The long-awaited Rise of the Resistance will open Thursday, December 5, but the media events have already begun. Last night, Disney hosted a special presentation at the EPCOT World Showplace and announced some pretty exciting updates about a few forthcoming attractions.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Taking the place of The Great Movie Ride at Hollywood Studios, this crazy, new journey will open March 4, 2020. As previously announced, this ride will take guests through the movie screen and into the animated world of Mickey and his friends.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
The starship Halcyon will beginwelcoming guests in 2021. Conspicuously missing from this announcement were any rates or prices for the new immersive hotel experience. Hmmm… I’d recommend Star Wars fans start saving early.
Mickey Shorts Theater
Opening in March 2020, Hollywood Studios’ guests will be able to view a short Mickey Mouse film before taking photos in a special location.
DuckTales’ World Showcase Adventure
Guests will soon be able to join their favorite DuckTales’ characters on a scavenger hunt around World Showcase. Using the Play Disney Parks app, this activity will look much like the current Perry the Platypus and the previous Kim Possible iterations with hidden special effects and surprises in each country.
EPCOT Films
The Festival of the Arts opens January 17 with three new films showing throughout the park. “Awesome Planet,” a 10 minute movie about Earth’s diversity, will show in The Land pavilion. Canada will get a brand new film called, “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360.” Personally, I’m most excited about the “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along,” including brand new animated scenes. This movie will reveal a twist on the tale as Le Fou becomes the hero that worked to unite our famous couple.
New Restaurants
Finally, we learned new details about restaurants coming to the parks. Guests dining in Space 220 will travel to their celestial dinner in a “space elevator” offering some amazing views as you depart the planet. Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue will offer classic barbecue dishes at the American Adventure Pavilion. Both restaurants will open this winter. Over at Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land, Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant will welcome families in 2020.
Freaky Thoughts
All of these announcements, and we still can’t be sure whether the Mary Poppins attraction is going to be a ride or show.
