Another year of D23 Expo has come and gone and 2022’s event brought with it a whole host of exciting announcements as we now look forward to an exciting future ahead in the Disney parks.
Since D23 Expo runs across three days, it can be hard to keep track of all of the amazing news that comes out of Anaheim, so here’s a look at all of the exciting theme park news you might have missed from D23 Expo 2022.
Magic Kingdom:
Happily Ever After is back!
After months of wishing and hoping from parks fans everywhere, Happily Ever After will officially return to the Magic Kingdom next year and we cannot wait to experience the magic of this stunning night time show once again. No exact date has been confirmed as of yet, though many are speculating it could return once the 50th anniversary celebrations conclude on March 31, 2023 which, at the minute, seems like the most likely scenario!
TRON Lightcycle / Run got a new opening date!
We’re certainly among the majority that were hoping D23 Expo would bring an update on TRON Lightcycle / Run’s status at Magic Kingdom and thankfully we (sort of) got an opening date! Originally slated for October 2021, the ride will now aim for a Spring 2023 opening, although it still remains to be seen whether it will open before the 50th anniversary is officially over! We were expecting a more exact date at this stage, but it’s certainly good to at least have some idea of when this ride will finally start welcoming guests.
More details were released about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adenture is one attraction that we have certainly been excited to get more information on and D23 expo kicked off with an exciting look at the concept model for the ride which is set to take over Splash Mountain into both Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park in late 2024. The highly anticipated parks panel then yielded some interesting new details about how the ride will continue the Princess and the Frog story, before it was confirmed that some of the film’s original cast will return to reprise their roles for the attraction, including Princess Tiana herself, Anika Noni Rose. As more and more details emerge about this attraction, we are interested to learn just how the ride path of Splash Mountain will be transformed to tell Tiana’s Story, but with what’s been showcased so far, it seems this attraction is going to be a fun and whimsical ride.
The Hatbox Ghost is coming to Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion
Many of those who call Magic Kingdom their local park have been somewhat jealous of Disneyland’s spooky Hatbox Ghost over in their iteration of Haunted Mansion, with the character having become one of the attraction’s most iconic faces over the years. The D23 panel confirmed that the Hatbox Ghost will now join Walt Disney World’s line up of happy haunts, though a date for his arrival has yet to be confirmed. This was certainly not an announcement that we were expecting, but this fun new addition to Magic Kingdom’s already fantastic ride is sure to delight Walt Disney World fans!
A HUGE new Magic Kingdom expansion was announced
D23’s Parks, Experiences and Products panel closed with some intriguing “what ifs” that proposed a major Magic Kingdom expansion that would see a whole new world open up behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Confirmed to be nothing more than just early concepts at this stage, we were delighted to learn that Disney are eyeing Coco, Encanto and the Disney Villains to potentially host their own themed lands in Magic Kingdom in the future! It was only a matter of time before Encanto began to establish its in-park presence and we are glad to see Coco following suit.
Then there is EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom…
EPCOT:
A brand new nighttime spectacular was announced (and Harmonious is out!)
Set to replace Harmonious on EPCOT’s World Showcase Lagoon, this new show will serve as a celebration of both EPCOT’s 40th anniversary and Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder. This announcement certainly came as somewhat of a surprise to us, as well as to many others, as Harmonious only debuted at EPCOT just shy of a year ago, though it’s not yet known whether the not-so-positive reactions from guests may have inspired the need for a new night time display.
Figment will RETURN to meet and greet guests in EPCOT
Everyone’s favorite purple dragon will officially return to greet guests at EPCOT and the nostalgia that comes with this announcement has left many fans delighted! Very few details were confirmed, but it was teased that Figment would be coming back to his home park “in a whole new way” in 2023. Figment’s return to EPCOT has been a long-time coming, as Disney have been gauging guests feelings towards him for years now, but we are certainly happy to see what Disney have planned for the little guy going forward (and just what they mean by “a whole new way.”)
We got some more details on Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana (and an opening window!)
Disney showcased their stunning scale model of Te Fiti, which serves as a preview of the 16-foot model that will be on display in the Journey of Water attraction when it opens in EPCOT, which was certainly a fantastic way to kick off this year’s expo. Later, during the parks panel, guests were given an opening window of late 2023 for this upcoming walk-through attraction, which has seen some major progress in construction in recent weeks. This opening window makes sense given the upcoming 40th anniversary of EPCOT, so we are interested to see more details emerge as we get closer and what other stunning details this attraction will boast.
EPCOT’s new Walt Disney statue was unveiled
On display at the event for guests to get up close with, the new Walt Disney statue named “Walt the Dreamer” made its debut at D23 Expo. The detailed statue will later move to EPCOT, nearby Spaceship Earth in the area known as “Dreamer’s Point.” The statue has sparked some mixed reactions from guests, with some fans unsure about Walt’s pose for the statue, though we are certainly excited to see another Walt statue within the parks and this one is likely to become a popular photo-op!
Animal Kingdom:
Dinoland U.S.A’s replacement was teased
Similarly to D23’s Magic Kingdom announcement, this announcement was presented as more of a proposal, rather than a 100% confirmed concept. Dinoland U.S.A could potentially be rethemed into a whole new land, as we certainly expected, with the concept art suggesting Zootopia as the replacement property. The most surprising aspect of this “announcement” however, was that Zootopia would share the space with another of Disney’s beloved properties, Moana. While this was repeatedly reiterated to be just an early development idea, we think these two properties would make fantastic additions to Animal Kingdom and compliment each other perfectly if implemented in the right way.
Next up is all the news from Disneyland Resort…
Disneyland Anaheim:
Magic Happens is returning! Plus two new nighttime offerings…
Three major entertainment announcements were made for Disneyland California at this year’s expo. The much-loved Magic Happens parade will be returning to the parks, following a hiatus that came as a result of the pandemic, though no date has been confirmed just yet. A brand new version of World of Color will also debut titled “World of Color One” which will be part of Disney’s 100 years of Wonder Celebration and will feature scenes from Coco, Encanto, Soul, Moana, Mulan and The Lion King. Thirdly, a brand new fireworks spectacular, Wondrous Journeys will replace Disneyland Forever next year, opening with a brand new song especially for the occasion. Disneyland arguably boast some of the best entertainment offerings across all the Disney parks, so we are looking forward to seeing these stunning shows both return and debut within the park.
The Mandalorian and Grogu are arriving on Batuu
These two beloved characters from the Star Wars universe will be making their official debut after years of fan demands to see them make the journey over to Batuu. The pair will greet guests beginning mid-Nov, with the parks panel having confirmed that the Mandalorian and Grogu have been in the works behind the scenes for years, making their arrival all the more exciting! Rumors of this meet and greet have circulated for a while now, so while this wasn’t exactly a left-field announcement, it certainly came as a surprise to see them come out on stage!
RunDisney will return in 2024
Runners Rejoice! RunDisney will officially return to Disneyland Resort in 2024. Though this may seem a while away, particularly when you consider that a race has not been held in Disneyland since 2017, it’s likely that this is only because this beloved event is hoping to come back with a bang, though further details will continue to be released over time.
We got more details on the new Mickey’s ToonTown
Guests in attendance at D23 got the chance to view a colorful new model of ToonTown, offering a detailed look at what’s to come from this long-awaited overhaul. Various concept art was also released during the parks panel, offering previews of areas such as the queue for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway’s queue, which will tell the story of Mickey Mouse’s life. The return of ToonTown is one that we have been waiting for a long time and it’ll be fun discovering all of the secrets of this revamped land once it reopens in 2023.
Disney’s California Adventure:
A brand new Avengers multiverse attraction was confirmed
Avengers Campus is officially entering the multiverse! Marvel president Kevin Feige took to the stage on Sunday to offer a few more details about this upcoming attraction, revealing that guests will encounter a new terrifying threat, King Thanos, a Thanos variant from another universe. Avengers Campus has been keeping a good pace when it comes to evolving alongside the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so we are looking forward to seeing what other new faces will arrive at DCA following this new expansion.
Hulk is getting his own GIANT meet and greet
Debuting the first character created via Disney’s Project EXO, Hulk made a smash when he arrived on stage at D23 Expo this weekend, showcasing one of Disney’s new giant meet and greet characters. Hulk will debut in DCA next week for a temporary stop at Avengers Campus, but what excites us most about this announcement is just what this could mean for future meet and greets going forward.
Big Hero 6 is coming to Disney’s California Adventure!
Pacific Wharf will be transformed into San Fransokyo from Big Hero 6! Aside from some stunning concept art, a new Baymax meet and greet was confirmed for this new area, as well as some new food and dining options. No official opening date was provided, so we are hoping to receive more details on this soon and are excited to see this underused property finally receive its own area in Disney’s California Adventure.
And finally Disney Cruise Line, Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and everything that wasn’t announced!…
Disney Cruise Line:
A brand new ship was announced
Disney are expanding their fleet with their newest addition, the Disney Treasure which will set sail in 2024. The cruise will be themed around adventure and its beautiful concept art teased the ship’s detailed atrium. With the Wish having only recently been inaugurated we weren’t necessarily expecting a new ship announcement just yet, so this was a delightful surprise for those who enjoy spending time on the high seas!
Plus, new routes!
Beginning 2023, the Disney Wonder is officially heading to Australia and New Zealand! These south pacific voyages will include stops in Fiji and Samoa!
Shanghai Disneyland
New details were revealed about Shanghai’s Zootopia Expansion
Shanghai’s much anticipated Zootopia expansion had a real shining moment at D23 Expo this year, only amping up the excitement for its opening. The official ride vehicle for the area’s attraction was revealed, as well as a highly impressive animatronic that will be a part of the Zootopia themed ride. Puppets were on display that showcased just how the citizens of Zootopia will be brought to life, while further concept art was also shared – we were truly treated when it came to updates on this innovative and exciting new land! We are constantly blown away by the new levels of immersive entertainment that seem to be the priority in this new land!
Hong Kong Disneyland:
Hong Kong Disneyland will also receive a new Walt statue!
Just as EPCOT will receive a new statue, Hong Kong Disneyland will also receive a stunning new addition that will be installed near Cinderella Carousel. The statue will feature both Walt and Mickey and is inspired by the very moment that Walt first dreamed of Disneyland. The statue is expected to arrive some time next year and is likely to be a big hit among guests, we’re hoping to see images of the statue soon once the stunning concept is officially brought to life.
Arendelle World of Frozen’s opening date was confirmed
Both concept art and ride vehicle models for this new land were on display at D23 expo, with the upcoming area confirmed to feature two brand new attractions themed to Frozen and its fan-favorite story. The two new attractions will also be accompanied by the park’s own version of the Frozen Ever After attraction from WDW’s EPCOT. An official release window of late 2023 was confirmed and its fair to say we’re expecting big things from this exciting new land.
Disneyland Paris:
A new Tangled ride is coming to Disneyland Paris
Paris also got confirmation of an upcoming family-friendly Tangled attraction which will come as part of the park’s expansion into their Frozen-themed land. Few details were confirmed, but concept art for the new promenade appeared to feature a brief glimpse at this new attraction. We certainly like the sound of turning the story of Tangled into a ride, and Paris seems like the perfect place for this to debut!
And the 30th Anniversary’s official end date was confirmed – but a new show is on the way!
Those hoping to celebrate Disneyland Paris’ 30th anniversary still have plenty of time to enjoy the park’s festivities as it was confirmed that celebrations will officially come to an end on September 30, 2023. To close out this special anniversary, Disneyland Paris will receive a brand new show called Pixar We Belong Together, with concept art for this new show teasing a beautiful looking Monsters Inc segment. The 30th anniversary has been a huge hit with parks fans, but all good things must come to an end – we’re already looking forward to seeing what Paris have in store for their next big anniversary!
So what didn’t we get?
An official date for Fantasmic’s re-opening
After Disney recently took to social media to confirm that Fantasmic rehearsals had finally begun, many parks fans were almost certain this weekend would bring confirmation of the show’s expected return date, but unfortunately, this wasn’t the case. During the panel, a timeline was displayed that featured Fantasmic within the 2022 section, which wasn’t necessarily surprising given that it’s currently in its rehearsal stages, however, no further date was confirmed so, for now, Fantasmic’s reopening will remain a mystery until we receive further news.
Any news on the Walt Disney Railroad’s re-opening
The Walt Disney World Railroad feels as though it’s been closed for an age, therefore, we are not alone in missing this much-loved attraction. Having been temporarily closed in 2018 to help make way for TRON Lightcycle / Run, news that TRON is nearing its completion led many to believe that an update on the railroad’s status would also be shared, however, once again, this was not the case. We are anticipating the railroad hopefully opening in spring 2023, though until anything is officially confirmed by Disney, we will just have to wait and see.
Confirmation on the fate of PLAY! Pavilion At EPCOT
Having heard a rumor last week that the PLAY! Pavilion at EPCOT has now been cancelled, many fans were expecting an announcement from Disney on Sunday but this did not happen. The PLAY! Pavilion was not mentioned at all when discussing plans for the future which definitely leads us to believe that this project is now gone for good!
When this project was first announced, creative portfolio executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, Zach Riddley, had this to say about the new “Play” pavilion:
“This innovative, new pavilion is beyond anything we’ve ever created and is completely unique to Epcot. Built on the power of play, it introduces an immersive and interactive ‘city’ where you can explore, create, and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. This is an experience worthy of our bold vision for Epcot – and another signature element of our transformation.”
So, what was your favourite announcement from this year? Which announcement came as the biggest surprise for you?
