If you are a huge Disney fan like I am then you have noticed that the Walt Disney Company has unleashed massive news over the past few days. It has everyone sitting there thinking what Disney may have up their sleeves yet. If you do not follow the current Disney news that is okay because I am here to explain it all and give my perspective as a former cast member!
Hong Kong Disneyland
The biggest Disney news right now is that Hong Kong Disneyland is getting a major overhaul. This overhaul includes the first time in any Disney park history that the original castle that was there when the park was opened is being torn down to build a new castle. Along with the new castle Disney is introducing a new night time show on the castle and they are making a whole stage show centered around the new Disney Princess Moana. Along with the new castle two new themed lands are going to be added, one for the Marvel Universe and of course one modeled after the kingdom of Arendelle from Frozen. These updates are slated to happen between 2018 and 2023.
Pandora
The world have Pandora from the James Cameron movie Avatar has been in production for a couple years at Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We have finally learned that the new land will officially be opening in Summer of 2017. Disney shared the first look at the rides, shops, restaurants and animatronics that we can be on the look out for. With the opening of Pandora this will give Animal Kingdom the chance to be loved again by many and finally be a night time park.
New Magicbands
The rumor has been around for a bit but Disney has finally announced that the second generation of magic bands is coming in the new year. The new magic bands will be pucks that can be taken out of the bracelets and put into other ones or you can put them in a key ring so you don't lose it. There is not much information about these new magic bands yet but be on the look out once they start to make an appearance to see how they differ from the first generation.
Personal Cabanas
This may be the most controversial headline of them all but Disney is giving guests the option to add on an in park cabana for $649 a day for a family of 8. These cabanas called Kingdom cabanas include a shaded area, cold drinks, snacks, a lockable storage trunk, charging stations, sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, a small fridge, one fruit basket, a one-time delivery of ice cream, personalized Mickey ears, and reserved viewing area for parades and fireworks. I am interested to see how many normal guests will pay for one of these cabanas.
Stars Wars Land
New concept art for Star Wars Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida has finally been released and there are changes coming to the Star Tours ride. Disney will only say that they will continue adding sequences in for the new movies. There is not much else known about Star Wars Land but it was a treat for fans to finally see some concept art.