Overview of All the Big News Released During This Year’s D23 Expo
The ultimate Disney fan event D23 Expo has officially come to a close and what an event it was. Over a jam-packed weekend, Disney revealed a HUGE amount of news pertaining to theme parks on both boasts and MickeyBlog was busy all weekend sharing the latest awesome tidbits as soon as they were released! However, for those just catching up, here’s a quick look at all the BIG DISNEY THEME PARK NEWS from this year’s event!
Epcot Overhaul
Perhaps the BIGGEST announcement to come out of D23 is that Epcot will receive a massive re-imagining at Walt Disney World! We’ll say good-bye to Future World as the area is re-imagined into four separate neighborhoods: World Showcase, World Discovery, World Celebration and World Nature!
Let’s take a closer look at each:
World Discovery
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – The focal point of this Epcot neighborhood will be the highly anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy coaster! The ride will begin in a “Galaxarium,” a planetarium-like exhibition space that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. Visitors will be invited to learn more about Xandarian treasures before boarding a storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees and will have the distinction of being the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster!
For more information on what is sure to be an awesome attraction check out this article.
Space 220 – Epcot will also offer an out of this world dining experience with the opening of Space 220 as part of the Mission: SPACE pavilion. This dining experience will make guests feel like you are dining in a space station with panoramic views of the final frontier! This adventure starts with guests boarding a special elevator with a real-time perspective as you travel high above the planet. Once in the dining room, you’ll enjoy floor to ceiling views of space as you dine on an exciting and eclectic menu. The restaurant is slated to open this Winter and is operated by the Patina Group.
Find out more exciting details about Epcot’s newest eatery here.
PLAY! Pavilion – The Wonders of Life Pavilion will be re-imagined in time for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World. The pavilion will be home to an interactive city offering games and activities both real and virtual. Here you’ll be able to help Edna Mode make the world a bit more fashionable or take part in a water balloon fight with Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby!
Find out more about the PLAY! Pavilion here.
World Showcase
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – The France Pavilion in Epcot will receive a quite a “Magnifique” overhaul. First will be the opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure which will take guests through a fastpaced Parisian kitchen with this lovable rat from one of Pixar’s most beloved films!
La Crêperie de Paris – This new eatery will offer both table- and quick-service options and a menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse. It is slated to debut next Summer!
Beauty and the Beast SingAlong – Following in the footsteps of Hollywood Studios’ Frozen SingAlong, Belle, Beast, Lumiere and the rest of the gang will invite guests to sing along to your favorite hits from the animated film in this new show slated to debut in January!
Mary Poppins – The France Pavilion isn’t the only land in the World Showcase to get an attraction! At D23 it was also revealed that Mary Poppins will also be getting her first Disney attraction at the UK Pavilion! Though details remain scarce guests will step in time back to Cherry Tree Lane to Number 17, the home of the Banks family where a magical adventure awaits!
For more information on this exciting new offering click here.
New 36o° Films Coming to China and Canada Pavilions – Both countries will get updated Circle-Vision 360 films. The China Pavilion will offer Wondrous China and our neighbors to the North will offer Canada Far and Wide featuring new scenes and stunning scenery!
World Celebration
Spaceship Earth To Be Re-Imagined- One of the biggest announcements regarding Epcot’s Overhaul has to to be the news that Spaceship Earth will be redone. The new ride experience will take guests on a journey that reflects the power of storytelling. Riders will follow a magical story light that connects each scene of the journey together! The attraction will also feature brand new narration and a new musical score!
Dreamers Point – As guests exit Spaceship Earth, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the World Showcase at Dreamers Point. The area will also feature a new statue of Walt Disney and other incredible features including a wishing tree and a story fountain celebrating Disney’s timeless and iconic storytelling.
World Nature
This area of the park will incorporate both The Land and The Seas pavilions with some noteworthy new additions:
Awesome Planet – This new film will focus on the story of the beauty, diversity and dynamic story of the Earth. The film is slated to debut in January of 2020 and will replace the Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable.
Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” – Guests will follow an exploration trail on an adventure where you’ll meet and play with magical, living water. The water will take on a life of its own akin to the ocean in Walt Disney Studios hit “Moana.” Guests will also learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.
HarmoniUS- There’s been a lot of speculation regarding the permanent replacement for IllumiNations and we can report that HarmonioUS will open in 2020. Disney is hailing it as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a theme park. The theme will be how the music of Disney inspires people around the globe and will feature massive floating set pieces, fountains, water projections, custom-built LED panels, state of the art special effects, pyrotechnics and more
Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience – Visitors to Epcot starting October 1, 2019 will be able to take a closer look at Disney’s vision for a re-imagined Epcot at the Odyssey Events Pavilion. Here you’ll find interactive exhibits that showcase all of the exciting changes outlined above and more!
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Fully Immersive Hotel
Nothing has ignited the imaginations of Star Wars fans quite like Disney’s announcement of a Star Wars-themed hotel slated to open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During D23, a few more details were revealed. Dubbed Star Wars: A Galactic Starcruiser, the hotel will be the first-of-its kind in that guests will enjoy a three-day, two-night adventure aboard a starship dubbed the Halcyon. The adventure will include character interactions, costuming, dining, entertainment and more as guests become active participants in stories that unfold during your stay. The adventure will operate similar to a cruise with guests having to commit to the full 3-day, 2- night experience. Though no opening date has been officially announced prices have. A cabin that sleeps five will start at around $3,300.
For more information click here!
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Walt Disney World
Work is apparently picking up the pace at Mickey’ and Minnie’s Runaway Railway which will be located in the former location of the Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The attraction is slated to open at some point next year! Guests will enter a magical porthole where you’ll leave the human world behind and embark on a funfilled adventure with Mickey, Minnie and friends!
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Disneyland Resort
West Coast Mouse-goers don’t have to worry about missing out on the Runaway Railway fun! The attraction will also debut at Disneyland Resort in 2022. The attraction will take place at the El CapiTOON Theater, where Mickey and Minnie are premiering their newest short, “Perfect Picnic.” Before you enter the cinema, you’ll experience a special exhibit featuring costumes and props from the Toon World.
Goodbye My Disney Experience- Hello Disney Genie
The system used to help guests plan out the details of your Disney vacation is about to get a HUGE overhaul! Debuting in 2020 the Disney Genie will replace the existing My Disney Experience App making planning your vacation easier and more fun including awesome features like customized itineraries based on your needs. You’ll find everything from customized touring plans for princesses, Disney foodies, thrill-seekers and so much more! The system will even make reservations for you!
For more information on Disney Genie check out this article.
Disney Store Comes to Target
In a bit of news that is sure to make Target shoppers squeal with delight, Disney Chairman of Parks, Experiences and Products- Bob Chapek announced an exciting collaboration between Disney and Target which would see Disney Store’s opening up in 25 Target stores beginning in October 2019 with 40 more slated follow suit by October 2020. This shops located within existing stores promise an enhanced Disney assortment of nearly 500 items with a decor that promises lots of fun Instagram inspiration.
You can find out more about this exciting collaboration here.
New Resort Coming to Walt Disney World – Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge
Disney has released a few details about it’s latest DVC property at Walt Disney World. The new resort called Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge will be nestled on the land between Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Inspired by the natural environment as well as the artistry of Walt Disney, the hotel will be fashioned after a “Classic Country Lodge.” Among its unique features will be “A Frame Houses” and “Treetop Houses.”
For more information on this upcoming property check out this article.
Disneyland Will Get a New Parade
Slated to make its debut next Spring, “Magic Happens” is a new parade that will celebrate the moments of magic found in many of your favorite Disney stories. This afternoon parade will feature incredible new floats and will be brimming with Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Moana, Miguel (from Coco), Princess Aurora and more! The magical cavalcade will also include an energetic musical score with songs by Todrick Hall!
Avengers Campus Comes to Disney California Adventure
Beginning in 2020, Disney California Adventure will undergo a transformation of SUPER proportions! An Avengers Campus will be created at the theme park which will include a New ride-through Spider-Man attraction which will boast a “Web Slinger” ride vehicle allowing riders to sling webs just like Spidey! Ant Man and The Wasp will also have a strong presence at the new campus with a Pym Test Kitchen attraction and meet and greet! As part of phase 2 of the new campus, a new E-ticket attraction will open up allowing guests to ride to Wakanda along with your favorite Avengers in a battle to save the World. Some of the attractions in the campus are slated to open in 2020 with others to follow.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for the latest Disney news and updates!
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