Total D23 Disney Park Announcements
The following are the major announcements from the 2019 D23. While there are some new attractions introduced, much of it was considerable detail around previously made park announcements. There is much to share:
Walt Disney World
50th Anniversary
Few details were announced about the 50th anniversary specifically, other than it would be an event spread out among all four parks, and would include special food, beverage, merchandise, entertainment and more.
Epcot
The biggest focus of D23 was on Epcot. A new logo has been introduced, which in truth, is the old logo Epcot had. Still, it represents what will be a multi-year transformation of the park with new experiences that will make Epcot more Disney, more family, more timeless and more relevant to those visiting.
Lands Re-Defined
Rather than Future World and World Showcase, there will now be four major lands or neighborhoods: World Discovery, World Celebration, World Nature & World Showcase.
World Discovery
This neighborhood is largely the former Future World East and it will include what was Universe of Energy and Wonders of Life, and what now is Mission Space and Test Track.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
This is in the former Universe of Energy space. It begins when guests enter what is called the “Galaxarium” which is sort of a planetarium-like exhibition exploring space. from there they will learn of the planet of Xandar, which introduces the Guardians of the Galaxy, and sets visitors up for their ride experience.
This coaster will feature a reverse launch into space, and will offer a never-before-seen storytelling coaster that rotates to focus on the action during the ride.
Play Pavilion
In the former Wonders of Life building, guests will “discover” the power of play. This includes fairly involved meet ‘n’ greet attractions, but also some interactive experiences as well. You can help Edna Mode create better super hero designs. You can participate in a water balloon throw with Huey, Dewey & Louie. This attraction will open with Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
Space 220
Space 220 is the name of the restaurant that is to open adjacent to Mission Space. Guests will board a unique elevator that will take them on a journey to their space station.
The restaurant will include views of earth from day and night. Space 2020 will begin departures this winter.
World Celebration
This section of the park is essentially the spine of what was Future World, and will show the most dramatic change of all.
Park Entrance
It begins with a complete remodeling of the entrance area into the park. That will include a newer version of the original fountain that was in front of Spaceship Earth.
Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth will remain the park’s grand icon but the journey will be transformed with new scenes reflecting the universal nature of the human experience. A new guide and all new narration will focus on the storytelling that brings people together. Many of the original scenes will be kept, however.
Dreamers Point
Stepping off of Spaceship Earth, guests will find themselves in a newly remodeled area that is a natural environment with global design elements.
A centerpiece to this area is a new statue celebrating the legacy of the original dreamer, Walt Disney.
An interactive wishing tree in an enchanted forest…
…and a story fountain celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney story telling will also be found.
Festival Pavilion
A new pavilion at World Celebration will be the home base for Epcot’s signature festivals, providing a stunning view of World Showcase and an ideal spot to witness the park’s nighttime spectacular. This three level structure will have one of the most remarkable designs at any Disney park and is expected to become a new icon for Epcot.
Technically Journey Into Your Imagination is part of this section of the park. But nothing was announced during D23 for this pavilion.
World Nature
World Nature includes The Seas and The Land pavilions along with their attended attractions. It also will include the following:
Awesome Planet
Guests will see this starting in January 2020.
Journey of Water
This first-ever attraction based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film, “Moana,” will let guests interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting. This is the biggest addition coming to World Nature, and will be the entry into this neighborhood of the park.
World Showcase
Many attractions were discussed for World Showcase, though no new countries were announced.
Wondrous China
This new film with a new title will occur in a seamless 360 degree format.
Canada Far and Wide
This Circle-Vision film also with a new title, is a seamless 360 degree film. It will debut in January of 2020.
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
The France pavilion will offer even more for guests to discover, including a new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along in January 2020. This will be a double feature along with Impressions de France.
And in summer 2020, the much-anticipated attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will open, as well as a delicious new restaurant called La Crêperie de Paris. It will have table and quick service options.
Mary Poppins
This was probably the biggest surprise announcement for D23. Mary Poppins will have an attraction at the UK Pavilion at Epcot.
Guests visit the Banks neighborhood in the back of the UK pavilion where they step in time as they enter #17 Cherry Tree Lane. Something magical happens when they step inside the home, but what that is remains to be seen. It could be a dark ride. It could be an entry to a carousel or something of that nature. And it could be something similar to Belle’s Enchanted Tales. More to come.
Epcot Forever and HarmonioUS
Two new nighttime shows are on their way. The music of Epcot will come to life in a new show, Epcot Forever debuting October 1, 2019. It will include fireworks, laser effects and choreographed kites set to tunes that have become theme park favorites. Afterwards in 2020 HarmoniUS will make its appearance, being billed as the largest nighttime spectacle ever. Here is a preview of both:
Walt Disney Imagineering Presents the Epcot Experience
Guests will be able to visualize all of these plans for Epcot at a new experience center in the Odyssey Events Pavilion, called Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience. Inside this first-of-its-kind offering within a Disney park, guests will discover engaging and interactive exhibits and see some never-before-revealed details driving the future of Epcot all throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Not too much was mentioned around this attraction. The exterior modifications to the Chinese Theater was shared. There is apparently a stunning surprise twist at the end of the show. Its opening was stated for 2020, which makes its debut questionable, as it was originally going to be Spring 2020.
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney Springs Cirque du Soleil
Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation have joined forces with Cirque du Soleil to create a unique new show. This is a story about the Art of Animation.
Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge
Some details were released on this new DVC property. This is a country lakeside lodge reimagined. Among the different kinds of rooms that will be available to include A-frames and tree houses.
Princess & the Frog Restaurant
They also announced that a new restaurant would sit on Bay Lake that would be themed to Princess and the Frog.
Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser
It was announced that the new Star Wars hotel would be a two-night adventure aboard a glamorous starship. Everything from dining to unique experiences are part of a Star Wars story. Every view looks out into space. Cabins have different vistas.
Once onboard the ship Halcyon, guests will interact with characters and become active participants in stories that unfold around them on their galactic journey.
Disney Genie
Debuting in late 2020, Disney Genie will be a new digital offering to enhance the way guests plan for and experience a trip to Walt Disney World Resort.
Disneyland
Disneyland Park
Magic Happens!
A new parade is coming to Disneyland park called Magic Happens. This debuts in spring of 2020. The parade will be led by Mickey Mouse and his pals. In addition, the parade will feature even more floats and characters, an energetic musical score and a new song produced in partnership with singer-songwriter Todrick Hall. The high-energy music combines this original song with classic Disney tunes in a fresh, contemporary style.
On her voyager wa‘a (or canoe), Moana journeys forth on the crest of a beautiful wave, inspired by beautiful koa wood carvings inset with LED panels, providing a dazzling glimpse into the magic the ocean holds.
Celebrating the magic that happens when Miguel strums the guitar of Ernesto de la Cruz, the float inspired by the Disney and Pixar film “Coco” bridges the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead with vibrant marigolds. Fantastical alebrije spirit animals join the procession, along with Miguel’s dog Danté.
The regal grand finale of “Magic Happens” parade celebrates magical moments from classic Disney stories, including the trio of fairies from “Sleeping Beauty” who transform Princess Aurora’s gown from pink to blue and back again!
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
The exterior to this new attraction coming to Mickey’s Toon Town was shared. It takes place at the El Capitoon Theater.
Here Mickey and Minnie are premiering their newest short, “Perfect Picnic. There is a stunning surprise twist at the end of the show that has not been revealed.
Disney California Adventure
Avengers Campus
In 2020 the Avengers Campus is opening in DCA. This campus is set up by the Avengers to recruit the next generation of Super Heroes.
“In some ways, these new campuses are like the Avengers themselves: a group of diverse individuals who have teamed up for the same purpose,” said Scot Drake, Creative Executive, Marvel Global Portfolio, Walt Disney Imagineering. “This collection of unique addresses—each dedicated to a different discipline—have been brought together to champion the next generation of heroes.”
Spiderman WEB
The first attraction at Avengers Campus will be the Worldwide Engineering Brigade – also known as “WEB” – which will house a new Spider-Man experience, the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature this iconic Super Hero.
During an open house at WEB, the aspiring inventors are excited to invite guests for a test drive of their latest invention: the “Web Slinger” vehicle, which allows guests to sling webs just like Spider-Man. The attraction gives you a taste of what it’s like to have actual super powers as you help Spider-Man collect Spider-Bots that have run amok.
Pym Test Kitchen
Avengers Campus will also feature Pym Test Kitchen. Just as Ant-Man and The Wasp use “Pym Particles” to grow and shrink just about anything, Pym Technologies is using the latest innovations to grow and shrink food at this eatery!
Meet ‘n’ Greet
Guests will also find heroic encounters throughout the campus, including Black Widow, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Doctor Strange, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Super Heroes from Wakanda and Asgard, and Iron Man. The image below specifically notes a specialized meet ‘n’ greet area/experience with Doctor Strange.
Avengers Assemble
A new E-Ticket attraction was also mentioned to come as part of Phase 2. As Super Heroes continue to assemble at the campus, one of its iconic buildings will be the Avengers Headquarters where guests may catch a glimpse of the Avengers along its rooftops.
This building will become the future entrance to a brand-new E-Ticket attraction where guests will step on board a Quinjet and fly alongside the Avengers in an epic adventure to Wakanda and beyond!
Guests will team up alongside the Avengers in a battle to save the world against one of the most powerful villains they have ever faced. Imagineers are conceiving an all-new innovative ride system to put guests in the middle of the action.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Castle of Magical Dreams
Castle of Magical Dreams is a remodel of the current Sleeping Beauty Castle. It draws inspiration from 13 beloved Disney stories featuring princesses and heroines. The structure will feature adornments like Snow White’s apple, Cinderella’s coach and Belle’s rose as well as original artwork and sculptures.
And the castle will become a canvas for new entertainment, including a daytime show and nighttime spectacular and be home to a new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Kingdom of Arendelle
There will be two attractions:
Frozen Ever After
This is essentially the same attraction as found in Epcot, with guests going by boat to visit Elsa’s summer home to see Elsa create a “winter-in-summer” day.
Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs
This is a new coaster that appears similar to Seven Dwarfs Mine Ride. It starts with a visit to the Wandering Oaken’s store where guests queue. Sven and Olaf will be on hand to help pull the sled to the top of the lift.
Shanghai Disneyland
Zootopia.
New artwork was shown. Outlined was that there would be new entertainment, merchandise and dining options. A new major attraction will also be added but details have not been given.
Disneyland Paris
Walt Disney Studios Paris
Marvel Campus
A Marvel Campus is also planned for Paris featuring many of the same elements found for Disneyland Park.
Disney’s Hotel New York–The Art of Marvel
Opening next summer, the renovated hotel will celebrate 80 years of Marvel art and artists, and feature more than 300 curated works of art on display. Guest’s rooms will include one-of-a-kind Super Hero themed suites featuring Spider-Man, and guests will even be able to meet these legends of in a dedicated space.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Wish
Disney Wish is the name given to the 5th ship to join the Disney Cruise Line. This ship will set sail in January of 2021. Stern characters have always been a tradition. Rapunzel will be the Stern character on the Disney Wish.
Lighthouse Point
Disney finally has formalized its announcement of a second Island experience in the Bahamas. This destination will celebrate the spirit and culture of The Bahamas and the natural environment at a new Disney port of call, which will be located on the island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point.
Joe Rohde is heading up this endeavor, and is focusing on making sure there is a major conservation effort involved as well as providing economic opportunity to the people of the area. It’s an opportunity to focus on the culture of the Bahamas as well. Think Aulani meets Bahamas with the use of local artists. Rohde has emphasized collaboration with the people of the Bahamas in this endeavor
Other
Target
Target and Disney are coming together for a project that includes the launch of 25 Disney stores within select Target stores nationwide on October 4, with 40 additional locations opening by October 2020.
The “shop-in-shop” will feature an enhanced Disney assortment of more than 450 items, including more than 100 products that were previously only available at Disney retail locations. This includes offering products on Target.com.
