D23 is finally upon us again. I'm opting for a wrap up video this time. I'm hoping covering it all at once will save some time. Until then though, we've got a small taste of what's coming Sunday through their “Imagining Tomorrow, Today" Parks Pavilion. Obviously there's progress on Tron & Mickey's Railroad form the last D23. Some new offerings have been thrown out there now. The biggest of which for me is details on upcoming changes to Epcot. With talk of it being split into “neighborhoods”, & the addition of a Moana attraction where guest will interact with living water. Can’t wait to see some details for this! Especially what the neighborhood thing means for Future World. They also unveiled the Halcyon. This us the name of the “starship” you will be staying in if you opt to stay the night at Galaxy's Edge in Hollywood Studios in the future. There's also a pretty bad ass model to go with. On top of all this Tony Stark has set up an expo to display Avengers Campus coming to California, Hong Kong, & Paris! I had first seen it in stills, but Disey Parks put out this video previewing the pavilion. Check it out for a small sample of the excitement to come. Can't wait to get into it! Definitely more to come. Check out the awesome pics below the video form D23 featuring g concept art for everything as well as a teaser of legacy & news things coming to Epcot.
"Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse" Now Has A Pricetag
D23 is celebrating Mickey's 90th birthday with Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse taking place at the Contemporary at Walt Disney World Resort, & now it officially has a price tag. D23 Gold members can get a ticket for the bargain price of $215 per person, or $1,300 if you're feeling VIP. There's a bunch of really cool stuff lined up, like exclusive stores, panels, & even a movie night. Most interesting to myself is a Mickey exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives, & a sneak peek of Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railroad attraction coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. As of right now, unless I'm telling real celebratey for one reason or another this pricetag is a little too steep for me. Sounds fun though, here's the details as they appeared from D23:
DETAILS
The event will take place November 17–18, 2018, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort.
Available to Gold and Gold Family Members
You will be required to show a photo ID. Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card.
Guests will have the opportunity to kick things off on Friday, November 16 with optional early check-in. Once checked in, Destination D guests can enjoy the following:
- Mickey’s of Glendale—The famed Walt Disney Imagineering store returns with a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, apparel, and collectibles themed to the event.
- Mickey Marketplace—For the first time ever, D23 is thrilled to debut a Mickey Marketplace inside Disney’s Contemporary Convention Center—exclusively available to Destination D attendees, a handful of retailers will offer limited Mickey-branded products.
- Walt Disney Archives—Access to an exclusive exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives celebrating Mickey Mouse.
Please note: These experiences will also be available on Saturday and Sunday during event hours.
Then, join us in the Fantastia Ballroom at Disney’s Contemporary Resort on Saturday and Sunday to discover fascinating details about Mickey’s imaginative past, adventurous present, and boundless future as Disney historians, cast members, Imagineers, and artists host exciting panels, presentations, and other fun-filled entertainment. From Mickey’s historic roles in animated films and television shows to merchandise, magic kingdoms, and beyond, get ready to explore the many wonderful worlds of Walt Disney’s most famous creation!
Highlights of the weekendwill include*:
- Presenters and panelists, including Legendary Disney Animator Mark Henn,Voice Actor Bret Iwan, Disney Legend Bill Farmer, Imagineers Jason Grandt, Wyatt Winter, and Alex Wright, Animator John Pomeroy, and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline—plus more to be announced.*
- A Mouse in Shorts: Animating Mickey Through the Years—From Steamboat Willie to Get a Horse!, Mickey’s epic film career has taken him on a journey that has endeared him to fans around the world. Join Disney animators and historians as they look back at the films that defined Mickey’s career, and peek behind-the-scenes of some of his most famous roles.
- Catching Up with Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway— Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019, the first ride-through Mickey Mouse attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will push the limits of immersion for the Disney experience. Join members of the Walt Disney Imagineering creative team for a sneak peek of the zany twists and turns of this upcoming groundbreaking attraction!
- Collecting Mickey, the True Original—From the first Mickey Mouse wristwatch to the collaborations of today, Mickey has always been in style. We wind the (Mickey Mouse) clock back to take a look at the toys, collectibles, and products that defined the mouse—and what his future has in store!
- Hidden Mickeys: Uncovering the Magic of Disney Storytelling—Chronicling some of the lesser known and “lost” adventures of everyone’s favorite mouse, Disney historians will guide guests through an exploration of rarely seen and unusual Mickey projects—including a few that never jumped off the page!
- Weird Disney: The Early Mickey Years—Fan-favorite “Weird Disney” returns with an all-new show, as the Walt Disney Archives reveals some of the wildest and wackiest Mickey moments, merchandise, and more! Included is a deep dive into Mickey’s past, featuring some of the most unique appearances, depictions, and pop-culture influences of our favorite mouse during Mickey’s runaway success in the 1930’s.
- Additionally, the weekend will feature exciting events, such as Mickey’s Animation Academy, where guests will learn to draw from master Disney animator Mark Henn, and 4 Artists Paint 1 Mouse, where four Disney artists embark upon an “Adventure in Art,” each interpreting Mickey in their individual style—live on stage!
- Mickey’s Movie Night—To wrap up a great weekend and celebrate Mickey’s birthday on the evening of Sunday, November 18, we’re throwing the ultimate Mickey movie pajama party— including a visit by Mickey himself! Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Mickey Mouse pajamas, grab a treat, sit back, and watch some of Mickey’s most iconic and rarest footage from the past 90 years!
All ticketed guests will receive access to the following D23-exclusive experiences:
- Guaranteed seats at all panels and presentations in the Fantasia Ballroom
- D23-exclusive Mickey’s Movie Night in honor of his 90th birthday on Sunday evening
- Access to Destination D-exclusive Mickey’s of Glendale pop-up shop
- Access to a handful exclusive retail shops in the Mickey Marketplace
- Access to the Mickey Mouse exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives
- A specialty gift created exclusively for the event
In addition, a limited number of Mouseketeer VIP tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. VIP guests will receive the above listed benefits, in addition to the following:
- Exclusive VIP dinner on Friday, November 16, inspired by Mickey Mouse
- Exclusive Mickey Birthday Breakfast with Disney luminary meet & greet at Disney’s Contemporary Resort the morning of his 90th birthday, November 18
- Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort during event hours
- Priority seating for all panels and presentations
- Early shopping access to Mickey’s of Glendale pop-up shop and Mickey Marketplace on Friday, November 16
- Early access to the Mickey Mouse exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives on Friday, November 16
- Additional specialty gift
- Dedicated VIP Destination D check-in location.
A limited number of specially priced rooms and theme park tickets will be available to D23 Members who purchase Destination D tickets. Further details will be included in the confirmation email.
All The Disney Park Announcements From D23 Expo Japan
While definitely not as big as last year's D23 Expo, this year in Japan we got some more on last year's developments, as well as some pretty significant new developments. Of course there's also plenty of concept art to go with. First of all, we now have a date for the opening of Pixar Pier. June 23, 2018 is the official date to visit the four new neighborhoods representing Pixar stories with newly themed attractions, food, merchandise, & the rebranding of the Incredicoaster. I wish I could make it over there for this. It sounds pretty amazing.
Speaking of Pixar Pier, there was also this awesome concept art for the new float to be joining the Paint the Night parade. It will feature characters from The Incredibles, showcasing their powers with high-tech, pop-art effects. I'm not one to get excited for a float but this one looks, well, incredible.
After that attention switched over to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. They revisited the Star Wars themed hotel that will join the land. Now we learned the hotel will be a luxury hotel that will not only feature a fully immersive adventure, but it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge letting the full immersion continue into the park. Speaking if the park they released some things to expect. The lands will feature a life size Millennium Falcon, as well as a full size fleet of X-Wings. Them there's the two attractions to be featured mentioned again. With the chance to fly the Falcon, & the ability to stand on a Star Destroyer in the middle of a First Order/Resistance battle.
After Star Wars, the attention was shifted to Marvel where we found out the new Guardians of the Galaxy themed coaster coming to Epcot will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world. Following that awesome revelation, Disneyland Paris was informed their Rock n Roller Coaster, a personal favorite of mine, will be getting a total reimagining where you'll now team up with Iron-Man & The Avengers. This is really cool, but if they follow suit in Hollywood Studios, I'll really miss the music of Aerosmith throughout the coaster.
Hong Kong will get in on the Marvel action as well. They already have the Iron-Man Experience, & now you will be able to team up with Ant-Man & The Wasp to fight Arnim Zola & a army of Hydra Swarm bots. That's all the details but this attraction got most of the cool concept art.
Last but definitely not least we get some concept art for one I'm really looking forward to. The first ever Mickey Mouse themed ride through attraction, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. Opening in Hollywood Studios in 2019 this will take place of one of my all-time favorites, The Great Movie Ride. This ride will zap us right in the middle of an original story, Mickey Mouse cartoon short.
Like I said, all in all not as amazing as last year's big reveals, but some awesome follow ups & concept art though. What do y'all think of these developments? Looks like 2019 is going to be a huge year. Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Celebrate Scallywags With "A Pirates Life For Me: Disney's Rascals, Scoundrels, Really Bad Eggs" Exibit At D23
This was really cool. It's some of the action from the D23 exhibit, A Pirates Life For Me: Disney's Rascals, Scoundrels, Really Bad Eggs. I love me some pirates, & not only do you get to see some behind the scenes, rarely shown stuff, you also get a look at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction located in Shanghai Disneyland. Which if you haven't seen is a real treat. It might be one of the most amazing rides I've ever witnessed, & I've only seen it in video form. I can't wait to actually ride it one day. Any fans of Pirates of the Caribbean should check this video out though, it's a neat little trip through Disney's Caribbean. Anyone been to Shanghai Disneyland & experienced this? Is it everything it looks? Let us know in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Parks & Resorts Sounds Like It Was The Real Highlight Of The D23 Expo
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts took the stage at Hall D23 with chairman Bob Chapek as host, & it blew everyone away. With news & rumor confirmations abound from everything from the Star Wars lands to the 50th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort in 2021 there's a lot about to be going on in the lands of mouse & they have concept art to prove it. That being said let's go over what we go coming:
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railroad: This one's fun. In an experience the Imagineers are calling 2 & 1/2 D (No Glasses), Walt's own Mickey Mouse will be getting his first attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Replacing The Great Movie Ride in the Chinese Theater, the most surprising thing about this announcement is this hasn't happened yet. This all started with this mouse, & as much as I'll miss The Movie Ride (a favorite of mine), it's about time. I hope this transition doesn't take too long.
Galaxy's Edge: What's this you ask? Well that just so happens to be the official name of the new Star Wars inspired lands. We also found out that they will set in a remote trading port on the edge of wild space. Chapek mentioned the scale of the attraction being unlike anything they've ever done, & judging from that model, I'd have to agree. Described as a living place where you might receive some "galactic credits", find yourself on a bounty hunter's list, pilot the Millenium Falcon, or find yourself inside the hangar bay of a Star Destroyer. Afterwards, you can hit up a cantina for some blue milk & some tunes from ex-Star Tours pilot droid Rex. This thing had me at Galaxy's Edge. I'm already in line for this one, I don't know if I can wait til 2019.
Star Wars Themed Resort: We talked about this awhile back & now it's going to become a reality. Upon arrival you will be thrust into the Star Wars galaxy in an immersive story all the way down to the clothes you wear. They say the story will touch every minute of the day, & end in a unique journey for everyone. Man, this thing sound pricey, but at the same time, sounds like it's worth every penny. This is the closest thing to Total Recall we're ever going to see.
Mission: SPACE: This EPCOT ride will not only be adding a new Green Mission that allows you to soar over Earth, but you will also be able to dine at a new restaurant adjacent to the attraction that also takes place outside the atmosphere. I expect the food to be truly out of this world. See what I did there? It's a space theme? Out of this world? Yeah? Really though, this sounds beyond cool. I'm usually not a sit-down restaurant kinda person at the Parks, but this might an experience worth checking out.
Ratatouille: Disney confirmed this rumor announcing the France Pavillion of EPCOT will be receiving this attraction. While being very similar to the ride at Disneyland Paris, I think this will be a welcome addition to the rideless side of the World Showcase. It'll give my kids something to look forward to as we traverse the world.
Guardians Of The Galaxy: Don't worry they're not taking away another Tower of Terror. This will seem to take the place of Ellen's Energy Adventure unfortunately though. This thing sounds friggin awesome. I like what they're doing though. Apparently, it was revealed that Peter Quill (Star-Lord) actually paid a visit to EPCOT as a young boy. This information will play a part in the adventure with roots in an EPCOT story. Using the park as part of the story is an epic decision that will just make the whole ordeal more immersive.
TRON Lightcycle Power Run: Magic Kingdom won't get left out of the 50th celebration either. The highest rated attraction of Shanghai Disneyland will be coming to an area near Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. So not only will the lightcyle rollercoster be coming, it sounds like the Tomorrowland Speedway might even be safe. This news is great, Tomorrowland needs something new.to keep it in the land of tomorrow.
Toy Story Land, Pixar Pier, & Haul-o-ween At Cars Land: Toy Story Land got an opening time next summer for Disney's Hollywood Studios, along with a really neat piece of concept art for the Slinky Dog Coaster. Meanwhile over on the other coast at Disney's California Adventure's pier becomes Pixar Pier. New name, new look. Starting next year, Pixar Fest will have a new fireworks show, special characters, & entertainment. At the same time, Pixar Play Parade will move to Disneyland, while Paint the Night will be moved to California Adventure with a new float. In addition to all this news this fall will feature a Halloween celebration in Cars Land. This stuff sounds so cool. I've never made it to the California Parks, but this is making an eventual trip a necessity.
Transportation: A couple of new ways to get around Disneyworld Resort were unveiled. One in the form of Minnie Vans. Minnie themed vehicles that will work very similar to Uber. The other a little more exciting in the form of the Disney Skyliner. A gondola system connecting Disney's Art of Animation, Pop Century, & Caribbean resorts, & other locations with Hollywood Studios & EPCOT. I have a feeling I will be riding these without reason when they go up. I love gondolas for some reason. Two new cruise ships were also announced, bringing Disney Cruise Line's fleet up to seven ships. If I had to guest this will mean bigger windows for Star Wars & Marvel Super Hero themed cruises. They might finally get me in the middle of the water after all.
Other Announcements: Also worth mentioning is an entertainment theater coming to Magic Kingdom based on the Willis Theater in 1920 Kansas City & Disney's Hotel New York, The Art of Marvel for Disneyland Paris, a reimagination of Disney's Hotel New York that will transport guests into the world of superheroes with art, costumes, & more. Speaking of Marvel Baby Groot came by to announce, "I am Groot." Meaning Spider-Man & the Avengers would be joining California Adventure for a new immersive super hero universe at the park.
