A First Look at the Next Disney Cruise Line Ship and New Disney Island Destination

At the D23 Expo 2019 today, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek announced the highly anticipated name of the fifth Disney Cruise Line ship, gave us a first glance of the ship’s elegant atrium and revealed the iconic Disney character that will adorn the ship’s stern. Bob was joined by Imagineer Joe Rohde to share a first look at the plans for our second island destination in The Bahamas. I’m thrilled to share all these details with you!

Disney Wish was revealed as the name of our fifth ship. It’s very fitting because making wishes come true is at the heart of so many Disney stories.

The ship’s atrium will be a bright, airy and elegant space inspired by the beauty of an enchanted fairytale. A beloved hallmark of Disney Cruise Line, it has been a tradition to adorn the back of our ships with an iconic character that reflects the theme of each vessel. For the Disney Wish, the ship’s stern will feature Rapunzel. Our favorite artsy princess, paintbrush in hand, uses her enchanted hair to suspend herself as she decorates the stern of the ship with the help of her feisty sidekick, Pascal. Spirited, smart, curious and above all, adventurous, Rapunzel embodies the wish and desire to see and experience the world.

The Disney Wish is scheduled for delivery in late 2021 and will set sail in January 2022. The vessel will join Disney Cruise Line’s award-winning fleet where guests experience the magic of Disney entertainment combined with the relaxation of tropical, sun-drenched beaches and the adventure of ocean cruising. All three new ships will be powered by liquefied natural gas and, at approximately 144,000 gross tons and 1,250 guest staterooms, be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

I also want to share details on our second tropical destination in The Bahamas, which will be located on the breathtaking island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point. The new destination will celebrate both the stories of The Bahamas and the natural environment of Lighthouse Point itself.

Joe Rohde, whose work includes the design of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, has embarked on an in-depth cultural tour of The Bahamas. With local artists and cultural experts, he has explored cultural sites across New Providence and Eleuthera, from Junkanoo shacks to noted art galleries.

Joe pointed out that Disney will be directly involved in conservation efforts to preserve and protect the environment and will be working with local artists to create a unique destination that is rooted in Bahamian culture and filled with Disney magic.

Construction at Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of The Bahamas and public consultation has occurred. Construction could begin in 2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.

With three new ships coming to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, there’s so much to look forward to on the high seas and at the new Disney tropical destination experience in The Bahamas.


Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Digital Trip Planning Experience Coming to WDW

You ain’t never had a friend like this! Today at D23 Expo 2019, details were unveiled by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek for “Disney Genie,” a revolutionary new digital offering set to debut in late 2020 that will enhance the way you plan for and experience a trip to Walt Disney World Resort. Joining other innovations like the MagicBand, Disney Genie is being designed to help you make the most out of your visit, whether you’re a first-time guest or a seasoned pro.

Disney Genie will make planning easier and more fun by providing customized itineraries geared to your interests, right at your fingertips – from a royal, princess-themed day at Magic Kingdom Park to a trip around the world at Epcot for foodies and even a perfect day for thrill-seekers. Certain features of Disney Genie will also be available through your preferred travel professional.

Sometimes you may know exactly what you want to do, but may not know the best time or order in which to do it. You’ll be able to tell Disney Genie what you’d like to experience, and it will quickly evaluate millions of options to present you with an optimal day. And best of all, it’s flexible! If you change your mind for any reason, Disney Genie will re-optimize your day.

Disney Genie can also send you real-time tips and updates, including recommendations for experiences it thinks you’ll love, helping you navigate the theme parks with added convenience and comfort. If you don’t want to worry about making reservations in multiple steps, Disney Genie will even take care of that for you.



This represents yet another way we are using creativity and innovation to connect guests with the stories and characters they love, and to help them make lasting, magical memories with the family and friends they cherish most. Over the past several years, Disney parks have become more seamless and enjoyable through other digital offerings, such as mobile food ordering, the Play Disney Parks app, online check-in and so much more.


Source: Disney Parks Blog

Details Revealed for Avengers Campus and Other New Experiences Coming to Disneyland Resort

At this weekend’s D23 Expo 2019, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek revealed exciting announcements and updates about what’s coming to the Disneyland Resort! Next year, the highly-anticipated Avengers Campus is opening in Disney California Adventure park, while the all-new “Magic Happens” parade will debut in Disneyland park. In addition, more details were shared for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the first major Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, opening in 2022 at Disneyland park.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Avengers Campus to Open in 2020 at Disney California Adventure Park

You can soon suit up alongside your favorite Super Heroes at the Avengers Campus, beginning in 2020 at Disney California Adventure park. This campus is set up by the Avengers to recruit the next generation of Super Heroes.

“In some ways, these new campuses are like the Avengers themselves: a group of diverse individuals who have teamed up for the same purpose,” said Scot Drake, Creative Executive, Marvel Global Portfolio, Walt Disney Imagineering. “This collection of unique addresses—each dedicated to a different discipline—have been brought together to champion the next generation of heroes.”

The first key address at the Avengers Campus will be the Worldwide Engineering Brigade – also known as “WEB” – which will house our new Spider-Man experience, the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature this iconic Super Hero.

During an open house at WEB, the aspiring inventors are excited to invite you for a test drive of their latest invention: the “Web Slinger” vehicle, which allows you to sling webs just like Spider-Man! The attraction gives you a taste of what it’s like to have actual super powers as you help Spider-Man collect Spider-Bots that have run amok.

Avengers Campus will also feature Pym Test Kitchen. Just as Ant-Man and The Wasp use “Pym Particles” to grow and shrink just about anything, Pym Technologies is using the latest innovations to grow and shrink food at this eatery!

You will also find heroic encounters throughout the campus, including Black Widow, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Doctor Strange, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Super Heroes from Wakanda and Asgard, and Iron Man.

As Super Heroes continue to assemble at the campus, one of its iconic buildings will be the Avengers Headquarters where you may catch a glimpse of the Avengers along its rooftops.

This building, which will open in phase two, will become the future entrance to a brand-new E-Ticket attraction where you will step on board a Quinjet and fly alongside the Avengers in an epic adventure to Wakanda and beyond! You will team up alongside the Avengers in a battle to save our world against one of the most powerful villains they have ever faced. Imagineers are hard at work conceiving an all-new innovative ride system to put you in the middle of this action.

All-New ‘Magic Happens’ Parade to Debut in Spring 2020 at Disneyland Park

Debuting in spring 2020, the all-new, extraordinary “Magic Happens” parade will travel down Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland park.

Celebrating awe-inspiring moments of magic—both large and small—that are at the heart of so many Disney stories, “Magic Happens” reminds us we don’t need wings to fly, shooting stars were made to wish upon, and magic doesn’t stop at midnight.

This daytime spectacular will feature stunning floats, beautiful costumes, and beloved Disney characters – all led by Mickey Mouse and his pals.

On her voyager wa‘a (or canoe), Moana journeys forth on the crest of a beautiful wave, inspired by beautiful koa wood carvings inset with LED panels, providing a dazzling glimpse into the magic the ocean holds.

Celebrating the magic that happens when Miguel strums the guitar of Ernesto de la Cruz, the spectacular float inspired by the Disney and Pixar film “Coco” bridges the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead with vibrant marigolds. Fantastical alebrije spirit animals join the procession, along with Miguel’s dog Danté.

The regal grand finale of “Magic Happens” parade celebrates magical moments from classic Disney stories, including the trio of fairies from “Sleeping Beauty” who transform Princess Aurora’s gown from pink to blue and back again!

In addition, the parade will feature ​even more floats and characters, an energetic musical score and a new song produced in partnership with singer-songwriter Todrick Hall. The high-energy music combines this original song with classic Disney tunes in a fresh, contemporary style.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway to Open in 2022 at Disneyland Park

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway—the first major Mickey-themed ride-through attraction—is coming to Disneyland park in 2022.

The action takes place at the El CapiTOON Theater in Mickey’s Toontown, where Mickey and Minnie are premiering their newest short, “Perfect Picnic.” Before you enter the cinema, you’ll experience a special exhibit created by the Toontown Hysterical Society featuring costumes and props from the toon world.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway puts you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts! Once you step into the cartoon world of Mickey and Minnie, you’ll board a train with Goofy as the engineer. Then, one magical moment after the next leads you to a zany, out-of-control adventure filled with surprising twists and turns.

With an original story and lovable theme song, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway uses state-of-the-art technologies and dazzling visual effects to transform the cartoon world into an incredible and immersive multi-dimensional experience.


Source: Disney Parks Blog

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Will Take Walt Disney World Resort Guests to a Galaxy Far, Far Away

A Star Wars vacation experience unlike anything Disney has ever created before will fully immerse guests in a galaxy far, far away when Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser debuts at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Exciting new details were shared Sunday live from D23 Expo 2019 by Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and Ann Morrow Johnson, executive producer and creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will offer a two-night itinerary where all guests arrive and depart together, similar to Disney Cruise Line. Unlike any typical cruise, though, you can become the heroes of your own Star Wars story in a new type of immersive experience that only Disney could create.

You will cruise the galaxy in style aboard the Halcyon, known for its impeccable service and exotic destinations. Onboard, you will stay in well-appointed cabins, experience onboard dining, make a planet-side excursion to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu, and much more. Throughout the journey, you will be invited to delve deeper into your personal adventure by participating in onboard activities, interacting with characters, crew, other passengers you meet, and becoming part of the action and the broader Star Wars saga:

The adventure begins when you arrive at the Galactic Starcruiser Terminal at Walt Disney World and check-in for your two-night experience.

You will be invited to enter a Launch Pod for transport into space. Through windows above, you’ll see yourself leave the real world behind as you jump to hyperspace and draw closer and closer to the Halcyon.

When the Launch Pod docks with the Halcyon and the airlock opens, you will step into the ship’s main deck Atrium to begin your journey through a galaxy far, far away.

A visit aboard the Halcyon becomes a multi-day story that interweaves with members of the crew, other passengers, familiar Star Wars characters, and an excursion to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The all-immersive experience also features entertaining activities, such as wielding a lightsaber while facing off against a training remote, where you may discover your own connection with the Force.

Visiting the starcruiser’s Bridge to learn about ship systems and how to operate them, including navigation and defense – skills that may come in handy during a journey through this adventure-filled galaxy.

Fun Facts – Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser 

Every window in the Halcyon – including those in each cabin – has a view of the galaxy beyond, with ever-changing vistas as the ship progresses from place to place.

You’ll be able to explore the Halcyon and perhaps discover hidden spaces deep in the mechanics of the ship – perfect for uncovering secrets … or holding secret meetings.

Choices you make during your adventure will help determine how your Star Wars story progresses.


I don't know about you, but I am super excited about this!


source: Disney Parks Blog

Epcot Transformation Update

As part of Epcot's transformation, tons of updates to the park were announced this past weekend at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA.

In summer 2020, the France pavilion will offer even more for you to discover, including the much-anticipated attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, where you’ll shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure. Summer 2020 will also see the debut of a delicious new restaurant in the France pavilion, La Crêperie de Paris, offering both table and quick-service options featuring a menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse.

Also in the France pavilion, the classic Impressions de France film will be joined by the new “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along,” debuting in January 2020 and directed by Don Hahn, producer of both the animated and live-action versions of this tale as old as time.

In the Canada pavilion, “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” will debut in January 2020 replacing the current movie, with all new scenes and a new story.

The China pavilion will also be getting an updated movie. “Wondrous China” will take guests on a spectacular journey across the country, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.

World Celebration

World Celebration will offer new experiences that connect us to one another and the world around us.

The iconic Spaceship Earth will remain a voyage through time as the journey transforms to reflect the power of storytelling to unite the human experience. New narration and an entirely new musical score will focus on the moments and ideas that define our story. You will follow a magical “story light” that brings the entire experience to life in dynamic ways, giving each scene energy and beauty that ties the entire journey together.

A new pavilion will be the perfect place for live events, and the home base for Epcot’s signature festivals. It will provide a stunning elevated view of the entire park and an ideal spot to witness Epcot’s nighttime spectacular. This beautiful three-level structure will have one of the most remarkable architectural designs at any Disney park, featuring a plaza level, a middle expo level, and a park that sits in the sky on the top level.

Epcot’s entrance plaza will be transformed with new experiences that connect us with the world, welcoming you with a reimagined fountain, new pathways and sweeping green spaces that beautify the entryway. The design will pay homage to the origins of Epcot.

As you exit Spaceship Earth, you’ll discover a breathtaking new view of World Showcase from Dreamers Point. World Celebration will also feature a new statue celebrating the legacy of the original dreamer, Walt Disney, plus beautiful natural environments and global design elements filled with Disney magic and surprises, including a wishing tree in an enchanted forest and a story fountain celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling.

World Nature 

World Nature is dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe and balance of the natural world. It will include The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilions.

Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” will be the first experience inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film. This lush exploration trail will invite you to meet and play with magical, living water. The water will have a life of its own – just like Moana’s friend, the ocean – and you’ll learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.

The Land pavilion’s new film, “Awesome Planet,” which showcases the beauty, diversity and dynamic story of the planet, will debut in January 2020.


World Discovery

In World Discovery, stories about science, technology and intergalactic adventure come to life.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be the first “other-world” showcase pavilion at Epcot. The adventure starts in the “Galaxarium,” a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. You will be invited to learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share – until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and adventures across the cosmos ensue. The attraction will feature a new innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering – a storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus your attention on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.

An expansion of the Mission: SPACE pavilion, the new restaurant Space 220 will be a culinary experience featuring the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up. You’ll board a special elevator for a journey to a space station that is home to an incredible dining experience. Along the way, viewports will give you a real-time perspective as you travel high above the planet. Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy fantastic meals and drinks while taking in views that are truly out of this world. Opening this winter, Space 220 will be operated by the Patina Group.

The PLAY! pavilion will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. In this digital metropolis, you’ll discover an interactive city bursting with games, activities and experiences that connect you with friends, family and beloved Disney characters – both real and virtual – like never before. As part of this new pavilion, you’ll have the chance to help legendary fashion icon Edna Mode on her quest to rid the world of uninspired style, or make a splash competing in a water-balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby.

You’ll be able to visualize these exciting plans for Epcot when doors open Oct. 1, 2019, for Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience in the Odyssey Events Pavilion. You’ll discover engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy and excitement driving the park’s future throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.

Clearly … there’s a LOT happening at Epcot. Keep checking Disney Parks Blog for more updates during the park’s historic transformation!



Source: Disney Parks Blog

Illuminations Replacement Announced

In 2020, following the limited-time run of “Epcot Forever,” the new “HarmonioUS” will debut as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, carrying you away harmoniously on a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. “HarmonioUS” will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.

First Attraction Inspired by Mary Poppins

Also at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, the first ever attraction inspired by Mary Poppins was announced.  The United Kingdom pavilion will welcome the first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins. You will step in time down Cherry Tree Lane past Admiral Boom’s house, then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family, where your adventure will begin.

New Lands Announced for Epcot

At the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products panel at the D23 Expo this weekend, Chairman Bob Chapek announced that Epcot will be unified with four neighborhoods that each speak to important aspects of the world and its people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. These neighborhoods will be filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation that take you to new destinations, where the real is made fantastic in a celebration of curiosity, hands-on wonder and the magic of possibility.

Also in the World Celebration neighborhood, a new Walt Disney statute would be added to the park as well as an addition of a new wishing tree.

World Nature will be the home of the familiar Land and Sea Pavilions. World Discovery with feature Test Track, Mission Space, the upcoming Space 220 restaurant, and the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction.

New Cirque du Soleil Show Announced for Disney Springs

At the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products panel at the D23 Expo this weekend, the opening timeframe for the new Disney animation inspired Cirque du Soleil show was announced. Previews of the new show will begin on March 20, 2020, and the official premiere will kick off April 2020.

Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group said, “We are incredibly inspired by Disney’s immense creative universe. We are convinced that bringing Disney’s magic to life on stage will touch audiences and bring them back to their childhood.”

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Announced yesterday, just ahead of the annual D23 convention in Anaheim, CA was Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

No, this isn't a new ride being developed for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - in fact, it's the name of the new Star Wars Hotel being built at Walt Disney World.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be a first-of-its-kind vacation experience where guests will check-in for a two-night adventure aboard a starship. Once onboard, guests will interact with characters and participate in a story that unfolds around them.

Inside the Disney Parks “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” pavilion at D23 Expo, attendees can see a model of the starcruiser, called the Halcyon. Known for its “impeccable service and exotic destinations” throughout the galaxy, the Halcyon will offer well-appointed guest cabins, onboard dining, a planet-side excursion to Batuu, and more.

Disney-inspired “Sleeping Beauty” Make-up Line

If you love Disney-inspired beauty and fashion like we do, you’ll agree that the latest Disney-inspired makeup line is truly a wonderful dream come true. Bésame Cosmetics has announced their Sleeping Beauty: The 1959 Collection, and it’s just as gorgeous as the artwork from the original animated classic.

This all-new collection from Bésame Cosmetics launches this Friday online on the official Bésame Cosmetics website as well as in person at D23 Expo this Friday in Anaheim, CA. Luckily, Bésame Cosmetics has shared a sneak-peek of the new makeup line with PopSugar, and we can hardly believe how beautiful each item in this collection is.

Bésame Cosmetics is known for creating brilliantly creative lines of makeup inspired by our favorite Disney characters and movies. From a collection inspired by the mermaid lagoon scene from “Peter Pan” to an entire line of makeup dedicated to Mickey Mouse himself, Bésame Cosmetics sure knows how to bring happiness to makeup-loving Disney fans like us.

If you’re heading to D23 Expo in Anaheim this weekend, be sure to check out Bésame Cosmetics so you can see this entire line of makeup in person at the event! Otherwise, be on the lookout on the official Bésame Cosmetics website here so you can be among the first to have a chance to purchase it when it launches.

Source: PopSugar
Photos courtesy Bésame Cosmetics

New Moana Attraction for Epcot

Disney’s convention D23 is not even officially underway yet, but already some bombshells are being dropped. Bob Chapek announced at the media preview earlier today that there was going to be the first-ever attraction based on the hit film “Moana”.

This exciting new attraction will be going into Epcot. Details on this new attraction are rather slim at the moment, but Chapek promised “dozens” of reveals for Epcot on Sunday during the Sneak Peek! Disney Parks, Experiences and Products panel.

The Moana attraction is called “Journey of Water” and was part of the Epcot model revealed this evening. Disney also unveiled some concept art to go along with the model.

The only details about what this attraction will be coming from Jodi McLaughlin who’s is the Executive Producer of Walt Disney Imagineering. She described the experience as “Guests can actually interact and play with magic living water.” Sounds interesting.  More details to come.


Source: Inside The Magic

One Day at Disney

D23 Expo hasn’t even officially kicked off yet, and there's already some truly amazing news! Just this evening, Ricky Strauss, president, Content & Marketing for Disney+, joined Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts to announce One Day at Disney—an incredible collaboration between Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney’s highly anticipated new streaming service. Encompassing a colorful 224-page coffee table book and a unique documentary series, One Day at Disney will shine a light on some of the talented men and women bringing Disney’s most beloved stories to life. Both the book and the series will arrive on December 3.

GMA host, former ESPN sportscaster, and soon-to-be-inducted Disney Legend Roberts—whose work on ABC’s Emmy Award®-winning morning show will be highlighted in One Day at Disney—said of the project, “We all argue who has the best job in the company; we all do. We all feel that we have the best job! And to be able to be a part of [this] project, and to really get a sense of, globally, what we’re able to do or what our hope is… All of us—it doesn’t matter where we are in the company—we just want to touch people’s hearts. We just want to share [and] bring out the creativity that they have within themselves. It was a lot of fun!”

On February 21 of this year, nearly 80 different photo shoots took place all around the globe, as Disney dispatched photographers to capture images of employees and cast members who drive creativity and innovation at The Walt Disney Company. From Shanghai Disneyland and ESPN to Pixar and even the set of ABC’s Modern Family, these dazzling photographs—and the memorable stories behind them—will be featured in the hardbound, collectible book, written by Bruce Steele and now available for pre-order.

On December 3, the same day the book arrives in stores, Disney+ will debut its new, 52-episode short-form series One Day at Disney—which takes an in-depth look at the extraordinary (and often surprising) roles these men and women call their daily jobs. Executive produced by Michael Antinoro and David Chamberlin for Endeavor Content, the series kicks off with a feature-length documentary highlighting not only GMA’s Roberts, but also the likes of (in alphabetical order):

Walt Disney Imagineer Eric Baker, who helped bring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life

WDI’s Ashley Girdich, a Research and Development Project Manager in the world of robotics technology

Legendary animator Eric Goldberg (Aladdin, Pocahontas, the Academy Award®-nominated Get a Horse!)

Disneyland Railroad cast member Mark Gonzales

Disney Publishing Worldwide’s senior illustration manager Grace Lee

South African actor Zamavus “Zama” Magudulela, currently portraying Rafiki in the Madrid production of Disney on Broadway’s The Lion King

Marvel Studios’ head of visual development Ryan Meinerding (Avengers: Endgame, Guardians of the Galaxy)

Walt Disney World resort veterinarian Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko

Pixar artist and sculptor Jerome Ranft

So don’t miss your chance to spend One Day at Disney with Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney+ later this year!


Source: D23