New Rides, Lands and More for Disney Parks Announced at D23
Tons of news came out of D23 regarding a new lineup of attractions at the Disney Parks around the world, and we are here to break them down.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek was the one to unveil over a dozen new attraction coming to the parks, and also revealed sneak peaks of some of the projects in development.
We already covered the detailed look at the new Star Wars lands, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. However, in addition to that, guests who visit Walt Disney World will have a chance to stay at a Star Wars-inspired themed resort.
Chapek said: “It’s unlike anything that exists today, from the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”
We are also getting our first Mickey-themed ride-through attraction at the Walt Disney World Resort.
The ride is inspired by the Mickey Shorts aired on the Disney Channel, and the people who take part in the show are going to partner with Disney Parks to make the attraction possible.
According to Disney Parks Blog you’ll “step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before.” The ride will feature a new story and theme song. Imagineer Kevin Rafferty said teams are coming up with technologies that turn your usual 2D cartoon into a “dimensional display of amazingness.”
In addition to that Mickey ride, guests will also enjoy a new Disney Skyliner and Minnie vehicles at the Disney World Resort.
The Disney Skyliner will connect various locations with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot, including Disney’s Art of Animation and Caribbean Beach resorts. The gondolas will feature famous Disney Characters.
As for the Minnie vehicles, they will take the guests anywhere they want at the Walt Disney World Resort, and will look like this:
A new Toy Story land has been talked about for a while now, and during the expo, Chapek announced that the land will open next summer.
Toy Story Land will feature two new themed attractions: Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw4QZFneoTo[/embedyt]
Speaking of a Pixar property, it was announced that a new Pixar Pier for Disney California Adventure park.
In 2018, Paradise Pier will feature a new Pixar-themed look, including some characters from movies like The Incredibles and Inside Out.
The permanent addition to the parks will open during a limited-time celebration at the Disneyland Resort that will feature fireworks and Pixar Play Parade (including Paint the Night parade).
Chapek also hinted at some new Marvel’s superheroes attractions joining the Guardians of the Galaxy in what would be an “immersive Super Hero universe at the park.”
Speaking of GotG, a new attraction inspired on the team will be added to Future World at Epcot, replacing the Universe of Energy attraction, which will close August 13, 2017.
Also at Epcot, a new Ratatouille-inspired attraction will be added to the France Pavilion in World Showcase. Guests will be able to run to safety with Remy in a “dazzling” adventure across a kitchen.
Both attractions will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
But that’s not all for Epcot. The theme park is getting a new space restaurant, which will takes guests into a dining experience that’s out of this world.
The restaurant will be located across the park’s Mission: SPACE attraction.
Here’s a first look at what the restaurant would look like:
Finally, we have a new Tron attraction coming to Magic Kingdom.
The attraction will be located in a new area next to the Space Mountain attraction. Chapek said that the attraction is set to open in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021.
Learn more about these attractions on the Disney Parks Blog website.
TBT: Captain EO
Do you remember Captain EO?
Captain EO was a 3-D film that debuted on September 12, 1986 at the Epcot Center theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort and September 18, 1986 at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Captain EO was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, executive-produced by George Lucas and stars Michael Jackson.
The 3-D film boasted high-tech (for its time) special effects that extended into the audience. The effects were lasers, laser impacts, smoke effects and starfields that filled the theater. Captain EO included two songs (“We Are Here to Change the World” and “Another Part of Me”) performed by Michael Jackson.
Jackson starred as Captain EO. The film followed Captain EO and his ragtag crew as they delivered a special gift to a wicked alien queen known as the Supreme Leader. The Supreme Leader is played by Academy Award winning actress Anjelica Houston.
Captain EO closed at Epcot on July 6, 1994 and then on April 7, 1997 at Disneyland. The attraction re-opened at Disneyland on February 23, 2010 and returned to Epcot at Walt Disney World on July 2, 2010. The attraction was billed as “Captain EO Tribute” to distinguish it from its original 1986–1997 run.
Captain EO closed (for the second time) at Disneyland on July 4, 2014 and then on December 6, 2015 at Epcot.
Here is a peak back at yesterland:
TBT: Journey Into Imagination
Do you remember Journey Into Imagination?
Journey Into Imagination was an attraction at the Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World that opened on March 5, 1983. The 11-minute ride was a journey into the world of imagination led by the Dreamfinder and his Figment (a purple dragon created by the Dreamfinder’s imagination).
The ride introduced the Dreamfinder and Figment to theme park guests. The dynamic (and imaginative!) twosome had guests visit their Dreamport (where ideas and dreams are collected) and rooms that represent Art, Literature, the Performing Arts and Science. The ride became a fan favorite and featured the classic song “One Little Spark“.
Journey Into Imagination closed on October 10, 1998. The ride has since reopened in two different incarnations. A Figment-less version opened in October 1, 1999 and lasted until 2001. It then reopened on June 2, 2002 with Figment in a larger role.
Here is the original Journey Into Imagination: