Star Wars Land, Toy Story Land And Avatar Land Coming To Walt Disney World

Of all of the exciting announcements made during the D23 Expo I was most excited to learn about what is to come for the Disney Parks. I could not wait to hear how rumored updates to the park would shake out, and I was thrilled with the surprises Disney Parks had to share. The biggest announcements — Star Wars Land at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland and Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios. Amazing.

Star Wars Land

From a galaxy far, far away the biggest surprise is Star Wars Land on both coasts. To say that the audience went nuts over this announcement is an understatement. Although most people realized an expansion of Star Wars at Hollywood Studios was a given, the addition of 14 acres at both Hollywood Studios and Disneyland was a surprise. 

The new Star Wars Land will highlight the best of the Star Wars franchise with guests being transported to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life. The largest single land expansion at both parks will include two signature attractions including a ride that puts guests behind the controls of one of the most recognizable ships in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, as they take on a customized secret mission. Oh my yes – the Millennium Falcon. The other, yet unnamed ride, will be a thrilling battle experience.

In addition to the rides guests will be able to enjoy a drink at the Cantina where Bob Iger promised that guests will be immersed in the entire experience which will include taste (blue milk) and smell (ever wondered what Bantha Fodder smells like?). 

Season of the Force

Although no dates were announced for the expansions, it will likely be years before the new lands open. In the mean time the parks will enjoy a new themed event “Season of the Force”a new seasonal event beginning early 2016. The new event will include special entertainment, themed food locations and more.

At Disneyland guest will experience Hyperspace Mountain a temporary layover that will reimagine Space Mountain as an X-wing Starfighter. A brilliant idea that I wish was coming to Walt Disney World. At Hollywood Studios guests will close weekend nights with a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic Star Wars score.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

As anticipation mounts for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Disney announced that both Star Tours and Star Wars Launch Bay will receive enhanced experiences that feature locations and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, giving guests a new adventure in the Star Wars galaxy.

Toy Story Land

The highly-rumored expansion of the Pixar area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was officially confirmed as the park prepares to go to “infinity and beyond” with the new 11-acre Toy Story Land. Arriving in Toy Story Land guests will feel like they have been shrunk to the size of a toy as they explore Andy’s backyard. 

The new area will include an additional track for Toy Story Mania as well as two brand new rides — a family coaster on the back of Slinky Dog and a spinning ride on flying saucers with Little Green Aliens trying to escape The Claw.

Pandora – The World of Avatar

The final park expansion discussed at the D23 Expo was Pandora – The World of Avatar to open at Animal Kingdom in 2017. The world of Avatar will include floating mountains and the winged creatures known as Banshees. What’s really great about Pandora – The World of Avatar is that it will give Animal Kingdom a nighttime presence with a bioluminescent forest that looks to be truly spectacular with a glowing sidewalk and fireflies around the Tree of Life. 

For everyone who has ever wanted to ride on a Banshee, the big E-ticket attraction will be Avatar Flight of Passage, which will allow guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage.

More Walt Disney World Parks Updates

• The Norway pavilion at Epcot will be transformed into Frozen including a “Frozen Ever After” ride character meet and greets and more.
• Guests will soon enjoy Soarin’ Around the World with a new adventure in flight.

There is so much excitement coming to Disney Parks with the expansions of these lands. Although we will have to wait at until 2017 to see the first of these park updates in person, I can’t wait! 

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