By Taylor Rice
Disney, a multi-billion dollar entertainment corporation used to bring joy to millions. Disney not only has multiple films, TV shows and franchises, but also a multitude of theme parks around the world. The company has stated that, going forward, the parks will be both added to and updated. This article will explore the various updates and additions to the two disney parks in America.
Starting with Walt Disney World, fans broke out into applause when it was announced that there could be potential for a Coco-themed land, with some Encanto elements, just beyond Big Thunder Mountain. There’s also speculation about revamps related to Moana and Zootopia at Animal Kingdom in Orlando. Walt Disney Animation Studios CEO Jennifer Lee states the attraction would feature “creatures of the deep”; this theming would go along well with the Moana themed attraction Journey of Water opening at Epcot next year.
The long awaited Tron Light Cycle attraction will also open in Spring 2023. Old-school park fans will also be happy to know the Hatbox Ghost is returning to the haunted mansion at Walt Disney World.
Moving on to Disneyland, the park is experiencing multiple updates to various attractions along with additions.
In honor of Disney’s upcoming 100th anniversary, World of Color–One at California Adventure will, according to D23, “Span the broad storytelling legacy of Disney’s first 100 years and and tell a new story through Disney classics and new favorites.” The new fireworks show Wondrous Journey at Disneyland Park will also include nods to all 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios films to date. The Magic Happens parade will also return this spring.
It’s been announced that the original film cast of Princess and the Frog will lend their voices to Tianas’ Bayou Adventure, the ride to replace Splash Mountain at Disneyland and Walt DisneyWorld in 2024. The reimagining of Mickey’s ToonTown at Disneyland will finally be unveiled in 2023. Disney has stated that the attraction will be “a new era of inclusive experiences for families of all ages.” The new, revamped ToonTown will also finally bring Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway to Disneyland.
Disneyland is also bringing more characters to the park. Grogu (Baby Yoda) and Mando (The Mandalorian) will now be walking around Star Wars Land in mid-November. The Giant Hulk also began meeting guests at Avengers Campus on September 21st.
Disney’s California Adventure is adding a Pixar Place Hotel; a place where, according to a Disney tweet, “you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a Pixar art gallery featuring new interpretations of favorite Pixar pals.” The concept art for A Big Hero 6 nod at Pacific Wharf has also been released.
The biggest update to Disneyland, however, is the introduction of the MagicBand+. Disneyland is following in Disney World’s footsteps and implementing the magic band system. Guests will be able to sync it with their account on the Disneyland app. It’ll also provide similar services to the ones in disney world, like Lighting Lane passes, merchandise purchases, park entry. However, the MagicBand+ will also have lights, haptics, gesture recognition, and more. Guests will be able to use the device to interact with World of Color in California Adventure, Fantasmic!, and select nighttime shows in Disneyland Park. It’s going to change the way Disneyland works.
The upcoming changes to the parks are certainly exciting. They’ll all make the parks more interesting and immersive. The updates and additions are surely to make fans happy and the park experience more enjoyable.
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