Last weekend, July 14-16, 2017 was the annual Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim, California. D23 stands for The Official Disney Fan Club. Every year, fans from all around the world gather to find out about all the latest news from Disney, meet actors and directors, and cosplay as some of their favorite characters. Here is everything we know from this past weekends D23 Expo about Theme Parks, resorts, and Disney Cruise LIne!
1. Star Wars Land
Fans of the Disney theme parks have been expecting Star Wars Land for awhile now, but we finally found out the name and some updates from Disney. The new land will be called ‘Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’! The land is set to open in 2019 in Walt Disney World Orlando and Disneyland in California. On Friday, fans got a look at a model of the new theme park and one of the main features is an attraction where guests can pilot the Millennium Falcon! Disney later confirmed rumors of a Star Wars themed Hotel. "It’s unlike anything that exists today." Bob Chapek said. "From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a "Star Wars" story! Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits."
2. Mickey Mouse themed ride
Hollywood Studios is home to many awesome rides, one of which is called "The Great Movie Ride." Fans of Disney World are not a stranger to this ride, but it may be getting a makeover before too long! Disney announced that construction for a new Mickey Mouse ride will begin on August 14, 2017, to replace the ride. The ride will allow you to step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you’re the star and anything can happen.
3. New Epcot rides
Two attractions were just announced for Epcot: a "Guardians of the Galaxy"-inspired attraction will be added to Future World, while a "Ratatouille"-inspired attraction is planned for the France pavilion in World Showcase. Both attractions are set to open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
4. Tron ride replacing Tomorrowland Speedway in the Magic Kingdom
Tron – the highest-rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland – is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida! The attraction will be adjacent to Space Mountain in Tomorrowland and is scheduled to open for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021.
5. New Marvel themed hotel in Disneyland Paris
We have an annonce très excitante (or "very exciting announcement") to share with our friends at Disneyland Paris – Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel is coming to the resort! Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced the "re Imagination" of the Disney's Hotel New York into a new Marvel-themed wonderland. "We’re going to create a hotel at Disneyland Paris that would make Tony Stark proud," Bob said. "I’m thrilled to announce that Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel will transport our guests to the action-packed, inspiring world of Superheroes including Iron Man, The Avengers, and Spider Man among others!" This just means we need to plan a vacation to Paris!
6. New Sky Lifts in Disney World
A new transportation system is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort called the Disney Skyliner. It will offer a bird's eye view of the Resort and connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts and other locations with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot.
7. Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land, currently under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will officially open in summer 2018! In just a few months, you’ll be able to shrink to the size of a toy to explore the world of Andy’s backyard with your favorite Toy Story characters, experience Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and more.
8. Pixar Pier
Experience the magical worlds of Pixar in brand new ways at the new Pixar Pier, coming to Disney California Adventure park in 2018! And Pixar Fest, a limited-time celebration, will bring new and returning favorites throughout Disneyland Resort in California.
9. Disney Cruise Line news!
Disney Cruise Line has announced they’re expanding their fleet with an additional new cruise ship. That means by 2023, Disney Cruise Line will nearly double the size of their current fleet! We can’t wait to ‘complete the fleet’ now!
10. Marvel Park in California
Soon, the Guardians of the Galaxy will be joined by Spider-Man and the Avengers in what will become a completely immersive Super Hero universe at Disney California Adventure park. More details are to come!
We hope you enjoyed this look at the newest additions to the Disney theme parks, resorts, and Cruise Line. We are certainly busy planning our next vacation, what about you?