Whoa! So, I'm late on writing and posting this, but because I basically left for San Diego Comic Con right after it was over; I didn't have a chance to think/talk about this at all. BUT. I had my first ever D23 experience this year! My friend Melissa asked me to escort her to the every other year event, and of course I said yes, because if it involves Disney, Horror, Sci-Fi, or Punk Rock, I am there. I had a lot of fun! We only went for Sunday, and didn't attend any panels, but it was still a fantastic experience, and one that I'd love to do again.
If you've been to a larger convention than you won't be surprised by D23 - it's got all of the old familiars; badges, badge pick-up, long lines, an Exhibitor's Hall, swag being handed out, exclusives for sale, panels, crummy food, and more people than I'm comfortable being around in one day lol. I will say, that the D23 line up at the beginning of the day was not what I expected from Disney - it was very organized or accesible for people who need consideration - and I hope that changes in the future. After a few hours in line and in the sun, Melissa and I made it inside to the Exhibition Hall. I didn't take very many pictures, as I was pushing Melissa's wheelchair. That said, the Exhibition Hall didn't seem very full, and friends who have attended D23 before generally agreed and told me there was less to do this year. It was my first year, so I was super impressed! There was a lot of cool Disney merchandise for sale, tons of beautiful and unique cosplayers, and a few interactive activations including a Ducktales Money Bin to jump in (which I sadly missed the chance to partake in, due to poor communication of instructions), and a Pirates of the Carribean walk through. Disney Animation had a large booth with maquettes and models and animation stills. Even Jelly Belly was in on the game; making Disney themed art out of jellybeans.
The news that came out of D23? Let's jump into it!
Movie News -
Toy Story 4 - TS4 will be coming out in June 2019 and I don't know how I feel about it. I think the third installment ended that series perfectly, but I am excited because Rashida Jones worked on the script. So, I'm really torn.
Ralph Breaks the Internet - Nearly all of the Disney princesses will be in this movie with their original voice actresses. Pinch me, I'm crying.
The Untitled Pixar Film That Takes You To A Suburban Fantasy World - Written by Dan Scanlon who also helmed Monsters University and that's basically all we know. I'm still in.
Coco - Not much new news, but I'm still stoked for this one.
Frozen 2 - Nothing really new revealed. I'm not really a Frozen fan, so...
The Incredibles 2 - They talked about the advances in animation and how that has improved the way the Parr family interacts with each other. I can't effing wait for this movie, I love everything about the first one.
A Wrinkle in Time - The first trailer was released and WOW. I've actually never read the book, so I'm going to make sure to do that before the movie comes out, because I am hella hyped for this movie. Ava Duvernay can do no wrong.
Dumbo - They confirmed a live action version, helmed by Tim Burton, is on the way. Meh.
Aladdin - Casting for the film was announced, and my god, Mena Massoud is handsome.
The Lion King - They showed footage; I haven't seen it. I'm cautiously excited for this movie. I like the voice casting and I liked The Jungle Book, but us this necessary?
The Jungle Cruise - Apparently they're adapting the ride into a movie starring The Rock? Idk man.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi - Nothing new released. I'm still over the moon excited.
Avengers: Infinity War - A trailer was shown and while I refuse to watch it (it has leaked online in poor quality); it sounds amazing.
Disney Games News -
Kingdom Hearts 3 - Will be released 2018. FINALLY.
Marvel Powers United VR - I'm not excited about VR, so this means nothing to me. It's coming though.
Star Wars holochess game with augmented reality - WHAT?
Disney Parks News-
West Coast Parks:
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Among the beautiful models that made me cry; they revealed that guests will get to experience things like flying the Millennium Falcon and jumping right into a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. BB-8, Chewie, Hondo, Rex and Kylo Ren will be interactive characters spotted in the 14 acres. There will be a Cantina. So freaking excited!
Pixar Pier in California Adventure - Paradise Pier will be turning into Pixar Pier in the next few years. I'm really sad about this. California Adventure is becoming more Disney property oriented and while I understand it; I miss the OG California-ness of the park. That said, I'm ready for new prizes along the boardwalk; I've won and given away so many of the current offerings.
Pixar Fest in Disneyland - Disneyland will host Disney characters for the first time in 2018.
Paint the Night Parade - Paint the Night will be coming back, but it'll be in California Adventure now.
“Radiator Screams” – Cars Land Halloween Overlay - Just what it sounds like, and I'm stoked.
Avengers-themed “Universe” at California Adventure - The Avengers will be expanding their presense at California Adventure.
East Coast Parks -
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Florida will be getting theirs after LA, BUT - The Walt Disney World Hotel is going to be a luxurious and immersive Star Wars-themed hotel with views of space from each room – sounds like Star Wars Westworld and I'm intrigued and weirded out.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway - The first ever ride based on Mickey is coming!
Toy Story Land - They're getting a whole land based on the Disney Pixar classic.
Epcot - Epcot will get A LOT. A new Ratatouille attraction in the France Pavilion at World Showcase, just past the Eiffel Tower. A new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction toward the Epcot entrance, replacing the Universe of Energy attraction. New “Green Mission at Mission: SPACE” will take guests on a tour around the Earth (younger kiddos will get to join in on the adventure for the first time). New table service dining experience across the way from the Mission: SPACE attraction invites guests to travel above the Earth for a great meal and view of outer space! New “circle vision” show in China!
DUDE. The highest rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland, Tron, will be coming to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in a brand new area near Space Mountain! I. Am. So. Jealous.
A new theater based on “Willis Wood Theatre in 1920’s Kansas City” will be coming to Main Street to feature live performances.
There will be a new Minnie Van Service to shuttle guests between parks.
International Parks
The Disneyland Paris Hotel is getting a Marvel upgrade. “Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel.”
And that's a wrap on D23! I wish I had more photos for you guys or could speak more to my experience on the Exhibit Floor, but it was honestly an exciting and tiring blur of Disney! I would 10/10 reccomend you check it out next time it comes around.
