D23 Expo 2017 News Roundup

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Hello Everyone! This weekend Theme Park Review has been at the D23 Expo 2017 covering all of the latest in Disney news! Be sure to keep an eye on this thread for press releases and photos along with photo updates as the rest of the weekend goes on!

Updates and News:

• Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Model Photos
• Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Announcements
• D23 Expo Day One Photo Report
• D23 Expo Day Two Photo Report
• D23 Expo Day Three Photo Report

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During a special preview of D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled a first look at the epic, richly detailed model of the Star Wars-themed lands under development at Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif. and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Fla. This stunning exhibition, on display in Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ “A Galaxy of Stories” pavilion at D23 Expo, is yet another example of the breathtaking new worlds, immersive storytelling and transformational guest experiences that set Disney apart.

“To say we are excited for the Star Wars-themed lands to open in 2019 is an understatement,” Chapek said. “All along, we have said this will be game-changing, and through the model we can begin to see how truly epic these immersive new worlds will be.”

Chapek plans to share exciting new details about the project during the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Hall D23 Presentation on Saturday. The model will remain on display at the pavilion throughout the weekend to give visitors an up-close look at what’s to come on this never-before seen planet. In addition, the pavilion will display models, artwork and media that provide a first-ever look at some of the locations, starships, creatures, and droids that guests will encounter when they visit this new planet.

At D23 Expo 2015, The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced the Star Wars project to the delight of thousands of fans in attendance. The jaw-dropping new lands will open with two anchor attractions – one that gives guests the chance to pilot the Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and one that puts guests right in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Representing the largest single-themed land expansion at 14 acres each, the Star Wars-themed lands will open in 2019.

However, guests don’t need to wait until 2019 to be immersed in the Star Wars galaxy. From special character encounters to fan-favorite attractions like Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, and interactive entertainment like Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, guests of all ages can experience Star Wars stories at Disney parks and resorts around the world. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2uj8WYV.

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Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek Announces Extraordinary Line-up of Experiences Coming to Disney Parks around the Globe
Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar and a seventh cruise ship among the experiences coming for guests

ANAHEIM, Calif. (July 15, 2017) – Today at D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world as it continues to revolutionize the guest experience, starting from before guests even arrive for a Disney vacation to the many memories that last a lifetime.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek welcomed nearly 7,000 fans as he unveiled more than a dozen new experiences coming to Disney parks and resorts and gave a sneak peek at much-anticipated projects in development. Several Imagineers joined the presentation by providing details of the creativity, imagination and innovation in development around the world. Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter also shared his enthusiasm for plans to include a larger Pixar presence at Disneyland Resort.

In addition to the announcement that Fantasmic! will return to Disneyland Park tonight, two nights early in honor of the Expo, fans were treated to a glimpse of the new “Beauty and the Beast” musical production coming to the Disney Dream on Disney Cruise Line, currently in production in Toronto, and a special one-night-only medley of nostalgic entertainment numbers showcasing the heritage of Disney Parks.

“On the heels of the many new and incredibly popular experiences that just debuted this year, the best is yet to come. We have ambitious plans for our parks and resorts around the world,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We’re investing in the guest experience like never before, and we’re doing it all in way that is only possible at Disney!”

From new lodging and transportation options that make getting around more fun, to original storytelling and immersive experiences based on guests’ favorites, Disney continues to provide unparalleled vacation destinations for guests across the globe in even more exciting ways than ever before.

An Unprecedented First Look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Fans were elated to hear their Star Wars stories will come to life in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the newly announced name for the Star Wars-themed lands. Chapek shared exciting new details and a glimpse inside the two anchor attractions, including one that puts guests right in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance where guests will feel like they are inside a hangar bay on a Star Destroyer. Guests will also have the chance to fly the Millennium Falcon, where each guest is critical to the mission’s success. Chapek also revealed many characters that guests will meet, including BB-8, Chewbacca, Rex and Kylo Ren. Representing the largest single- themed land expansion at 14 acres each, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in 2019, with the first land debuting at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, then at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando.

Timeless Transformation of Epcot Revealed
Looking ahead to the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, there are grand plans to complete the transformation that started with the debut of New Fantasyland in 2014. Chapek announced exciting plans across Epcot to realize the original vision of the park while making it more timeless and relevant than ever before. Patterned after the number one family attraction at Disneyland Paris, Ratatouille will be added in an all-new space in the France pavilion at World Showcase. Epcot will also see the addition of a brand new E-ticket attraction based on the rockin’ and action- packed world of Guardians of the Galaxy, the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at Walt Disney World Resort. In Future World, a new Green Mission at Mission: SPACE will take guests on a stunning tour around the Earth, and an updated Orange Mission will make the trip to Mars even more spectacular. Adjacent to Mission: Space will be a new restaurant that will invite guests to travel high above the earth for an unforgettable dining experience.

More Thrills than Ever Planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom
Disney remains at the cutting edge of deeply immersive, creative storytelling that draws guests into new worlds, and it is a legacy that lives on in every new Disney Parks experience. The first- ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will come to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With a new original story and lovable attraction theme song, this new state-of-the-art ride-through attraction will take guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel's Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies that transform the flat cartoon world into an incredible dimensional experience.

Chapek also announced that the most popular attraction at Shanghai Disneyland is coming to Walt Disney World Resort. A thrilling, Tron-themed attraction will be added in a new area near Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom. Additionally, a new live entertainment theater coming to Main Street, U.S.A., based on the iconic Willis Theater in 1920s Kansas City, will bring world- class entertainment to the world’s most popular park.
Pixar Fun at the Happiest Place on Earth

In addition to announcing the summer 2018 opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Chapek was joined by Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter to unveil plans for Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure, where the pier will take on a brand new look as more favorite Pixar characters and stories come to life, from The Incredibles, to Inside Out to even more Toy Story. Chapek also announced there is more Pixar in store during Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort. Starting in 2018, this limited-time offering will include a new fireworks spectacular as well as special characters and entertainment moments.

As part of the celebration, the Pixar Play Parade will return to Disneyland Resort – this time at Disneyland Park – and the fan favorite Paint the Night Parade will move to Disney California Adventure, one of Disney’s longest parade routes.

Disney Cruise Line to Double the Size of its Fleet by 2023
Chapek surprised the crowd by announcing that Disney Cruise Line will add one more ship in its expansion to take family cruise vacations to a whole new level. Joining the other two new ships that were announced just last year, all three ships will be powered by one of the cleanest-burning fuels available, liquefied natural gas. When all three ships are completed by 2023, Disney Cruise Line will have nearly doubled the size of the fleet.

Immersive Hotel Concepts
Among the announcements were projects that infuse even more exciting experiences for resort hotel guests in ways that are only possible at Disney. To the delight of fans, Chapek confirmed ambitious plans to create the most experiential concept ever in an immersive Star Wars-themed hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Dedicated entirely to the galaxy of Star Wars, it will be a one- of-a-kind experience where a luxury resort meets a multi-day adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

Adding to the immersive resort hotel slate, Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel at Disneyland Paris will transport guests to the action-packed world of Super Heroes, including Iron Man, The Avengers, Spider-Man and more. Guests will be able to explore the Marvel Universe through its comic art, films, Super Hero costumes and more, displayed in the style of a contemporary art gallery.

Leading up to the July 17 opening of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, Chapek also announced the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney Riviera Resort, coming to Walt Disney World Resort near Epcot.

Seamless Transportation Options
Completing the immersion so guests never have to leave the story while on a Disney vacation, Chapek announced plans that will make getting around Walt Disney World Resort even more fun. An all-new Minnie Van service will provide a point-to-point transportation service in a way that only Disney can do, giving guests an even more seamless resort vacation from start to finish.

Additionally, a whole new transportation system called Disney Skyliner will give guests a birds- eye view of Walt Disney World Resort. This brand new system will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts, as well as the proposed new Disney Riviera Resort, with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot.

Honoring the Heritage of Disney Parks
In a memorable tribute to the legacy of beloved attractions, entertainment and characters, fans enjoyed a special one-time-only performance of entertainment numbers from Disney Parks through the years. Following the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade, Chapek hinted there are even more fan favorites in store from Disney Parks’ storied past.

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Theme Park Review is here at the D23 Expo 2017, starting the weekend off with a look at the incredible new @starwars land model!


The detail in this Star Wars land model is incredible! The model is absolutely gigantic!


Rockwork and large outpost structures will make up this immersive world when it debuts at Disneyland and Walt Disney World in 2019!


Rockwork and large outpost structures will make up this immersive world when it debuts at Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney World Resort in 2019!


The guests represented in the model give a sense of scale to the land. This will be absolutely incredible!


Guests will find the presence of the First Order in this Star Wars land to be significant...


The @starwars land has large city streets & more narrow back alleys to explore or they can venture beyond to the ruins.


Here is the model of the ride vehicle for the First Order battle escape attraction in the Star Wars land.


The ruins on the edge of the Star Wars land have become the home of the Resistance. And there will be a lot to see here!


A new landspeeder that guests may see when visiting the Star Wars land...


Bob Iger is onstage at Hall D23 for the start of the Disney Legends presentation!


Bob Iger confirmed that twelve million guests have visited the Shanghai Disney Resort since it opened 13 months ago!


Anika Noni Rose performs "I Can Go The Distance" from Hercules as a tribute to all past Disney Legends.


The ceremony has begun! Oprah Winfrey has been named a Disney Legend!


Garry Marshall has been honored posthumously as a Disney Legend.


The stars of Dancing with the Stars perform a tribute to the minds behind the comics and animation of Disney's past.


Stan Lee is honored as a Disney Legend for his contributions to Marvel over the years.
The ceremony has begun! Oprah Winfrey has been named a Disney Legend!


Manuel Gonzalez has been honored posthumously as an artist & animator who contributed to Disney's Sunday comics & animated films.


Cadaver Dans & cast from Dancing with the Stars performed a Haunted Mansion-inspired routine to honor Disney Legend Wayne Jackson.


Bob Iger reads a letter from Billie Lourd regarding Carrie Fisher's posthumous honor as a Disney Legend.

Bob Iger introduces Mark Hamill as a Disney Legend!


Whoopi Goldberg is a surprise addition to this year's Disney Legends awards!


Julie Taymor is honored as a Disney Legend for her work on Disney's theatrical productions, most notably The Lion King.

The D23 Expo 2017 Disney Legends presentation concluded with a live performance of "He Lives In You" by the cast of The Lion King!

This First Order Lieutenant Uniform is one of the many outfits you may see cast members wearing in the @starwars land.


Some of the native instruments you may see and hear while exploring the Star Wars land at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland.


This Resistance Turret is located amongst the ruins on the outskirts of the outpost @starwars land.


If you look closely you can spot the Millennium Falcon parked at this alien outpost.


One of the most inventive cosplays we've seen today at the D23 Expo.


There's a former train car from the Disneyland Railroad on display at the D23 Expo show floor!




The Van Eaton Galleries Auctions has one of the original Disneyland Submarine Voyage sea serpents on display.


Some custom pieces of art inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean!








This piece is filled with references to other Disney films... Can you spot them all?


This custom model features the entrance buildings for all Pirates of the Caribbean attractions at Disney Parks around the world!


At the Marvel booth you can see several costumes from the upcoming film Black Panther,.








A full look at Thanos, the villain of Marvel Studios' Avengers: Infinity War as seen at the D23 Expo.


There are an additional four displays at the Marvel pavilion set to be revealed after tomorrow's studios presentation.


The Marvel booth also has a model of the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout!


Olaf is starring in a new Frozen short film that will be shown before Pixar's Coco Check out this neat photo op for the short at the D23 Expo!




It was just announced that Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy on Disney XD will have a third season inspired by Mission: Breakout!


Look out for Hades!


Some more cosplayers at the D23 Expo...


Here's a look at the season poster for @Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Breakout! on Disney XD!


The @DisneyMusicEmp has a large selection of vinyl soundtracks including a collection of vinyls from the The Defenders Netflix series.




For all of your super shade needs...


The Walt Disney Archives is presenting several costumes from recent live action Disney films.


There's even a show kitchen so guests can experience the popular Disney pancake making live!




Towards the front of the D23 Expo show floor you can enjoy live performances by some unique bands.


That concludes our coverage of the first day of the D23 Expo 2017! We'll be back early tomorrow morning for more exciting news!

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Seated and ready for the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts presentation!


Bob Chapek is here to tell us about the future of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts at the D23 Expo!

Kristen from @OceanSprayInc shows Jack how to harvest cranberries! @WaltDisneyWorld #EpcotFoodFestival @WDWToday pic.twitter.com/UMnKfUdzS5

— Theme Park Review (@ThemeParkReview) September 26, 2015

Guests of the Disney Parks presentation will get a pin from one of the parks around the world!


The new title for the Star Wars land at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park will be Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge!


Captain Rex from Star Tours will appear in this new themed land along with other familiar Star Wars characters.


Watch out for bounty hunters in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge!


Captain Rex will be a DJ in the new cantina Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge!


Disneyland will open their Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge first.


Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway ride has been announced for Disney's Hollywood Studios!


Guests will step into the screen of a Mickey Mouse short and get on the train piloted by Goofy in this attraction...

Kristen from @OceanSprayInc shows Jack how to harvest cranberries! @WaltDisneyWorld #EpcotFoodFestival @WDWToday pic.twitter.com/UMnKfUdzS5

— Theme Park Review (@ThemeParkReview) September 26, 2015

The Great Movie Ride will close on August 13th, 2017 at Disney's Hollywood Studios to begin work on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.


Time for news about Epcot!


Ratatouille is coming to the France pavilion at Epcot!


A new, seamless Circlevision film is coming to the China Pavilion!


Guardians of the Galaxy is coming to Epcot!


Tron Lightcycle Power Run is coming to the Magic Kingdom in time for the park's 50th Anniversary!


Mission: Space will open with a new Green Mission film for families and a reanimated Orange Mission!


The Disney Skyliner gondola system will debut at Walt Disney World!


A new theater attraction will open on Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom!


The "Minnie Van" uber-like driving service has been announced for the Walt Disney World Resort.


Disney's Hotel Riviera, a Disney Vacation Club Resort has been announced for Walt Disney World.


A look at some of the designs guests can expect on the outside of the Disney Skyliner gondolas.


It was announced that Disney Cruise Line has expanded their order from two new ships to three, with their 7th ship in the set to debut in 2023! Ships 5, 6 and 7 will launch in 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively.


Toy Story Land will open at Disney's Hollywood Studios next Summer!


Pixar Fest is coming to the Disneyland Resort next Summer with new entertainment offerings at both parks!






Pixar Play Parade will move to Disneyland so Paint the Night can debut at Disney's California Adventure!


Next year Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure will permanently become Pixar Pier!


Cars Land Haul-o-ween will debut this year at Disney California Adventure!


Disney's Hotel New York: The Art of Marvel will open at Disneyland Paris!


Spider-Man and the Avengers will have an increased presence in Disney California Adventure with a future expansion!


Fantasmic will have a surprise return tonight at Disneyland with all Walt Disney Parks and Resorts D23 presentation guests getting priority access!


An overhead look at the reimagined Future World coming to Epcot!


New concept art for the two attractions Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge!




A look at the new coaster coming to Shanghai Disneyland as a part of the new Toy Story Land.


A new table service restaurant will open near Mission: Space at Epcot that will give guests an unparalleled view!

Kristen from @OceanSprayInc shows Jack how to harvest cranberries! @WaltDisneyWorld #EpcotFoodFestival @WDWToday pic.twitter.com/UMnKfUdzS5

— Theme Park Review (@ThemeParkReview) September 26, 2015

Kristen from @OceanSprayInc shows Jack how to harvest cranberries! @WaltDisneyWorld #EpcotFoodFestival @WDWToday pic.twitter.com/UMnKfUdzS5

— Theme Park Review (@ThemeParkReview) September 26, 2015

Kristen from @OceanSprayInc shows Jack how to harvest cranberries! @WaltDisneyWorld #EpcotFoodFestival @WDWToday pic.twitter.com/UMnKfUdzS5

— Theme Park Review (@ThemeParkReview) September 26, 2015

[Canobie CoasterWhy do I still have a donkey title???]

Great report! Not that I needed any extra reasons to go back to Walt Disney World, but these attractions look amazing. I'm most excited for Tron based on the reviews I've heard about the Shanghai one.

[KBrylczykI'd like to buy a vowel!]

Seriously, this is so incredible and way more than I had expected. I'm definitely going to check out that Star Wars hotel!

[cfcI've gone pantless!]

This is the best slate of announcements to come out of this expo in years.

[Satans HockeyDonkeys are my way of life!]

A lot of very cool updates. I'm a very casual star wars fan(I've seen the movies but that's about all I care for it) but that star wars resort hotel is going to do insane business.

[DBJJason X versus the Robot Space Donkey!]

Thanks for the report. Some pretty amazing stuff coming to WDW. I am fascinated mostly by the Star Wars hotel. Sounds like it an incredibly ambitious concept. Really looking forward to see how that develops. Amazing to see how they are developing all the parks in FL.

The Disneyland/DCA stuff is pretty vague, some of it promising. Pixar Pier, without another attraction besides Toy Story Mania, seems pretty cosmetic with some added character meet and greets. Love that Paint The Night is returning, DCA needed another night time attraction prior to WOC. And that means goodbye trolley lines on DV street. I wonder though if Pixar Play parade is the only day time parade for DL? The Spider-man and Avengers ride concept sounds like one to watch as well.

Very excited to see how all this develops over the next few years. Pretty amazing to think that all this takes place within a relative short amount of time!