With the excitement of the announcement of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a few other BIG announcements from Disney have been missed by a lot of us!
Two New Nighttime Shows
Beginning May 1, the date of the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Wonderful World of Animation will make its grand premiere. This excitement-packed projection show will take you on an incredible journey through more than 90 years of Disney and Pixar animation.
Watch in wonder as the façade of the Chinese Theatre is magically transformed—displaying this stirring tribute to animation. Behold spectacular sequences celebrating themes like magic, family, adventure, romance and friendship. Each theme is brought to life through unforgettable moments from beloved films—like Sleeping Beauty, The Incredibles, Coco and many more.
Of course, since we can never lose sight of the fact that it was all started with a mouse, the show fittingly begins and ends with the one-and-only Mickey.
Over at Epcot, a new nighttime spectacular, called “A Celebration of Disney Music,” will show how Disney music inspires people around the globe, and will feature large floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, kites with special effects, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, and lasers. The current Illuminations show will end this summer. Until the new show starts in 2020, there will be a limited-time experience, called “Epcot Forever,” which will debut in fall 2019 and will feature classic Epcot tunes.
Two New (Non-Star Wars) Experiences to Open at Hollywood Studios
The first new experience is Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy and it officially opened yesterday! In this interactive show, Lightning demonstrates what he’s learned over the years by using his brand-new, state-of-the-art racing simulator and its wraparound screen. Of course, as this seasoned racer has discovered throughout his career, things don’t always go according to plan, and he has to think fast to get back on course.
With Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the gang from Radiator Springs rooting him on, Lightning gears up for the challenge. Will he emerge victorious? Speed on over to find out.
Also opening soon at Hollywood Studios is Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway - the attraction replacing The Great Movie Ride inside of the replica of the Chinese Theater. No official opening date has been released yet by Disney, but according to insiders, it’s expected to be some time this summer.
Beauty and the Beast Sing-along to Debut at Epcot’s France Pavilion
A new guest offering will soon debut at the France pavilion at World Showcase (in addition to “Impressions de France”) – a brand new “Beauty and the Beast” sing-along created by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live-action “Beauty and the Beast” films.
Space-Themed Restaurant at Epcot
A one-of-a-kind, space-themed restaurant is currently planned for Epcot that’ll offer guests amazing meals and a spectacular view – from high above Earth. This restaurant will be built in a newly developed area located between the park’s Mission: SPACE and Test Track attractions.
Once completed, the restaurant will invite guests to travel to space for an amazing dining experience in the stars. The new restaurant will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, led by Nick Valenti, which operates several other restaurants around Walt Disney World Resort, including Tutto Italia and Via Napoli at Epcot and Morimoto Asia and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante at Disney Springs.
Disney Skyliner
The new Disney Skyliner gondola system will begin transporting guests in Fall 2019, connecting Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort, the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property. Select gondolas will have Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design. After much speculation, it was confirmed earlier this year that the gondolas won’t have air conditioning.
Disney loves to keep things new and exciting so that guests always have a reason to return!! Keep your eyes on the blog here at Trips by Mouse to keep up with all of the fun! And, of course, if you’re thinking of traveling to the Mouse’s House, give me a call! It’s always free to book with me!