There was BIG news this weekend coming from Destination D23. Disney Executives announced immediate and future plans for Disney Parks and Cruise Line. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
Epcot
Journey of Water Inspired By Moana
Are you ready for the most anticipated opening since Tron and Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind! “Journey of Water, inspired by Moana” will open in Disney’s Epcot on October 16. Guests will enter the self-guided pathways at the front of the park for a “playful” and “interactive” experience with water.
Moana herself will greet guests among the magical corners of this new attraction in the World Nature neighborhood.
World Celebration
Meanwhile, the World Celebration neighborhood will officially open this December tying together both World Nature and World Discovery to form a cohesive experience at the beginning of Epcot. This transformation, that has been under construction for quite some time, is to celebrate the return of the concept of Epcot’s beginnings.
A New Nighttime Spectacular
On December 5, 2023, Epcot will have a new nighttime spectacular. “Luminous The Symphony of Us” will include both fireworks and water projections along with laser lights. However, more specific information is yet to come.
New Characters
At D23, fans also got the first look at Figment who will now join the many “character meet and greets” at Epcot. As of Sunday, September 10, guests can interact with a live version of the little purple figment of imagination.
In addition, Asha from Disney’s animated film “Wish” will join “character meet and greets” at Epcot. She will also make appearances in the west coast parks. Disney did not give a specific date for this new experience but stated it would be soon.
Test Track
At D23 the Disney team announced that Test Track will get an overhaul “soon”. Although, no official date is confirmed, Disney Imagineering is partnering with Chevrolet to use the history of “World of Motion” as inspiration for a “new iteration of Test Track.”
Soarin’ Over California
According to Destination D23, Epcot will see the return of Soarin’ over California for a brief time in honor of the Disney 100 celebration. This is the fan-favorite original version of Soarin that at times makes an appearance at Disney California Adventure Park.
Magic Kingdom
In 2024, Country Bear Jamboree in Frontierland will have new songs, and new acts inspired by Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry as well as all versions of Country Music. Imagineers are currently working alongside musicians and artists to upgrade this show authentically.
Plans for Magic Kingdom include a new “Pirates of the Caribbean” themed lounge in Adventureland.
In late November of this year, the “Hat Box Ghost” from Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion will make his debut in the Magic Kingdom’s version of this attraction.
Once again, concept art was displayed for an expansion of Magic Kingdom Park beyond Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland. Bruce Vaughn, Chief Executive Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering suggests the future plans are the largest ever for the park. The expansion is likened to “Galaxy’s Edge” and “Pandora-World of Avatar”.
Animal Kingdom
A new show will debut in the Tree of Life theater featuring Zootopia. There was no mention of a time frame for this experience. The final details will be announced at a later date.
In addition, executives hinted that both Encanto and Indiana Jones experiences will have a presence Animal Kingdom Park in the future.
Hollywood Studios
Ahsoka Tano will join the Star Tours attractions at both Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park.
Disney California Adventure
A new attraction inspired by the “Marvel Multiverse” will take its place at Avenger’s Campus in the future. The ride will have a “world jumping” vehicle the “combines elements of Tony Stark’s time-suits, Xandarian jump points and Wakandan technology”.
Disney Cruise Line
The 7th ship in the DCL fleet introduced as the “The Disney Adventure” will sail from Singapore around Southeast Asia.
The Disney Parks executives made big announcements this year including the opening date of a highly anticipated experience at Epcot. More details will be introduced in the coming months. Stay on top of the information here by subscribing to our newsletter below.
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