Disney unveils more about its parks, cruises and resorts at D23 Expo

In the days leading up to Disney’s D23 Expo panel on its parks and resorts, the company announced several major additions to its line up of destinations. On Sunday, the company is expected to expand on those reveals as well as detail a number of other exclusive updates about its theme parks and cruise lines.

On Thursday, Disney unveiled concept art of its first Disney 360 project — The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. The Star Wars themed hotel is being designed to be immersive for guests every minute of every day.

The company also said that a theme park experience based on the animated feature “Moana” would be coming to Epcot. Journey of Water, as it has been called, will allow guests to interact with magical, living water.

Additionally, Disney unveiled the name of the Tron-themed coaster coming to Magic Kingdom in 2021. It takes inspiration from the Shanghai Disneyland attraction. The coaster will be called: Tron Lightcycle Run.

More reveals, updates and surprises are expected when the panel gets underway. Already, there are expectations that Disney will reveal more about its recently opened Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge park land, as a second version of the land is due to open in Orlando next week.

The company has reported a slowdown in traffic during its last earnings call, although the company had said this was intentional. Disney had raised park ticket prices and blacked out days that annual pass members could attend the park in an effort to make the guest experience better and more seamless for parkgoers seeking to visit the new planet of Batuu.

Without Galaxy’s Edge, Disney’s theme parks and resorts took in more than $20 billion in revenue last year.

Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney parks, experiences and products, announced an all new parade coming to Disneyland called Magic Happens.

The parade features music from Todrick Hall as well as floats based on “Coco,” “Moana,” “Sleeping Beauty” and more. The parade will debut in Spring 2020.

A new ride featuring old school versions of Minnie and Mickey Mouse is being housed in the old replica of the Chinese Theater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida.

The new castle is inspired by 13 different Disney princesses, including Cinderella’s coach, Snow White’s apple and Belle’s rose. The new icon will be called the Castle of Magical Dreams.

A “Frozen” theme park land is coming to Disney in Hong Kong. The land will give fans a chance to walk around Arendelle and even take a trip on Wandering Oakens Sliding Sleigh, a roller coaster.

Walt Disney has partnered with Cirque Du Soleil to create an all new show coming to Disney World in Orlando. The show will integrate iconic Disney characters. The performers will interact with animated characters, the company said during the panel. 

The music of the show will also integrate themes and melodies from well-known animated features. Previews begin in March 2020 and the show will debut in April 2020.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.