D23 Recap

It has been a whirlwind weekend in Anaheim as Disney rolls out major annocuemenls. This year, much of the hype and roll outs were for the new streaming service Disney+ which is available in November. Instead of breaking down every single announcement, we decided to look at the the ones that had us most excited. 

 Epcot

Among the biggest changes coming to the Walt Disney World resort ahead of the 50th anniversary celebration in 2021 is a major refurbishment to Future World inside of Epcot. At D23, Disney unveiled a return to the original Epcot logo. 

So what do we know for sure? Amongst other details, we know that Journey of Water inspired by Moana is coming into one of the new four themed “areas” - World Nature, World Celebration, World Discovery, and the familiar World Showcase. We also know that a new Mary Poppins attraction is coming to the United Kingdom pavilion along with a new video in the Canada pavilion and a Beauty and the Beast sing-a-long in the France pavilion. 

Spaceship Earth is going receive a complete refurbishment including new scenes, narration, and a departure point for guests to look over at World Showcase. The new nighttime spectacular HarmoniUS is set to be the largest nighttime show in any Disney Park and will feature the magic of Disney music. 

For a great breakdown of the changes coming to Epcot, check out this piece by Attractions Magazine.

Star Wars 

There was lots of Star Wars news that came out of D23. The cast of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was on hand Saturday evening. A new poster was also revealed for the film that will conclude the trilogy later on this year. 

 There was also some big Star Wars news for future Disney+ subscribers. Our first look at the Jon Favreau led series The Mandalorian was featured. Favreau (who was also indicated as a Disney Legend this weekend) has produced and directed classic films  from Elf to Iron Man to Lion King. It will be exciting to see what he can do within the Star Wars universe.

And perhaps, the most exciting news came when Ewan McGreggor announced that he would be returning to the role of Obi Wan Kenobi in a new Disney+ series.  Originally, there was talk of a stand alone Kenobi movie.  This was shelved after the lukewarm reception to Solo.  Disney made the decision to shelve the standalone movies (for now).  Instead, Lucas Films will go ahead and feature McGreggor in role of a young Ben Kenobi in an original series on Disney+.  

Disney+ 

There will be no shortage of original programming coming to the new Disney streaming service.  Some of the new titles released this weekend include: 

- SheHulk 

- Ms. Marvel

- Moon Knight

- Secret Society of Second Born Royals 

- Lizzie McGuire
- Lady and the Tramp
- Noelle 

And Finally.....

The news every millennial has by dying to hear....

Disney Stores are coming to Target