A.J.

Cedar Point has announced that Top Thrill 2 will be reopening on May 3rd!

Keep the discussion about the park itself please, anything else, take to the Random forum. Thanks!

At this year's SXSW conference, Disney offered a glimpse of how the loading will work for the Monsters Inc coaster! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/sxsw-2025-monsters-coaster-hollywood-studios/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI5bHpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdHoxw7Pw2OetQ8acCEboLvRSbufh1oRZWLkzvRgh4v05C7uMos2ySILxg_aem_teqoq6hD45zimFNGSFM9gA When the team at Pixar Animation Studios start dreaming up new worlds and places to visit in the movies, there’s a little voice inside their head (an emotion, maybe) asking, “Is this something Imagineers could create, and we could walk into?” If the answer is no, they keep working. But if the answer is yes… well it’s time to partner with the team at Walt Disney Imagineering to see if it’s possible to bring that space to life in one of the Disney Parks around the world. Taking to the stage during The Future of World-Building at Disney panel at SXSW, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen walked the crowd through their latest upcoming immersive space to occupy Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Monstropolis. First announced at last year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Imagineers are hard at work bringing the world of Pixar Animation Studios’ Monsters, Inc. to life — and that includes its monster inhabitants, James P. Sullivan, Mike Wazowski, and more. While getting to walk through the streets of Monstropolis is exciting enough, the land will include a signature attraction where guests embark on a thrilling roller coaster ride through the Monsters, Inc. door vault. “Imagineers have been itching to turn that moment into an attraction ever since we saw it for the first time,” Hundgen teased. While many details about the attraction are still locked up in a laugh canister, the Imagineering team is ready to reveal the load area for the attraction. The upcoming door ride will feature the first-ever suspended coaster at a Disney Park, and the first-ever vertical lift. Get ready to scream — not out of fright, but fun. Showing off a new animatic of the attraction, guests will board the vehicle before being hoisted into the air (just like in the movie!) to zoom into the door vault. It’s going to be, “an experience that’s as memorable and fun as the film,” Hundgen continued. “I can tell you that everyone at Pixar is excited about how this is coming together,” Docter told the crowd. “It really is like a dream come true for us.”

Disney has announced a slate of new and returning experiences for the Disneyland resort for its 70th anniversary! https://disneyconnect.com/disneyland-press/release/disneyland-resort-to-celebrate-happy-in-2025-with-70th-anniversary-and-limited-time-events/ Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration begins May 16, 2025, with returning ‘Paint the Night’ parade and debut of new ‘World of Color Happiness!’ Family fun across two theme parks, Downtown Disney District and three hotels make Disneyland Resort a multi-day vacation destination Limited-time festivals and separately ticketed events offer even more choices of entertainment, food and beverage, and merchandise ANAHEIM, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2024) – Disneyland Resort announced the start date and experiences for its 70th anniversary celebration, along with the 2025 calendar of events and festivals coming to the resort. With a breadth of family fun to discover, guests can experience as much of the magic as possible with multi-day visits and overnight stays at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Reflecting on a 70-year legacy, Disneyland Resort is also in an era of incredible growth with the launch of new offerings and further development in the future. Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration begins May 16 Beginning May 16, 2025, and continuing through summer 2026, the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration will honor seven decades of happiness and many moments of joy in the making. Families and friends will be able to “celebrate happy” with limited-time entertainment, colorful décor, food and beverages, collectible merchandise and much more. The fan-favorite “Paint the Night” parade will return to Disneyland Park, featuring stunning color, vibrant floats and more than a million brilliant LED lights. Guests can look forward to the new “World of Color Happiness!” nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure Park, which will draw inspiration from Walt Disney’s words from the opening day park dedication from seven decades ago: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!” The beloved nighttime spectacular “Wondrous Journeys” will also dazzle Disneyland Park once again, enhanced with fireworks on select nights. The high-energy parade “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” will also return to Disney California Adventure Park. “Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular and “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade will temporarily pause to make way for seasonal Halloween and Holidays entertainment offerings, then resume at a later time. Also debuting are an energetic, new character cavalcade at Disneyland Park and special projections on the facades of Carthay Circle Restaurant and “it’s a small world.” To honor the anniversary, a new theme song “Celebrate Happy” will be heard in various entertainment offerings. Brilliant, colorful décor will adorn the entire resort, including an elegant medallion on Sleeping Beauty Castle. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals will all come dressed for the party in Town Square at Disneyland, in custom looks designed just for the occasion. Must-visit experiences and more happiness in the making In 2025, guests can also enjoy many recently debuted and reimagined experiences, including Pixar Place Hotel, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, enhancements to New Orleans Square and Bayou Country at Disneyland Park, and more. “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will debut at the Main Street Opera House theater at Disneyland Park on May 16, 2025. The attraction will feature a cinematic presentation of Walt Disney’s journey, culminating in a visit with Walt in his office, brought to life for the first time ever through the magic of Audio-Animatronics storytelling. After welcoming new restaurants, the Avengers Reserve retail store and The D-Lander Shop in 2024, the Downtown Disney District continues its transformation with more dining and shopping on the horizon. The Disney Wonderful World of Sweets shop and Parkside Market dining hall are scheduled to open in early 2025. 2025 festival and event calendar Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park (Jan. 17-Feb. 16): Offerings inspired by Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions will ring in the Year of the Snake. In 2025, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will debut all-new outfits with representations of traditional Korean attire. Returning offerings include “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” on select days, “Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration” water short, daily live musical performances and Asian-inspired menu items across six Lunar New Year marketplaces and select dining locations. Anaheim Ducks Day (Jan. 24): At Disney California Adventure Park, fans will be able to enjoy a cavalcade, appearances by select Anaheim Ducks players, themed games and more. Anaheim Ducks Day Overtime at the Downtown Disney District will be an exciting fan zone with entertainment, fun activities and photo opportunities. Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland Park (Feb. 8 and 15): A resort tradition for more than a decade, the uplifting annual concert will return on Feb. 8 and Feb. 15, with performances by community choirs from across Southern California and award-winning artists. Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (Feb. 28-April 21): This foodie event celebrates the Golden State with heaping helpings of creative menu items, ten marketplaces – including two with new themes – live entertainment and the return of fan-favorites such as Chef Goofy, bookable culinary experiences and the classic Soarin’ Over California attraction. Season of the Force at Disneyland Park (March 28-May 11): “Fire of the Rising Moons” will perform nightly at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with epic, new projection effects and galactic music – enhanced with fireworks on select nights. Hyperspace Mountain will return to Tomorrowland, hurtling guests through the galaxy and encountering TIE fighters along the way. Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party (Summer): The one-day event at Disney California Adventure Park and two-day event at Downtown Disney District are set to return with entertainment, Disney Jr. character encounters and activities that families with young children will enjoy. Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort (Aug. 22-Oct. 31): Guests of all ages can enjoy eerily awesome fun throughout the resort, including uniquely themed attractions, not-so-scary entertainment and autumn-inspired food and beverages. Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park (Aug. 22-Nov. 2): The Academy Award®-winning Pixar Animation Studios film “Coco” comes to life at this celebration of the everlasting bonds of family and the spirit of Día de Los Muertos. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (Nov. 14, 2025-Jan. 7, 2026): This enchanting season brings sparkling wintry décor, festive entertainment and more. Disney Festival of Holidays will return to Disney California Adventure Park, featuring specialty menu items, live entertainment and family activities inspired by the diverse season of celebrations in Southern California. Separately ticketed events scheduled in 2025 After-hours events for guests of all ages feature pre-party park mix-in, shorter wait times for select attractions, unique entertainment, themed food and beverages, plus unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the event. Disneyland After Dark* events invite guests to play the night away during vivacious, themed parties at Disneyland Park: Sweethearts’ Nite (Jan. 21, 23, 28; Feb. 4, 6, 9, 11, 13): Couples, friends and families alike can celebrate love with a new cavalcade on Main Street, U.S.A., Royal Ball, encounters with character couples and lively music. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Dec. 12, 2024. 90s Nite (March 4 and 6): Dance parties, sing-alongs and more celebrate Disney films, music and pop culture from this iconic decade. “90s on Parade” will have nods to past parades, such as “The Lion King Celebration” and “Mulan Parade.” Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Dec. 12, 2024. Star Wars Nite (April 8, 10, 22, 24, 29; May 1, 4, 6): Galactic adventures await with appearances by Star Wars characters from the Light and Dark sides of the Force, unique gatherings and out-of-this-world photo opportunities. Ticket sale details will be announced at a later time. Pride Nite (June 16 and 18): This celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community brings allies and community members together to enjoy rainbow projections, colorful décor, fabulous entertainment and more. Ticket sale details will be announced at a later time. Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party*: Guests are invited to dress up in costume** for this frightfully fun, after-hours Halloween party at Disney California Adventure Park with family-friendly tricks and treats. In 2025, the party will offer more nights than ever before with 31 different dates: Aug. 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31 Sept. 2, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30 Oct. 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31

Disney has just announced that Animation Courtyard will be completely taken over by the new Monsters Inc land, with MuppetVision 3D closinng! In addition, the Aerosmith theme of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster will be retired, with the Muppets' Electric Mayhem band coming in to replace it! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/monsters-inc-the-muppets-hollywood-studios/ Get ready to open the door because Mike and Sulley are coming to town! That’s right, humans will be able to enter the world of Monsters, Inc. when it is added to the south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Building off the exciting announcements from last summer’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the new land will include the coaster we’ve all dreamed of – a suspended ride recreating the door vault scene – plus dining and shopping and a whole new theater show. To make way for the monsters, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and more of their friends will be moving right along to Sunset Boulevard! But there’s more to the story: The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival! We know so many of you share our love for The Muppets and know their energy will be a perfect fit for this coaster. Plus, as the first Disney ride ever to feature The Muppets, there’s sure to be laughter, screams and new tunes for this attraction for fans to enjoy throughout the adventure and plenty of Muppets-themed merchandise on Sunset Boulevard! In the meantime, there’s still enough time to catch a super-stretch limo to the Forum to enjoy Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and catch Muppet*Vision 3D again before their final curtain calls. As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future.

Kings Dominion has formally announced that Project 305's new name and theme will be Pantherian! https://www.kingsdominion.com/rides-experiences/pantherian Kings Dominion announced the new name for the park’s tallest roller coaster will be Pantherian starting in the 2025 season. The name comes from the legend of the jungle cat and fully incorporates the ride into the theming of the Jungle X-Pedition area of the park. "We've been eagerly anticipating revealing Pantherian as it joins the highly anticipated, record-breaking roller coaster Rapterra in filling out the adventures of our Jungle X-Pedition area of the park,” said Bridgette Bywater vice president and general manager of Kings Dominion. "The 2025 season promises to be a 50th anniversary celebration filled with new thrills, and unforgettable experiences.” The Jungle X-Pedition area was introduced in 2022 and each ride in the area represents a temple to Jungle animals from an ancient culture. For Pantherian, the intense speed, rapid shifts, and raw power mimic a large panther on the hunt. The ride's transformation comes with a new logo that shows an image of the jungle cat and new paint colors for the ride's support columns and track. Pantherian was originally opened in 2010 and is one of the tallest and fastest coasters on the East Coast, with a first drop of 305 feet and a top speed approaching 95 mph. The ride operated under the placeholder name Project 305 during the 2024 season. Guests can enjoy unlimited rides on Pantherian during 2025 with the purchase of a 2025 Gold Pass.

Universal has announced that Epic Universe will be opening on May 22nd, 2025! https://media.universalparksusa.com/press-releases/universal-epic-universe-officially-opens-on-may-22-2025/ The countdown to Epic has officially begun! Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated fourth theme park – Universal Epic Universe – will officially open on May 22, 2025, unlocking the portals to five astounding worlds that will bring to life extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imaginations. Universal Epic Universe is the most ambitious theme park Universal Destinations and Experiences has ever created and will be the next gamechanger for theme park entertainment. With a total of more than 50 incredible experiences that range from groundbreaking attractions to breathtaking entertainment to incredibly themed dining and shopping and so much more, Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched across five themed worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. And anchoring the park is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – a majestic 500-room property that will offer one-of-a-kind views of the park and feature its very own dedicated entrance into Epic Universe for hotel guests (valid theme park admission required). The opening of Epic Universe will transform Universal Orlando Resort into a weeklong vacation destination comprised of four theme parks that are home to the most innovative theme park experiences ever created, 11 spectacular hotels that are destinations unto themselves, and more – forever changing the landscape of the award-winning destination. “This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “With the addition of this spectacular new theme park, our guests will embark on an unforgettable vacation experience with a week’s worth of thrills that will be nothing short of epic! Our Universe will never be the same.” SELECT MULTI-DAY TICKETS AND PACKAGES GO ON SALE NEXT WEEK, WITH MORE ON THE WAY SOON Next week, guests can begin planning an epic 2025 vacation to Universal Orlando to experience the entire destination as the first phase of ticket products and packages that include access to Universal Epic Universe will go on sale. Specific products launching in this first phase include: A variety of multi-day tickets and vacation packages that include three, four or five days of admission to Universal’s theme parks – including one day admission to Epic Universe. These products will go on sale on Tuesday, October 22. Reservations for Universal Helios Grand Hotel will open on Tuesday, October 22 for stays beginning May 22, 2025. Annual Passholders have the exclusive opportunity to purchase single-day tickets to Universal Epic Universe before they go on sale to the general public. Passholders can take advantage of this priority opportunity beginning Thursday, October 24.

Six Flags has announced Quantum Accelerator, a new Intamin family coaster, will debut at Six Flags New England in 2025! https://www.sixflags.com/newengland/attractions/quantum-accelerator Launching through space and time in 2025 is Quantum Accelerator, New England’s first dual-launch straddle coaster. Quantum Accelerator is a family-friendly thrill ride with two exciting launches, twists and turns, 11 moments of airtime, and speeds up to 45 miles per hour.

Six Flags has announced a brand-new B&M Dive Coaster will be added to Six Flags Great America in 2025! Wrath of Rakshasa, from roller coaster design experts at Bolliger & Mabillard, will be unleashed in 2025, shattering multiple world records. Riders will test their limits on the ride’s beyond-vertical, 171-foot drop, the steepest of any dive coaster in the world. But the initial 96-degree drop is just the beginning as Wrath of Rakshasa reaches speeds up to 67 mph, shattering a second world record with five total inversions, the most of any dive coaster in the world.

We have lots of D23 announcements for both Disneyland Paris and Disney Adventure World! https://disneylandparis-news.com/en/disneyland-paris-will-welcome-the-worlds-first-attraction-and-immersive-themed-area-inspired-by-the-lion-king-and-reveals-that-world-of-frozen-will-open-in-2026/ First, we have a brand-new land for Disney Adventure World themed to The Lion King! During D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – which took place in Anaheim, CA from August 9 to August 11, 2024, and brought together Disney fans from all over the world – Disneyland Paris shared exciting news about the awe-inspiring experiences that are coming to its two parks during Horizons: Disney Experience Showcase on August 10. The most astounding news was the reveal of the creation of the very first immersive attraction and themed area inspired by the beloved franchise The Lion King, which will come to life after the opening of World of Frozen at Disney Adventure World in 2026. A host of other projects that are being turned into reality as part of the unprecedented transformation of Europe’s top tourist destination have also been revealed. Also, in the coming years, guests will be amazed by the all-new nighttime spectacular that will be performed above Adventure Bay, the central lake at Disney Adventure World, but they will also be treated to a brand-new nighttime experience at Disneyland Park beginning in January 2025! The First-Ever Attraction and Immersive Area Themed Around The Lion King in a Disney Park In front of an excited audience, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, unveiled the upcoming creation of an all-new extraordinary area at Disneyland Paris dedicated to one of the most beloved Disney franchises, around the world and particularly in Europe – The Lion King! This larger-than-life area will bring guests on a journey through the African savanna and immerse them into the unforgettable adventures of Simba, Timon, Pumbaa and many other iconic characters from the beloved Disney film, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. For the attraction, Disney Imagineers will bring to life the majestic Pride Rock, which will serve as the gateway to an adventure-filled water attraction that will plunge guests beneath the rock to follow Simba on his journey from cub to king, in a retelling of the story from the classic animated feature film. When visiting this immersive themed area, guests will be immersed in the world of The Lion King thanks to Disney character greetings, themed dining, and shopping opportunities, which promises an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. Inspired by the African savanna and iconic locations from the franchise, this new area will push the boundaries of immersion with its unparalleled level of detail and a new, unique attraction, which will seamlessly blend a spectacular water experience with state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics® technology. Imagineers have dreamed up the perfect way to carry forward Disney’s unique storytelling tradition! With construction set to begin next year, the Pride Lands near Adventure Bay will bring the resort’s ongoing transformation to new heights! “From the moment the sun rose on the big screen in theaters all around the world, audiences were captivated by the story of The Lion King, and its characters, and it has not lost any momentum since. Our goal as Imagineers is to translate the emotional core of the film into this exciting project and have you relive that feeling all over again as you experience this unique attraction. I’m thrilled and excited that The Lion King will make its attraction debut here at Disneyland Paris.” said Michel Den Dulk, Portfolio Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris. --- Next, Disney announced that World of Frozen will open at Disney Adventure World in 2026, along with a new nighttime spectacular on the lake! Before the future opening of the themed area dedicated to The Lion King, guests will be treated to an array of new experiences at Disney Adventure World. These novelties include the Adventure Way promenade surrounded by lush landscape, the family attraction Raiponce Tangled Spin, the stylish The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge offering spectacular views over the majestic Adventure Bay and the highly anticipated land inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Frozen. When the Kingdom of Arendelle opens its gates in 2026, guests will not only have the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey alongside Anna and Elsa inside the all-new attraction at Disneyland Paris, Frozen Ever After, but they will also be able to take part in immersive shopping and dining experiences and meet the beloved sisters in person during a royal encounter! In the same year, an all-new breathtaking nighttime show will also debut on the lake and above. The banks along Adventure Bay and The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge will be the perfect spot to admire the awe-inspiring combination of water screens, fountains, special effects, and never- before-seen drone choreography. Honoring its long legacy of innovation in nighttime entertainment, and in partnership with its France-based Official Technology Provider Dronisos, Disneyland Paris is also developing the first of their kind water-drones to be used just for this special show, that will bring each adventure-filled day at Disney Adventure World to a spectacular close! All of these new experiences will roughly double the footprint of the park, which is ushering in a new era marked by a fresh creative vision. To celebrate this new chapter, the second park will even be renamed Disney Adventure World when the next themed area comes to life in 2026! --- Finally, Disneyland Paris will be debuting a new Nighttime spectacular in January 2025! New Year is usually synonymous with new beginnings! Starting January 2025, an all-new nighttime spectacular will enchant guests of all ages every day at Disneyland Park. featuring a magical combination of iconic songs and projections of Disney Characters onto Sleeping Beauty Castle. This new show will bring guests on a journey filled with emotion and nostalgia to help them discover that true magic lies within every moment of life! With its unique blend of projections, fountains, breathtaking lighting effects and an original soundtrack, this show promises to push the technical boundaries set for previous night shows, such as Disney Dreams! and Disney Illuminations, and immerse guests into their favorite stories like never before. Additionally, for the first time in the history of nighttime spectaculars at Disneyland Paris, Main Street, U.S.A. will also serve as a backdrop for a show! Whether it comes to the colorful settings of Pinocchio, Beauty and the Beast, Encanto or even Buzz Lightyear’s galaxy, many Disney Animation and Pixar stories will be brought to life on the iconic street located in Disneyland Park – a never-before-seen experience made possible through state-of-the-art projections complete with sound effects that will further immerse guests into the story. “For this new show, we reimagined the way of telling stories with our Castle as the main attraction. This exclusive experience at Disneyland Paris is a testament to our creative expertise – skill which has been honed over the years. We are looking forward to dazzling and touching the hearts of our guests by immersing them into breathtaking sequences inspired by their favorite Disney and Pixar movies like never before. This can’t-miss experience will make it possible for guests to end their day in the parks all together in the most unforgettable way,” said Dana Harrel, Executive Entertainment Director, Disneyland Paris. A Transformation Coming to Life Across the Resort All these projects are part of a development plan that aims to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence. They reflect the commitment of Disneyland Paris to always expand its offerings in creative and groundbreaking ways. Earlier this year, the resort lifted the curtain on the next phase of its Disney Hotels transformation plan. After inviting guests to step into the world of Marvel Super Heroes with the reopening of Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel in 2021 and unveiling the royally reimagined Disneyland Hotel in 2024, the resort will gradually reimagine all Disney Davy Crockett Ranch bungalows in the near future featuring interior decorations inspired by the adventures of beloved characters such as Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, together with Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby Vanderquack. Disney Village is also undergoing a major reimagining aimed at enhancing its offerings and exceeding guest expectations! In the coming months, the retail, dining, and entertainment complex will welcome all-new restaurants and shops, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a modern, warm, and dynamic atmosphere! “The last updates provided at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event are a valuable addition to the ongoing or upcoming projects at Disneyland Paris. They show the extent of our transformation, which aims to reinvent the experience delivered within our resort in the coming years. We are confident that all these changes will contribute to strengthening our position as a tourism leader in Europe, along with the pioneer status that Disney has earned in the theme park industry,” said Natacha Rafalski.

We have lots of announcements for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure coming from D23! https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/tianas-bayou-adventure-disneyland-opening-date/ https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/walt-disney-audio-animatronic/ https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/avatar-experience-announced-california-adventure/ https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/avengers-campus-spider-man-announcements/ First, we have a November 15th opening date for Tiana's Bayou Adventure, with Critter Country now becoming Bayou Country! Disneyland, it’s time to head on down to the bayou – blue skies and sunshine up ahead! Announced during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro is getting ready to let the good times roll! Realizing the show was quickly zooming by, and there were so many other announcements to get to, Josh was joined on-stage by Darren Criss and Skylar Astin. The duo quickly (and via song) splashed through some very important updates you’re going to want to know — one of them being when you can drop in on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland. The Happiest Place on Earth will open their attraction inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “The Princess and the Frog” on Nov. 15, 2024 (at the start of the Holiday season at Disneyland Resort)! And not only that, but Critter Country will be appropriately renamed Bayou Country when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens. Gather up your friends and family, a celebration is coming! Following its opening at Walt Disney World earlier this year, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open November 15, 2024 at Disneyland park in the newly renamed Bayou Country. Bayou Country is situated on the edge of New Orleans Square with shady trees, mesmerizing music and a vast collection of enchanting surprises. Guests will discover a land filled with friendly woodland animals, from a trumpet-playing gator and an adorable bear who craves honey to a musical cast of bears, frogs, and other critters. In addition to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Bayou Country will be the home to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, as well as the newly reimagined Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, which has one of the most scenic dining areas in all of Disneyland park. And don’t forget to grab your favorite merchandise from Ray’s Berets, and Louis’ Critter Club, and sweet treats from Pooh Corner. While some areas may open earlier, we look forward to welcoming you officially to Bayou Country when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens on Nov. 15, which “brings folks from all walks of life together”, as Princess Tiana’s father would say. --- Next, we have a new show that will be playing alongside Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, Walt Disney: A Magical Life! As Walt Disney once said, “When we consider a new project, we really study it—not just the surface idea, but everything about it. And when we go into that new project, we believe in it all the way. We have confidence in our ability to do it right. And we work hard to do the best possible job.” On stage during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro gave a small glimpse of a fitting tribute coming to Disneyland. For the first time ever, when it debuts in 2025, you’ll actually be able to see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology in “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.” Walt Disney Imagineering’s first Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney is being created for this very special experience. “I speak for our entire team when I say there is so much pride and excitement for everyone involved in this endeavor,” Josh told the crowd. The past, present and future are coming together, giving visitors the chance to imagine what it would be like to stop by Walt’s office. Who knows what he might be dreaming up inside? Only time will tell with Walt. “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will debut inside the Main Street Opera House, and after its initial run, the attraction will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” A fitting acknowledgement of Walt’s significant advances with Audio-Animatronics about 60 years ago when he first introduced the groundbreaking technology. “Creating our first Walt figure is a huge responsibility, and we’ve brought members of the Disney family along with us for every step of the journey,” Josh continued on stage. “His great-nephew, Roy P. Disney, visited the Imagineering campus recently to see our progress. And he’s here tonight. Thank you, Roy, for helping us fulfill this dream.” --- Next, a new land based on Avatar: The Way of Water will be built in Disney California Adventure! Pack your bags, we’re heading to Pandora! In the future, you’ll be greeting everyone with Oel ngati kameie — that’s “I see you” in Na’vi — when this all-new exciting destination arrives at the Disneyland Resort with awe-inspiring sights and experiences. As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, we’re venturing further into Pandora with a new destination at Disney California Adventure. While Pandora—The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is based on Oscar-winner James Cameron’s “Avatar” film, this new destination draws inspiration from “Avatar: The Way of Water” and upcoming Avatar films to bring Pandora to life in a brand-new way. I joined Josh on stage to dive deeper into the new space including how guests will go on the adventure of a lifetime in search of majestic natural wonders that can only be found on Pandora and the beauty – and danger – that come along with the journey. This new and thrilling excursion will bring all the action, excitement, and wonder of Avatar, taking guests all the way to the wide-open seas of Pandora. This is going to be a dynamic, intense and emotional experience on a grand scale that we know our guests will love. Ready to explore this breathtaking experience worthy of these epic stories? --- And finally, we have two more attractions coming to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure - Stark Flight Lab and Avengers Infinity Defense! Ready, recruits? The size of Avengers Campus at Disneyland will double with not one but two brand new attractions to suit up and fight alongside some of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Construction on this expansion will begin next year. Get ready for a multi-world adventure experience with Avengers Infinity Defense. Technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing, and King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc everywhere. Recruits will travel to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City alongside the likes of big, and small, heroes. You also just might find yourself face-to-face with King Thanos, too. If you’re up for another mission, Tony Stark has one for you. And you know Tony, he always wants to try something new and exciting, and it’s going to make you feel like a Super Hero yourself. With the just announced Stark Flight Lab, you’re going to sit in two-person pods and deploy to a test station. Then a robot arm grabs your pod and starts whirling you around in a simulated flight. And, a familiar face will join you at the Stark Flight Lab — Mr. Stark himself. Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Tony Stark for the attractions in the land.

New from D23: Disney has announced the Tropical Americas land for Disney's Animal Kingdom, to replace Dinoland USA! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/tropical-americas-encanto-indiana-jones-animal-kingdom/ A new adventure awaits at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with the addition of a new space themed around Tropical Americas. Welcome to Pueblo Esperanza. As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro explained during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, work on this new 11-acre section of the park is set to begin later this year. Just like Harambe, the land feels lived in, with a long, rich history — plus there’s a large hacienda which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort. The space will be lush and sprawling, featuring a large fountain in the center where the villagers like to gather and tell stories. Additionally, a woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love. That’s not all that will be located here – the new land will include not one but two signature attractions! Indiana Jones A new Indy experience is set to arrive in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and will be different from any other Indiana Jones experience around the world. In this new venture, the man with the hat has recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to explore it. He’s heard rumors about a mythical creature deep within the temple — and he’s got to see it for himself. So, he brings us along on the adventure… but will there be snakes? We’ll just have to wait and see. Encanto If you’re a fan of drawers, floors, and doors, let’s go! The first-ever “Encanto”-themed ride-through attraction is coming to Animal Kingdom, featuring the beloved Madrigal family from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film. Inside the Casita, Antonio has just received his special gift — the ability to communicate with animals — and his room has transformed into a rainforest. It’s time to go explore alongside him, and you never know what member of the family you might bump into… Construction on the land is set to begin this fall and will open in 2027 — but don’t worry, you’ll still have plenty of time to experience Dinosaur again (and get that dino).

Newly announced at D23: A land themed to Monsters, Inc will be coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/monsters-inc-land-announced-hollywood-studios/ It’s laughter they’re after when a brand-new land themed around Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” comes to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. The news was shared during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, with a little help from Disney Legend Billy Crystal, took to the stage to reveal plans to build a living, breathing, and not-at-all-scary “Monsters, Inc.” inspired area where you’ll be able to stroll the streets alongside some of your favorite monsters. Picking up after the events of Pixar’s beloved film, humans have now been invited to visit the world of Monsters, Inc. — and the monsters need laughter to power the city and keep it running smoothly. But it’s not a true visit without the factory itself. You’ll be able to see the sights, hear the laughs and zoom through the building just like James P. Sullivan (a.k.a. Sulley) and Mike Wazowski — via a door! Yes, a door. If you’ve been dreaming of riding through the door vault since the movie was released in 2001, you’re not alone — Josh has been thinking about this, too. “The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley,” he told the crowd. “You’ll go into the factory and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park. Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.” The coaster will put you right in the middle of the monster action. Just be sure to fill out your paperwork! Roz is always watching… Work on the project is slated to begin next year, so get ready to ROAR with laughter!

Hey everyone! Lots of stuff to talk about from D23, so here we go! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/cars-area-announced-magic-kingdom/ https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/new-nighttime-parade-magic-kingdom/ https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/villains-land-announced-magic-kingdom/ First up, Disney announced an expansion to Frontierland with Cars attractions, to begin construction in early 2025! One is a quicker-than-quick racecar who eats losers for breakfast, and one is a tow truck with a heart of gold. Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater are racing into Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort! At Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, with the help of Tow Mater via video call, announced that a new area inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film “Cars” will be coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city,” Josh told the crowd. Don’t get too comfortable in Radiator Springs because it’s time to leave the pit stop and head west into exciting new frontiers. On this adventure, guests will be able to experience not one but two exciting new “Cars”-themed attractions. One attraction will invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains. Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes. But what about smaller racers? The second attraction will be geared towards them and will be fun for the whole family. Get ready to start your engines! Work on this new space in Frontierland will begin in early 2025. --- Also, Disney announced that a new nighttime parade will be coming to the park! Picture this: you’re nestled on Main Street, U.S.A. with your loved ones getting ready to watch a nighttime parade come to life right before your eyes. Maybe you’ve got a churro or a Mickey Ice Cream bar in hand, or are eyeing a nearby popcorn cart, who knows! But the lights dim, the music swells, and now you’re watching a brand-new nighttime spectacular at the Magic Kingdom Park. You don’t have to imagine this for much longer, because in summer 2025, a brand-new parade will make its way to the Most Magical Place On Earth. Broadway darlings — and former Disney Live Entertainment Cast Members! — Rachel Potter and Eden Espinosa graced the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event stage during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase panel with this monumental announcement. The all-new parade “Disney Starlight” is coming next summer! “Disney Starlight” will continue the nighttime spectacular legacy started by the “Main Street Electrical Parade” using the latest technology to tell new stories about the characters you love. All of this is brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy, in addition to beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios films “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and more. --- And finally, Disney announced a brand-new land for the park themed to the Disney Villains! Once upon a nightmare… A place where poison apples are aplenty and magic potions can ruin your whole day. For all those things hiding in the shadows, it’s time to join them as we lift the veil on a forthcoming Villains Land at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World Resort. As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, this new land will be home to the Disney Villains we know and loathe from our favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios classic films — “Which means happily ever after may feel like just a distant dream.” The evil ambition of all these Villains means that the possibilities are endless for the stories that can be told — and visitors to the dark and thorny land should be prepared for whatever chaos might come their way. The new land will encompass all your dreams- er, nightmares. The space will be home to two major attractions, dining, and shopping on an incredibly twisted grand scale. “Be prepared, you poor unfortunate souls,” Josh teased. “It’s going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.” You might have just felt a shiver run down your spine. That’s because preparation is already underway at Magic Kingdom for this new land. Maybe think twice before you indulge in that next shiny red apple… On August 12th, Disney released more details surrounding the expansions at Magic Kingdom, including the closure and removal of Tom Sawyer Island, the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Rivers of America. https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/new-details-revealed-expansion-magic-kingdom/ This past weekend at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed exciting new details about what’s coming to Walt Disney World. In addition to getting up close and personal with monsters and villains, soon you’ll be able to explore the uncharted territory of the great outdoors with an expansion in Frontierland themed around Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars.” It’s time to leave Radiator Springs and head west into exciting new locations. To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers. “We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we—quite literally—explore a new frontier in Frontierland,” shared Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. “Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests.” The new area will bring you along for the ride (pun intended) with a brand-new thrilling rally race through the mountains, climbing trails, and dodging geysers, in addition to a second attraction geared towards fun for the whole family. Ahead of work revving into high gear next year, guests will have plenty of time to experience the charm and nostalgia of Frontierland as it is today. And cruising just around the bend, guests will be able to venture Beyond Big Thunder Mountain into an all-new land dedicated to Disney Villains. Inspired by the wicked characters fans know and loathe, the multi-acre expansion will include two major attractions, plus dining and shopping. Walt Disney Imagineering is pushing creative boundaries to dark and mysterious levels to bring this new, first-of-its-kind land to life. Together, these new additions to Magic Kingdom will represent the largest expansion in park history.

Kings Dominion has officially announced Rapterra, a launched B&M wing coaster for 2025! https://www.kingsdominion.com/blog/media-center/conquer-the-skies-when-rapterra-launches-into-kings-dominion Kings Dominion, central Virginia’s beloved amusement park, is thrilled to announce the arrival of Rapterra as part of the park’s 50th anniversary season in 2025. Standing at 145 feet tall and stretching 3,086 ft long, this incredible new attraction is the world's tallest and longest launched wing coaster, and promises an unforgettable experience filled with heights, speed and exhilarating maneuvers for all park-goers. Rapterra, inspired by the powerful Jungle Hawk, offers riders the sensation of flight. The adventure begins with a powerful launch, accelerating passengers to 65 miles per hour in just four seconds before ascending to its zenith over the Jungle X-Pedition midway. The ride then plummets into a dive loop, and navigates a series of thrilling aerial maneuvers, including an S-turn, a wing slide, a flat spin, an airtime hill, and a 360-degree raptor roll. The 89-second ride totals three inversions before a smooth return to the station. “We are excited to unveil Rapterra, the must-do ride of 2025, at Kings Dominion,” said Bridgette Bywater, vice president and general manager of Kings Dominion. “This extraordinary addition promises new thrills for our guests, making it the perfect centerpiece for our 50th anniversary celebration and reaffirming why Kings Dominion is the ultimate destination for unforgettable memories and exhilarating excitement.” Manufactured by industry leader Bolliger and Mabillard, Rapterra's winged coaster design positions riders on either side of the track, offering an immersive, floorless experience that simulates flying. The basalt grey support columns and patina green track create loops, twists and rolls, ensuring a thrilling adventure from start to finish. Construction of Rapterra is already in progress, with completion expected this fall. The coaster will officially open in 2025, coinciding with Kings Dominion's milestone 50th anniversary celebration. More information on the 50th anniversary celebration will be shared at a later date. In addition, today marks the launch of the 2025 Gold Season Pass at Kings Dominion. Guests who purchase a 2025 Gold Pass will receive unlimited visits and free parking the remainder of the 2024 season, plus the entire 2025 season. That includes visits to the all-new Food and Wine Festival this summer, Halloween Haunt, WinterFest and more.