The D23 Expo Announcements this year featured Everything Coming to Disney Parks., Disney Cruise Line, New Disney Services, Disney+ and more. Here’s the round up of all the Big Disney Parks News from the weekend. We’ll be sharing details on everything coming and updating our 50th Anniversary post with details as they surface.
Everything Coming to Disney Parks
Changes for Every Park, the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary, Disney Cruise Line, Disney+ and so much more were announced at D23 this past year. Here’s the round up of the big news surrounding plans for the future with Disney.
50th Anniversary Logo and Theme
Taking a tip from the recent color tends of Purple Potion and Rose Gold, Disney has revealed a super sparkly, blue, purple and pink color scheme for the 50th Anniversary in 2021. Lots of glitter and shimmering colors are on the way. We can expect the start of the anniversary celebrations to begin in October 2020.
Magic Kingdom
The most significant changes in Magic Kingdom in time for the anniversary are in Tomorrowland. With changes in the overall look and feel a new Tomorrowland sign is on the way. The Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor wall has completed. And white tables at Cosmic Rays and updated elements across this area match the white and blues of the Tron Lightcycle Roller Coaster.
Tron Lightcycle Roller Coaster
By far Walt Disney World’s most ambitious ride project, this indoor/outdoor roller coaster will weave riders on a motorcycle throughout the Tomorrowland area of the park. Complete with special lighting effects and music.
Epcot
D23 announcements involving Epcot this year focused on the fact that all Disney Parks properties “have” to have more family friendly elements. With that comes a need for a strong integration of Disney characters, even where they may sometimes not make sense. The old Epcot as we know it is officially gone. Future World is transitioning into two new worlds; World Discovery ( technology) and World Nature ( natural world ). As part of Everything Coming to Disney Parks these Epcot changes will be the biggest we’ve seen at the park on a full scale. It will be interesting to see how the 2020 Closure of Walt Disney World affects these plans.
Upcoming plans show Epcot split into four sections. World Discovery, World Nature, World Celebration and World Showcase now separate the park. Each area is meant as a different representation of the human experience. From cultures, to nature to technology and experiences that connect us, Bob Chapek reminded up that Epcot is about creating a “World of Possibilities”. Here are the major additions to Epcot moving forward.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, France, World Showcase
Our favorite rat, Remy, from Ratatouille just happens to be underfoot in the kitchen and we’re along for the ride. Riders take the role of rat dodging all sorts of calamities that happen. Part of France in Epcot, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure joins Frozen Ever After in Norway and the Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico as the world Showcase’s most kid-friendly rides.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Roller Coaster, World Discovery
With everything coming to Disney Parks across the globe, how could we leave out anything Marvel Universe related! This indoor storytelling coaster launches riders into the galaxy to battle the bad guys and save the universe. Riders are launched into space backwards and can turn their car 360 degrees to be part of the story, soaring through space.
Mary Poppins Attraction, U.K., World Showcase
A new Mary Poppins attraction in the UK section of the World Showcase brings guests into the world of Cherry Tree Lane. This new neighborhood will give guests a glimpse into the world of Mary Poppins. We don’t know details on this one yet. Indefinitely delayed or cancelled.
Moana’s Journey of Water, World Nature
This whole new water-focused interactive experience includes waterfalls, sounds, and light that connect guests to the natural environment. Both visual and sound effects in this area are tied closely to Moana’s story.
Harmonious
Harmonious is the brand new evening digital show set to replace Epcot Forever by the end of 2020. With a focus on music from around the world this show incorporates lights, fireworks and special effects never before seen!
Interactive Play Pavilion
The Interactive Play Pavilion offers guests the opportunity to arrive in a digital world and interact with games, spaces and characters.
Spaceship Earth Renovation
The Spaceship Earth renovation project could take up to 2 years to complete and therefore has been scrapped as a result of the 2020 closure. While some much loved exhibits within the ride may stay intact, riders will now be taken on a journey through history with a little bit of Disney Magic. Following the “Story Light” the new experience will capture humanities journey through the past and present. Indefinitely delayed or cancelled.
Space 220 Restaurant
The Space 220 Restaurant headed to the World Discovery area offers out of this world dining with outer space views that help guests feel as if they are on a spaceship sailing through the galaxy. Located in Future world Epcot near Mission Space, this restaurant is slated to open late 2020 or early 2021.
New 360 CircleVision Films
Epcot is updating film offerings ahead of the 50th Anniversary. Found in The Land building, Awesome Planet will highlight all the wonders of Planet Earth replacing Circle of Life. Over in World Showcase two new films will replace those in China and Canada by the time Festival of the Arts arrives in 2020. Wondrous China replaces Reflections of China with an updated new look at China today, and Canada Far and Wide is set to replace the previous O’ Canada show featuring Martin Short.
Beauty and the Beast Sing Along
The new Beauty and the Beast Sing Along is added to the offerings in Epcot France. A cartoon video with LeFou in the lead role of telling the tale as old time. A good break for the kids.
French Creperie
A new authentic Creperie is planned to arrive in the newly renovated France offering crepes with a variety of sweet and savory options.
Hollywood Studios
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is open now in the Chinese Theater, this new ride follows Mickey and Minnie headed to a picnic, just in time for everything to go awry. This train ride experience is in 2-1/2D and features whistle sounds from the classic Steamboat Willie whistle.
Mickey Shorts Theater
A new theater showing Mickey shorts throughout the day. The perfect break from the heat or rain. This little theater has all the character of the Emmy Award winning shorts and a Potatoland Photo Op! We loved this indoor experience as a nice break from the parks. Read our review of this theater and how you can get ready to go on vacation with Mickey!
Walt Disney World Resorts
Galactic Starcruiser Star Wars Hotel
This new Star Wars hotel offers a unique 2 nights or more vacation experience on a Halcyon Galactic Starcruiser ship. Combining luxury accommodations with views to the galaxy and Star Wars characters strewn throughout the resort, this completely immersive Star Wars experience is booking soon, but official dates of opening are not yet announced.
Disney’s Lakeside Resort, Reflections
Nestled in the woods by the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, Disney’s Reflections: A Lakeside Resort will help guests get away from it all, but still have boat access to Magic Kingdom for convenience. A brand new Princess and the Frog restaurant will also be part of this new property.
Disneyland Park
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will arrive in Disneyland ToonTown, taking over the space in the “El Capitoon” Theater.
Magic Happens Parade Spring 2020
Magic Happens will replace Soundsational Parade with Mickey and Minnie, and new floats featuring Moana and Coco among others.
California Adventure Park
Avengers Campus
The Avengers Campus will incorporate the already present Guardians of the Galaxy Breakout into a full Marvel inspired land. Adding the WEB Spiderman focused ride, Pym Test Kitchen restaurant, Dr. Strange area, and Meet and Greets with Ant Man, Wasp, and more. Check out the D23 video and post on this attraction.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line confirmed the purchase of Disney’s 2nd private island, joining Castaway Cay as a private port location for Disney Cruise Line travelers. Eleuthera, a Bahamian Island is known for it’s pink sand beaches and where Lighthouse Point will be situated.
Welcome the brand new 5th ship in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet, the Disney Wish. The Disney Wish features Rapunzel from Tangled on the front of the boat as the ships mascot. The Disney Wish will be ready for booking in January 2022, though we don’t know designated ports yet. Read everything we know about the Disney Wish.
Disney x Cirque de Soleil at Disney Springs
The Cirque de Soleil troupe has collaborated with Disney to bring to life Disney stories through their performance art. Drawn to Life is the telling the story of a girl and her father as they journey through worlds of animation, this show will be set to a familiar yet brand new score featuring elements from favorite Disney songs. Set to open at the Disney Springs tent. Read the post.
Disney x Target
Disney also announced a partnership with Target that will take the Disney shopping experience at Target to a whole new level. Similar to the Opalhouse or Harry Potter partnership this new experience will pull out even more Disney merchandise in it’s own section at Target stores. Launch is set for 25 stores across the country to start.
Disney Genie App Service
Still a little bit under wraps we haven’t heard any debut date for this yet but the Disney Genie app will offer guests the opportunity to set preferences that the app can filter into recommended fast passes, dining reservations, planning tips and more. While we don’t know what this looks like yet or how it will integrate with the My Disney Experience app we are interested to see what options the app offers when it comes to planning for different vacation lengths, family sizes, times of year and all those weird variables that sometimes makes the Disney Vacation planning process difficult
Disney D23 Parks and Resorts News
So there it is! All the news from D23 Expo 2019. Be sure to check out all the New Disney Movies and Disney+ Announcements from the D23Expo. As always Disney has a TON of stuff planned.
