In addition to all the Epcot news, D23 Expo’s big Parks and Resorts presentation on Sunday morning included a number of big announcements for the larger Walt Disney World Resort.
Details remained vague for what to expect from Walt Disney World’s upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration in 2021 but the audience was treated to some vague teaser images, seen below.
Disney Parks Chair Bob Chapek did make a point to say that while Walt Disney World anniversary celebrations have historically focused on the Magic Kingdom in previous years, the 50th anniversary celebration will be felt throughout the entire resort, including all four of Walt Disney World’s theme parks.
Perhaps the biggest Walt Disney World announcement, however, is a new smart phone app called Disney Genie, which will help guests streamline their vacation planning experience. The new app will provide pre-made daily itineraries for guests, based on their interests, themes, and your own must-dos.
If the app works as promised, Disney Genie will be able to take what you’d like to experience and “quickly evaluate millions of options,” offering you with an optimized plan for your day.
Need a Fastpass or dining reservation? Tell Disney Genie and it’ll do its best to get it for you should one come available. Need to change your plans on the fly? Disney Genie can rework an itinerary on the go.
The new app is set to launch in late 2020, in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
Meanwhile work progresses on the new Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge at Walt Disney World.
The new resort and proposed Disney Vacation Club property will include treehouses and villa accommodations.
The Resort will also feature a new signature dining location inspired by Disney’s Princess and the Frog.
Of course the real hotel news for Walt Disney World is the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser.
This highly-anticipated themed hotel has officially been announced as being more along the lines of a cruise ship experience. All guests will stay for a controlled, story-heavy, in-world, ultra-themed, interactive two-day experience that will include a “port day” at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney Imaingeer Ann Morrow Johnson, who is overseeing the project, shared new details about the experience.
The story for your two-day experience takes place on the Halcyon star cruiser. Guests will board launch pods at Walt Disney World that will transport them to the Halcyon, where they’ll enjoy two days of fully-immersive Star Wars experiences.
Your pod connecting to the Halcyon.
New experiences only available on the Halcyon will include lightsaber training that may come in handy later on during your experience.
Themed cabins
Character experiences on the Halcyon will include familiar faces as well as more unexpected characters.
Themed dining
Guests will be able to visit “working areas” of the ship as well, including the bridge.
Will you be booking your two-night Star Wars excursion or is this hyper-themed and interactive experience not for you?
The last bit of big news for Walt Disney World was the announcement of a brand new Cirque du Soleil show in Disney Springs.
The new show is the first creative collaboration between Disney and Cirque du Soleil. The project combines the talents of Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Cirque du Soleil under the same roof for the first time ever.
Talent from Walt Disney Imagineering, Cirque du Soleil, and Disney animator Eric Goldberg shared a bit about the show…
The new show center around the theme of animation, in which the daughter of an animator goes on a magical journey through animated worlds.
Previews for the new show will begin March 20, 2020, with the world premiere to be held on April 17. Tickets for the new show are on sale now.
Okay, that wraps up the Walt Disney World news from D23 Expo! What do you think of everything that’s coming to Florida? Let us know in the comments below!
Be sure to stay tuned to MiceChat for continued coverage, photos, and news from D23 Expo weekend! Find all of our D23 Expo coverage here:
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