With the D23 Disney World fan convention over, we are now left waiting anxiously for so many of the exciting updates, new attractions, shows, restaurants, and more that were discussed at the convention.
Disney World was discussed a lot at the convention. With the upcoming 50th anniversary at the park, you can expect some huge changes. Here are all of the Disney World park updates discussed at August 2019's D23 convention.
Star Wars: A Galactic Star Cruiser
A Star Wars Hotel is coming to Disney World, and we have more details on what to expect.
This hotel will be more than just a Disney Resort. It will be an immersive experience in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and will be seamlessly connected to the land.
The hotel, called Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be a 2 night adventure on board this Star Ship. And the resort will literally be a Star Ship with a bridge, cabins, a turbolift... you get the idea.
You will board and depart together (like a cruise ship) but everything from dining to unique activities are part of a unique story for and your group. You will interact with alien crew and become part of the action around you. The choices you make affect your journey, and changes how your Star Wars story unfolds.
When you check in, you will head to a launch pod where you take off and connect with the Helsyan. Every window on the ship has a view out in to space (including your cabin window). You will meet new characters as well as classic characters.
You'll have a "port day" at Black Spire Outpost in Batuu (Star Wars land in Hollywood Studios) during your trip.
You might be wondering what you'll do on this ship for your 2 days and nights. Aside from unique food and character experiences, both kids and grown ups can face off with a training remote while wielding a lightsaber (like Luke Skywalker when he was learning the force). You can also visit the bridge and learn about navigation and defense and even try your hand at operating them. And your defense skills might just come in handy on your adventure.
There are no confirmed opening dates or prices yet, but construction for this hotel is already underway.
Stay tuned for more details on this new resort as they become available.
Epcot Transformation
Epcot really stole the show at the D23 convention. This park is being almost completely reimagined. There are several changes that include new attractions, shows, restaurants, and even a new logo. Here are details on all of the changes coming to Epcot:
New Logo
Epcot has gone back to its roots in many ways. The first is the Logo for the park. The new Epcot logo brings us back to the original logo of the park.
Epcot Nighttime Spectacular
Epcot Forever is the new nighttime show that will debut in October. But this is just the opening act for the bigger and newer nighttime spectacular that uses Disney music and storytelling to bring people together.
The new permanent show at Epcot will be called Harmonious. This will be the largest nighttime spectacular in Disney's history. This show will debut in Summer 2020 in Showcase Lagoon.
New Park Neighborhoods
Epcot will no longer be broken in to two sections (The World Showcase and Future World). Now the park will be broken in to four neighborhoods. World Showcase will continue to celebrate food, architecture, and traditions around the World. But Future World will be replaced with 3 neighborhoods:
- World Nature
- World Discovery
- World Celebration
Here is what you can expect in each of these neighborhoods:
World Nature
This land looks to help guests Preserve and understand the balance of the World. The new land pavilion film Awesome Planet will welcome guests January 2020.Journey of Water featuring Moana will also be coming to World Nature, but we do not yet have an opening date. Here you’ll learn all about the importance of the water cycle in this walk through attraction, and this will be the first ever attraction featuring the popular Moana character.
World Discovery
This is where you will find the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride, called Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind.
This neighborhood will also feature the Mission Space Pavilion, which will be expanded with a brand new restaurant. When you dine at this restaurant you'll board an elevator to a space station. You'll dine taking in the views of the station (including Earth hundreds of miles below). The restaurant will be called Space 220 Restaurant. The restaurant will open this winter.
Lastly, this neighborhood will feature the new Play Pavilion. This area will be an interactive city connecting you with friends, family, and some of your favorite characters. You can work with Edna Mode to rid the World of uninspired style. Or have a water balloon fight the ducks of Duck Tails, and so much more. This are will be open in time for the 50th anniversary.
World Celebration
This is at the entrance of the park, and where we will see some of the biggest changes. Epcot's original fountain design returns along with greenery to welcome you to the entrance.
Spaceship Earth will still feature great moments in history, but focus more on storytelling. A new character called Story Light will be your narrator through the ride telling the story with beauty. A newly designed exit space will be built that looks out at the park called Dreamers Point, and will feature a new Statue of Walt Disney.
A new pavilion in World Celebration will be home base for the Festivals of Epcot. It will offer a beautiful view of the World Showcase and the nighttime spectacular. This pavilion will consist of 3 levels and will have one of the most remarkable designs at any Disney park.
World Showcase
The World Showcase will remain, but is getting new rides, attractions, and food options.
The China Pavilion is getting a new circle presentation. It will be shown in a seamless digital 3d format and will be called Wondrous China. Also, Canada's new show will debut in Jan 2020. It will feature new scenes and a new story
France Pavilion theater will have a double feature. Impressions De France and a new Beauty and the Beast sing a long. The new film will debut Jan 2020. Also Remy of Ratatouille Remy's ratatouille Adventure in a brand new adventure. You'll shrink down to his size and race through a French kitchen. This will be open summer 2020. Lastly, look out for a new restaurant coming to France called Creperie de Paris coming 2020.
The biggest news for the World Showcase is the addition of Mary Poppins to the park. Mary Poppins is coming to the United Kingdom Pavilion, and will be the first Mary Poppins attraction in any theme park. Cherry Tree Lane will join the pavilion as a brand new pavilion. You'll walk past Admiral Booms home and to Number 17, where your adventure begins. No specific details or dates just yet.
Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway at Hollywood Studios
As we get closer to the opening of the new ride Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, we were finally able to see new artwork for the home of this new ride.
The ride will be housed in the Chinese Theater at Hollywood Studios, and as you can see in the photo above, the new theming reflects the upcoming ride featuring Mickey Mouse.
Disney Genie
A new digital offering called Disney Genie is coming to Disney World.
This new offering will help guests plan their trips by putting together customized itineraries for you and your family.
Whether you are fans of Princess, foodies, or thrill seekers, Disney Genie can help you plan your Disney vacation.
According to Disney, this new app will allow you to tell Disney Genie what you want to do, and it then helps you to come up with a personalized itinerary, as well as helps you with the planning process. It will send real time tips and updates. It will also cut down on the need to plan things far in advance. Genie can even help you plan FastPass, reservations, and more.
No word if this will be an extension of My Disney Experience or it's own app, or if this new offering will be complimentary or have an additional fee. You can expect this to debut late 2020.
Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge
Reflections a Lakeside Lodge will be a brand new resort hotel and DVC resort. This resort will be a country lodge reimagined by Disney Imagineers. The theming being nature filled with art and artistry. You'll find special and unique accommodations like A-frame houses and treehouse suites. You will also find Disney nature based story inspired characters. One example of this is the new table service restaurant you'll find at the resort that is inspired by The Princess and the Frog. This is sure to be one of the most unique resorts at Disney World.
TRON Lightcycle Run
At Magic Kingdom, the much anticipatedTRON attraction finally has a name. It will be calledTRON Lightcycle Run. This attraction will allow riders to ride a two-wheeled Lightcycle. They'll be right inside TRON's high tech universe.
Cirque du Soleil
For the first time Walt Disney Imagineers and Disney Studios have joined forces with Cirque du Soleil to come up with a brand new Cirque show. This show will combine Disney storytelling with the amazing Cirque du Soleil artistry and showmanship. Previews for the show will begin on March 20, 2020 The show will officially open on April 17. You can buy tickets on Disney's website now.
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