Hey guys,

WE got lots of info and updates on some of the projects Disney has ongoing at Disney World and I've got all the details for you below. 

We've got a lot to cover so let's get to it!

Monday morning they had the annual IAAPA conference which is a big Amusement Park conference usually held here in Orlando, but this year held virtually. Disney Parks did a big presentation where they share progress updates on some of the projects happening worldwide at Disney Parks.

Before I get into the details of what was discussed, overall what I came away with was the fact that Disney is continuing to move forward. Despite the huge economic hit they've taken this year, things are still in the works and they are focusing on the future of the parks on a global scale.

After showcasing all the many projects in the works, chairman Josh D'Amaro said, "What I do want to convey is our confidence in our ability to recover and the fact that we're still building our future."

I just found this really encouraging, as it's easy to just focus on what's happening now. With the threat of another lockdown on the horizon, I think it's really easy to forget what "normal" life is. Even though this Pandemic is lasting much longer than anyone thought, it is ultimately still temporary. It will pass. And maybe things aren't immediately back to the way they were, but we will recover. I found that to be a really positive thought that I needed to hear. 

Okay, so let's jump into the bullet points that we learned:

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure will be opening in 2021- It was originally the Summer of 2020, but like many things, got pushed back. It's great to hear it'll still be happening next year. No exact time frame was given- I've heard rumors of Spring but that's totally not confirmed. Check out the snazzy new sign that was just installed too!

Updates on the Guardians of the Galaxy ride: We got the first look at the ride vehicles and how they move. This new ride system is called an Omnicoaster and it can rotate along the ride track in any direction while traveling at high speeds. It looks amazing! This attraction will be opening at Epcot and is scheduled to open sometime in 2021. 

Disney has fast-tracked the Splash Mountain retheming project. Announced earlier this year, Disney plans to redo Splash Mountain to a Princess and the Frog theme. They said this project has been in the works for some time, but they decided to push it ahead. They also said they will be focusing on inclusivity for their guests, and that the Princess and the Frog retheming “has been in the works for quite some time, isn’t the last. There will be more to come”. 

They confirmed their plans to bring back the entertainment that was closed for Covid. A few weeks ago many of the Disney performers were officially laid off as the many shows have not been able to come back yet. But now we have confirmation that they intend to bring those back. I assumed they would. but it's nice to have it official. 

Progress photos of the "Star Wars hotel"-  Progress continues at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, where guests will live aboard a starship for a 2-day, 2-night experience. This unique cruise-like experience sounds amazing and the new room photos look so cool, and so much like the artist concepts we got last year. 

The Disney Genie planning App is still to come. This was introduced last year and put on the backburner, but Disney confirmed it's still coming. This is an app designed to help guests with all the many details of planning a vacation, from dining to Fastpasses. No word on when it'll be released. 

They are planning to bring a new AR experience to Animal Kingdom. Windows to the Wild will let guests feel closer than ever to the animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom. No news on when guests will be able to experience this. I got a chance to try out a version of this experience at a media event about a year ago and it was super cool. It'll be a great addition to the park. 

Epcot's many projects are still underway including Space 2020 restaurant, the new Harmonious nighttime show, and the central Future World redo. You can see updated photos on these in the videos below. 

For more details on all of this here's a few videos for you to check out:

Video of Josh D'Amaro talking about all the upcoming projects
Disney's overview (no talking just visuals) of the many ongoing projects worldwide

Noticeably missing from the updates was information on the Tron Lightcycle ride at Magic Kingdom. While it looks from the outside to be progressing great, rumors have been flying that it's been delayed and won't be opening in 2021. Disney hasn't said anything about this either way. but the fact that they didn't highlight it during the conference would make a delay more likely. I'll let you guys know if I hear more about that. 

 

Disney confirmed capacity increase: In an Investor earnings update, Bob Chapek confirmed that the parks are now at a 35% capacity compared to the 25% when it first reopened. While we can all tell there was an increase, it's still not clear how they go about calculating these numbers and what they're based on. They also reported their losses this year as well as being booked to 77% of the current available capacity for the rest of the year. 



If you missed it:


D23 hosting a virtual event Nov. 16-20th: Details on this online event can be found here. 

Changes to the Rise of the Resistance queue: Disney is piloting a new way to join the queue for Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios. Starting  November 3rd you'll be able to join the virtual queue at 7 am from anywhere and don't need to be inside the park. You just need to have a valid park ticket and a park pass to Studios for that day. I tested this out and it didn't go too well. My best tips for Rise are here.

 

Nov. 6th- Dec. 30th: Holiday season begins with decor, merchandise, food, and beverage appearing in all four parks and Disney Springs.  Nov. 22nd: Final day for Epcot's Food & Wine Festival  Nov. 27th-Dec. 30th: Epcot's Festival of the Holidays  Jan.8th-Feb. 22nd: Epcot's Festival of the Arts