Walt Disney World Updates from D23
It’s said that New York City is the boisterous town that never sleeps, but if you’ve ever been around the smart, pioneering engineers, storytellers and animators at Disney, then you know the same could be true of their work ethic. No matter how much magic and innovation has popped up since 1971 at Walt Disney World, the team is always working diligently to come up with new concepts and inspired experiences that will take a ‘good’ Disney vacation and make it into an unforgettable one. One of Disney’s greatest strengths (we saw this at the D23 expo!) is paying attention to trends and then turning them into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for guests to enjoy, all while savoring the sweet Florida sunshine.
Thankfully, our pals at Disney’s D23 Expo have let us in on some of the updates coming in the next years, so we’re able to share the scoop with you. But before you get to Googling, keep in mind that our specialized Disney travel agents can plan your family vacation from top to bottom, making sure you’re on the grounds for grand openings, giving you a little slice of the Walt Disney World’s historical pie. Here’s what to expect – and get super pumped about:
Toy Story Land
Woody and Buzz, the opposites-attract best buds from the beloved Toy Story series are getting their due at Disney World. They’re excited to take you and your kiddos up, up and away to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Toy Story Land will make it’s grand debut in summer 2018. When you walk into this part of the park, you’ll suddenly feel like you’re shrunk to the size of a toy and given full permission to explore Andy’s backyard, along with some characters you’ll recognize from the films. The update will also come complete with two additional attractions, too.
Live Entertainment Theater at Magic Kingdom
As a relaxing way to cool down and recover from the sunshine and walking, many families see shows throughout their trip. Now, Disney is opening a new live entertainment theater, based on the iconic Willis Theater from the 1920s in Kansas City. This is where Walt lived after he left his hometown of Marceline, Missouri. It will be located right off of Main Street U.S.A., and you can expect to stop by for some killer entertainment.
Tron-Themed Attraction at Magic Kingdom
Spoiler alert: while this attraction technically already exists at Shanghai Disneyland, this will be it’s first American debut. The reason behind bringing the Tron-themed ride to Tomorrowland is based on travelers and fans just like you: it’s the highest rated attraction in China! Keep an eye out for it, as it’ll be placed near Space Mountain.
“Guardians of the Galaxy” at Epcot
Future World within Epcot was originally intended to inspire and ignite curiosity about all of the advancements in space, science and technology. Now, Disney continuing to strengthen their vision, adding a ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ attraction at Epcot. This e-ticket experience will be based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of this beloved live action film series.
Minnie Van
While your children seem to be able to run circles around you most of the time, when those tired little legs *just can’t* anymore on vacation, you’re left carrying them around or listening to their whines. To help solve this hangry-kid situation, Disney World is adding a new transportation service called ‘Minnie Van’ (get it?) that offers point-to-point transportation to get from one end of the resort to the other.
Disney Skyliner
Want to take in the park from high up in the sky? You’ll soon be able to, thanks to the addition of Disney’s Skyliner. This epic, slow-moving ride will give you and your family a bird’s eye view of Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, all of the kingdoms and the resorts. And hey, if you’re staying on the property, this will also help you get around.
“Ratatouille”-attraction coming to Epcot
The France pavilion will expand to welcome a “Ratatouille”-inspired attraction. Similar to Ratatouille: The Adventure, the number one family attraction at Disneyland Paris, this attraction will allow Guests to shrink to Remy’s size and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s legendary Parisian restaurant.
Out-of-this-world announcements for Epcot
Mission: SPACE will reopen later this summer with an updated Orange Mission, joined by a new Green Mission that allows younger cadets to join the adventure.In addition, a new table-service restaurant adjacent to Mission: SPACE will invite Guests to an unforgettable dining experience with a great view. Patina Restaurant Group will manage the new restaurant, and the opening will be announced at a later date.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A new attraction featuring international icon Mickey Mouse is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! On Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Guests will step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before. The attraction will put our Guests inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts, where they’re the star and anything can happen. While the interior of this attraction will be totally re-imagined, we will preserve the classic exterior of the Chinese Theatre, which has become an important part of the park’s History.
To make way for this first-ever Mickey ride-through attraction, we will also say a fond farewell to The Great Movie Ride, which will have its final day of operation on Aug. 13, 2017.
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