D23 ExpoBig plans were announced for Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts at the D23 Expo.  From new resorts, park expansions and Disney Cruise Line updates, it was so hard to keep track of it all.  Below is a summary of the big announcements that will impact Walt Disney World.    

1.  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Set to open in 2019 first at Disneyland and later that year in Walt Disney World, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge promises to be a fully immersive experience with 2 major attractions.   One attraction is reported to make you feel like your on a Star Destroyer, but I am MOST excited about the second – flying the Millennium Falcon!   The lands will give you an opportunity to dine at the cantina and see some of your favorite characters!

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">You're home. Get a glimpse of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StarWars?src=hash">#StarWars</a>: Galaxy's Edge. Coming to <a href="https://twitter.com/DisneyParks">@DisneyParks</a> in 2019. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/D23Expo?src=hash">#D23Expo</a> <a href="https://t.co/l3PfJDzLOK">pic.twitter.com/l3PfJDzLOK</a></p>— Star Wars (@starwars) <a href="https://twitter.com/starwars/status/886402594372853761">July 16, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

2.  Star Wars Resort at Walt Disney World

No opening date has been set, but this new resort is just what Star Wars fans have been looking for! According to Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, this will be a revolutionary new vacation experience.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Why stay in a Galaxy Far, Far Away? Our new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StarWars?src=hash">#StarWars</a>-themed Resort will have you right in the middle of the action! <a href="https://t.co/2UOB7vBcME">https://t.co/2UOB7vBcME</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ai2lyQxgmm">pic.twitter.com/Ai2lyQxgmm</a></p>— WDW Today (@WDWToday) <a href="https://twitter.com/WDWToday/status/886364998183923712">July 15, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

3.  Epcot Getting 2 New Attractions

Guardians of the Galaxy attraction will be added to Future World and will replace the Universe of Energy. A Ratatouille inspired attraction will be added to the France pavilion in World Showcase.   Guests will be “shrunk” to Remy’s size inside of Gusteau’s restaurant in this 4D experience, similar to the attraction in Paris. Specific opening dates have not been released for either attraction but they are scheduled to be open before Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Attractions inspired by Guardians of the Galaxy & Ratatouille are coming to Epcot! More: <a href="https://t.co/LA37kZBG4m">https://t.co/LA37kZBG4m</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/D23Expo?src=hash">#D23Expo</a> <a href="https://t.co/JICy5vKMxy">pic.twitter.com/JICy5vKMxy</a></p>— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) <a href="https://twitter.com/DisneyParks/status/886359426105528320">July 15, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

4.  Mickey Themed Ride

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! An attraction inspired by Mickey Shorts will put you inside the world of a Mickey cartoon! No opening date has been announced, but the Great Movie Ride will be closing to make way for this new adventure.

 

5.  TRON Is Coming To The Magic Kingdom

Being built next to Space Mountain, we can’t think of a better spot for this new attraction.   TRON Lightcycle Power Run is a coaster style attraction at Shanghai Disneyland and we can’t wait to see it here. No opening date has been announced, but it will be open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World.

 

6.  Space Dining At Epcot

Epcot is a great place to visit for dining reservations and will be even more appealing with the opening of a new themed restaurant! Sitting next to the Mission: Space attraction, guests will be dining in space – with views from high above Earth!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Adjacent to Mission: SPACE will be a new table service restaurant with great views! <a href="https://t.co/8ISQEa5aUl">https://t.co/8ISQEa5aUl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/D23Expo?src=hash">#D23Expo</a> <a href="https://t.co/pimY9c43m8">pic.twitter.com/pimY9c43m8</a></p>— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) <a href="https://twitter.com/DisneyParks/status/886360678851907585">July 15, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

7.  New Transportation Options and Disney Vacation Club Resort

Disney Skyliner gondolas will soon connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach Resorts to Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot. The gondolas will also connect Hollywood Studios and Epcot’s International Gateway to a new Disney Vacation Club Resort called Disney’s Riviera Resort.   New Minnie themed vehicles will offer point-to-point transportation options for guests. Rumored to be something of an Uber type service, it could be a great way to avoid the buses. No costs or opening times have been released.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We're excited to roll out in style in Minnie Vans with easy access to all areas of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WaltDisneyWorld?src=hash">#WaltDisneyWorld</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/D23Expo?src=hash">#D23Expo</a> <a href="https://t.co/vw9aUCXAsy">https://t.co/vw9aUCXAsy</a> <a href="https://t.co/0X9LG2OYzH">pic.twitter.com/0X9LG2OYzH</a></p>— WDW Today (@WDWToday) <a href="https://twitter.com/WDWToday/status/886365451000983553">July 15, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

8.  A New Theatre At Magic Kingdom

Main Street U.S.A will have a new theatre based on a 1920’s theatre from Kansas City where Walt Disney lived when he left Marceline.   With the success of shows like Frozen Live at the Hyperion in Disneyland, this is sure to be a great addition!

 

9.  Toy Story Land

During the summer of 2018, Toy Story Land will open at Hollywood Studios! This new land will let guests explore Andy’s backyard with all of their favorite Toy Story characters.   Along with the exploration there will be 2 new themed attractions. The Slinky Dog Dash will be a family coaster while the Alien Swirling Saucers will have aliens trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle with The Claw! How exciting does this sound??

 

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Outside of Walt Disney World

  • Disney Cruise Line Expansion

Disney Cruise Line announced last year that they were building two new ships. At the D23 Expo it was revealed that there is a third new ship coming!

  • California Adventure Park Super Heroes

Spider-Man and the Avengers will join guardians of the Galaxy at Disney California Adventure Park. More details on this to come!

  • Pixar Pier

More updates for Disney California Adventure Park include a new look for Paradise Pier by creating neighborhoods filled with stories from some of your favorite Pixar movies. This permanent addition will open during a limited time celebration in 2018. The very popular Paint The Night parade will return, but this time to Disney California Adventure park!

  • Disneyland Paris Marvel Characters

Disney’s Hotel New York will be updated to include Marvel theming! Who doesn’t want to stay in a resort that reflects the worlds of The Avengers, Spider Man and Iron Man?

Which update are you most excited about?  Let us know in the comments!

 

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