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Chris Hassan
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Disney has an official fan club known as D23. And the club just hosted its D23 Expo 2022 in Anaheim, California where there were 3 packed days of events, panels, and presentations.
Disney fans look forward to this event as it gives a first-hand look at what goes into making the magic of Disney, and what to look forward to in the coming months and years.
From new lands, a new cruise ship, and even the return of Figment and Happily Every After, there’s a lot of magic to unpack this year.
This event also leads up to Disney 100 Years of Wonder (Disney100), the largest celebration in the history of the company, kicking off in January 2023.
Let’s take a look at what’s coming to Disney parks and experiences!
The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, D23 ran from September 9 to 11, 2022 at the Anaheim Convention Center. It was packed with Disney alumni, writers, celebrities, and even the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Bob Chapek.
Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro guided the audience through the impressive slate of updates coming to the brand.
This was the first time D23 was held since 2019 due to the pandemic. Predictably, fans came from all over the world to participate.
“As the world’s greatest storytellers, I’m thrilled to share the new and innovative ways we are bringing next-generation Disney magic to life across Disney parks and experiences,” said D’Amaro.
He promised “a boundless future” for all things Dinsey parks, experiences, and products — let’s take a look at what’s in store!
Guests of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida can expect some exciting updates in the form of new lands, rides, shows, and even the return of a beloved character!
After years of construction, guests will finally be able to “enter the Grid” in Spring 2023.
The motorbike rollercoaster located in the Tomorrowland section of the Magic Kingdom is based on the “Tron” movie franchise and is already an extremely popular ride at Shanghai Disneyland.
The thrill ride will be welcomed by adrenaline seekers who want something exciting other than Space Mountain on that side of the park.
Fans have been desperately waiting for more news regarding the “reimagining” of the popular Splash Mountain.
Disney Imagineers discussed the new story details for the ride and announced that several cast members of the original film (“The Princess and the Frog”) will lend their voices to the attraction. The cast includes Anika Noni Rose as Tiana, Bruno Campos as Naveen, Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis, and Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie.
Guests can expect to experience this ride at Walt Disney World Resort starting in late 2024.
By popular demand, the nighttime spectacular will return to the Magic Kingdom in 2023.
Featuring even more lasers, lights, projections, and fireworks than ever before, the 18-minute show will transform Cinderella’s Castle in a completely new way.
With music and projections from your favorite Disney movies, closing down the park will make braving the crowds more than worth it.
Disney Villains (and more) could be getting their own space at Magic Kingdom.
Chris Beatty, Creative Portfolio Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, talked about potential areas, including the little town of Santa Cecilia and the Land of the Dead from the film “Coco,” as well as the opportunity to celebrate the film “Encanto.”
He thinks there could be space near Big Thunder Mountain where a concept could work.
EPCOT is in the middle of a multi-year transformation that includes the World Celebration neighborhood, which should be complete by late 2023.
World Celebration was first announced at D23 back in 2019 and will transform the entrance of the popular park.
Formerly part of Future World, the new neighborhood will offer guests lush gardens and plenty of shade during the day and will transform at night with the help of LED lighting.
Another addition to the EPCOT attraction lineup is Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, which is also scheduled to open in late 2023.
The water maze (not a ride) will be an interactive experience where guests can explore the “magical water” as well as learn about our environment, the water cycle, and more.
The lush walk-through will follow the story of water on the planet, inspired by Moana’s connection to the ocean.
As part of the Disney100 Celebration, there will be a brand-new nighttime spectacular at the World Showcase Lagoon.
This new show should debut in late 2023.
Great news for adults who visited EPCOT when they were younger: Figment is coming back!
The fan favorite will be live in the parks by the end of 2023.
Dinoland U.S.A. may be getting an expansion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
D23 attendees were shown concept explorations for a potential “Moana” and “Zootopia” land at Animal Kingdom, and maybe even at Magic Kingdom.
Hot Tip: Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Make sure you know the ins and out of Disney Genie+.
Disneyland guests have a lot to look forward to in the Multiverse, new shows, and even a new hotel. Oh, and Baby Yoda!
Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure park is going to expand the Multiverse with a brand-new third attraction and story.
The new attraction will allow guests to battle alongside the Avengers and face foes from “anywhere and everywhen,” including a new threat, King Thanos, a Multiverse variant designed specifically for Avengers Campus.
Guests will be able to see all the Marvel characters, all the time.
Say goodbye to Pacific Wharf as it will be reimagined as San Fransokyo from the Disney Animation film “Big Hero 6.”
There will be new places to eat, shop, and even meet Baymax!
If you’ve always wanted to jump into the world of Pixar, your opportunity is on its way.
The reimagining of the Paradise Pier Hotel to Pixar Place Hotel is underway and guests will “feel as though they’ve stepped into a Pixar art gallery featuring new interpretations of favorite Pixar pals.”
Pixar Place Hotel will feature a splash pad based on the film “Finding Nemo,” and the Great Maple restaurant, which will specialize in upscale comfort food.
A new nighttime spectacular is set to kick off in January 2023.
World of Color — One at Disney California Adventure will celebrate the storytelling legacy started by Walt Disney a century ago.
With some of your favorite characters telling an all-new inspiring story, it will be a World of Color like never before.
Another nighttime spectacular (this one with fireworks) features nods to all 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios films that have been created so far.
“Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland park will take viewers on “a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling, and heart.”
This show will debut in late January 2023.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is already a popular ride at Hollywood Studios in Orlando and it will be opening in early 2023 in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park.
The Disneyland version will usher in “a new era of inclusive experiences for families of all ages.”
Just like at Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Splash Mountain at Disneyland Park is getting reimagined.
Guests can expect to experience this ride in Critter Country at Disneyland starting in late 2024.
Yes, you read that correctly. You will be able to see Grogu (affectionately known as Baby Yoda) — and even The Mandalorian — in person!
Starting in November, the Disney+ stars will be making appearances at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.
Good news for the Disney athletes — runDisney will be returning in 2024! There hasn’t been a runDisney at Disneyland Resort since 2017.
There was also plenty of news outside of the 2 U.S. parks.
There is a new ship joining the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The Disney Treasure will set sail in 2024.
The sixth ship in the fleet will be inspired by the theme of adventure, celebrating Walt Disney’s lifelong love of exploration.
Disney fans Down Under will soon be able to cruise with the line, too. Starting in October 2023, there will be limited-time cruising in Australia and New Zealand that will immerse guests in Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars stories.
Hong Kong Disneyland will debut the World of Frozen in the second half of 2023. This will be the first of 3 “Frozen”-themed areas coming to Disney parks.
Disneyland Paris is also in the process of transforming Walt Disney Studios park, which will have its own “Frozen”-themed land as well as a new “Tangled”-themed family attraction that will combine the new gardens leading into the land.
“Frozen” is also making its way to Tokyo Disney Resort as part of the Fantasy Springs expansion at Tokyo DisneySea. Audio-animatronics figures, including Elsa, will be featured at Fantasy Springs. Elsa will sing in Japanese and have movements that sync with the rhythms of the language.
Shanghai Disney Resort will be the first resort to bring the film “Zootopia” to life. The resort will feature Zootopia Central Station and Zootopia Police Department, which doubles as the entrance for the land’s new family attraction.
To celebrate Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder, there will be limited-edition merchandise, decor, character experiences, food, beverages, and more at parks around the world.
There will also be a new statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse at Hong Kong Disneyland as part of the Disney100 celebration.
Overall, there was a lot to take in and a lot to love from D23 Expo 2022.
Bob Chapek did his best to defend all of the price increases and park limitations (unprecedented demand), and Josh D’Amaro presented what guests can expect at the parks and beyond over the next few years.
While there was a lot of headline-grabbing news, there were no confirmed dates or details for new rides at Disneyland or Walt Disney Disney World.
But with the return of fan favorites like Figment and Happily Ever After, as well as some sneak peeks at some upcoming lands and experiences, die-hard Disney fans left the event happy — especially after being away for 3 years!
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Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.
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