Everything We Learned from the Parks & Resort Panel at D23

While I wasn’t able to go to D23 myself this year, I was lucky enough to find a kind soul who streamed the Parks and Resort Panel. THANK YOU! There was literally more announcements than my heart can handle, and I am SO excited to get you the scoop. In case you missed it, here is everything we learnt at D23 Parks Panel.

Rumors Confirmed

There have been tons of rumors floating around the last few weeks about what we could expect from this panel…and they were basically spot on.

The Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios is leaving.

That’s right, first out the gate was this big change. After all this time Mickey is finally getting his own ride. The Great Movie Ride will be replaced by Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, a dark ride based upon the animated shorts shown in the Disney World Resort rooms. The Great Movie Ride closes next month, so check it out while you can.

Ratatouille is Coming Stateside

Yup. Rumor #2 confirmed, we will be getting our very own ride in the France pavilion based off of Ratatouille. No date announced, but construction is already underway.

Guardians. of. the.  Galaxy at Epcot

Epcot is going to see some MAJOR changes in the next few years, like it or not. One of those changes is the highly debated Guardians of the Galaxy rumor that’s been going around. How does this fit into the Epcot universe you may ask? Apparently, Starlord visited Epcot as a child. Weak if you ask me, but maybe I’m just still better about ToT in DCA……

TRON!!!!

Hi Haters! The line to apologize starts right here. Tron is coming to the Magic Kingdom. One of the biggest rumors was confirmed, HOWEVER it doesn’t look like it is replacing any exiting ride. It will actually be in a new area next to Space Mountain.

 The Star Wars Hotel is REALLY REALLY HAPPENING!!!

A new Star Wars themed luxury resort will be built in Disney World. The resort is said to be the most immersive resort encounter yet. More details TBA, but you can check out this article from April for concept art.

Marvel Land in DCA is happening….kind of

While it was touched on during the panel no official details were released. There are new “super hero experiences” coming down the pipeline, but it wasn’t clear what they are or where they will be. (Also, the stream I was watching froze during this so if I missed something *gasp* please tell me in the comments!)

Just as We Expected

While the news below was “confirmed” it was basically what everyone expected.

Gondola Transportation in Disney World

Because WDW is an all inclusive experience, there will be a brand new way to stay in the magic. Permits for the Gondolas were filed a while ago and construction has already started, but it has now been confirmed. Personally, I might pass on this since the monorail makes me a little queasy. I know, I’m a wimp.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is going to be EPIC

The new Star Wars Land officially received a name: Galaxy’s Edge, and it’s going to be amazing. The new area was described as being better than Pandora. Which has some big shoes to fill. What’s even better…It’s opening in SoCal first! Wooo Hooo!!!

Wait – Whaaat??!

There were also, somehow, quite a few surprises from the 90 minute panel.

Minnie Vans

A new Uber like transportation system is coming to Disney World. Minnie Vans will provide on demand  rides all around the resort, and they’re painted pink and white with polka dots – of course.  No word on the associated cost.

ANOTHER New Cruise Ship

Apparently a fleet of 6 was not enough, and a 7th ship is on the way. No details about appearance, size, or dates.

Beauty and the Beast Comes to the Disney Dream

Because I didn’t want to go on a Disney cruise enough already. A brand new stage production of Beauty & The Beast is coming to the Disney Dream. A preview performance took place during the panel and it looks beautiful.

The Pixar Play Parade is Crossing the Street to Disneyland

Another unexpected surprise is the move of the Pixar Play parade to DL. Along with that comes the VIP parade treatment. Similar to how Paint the Night filled the Main Street air and shop facades, Pixar Play will have similar visual effects. So exciting! Speaking of Pixar…

DCA Paradise Pier will become the Pixar Pier

Hollywood Studios isn’t the only one getting some Pixar love. Looks like SoCal will be getting more Pixar in our parks over at DCA. No details yet about new attractions or re-themed attractions, but concept art looks promising.

Paint the Night coming to DCA

Since Disneyland will house the Pixar Play parade, DCA will get to host Paint the Night. This is great news. DCA has been without a night parade for sometime, since the Electrical Parade left before the remodel. I’m glad to see that what is basically the MEP 2.0 will be sticking around.

Carsland will be all dressed up this Halloween

I love how Disneyland is decorated for Halloween, but I’ve always thought that DCA kind of lacked a good holiday overlay. ToT had a weak, but present, Halloween theme but that is most likely gone now with GoG. I’m looking forward to seeing all the Cars themed decorations.

Marvel Hotel Coming to Disneyland Paris

Paris is getting a fun update too! A new resort will be built themed to Marvel comics. The hotel will be stylized as a modern museum filled with Marvel memorabilia.

Like I said, there was a LOT! Which announcements are you most excited about??