The D23 Expo always brings some great news to Disney fans, and the D23 Expo Japan was no exception.

Here are some of our favorite Walt Disney World announcements that we just can’t wait to share with you:

We Have More Details About Disney’s Star Wars-Inspired Resort

Yes, we already knew that there was going to be a Star Wars-inspired resort from last summer’s D23 Expo.  But while the announcement gave us all Star Wars fans reason to rejoice, it also gave us reasons to want to know more.  How exactly will this resort be more immersive than any other we’ve seen before?  Will it feel like a stay in cosmopolitan Coruscant, or will we finally find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy?  Can I pet a porg during my stay?  Can I afford to stay there?  All valid questions, and we may have to wait a little longer for some answers – but at the very least, we did get some additional tidbits from Disney.

Star Wars resort lobby - Disney World Concept ArtStar Wars resort room - Disney World Concept Art

 

First, this resort will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Whether that means the resort will be physically connected or otherwise connected – like by the Force? – well, we will soon find out!  Second, guests will be completely immersed in a Star Wars story right from the beginning.  Guests, who are made citizens of the galaxy, will board a starship filled with characters and an adventure unfolds during the stay. Bonus perks: guests can dress up, and every resort window has a view of outer space!  That’s right, no views of the parking lot here!

The Guardians of the Galaxy Thrill Ride at Epcot Will Have Us All Hooked On A Feeling

Guardians of the Galaxy Epcot Concept Art

Also from last summer, we learned that a Guardians of the Galaxy ride would replace Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot’s Future World.  To make things more exciting, we got confirmation that this attraction will be a roller coaster!  And it’s not just any roller coaster – it’s going to be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world.  Slated for an opening in 2021, just in time for Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary, this attraction will also feature an innovative ride system sure to thrill guests.  If the success of Avatar: Flight of Passage – with its unique ride technology that mimics a flying, breathing banshee – is any indication, I’m sure we are in for a treat.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Is Opening In 2019

Mickey And Minnie's Runaway Railway

Next year, Disney will unveil Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  What can we expect?  For one, a new catchy theme song (and if Disney knows how to do something right, it’s how to create an earworm).  For another, this ride will feature a unique “2 1/2D” experience – we’re still not exactly sure what it means, but we do not that it does not require glasses.

We also got a glimpse of what we will experience during the ride – it will start off with a premiere of a short featuring our favorite couple, Minnie and Mickey, as they get ready for a picnic.  On their way, they drive by a train led by Goofy.  And somehow, we will be transported into the movie, aboard Goofy’s train, for an exhilarating ride.  My kids are big fans of Goofy’s Barnstormer, so they cannot wait to experience this one!

Get Your Pockets Ready for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Merch

Toydarian - Star Wars Galaxys Edge Merchandise

TBH, I will take just about any additional tidbit of news about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Set to amaze us starting in 2019, we’ve been hearing a few details here and there about what we can expect (Millennium Falcon ride, anyone?!) and so far, it has all been amazing.  At this year’s D23 Expo, we got to hear about the Toydarian merch that we can get our hands on next year.  There will be a street market run by a Toydarian (you’ll know the character from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace), and he will be selling unique toys including some really cute porgs.

And with that, let me turn it over to you: what are you looking forward to seeing and experiencing the most at Walt Disney World?  Sound off in the comments below!

With so many new attractions to look forward to, it really is a great time to plan a visit to Walt Disney World.  If you are thinking about planning a vacation to Disney, contact me at [email protected] or (920) 526-0809.  As the resident travel agent for Guide2WDW, it is my job to make sure you get a great deal when you travel and also give you the latest tips and tricks to make the most out of your vacation!  Contact me for a FREE quote today!