Mickey’s Toontown model, part oneThe first D23 Expo in three years has wrapped up, and there were plenty of announcements made! Many were made during the Disney Parks and Experiences Panel on Sunday. It was hosted by Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro. I chose to watch the panel from the D23 Expo Live Stage instead of trying to get a seat in the main theater. I’m glad I did, from what others have told me it was insane in there, and many people were turned away.
It sounds like there is a lot planned for Disneyland Resort! Any news about Disneyland is always exciting, because there is a limited amount of space there.
I’ll start with some character news. The Mandalorian and Grogu will arrive at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in mid-November. At Avengers Campus, The Incredible Hulk will appear, wearing his Quantum Suit, starting next week. Hulk’s appearance will be for a limited time.
Hulk!Speaking of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, Bob Chapek hinted at the Legends Ceremony about a third attraction. Josh D’Amaro, along with Kevin Feige (President of Marvel Studios), made the official announcement. Guests will dive into the multiverse and battle King Thanos, with the help of the Avengers. It will be a family attraction. No opening timeframe was given.
A chance to battle Thanos?Also at Disney California Adventure, Pacific Warf will be reimagined to San Fransokyo from Big Hero 6. There will be new places to eat and shop, and you just might meet Baymax!
Mickey’s Toontown model, part twoOver at Disneyland Park, Mickey’s Toontown will reopen in early 2023 with a new look. It will include the Disneyland version of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, which will not be a carbon copy of the Disney’s Hollywood Studios version. Also included in Mickey’s Toontown will be Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard and Donald’s Boat, which crashed into Goofy’s duck pond! All of the things that you already loved about Mickey’s Toontown will return when the land reopens.
Like at Walt Disney World, Splash Mountain is being reimagined as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It will open late in 2024. On September 20 of this year, Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets will open in New Orleans Square.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure modelDisney100 Celebration will kick off in late January at Disneyland Resort. Your favorite mouse couple will receive new outfits, there will be special food and merchandise, and more. World of Color – One will be a nighttime show at Disney California Adventure. It will feature a brand new song, Start a Wave. Wondrous Journeys will be the nighttime show at Disneyland Park. It will include all 60 Disney animated features to date! The new song for the show is called It’s Wonderous. Magic Happens parade will return to Disneyland Park next spring.
Disneyland only has three resort hotels, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t news. Disney Paradise Pier Hotel is going to be reimagined to Pixar Place Hotel. It will have a contemporary theme, a Finding Nemo-based splashpad, and a new flagship restaurant that will be based on local favorite Great Maple.
Another local favorite is coming to Downtown Disney. Porto’s Bakery and Café is a popular pastry spot. It also sells Cuban and California-inspired dishes. There was no word on when it will open.
One final bit of Disneyland news is the return of runDisney to Disneyland Resort! Races will resume on the West Coast in 2024. It was not announced what races will be held or when, and that information is not yet available on the runDisney website.
Sift through all the D23 Expo announcements here: Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and the International Parks.