Many exciting Disney announcements and updates were made at the 2017 D23 Expo on June 15th at the Anaheim Convention Center. Guests enjoyed Disney Legend Awards, celebrity appearances, panels and presentations, films, and exhibits. But the real excitement featured announcements of updates coming to Disney Parks and Resorts including new attractions, new resort experiences, transporations options, and more.

New Resort Experiences

Some particularly fun updates come in the form on brand new resorts, including the 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney Riviera Resort. This stunning club resort will be located in Epcot and will feature a rooftop restaurant where guests can take in views of Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Accommodations will include studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas as well as luxury waterfront cabins. A new skyway transportation system will also connect this resort to other areas of Walt Disney World.

The other upcoming hotel has a lot of fans talking. Experience what it’s like to visit a galaxy far, far away with a stay at the immersive Star Wars-themed hotel. This unique property will provide each guest with their owner special adventure paired with luxury accommodations. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, Bob Chapek, spoke of the one-of-a-kind experience guests can expect:

“It’s unlike anything that exists today… From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”

Exciting Attractions

The 2017 D23 Expo also talked in-depth about upcoming attractions including:

Hollywood Studios

• Star Wars: Galaxy’ Edge – the name of the Star Wars land opening in 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Also coming to Disneyland in Anaheim, California in 2019
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway – replacing The Great Movie Ride in the Chinese Theatre and will offer an original story and fun gaming action
• Toy Story Land – Scheduled to open in summer of 2018

Epcot

• Guardians of the Galaxy – opening by the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021 and replacing Ellen’s Energy Adventure inside Universe of Energy
• Ratatouille – Also opening by 2021, and will be located within World Showcase in an all-new space called the France pavilion
• Mission: SPACE – reopening this coming August
• New restaurant – currently unnamed, will open right next to Mission: SPACE, providing an “out of this world” dining experience

Magic Kingdom Park

• “Tron”-themed attraction – coming to Tomorrowland near Space Mountain. Opening date not year announced
• Live entertainment theater – based on the Willis Theater in the 1920s Kansas City, this new entertainment venue will be located off of Main Street U.S.A.

New Ways to Get Around

There are also two new transportation systems, Disney Skyliner and Minnie Van service. Disney Skyliner will give guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resorts, connecting Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the four resorts: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and the new Disney Riviera Resort. The opening date will be announced at a later time. The Minnie Van service will start up later this month and will give guests a fun point-to-point transportation option driven by a Disney Cast Member.

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