I know we're a little behind on reporting on D23 this week. Since there is SO MUCH to report, I've decided to split it all up into sections so this one article isn't 100 miles long. So pull up a chair, get a drink, and join us for today's edition!
First up:
Disney Parks and Resorts
1. Epcot - with all the other big changes and expansions happening to the other parks over the years, Epcot will finally get its turn! First up: a new logo. This reminds me of the original logo and I really like it!
The next big change is the renaming of Future World into "neighborhoods". As you can see below, the areas will be called World Discovery, World Celebration, and World Nature. This will naturally lead into the existing World Showcase.
Here's a quick description of what each area focuses on: World Discovery - Science, technology, and intergalactic adventures. - Attractions include the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind indoor coaster (2021), Mission: Space (existing), Test Track (existing), and the new Space 220 restaurant (2020) World Celebration - Imagineering, inquiry, and dreams. - Attractions include Innoventions (existing and new additions), open spaces, a new multi-story Festival Center, and Dreamers Point where a beautiful new stature of Walt will be sitting, looking towards World Showcase. I got goosebumps seeing this artist rendering:
World Nature - Green spaces to explore the natural world and learning about our planet. - Attractions include a new Moana-inspired walk-through attraction called The Journey of Water (2021), The Seas with Nemo & Friends (existing), and The Land Pavilion (existing). No mention was made of the Imagination Pavilion with Figment, which as sparked panic that it's going away. I think there will be a revolt if we lose Figment. Personally, I don't think they will get rid of him. He's a huge mascot for the park and the Food & Wine Festival. We'll have to wait and see! All in all, here are the artist renditions of the re-imagined Epcot:
Let's talk about changes to World Showcase. Some of these have been in the works, and some were just announced. Rides and Attractions: 1. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure - previously announced addition to the France pavilion., scheduled to be opened in Spring 2020. 2. Beauty and the Beast Sing-along - previously announced addition to the France pavilion, scheduled to be opening January 2020. 3. NEW Mary Poppins attraction in the UK pavilion. New area will model Cherry Tree Lane and the Banks' house. No details about the actual ride itself. 4. NEW Canada Far and Wide 360 movie starting January 2020 in the Canada pavilion. 5. NEW Wondrous China movie in the China pavilion.
Lastly, a previously announced but unnamed new night show will be coming to Epcot in 2020: HarmonioUS. Disney states that this will be the largest show in WDW history and will include water, lights, lasers, drone kites, and fireworks, plus a new soundtrack. The current Illuminations will be ending next month for a temporary show called Illuminations: Forever, for the 30th anniv. of the park. While I love Illuminations, I'm glad we are getting a new show. It has definitely felt dated against the new shows at the other parks.
2. Reflections Resort
A new DVC hotel that will be located on Bay Lake (near MK). It will feature A-framed cottages and Treehouse suites. It will also have a Princess and the Frog inspired restaurant.
3. Avengers Campus - coming to Disney California Adventure, Hong Kong, and Paris.
This new land will be opening in phases, just like Galaxy's Edge did. What we know right now is that there will be a restaurant called PYM Test Kitchen, inspired by Antman and the Wasp. We think there will be a fun play on enlarging and shrinking foods.
There will be two attractions: one called WEB - Disney's first-ever Spiderman ride! The second one is unnamed and is slated to be an E-ticket ride. All we know is that riders will be joining the Avengers on a mission to fight a dangerous foe. Sounds amazing!
4. Star Wars Hotel - Galactic Starcruiser I know this was one of the MOST anticipated things that people were waiting for and Disney did not disappoint! This will be an all-inclusive, extremely immersive 2 day/2 night experience unlike any other. The "hotel" will be a large ship called the Halcyon.
This vacation experience will be similar to a cruise ship vacation. Everyone will board at once and disembark at once. You will be literally in the story line and have missions to complete, including a visit to Batuu (which will be adjacent to it at DHS). Expect a HUGE price tag for this. Rumors are over $3000pp!! For more info, click here.
5. Disneyland will get a new parade called Magic Happens. It will include Moana and Coco!
6. Disney Cruise Line - most of the information here was teased since the last D23 when they announced 3 new ships will be built. We now have the name of the first ship: Disney Wish!
It will feature Rapunzel on the stern and will be a similar size as the Dream-class ships. The atrium is set to be light and airy. No other details were released except that it will be set to sail late 2021/early 2022.
Disney also gave more details on their previously announced new private island location: Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera.
While they will not own the island, like Castaway Cay, they will own this section of the island. What's really exciting is that Imagineer Joe Rohde will be the lead engineer for the design. Joe has been with Disney over 20 years and is responsible for the design of Animal Kingdom and Pandora! (You all know I'm obsessed with Pandora!)
7. Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Train will be set to open at Hollywood Studios sometime next year. They haven't given a solid opening date. It was also announced that the ride will also be built in Disneyland in Mickey's Toon Town! That one is slated to open in 2022.
8. Cirque du Soleil will have a new show at Disney Springs in FL next April. Yet unnamed, it's being produced in partnership with the Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. Sounds amazing!
9. Disney Genie App
Disney announced that a new App will be released to help personalize your vacation experience even more. While no details were released as to whether this is a free App to replace My Disney Experience, or if it will be a paid service, it seems they are trying to make vacation planning more streamlined for guests. The App is supposed to be intuitive and make suggestions on what and when to visit certain attractions. We will be monitoring this news closely so we can be your go-to for support and planning on this.
10. Lastly, Disney announced that Target and Disney Store will form a partnership! Target will now have a section run by the Disney Store and carry merchandise previously only available at Disney Stores. Right now 24 locations across the country will receive this addition. However next year, over 40 more Target stores will be added to the list. Check here for the locations.
That's it for the Disney Parks and Resorts edition of our D23 Recap! Stay tuned for the next edition where I'll cover Disney Studios News! See ya real soon!
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