Disney World Under Construction: Quick List of Coming Attractions
Disney announced a TON of new Disney World construction projects at the annual D23 conference in southern California this past weekend. Many additions will open in the next two years. The balance should be in place by 2021 to commemorate Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. You can find extensive coverage of these changes, and related commentary, elsewhere. For now, here’s a quick (opinion-free) rundown of coming attractions… you can also find an update on the progress here.:
(Note: All photos/artwork by Disney.)
New transportation
Disney plans to introduce an Uber-like point-to-point transportation service called “Minnie Vans” later this summer. The company will also add gondola transportation, called Disney Skyliners, to connect Epcot and Hollywood Studios to the Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation and Pop Century resorts.
Toy Story Land
This new section of Hollywood Studios is currently under construction behind the existing Toy Story attractions. The space will include a family-friendly roller coaster based on Slinky Dog and a spinner ride based on the aliens from Pizza Planet. Disney plans to open Toy Story Land next summer.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Disney officially named the new Star Wars space in Hollywood Studios and confirmed the 2019 opening date. The space will include two new rides, including one simulating a flight on the Millennium Falcon and another offering a visit to a Star Destroyer hangar bay. The new land will also include restaurants, shops and character interactions.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
This new ride-through attraction will be housed within the existing Chinese Theater at Hollywood Studios and feature modern-styled Mickey and Minnie animation. Disney will close the Great Movie Ride next month to make way for the new attraction.
Tron-based roller coaster
Moving on to Magic Kingdom, Disney will build a new Tron-cycle-styled roller coaster near Space Mountain in Tomorrowland by 2021. The ride is similar to an attraction in Shanghai Disneyland.
New Theater at Magic Kingdom
Also in the Magic Kingdom, Disney plans to add a new live performance venue on Main Street. The theater will be based on the historic Willis Wood Theater in Kansas City.
Future World Refresh at Epcot
The Future World area of Epcot will receive numerous changes, including: a Mission: Space update, a new space-themed table service restaurant and a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction. Ellen’s Energy Adventure will close on August 13 to enable construction for the new Guardians’ feature.
International Showplace updates at Epcot
Disney will update the film currently playing within the China pavilion and add a new, Ratatouille-based attraction to France. The new French ride is based on the one in Disneyland Paris.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
The company announced plans for a new Disney Vacation Club offering on the grounds of the current Caribbean Beach resort. The new property will feature rooftop viewing of the fireworks at Epcot and Hollywood Studios and access to the new Disney Skyliner (mentioned above). The property is expected to open in 2019.
New Star Wars-themed hotel
Disney also announced plans for a new Star Wars-themed resort that will allow guests to fully “immerse” themselves in a galaxy far, far away. The hotel is expected to include Star Wars-themed rooms, lobby, costumes, restaurants, etc. and potentially offer an all-inclusive experience. No firm completion date or property location was provided.
Whew! I told you it was a TON. This list doesn’t include other construction projects already underway, such as the renovation of Disney’s Coronado Springs or the never-ending additions to Disney Springs. Overall, I think it’s safe to say you’ll see an increase in the construction barriers around the World for the next four years.
What do you think of these changes? Good, bad, indifferent? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
