2019 D23 Parks Panel: Disney World Observations

This year’s D23 convention Parks Panel has concluded, so we thought we would do a quick recap of what was revealed for Walt Disney World Resort:

Magic Kingdom/Animal Kingdom

Literally nothing was mentioned for these parks.

Hollywood Studios

• We got a short video that showed some of the scenes of Rise of the Resistance in Galaxy’s Edge. (You can see it here at the 9:00 mark). It left me with chills.
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will open “next year.” This is a bit disappointing as it was orginally slated to open fall 2019 and then pushed back to spring 2020 and now this.

Epcot

• A major transformation of what is currently “Future World” which will be split into three separate neighborhoods:
  • World Celebration (Spaceship Earth and the area currently comprised of Innoventions buildings)
    • an amazing new area named “Dreamers Point” includes what will likely be the “festival center” between Spaceship Earth and World Showcase is an elevated green space with awesome views of the entire park. Also has a new statue of Walt Disney.
  • World Discovery: Guardians Coaster, Play Pavilion, Mission: Space and Test Track
  • World Nature: Moana “inspired” water attraction, Living Seas, Land and Imagination Pavilions
• Spaceship Earth will have a re-imagining with new scenes, new narration and enhancements throughout. The exit area will also be changing. No dates given.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will have a reverse launch. No dates given.
• The new space restaurant will be called “Space 220” (a nod to the number of miles above earth). It features a “space elevator” that you board in order to reach the restaurant. Opens this winter.
• New films coming to the Land Pavilion, China and Canada by early 2020.
• A Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along (movie) coming to France Pavilion in January 2020 in the Impressions de France theater.
• Ratatouille Adventure will open Summer 2020. Note that this attraction is the same as the one in Disneyland Paris.
• A Mary Poppins attraction is coming to the UK Pavilion. No dates given.
• The permanent Illuminations replacement will be called “Harmonious” and will debut in 2020. Billed as the largest nighttime spectacular in Disney Parks history.