Yesterday we told you about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which debuted today in Walt Disney World Resort’s 14-acre land Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge following last night’s dedication ceremony with Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (who was joined by no other than the mighty Chewbacca).
That, for many, was the highlight of the week (because Star Wars), but Disney also announced a plethora of exciting new developments. Here are some of the highlights.
A galaxy far, far away will continue to be explored through Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which will debut in 2021 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios as a two-night vacation experience surrounding guests 24/7 in Star Wars storytelling.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the first Disney ride-through attraction featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, will open March 4, 2020, in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Three new films will debut Jan. 17, 2020, at Epcot, on the same day the Epcot International Festival of the Arts begins: Awesome Planet in The Land pavilion, showcasing the Earth’s beauty; Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along in the France pavilion; and Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 in the Canada pavilion, an update to the previous O Canada! film with new scenes, a new musical score and new narration by actors Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy. The Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along is directed and produced by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live-action Beauty and the Beast films, and invites guests to participate in a twist on the story with narration from the legendary Angela Lansbury.
Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure invites guests to join Scrooge McDuck and friends in search of treasure. Using the Play Disney Parks mobile app, guests take a trip around World Showcase discovering exotic destinations, exciting mysteries and a few thieves, villains and supernatural guardians of ancient artifacts.
More Epcot developments include Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, opening summer 2020 in the France pavilion; the Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue, a new fast-casual restaurant opening this winter at The American Adventure; and Space 220, debuting this winter next to Mission: SPACE, which will give visitors the feel of dining 220 miles above the Earth’s surface, complete with celestial views.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a new table-service restaurant coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land in 2020. Guests will be immersed with all their toy pals in a family-friendly environment constructed from Andy’s favorite larger-than-life playsets and games.
Disney’s Riviera Resort will open on Dec. 16 with 300 guest rooms and celebrating the grandeur of Europe—which has long inspired some of the greatest Disney stories with its castles and fairy-tale villages. The resort is designed to capture the magic of Europe that Walt Disney fell in love with and will offer a unique art collection celebrating beloved Disney characters and icons, influenced by master artists who found inspiration along the European Riviera.
