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

Are Alcoholic Beverages Coming to Disney Dining Plan?; Star Wars Land Pavilion at D23 Expo

Are Alcoholic Beverages Coming to Disney Dining Plan in 2018?:

A rumor has begun circulating that alcoholic beverages could become part of Walt Disney World's Dining Plan in 2018. The new plan will allow guests 1 specialty (non-alcoholic) or alcoholic beverage (if they are over the age of 21).

A single serving non-alcoholic specialty beverage may includes items such as Artisanal Milkshakes, Smoothies, Premium Hot Chocolates, Soda, Coffee, or Tea. A single serving alcoholic beverage might include items such as Beer or Cider, Wine or Sangria, or even Mixed Drinks such as specialty cocktails.

An official announcement is expected sometime this week. With the new entitlement it is expected that the Dining Plan's price will once again rise for 2018. Guests who have already booked trips in 2018 will already get these new entitlements at no extra charge.

Source: WDW News Today

A Pavilion Entirely Dedicated to Star Wars Land Coming to D23 Expo:

We are just a few weeks away from D23 Expo 2017. The excitement is just beginning after the 2015 Expo when Star Wars Land was announced. This year Walt Disney Parks & Resorts along with Walt Disney Imagineering will have a whole pavilion dedicated to the new land coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios.

At the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts pavilion, guests will discover “A Galaxy of Stories,” with an exclusive first-look at some of the locations, starships, creatures, and droids that will bring Star Wars to life when the new lands open in 2019––not to mention the fully detailed model of the overall vision! The pavilion will be available to “ooh” and “aah” over all weekend long on the D23 Expo show floor.

In this announcement they also announced the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts panels and presentations that will happen throughout the weekend. Check out what's coming at the D23 Expo 2017:

Friday, July 14

Pirates of the Caribbean: 50 Years of Swashbuckling Adventures in Disney Parks (3:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena) - If ye be seekin’ adventure, you’ve come to the right place! Dead men may tell no tales, but these amazing Imagineers will during this swashbuckling session tracing the attractions early origins to the latest technical achievements of Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disneyland.

Saturday, July 15

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (3 p.m., Hall D23) - Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek will take the stage during this presentation to share what’s new and what’s next at Disney Parks and Resorts around the globe.

Sunday, July 16

Inspiring Women of Imagineering (12:15 p.m., Stage 28) - Get a good dose of girl power with this awesome panel featuring just some of the many talented women of Walt Disney Imagineering. Expect to hear some inspiring personal stories and get an insider’s look at the Imagineering process from these creative and technical professionals building on Disney’s rich legacy of female Imagineers.

Voices of Disney Parks (2:30 p.m., Stage 28) - Put names to some of the most recognizable voices heard across Disney Parks as these talented voice actors share stories from their vocal vocations.

Panels at Hall D23 Announced for D23 Expo 2017

Yesterday, we received details on what panels will be held inside Hall D23 (the main expo hall) for this year's D23 Expo. The lineup is filled with some amazing panels and presentations including Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Animation, and one from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Let's check out the lineup below:

Friday, July 14:

Disney Legends Awards Ceremony (10 a.m.)––Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger will kick off this year’s D23 Expo with the special ceremony that honors this year’s Disney Legends Award recipients. See the full list of 2017 honorees here.

Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios (2:30 p.m.)––See what the artists behind these two acclaimed animation studios are dreaming (and drawing) up. With such an exciting lineup of films––Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-it Ralph 2, Coco, and The Incredibles 2, just to name a few––we’re sure this presentation will be full of surprises.

Saturday, July 15:

The Walt Disney Studios Live-Action Films (10:30 a.m.)––The wonderful worlds of Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm come together to showcase their exciting slate of upcoming films. At D23 Expo 2015, we got our first glimpses at Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Beauty and the Beast, Doctor Strange, and more fan favorites… We can’t wait to see what’s on deck for this year’s presentation!

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (3 p.m.)––Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek will take the stage during this presentation to share what’s new and what’s next at Disney Parks and Resorts around the globe.

Sunday, July 16:

A Whole New World of Alan Menken (1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.)––Celebrate the magic of Disney music with Disney Legend and eight-time Oscar®-winner Alan Menken in his brand-new one-man show. Alan will perform his own music and tell tales from his storied career.

All panels are subject to change and more detailed list of all panels and presentations will be out soon. Hall D23 seats 6,800 so tickets will be limited for most panels. The 2017 D23 Expo begins July 14 and runs through July 16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. 

RUMOR: Resort Fees & Parking Fees Coming Soon to Walt Disney World

Last March, a survey went around to certain guests at Walt Disney World about resort fees coming to the resorts. It appears a source close to the situation are saying that it soon could be a reality at all the resorts. Not much is known about the resort fees itself as it appears the amount hasn't been decided yet. Last March, the survey had asked about a $15 resort fee at the resorts.

As for the parking fee, The Visionary Soul on WDWMagic.com revealed this about parking:

• First 30 minutes is free
• $5 an hour with up to $30 max
• Daily Overnight self-parking - $30, Valet will be raised up to $50
• Tables in Wonderland will still get free valet parking (although this isn't set in stone)

The new resort and parking fees will begin as soon as new parking gates are installed at each of the resorts. Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek supposedly believes that since Disneyland already has these fees and other resorts like the Swan & Dolphin (although not owned by Disney) already charge for parking. Management believes they can charge resort fees at the hotels since it is an 'industry standard.' 

Source: WDWMagic.com and WDWThemeParks.com