Disney Cancels Lake Nona Project; Star Wars: Galactic Star Cruiser Closing Permanently in September

There is some breaking news out of the Walt Disney Company concerning Florida as they have decided to cancel the $1 billion Lake Nona project and the Star Wars: Galactic Star Cruiser will permanently close in September. 

Disney Cancels Lake Nona Project:

In an email to to staff, President of Disney Parks & Experiences, Josh D'Amaro says the company has decided not to move forward with the construction of the Lake Nona campus. The $1 billion campus which was supposed to be ready by next year with staff moves to the Orlando campus delayed until 2026. 

In the memo, he stated that it was not an easy decision but believes it is the right one to make. He also stated that the company will no longer be asking employees to relocate and that conversations with those of who have already relocated to possibly relocate back to California. 

The situation and feud with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis looms large as Disney is not playing around. D'Amaro stated, "I remain optimistic about the direction of our Walt Disney World business. We have plans to invest $17billion and create 13,000 jobs over the next 10 years. I hope we're able to do so."

Star Wars: Galactic Star Cruiser Closing Permanently in September:

Walt Disney World announced more shocking news today that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will close permanently as of October 1, 2023 with the final voyage on the immersive experience occurring September 28-30,2023. Here is official announcement:

Many fans will say they saw this coming right from when Galactic Starcruiser opened due to the price. Going forward, Disney says it will focus resources on other opportunities that will be more accessible to its large group of fans. 

Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission BREAKOUT! Coming to Disney California Adventure

Rumors have been circulation for months now that Tower of Terror in Disney California Adventure would be closing and a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction would be taking its place. Those rumors have now been confirmed at tonight's Marvel Studios panel at San Diego Comic-Con. Marvel President Kevin Feige along with Disney Imagineer Legend Joe Rohde announced that Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission BREAKOUT! will be coming to Disney California Adventure in Summer 2017.

Concept Art from Disney Imagineering

Here is the announcement from Joe Rohde himself:

Concept Art from Disney Imagineering

Here is the description for Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission BREAKOUT! from the Disney Parks Blog:

"Deep inside his fortress-like collection, the mysterious Taneleer Tivan (aka The Collector) is displaying his newest acquisitions, the Guardians of the Galaxy. They are trapped in customized display cases, suspended over a vast abyss. Unbeknownst to their unscrupulous captor, the intrepid Rocket has escaped and is enlisting the Collector’s VIP guests for help. Guests board a gantry lift, which launches them into a chaotic and hilarious adventure as they join Rocket in an attempt to break his fellow Guardians out of captivity."

Concept Art from Disney Imagineering

That's not all as the ride will be bordering on what will eventually become an expanded Marvel Land at Disney California Adventure. Hurry up and ride Tower of Terror at DCA as it will close in early 2017 as the new attraction is expected to be opening by next Summer. Now we wait to see if Disney gets cleared to build any Marvel attractions in Florida, as rumors have been surrounding Universe of Energy at Epcot. 

Stay tuned for more information on the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction and the future Marvel Land coming to Disney California Adventure right here on It All Started With a Mouse.