At this year’s D23 Expo, Disney provided a host of announcements and updates about the various projects in development at its US parks.
Disney revealed more about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, announced an opening date for Tron / Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom, and shared the name of Disneyland’s reimagined Pixar-themed hotel.
Disneyland Resort
As well as the expansion of Avengers Campus, Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure is being reimagined to become San Fransokyo from Big Hero 6. There will be a space to meet Baymax, as well as new areas to eat and shop.
As previously revealed, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is getting a Pixar-themed makeover. Disney has announced that it will be called Pixar Place Hotel, and shared a look at the Finding Nemo-themed splash pad area.
Disneyland’s Mickey’s Toontown is also being transformed. Opening in early 2023, the land will feature new experiences, interactive play areas and a new attraction called Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products chairman Josh D’Amaro said: “We are going to celebrate Mickey, Minnie, and their best pals in a whole new way in Toontown at Disneyland Park.”
Disney has shared a look inside the El CapiTOON Theater, which will feature a special exhibit. It has also unveiled Goofy’s How-to-Play Yard and Donald’s Duck Pond.
Walt Disney World Resort
It has also been announced that some of the stars of The Princess and the Frog will reprise their roles for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
These include Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie, and Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana.
At Magic Kingdom, Disney confirmed that the new Tron / Lightcycle Run coaster will open in spring 2023.
The ‘Happily Ever After’ anthem will play again when an updated nighttime show returns in 2023, and the Hatbox Ghost will materialise at the Haunted Mansion next year.
Images: Disney
