Exciting New Additions Coming To Walt Disney World

There was a ton of exciting news that came out of the D23 Expo as Bob Chapeck hosted the Disney Parks & Resorts Panel today. While the press releases haven't yet hit the streets, I'm going to give you a quick recap of the news, before digging into the details in coming days. Just like our speculation post, we'll break it down by Park Let's Go!


The Walt Disney World Skyliner

It's true that Walt Disney World is gearing up for an amazing 50th Anniversary Celebration and there are plans for new and exciting in every corner of the property. The TRON Lightcycle Power Run was confirmed for Tomorrowland! Shanghai Disneyland's "highest rated attraction" will be speeding into a whole new spot adjacent to Space Mountain, open in time for the anniversary.

Also coming to the Magic Kingdom will be a brand new theater on a street "right off of Main Street USA." The building will be modeled after the Willis Theater in Kansas City circa 1920. Details of what type of show will be at the new attraction are still in development, but fans should expect news on this in the not too distant future.


New Magic Kingdom Theater

Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald, who worked on the original designs for Epcot, will be leading the Epcot project. WDW's second gate will be getting a HUGE upgrade before the 50th Anniversary, with great new attractions being added to both Future World and World Showcase. We had some of our speculation confirmed, and were also surprised by other news!

The Guardians of the Galaxy are coming to Epcot with a brand new E ticket attraction. A picture of the young Peter Quill visiting Epcot as a kid was show, and guests of the panel were told that the Guardians will epitomize the goals of Epcot while giving fans the true sense of WOW they have come to expect from Disney.

While nothing was mentioned, concept art shown during the panel of the re-imagined Future World seemed to show off a new nighttime spectacular that incorporated Disney's giant water screens, and dancing fountains, around the IllumiNations sphere.

The biggest surprise may have been the new attraction that we will get the soonest! Starting next month Mission Space will offer a brand new green! Spectacular film will give guests an orbital adventure around Earth. In addition - dining at Epcot is about to take off into the stratosphere as a new restaurant adjacent to mission space will allow you to travel high above the Earth with great meals and an even greater view. I can't wait!


Which Team Will You Choose?

Moving through the Park, exciting news is also coming to World Showcase the Imagineers will stay true to the core principles of Epcot's original vision to be "timeless, elegant, family, and Disney."

As we anticipated, Disneyland Paris' #1 attraction - Ratatouille: The Adventure will find a Florida home in a brand new section of the France Pavilion to be located beyond the Eiffel tower. Guests will be able to join the little chef on a grand adventure that is sure to be a hit.

Exciting news also came in the form of a brand new movie being shot for the China Pavilion. Disney, in the spirit of the movie innovation they are known for, will be using a brand new digital technology in creating a Digital Seamless Circle Vision.

While we did not get the announcement of a new land being added, Fitzgerald promised fans that this was just a glimpse at what would be coming to World Showcase.


Lush Gardens of the China Pavilion

We knew that Disney's Hollywood Studios would be getting lots of love in the coming years as concepts develop for Star Wars and Toy Story Lands. They announced that Star Wars Land at Disneyland in California would be opening before the Walt Disney World version. That being said, guests at the panel were treated to a peek at what is in store with the most immersive "land" ever, where what happens to you on attractions (such as the way your mission goes on the Millennium Falcon ride) will effect how cast members interact with you later in the day. Oh MagicBands - your real genius begins to shine through.

The Cantina will be a fun place to interact and trade goods, as the citizens of a diverse and eccentric galaxy converge. You may even find a little droid name Rex spinning his gears in a brand new job as the Cantina's DJ.

The most incredible news, and amazing new though, a Luxury Boutique Hotel where guests will be able to take a journey into the Star Wars Galaxy in a way that few people have even dreamed would be possible. The most experiential concept Disney has ever attempted to create, guests will blast off to live a fully immersive multi-day adventure. As the story unfolds around you, every moment will be touched by your unique story, guests can even dress in costume, something that adults aren't usually encouraged to do. I agree with Bob Chapek when he says "this feels like the start of something very, very big."


Disney reveals model of Star Wars lands

Also in Disney's Hollywood Studios, Mickey Mouse, the little fellow that launched a million dreams is getting a brand new attraction all of his own. Going into the space of the Great Movie Ride, this will be the very first Disney ride dedicated to the main mouse. Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway will put guests in 2 1/2 -D Space right into the world of animation with Mickey, Minnie, and the all the gang. The technology explores new space combining the new cartoon version of Mickey's world, and letting guests step inside. It was also mentioned that this attraction will have more Hidden Mickeys than any other attraction anywhere - they said you could "ride a zillion times and never find them all." Are you up for the hunt?

A fun video was shared for going over the Toy Story Land construction, but not much new news was released " except of course that this brand new land will be opening at Disney's Hollywood Studios in for Summer of 2018! That's less than a year away.


Toy Story Land Coming In 2018

A few other exciting projects were discussed as coming into play as the Walt Disney World Resort spruces up for the big 5-0. Even the famous Disney transportation system is getting an upgrade, including new point-to-point service with "Minnie Vans!" This red and white polka dotted fleet will be on demand, for a fee, to take guests anywhere they want on property.

High above it all though, the Walt Disney World Skyliner will give guests a birds eye view as they ride the extensive gondola system connecting Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, Pop Century & Art of Animation Resorts, and the Caribbean Beach Resort. The Skyliner will feature artwork showcasing the familiar family of Disney's characters.

Disney Vacation Club Members were excited to hear the announcement of the newest construction project - The DVC Riviera Resort that will feature rooftop dining with view of the nighttime spectaculars at both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.


Point To Point Transportation Minnie Vans

As soon as we get more official details on all of this exciting news at Walt Disney World Resort - we'll be sure to post it up and fill in the blanks!

What are you most excited about? Leave a comment and let us know!