D23 Updates: Parks & Experiences
D23 Parks and Experiences Panel took place on Saturday, August 10th in Anaheim CA. Based on what I was seeing in the Disney fan pages I don't think any of us expected that we would get so much news for Walt Disney World this year.
Let's get into it!
For those unfamiliar, D23 is a sort of official fan club for Disney. Every two years members of D23 from around the world gather to hear news from the House of Mouse. This year, the convention was held at the Honda Center in Anaheim CA down the road from Disneyland. The event spans Friday - Sunday and covers everything related to the Walt Disney Company.
On the second night of our 2024 convention, the company took the stage to tell fans about upcoming additions and updates to the theme parks and experiences (generally this will mean cruises). There were a LOT of updates this year and its about time! With Universal preparing for the opening of Epic Universe next year Disney was in need of some big news. Let's go with some of the smaller news first.
1. A New Lounge Will Be Coming to Spaceship Earth.
If there was something that Disney fans didn't have on the wishlist this year it was another bar at EPOCT. However, this lounge will be within Spaceship Earth and from what I can see in the concept are this lounge will provide some beautiful views of EPCOT's fireworks show. I hope that this lounge may add some historical touches to really bring out the Spaceship Earth of it all!
2. Pirates of the Caribbean Will Be Getting a Lounge.
It was a long time coming...Magic Kingdom has been slowly lifting its status as a dry park. Starting slowly, Magic Kingdom has begun to feature more alcohol over the years and the long-rumored Pirates-themed bar is finally official. As of yet, we only know that this will be located in Adventureland.
3. Monsters Inc. Land
Hollywood Studios has been lacking. Except for Galaxy's Edge and Tower of Terror, there isn't much that has been pulling people towards the Walt Disney World park. The announcement of Monsters Inc. Land will hopefully juice up the place and the news of Walt Disney World's first suspended coaster themed for the land should help!
4. Villain's Land
Hollywood Studios isn't the only park getting a new land. The Parks and Experiences panel also announced that Magic Kingdom will be getting land dedicated to the Villains. Though we didn't get much information about this the concept art seems to draw a lot from Sleeping Beauty with the dragon in the background and plenty of thorns I imagine that Maleficent will be a central figure of the new land.
5. Cars Land
Disney fans were barely expecting a single new land in ANY of the Walt Disney World parks, so getting two was a complete shock. Cars Land will be replacing Tom Sawyer Island and will purportedly host two attractions that are unique to Walt Disney World (no repeats from Disneyland)!
6. A New Nighttime Parade
It's been a long time coming but Magic Kingdom will officially be getting a new nighttime parade called "Disney Starlight" which will include float inspired by Encanto, Frozen, and Peter Pan among others.
7. Tropical America Replacing Dinoland USA
Animal Kingdom will be getting a change-up Tropical Americas replacing Dinoland with three attractions: an Encanto ride, an Indiana Jones ride, and a carousel for kids.
Josh D'Amaro (Chairman of Disney Experiences) said that the new attractions, lands, and lounges will be completed by 2027. Given that Epic Universe is set to open next year I am wondering if Disney will fast track any of these to draw some more crowds with the Epic Universe launch. Though, given that Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America are still open to the public I doubt that we will see those come particularly soon.
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