At D23 Expo 2019, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Panel Chairman Bob Chapek revealed how Disney will be moving into the next generation of storytelling, and bringing the new visions to life.
The Next Generation of Animated Stories in Disney Parks
Mr. Chapek declared the next few years will be “one of the most extraordinary periods of expansion in Disney history”
It was Walt’s vision for our theme parks to be places where Disney stories come to life in amazing ways, and with the world’s most creative and talented team of artists and dreamers, there is no shortage of inspiration
Bob Chapek Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Magic Happens – A New Parade
This era starts off with a bang, a brand new parade titled “Magic Happens”, which features a song special written for this occasion, by Todrick Hall, and was performed for the first time in public on the stage by Jordan Fisher.
Magic Happens will celebrate the awe-inspiring moments, with the magic at the heart of Disney stories, with “stunning floats, beautiful costumes, and beloved characters.” These characters are to include the cast of Moana, Coco, Sleeping Beauty, as well the core Disney parade cast, Mickey and his pals.
This new parade will debut spring 2020.
First Ride- Through Attraction Featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse – Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mr. Chapek gave everyone a first look at the new attraction coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in 2020, and Disneyland in 2022. With this new attraction, big changes are coming to Mickey’s Toontown. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is set to take guest into the unpredictable world of Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts.
Zootopia comes to Shanghai Disney Resorts
Also announced was the Zootopia themed land coming to Shanghai Disney resort in the near future. In this new land will be a major attraction which blends state-of-the-art technology with classic Disney storytelling, to bring to life this film. The new land will also include immersive entertainment, merchandise, and dining.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Castle of Magical Dreams
Big changes are also coming to Hong Kong Disneyland starting with the park’s castle transforming into the “Castle of Magical Dreams“, which will draw inspiration from 13 Disney stories featuring princess and heroines. Adornments will include Snow White’s apple, Cinderella’s coach, and Belle’s rose.
This new castle will be the backdrop for entertainment with a new daytime show, nighttime spectacular, and the Bibbidi Bibbidi Boutique, where children will be able to receive magical royal transformations.
Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs
The transformation of Hong Kong Disneyland will take multiple years, but will bring park guests into the world of Frozen, immersing them into the sights, sounds, cuisine and traditions. The new area features two new attractions, a roller coaster called Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, which will take guests on a winding journey through the world of Arendelle. Also coming to this area is the popular attraction from Epcot’s Norway pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort, Frozen Ever After. Also they claim that guests will will experience for the first time (in forever) experience the full force of Elsa’s powers, when she makes a “winter-in-summer” day.
The First Cirque du Soleil Show Celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios
Walt Disney Animation Studios along with Walt Disney Imagineering have teamed up with the world renowned Cirque Du Soleil to create a one of a kind experience through work with legendary Disney animators, like Eric Goldberg who’s experiences with his own daughter are part of the act. Maybe even Walt Disney’s experiences with his daughters, which started his whole idea for “parks and experiences.”
