The numerous new Disney Parks announcements from this week’s D23 Expo have fans incredibly excited. When will you be booking your next Disney trip?
Disney Parks announcements make Disney fans giddy with excitement. During the recent D23 Expo, Disney announced numerous updates to the delight of both theme park enthusiasts and Disney fans. From Star Wars details to the huge undertakings at Epcot, Walt Disney World will have the Disney magic working overtime to get all these new offerings completed.
Here are the highlights from this week’s Disney announcements.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
While everyone knew that the Millennium Falcon ride was going to be a highlight of this immersive Star Wars themed land, the name of that ride has been revealed: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. A short video shows what fans can expect on this ride.
Although the video shows only two riders, it has been previously revealed more people will be in each ride experience. Looking at how riders push buttons and maneuver levels, it will be curious how responsive each of those devices are to the storyline and the results. Could ultimate fans ride over and over to uncover a hack to get the best possible ride experience?
Additionally, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will focus will be battles between the First Order and the Resistance, with one storyline featuring a battle against Kylo Ren. It is good to see that newer Star Wars characters will be featured in this realm — although a nod to some of the female characters would be appreciated.
Keeping with the authenticity, the Galaxy’s Edge will have specially themed music by Academy Award-winning composer John Williams. The music is all new, so it will be curious to see if will also be streamed through Disney services or available to fans in some way.
More than just the fully immersive theme park experience, the Disney Parks announcements included a few more details regarding the Star Wars resort. Guests will board a luxury starship for their multi-day voyage. The curious item about this announcement is that it states multi-day. Does that mean guests must spend multiple nights at the resort? Would a single night stay not be allowed?
While the Star Wars resort will surely offer the most authentic Star Wars experience, it will be curious to see if this resort is only open to the resort guests. Although many people would probably jump at the opportunity to dine at this hotel, Disney could limit the access, especially when the resort first opens.
As excitement continues to build for this epic expansion, Disney will continue to provide details to increase fans’ excitement. Some details, like costs and access to the theme park areas for all guests, aren’t quite clear yet.
Wonderful World of Animation. Photo Credit: Disney
Mickey Mouse is 90!
This past weekend was Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday. Since that milestone deserves more than a single day celebration, Disney Parks will celebrate throughout Mickey’s 90th year. The True Original is celebrating all across Walt Disney World.
While many people will be focusing on the Star Wars addition, Hollywood Studios is also getting the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Located in the front of the park, this ride looks to be a technological advancement bring cartoon drawings to life.
This new ride is slated to open in fall of 2019. It is quite curious that this ride will open around the same time as Galaxy’s Edge. The potential for huge crowds at Hollywood Studios in the fall could be quite high. Annual passholders might be wondering if access to this theme park will be limited to them.
Additionally, Mickey will be celebrated at Magic Kingdom. New merchandise, food offerings and entertainment have been added. The new Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration begins at Magic Kingdom on January 18.
Epcot Forever nighttime show. Photo Credit: Disney
Epcot
While Epcot can seem more like an adult destination, the theme park is looking to have a more family inclusive feel. Following the revealed details of the Guardians of the Galaxy ride, Epcot looks to leverage popular animator characters and nostalgia to bring in a wider audience.
The France pavilion will be getting a huge upgrade. In addition to the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live action Beauty and the Beast films, have created a Beauty and the Beast sing-along. This experience should be fun for all ages.
Lastly, Illuminations is getting a huge revamp. With the current version saying goodbye next year, Epcot Forever will give fans a trip down memory lane. This limited edition show will feature fireworks, lights, music and lasers.
In 2020, an entirely new, innovative nighttime spectacular will come to Epcot. Although the show’s name wasn’t announced, the show is described as inspiration. The show “will celebrate how Disney music can inspire people from around the world, featuring massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics and lasers.” Epcot’s lake offers the theme park a huge stage to create a visually impressive nighttime show.
Other Disney news
In addition to the Star Wars, Mickey Mouse and Epcot news, Disney Parks announced additional hotels, a new nighttime experience at Hollywood Studios and Mickey celebrations at Disneyland and on Disney Cruise line.
Did these new Disney Parks announcements have you thinking about booking a Disney trip? Or, should the better question be how many days will you be spending at a Disney theme park next year?