Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Set to Open Summer 2022 at EPCOT

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

At Destination D23, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will open summer 2022 at EPCOT as part of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration. This thrilling new family-friendly coaster matches the “grandosity” and fun of the blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy” films in what will be one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the world. 

Josh made this exciting announcement with a little help from a friend … check out the video below to hear from Academy Award® nominee Glenn Close, who for our attraction will reprise her role from “Guardians of the Galaxy” as Nova Prime, the leader of Xandar and commander of the Nova Corps.

Guests will see Nova Prime in the new Wonders of Xandar “other-world” pavilion at EPCOT, which the Xandarians are currently constructing in the park’s newly renamed World Discovery neighborhood. It’s here Guests will learn more about Xandarians and their advanced technologies, which they’re bringing to us here on Earth – or Terra, as they call our planet.

In these new renderings Josh shared this morning, Guests can see the Xandar Gallery, home to Xandarian models, artifacts and other treasures from their culture, including their heroes like … the Guardians of the Galaxy! It’s all well and good until they show up, though, and adventure ensues in an intergalactic chase through time and space.

Here’s a teaser image for the attraction, also unveiled this morning by Josh. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s take a closer look:

  • First off, we have those lovable cosmic misfits bursting right out at us – Rocket (look at that mischievous smirk on his face … he always has a plan, right?), Groot, Gamora, Drax and Star-Lord brandishing his beloved cassette player.
  • Swooping past the Guardians are Guests aboard the innovative new ride vehicles for this coaster, which are unlike anything else in the galaxy.
  • Just below Gamora is Star-Lord’s ship. If the Guardians are around, it’s a good bet they’re aboard.
  • And speaking of ships, let’s take a look at the Starblasters in the upper left. These Nova Corps vessels are emerging from a jump point, the Xandarian method for crossing vast distances of space in mere moments. Who knows what’s on the other side?
  • I am Groot.

FANTASMIC! is indeed COMING BACK to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

It was just announced during the Destination D23 Celebration taking place at the Walt Disney World Resort that Fantasmic! will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2022!

After seemingly endless construction, questions about its return, delays, and more questions about its return, we are happy to share the news with you that the fabulous, fantastical nighttime spectacular Fantasmic! is indeed on deck for a much-anticipated return!

Josh D’Amaro from Disney’s Parks, Products and Services division, made the announcement this afternoon at the Destination D23 celebration, saying that when the show reopens for Guests to enjoy, they will get to see an all-new sequence that features live performers like before, but also includes stunts, special effects and so much more!

Stay tuned to DisneyDining for the latest on all the changes, upgrades and additions at the Most Magical Place on Earth, now in its second month of celebrating its 50th anniversary!

Presentations Announced for 2021 Destination D23 at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced some presentation highlights for the upcoming Destination D23. The event will take place November 19 through 21, 2021, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World. Tickets go on sale this Thursday, July 29 for D23 Gold Members.

Presentation Highlights of Destination D23 2021 will include:

  • A kickoff welcome presentation with Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company.
  • What’s New and What’s Next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products—Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share what’s new and what’s next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The exclusive presentation will feature updates on some of the most anticipated projects around the world. And as D23 Members know, there is always a surprise or two in store!
mickey-and-minnie-50th-8142099
  • A special look at what’s new and next from Disney+!
  • Musical Memories of Walt Disney World— A journey through 50 years of the Walt Disney World songbook with Walt Disney Imagineering, revealing the stories behind beloved fan-favorite melodies and a peek into the process of creating new ones.
  • Destination D23 audiences will also thrill to performances from Michael James Scott, Genie in Disney on Broadway’s hit Aladdin and Disney’s acapella sensation DCappella.
dcappella-9478121
  • The Art and Imagery of Walt Disney World— Dive into the Walt Disney Imagineering Art and Photo collections for a look at over 50 years of the most gorgeous, stunning, and surprising artwork that inspired the most magical place on earth over the years.
  • The Magical Musical World of Encanto—Join filmmakers and special guests for a melodic Saturday evening celebration of the upcoming musical, the 60th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios!
encanto-1664089
  • Weird Disney World—The fan-favorite “Weird Disney” returns, as Director of the Walt Disney Archives Becky Cline digs into Disney history to bring you a half century of the wildest and wackiest Walt Disney World moments!
  • How the (Disney) World Began—Join Kevin Kern and Steven Vagnini, authors and historians behind A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth and Disney Legend Dick Nunis for a look at how Walt Disney’s dreams were translated into the Vacation Kingdom of the World.
cinderella-castle-construction-2255143
  • Park Stars: Original Characters of Walt Disney World—Figment, Big Al, the Orange Bird, and Teddi Barra are just a few of the many Disney characters created specifically for Walt Disney World. Join Imagineers Diana Brost and Jason Grandt as they take you on a journey around the “world” to meet many of the fun personalities that appear in Walt Disney World attractions and shows.

Exciting Experiences at Destination D23 2021 will include:

  • The Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Bringing Home the Magic—An all-new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives takes you through a half-century journey of merchandise memories of the Walt Disney World Resort. From figurines and fanny packs to pins and plush, relive each exciting decade through the souvenirs that brought the Vacation Kingdom of the World home!
old-cinderella-castle-with-balloons-6839409
  • Mickey’s of Glendale—The Walt Disney Imagineering campus store returns with a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Destination D23 and Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise.  Trading pins for this event will be offered to attendees through a RSP opportunity.
  • Special Film Screening—On Friday, November 19, event guests will also be invited to a special screening at Disney Springs.
  • Disney+ Party—Join Disney+ for the grand finale of an incredible weekend with a special celebration you can’t miss!

More presenters and presentations will be announced soon!

“Destination D23” Is Coming To Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

If you’re looking for the ultimate Disney fan experience, D23 has you covered! “Destination D23” is coming to Walt Disney World this fall and will be full of special moments ideal for those that want to be in the know and fully apart of the Disney experience.

As announced by D23: “The Biggest Disney Fan Event of the year is coming November 19–21, 2021! Join D23: The Official Disney Fan Club as we celebrate 50 years of the Walt Disney World Resort and more! Be the first to hear exciting announcements and see sneak peaks from the many worlds of Disney—and relive your favorite memories with behind-the-scenes stories, special guests, and so much more at this fan-favorite event! Become a D23 Gold Member to purchase tickets when they go on sale in July.”

Ready to become a D23 Gold Member? You can enjoy Gold Member benefits like 2021 D23 Gold Member Collector Set, 1-year subscription to Disney twenty-three, Access to VIP events, and experiences discounts & special offers. Check out all the details via D23.

Disney Parks to Provide an Exciting Lineup of Presenters for D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration Virtual Event

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

The D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration has gone virtual this fall there are some pretty exciting Disney Parks panels that will be fascinating and informational! 

From a Disney Cast Member;

An exciting line up of Disney Parks presenters will participate in five panels that are a part of the D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration, a week of virtual events, articles and merchandise releases celebrating all the wonderful worlds of Disney taking place November 16 – 20 on D23.com.

Premiering at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET on Monday, November 16, Brad Schoeneberg, Tracie Alt and Cody Hampton from the Disney Parks Merchandise team explore the rich storytelling that goes into the exotic and authentic imports of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

It’s all aboard at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 18, for a birthday celebration of everyone’s favorite pals, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse! Host Mark Daniel takes you on an inside a look at the wild and zany world of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with one of the attraction’s lead Imagineers, Kevin Rafferty. Then get a special look at the new Disney+ series “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” and hear from Bret Iwan, official voice of Mickey Mouse, as he shares a sneak peek of his designer Mickey Ears.

Once you decide you are going to Walt Disney World Resort, the fun really begins. The dreaming, planning and sharing of excitement takes on a magic of its own. At 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 19, join host and Walt Disney World Ambassador Stephen Lim as he talks with fellow planners sharing stories and secrets on creating a memorable vacation to The Most Magical Place on Earth and discover how a great big beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.

Premiering at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 19, host and Walt Disney World Ambassador, Marilyn West, is joined by Zach Riddley, Imagineering Portfolio Executive for Walt Disney World Resort and Melissa Valiquette, Vice President of EPCOT as they share about the Magic of Possibility at EPCOT and how this park is transforming today and building toward the future. You’ll also hear from Pixar’s Roger Gould and Harley Jessup along with Tom Fitzgerald from Walt Disney Imagineering about the making of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and what it takes to bring this animated favorite to life in the France pavilion.

Finally, as a D23 Gold Member Exclusive, Creating Fantastic Worlds: A Journey into Disney Worldbuilding premiers at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET. From San Fransokyo and Wakanda to Treasure Cove, Mustafar, and beyond, enjoy the ultimate conclusion to D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration as we bring together creative wizards from across the realms of Disney to share a collective look behind the magic in creating the worlds that we all love. Hosted by Justina Ireland, this all-star lineup of creative geniuses will include Paul Felix, Production Designer, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Noah Klocek, Production Designer, Pixar Animation Studios, Luc Mayrand, Creative Portfolio Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, Ryan Meinerding, VP of Visual Development, Creative Director, Marvel Studios, Mark Miller, Executive Creative Producer, ILMxLAB and Andy Park , Director Visual Development, Marvel Studios. Gold Members can register here! Not a Gold Member? Learn more here.

Be sure to join D23: The Official Disney Fan Club for an exciting week of more virtual events, articles, and merchandise releases celebrating all the fantastic worlds of Disney by visiting D23.com, Facebook.com/DisneyD23, or YouTube.com/DisneyD23.