Today was the close of the D23 Expo and also the Disney Parks, Experiences, & Products panel. I arrived an hour earlier, 7 a.m., than the last Hall23 panel, the Marvel Star Wars, I tried to get in through stand by. It was a long wait, but eventually my section moved up the escalator to the panel which already started. Josh D’Amaro, Disney Park’s Chairman, was hosting. He introduced Jon Favreau who also was on the Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, and 20th Century Studios panel on Saturday. Favreau talked about the energy from fans that is appreciated by the people who work on the projects. He introduced the Mandalorian on stage who said, “I’m looking for someone. Was told to meet at Oga’s Cantina.” Favreau asks about his “little friend.” I think Mando says to the kid about finding the Trandoshan. Then, adds about getting him a snack to Baby Yoda’s squeal. Mando leaves with a "This is the Way." He will appear at the Galaxy’s Edge cantina in Mid-November.
Hulk, coming soon (this week!) to Avenger’s Campus, author’s photo.
Next was Kevin Feige whom was also at the Saturday panel. He introduced Mark Ruffalo who was on screen for the call. Ruffalo said he was watching the live stream and there should be other colors at the parks like green. Then, Feige was brought on The Hulk complete in his time traveling uniform. Feige said that the Hulk will be appearing at Avenger’s Campus next week! A stunning announcement! He noted the Multiverse and said that there will be another attraction where you will fight alongside the Avengers. A painted picture was shown of the Avengers against King Thanos. Feige then added that it will be given out as a lithograph to all attendees! Lastly, Feige noted that Pacific Wharf area will be changed to become the Big Hero 6 (2014) city, San Fransokyo! It makes sense that DCA would be the setting since the merged city has a California vibe. Plus, news that the Paradise Pier Hotel will be re-themed to Pixar Place Hotel.
Downtown Disney will have new restaurants, Din Tai Fung and Porto’s Bakery, a dessert was given out to attendees at the exit! D’Amaro continued with the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The story picks up right after The Princess and The Frog (2009) with Tiana is looking for a special ingredient for a Carnival party helped by old and new friends! The attraction uses "the latest technology", read: Pandora - The World of Avatar, to transform at night. The attraction, set to open in late 2024, features the return of all of the voice actors including Anika Noni Rose. She took to the stage singing “Almost There.” The audience joined in with swinging towels which were given out before we sat down. For Walt Disney World, Figment is returning (great cheers from the audience) to meet guests at Epcot. He is the mascot of Epcot, but seems to be missing his steampunk creator, The Dreamfinder. The Hatbox Ghost will also be appearing at the Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion next year. There is a game, Tron: Identity, that seems to be tied to the new attraction. D'Amaro rode Tron Lightcycle/Run in a video and it will open in Spring of 2023.
Anika Noni Rose, performing “Almost There”, photo by the author.
D’Amaro went on with the newest ship in the Disney Cruise line called the Adventure. The interiors of the ship was shown. He added that the Wonder will now cruise to Australia and New Zealand in 2023. D’Amaro showed a video of himself on the island, named Lightouse Point, in the Bahamas. Also at the Shanghai Disney Resort was the Zootopia Central Station where we saw an incredible animatronic of Clawhauser. Then, Duffy’s friend, the fox, LinaBell came out on stage with her detective magnifying glass. She will be part of the Duffy and Friends series on Disney+. It is a six episode, stop motion series, starting next year. They gave out a pin of LinaBell and also a card with artwork of the Disney statue with Mickey on a bench at Hong Kong Disneyland. Frozen (2013) is being added to the Paris park as well as the Tokyo Disney Resort. Next there is a new plaza out in 2027 designed with the redesign of Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland. We were treated to a performance of three singers who sang, “Let It Go” in Chinese, French, and Japanese. This was to reflect the international appeal of Frozen in the parks. D'Amaro was joined by Jennifer Lee with Imagineer Chris Bailey to discuss Blue Sky ideas. Ideas in the planning stage.
There is talks about what to do with DinoLand in Animal Kingdom, including a land themed to Zootopia like what will be in Shanghai Disneyland, and a land with a Moana theme. Bailey discussed the concept of what was beyond Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom. A Día de Los Muertos celebration in Santa Cecilia of Coco (2017) with an adventure involving the winged Pepita through the Land of the Dead! Also, going through the Casita of Encanto (2021) and all of the rooms. Another Blue Sky project past Big Thunder Mountain is imagining a land of villains! To finish the panel, there was a performance of the song, “Wonderous” which will be part of the new fireworks show, "Wonderous Journeys" at Disneyland on January of next year. Also, "World of Color One" returns to DCA to celebrate 100 Years of Wonder. Disneyland will be the center of the 100th Celebration with Mickey, Minnie, the return of the "Magic Happens" parade and characters dressed up and the park will have platinum decorations. The Disney Parks, Experiences & Products was the best panel at D23 Expo, many announcements, performances, and the freebies; lithograph, pin and card, plus a Porto's dessert is almost overwhelming!
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