Take a look at these video clips of the new light show on Spaceship Earth at Epcot.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Set to Open Summer 2022 at EPCOT
Cue up your mixtape and prepare for something awesome … because it’s about to be save the galaxy time!
This morning at Destination D23, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will open summer 2022 at EPCOT as part of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration. This thrilling new family-friendly coaster matches the “grandosity” and fun of the blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy” films in what will be one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the world.
Josh made this exciting announcement with a little help from a friend … check out the video below to hear from Academy Award® nominee Glenn Close, who for our attraction will reprise her role from “Guardians of the Galaxy” as Nova Prime, the leader of Xandar and commander of the Nova Corps.
Guests will see Nova Prime in the new Wonders of Xandar “other-world” pavilion at EPCOT, which the Xandarians are currently constructing in the park’s newly renamed World Discovery neighborhood. It’s here Guests will learn more about Xandarians and their advanced technologies, which they’re bringing to us here on Earth – or Terra, as they call our planet.
In these new renderings Josh shared this morning, Guests can see the Xandar Gallery, home to Xandarian models, artifacts and other treasures from their culture, including their heroes like … the Guardians of the Galaxy! It’s all well and good until they show up, though, and adventure ensues in an intergalactic chase through time and space.
Here’s a teaser image for the attraction, also unveiled this morning by Josh. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s take a closer look:
- First off, we have those lovable cosmic misfits bursting right out at us – Rocket (look at that mischievous smirk on his face … he always has a plan, right?), Groot, Gamora, Drax and Star-Lord brandishing his beloved cassette player.
- Swooping past the Guardians are Guests aboard the innovative new ride vehicles for this coaster, which are unlike anything else in the galaxy.
- Just below Gamora is Star-Lord’s ship. If the Guardians are around, it’s a good bet they’re aboard.
- And speaking of ships, let’s take a look at the Starblasters in the upper left. These Nova Corps vessels are emerging from a jump point, the Xandarian method for crossing vast distances of space in mere moments. Who knows what’s on the other side?
- I am Groot.
So that’s what we have to share today … and it’s a lot! We’ll be covering all things Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind here on the Disney Travel Agents website as we get ready for its debut next summer during our 18-month celebration of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary that began on Oct. 1.
New Disney PhotoPass Augmented Reality Lenses Debut at Walt Disney World Resort
With the recent launch of Disney PhotoPass Lenses at Walt Disney World Resort, there’s a super fun new way to capture memories all across the resort and beyond! Guests can interact with themed effects that transform themselves and the world around them – all while snapping as many photos and videos as they’d like on their own device to save and share.
We’re excited to share that we’ve just launched even more Disney PhotoPass Lenses! These new Lenses, along with our current collection, are available through the My Disney Experience app with a purchase of Disney Genie+ service. Guests should be sure to download the latest version of the My Disney Experience app to join in on the fun!
With the newest Lenses, Guests can embrace their icy powers like Elsa, adopt a problem free philosophy with Timon, bundle up and avoid the clutches of the Yeti, accessorize with themed glasses that reflect magical icons, and show off their sweet and salty sides!
While many Disney PhotoPass Lenses can be used across Walt Disney World Resort, others like the Timon and Expedition Everest Lenses will be available exclusively in specific areas of the parks.
To celebrate this launch, we met with a few of our Disney PhotoPass photographers to give them a first look. Our photographers capture magical moments for our Guests every day, so we wanted to turn the camera lens on them. They got to spend some time enjoying our Lenses, including a sneak peek at the new ones – check it out!
We thank our photographers for all that they do to make our Guests’ visit to Walt Disney World Resort extra special.
A select sampling of lenses are complimentary through the Snapchat app.* One of these lenses is themed to “Lady and the Tramp.” Since Guests can access this lens at home, we invite them and their favorite furry friend to share a plate of spaghetti on a “Bella Notte.”
Whether enjoying these lenses through the My Disney Experience app or the Snapchat app, Guests can share their favorite photos and videos with us on social media by tagging #DisneyPhotoPass for a chance to be featured on our pages.
With the purchase of Disney Genie+ service, Walt Disney World Guests can access many Disney PhotoPass Lenses in the My Disney Experience app as soon as they enter the park. Select Disney PhotoPass Lenses are accessible only within designated areas of Walt Disney World Resort. Other Disney PhotoPass Lenses will remain accessible in the My Disney Experience app until 5:59 a.m. on the 45thday after the day on which the Disney Genie+ service was used; certain states and localities are excluded. Many Disney PhotoPass Lenses use technology that detects the coordinates of key points on a Guest’s face and/or hands and may be used only by Guests 18 years of age and older who have consented to use of this technology. Therefore, Guests unable to provide such consent, as well as Guests under 18 years of age, will have fewer lenses available to use. To access Disney PhotoPass Lenses, an eligible mobile device with the My Disney Experience app with access to the device’s camera and location is required. A purchase of Disney Genie+ service at Walt Disney World Resort does not include downloads of a Guest’s Disney PhotoPass photos or videos that were captured by photographers and onboard attractions. Use of Disney PhotoPass Lenses is subject to the Terms and Conditions. Subject to restrictions and change without notice
*Use of the Snapchat app is subject to Snap Inc.’s terms of service and privacy policy.
Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park to be Reimagined with New Experiences and More Play and Interactivity for Young Families in 2023
From Disney:
Just in time for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s birthday this week, we have some exciting news to share about the Disneyland Resort!
An ambitious reimagining of Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland Park will debut in early 2023, alongside the new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This news was shared today at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo by Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Josh D’Amaro.
Building on the legacy of Mickey’s Toontown, Imagineers are working to create some all-new experiences so families and young children can have more opportunities to play together inside Disneyland Park. The beloved Mickey’s Toontown will transform into a vibrant symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations. Focusing on today’s families with young children, Mickey’s Toontown will feature new play experiences, as well as open, grassy play spaces for everyone to unplug. The land will have landscaping for both spontaneous family play and parental relaxation.
“We are so excited to leverage Disney’s powerful brand, develop new stories and share even more magical experiences with our Guests,” said D’Amaro. “The newly reimagined Mickey’s Toontown will be a welcoming place where families and younger Guests can connect and play together in fun new ways.”
Even with a greener and more spacious Mickey’s Toontown, the land will offer more play activities and attractions than ever before. From active play to tactile play, new experiences will let children play, slide, spin, splash, touch and listen!
One of the new areas coming to Mickey’s Toontown will be CenTOONial Park, the first space Guests will see when they enter. This natural space will be anchored by two interactive play experiences.
At the center of CenTOONial Park will be a fountain, designed for play, which will also become a center icon for Mickey’s Toontown. As its base, water tables will invite Guests to play with the water and have a sensory experience. At night, the fountain will be brought to life in a unique spectacle.
A nearby dreaming tree will be inspired by the tree a young Walt Disney would daydream under in his hometown. Sculpted tree roots will provide an opportunity for children to play, crawl and explore, and undulating topography will offer rolling hills and a place to sit and dream.
In addition to reopening in 2023 with the new, family-friendly and adventurous Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Mickey’s Toontown will still be home to many beloved characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and more!
Mickey’s Toontown will close in March of 2022 to begin creating these all-new experiences. We will have lots more detail to share with our Guests in the future, so stay TOONED!
Disney Castles, Icons Glow Disney+ Blue as Disney Rolls Out Blue Carpet for Disney+ Day
The inaugural Disney+ Day is here and we’re celebrating in grand style at Disney Parks with breathtaking blue-colored castles and park icons, special blue carpet experiences and other exciting surprises especially for Disney+ subscribers and fans!
In honor of the day, several of our Disney castles are glowing brilliant Disney+ blue! Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World, Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort and Cinderella Castle at Tokyo Disneyland are shining like never before!
Other favorite park icons – Spaceship Earth at EPCOT and the infamous Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disneyland Paris – are also glowing blue as part of the Disney+ celebration.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studiosand Disneyland Park, Disney+ subscribers are receiving the blue carpet treatment with special photo opportunities throughout the parks. And along with the photo opportunities, subscribers receive complimentary Disney PhotoPass photo downloads at select locations.
Guests can also join the Disney+ Day celebration before they even step into the park! Park entry touchpoints will shine Disney+ blue for the occasion and random Guests may even experience a special audio surprise from a fan-favorite original Disney+ series.
Popular Disney+ characters are joining the festivities as well with appearances around the parks. Don’t be surprised to see popular characters like Moana, Variant Loki, Carl and Dug from “Up” and others at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and at the Disneyland Resort during the celebration.
And Disneyland Paris is rolling out the blue carpet at Walt Disney Studios and celebrating with special character appearances and photo opportunities throughout the day.
The celebration also extends beyond the parks! Guests can step up their selfie game on the My Disney Experience app with a special appearance from Grogu. This all-new AR feature rolls out just for Disney+ Day, so be sure to give it a go right from home!
Disney+ subscribers can enjoy more special benefits from home with free shipping on shopDisney from Nov. 12-14. In addition, for a limited time, shopDisney is rolling out new customizable products from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel including short sleeve and long sleeve T-shirts for kids and adults from Disney+ favorites: “Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Luca,” “Star Wars: The Bad Batch,” and “Loki.”
For those not already Disney+ subscribers, they can join in the celebration with a special, introductory offer, and get one month of Disney+ for only $1.99, then $7.99/mo.
‘Candlelight Processional’ Celebrity Narrators, the Return of JOYFUL! and More Coming to EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Presented by AdventHealth
The calendar says November, so it’s almost time for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, happening during The World’s Most Magical Celebration! This is one of Guests’ family’s favorite events of the year, with so many wonderful things to see and do. When Guests stroll through the park and reach the magnificent Christmas tree in World Showcase Plaza, the biggest question becomes: Do we start on the left toward Mexico or go right toward Canada?
This year, Guests will probably want to start right in the middle and kick things off with the return of “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season” on the Showcase Plaza Stage. This stirring and uplifting performance of music celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa never fails to fill Guests with energy!
Venturing into World Showcase, there’s a wealth of holiday storytellers, musical acts, and other performers to discover, from the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs and their musical memories across the Great White North to the Chinese Lion Dance, Italy’s La Befana, France’s Père Noël and more. And from Nov. 26 – Dec. 24, Santa Claus pays a visit to The American Adventure, where Guests can step right up and let him know their fondest wish for Christmas.
Of course, Guests love to cap off a day of holiday fun at EPCOT with a performance of the “Candlelight Processional” at America Gardens Theatre. This year, the incomparable Voices of Liberty will form a living Christmas tree at center stage, flanked on either side by a choir of Disney Cast Members pouring their hearts into every song. And there’s nothing quite like having those songs played by a full orchestra and hearing the traditional Christmas story told by a celebrity narrator. The lineup of narrators for 2021 includes award-winning actors, singers, and television hosts … and two Disney princesses! Here’s who is scheduled to appear:
- 11/26 – 11/28: Auli’i Cravalho
- 11/29 – 12/1: Chita Rivera
- 12/2 – 12/4: Jodi Benson
- 12/5 – 12/7: Alton Fitzgerald White
- 12/8 – 12/10: Bart Millard
- 12/11 – 12/13: Lisa Ling
- 12/14 – 12/16: Andy Garcia
- 12/17 – 12/19: Ana Gasteyer
- 12/20 – 12/22: Courtney B. Vance
- 12/23 – 12/25: Steven Curtis Chapman
- 12/26 – 12/28: Blair Underwood
- 12/29 – 12/30: Pat Sajak
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays starts Nov. 26 and continues through Dec. 30.
Music from The World’s Most Magical Celebration Added to the Official Walt Disney World Playlist
Music has been an integral part of the Walt Disney World experience for 50 years, and the music of Walt Disney World Resort is tied to so many of our memories of “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Just a few notes from “Swisskapolka” by Buddy Baker and Bob Jackman, and we picture ourselves exploring the jungles of Adventureland. If we close our eyes and listen to Bob Moline’s “Canada (You’re a Lifetime Journey),” we can imagine a detachment of Mounties surrounding us in CircleVision 360 at EPCOT. And from the very first note of John Williams’ score for “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” we are right there with Indy as he navigates treacherous ruins in search of treasure (we can’t wait for that show to come back next month)! These classics and more can be found on the official Walt Disney World playlist, now available on Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, and Deezer.
With the start of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, the playlist has been updated with the addition of some of the new music recently introduced to the parks, including Academy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s soundtrack from Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and the 50th anniversary celebration anthem, “The Magic Is Calling.”
“The Magic Is Calling” was written just for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort by platinum-selling songwriter and music producer Alana Da Fonseca and Nashville-based songwriter and producer Bobby Studley, collaborating with award-winning composer Emily Bear and singing phenom Journi. It’s got a great hook Guests won’t be able to get out of their heads and listening to it just makes us want to get back out to the parks!
Another new addition to the playlist is “You Are the Magic,” the original song written by eight-time GRAMMY Award winner (and former Walt Disney World Cast Member) Philip Lawrence. Philip composed the song and performed it with actor and singer Kayla Alvarez for the new fireworks spectacular at Magic Kingdom Park, “Disney Enchantment.”
Perhaps best of all, Guests can now stream the entire soundtrack to “Harmonious,” the stunning new nighttime spectacular at EPCOT, beautifully crafted by arranger Mark Hammond and Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Music Producer and Creative Director Yaron Spiwak. We get goosebumps when we hear the vocals of “Opening Chants,” envisioning the sunrise that emerges from World Showcase Lagoon to start the show, rolling right into the multiple languages of “Awakening,” as the pavilions of World Showcase illuminate and we begin our musical journey around the world. Throughout, a global ensemble of vocalists and musicians presents a concert of familiar Disney songs, each reinterpreted through the lens of the culture or country that originally inspired the Disney stories from which they came. The digital album even includes extended versions of some of the songs heard in the show. It’s a musical tour de force that immediately takes us back to our first time experiencing “Harmonious” in person and inspires us to see it again and again.
Anytime Guests want to revisit magical Disney theme park memories like these, they can just tap to listen on their favorite music streaming platform! It’s the perfect way to get themselves psyched for their next trip to Walt Disney World Resort. The World’s Most Magical Celebration started October 1 and is going on for 18 months. With so much to experience, Guests have to get here themselves! Guests should be sure to follow #DisneyWorld50 and visit the special Everything Walt Disney World 50th page for the latest stories and information.
Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resorts Welcome International Guests Back to the Magic
Today, the U.S. opens its borders to travelers from around the world. And our Cast Members at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California are ready. To all who come to these happy places, welcome!
Our Disney destinations across America have always been a source of joy for all – bringing people together to enjoy happiness, hope and inspiration. So, needless to say, we’re excited to once again greet our many friends from across the globe as they return to experience the magic at Disney theme parks.
No matter where our Guests are traveling from, there are unforgettable experiences waiting for them, brought to life by our Cast Members who continue to be the heart of the Disney magic. Whether it’s a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime 50th anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World Resort or new, heroic adventures and out-of-this-world offerings at Disneyland Resort, now is a perfect time to visit both destinations.
Disney Rolls Out the Blue Carpet in Celebration of Disney+ Day
In Sept., Disney announced that we would be celebrating Disney+ Day in a big way on November 12, and we’re excited to share more about what Disney Parks Guests and shopDisney users can expect later this week as we roll out the blue carpet around the world for Disney+ subscribers.
In celebration of Disney+ Day, Disney+ subscribers with a valid ticket or pass and theme park reservations for the day will enjoy special benefits at select Disney theme parks. Disney+ subscribers are invited with their travel party to enter all theme parks at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort 30 minutes before regular park open.
Disney+ subscribers are the real stars at Disney Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park, where Guests will be welcomed with a blue carpet experience, including special photo opportunities throughout the parks.
lus up their photos with complimentary Disney PhotoPass digital download(s) taken at select locations, offered especially to Disney+ subscribers via the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps.
Fan favorite Disney+ characters are also joining the festivities with appearances around the parks. The fun doesn’t stop there – there are more surprises in store for subscribers who visit on Disney+ Day at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort!
Learn about how Guests can celebrate Disney+ Day at Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort via handy event guides directly in the My Disney Experience mobile app and the Disneyland app. For Guests using a mobile device, they can directly access the Walt Disney World Resort event guide and the Disneyland Resort event guide.
Disney+ Day is coming to Disneyland Paris too with a special celebration taking place at Walt Disney Studios Park for all Guests to enjoy!* Guests can be the star they are, and strut the blue carpet in true Hollywood style, stopping along the way for selfies with Disney characters dressed in blue for the occasion. Relax between takes in an eatery reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood at Restaurant en Coulisse – and don’t miss the chance to indulge in a complimentary Disney+ Day-inspired treat offered with each menu item purchase. Disney+ Day photo locations will plus up Guest’s pics with special character appearances (both in-person and virtual); and to culminate the celebration, Walt Disney Studios Park will remain open for 30 extra minutes with a grand finale illuminating the Tower of Terror in blue.**
Guests can celebrate with Disney Parks from home, too! They can step up their selfie game on the My Disney Experience app with a special appearance from Grogu. This all-new AR feature rolls out November 12, and just for Disney+ Day, Guests will be able to give it a go right from home!
Disney+ subscribers will enjoy more special benefits from home with free shipping on shopDisney from November 12-14. In addition, for a limited time starting TODAY, shopDisney is rolling out new customizable products from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel including short sleeve and long sleeve T-shirts for kids and adults from Disney+ favorites: “Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Luca,” “Star Wars: The Bad Batch,” and “Loki.”
In celebration of Disney+ Day, Disney Publishing Worldwide will offer selected $0.99 cent eBooks Nov. 8-17. Fans can discover the stories behind their favorite Disney+ series, including, “Loki,” “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” and “The Mandalorian.”
Guests can also choose to memorialize the magic with the release of a limited set of digital collectibles representing some of the most beloved characters and stories from iconic Disney franchises. Each digital collectible purchase will include a free offer code allowing new subscribers to enjoy several free months of Disney+.***
For Guests not already a Disney+ subscriber, they can join in the celebration with a special, introductory offer, and get one month of Disney+ for only $1.99, then $7.99/mo.
Guests may be required to verify that they are a Disney+ subscriber by displaying their logged-in home screen on the Disney+ app via their phone to receive special benefits at the parks. Please be sure to download the Disney+ app and sign in prior to arrival.
*A Health Pass is required for any guests aged above 12 years and 2 months in order to visit Disneyland Paris. Please visit our Health and Safety page https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-us/health-safety-measures/
**Please note that seasons, shows, parades and similar events at Disney Parks may be changed, delayed or cancelled at any time without notice for reasons beyond our control.
*** This Disney+ offer is only valid for new and returning Disney+ subscribers, cannot be shared with any other person or transferred in exchange for money or any other consideration, with or without the NFT, and is only available in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Netherlands, Spain, Mexico, and Singapore.
