Disney parks have been undergoing massive construction for new areas that we've only known as Star Wars land. However, that's not what the area will be called when it opens in 2019. Instead, the name of the land will give us a bit more of a description of exactly where in the Star Wars universe the land exists. It will be called Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. However, the new name was far from the only thing revealed about what's coming to the Parks. Disney also has more plans for Marvel rides, and even the first ever theme park ride starring the iconic Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Among all the massive panels that took place this weekend during Disney's D23 Expo was one dedicated to Disney's theme parks. The panel started off with the official announcement that Star Wars Land will be going by the name Galaxy's Edge. This is a reference to the fact that the planet being represented is on the edge of known space. It's a place where both the Resistance and the First Order have a strong presence, leading to seeing the two clash regularly. It was confirmed that the new lands at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World will open in 2019. While no more specific date was given, it was confirmed that Disneyland will see their land open first, followed by Disney World sometime later.
Part of the reason that Disney World may be taking longer, is that it was confirmed that park will see a brand new resort hotel dedicated to Star Wars. It's being described as 100% immersive, including putting guests in the proper clothing for having a Star Wars experience.
Another hotel announcement was Disney Hotel New York, a hotel which is being rethemed to include the art of Marvel.
Many changes are planned for EPCOT over at Walt Disney World. First and foremost it was announced that the park will receive its own Guardians of the Galaxy Ride. Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Breakout recently opened at Disney's Californa Adventure in Anaheim, but this will reportedly be something entirely different. In addition, a new ride based on Pixar's Ratatouille is being added to the park's France pavilion. Finally, a new sit down restaurant is being built next to Mission: SPACE, which will give diners the feeling of eating in outer space.
Over at the Magic Kingdom, the rumor that the Tron light cycle coaster first built at Shanghai Disneyland would be replacing the Tomorrowland Speedway was only half confirmed. The coaster is coming and will be finished before Disney World's 50th anniversary in 2021, but it seems that the speedway is remaining as there was no mention of it losing its place.
One of the more surprising announcements came from the fact a new ride coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios is the first attraction based on Disney's most popular character. Mickey Mouse has never had his own ride, but that will change when the Great Movie Ride is replaced with Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway. The ride is being called a 2.5D experience, as it will have 3D elements, but will apparently not require glasses. The ride will put guests inside a classic Mickey and Minnie mouse short and is being touted as a really unique experience.
More Pixar favorites will be coming to both coasts as the Toy Story Land, currently under construction, is set to open in the summer of 2018. Meanwhile, California Adventure's Paradise Pier is going to be rebranded as Pixar Pier and it promises new experiences, including a new fireworks celebration and the return of the Pixar Play Parade.
Finally, the much rumored Marvel Land that has been expected to grow out of the Guardians of the Galaxy ride at California Adventure, was still not confirmed. However, it was confirmed that new superhero experiences involving Spider-Man and the Avengers were on the way, so it does seem that things are happening which appear to be headed in that direction.
Whether you love Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar or classic Disney animation, it seems that the parks will be doing a lot to bring your favorite pop culture into experiences you can have in person over the next several years.
