNODDvt
— Ruth V. (@vivaveltoro) July 15, 2017
We were told they want to keep it true to the original vision, but giving it more of a "WOW" factor. Tom Fitzgerald took the stage to talk about revamping Epcot. Fitzgerald said that Epcot is about to celebrate its 35th anniversary and the team is planning for its future.
World Showcase is going to get a new attraction, Ratatouille. It's already the #1 attraction at Disneyland Paris and it will likely be well received at Epcot.
We didn't get a ton of details about this, but there will be a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction at Epcot too! This was billed as a new E-ticket attraction based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of Guardians of the Galaxy, the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at Walt Disney World Resort.
In Future World, a new Green Mission at Mission: SPACE will take guests on a stunning tour around the Earth, and an updated Orange Mission will make the trip to Mars even more spectacular.
Next to Mission: Space will be a new table-service restaurant where guests will travel high above the earth for an unforgettable dining experience.
And speaking of parks, we got a few Toy Story Land updates from Shanghai and Hollywood Studios. Both of these lands should be opening in the summer of 2018.
In Walt Disney Resorts and Parks transportation news, there are a few really cool things to mention.
Mr. Chapek announced plans for the CUTEST transportation service that you could imagine. An all-new Minnie Van service will provide a point-to-point transportation service... like Uber, only adorable!
A SUPER cool new transportation system called the Disney Skyliner will offer guests a birds-eye view while traveling throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
This brand new system will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts, as well as the proposed new Disney Riviera Resort (scroll down for more on this!), with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot.
Walt Disney Resorts News.... and these are BIG announcements!
Adding to the immersive resort hotel slate, Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel at Disneyland Paris will bring the action-packed world of super heroes to hotel guests. Iron Man, The Avengers, Spider-Man and more will be featured at this hotel so guests can explore the Marvel Universe through its comic art, films, Super Hero costumes and more.
AND for you Star Wars fans, there's going to be a new immersive Star Wars resort at Walt Disney World!
Dedicated entirely to the galaxy of Star Wars, it will be a one-of-a-kind experience where a luxury resort meets a multi-day adventure in a galaxy far, far away. No word on opening dates for either of these hotels just yet.
We got word about the Disney Vacation Club's newest property. Leading up to the July 17 opening of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, we found out about a proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney Riviera Resort, coming to Walt Disney World Resort near Epcot. According to Chapek, it will feature a rooftop restaurant with unbelievable views of Epcot and Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.
We also learned that the Disney Cruise Line will be DOUBLING its fleet! Chapek surprised the crowd by announcing that Disney Cruise Line will add another ship in its expansion; joining the other two new ships that were announced just last year. All three ships will be powered by one of the cleanest-burning fuels available, liquefied natural gas. A three ships should be completed by 2023 and each one will offer a unique experience.
And, if you're planning a cruise soon, be sure to check out the NEW Beauty and the Beast show coming to Disney Cruise Line in November. The show will feature 2 new songs, based on the hugely successful live action movie.
Phew, that is a LOT of disney resorts and park news! Are you planning any Disney vacations soon? Which of these updates is the most thrilling for you?
Be sure to also check out the latest Disney / Pixar animation news
Check out the latest Live Action Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm news
Disclosure: I attended a press trip to D23 Expo on behalf of Disney. All expenses were paid, but all opinions are my own.
Amber Ludwig says
Oh wow!! This is amazing!! I love that they are bringing elements from Disney all over the world to us!! Seriously just amazing!! I mean everything there is magical already but its truly amazing what they are capable of creating! I wish I could say we were planning a vacation there soon!! Unfortunately our funds just wont allow it. I love the Pixar Pier and the Ratatouille attractions!!