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Star Wars-Themed Lands Coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts ANAHEIM, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2015) – Today at the D23 EXPO 2015, The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced to an audience of more than 7,500 fans that Star Wars-themed lands will be coming to Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., allowing Star Wars fans to step into the stories from a galaxy far, far away. Ambitious plans to bring Star Wars to life in the two parks include creating Disney’s largest single themed land expansions ever at 14 acres each, transporting guests to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life. "I am thrilled to announce the next chapter in the long and exciting history between Disney Parks and Star Wars,” said Iger. “We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever. These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.” These authentic lands will have two signature attractions. Along with the thrilling battle experience, another attraction puts guests behind the controls of one of the most recognizable ships in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, as they take on a customized secret mission. Iger also shared concept images of the Star Wars-themed lands, giving fans a glimpse at what is to come for Disney parks. The partnership between Disney and Lucasfilm dates back to 1987, when the successful Star Tours attraction, inspired by George Lucas’s legendary Star Wars film series, opened at Disneyland. The attraction was then redesigned, emerging as “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” in 2011 and featuring more than 50 different story outcomes and the possibility to visit five different planets. For 60 years, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has been delighting millions of people with fantastic storytelling, exceptional entertainment and extraordinary experiences, creating places where guests can make life-long memories with their friends and families. This announcement marks an unprecedented time of growth with exciting developments happening around the world – from Disneyland Resort’s Diamond Celebration to the anticipated opening of Shanghai Disney Resort in China. Toy Story Land Announced for Hollywood Studios! Toy Story Land has been officially announced for Disney's Hollywood Studios! New Buzz Lightyear UFO ride and Slinky Dog Coaster announced for Toy Story Land! Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Announces New Lands, Entertainment and Experiences at D23 EXPO 2015 Star Wars, Toy Story Land, Pandora – The World of AVATAR, Soarin’ and Iron Man among new experiences coming for guests ANAHEIM, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2015) – Today, Disney announced a line-up of new attractions and entertainment coming to its theme parks around the world during the D23 EXPO 2015 in Anaheim, Calif. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek gave 7,500 lucky fans a behind-the-scenes look at what’s to come. He was joined by Imagineers working on these projects as well as legendary filmmakers James Cameron and Jon Landau who shared new details about Pandora – The World of AVATAR including the names of the land and E-ticket attraction – AVATAR Flight of Passage. Fans also got a chance to see Marvel legend Stan Lee in a cameo appearance where he posed as an unsuspecting fan during Iron Man’s dramatic entrance. Among the many announcements Chapek shared were new and enhanced Star Wars experiences coming later this year to the Florida and California theme parks, plans for a new Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and more details on Pandora—The World of AVATAR, which is already under construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Chapek also shared that Soarin’ Around the World will make its U.S. film debut at Epcot and Disney California Adventure taking guests to new places around the world. Additionally, fans got a preview of exclusive video of the first Marvel attraction planned for Disney parks, coming to Hong Kong Disneyland in 2016. “From Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebration to the anticipation of Shanghai Disney Resort, we’re in the midst of unprecedented growth and expansion around the globe,” said Chapek. “With these new announcements, we continue our legacy in creating innovative attractions, worldwide entertainment, and magical lands that take our guests into the worlds of stories they love.” In addition to these announcements, Chapek talked about the exciting news announced earlier in the day by Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Bob Iger for plans to bring Star Wars-themed lands to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando and Disneyland park in Anaheim. Each 14-acre land will transport guests to a never-before-seen planet with two signature attractions, including a customized secret mission on the Millennium Falcon and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle. Details on each of the projects include: Star Wars Enhancements & New Experiences From a new Star Tours adventure to Star Wars Launch Bay, from a new Jedi Training Academy to "Season of the Force,” soon guests will be part of both new and enhanced experiences at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. · Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Later this year, Star Tours will include a new adventure featuring locations and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, giving guests a new adventure in the Star Wars galaxy. · Star Wars Launch Bay – This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings. Star Wars Launch Bay will be located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park. Also atDisneyland park, Star Wars Launch Bay will share the space with the reimagined Super Hero HQ, featuring opportunities to meet and take photos with super heroes like Captain America and Thor, as well as experience the returning Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries. Both experiences will be available for guests later this year. · Jedi Training Academy — A favorite of younger fans is reimagined with a new experience that includes new characters and a new villain to battle from the popular Disney XD series "Star Wars Rebels." · Season of the Force – This new seasonal event, beginning early 2016, brings new experiences to both coasts. In Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, guests will explore the Star Wars galaxy with special entertainment throughout the land, themed food locations and more. Guests also will be thrilled to climb aboard Hyperspace Mountain, a reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction, in which guests will join an X-wing Starfighter battle. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will close out weekend nights with a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic score of the Star Wars movies. Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida The reimagining of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will take guests to infinity and beyond, allowing them to step into the worlds of their favorite films, starting with Toy Story Land. This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard. Guests will think they've been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys that Andy has assembled using his vivid imagination. Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels, and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land, which will include two new attractions for any Disney park and one expanded favorite. · Family-friendly roller coaster – All on the back of Slinky Dog, this coaster will zip and zoom, plunge and coast as it takes guests on a fun, toy-filled adventure throughout the new land. · Alien saucers attraction – The famous little green aliens from the movie will take guests around for a spin in their very own flying saucers. The music, lighting and sound effects add to the flurry of action, while “The Claw” looms over. · Toy Story Mania! – Guests glide into the Toy Story Midway Games Play Set and take aim at 3D objects in a variety of fast-paced games, with an expansion that adds a third track to this popular attraction. After Dark at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Pandora – The World of AVATAR As part of the largest expansion in the park’s history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will immerse guests into the world of Pandora, and the entire park will transform after dark with new nighttime entertainment experiences, offering guests longer days than ever before to experience this one-of-a-kind theme park. · “Rivers of Light” – Expected to open next spring, “Rivers of Light” will be an innovative experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney park, combining live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. “Rivers of Light” will magically come to life on the natural stage of Discovery River, delighting guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. · Kilimanjaro Safaris – This popular attraction will be extended for a new nighttime adventure next spring, where guests will travel through the African savanna amid the magically extended orange glow of the setting sun and discover two species new to the attraction: African wild dogs and hyenas. · Pandora – The World of AVATAR – Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests will journey into the magnificent world of Pandora at this new AVATAR-themed land – a world that includes floating mountains, a bioluminescent forest and the winged creatures known as Banshees, giving guests a transformational experience they will never forget. o AVATAR Flight of Passage – This E-ticket attraction, the centerpiece of Pandora, allows guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage. Soarin’ Around the World in Florida and California Next year, guests at Epcot in Florida and Disney California Adventure in California will journey to far-flung lands and fly above some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders when the new Soarin’ Around the World makes its U.S. debut. Iron Man Unveiled for Hong Kong Disneyland Iron Man landed at D23 EXPO today for a special appearance, and soon Hong Kong Disneyland guests will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the Super Hero himself. Set to open in 2016, Iron Man Experience will be the first Marvel attraction at any Disney park, taking guests on an epic adventure over the streets and in the sky above Hong Kong. The adventure will begin at the new Stark Expo where guests board the Iron Wing to take flight and battle Hydra alongside fan-favorite Avenger, Iron Man. Slinky Dog Animation: 8_15_WDI_008.jpg.zip High-Res version of Toy Story Land Concept Art.

^^ My guess is that it would have to do something with mourning the loss of a guest in the park. See, look, we have circled right back to that discussion again!

There are two fairly huge topics that are surrounding the park right now. The first death at the park (I believe) in it's history (or at least a really long time), and a huge ride announcement that is coming up (at some point?) I'm sure it's going to be hard to get off either of those topics at the moment, so my suggestion is either come up with something that you think people will want to discuss or take a break from the topic. Just complaining about it isn't very productive.

I think what's sort of ironic about this comment is that this is what people used to say about Psyclone. And then when they re-built Terminator in Psyclone's spot everyone was like "Oh, thank god!!!!!" and now it sounds like that ride has just turned into Psyclone II?

It's no better. We experienced this exact same thing at the park last year, and I've heard horror stories already this year with the 60 Anniversary dumps from fireworks and shows. Ask Jack about his experience from last month when we see you at Heathers later this week!

Here are the remaining photos from Day One of the D23 Expo 2015... There's plenty more to come over the next two days! Some things you'll be able to see during your ACE vacation in Pandora at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park... #D23Expo Unique food and merchandise was teased for Avatar at the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Pavilion presentation. #D23Expo Behind the scenes photos of the making of the new Soarin' ride film that will debut at Shanghai Disneyland. #D23Expo Pre-visualizations & models of Treasure Cove, the new Pirates-inspired land at Shanghai Disneyland. #D23Expo Early construction photos of Treasure Cove at Shanghai Disneyland... #D23Expo Skull Rock from concept to construction at Treasure Cove. #D23Expo A new ride system has been developed for Shanghai Disneyland's "Peter Pan's Flight" attraction. #D23Expo A look at the @Marvel experience coming to Shanghai Disneyland. #D23Expo Zootopia's biggest pop star Gazelle will be voiced by Grammy®-winning international superstar Shakira! #D23Expo "Gigantic" will release in 2018! Directed by Nathan Greno (Tangled) with music from the Lopez's (Frozen) #D23Expo #Pixar's "Riley's First Date" short was debuted at #D23Expo to be released on the #InsideOut DVD/Blu-Ray Nov 3 2015. An Apatosaurus named Arlo must face his fears in Disney's The Good Dinosaur opening Nov 25th, 2015. #D23Expo Tron Lightcycle Power Run construction and development is well underway at Shanghai Disneyland. #D23Expo A quick glimpse at the testing Walt Disney Imagineering has been doing in the famous DISH room for Tron. #D23Expo Several milestones during the construction of the Tron Lightcycle Power Run. #D23Expo Tron Lightcycle Power Run will surround guests in immersive lighting to transport them to The Grid. #D23Expo It looks like there will be a themed dance party like elecTRONica in Tomorrowland at Shanghai Disneyland. #D23Expo A look at the fabrication of the Tomorrowland entrance sign for Shanghai Disneyland. #D23Expo Our live coverage of the #D23Expo has wrapped up for the night! Stay tuned for a recap & more live update tomorrow!

^Awesome1 Thank you!

I'm going to assume that since Cedar Fair owns quite a few other wooden coasters running similar trains, they will probably send them to other parks.

I would agree with this...but the problem is that ENTHUSIASTS have this issue as well. We all know somebody or even ourselves have carried loose articles which then became lost on high speed coasters. I don't want to call Anyone an "idiot" (and I absolutely know and respect greatly what you deal with in securing mounted cameras on rollercoasters and the history of coaster POVs vs many others out there), but I think the base problem is that the vast Majority (or at least MANY guests every day) of people think they are immune here, just like people texting and driving, and universal's zero-tolerance policy is in relation to the vast majority of people who will wear sunglasses, hats, or drop lip balm at 40 mph on a guest sitting near the ride. It sucks to not have the ability to text or play games in line (which I DO dislike, but not as strongly), and detectors are a very finite solution, but educating 100 percent of guests really isn't possible, and even then people would ignore it, just like the dude ignored the signs and jumped the fence at the Point. I mean, Universal isn't doing this on Mummy, Gringott's, MIB or even Forbidden Journey. It is only the big, fast coasters with guest pathways nearby. Disney World has only Test Track's big turn that is comparable in the level of speed vs the danger (and you are very low in that car). Or maybe the big drop on Everest if some criminal intentionally threw something. And trust me, I myself prefer Disney's relaxed (European) approach on loose articles, but maybe it just says something about the way I am that neither policy matters to me anywhere near the quality of the rides, the food, the line lengths, the prices, etc. It's low on my personal list. And that's a reasoned decision. If the same policies were applied at Cedar Point I think it would detract from the experience greatly, since there are so many more rides that it would be enforced on. But for me having to place my items in a fluffy, fluffy bunny filled with medicine and goo at Universal has never been close to outweighing the thrill of riding their rides, and this extra policy is only in effect at 3 rides out of 40ish. But even if they did it at the Point, I would only say that they need good queue entertainment if I can't use my phone or camera there in line. It wouldn't keep me away at all, the same as I still fly (without WIFI on most planes) whenever I need to or go to sporting events when I want. I would just sigh, and then agree to not use my phone much. And still enjoy the rides and the people I'm with. And i would continue to avoid days where waits for everything are really long, the same as now. And also, Morey's Piers does the EXACT same thing on the Great Noreaster inverted coaster. Wands, detectors, free fluffy, fluffy bunnies filled with medicine and goo the whole bit. And they never get any flack for that choice. On security: This does nothing against those who have phones, glasses, or even [knives] in their pockets. It's a good idea for all the annoying people who get their cameras out on the ride. It's better than stopping the ride several times a day on the lift hill to walk up and collect Cell phone cameras for sure, but it doesn't solve the whole problem better than Metal Detectors might. I have NO insight on how the Metal detectors are really performing at Universal in particular financially or in guest satisfaction, it could be an all-encompassing solution to the global loose-articles issue, and have the ability to SPEED UP overall wait times. Which is why I'm again very happy to see someone try it. And about repercussions, that's a hell of a lot of societal re-education we are talking about. Making that option realistic is way bigger than any single park or any single visit. I too, wish America wasn't regressing. It's a really good thing you aren't in charge of operations at any parks, because your parks would really suck.

Wow, this thread has really taught me a lot about the idiocracy of humanity. I cannot believe we have people who felt Cedar Point was partially at fault for not having enough signage and I can't believe that people ACTUALLY BELIEVE that the woman who spilled hot coffee on herself isn't at fault. Congrats on making this come true....

I love that they are even rebuilding the Zeppelin shell! lol I wonder if we'll see that entire blimp theming get installed as well?

Sure is!

Sorry, CoasterTube is no longer officially supported. Looks like this is a bug and since you're the first person to report it in the history of CoasterTube it means that it's probably not something we're going to be able to fix. Sorry.

Again, what is with these kinds of posts?!?!? We had over 24,000 views on the Smiler accident page and then about 500 posts after it. Where are you getting your data?!?!? Not from TPR because it's not correct. And on another note - even if your data was right... WHO CARES?!?! Is it a contest on how much we talk about one tragedy versus the other???

That's actually a really unfair comment. The park actually hasn't hyped it up much at all other than putting a countdown clock up and sending out invites. Everyone ELSE has been pouring on the hype. I honestly can't believe someone would say that, but I guess we've seen quite a few amazing examples of stupidity lately.

Ok, can we all please stop posting that this has been postponed. I think this is the 4th time in three pages. People, please READ THE THREAD before you post!

^ I'm guessing it's some sort of tie-in to the old Horizons attractions which used to be "Brava Centauri" I'm 100% sure it has nothing to do with a coaster club full of rejects.

And as of today, Thunder Road is completely gone!

Adam is currently at D23 for Theme Park Review this weekend. We'll update this post periodically with his Tweets & updates, and then he will do a full report from the forum with more content after the event is over. Follow the event live on our Twitter: This weekend we're at the @D23Expo so look for lots of new developments for Disney posted here! They have a free play area upstairs for Fix-It Felix Jr. at the @D23Expo The Walt Disney Parks & Resorts pavilion hosts a sneak peek at Pandora coming to Animal Kingdom in 2017! @D23Expo: The model of Pandora is huge and reveals a great level of detail ahead for Animal Kingdom. @D23Expo The full park map for Shanghai Disneyland is on display at the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts pavilion. @D23Expo New details on the dining and amenities at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel at the @D23Expo: Tron Lightcycle Power Run has been in development at Walt Disney Imagineering for ten years! The antagonist of Roaring Rapids at Shanghai Disneyland is the giant Q'araq, the Guardian of the Water. Some models of the ride vehicles for Tomorrowland at Shanghai Disneyland. Treasure Cove at Shanghai Disneyland will feature the Siren's Revenge, an activity-filled, full-sized pirate ship! Shanghai Disneyland will feature the Alice in Wonderland Maze, inspired by the Tim Burton film & the upcoming sequel. Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue is a new take on the classic shooting dark ride with a new story & new targeting system! Digitally rendered scenes with moving targets will interact with these new blasters in Buzz Lightyear's Planet Rescue Unique wait time signs have been developed for the new Tomorrowland attractions. Very different than other parks. A model of a wrecked pirate ship play area in Treasure Cove at Shanghai Disneyland. Advanced animatronics are being developed for Treasure Cove's attractions, including this character from the films! Voyage to the Crystal Grotto will feature scenes from iconic Disney films in the shadow of Enchanted Storybook Castle Adventure Isle at Shanghai Disneyland will feature the "Young Adventurer Training Camp," an interactive dig site! New details on the Toy Story Hotel, the value resort at the Shanghai Disney Resort: The Shanghai Disney Resort cast member name tag design. Back in Pandora. Some of the creatures you may encounter during your vacation to Pandora. The old RTA base on Pandora was converted into Alpha Centauri Expeditions' facility for guests to visit. Away from the facilities, natural Pandora will mask the entrances to the Banshee ride & the new boat ride. We even had a chance to talk to Disney Imagineer @Joe_Rohde for a bit! today we are at the Disney Legends Awards ceremony, hosted by Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger! We were just treated to a live performance of "Kiss Goodnight" by Richard Sherman and Ashley Brown! Two of the stars of Dancing with the Stars performed a routine to the tune of "Once Upon a Dream." Danny Elfman is here accepting his award as a newly-inducted Disney Legend! George Lucas just shared during his speech that Goofy was the inspiration for Jar Jar Binks! Out on the @D23Expo floor, the upcoming slate of @DisneyPixar films is shown off with some new posters: teaser poster for @DisneyPixar Finding Dory. A pamphlet on ACE, the tourism company that will bring guests to Pandora is being given out at the #D23Expo The pamphlet highlights some experiences you can have on Pandora along with some common Na'vi phrases. A message from Alpha Centauri Expeditions' founder Marshall Lamm (also known as Jon Landau) After you visit the ACE info session at the #D23Expo you can buy this ACE field kit from Mickey's of Glendale: More D23 updates coming soon!

First of all, it's LOSE not LOOSE! For the love of humanity people, they are two different words, they sound totally different, and they mean two different things... No, because this won't stop idiots for being dumb. All it will mean is that the same idiot will have to climb a bit more. Like I said earlier in this thread, you can't idiot proof the world. All that results from that is you end up finding a bigger idiot. In reality, they shouldn't need ANY signs as a fence and a locked gate should be enough of a warning for people not to go in an area where a dangerous giant metal object is flying past you at 65MPH. But people are dumb so they have to put up signs. If someone is going to jump a fence into a restricted area, they are going to do that regardless of any signs or fence height. You can't fix stupid.

Actually, here's an idea - instead of installing metal detectors, why isn't there security hanging out in the onride photo booth, and every person they see with their cell phone out on the ride, escort them out of the park and trespass them from ever coming back. I personally think the biggest issue here why people think they can do whatever they want on rides is because there isn't enough repercussion for when someone does something against the rules. Line jumping? Kick them out of the park! Using their cell phone or camera on ride? Kick them out of the park! Smoking in line? Kick them out of the park! PUNISH THE IDIOTS!!! DON'T PUNISH THE REST OF US!!! That is how the world should be working.

It's flat-out just an inconvenience. It's bad enough to have to put stuff in a locker, and we are at least used to that by now, but seriously, I want my phone with me. And no, not to be an idiot to use the phone on a ride, but to simply pass the time in line while I'm waiting. And if I can't do that? I'm not riding. Period. That goes for Universal or ANY park. It shouldn't be that way. I understand enforcing your loose articles policy, but there is a limit. Lockers and bins on the platform. I get that. Metal detectors and being padded down? And being told to go back to the locker because there is Chapstick in your pocket? Nope! Not riding! I realize it's a personal choice, but it's a choice I'm gonna make.

I've heard several different rumors about a "lap bar" train, but not sure if that's coming from B&M, another vendor, or just a rumor.

I think it's a good discussion to have, because it could be implemented at other parks. For me, what Universal is communicating is "all our guests are idiots" and while I fully agree there are probably quite a few that are, I personally take offense to that. Why am *I* getting punished because of someone else's stupidity? I also don't agree with having to put *EVERY DAMN THING* in a locker. I saw someone padded down last time at Rip Ride Rockit and they made them put their lap balm in a locker. REALLY!?!?!? C'mon. This is why I prefer to do my riding on the other side of I-4. When I can go on rides like Tower of Terror or Rock N' Roller Coaster and they tell you "Take all your loose items with you" and I'm holding a backpack on a launching, looping roller coaster, that tells me that either Disney is just getting a much, MUCH better clientele than Universal, or something is seriously wrong with their operations. I like Universal, don't get me wrong, but I'm not an idiot, and I don't like being treated like one at their parks. And if parks like Cedar Point started to enforce these same kinds of rules, too, and added metal detectors, I'd stop riding their coasters also. I don't mind putting a bag or something in a locker, but having to empty my pockets, be padded down, and go through a metal detector to go on a roller coaster? Nope. I draw the line right there.

Oh, god. This video. Just an amazing display of idiocracy. I'm actually surprised Universal hasn't tried to have this taken down. QFT!