This past weekend there were quite a few announcements that were made about things coming to Disney World. D23’s Destination D took place on Saturday and there was plenty to talk about.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
The biggest announcement regarding the upcoming land was the names of the two attractions that will be available. The first is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and this will probably be pretty popular. This attraction will give guests the chance to take on a flight crew role (one of three) on the famous ship. Check out Disney’s video below.
https://youtu.be/ssgGCjpFP4Q
The second attraction is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This attraction will put guests in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Check out Disney’s video below. This was shot inside the actual attraction!
https://youtu.be/TSxE-b2YDAQ
Details about the Star Wars resort coming to Disney World were also shared. This new hotel will offer a fully-immersive, multi-day Star Wars adventure. Guests will board a launch pod and spend time on a luxury starship. The stay will include high-end dining, space-view cabins, and more. This is definitely a different kind of experience and one that will, I’m sure, be very popular among Star Wars fans.
Epcot
A couple of new shows for Epcot were announced this weekend. One of those shows is a new “Beauty and the Beast” sing-along coming to the France Pavilion. This new show will be in addition to “Impressions de France.” Over at the Canada Pavilion, O Canada! will be getting an update to the show.
Also announced was that since Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is ending in summer 2019 and the new show is not beginning until 2020, there will be limited-time experience called “Epcot Forever” that will take place in between when Illuminations ends and the new show begins. “Epcot Forever” will debut in fall 2019 and will feature classic music from Epcot, as well as fireworks, lasers, and special effects kites.
Another announcement regarding Epcot was the release of the name for the the “Ratatouille” attraction coming to the France Pavilion. This new attraction will officially be called Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
New Mickey Mouse Experiences
Hollywood Studios
Starting in May 2019 the new” Wonderful World of Animation” will be the new nighttime experience in Hollywood Studios. This new show will be part of the park’s celebration for their 30th anniversary and will use state-of-the-art projection technology, which will take guests through the more than 90 years of Disney animation (beginning with Mickey, of course).
Also in Hollywood Studios the new attraction “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” will open in 2019. This will be the first ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse and will feature a new story and theme song.
Magic Kingdom
From January 18 – September 20, 2019, there will be a new dance party staring Mickey, Minnie, and their friends. The new dance party is part of Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration. Other things included in this celebration are new food, merchandise, and other entertainment (in addition to the dance party).
A Look at the Skyliner Gondolas
The gondola that was on display is one will be used to transport guests on property. Not all gondolas will have characters on them, but this was one that does have characters on it. Starting in fall 2019, these gondolas will connect four different hotels (Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, and Pop Century) to two theme parks (Epcot and Hollywood Studios). Disney is hanging the cables now, but this is the first official look we have gotten at a gondola. Check out Disney’s video below to see the gondola.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney gave a sneak peek at the new Riviera Resort that is currently under construction. The new hotel, Disney’s 15th Disney Vacation Club property, is projected to open in fall 2019.
What announcement are you most excited for?
Thanks for reading!
*Liz*
Join the fun in our Facebook group, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel!
Contact Dream Makers Travel Agency today to book your trip and get FREE concierge level planning included with every booking.
Liz
I love all things Disney, but my main love is for Disney World and I'm always planning for the next trip. Before becoming a Disney blogger, I was a radio DJ, so I guess I'm just continuing in the communication industry, just in a different form. I love talking Disney and I could talk about Disney all day. That's why I started blogging and created the Facebook group. The Disney community is full of friendly, helpful, and happy people...and I love being a part of it! If there is any Disney subject you would like to see covered just let me know! Need help planning your Disney vacation. Feel free to contact myself or Melissa at Never Stop Dreaming Travel Co. We love helping people plan their trips! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to check out our Countdown to Disney app! Feel free to email me with suggestions of things you would like to see in the app :-)
We normally stay in Art of Animation, but thanks to a Disney coupon we are trying Caribbean Beach for the first time in April/May. I was hoping the gondolas would be up by then as we saw the advertisements for them earlier this year. They are a lot smaller than I was expecting. A hot day with sweaty bodies could lead to some unpleasant rides. Hope the windows crack open! Can’t wait for the Falcon ride!