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Walt Disney World News
- We now know that name of Star Wars Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The land will be opening in 2019. In the land, Guests will encounter several characters, including:
- BB-8
- Chewbacca
- Rex (from Star Tours)
- Kylo Ren
- A new attraction was announced called Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This game-changing attraction, will feature an original story that will take guests on a journey inside the world of Disney Channel’s “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts. It will utilize new technologies that will turn the flat cartoon world into an incredible dimensional display. This attraction will be located inside the Chinese Theatre, which means that it will replace The Great Movie Ride. The Great Movie Ride will close on August 13.
- Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is scheduled to open in the summer of 2018.
- Epcot will soon get a brand new E-ticket attraction within Future World based on the world of Guardians of the Galaxy. To make way for this new ride, Ellen’s Energy Adventure inside Universe of Energy will close on August 13. The new attraction will open by the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
- A new ride inspired by the film Ratatouille will be built in an all-new space in World Showcase’s France pavilion. The ride will take guests on a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s Parisian restaurant. This new attraction will open by 2021.
- The China Pavilion in Epcot will be getting a brand new Circle-Vision show showcasing the majesty of China. This updated film will be added using a next-generation digital camera system to film a brand new, seamless projection show.
- Mission: SPACE at Walt Disney World has been seeing a refurbishment. When it returns this August, it will include an updated Orange Mission, as well as a brand new Green Mission that will take guests on a stunning tour around the Earth. With this update, younger cadets will be able to take part in the adventure for the very first time.
- In addition, table-service restaurant will be built adjacent to Mission: SPACE. Here Guests will be able to will travel high above the Earth for an unforgettable dining experience. The new restaurant will be managed by Patina Restaurant Group and an opening will be announced at a later date.
- A Tron-themed attraction similar to the roller coaster found at Shanghai Disneyland is coming to Tomorrowland and will be located in a new area near Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom.
- A new live entertainment theater will be added to the Magic Kingdom on Main Street U.S.A. that is based on the iconic Willis Theater in the 1920s Kansas City where Walt lived after he left Marceline. This will be an entirely new venue that will include world class entertainment. An opening date will be announced at a later time.
- Disney has announced its 15th Disney Vacation Club property called Disney Riviera Resort which will be located near Epcot. The resort will feature a rooftop restaurant that will have unbelievable views of the nighttime spectaculars at both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Disney also announced that they will be building an immersive Star Wars-themed hotel that will be the most experiential concept ever. The hotel will be dedicated entirely to the galaxy of Star Wars, and guests will have a one-of-a-kind experience where a luxury resort meets a multi-day adventure in a galaxy far, far away.
- Disney confirmed that they will be introducing a gondola transportation system called Disney Skyliner. This new transportation system will give guests a bird’s-eye view of the Walt Disney World Resort and will connect Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to four resorts – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, as well the upcoming Disney Riviera Resort.
- Disney is unveiling its new Minnie Van service which is a point-to-point ride-sharing transportation service that will help guests get around Walt Disney World Resort. Guests can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from their smartphone, and a Disney Cast Member will drive them wherever they want to go around Walt Disney World.
- The new Mobile Order system will be expanding to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café beginning July 18. Using the My Disney Experience app, Guests can select menu items, customize their order and pre-pay for their meal. When they arrive at the restaurant they tap an “I’m here” button in the app, which notifies the kitchen to prepare the meal. When ready, Guests are alerted through the app to pick up their meal at a designated window.
- PhotoPass Day will be returning to the Walt Disney World Resort on August 19. This year’s celebration of Disney PhotoPass Service will be even bigger than last year’s inaugural event with Guests finding numerous event-exclusive Animated Magic Shots, even more one-day-only character experiences, and incredible photo locations at all four theme parks.
- Terralina Crafted Italian, a new dining experience curated by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tony Mantuano, will open this fall at Disney Springs. The new restaurant, which will replace Portobello Country Italian Trattoria will be found in The Landing. Terralina’s will feature sweeping waterfront views and the kitchen will serve as the centerpiece for Guests to gather around. Each dining room will include eclectic decor made up of found art and pieces that share the stories of moments worth celebrating. In addition, a newly installed veranda bar located outside the main entrance will allow Guests to relax and sip on craft cocktails. Terralina’s menu will feature authentic, Italian cuisine cooked in Chef Tony’s signature olive oil, imported directly from Italy. Terralina Crafted Italian will be open for lunch and dinner and will open later this fall.