What a Weekend in the World of Disney!!
This past weekend of July 14-16th, the Anaheim Convention Center welcomed the Official Disney Fan Club Expo: D-23. The event, held bi-annually, offers Disney fans rare glimpses into what the company is planning. There were so many exciting announcements this year, that even the bloggers hadn't even been aware of. Here are some of the highlights that we're most excited about:
2. Tron Coaster -- A few days before the D23 Expo, there were rumblings across the interwebs regarding this new addition to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Originally believed to be a replacement for the tired Tomorrowland Speedway, we found out that a clone of Disney Shanghai Disneyland's Tron Lightcycle coaster will be filling in some space behind Space Mountain. It will be interesting to see how Disney's Imagineers incorporate the Walt Disney World Railroad, as the concept art seems to suggest that footprint for the new ride straddles the tracks.
3. Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway -- And speaking of trains, Disney's Hollywood Studios will finally pay homage to the mouse that made it all possible. Unfortunately, adding the new ride will require the annihilation of a fan-favorite since the park opened in 1989: The Great Movie Ride. I'm of mixed mind on this one, as I believe that the rooms and animatronics have needed refreshing for quite some time, but will surely miss the campy interactive "bandits" and, of course, the Munchkinland room (a favorite for private events) - with its spectacular Wicked Witch of the West. Hopefully, Disney will find something productive to do with these iconic pieces. The ride itself promises a "zany out-of-control adventure, which features surprising twists and turns, dazzling visual effects and mind-boggling transformations that happen before your very eyes." Thankfully, the Chinese Theater facade is slated to remain.
4. Toy Story Land -- Opening in Summer 2018 (that's right, next year!), is Toy Story Land. The ever-popular Toy Story Midway Mania, which required an addition of a third track due to it's popularity, has spawned the acquisition of the space originally allocated to the backlot tour at Hollywood Studios. The new land will feature two new attractions: Slinky Dog Dash - a family roller coaster; and Alien Swirling Saucers - featuring The Claw!
5. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge -- Star Wars fans will have to wait just a smidge longer for this themed, immersive experience, but from looking at the concept art, and the scale model - it appears it will be well worth the wait. The new land, which engulfs the area formerly known as the "Streets of America," as well as that of the "Lights, Motors, Action" attraction in the Studios is set to house "two signature attractions: on that lets guests take the controls of the Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance." Of course, it isn't all about rides, as the land itself, as well as experiences within the space, are designed to transport guests to a time and place like no other. Galaxy's Edge is scheduled to open some time in 2019.
6. Star Wars Immersive Resort Hotel -- And, fans with an inordinate amount of patience will be pleased to wait until more details emerge about a planned Star Wars themed immersive resort hotel, which is described as "a living adventure that allows guests to immerse themselves in an entirely new form of Disney storytelling." I'm saving my pennies for this one!
7. Disney Skyliner -- Ever since the construction plans were unearthed, fans and bloggers have been gossiping about this one: The Disney Skyliner gondola transportation system. Old-guard Walt Disney World fans still lament the removal of the Skyway, which once connected Tomorrowland with Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. There was much rejoicing over the prospect of a bus-free connection from Disney's Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Caribbean Beach (and DVC's planned Riviera) resorts to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot's International Gateway. Giving guests a birds-eye view as the travel, the system has the potential capacity to transport up to 5,000 persons per hour. As expected, the 8-passenger cars will sport snazzy Disney character wraps. 
8. Guardians of the Galaxy Ride -- Over at Epcot, long overdue changes are planned to replace the Ellen's Energy Adventure. I'm of mixed mind on this one, as the ride has always been a pleasant, air-conditioned respite from the tropical sun. I will also miss the dinosaurs. But, the message of the attraction is a bit worn for the post-millennial crowd, and Guardians is sure to breathe much needed action and adventure into "Future World." The announcement was a bit slim on details, and we can't wait to see more revealed in the coming months.
9. Ratatouille: The Adventure -- On the World Showcase side, there's an exciting attraction literally making its way from France - Ratatouille: The Adventure. The 4-D attraction will expand the France Pavilion and be similar to the ride currently enthralling visitors to Paris' Walt Disney Studios Park, where "guests will be able to shrink to Remy’s size and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s legendary Parisian restaurant."
10. THREE New DCL Ships -- The most surprising announcement at D23 was the revelation that Disney Cruise will not be adding two new cruise ships to the fleet as previously believed-- they will be adding THREE! While cruise enthusiasts were expecting the name of at least the first new ship - scheduled for 2021 delivery - to be revealed, Bob Chapek surprised fans with the promise of a third new ship, thereby nearly doubling the fleet by 2023! I can't wait to see where these ships will be deployed - here's to hoping one will hang out near New York!
So there you have it, the most exciting announcements to come out of the D23 Expo this year. Of course, this list is not exhaustive - as there was much, much more unveiled over the weekend. Tell us what you think: What are you most excited to see or experience in the coming years at Walt Disney World? Is there anything that you're not looking forward to, or would rather not see?
If you would like to begin planning a trip to experience any of these new enhancements to Walt Disney World, or if you'd like to visit the parks as they are just one more time, be sure to contact Second Star Travel.
Photo Credit and Copyright: The Walt Disney Company
Photo Credit and Copyright: The Walt Disney Company
