Even though D23 Expo 2019 doesn’t start until tomorrow, Aug. 23, Disney has shared many new details on what’s to come for the Disney Parks.
Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, was on hand at the Expo’s media preview to share all the details:
Star Wars Hotel
The upcoming Star Wars hotel being built at Walt Disney World Resort now has a name! Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be a first-of-its-kind vacation experience where guests will check in for a two-night adventure aboard a starship. Once onboard, guests will interact with characters and participate in a story that unfolds around them.
Inside the Disney Parks “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” pavilion at D23 Expo, attendees can see a model of the starcruiser, called the Halcyon. Known for its “impeccable service and exotic destinations” throughout the galaxy, the Halcyon will offer well-appointed guest cabins, onboard dining, a planet-side excursion to Batuu, and more. Here’s hoping we at least fly by Naboo!
Epcot
Likely the highlight of this Expo’s Disney Parks presentation will be what’s to come for Epcot as it undergoes a massive, park-wide transformation ahead of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021.
The park will be transformed into four main neighborhoods that will take guests to new places, where the fantastic and imaginative come to life through “a celebration of curiosity, hands-on wonder and the magic of possibility.”
The first reveal shared that the reimagination of Epcot will feature “Journey of Water,” the first-ever attraction inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.” This new experience will let guests interact with “magical, living water” in a walk-through, exploration trail-type setting.
This October, guests will get a peek at the plans for Epcot in the Odyssey Events Pavilion, called “Walt Disney Imagineering present the Epcot Experience.” Inside, guests will find interactive exhibits that showcase the innovation, energy and excitement coming to the park through its transformative process.
Check out our video of the Epcot park model, and some of the “moving” concept art below:
Marvel at Disney Parks
At Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Paris, the new Marvel-themed lands now have their name: Avengers Campus.
When guests visit Avengers Campus, they will become part of an interconnected, global story that spans from California to Hong Kong with the Avengers’ newest recruiting initiative.
In the pavilion at D23 Expo, guests can see an in-story experience where they will learn why the Avengers are building these campuses. On Sunday, Aug. 25, Disney will share more information about what guests can expect when these lands open.
TRON Lightcycle Run
The D23 pavilion also features many of the attractions and lands coming to Disney Parks around the world, including TRON Lightcycle Run coming to Magic Kingdom, as well as expansions for Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Check out a video tour of the pavilion below:
On Sunday, Aug. 25, Disney will share more info about the reveals made this evening during the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products panel at D23 Expo 2019.
Stay tuned for more updates and coverage from D23 Expo by following us on Twitter, Instagram, subscribing to our YouTube channel, and of course, by visiting AttractionsMagazine.com.
You guys are a bunch of idiots! Finish the make-over that you’ve already started. I visited the park in July and it looked like a giant construction site! Please don’t start anything else, it’s already inconvenient for your guests now. I can only speak for myself when I say I will not be returning, ever. Repair everything that is broken or frequently breaks down. Basically, do what your mom taught you and finish one project at a time. You know it’s bad, when your kid asks if they can ride the crane!
We’re not Disney, just reporting Disney news.
This is hilarious
I’m geeked
Thanks for reporting Brittani
The make over that they have started now is part of this new development. It’s not a different one. The D23 Expo is detailing what the changes are that are doing at Epcot at the moment.
For one thing is called keeping up with the times. Its people like you with negativity into everything that gives people a bad taste, if you donot like what they doing take your butt to Busch gardens and see what you get.For me I been a annual pass holder in Florida for 10 years I love what they are doing
i so agree 100.
First off, they are always working on something and you are most likely complaining about construction on the projects they are talking about at D23.
Second: this isn’t Disney.com
Third: I doubt they care if you go again.
Bitter, party of one?!
Anyone who is a TRUE Disney fan would know that all the construction going on is what all these announcements are. Furthermore all this construction is way past due, especially for EPCOT. Finally, in two years there is a very special anniversary happening at WDW…..so to me it makes perfect sense that they would amp up the construction. The only person that is an idiot is the guest who doesn’t do their research BEFORE going on vacation.
good, that’s one less person waiting in lines go to busch gardens or better yet LEGOLAND cause apparently you are a child