The Disney Parks and Resorts Panel at the D23 Expo was full of exciting announcements about the Walt Disney World Resort including new attractions, new hotels, and even new transportation options.
First at Epcot, a brand new Ratatouille attraction is coming to the France Pavilion, expanding the pavilion’s size. The attraction will be similar to the 4D attraction at Disneyland Paris.
A new E-ticket attraction based on Guardians of the Galaxy is coming to Future World in Epcot. The new attraction will replace the Universe of Energy which will close on August 13. Also in Future World, a new space-themed restaurant will open adjacent to Mission:SPACE. The new restaurant will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group.
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it was announced that the Great Movie Ride will close forever on August 13 and will be replaced by the first Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This new attraction will be based on the Mickey Mouse Shorts which can be seen on Disney Channel.
The Star Wars-theme land at the Studios (and Disneyland) finally have an official name – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The new lands will open in 2019, first at Disneyland and then at the Studios. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will feature two new attractions, a cantina, and character interactions.
Not to be left out, a new Tron attraction is coming to the Magic Kingdom. The new attraction will be located in a new area next to Space Mountain and the ride will be like the Tron attraction at Shanghai Disneyland. This ride is slated to open by the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World in 2021.
Plans were also announced for a new Star Wars-themed resort at Walt Disney World. This new resort is part of the Disney 360 vacation concept. According to Disney this will be “a living adventure that allows guests to immerse themselves in an entirely new form of Disney storytelling.”
But wait, there’s more!
Disney World will also have two new transportation concepts: the Disney Skyliner gondola system that will connect Pop Century, Art of Animation, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and the new Minnie vehicles that will transport guests around the resort.
And finally (for now), Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open in the summer of 2018!
Keep an eye on DisZine as we have more D23 news to share.
