D23 Expo, the Ultimate Disney Fan Event, was held in Anaheim, CA July 14-16, 2017. During this bi-annual event Disney unveils the most exciting new about what’s coming to Disney Parks in the not-too-distant future. As always, this year’s event didn’t disappoint in the news department. In case you missed the hubbub on social media surrounding these announcements, I thought I’d give you a quick overview of what we have to look forward to in the next few years.
Minnie Van Service
photo courtesy of Disney David Roark, photographer
Starting later this month at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, the Minnie Van service is a whimsical, point-to-point transportation service that will help guests get around Walt Disney World Resort in a jiffy. Guests can order their own private Disney vehicle right from their smartphone and a Disney Cast Member will drive them wherever they want to go around Walt Disney World Resort Resort. Reports say that this service is a $20 flat fee for up to 8 guests. This would be a great option for guests needing to get to a dining reservation!
Toy Story Land
photo courtesy of Disney
While we have known that Toy Story Land is in the works at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, we didn’t have an opening date. We still don’t have a specific date but we do know it will open in the summer of 2018! This new land will include two new attractions Slinky Dog Dash, a family coaster, and Alien Swirling Saucers.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
photo courtesy of Disney
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be replacing The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This will be the first ever Mickey Mouse themed ride through attraction. It is being created in what Disney is calling 2 1/2 D No Glasses Required. On Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you’ll step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before. The attraction will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you’re the star and anything can happen. This zany out-of-control adventure features surprising twists and turns, dazzling visual effects and mind-boggling transformations that happen before your very eyes.
While I enjoy The Great Movie Ride, it doesn’t fit in with the new vision for this park so I guess it is time to let it go. The Great Movie Ride is the last original, opening day attraction from the then Disney MGM Studios. The last ride will take place August 13, 2017.
Star Wars Land
The area that has been affectionately called Star Wars Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland now has a name and an opening year. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open sometime in 2019, with Disneyland opening first and Disney World opening later that year. Check out this video of this new out of this world land.
This new land will include 2 new attractions, meet and greets, merchandise locations and the Cantina.
Other D23 Announcements
Other exciting announcements from D23 include:
- A new Space themed restaurant in Epcot.
- Guardians of the Galaxy E-Ticket attraction replacing Ellen’s Energy Adventure in Epcot.
- A Ratatouille attraction coming to France in Epcot.
- A Star Wars themed hotel.
- A new theater on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom.
- A Tron themed attraction in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom.
- A new DVC resort-Disney Riviera Resort
- Disney Skyliner Transportation System at Walt Disney World
What we still don’t know…What will the new name of Disney’s Hollywood Studios be? What new country will be added to Epcot’s World Showcase and when will it open? If you have ideas, please share them in the comments/
Which announcements have you the most excited? For me it is the Tron attraction, Toy Story Land, the Ratatouille attraction, and the Space restaurant. If you are ready to plan your 2017 or 2018 Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation just Email Me and we can get started.
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