Big Global Park Announcements Followed by Stunning Post D23 News on Frontierland
With a full orchestra, and a grand and colorful stage, the arena was set for announcements at this year’s D23 presentation and spectacle. We’re here to share that information and give insight to these new announcements that share what’s happening in Disney Parks, Resorts and Cruise Line globally. Josh D’ Amaro led this event, noting from the start that “nothing was blue sky” and that everything shared was in development. The theme was Horizons and the opening number underscored not only the legendary Epcot attraction, but what was ahead for The Walt Disney Company. And then, as an afterthought, a huge, unbelievable announcement was made Post D23 changing the entire Frontierland experience. Join us for very big Park announcements and Disney Insights from D23.
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Setup for D23
“I know you’ve all been hungry for something besides Blue Sky,” Bruce Vaughn, head of Walt Disney Imagineering noted when unveiling the pavilion during a media event ahead of the 2024 D23 Expo. “Blue Sky is great, but this year’s future projects are all about putting shovels in the soil.”
How well did they deliver? Impressive, until Monday morning. We’ll cover that at the end.
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary
John Stamos, who sang and noted that he has the Disneyland sign in his backyard announced Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. The celebration has a beautiful logo. What the celebration holds is still uncertain. Disneyland cast members kicked off anniversary preparations with a “Road to the 70th” backstage party on July 17 — the park’s 69th birthday. But nothing more than the logo was really presented.
Disneyland Forward
Curiously, nothing was stated about Disneyland Forward, per se. Though some projects will definitely benefit from it, it was not alluded to, particularly as it relates to these events that need to occur next:
- 17,000 Eastern Parking Structure
- Pedestrian Bridges over Harbor Boulevard
- New restructuring of security & Promenade entry
- Revised Promenade
- Changes in Disney Hotel Parking
- New Road Work on West Street
Disneyland Park
Walt Disney Comes to Disneyland Main Street Opera House
As Walt Disney once said, “When we consider a new project, we really study it—not just the surface idea, but everything about it. And when we go into that new project, we believe in it all the way. We have confidence in our ability to do it right. And we work hard to do the best possible job.”
On stage during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro gave a small glimpse of a fitting tribute coming to Disneyland. For the first time ever, when it debuts in 2025, you’ll actually be able to see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology in “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.”
Walt Disney Imagineering’s first Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney is being created for this very special experience. “I speak for our entire team when I say there is so much pride and excitement for everyone involved in this endeavor,” Josh told the crowd.
The past, present and future are coming together, giving visitors the chance to imagine what it would be like to stop by Walt’s office. Who knows what he might be dreaming up inside? Only time will tell with Walt.
“Walt Disney – A Magical Life”
This will debut inside the Main Street Opera House, and after its initial run, the attraction will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” A fitting acknowledgement of Walt’s significant advances with Audio-Animatronics about 60 years ago when he first introduced the groundbreaking technology.
“Creating our first Walt figure is a huge responsibility, and we’ve brought members of the Disney family along with us for every step of the journey,” Josh continued on stage. “His great-nephew, Roy P. Disney, visited the Imagineering campus recently to see our progress.”
The thought is this is happening in time for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. It will play alternately with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and will utilize a turntable on the stage to make both presentations. Is it audacious? Yes, but it was audacious that Walt created an audio-animatronic of Abraham Lincoln. I’m confident this will be solid.
Tiana & Bayou Country
It was announced that this attraction will open on November 15th.
“In addition to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Bayou Country will be the home to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, as well as the newly reimagined Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, which has one of the most scenic dining areas in all of Disneyland park. And don’t forget to grab your favorite merchandise from Ray’s Berets, and Louis’ Critter Club, and sweet treats from Pooh Corner. While some areas may open earlier, we look forward to welcoming you officially to Bayou Country when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens on Nov. 15, which “brings folks from all walks of life together”, as Princess Tiana’s father would say.”
Other Disneyland Park news
Daniel Jue, just posted on LinkedIn that he is now the Portfolio Creative Executive for the Disneyland Resort.
Star Wars Droids were shown during the expo. They have been out and about at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. A bigger announcement was made at the expo about Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. We’ll share that in the Disney’s Hollywood Section.
Disney California Adventure
Much bigger news came for Disney California Adventure.
Pandora: World of Avatar
“Pandora—The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is coming to Disney California Adventure draws inspiration from “Avatar: The Way of Water” and upcoming Avatar films to bring Pandora to life in a brand-new way.
“Ali Rubenstein, executive of global management for Disney Imagineering joined Josh on stage to dive deeper into the new space including how “guests will go on the adventure of a lifetime in search of majestic natural wonders that can only be found on Pandora and the beauty – and danger – that come along with the journey. This new and thrilling excursion will bring all the action, excitement, and wonder of Avatar, taking guests all the way to the wide-open seas of Pandora.”
They talk about the possibility of losing your way as you move along the river. The boats are reed-like, but look a lot like the Shanghai Pirate “omnimover style” boats. With the enormous scale, that probably is the best example of what this might be.
Clearly this will not be your cousin’s Nav’i River Journey. Indeed, they separate the two attractions completely.
Coco Boat Ride
A Coco Boat Ride will be coming to Disney California Adventure as well. It does not have a name yet.
“Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro took the stage to reveal that an all-new attraction themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco” is coming to Disney California Adventure in the future.
“The attraction will be filled with the characters — and music! — you know and love from the beloved movie, as you join Miguel on a trip to the land of the dead. This marks the first-ever “Coco” ride in a Disney park!
“Walt Disney Imagineering will draw inspiration for the attraction from beloved classics, like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. “We’re bringing our skeletal cast of characters to life in a big way through the latest Audio-Animatronics technology,” Josh told the crowd. “These figures will appear in ways you’ll have to see to believe.”
“Get ready to celebrate everything you know and love about the movie, and music, with work beginning on the attraction in 2026!”
It’s difficult to know where the location of these attractions, Coco and Avatar will be inside DCA. It might be part of the Disneyland Forward extension that goes beyond the borders and over to the resort side.
Why is it here, and not WDW? Please know that this film with its Mexican roots resonate with a large Mexican-American audience in California. They celebrate Mexican holidays that are not commemorated in Walt Disney World or elsewhere. It makes sense.
Avengers Infinity Defense
“The size of Avengers Campus at Disneyland will double with not one but two brand new attractions to suit up and fight alongside some of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Construction on this expansion will begin next year.
“Get ready for a multi-world adventure experience with Avengers Infinity Defense. Technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing, and King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc everywhere. Recruits will travel to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City alongside the likes of big, and small, heroes. You also just might find yourself face-to-face with King Thanos, too.”
Stark Flight Lab
“If you’re up for another mission, Tony Stark has one for you. And you know Tony, he always wants to try something new and exciting, and it’s going to make you feel like a Super Hero yourself. With the just announced Stark Flight Lab, you’re going to sit in two-person pods and deploy to a test station. Then a robot arm grabs your pod and starts whirling you around in a simulated flight.
“And, a familiar face will join you at the Stark Flight Lab — Mr. Stark himself. Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Tony Stark for the attraction.”
While this attraction will “double” the size of the entire land, it will largely be taken up by show buildings for the Avengers Affinity Defense. These two new attractions straddle next each other as you study the images.
For those who remember the Sum of All Thrills at Epcot, this is very much the same technology. It is also the same technology used in the Forbidden Journey Harry Potter attraction at Universal. Still, the look and feel seems very right for an Avengers Campus.
Tokyo Disneyland Resort
Tokyo Disneyland
Reach for the Stars
“If you’re hoping for more new spectaculars around the world, you’re in luck! The new nighttime spectacular “Reach for the Stars” debuts at Tokyo Disneyland on September 20.
This was the only Tokyo mention thought many things are still going on at Tokyo Disney Resort. The new Wreck It Ralph Attraction or Space Mountain were not mentioned.
Shanghai Disneyland Resort
New Resort Hotel Adjacent to Shanghai Disneyland Resort
This was not mentioned, but is an example of other projects going on that didn’t fit the itinerary of the week.
New Spiderman Roller Coaster
“An all-new Spider-Man thrill attraction is coming to Shanghai Disneyland! Peter Parker has gotten himself — and us — in a bit of a tight spot. We’re going to follow HIM – at very high speeds – to get us out of trouble.”
The attraction is a serious coaster with a starting point that has a thematic look and feel similar to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. But the ride vehicles seem very standard looking.” As mentioned last week, what seems weird is how it seems to be a one off experience, not a land, but a separate more Tomorrowland style experience that is to be located on the other side of the park between Zootopia and Pirates.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
“Expanding Stark Expo, there’s an all-new attraction coming to Hong Kong Disneyland. Tony Stark has invited his friend, and new Stark Industries intern, Peter Parker to showcase some new inventions, but unfortunately, that also means this has also caught the attention of one of Spidey’s most formidable villains. While trying to help Spider-Man protect the new tech, guests caught in the middle of the action!”
We see in the view of this a tug of war between Spiderman and Otto Octavius, or Doc Ock. It’s difficult to figure out what is the ride vehicle for this, but you get an inverted face down Tower of Terror. Definitely more to come.
20th Anniversary
This is their 20th anniversary, so it’s expected that there will be a big celebration. No discussion was mentioned.
Disneyland Paris Resort
Disneyland Paris
New Nightime Spectacular
“Coming in January 2025, Disneyland Paris will also unveil its own new nighttime spectacular with timeless songs from Disney and Pixar. This moving journey will be told through projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle and – for the first time – down Main Street.”
Disney Adventure World
World Premiere Through Adventure Bay
Nothing was mentioned as additional insight for much of the construction that has overtaken this park. But a model was shown that highlighted many of the additions from World Premiere to Disney Adventure. You can see changes to landscaping, plus the additions of Regal View Restaurant, World of Frozen and Rapunzel Gardens in the model.
Nightime Show for Adventure Bay
It was announced that this would open in 2026. This seems to incorporate fountains and some water-resilient style drones.
Lion King Flume Ride
“An adventure like never before will soon roar to life at Disneyland Paris!
Everybody look left … everybody look right … everywhere you look, the classic Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Lion King” was in the spotlight during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
“As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro explained, a brand-new attraction themed around Simba and the rest of the animal kingdom will soon join the expanding roster of experiences at the resort.
Disneyland Paris’ second park, which is being re-named Disney Adventure World, has already seen a handful of recent exciting updates including the opening of Avengers Campus and Worlds of Pixar, and will continue with the opening of World of Frozen in 2026.
“The Lion King” — which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year — has long been a beloved Disney story. A new area of the park, Pride Lands, will be dedicated to the characters and stories from the film, including dining, shopping, and a chance to meet some favorite characters. Then, when you’re ready (you don’t have to wait to become a king for this one), head down to the caverns beneath Pride Rock. The new attraction will bring you alongside Simba’s journey from cub to king — it’s going to feel like you stepped right into the movie. “
Walt Disney World Resort
DVC Polynesian Tower
New concept art was shown on the expo floor which included a children’s water area complete with a Moana raft. It also showcased a new restaurant overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Reflections
This was not discussed in the D23 Presentation, but it looks to be that the space that was Reflections at Fort Wilderness has had permits pulled for addresses in that area.
With Cabins at Fort Wilderness on Sale, plus membership at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disneyland Hotel, Alauni, and soon DVC Polynesian Tower, I didn’t think it was likely that another resort would be announced or moved on. But lo and behold, permits were moved on to do work in the massive space that was once River Country.
Magic Kingdom
Big announcements were made for Magic Kingdom.
Disney Starlight Parade
“Picture this: you’re nestled on Main Street, U.S.A. with your loved ones getting ready to watch a nighttime parade come to life right before your eyes. Maybe you’ve got a churro or a Mickey Ice Cream bar in hand, or are eyeing a nearby popcorn cart, who knows! But the lights dim, the music swells, and now you’re watching a brand-new nighttime spectacular at the Magic Kingdom Park.”
“You don’t have to imagine this for much longer, because in summer 2025, a brand-new parade will make its way to the Most Magical Place On Earth. The all-new parade “Disney Starlight” is coming next summer!
“Disney Starlight” will continue the nighttime spectacular legacy started by the “Main Street Electrical Parade” using the latest technology to tell new stories about the characters you love. All of this is brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy, in addition to beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios films “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and more.”
In the short term this is the most important announcement and will do much (though more could be done) to curb the competition coming down the street in the form of Epic Universe. Note that these are beautiful, but smaller parade concepts which is probably the reason we are getting a new parade and not Paint the Night.
“First announced at Destination D23 last year, this rambunctious watering hole will offer a welcoming haven for all pirate-kind, big and small, and everyone in between. Here, bandits and buccaneers-to-be from every corner of the seven seas are welcome to join together and raise a toast to the pirate life! In the newly released artwork, X marks the spot for a sea-worthy selection of grogs and grub inside this tavern location coming to Magic Kingdom Park.
Cars in Frontierland
On Saturday Josh D’Amaro announced that a new area inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film “Cars” will be coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a race car from the big city,” Josh told the crowd.”
“Don’t get too comfortable in Radiator Springs because it’s time to leave the pit stop and head west into exciting new frontiers. On this adventure, guests will be able to experience not one but two exciting new “Cars”-themed attractions.
“One attraction will invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains. Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes.
These appear to be two passenger cars, not the three passenger test track. cars. It does appear to be racing at times and at other times in a singular file. There is a lot of rock work, but the whole look and feel is more of a north west area rather than a southwest area. It had a lot of vertical look and feel to it. It does not look like a similar route and has no Radiator Springs sense to it.
“But what about smaller racers? The second attraction will be geared towards them and will be fun for the whole family.
Work on this new space in Frontierland will begin in early 2025.
There were no images of the smaller attraction, but it emphasized young children being able to enjoy it. I was reminded by of this attraction at Walt Disney Studios, soon to be Disney Adventure Park. It is essentially Alien Swirling Saucers.
Villains Land
Once upon a nightmare… A place where poison apples are aplenty and magic potions can ruin your whole day. For all those things hiding in the shadows, it’s time to join them as we lift the veil on a forthcoming Villains Land at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World Resort.
As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, this new land will be home to the Disney Villains we know and loathe from our favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios classic films — “Which means happily ever after may feel like just a distant dream.”
The evil ambition of all these Villains means that the possibilities are endless for the stories that can be told — and visitors to the dark and thorny land should be prepared for whatever chaos might come their way.
The new land will encompass all your dreams- er, nightmares. The space will be home to two major attractions, dining, and shopping on an incredibly twisted grand scale. “Be prepared, you poor unfortunate souls,” Josh teased. “It’s going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.”
You might have just felt a shiver run down your spine. That’s because preparation is already underway at Magic Kingdom for this new land. Maybe think twice before you indulge in that next shiny red apple…
Epcot
Spaceship Lounge
For over 40 years, Spaceship Earth has welcomed visitors to EPCOT as a shining beacon of optimism and hope. This just-announced lounge is inspired by the stories, shapes, and enduring legacy of this timeless icon. Taking inspiration from the geometric sphere, the zen space for families to gather and enjoy refreshments will be draped with rich textures and warm metallic tones, giving it a mysterious and elegant intimacy.
Test Track
Buckle up for a brand-new experience when a reimagined Test Track presented by Chevrolet races into Epcot in 2025.
Announced during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Walt Disney Imagineering is collaborating with Chevrolet to push innovation forward and celebrate humanity’s enduring drive (pun intended) on the thrilling road to a brighter tomorrow. But, before we get too far down this winding road, Test Track will celebrate today’s innovation while highlighting the past, present, and future. The queue will feature six distinct exhibits, and within each room celebrate the vehicles – and people behind the vehicles – that push the envelope and help get people to our next chapter in our motion journey.
New show scenes will be added showcasing technological advances and how our lifestyles and relationships to mobility connect everyone. Enjoy a joy ride through scenes focusing on onboard technology, customization and personalization. Followed by a trip through a scenic outdoor route reminding us all of the joys of driving, taking in the world around us and spending quality time with friends and family.
Construction on this reimagined experience has already begun, and eagle-eyed visitors might already have picked up on the fact that the new exterior harkens back to the original pavilion design.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Millennium Falcon” Smuggler’s Run
When the upcoming “The Mandalorian and Grogu” movie blasts off in theaters in 2026, it will also touch down at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. A brand-new story featuring Mando and his youngling is coming to Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
During Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Star Wars creative executive Dave Filoni joined Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro onstage to discuss the upcoming addition to the attraction in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. As Dave explained, the Lucasfilm team uses Epic’s Unreal Engine to create some of the virtual sets for “The Mandalorian.” Now, with the expanded partnership between Disney and Epic Games, Epic’s Unreal Engine will help bring to life the latest adventure in a galaxy far, far away.
“The intersection of storytelling and innovation has always been central to Lucasfilm and we’re excited to see where this collaboration will take us next,” Dave told the crowd. “Just imagine it: you’ll be able to fly alongside Mando and Grogu on thrilling, and dangerous, missions.”
Expect to see this new mission jump to lightspeed when “The Mandalorian and Grogu” hits the big screen in 2026. This is the way. Otherwise, no timeline.
Monster’s Inc. Land
The Door Coaster is real and it’s coming to the Studios.
It’s laughter they’re after when a brand-new land themed around Disney and Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” comes to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.
The news was shared during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, with a little help from Disney Legend Billy Crystal, took to the stage to reveal plans to build a living, breathing, and not-at-all-scary Monsters-inspired area where you’ll be able to stroll the streets alongside some of your favorite monsters.
Picking up after the events of Pixar Animation Studios’ beloved film, humans have now been invited to visit the world of Monsters, Inc. — and the monsters need laughter to power the city and keep it running smoothly. But it’s not a true visit without the factory itself. You’ll be able to see the sights, hear the laughs and zoom through the building just like James P. Sullivan (a.k.a. Sulley) and Mike Wazowski — via a door!
Yes, a door. If you’ve been dreaming of riding through the door vault since the movie was released in 2001, you’re not alone — Josh has been thinking about this, too. “The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley,” he told the crowd. “You’ll go into the factory and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park. Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.”
The coaster will put you right in the middle of the monster action. Just be sure to fill out your paperwork! Roz is always watching…
Work on the project is slated to begin next year, so get ready to ROAR with laughter!”
A lot of conversation about where this is going to go, with some thinking it’s heading over to replace Star Tours or Muppets. I still say that I think the issues with having a key experience passing the studio arch is needed. And for that reason, I think it will be beyond Sunset Boulevard and include Animation Courtyard.
This will be Disney’s first suspended coaster.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Zootopia
Show is titled “Better Together” and offers this new poster. Also there is an opening date of Winter 2025.
Tropical Americas, Pueblo Esperanza
“A new adventure awaits at Pueblo Esperanza at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a new addition themed around Tropical Americas, the area just north and south of the equator in the Western Hemisphere — from the northern part of South America stretching up into Central America.”
“As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro explained during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, work on this new 11-acre section of the park is set to begin later this year. Just like Harambe, the land feels lived in, with a long, rich history — plus there’s a large hacienda which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort.
To ensure the authenticity of the Tropical Americas, Imagineers conducted numerous research trips, drawing inspiration from various places, including Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, to authentically reflect the region’s people, architecture, and more. Their efforts are reflected in a stunning model of the land, featuring a large fountain in the center where the villagers like to gather and tell stories. The model even features a special lighting effect around the fountain!
Indiana Jones
“Construction will begin in the Fall, but Dinosaur will stay open during early phases of redevelopment/construction. The story of Indiana Jones will be completely unique to Walt Disney World with everything tied to an ancient Mayan temple. He is looking for a mythical creature (snakes, anyone?)
Carousel
“The space will be lush and sprawling, featuring a large fountain in the center where the villagers like to gather and tell stories. Additionally, a woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love.
The convention floor showcased a Kevin Carousel creature. But you see other Disney animals like Timon, Crush and Kaa.
Encanto
“If you’re a fan of drawers, floors, and doors, let’s go! The first-ever “Encanto”-themed ride-through attraction is coming to Animal Kingdom, featuring the beloved Madrigal family from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film. Inside the Casita, Antonio has just received his special gift — the ability to communicate with animals — and his room has transformed into a rainforest. It’s time to go explore alongside him, and you never know what member of the family you might bump into…”
I still think it is a ride vehicle like Mystic Manor, though some have thought it to be a house. They describe it as the Casita bringing special furniture to life.
Note Tropical Americas Opens Completely in 2027
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Treasure
Four New Cruise Ships
“What’s better than one new Disney Cruise ships? How about four brand new Disney Cruise Line ships joining the fleet?
“Four is the magic number! Announced during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase, Josh D’Amaro (with a little help from musical group All-4-One) revealed that four ships will be joining Disney Cruise Line’s ever-growing roster of award-winning ships sailing around the world. These new ships will arrive between 2027 and 2031.
“Five ships are currently in the fleet, with four others already in the works. These new, four additional ships will bring the fleet to a total of 13, giving you 13 different opportunities to experience everything that Disney Cruise Line is known for. The ship names, designs, and exciting itineraries are still in development, but go ahead and start dreaming about your next sailing!”
“And there’s still more that Josh discussed during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Josh revealed that the signature production aboard the Disney Destiny — which starts sailing next year — will be “Disney Hercules,” featuring the music and characters you know and love from the classic Walt Disney Animation Studios film.
“Like the film, the Muses will be the show’s storytellers and take you on the journey through this ancient tale of good vs. evil.
“The show will include all the beloved songs from the film, so be prepared to go the distance! Plus, the theatrical debut of heartful ballad “Shooting Star.”
“The new musical arrangements in “Disney Hercules” will emphasize the pop and gospel influences that make this soundtrack iconic to so many fans.”
“Additionally, Josh revealed new details about the Disney Treasure — setting sail later this year! — where guests will get to see the brand-new stage production, “Disney The Tale of Moana.” The show will also include a giant puppet on stage.”
“The scene depicts Moana as she takes her final stand against Te Kā, the fiery lava-wielding foe who will appear on stage as an incredible fifteen-foot-tall puppet, the largest puppet ever produced for a Disney Cruise Line show. “Disney The Tale of Moana” will also portray Moana’s courageous determination to restore the heart of Te Fiti and the resulting transformation of the Te Kā puppet into her true self, a stunning green goddess.
“Audiences will see many of their favorite characters from the film reimagined as puppets, including a young version of Moana. The captivating array of puppetry is being developed for the show by Jeff Conover, creative director of puppetry and articulation for Disney Live Entertainment, and Michael Curry, whose previous credits include “The Lion King” on Broadway.”
Costumes for the Periscope Pub based on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and for Haunted Mansion Parlor were showcased this last week.
Other
Fortnite
“Imagine a place where all your favorite Disney characters and worlds converge in one connected universe — where you can watch, play, and even create your own adventures. Earlier this year, Disney announced a new collaboration with Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, to build all-new games and entertainment universe.
“While this new experience is still a few years away, during the showcase, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro invited four of the world’s best storytellers to join him on stage and share their excitement at bringing their creativity to this new storytelling medium.
Their remarks were live-streamed to Fortnite in an immersive experience created exclusively for the showcase – the Disney Horizons Live from D23 island. Made using Epic’s Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), this interactive social watch party enabled players to engage with the showcase through cheers, mini-games, and spectacular visual effects.
“The message for fans and players alike – Disney is all in on this new universe.”
And then Monday Came
On Monday after D23 they then showed an aerial map for this project which confirmed that the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island would be removed. They shared this text:
It’s time to leave Radiator Springs and head west into exciting new locations. To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers.
“We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we—quite literally—explore a new frontier in Frontierland,” shared Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. “Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests.”
The new area will bring you along for the ride (pun intended) with a brand-new thrilling rally race through the mountains, climbing trails, and dodging geysers, in addition to a second attraction geared towards fun for the whole family.
This completely blows me away, as I felt that the Rivers of America were as signature to the Magic Kingdom experience as the Jungle Cruise or Space Mountain or Small World. This is a massive amount of work, and will not be completed anytime soon. It will change the landscape entirely, and I’m concerned about the sound the vehicles make as reflected throughout the entire land.
Putting It All Together
Note the following:
First, While some things already announced included shared details, there are many other previous announcements on top of all this that Imagineering is building, such as new DVC hotels, shows, attractions and lands that did not take up time during the show. Even Tokyo had little part in this presentation.
Second, The announcements were largely centered around key attractions, not hotels, restaurants, meet ‘n’ greets etc.
Third, No attraction is a re-build of some existing attraction (even Indiana Jones has a new story/theme) nor are the attractions being stamped and built elsewhere (Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge or Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid). The closest thing being stamped is the announcement of the four new cruise ships.
Fourth Much of what has been shared has been lands, not just rides:
- The Lion King
- Avatar
- Monsters Inc.
- Villains Land
- Tropical Americas
Even Additions to Avengers Campus and the new Coco attraction will probably complment existing lands. The implication of this is that while you’ve been given overviews of key attractions, the entire complement will also include dining, retail, entertainment and more. This is at the heart of what is so massive.
Finally, every announcement came with this quotation:
“At Disney Experiences, Imagineers dream, create, design and build these stories into real places. And we have Imagineers in place right now all around the world because everything we’re going to share with you is in active development. Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving. I just want to be clear about this: We are doing everything you’re going to hear tonight.”
Yes, news of Figment, Mary Poppins, or Tomorrowland at Disneyland was not announced. But all said and done, this is a milestone D23 presentation that is difficult to match. It is an impressive reach moving forward–one frought with delays, economic ups and downs and world-wide events. But still, absolutely fantastic!
And yet, they leave you with a bad taste by doing a bate and switch on Monday morning, pretending it’s just “more good news” though knowing full and well there would be not heart ache, but frank anger from people about the removal of The Rivers of America.
Books From Your Host at Disney Insights
My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available!
Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You.
Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence.
Join the Wayfinder Group!
Want more Disney magic you can’t find anywhere else? The Wayfinder Society is our Patreon group. Here we bring the best details of Disney both in terms of the magic of the parks as well as the business behind the magic. It’s part of what you get when you help support the Wayfinder Society. This Patreon group not only helps to support this podcast and attending websites, but also gives you access to one of our Disney at Play Interactive Guides, with hundreds of places to explore all things Disney.
Check out the Wayfinder’s Society to see these Sneak Peeks!
NOTE! with any Wayfinder membership, you will also get exclusive podcasts looking that checks out other Disney podcasts, social media finds, shows, books and more.
Find Excellence in Your Organization!
This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level.
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