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.
