Host Bob Chapek, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman, excited thousands of Disney fans with updates on current projects and big announcements for the coming years. The announcements ranged over most of the parks, Disney Vacation Club, and Disney Cruise Line, with Imagineering guest appearances, and the entire presentation punctuated with medleys – an opening medley of “Go the Distance” and “Seize the Day”; a medley of retired entertainment numbers from the parks, including “Mad T Party” and “Wishes”; and a performance medley for an upcoming show.
The Big Ones
Star Wars Lands – Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Opens 2019 in Disneyland
- Ride 1: puts guests right in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance
- Ride 2: the chance to fly the Millennium Falcon, using teamwork.
- many characters that guests will meet, including BB-8, Chewbacca, and Kylo Ren.
- return of Captain Rex, as a cantina DJ
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Hollywood Studios
- First-ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction
- New original story and attraction theme song
- Stepping into the world of “Mickey Mouse” shorts
- “2 1/2 D” No glasses required
- More hidden mickeys than any other attraction
EPCOT Expansion and Changes – Walt Disney World
- 35th anniversary in October
- Ratatouille attraction coming to new space by Eiffel Tower
- New film for China Pavilion using next generation Circle-Vision 360
- Guardians of the Galaxy attraction coming to front of EPCOT
Pixar Takes Over – Disneyland Resort
- Pixar Fest with new fireworks, characters, entertainment, coming 2018
- Pixar Parade moves from California Adventure to Disneyland
- Paint the Night returns, in California Adventure
- Paradise Pier to become Pixar Pier
Star Wars Immersive Experience – Walt Disney World
- Resort with immersive and authentic Star Wars environment
- Every window a view into space
- Live your own Star Wars adventure
This Year
Mission: SPACE Reopens with New Green Mission – Walt Disney World
- Green mission takes tour around Earth
- Updated Orange Mission to Mars
Cars Land Celebrates Halloween – Disneyland Resort
New Beauty and the Beast Show on the Disney Dream – Disney Cruise Line
- Based on live-action film
- Two new songs
- Unfolds inside on of Maurice’s music boxes
- Enchanted objects use puppetry
- Opening November 2017
- Featured medley from show cast, including an incredible performance as Lumiere
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins Opens Monday – Disney Vacation Club
And More…
Toy Story Lands – Shanghai Disneyland and Walt Disney World
- 2018 opening at Walt Disney World
New Mission: SPACE Restaurant – Walt Disney World
TRON Returns – Walt Disney World
- New area near Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom by 2021
New Transportation Systems and Updates – Walt Disney World
- Minnie Van point-to-point system
- Skyliner, incredibly similar to the Peoplemover, travelling between multiple Walt Disney World parks
New Theater on Main Street, USA – Walt Disney World
- Based on 1920s Willis Theater in Kansas City
Marvel Expansion News – Disneyland Resort
- GotG to be joined by Spider-Man and Avengers
- Immersive superhero universe
Hotel New York: The Art of Marvel – Disneyland Paris
- Experience the action-packed superhero world
- Explore Marvel through art, costumes, films, and more
- Art gallery style
Not 2, but 3 New Ships Join the Fleet – Disney Cruise Line
Disney’s Riviera Resort – Disney Vacation Club
- Proposed 15th DVC property announced for Walt Disney Result near EPCOT