Disney Reveals Dates for NEW Theme Park Lands, Attractions, Resorts, and MORE!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

There are so many exciting projects coming down the pipeline at the Walt Disney Company, and fans are finally getting a taste of when we can expect to see these projects come to fruition!

During today’s Quarterly Earnings Call, Bob Iger, the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, revealed the thrilling opening dates of some major future projects coming to the Disney Parks. These dates reveal when we can expect new lands, attractions, cruise ships, resorts, entertainment, and other exciting offerings.

Bob Iger

The Walt Disney Company is known for its creative and innovative projects, and it seems that there is no shortage of excitement on the horizon. The anticipation has been building, and finally, Bob Iger gave us a glimpse into the timeline of some major upcoming projects that will undoubtedly leave fans eager for their arrival.

With Disney Parks being renowned for their immersive experiences, it’s no wonder that enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the addition of new lands, accommodations, and attractions. The announcement shed light on when these magical expansions will be unveiled, giving fans a glimpse into what lies ahead. From enchanting new worlds to thrilling attractions, the Disney Parks are set to deliver unforgettable experiences to visitors of all ages.

But it’s not just about the parks themselves. Disney’s dedication to providing exceptional entertainment also extends to its cruise line, resorts, and other offerings. Fans will be delighted to hear that these areas will not be left behind in terms of innovation and excitement. The revealed timeline provided insights into when we can expect new cruise ships, resort enhancements, and captivating entertainment experiences that will surely leave guests spellbound.

Wondering when you can experience Disney’s upcoming efforts? A helpful graphic was shared during the call that outlines many significant opening times for new attractions and offerings coming from now until 2026. The announcements span from the opening of Disneyland Resort’s Adventureland Treehouse on November 10, 2023, to the reveal of the third Wish-class ship with the Disney cruise line that will debut in the fiscal year of 2026.

It’s evident that the Walt Disney Company is committed to pushing the boundaries of imagination and creativity. By giving us a glimpse into the future, Bob Iger has successfully tantalized fans with the promise of magical adventures that await. The countdown has begun, and it won’t be long before we can embark on extraordinary journeys and embrace the magic that Disney is known and loved for.

So, mark your calendars and prepare for a future filled with wonder and enchantment. Disney wants to remind all fans that these dates are tentative to change as things evolve. More specific dates will be outlined as the projects near completion.

New Zootopia Attraction

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

New Details on the Zootopia Attraction coming to Shanghai Disney have been revealed, including the ride’s storyline that has you joining forces with Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps!

The attraction looks liek it’ll be a blend of Ratatouille at EPCOT and Spider-Man at Universal. In other news, Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is on its way to actually being filmed, though the movie’s writers were surprised Disney actually bought their script. The Disney Treasure cruise ship held a virtual unveiling and we’ll tell you what restaurants you can expect to dine at when you aboard.

Inside 300 hosted by Bryan Perri brings you the week’s biggest Disney news in just 3 minutes each and every Wednesday.

Zootopia Land is Headed to Disney

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Zootopia Land is coming! Are you as excited as we are? Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and the gang are headed to Disney! All-new concept art was released with details, hints and more about the all-new Zootopia Land! Video detailing the rides headline attraction was also released today as well. Read on to discover everything Zootopia Land will bring once built.

Zootopia was a 2016 film from  Walt Disney Animation Studios that followed the dreams and struggles of a rabbit (don’t call her a bunny) named Judy Hopps. She moved from her small town to the thriving metropolis of Zootopia to become a police officer. Because of her size, most laugh at her and dismiss her but she remains committed. She teams up with unlikely partner Nick Wilde, a conman and a fox,  and together the pair set out to unravel a mystery. Zootopia is the land where anyone can be anything and Judy Hopps is going to prove it! 

Zootopia Land coming to Shanghai

It’s been 7 years since the movie’s release and it hasn’t had any significant presence at Disney Parks aside from the one off character meet for special occasions. That changes later this year! In its second major expansion since opening in 2016, Shanghai Disney shared all new footage and concept art for the highly anticipated new land. 

Zootopia- Hot Pursuit 

We knew the area would have an “E-ticket” ride, but until now that’s all we knew. We didn’t know it would be a roller-coaster,  trackless dark ride, or some sort of high-tech innovation. The ride will be a trackless dark ride that sees us as Zootopia police recruits headed out to the big city to help Judy and Nick in pursuit of the Bellwether, the baddie who has kidnapped singing sensation Gazelle! Check out the concept art: 

Zootopia Land ride hot pursuit

Disney also released a video of the queue where we see an extremely advanced Chief Bongo animatronic giving us our mission: 

This will be a race through all the various terrains of Zootopia. Disney says ” here you’ll pursue Bellwether and her gang sliding across the ice of Tundra Town, prowling for fugitives through the streets of Sahara Square, sharing a too-close-for-comfort encounter at Mystic Springs Oasis, and plummeting from the canopies of the Rainforest District!” This confirms that the ride will have a drop, probably similar to the one on Rise of the Resistance.  

The ride vehicles will be all-terrain police cars that look like something straight from a Sci-fi movie: 

Zootopia Land ride hot pursuit

After you get your adrenaline pumping on Hot Pursuit, head over to Jumbeaux’s Café for a treat straight out of the film. Here you’ll experience the ice cream shop where Judy first met the wily Nick.

Pawpsicle and jump pop

Try Officer Clawhauser’ s favorite chocolate donut and you guessed it: you’ll even be able to enjoy a gigantic Jumbo-Pop or Pawpsicle. No hustle required! 

In keeping with recent tradition (think Cars Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and Toy Story Land), Zootopia Land will put guests right in the middle of the action. You’ll actually feel like you’ve stepped into the film. Just like Judy Hopps, you’ll arrive in Zootopia Land from Zootopia Central train station and immerse yourself in the city’s urban center. 

Zootopia land

In the mood to shop? Head into Fashions by Fru Fru, owned by resident fashionista, Fru Fru. You can’t miss it, it’s right by the entrance of Mane Street (see what they did there?). Get your fill of Zootopia merch with “hundreds of different themed products” including the Zootopia Cute collection as well as fun new headwear (read:Zootopia Themed ears), clothing, accessories and more.

Are you as excited as we are about the brand-new Zootopia Land coming to Shanghai Disney? The land has long been rumored for Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World and after seeing these details, we have to admit, it would be perfect!

Another Disney Park Is Closing Due to COVID

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Two years ago, the world was forced to shut down as we battled the COVID-19 pandemic. Disney theme parks across the globe were forced to shut down for months. In the time since, we have seen surges and drops, and now have a vaccine that is widely available. Many countries are now seeing steady declines in COVID positivity rates and hospitalizations as vaccination rates also go up. Unfortunately, one country is seeing a massive spike in cases — China. The government is reporting case numbers not seen since the virus was first reported in Wuhan.

It is due to this sharp spike, Shanghai Disney has announced that it will be closing its gates beginning March 21. Shanghai Disney released a public statement, saying:

Due to the current pandemic situation, Shanghai Disney Resort, including Shaghai Disneyland, Disneytown and Wishing Star Park will be temporarily closed from Monday, March 21, 2022. We will continue to monitor the pandemic situation and consult local authorities, and will notify Guests as soon as we have a confirmed date to resume operations. 

We apologize for the inconvenience and will provide refund or exchange for all Guests impacted during this period.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Shanghai Disney closing

This is only the second time during the pandemic that Shanghai Disneyland has been forced to shut down. Back when the pandemic first broke out, the Resort was closed from January 2020 until May 2020. It has been open since then, as China worked diligently to get the virus under control. Shanghai Disney’s closure follows the closure of Disney’s other Park in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Disneyland has been closed since January and keeps pushing back its reopening date.

According to reports, Shanghai has closed all of its schools and put mandatory testing in place for its residents. The outbreak has seen the city seal off residential compounds for at least 48 hours. On Saturday, March 19, mainland China reported nearly 2,000 cases. It also reported the country’s first death from COVID in more than a year.

CookieAnn Just Got Her Very Own Bakery at One Disney Park!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

In 2010, Disney fans around the globe were introduced to Mickey’s very own teddy bear, Duffy. Duffy is an adorable bear who wears a sailor outfit and was a gift from Minnie who goes everywhere with Mickey. Duffy never really took off at Disney World and Disneyland — although you can still find some merchandise featuring him — but he is incredibly popular at Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disney, Tokyo Disney, and Aulani.

In the eleven years since Duffy has come along, Disney has also introduced a number of Duffy’s friends to the Parks — including Duffy’s best bear friend, ShellieMay, Olu Mel (a turtle), Gelatoni the cat, StellaLou the rabbit, LinaBell the fox, and CookieAnn the dog. All of these adorable friends have become characters and can frequently be seen in the Parks for photo ops along with Duffy.

The increasing popularity of Duffy’s friends has led to one of them getting her very own bakery. Disney Parks Blog recently shared that CookieAnn Bakery is now open at the Shanghai Disney Resort. Per Disney Parks Blog:

We are excited to announce the opening of a brand-new addition to Mickey Avenue at Shanghai Disney Resort – CookieAnn Bakery Café! Owned by Minnie Mouse, this adorable bakery is inspired by CookieAnn’s culinary curiosity, creativity, and ingenuity, and, of course, by the friendship between Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Duffy and his friends.

Duffy and Friends have deeply connected with guests of Shanghai Disney Resort since the moment they first arrived there. Their friendship and heartwarming moments with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse inspired this location that highlights CookieAnn’s creative talent in coming up with fun, unique and delicious recipes.

Guests will be treated with a host of delicious and delightful snacks and baked goods: pastries, cookies, soufflé pancakes, creative milkshakes, specialty hot beverages, as well as all sorts of homeware items Disney collectibles, souvenirs, all inspired by Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Duffy and his friends, and brought to life by the Shanghai Disney Resort Food & Beverage and Merchandise teams.

The gorgeous bakery has walls adorned with murals featuring CookieAnn, Duffy, Mickey, and all of their friends enjoying delicious treats as they spend time together. There is also a vintage oven featuring baked goods animation that will remind visitors of delicious dishes featured in a number of animated Disney films.