Walt Disney World Updates from the D23 Expo Japan Last Night

Due to some extenuating circumstances last night I didn't get to share all the news that was shared last night/or this morning at the D23 Expo Japan by Disney Parks & Resorts President Bob Chapek. Although as much as we were hoping to hear an official opening date for Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, that was not to be as it was not announced. We are still in the dark as to when it will open even though the long heard rumors still remain as Memorial Day weekend are as strong as ever.

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway will open sometime in 2019 and we got some new concept art (seen above) along with some new details on the ride. It will feature a brand new catchy theme songcreated especially for the attraction as well as a new experience that defies logic that we’re calling 2 ½-D. No glasses required.

On the attraction, the fun begins when guests will see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie getting ready for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will put guests inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where they're the star and anything can happen.

Also opening in 2019 will be Star Wars: Galaxies Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but that wasn't the news they strove for as we got more details on the most-immersive resort that will be built on a Disney Parks property. The new Star Wars' themed resort will combine luxury and complete immersion into the Star Wars Universe.

Guests will take a multi-day journey by boarding a starship that will be alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy. They will become active citizens in the galaxy and even dress in proper attire during their stay. Every resort window will have a view into space. 

The opportunity for immersion at this resort will also stand out among all Disney resorts around the globe, as it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This will allow for a total Star Wars experience that is out of this world. There is no official opening date for the Star Wars-inspired resort.

It was confirmed a while ago that the Guardians of the Galaxy-inspired attraction coming to Epcot that it would be a roller coaster, last night Bob Chapek officially confirmed that. The one-of-a-kind family attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it’s added to Future World at Epcot. It will feature a unique story created by Walt Disney Imagineering that will 'wow' guests as part of a new innovative ride system. 

 “As we build upon its core mission of optimism and hope to inspire the world, the real will become fantastic and the fantastic will become real—in whole new ways at Epcot,” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, said.

This amazing attraction will open in time for Walt Disney World and Magic Kingdom's 50th Anniversary in 2021.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Updates Coming for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts at D23 Expo Japan; American Adventure Adding Icons & More During Refurbishment

Updates Coming for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts at D23 Expo Japan Sunday Night:

The D23 Expo in Japan kicked off yesterday and and tomorrow night around 10:15 p.m. ET, the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts panel will kick off. The panel will feature multiple updates from Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek that you won't want to miss. 

Stay tuned right here on It All Started With a Mouse for updates, maybe we will finally get the official opening date for Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

American Adventure Adding New Icons & More During Refurbishment:

A few weeks ago The American Adventure was closed for a month long refurbishment. Not much was known about the refurbishment until yesterday. Right now Imagineers at Epcot are busy converting the original film into an all-digital projection system as well as installing a new screen and speakers. This will enhance the film to make it look and sound better than ever when it reopens later this month. 

That's not all as the final scene of the film, guests will notice some new and familiar faces of American icons. These include legendary music composer John Williams, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, and noted ballerina Misty Copeland. 

Oh and one more thing, the iconic "Golden Dream' has been re-recorded with all-new orchestration that brings the beloved music and lyrics to life in a way that will resonate more than ever. Spread your golden wings, America. This classic attraction is coming back with even more American pride. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Na'vi River Journey Added to Pandora - World of Avatar; New Footage Revealed in Japanese 'Force Awakens Trailer; and More

Na'vi River Journey Added to Pandora - World of Avatar:

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek revealed this morning at the D23 EXPO Japan that the river attraction in Pandora - World of Avatar in Disney's Animal Kingdom would be called the Na'vi River Journey.

The Na'vi River Journey will bring guests on an adventure as they set out in canoes down a mysterious, sacred river hidden within the bioluminescent rainforest. The full beauty of Pandora will reveal itself as guests in the canoes pass by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures. The attraction will culminate with an encounter with a Na'vi shaman, who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and sends out positive energy out into the forest through her music. 

Pandora - The World of Avatar is slated to open at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2017 with Na'vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage being the main attractions in James Cameron's Avatar-themed land.

New Footage Revealed in Japanese 'Force Awakens' Trailer"

In a new trailer released in Japan for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," new footage can be seen that wasn't shown in the American trailer late last month. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opens in theaters in the United States and Japan on December 18, 2015. Check out the trailer now:

Disneyland Reveals Diamond Celebration Rose Parade Float:

This year's Rose Parade will be dazzled with Disneyland's Diamond Celebration float that was revealed today. This year's theme for the parade is "Find Your Adventure" which symbolizes every trip to Disneyland Resort. Here is the description of the float that was revealed on the Disney Parks Blog:

"The Disneyland Resort will celebrate 60 dazzling years with a float honoring some of the most exciting adventures that await guests at the Happiest Place on Earth. At the heart of the float is a sparkling recreation of Sleeping Beauty Castle, complete with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse welcoming everyone to the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Flanking the castle are two adventures that are brought to life at the Disneyland Resort. The first comes from the world of “Frozen,” whose music, stories and characters delight kids of all ages at Disney California Adventure park. Representing “Frozen” is Elsa’s ice castle – straight out of Arendelle – accompanied by Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff. Then we make the jump to hyperspace and travel to a galaxy far, far away for a thrilling adventure dedicated to the Star Wars films and exciting new Star Wars experiences at Disneyland park."

This year's Rose Parade is on January 1, 2016 and will be broadcast live on ABC-TV from Pasadena, California.